Best Smartwatches of 2024

What Makes a Smartwatch Great in 2024?

Choosing the best smartwatch can be daunting given the array of options available.

In 2024, smartwatches are getting better and more efficient than ever before.

Features to look out for include long battery life, health tracking, and seamless connectivity.

Apple Watch Series 8

Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch market with its Apple Watch Series 8.

This model retains the sleek design of its predecessors but offers enhanced functionality.

It comes equipped with a brighter display, which is particularly useful when you are outdoors.

The health features have been updated and include advanced heart monitoring.

Additionally, the Series 8 offers impressive battery life, typically lasting up to 18 hours.

A unique feature this time is a body temperature sensor that could help you track your fertility cycles more accurately.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is also swim-proof and supports Apple Fitness+, making it a fantastic option for fitness enthusiasts.

Pros

• Advanced health tracking features
• Bright and clear display
• Seamless integration with iOS
• Durable and swim-proof design

Cons

• Relatively high price point
• Battery life could be better

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

If you’re an Android user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is worth your consideration.

This watch is renowned for its extensive health and fitness features.

The body composition analysis tool can help you keep track of your health metrics effectively.

Battery life is impressive, often lasting over 24 hours with typical use.

The display is vivid and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 5 also supports Google’s Wear OS, providing you with access to a vast array of apps.

On the downside, its sleep tracking can be slightly inconsistent.

Pros

• Extensive health and fitness tracking
• Long battery life
• Bright and readable display
• Supports Google Wear OS

Cons

• Inconsistent sleep tracking
• Can be bulky for some users

Garmin Forerunner 265

For athletes, the Garmin Forerunner 265 could be a fantastic choice.

This device excels in offering advanced training metrics and in-depth health monitoring.

The watch includes VO2 max estimates, training status, and even recovery time suggestions.

Battery life is another strong suit, with up to 7 days on a single charge.

Its robust build makes it an excellent companion for outdoor activities.

However, it might be overkill if you primarily want a smartwatch for casual use.

Pros

• Excellent for athletes
• Advanced training metrics
• Robust build quality
• Long-lasting battery

Cons

• Can be overly complex for casual users
• Higher price point

Fitbit Versa 4

Fitbit has always been a strong contender in the smartwatch market, and the Versa 4 continues this tradition.

This watch boasts a sleek, lightweight design making it comfortable for all-day wear.

One of the standout features of the Versa 4 is its excellent heart rate monitoring, which is said to be remarkably accurate.

The watch also includes sleep tracking, exercise modes, and stress management tools.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 6 days on a single charge.

However, the lack of built-in GPS might be a drawback for some users.

Pros

• Accurate heart rate monitoring
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Long-lasting battery
• Comprehensive fitness tracking

Cons

• No built-in GPS
• Some premium features require a subscription

Google Pixel Watch

The Google Pixel Watch is a noteworthy entry in the smartwatch space, especially for Android users.

This watch is integrated seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, allowing for smooth syncing with Google Assistant, Maps, and more.

The circular, minimalist design is both stylish and functional.

It includes features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and even ECG capabilities.

Battery life is moderate, typically lasting about a day with regular use.

However, it’s often pegged as pricey compared to its competitors.

Pros

• Seamless Google ecosystem integration
• Stylish design
• Advanced health tracking
• Accurate ECG features

Cons

• Expensive
• Battery life could be better

Fossil Gen 6

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that balances style and functionality, the Fossil Gen 6 is worth considering.

With its sleek design, it appears as a traditional watch but includes modern smartwatch capabilities.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100+, it promises faster performance and better battery life.

This watch offers SpO2 monitoring, heart rate tracking, and even a built-in GPS.

However, the battery might only last a day with intensive use, a common complaint among reviewers.

Pros

• Stylish and traditional design
• Fast and responsive
• Includes SpO2 monitoring
• Built-in GPS

Cons

• One-day battery life with intensive use
• Limited compatibility with non-Android devices

Best Value: Amazfit GTR 4

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Amazfit GTR 4 offers excellent value without compromising on features.

This smartwatch provides comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring.

It’s also equipped with built-in GPS, which is a rarity at this price point.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 24 days on a single charge.

A downside might be its less premium build quality compared to higher-end models.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Comprehensive health tracking
• Built-in GPS
• Long-lasting battery

Cons

• Less premium build quality
• Limited app ecosystem

Huawei Watch GT 3

The Huawei Watch GT 3 is another excellent addition to the best smartwatches of 2024.

This model combines elegance and cutting-edge technology to provide a fantastic user experience.

The watch features a large, bright AMOLED display, making it easy to read in different lighting conditions.

You can expect impressive battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks on a single charge.

It supports various fitness modes and offers precise health-tracking features.

However, its integration with non-Huawei devices might not be as seamless.

Pros

• Elegant design
• Bright AMOLED display
• Long battery life
• Comprehensive fitness tracking

Cons

• Integration with non-Huawei devices can be tricky
• Limited third-party app support

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3

The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 offers a robust set of features for avid smartwatch users.

This watch is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+, providing a smooth and responsive user experience.

One unique feature is its dual-layer display, which helps to prolong battery life.

The TicWatch Pro 3 includes advanced health and fitness tracking, GPS, and even blood oxygen monitoring.

However, some users mention that the watch could feel bulky on smaller wrists.

Pros

• Dual-layer display for extended battery life
• Advanced health tracking
• Responsive performance
• Built-in GPS

Cons

• Can feel bulky on smaller wrists
• Higher price point

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

With so many fantastic smartwatches available in 2024, the decision to buy now or wait can be tricky.

If you need a smartwatch immediately, options like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 won’t disappoint.

However, if you can hold off, waiting could yield even more innovative models in the coming months.

Consider also checking out eco-friendly options that might help you save money, with advancements similar to how 5G-enabled cars help us economize on tech features.

Where to Purchase Your Smartwatch

You might wonder where the best place to buy your smartwatch is.

Online platforms like Amazon offer a wide variety of options, often at competitive prices.

Besides, they frequently have deals and discounts, allowing you to snag a great deal.

Moreover, buying from Amazon ensures you have access to customer reviews, which can be extremely helpful in making your decision.

Fitness and Health Tracking Features

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, having a smartwatch that tracks your health and fitness is essential.

Many smartwatches in 2024 offer features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and even stress management tools.

One stand-out option is the Fitbit Charge 5.

Fitbit Charge 5 is known for its accurate tracking of health metrics, including ECG and SpO2 measurements.

The display is bright and easy to read, and the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 7 days.

However, the lack of compatibility with some non-Fitbit apps could be a drawback for some users.

Pros

• Accurate health metrics
• Comprehensive fitness tracking
• Long battery life
• Bright display

Cons

• Limited app compatibility
• Subscription required for some features

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a smartwatch, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.

The Polar Grit X Pro is highly regarded for its rugged design.

This watch is built to withstand extreme conditions and offers military-grade durability.

Additionally, it includes features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis.

The battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 40 hours with continuous GPS use.

However, this watch is on the heavier side and might feel bulky for some users.

Pros

• Rugged, durable design
• Military-grade build quality
• Comprehensive tracking features
• Long-lasting battery

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier
• Expensive

Customizability and Design Aesthetics

For many people, a smartwatch isn’t just a tech gadget but also a fashion accessory.

The Withings ScanWatch Horizon offers a striking balance of aesthetics and functionality.

This hybrid smartwatch features an elegant design inspired by traditional diving watches.

It includes health tracking features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, and sleep analysis.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 days on a single charge.

However, it might not offer as many smart features as fully digital watches.

Pros

• Elegant, traditional watch design
• Comprehensive health tracking
• Long battery life
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Limited smart features
• Higher price point

Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration

Another critical factor when choosing a smartwatch is its connectivity and how well it integrates with your devices.

The OnePlus Watch stands out in this regard, particularly if you are already entrenched in the OnePlus ecosystem.

This smartwatch ensures seamless connectivity with OnePlus smartphones and other devices.

It offers features like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and stress tracking.

Battery life is also a strong point, typically lasting up to 14 days on a single charge.

However, some users report that the software can be a bit sluggish.

Pros

• Seamless integration with OnePlus devices
• Comprehensive health tracking
• Extensive battery life
• Affordable

Cons

• Sluggish software experience
• Limited third-party app support

Affordability and Value for Money

If budget is a primary concern, you might be interested in the Amazfit Bip U Pro.

This affordable smartwatch offers a surprising range of features for its price.

It includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and built-in GPS.

Battery life is another highlight, with up to 9 days on a single charge.

However, it lacks some advanced features found in more expensive models.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Comprehensive health tracking
• Built-in GPS
• Good battery life

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• Build quality could be better

Advanced Features and Innovations

If you’re interested in cutting-edge technology, the Suunto 9 Peak will catch your eye.

This high-end smartwatch offers advanced features like solar charging and precise GPS tracking.

The watch is designed for adventurers, featuring a robust and durable build.

Battery life is also impressive, with up to 14 days in time mode and up to 170 hours in tour mode.

On the downside, the price can be prohibitive for many users.

Pros

• Advanced features like solar charging
• Robust and durable build
• Long-lasting battery
• Precise GPS tracking

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulky design

Safety and Emergency Features

Safety features are becoming increasingly important in smartwatches, particularly for lone workers or adventurers.

Apple Watch Ultra is a standout in this regard, offering features like fall detection and emergency SOS.

It also includes heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen measurement.

The watch is built to be extremely durable, with a titanium casing and sapphire crystal display.

Battery life is about average, lasting up to 18 hours with regular use.

Pros

• Advanced safety features
• Durable design
• Comprehensive health tracking
• Integration with Apple’s ecosystem

Cons

• Expensive
• Average battery life

Comparing Smartwatches

When it comes to comparing smartwatches, factors like price, features, and battery life are key.

Devices like the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Fitbit Charge 5 offer excellent health tracking but come at different price points.

Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 provides a robust feature set but may not suit everyone due to its bulkiness.

Reading user reviews and expert analysis, like those found in this article, can provide a well-rounded perspective on what to expect.

Don’t forget to consider your own needs and budget before making a decision.

The Future of Smartwatches

As technology advances, smartwatches are becoming more sophisticated.

Innovations in areas like battery life, health tracking, and connectivity are likely to continue.

Future models may include even more advanced features like continuous glucose monitoring or more accurate ECG capabilities.

Keeping an eye on upcoming releases can help you stay ahead of the curve.