Best Smartwatches: Whether you use Apple or Android, 2025 has brought a wave of smartwatches that feel smarter, sharper, and more stylish than anything we’ve seen before. A few picks are apparent, but some will surprise you.

Hstech tested dozens of watches, compared battery life, checked accuracy, and examined real-world use. Here’s our list of the best smartwatches you should consider this year.

1. Best smartwatches for Most People:

Apple Watch SE 3

If you want an Apple Watch without spending too much, the SE 3 is the sweet spot. It delivers almost everything the average person needs at a noticeably lower price.

The first significant upgrade this year is the always-on display, which was missing in previous SE models. You also get the same S10 chip that powers Apple’s top models, smooth performance, and a bright OLED screen.

The trade-off is battery life. With around 18 hours of battery life, it isn’t an all-day smartwatch unless you charge it before bed. It also skips blood-oxygen monitoring, though most casual users won’t miss it.

For most people, this is the Apple Watch to buy. It’s fast, clean, and affordable.

Why it’s great:

• Always-on display
• Same S10 chip as higher-end models
• Lower price than the Series 11
• Bright OLED screen

What’s missing:

• Short battery life
• No blood oxygen sensor

2. Best Apple Upgrade: Apple Watch Series 11

If you want full-day battery life and every health feature Apple offers, the Series 11 is the upgrade that makes sense.

Apple didn’t reinvent anything here, and that’s fine. It keeps the clean design we already know, adds a faster processor, improves battery life, and restores blood oxygen monitoring after last year’s legal issues. You also get hypertension notifications, which is one of the standout health additions for 2025.

It feels familiar, but also better where it matters.

Why it’s great:

• All-day battery
• Blood oxygen monitoring returns
• Faster processor
• Reliable fitness tracking

Where it falls short:

• Not a massive upgrade if you own Series 10

3. Best for Android Users: Google Pixel Watch 4

Google refined its design this year, and it shows. The Pixel Watch 4 keeps the smooth round shape but now has a slightly more domed Actua display that looks premium without trying too hard.

This watch stands out for athletes, especially runners. It’s accurate, comfortable, and easy to wear all day. The display is brighter than the Pixel Watch 3, and the watch feels more responsive during workouts and navigation.

If you prefer Google’s lightweight, clean interface over Samsung’s bolder look, this is the Android watch to buy right now.

Why it’s great:

• Beautiful modern display
• Great for runners
• Clean Google software
• Brighter screen than the last generation

Where it falls short:

• Battery life could be better

4. Best Under $100: Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro

This is the surprise of the year. Nothing’s CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers an experience that feels way more expensive than its price tag suggests.

You get ChatGPT built directly into the watch, long battery life (Nothing claims up to 13 days), stress tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, precise heart-rate tracking, and accurate GPS. The design hits that classic Nothing blend of futuristic and retro, and it doesn’t feel cheap on the wrist.

For under $100, NothingNothing else comes close.

Why it’s great:

• Direct ChatGPT integration
• Long battery life
• Accurate fitness and location tracking
• Stylish design for a low price

Where it falls short:

• Fewer third-party apps compared to Apple and Google

5. Best Premium Apple Pick (Value Winner): Apple Watch Ultra 2

Yes, this isn’t the newest Ultra 3, and that’s precisely why it’s the more brilliant buy right now.

With watchOS 26, the Ultra 2 gets most of the same features as the Ultra 3, without the new-model price. The upgrades on the latest version are minor — a slightly better display and a tiny bump in battery life — Nothing game-changing.

The Ultra 2 still delivers a stunning OLED screen, 36–72 hours of battery, and a rugged, adventure-ready build. For the money saved, it’s the clear winner.

Why it’s great:

• Excellent battery
• Bright 3000-nit display
• Almost identical to the Ultra 3 in features
• Strong build for outdoor use

Where it falls short:

• Still pricey for casual users

6. Best Budget Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Charge 6

Fitbit continues to hold a place in the fitness world, even if competitors now offer more features. The Charge 6 tracks steps, heart rate, and workouts with reasonable accuracy, and the Fitbit app remains one of the best fitness apps available.

It’s not the most comfortable tracker for long runs, and it lacks some advanced sensors, but as a simple, reliable tracker under $100, it does the job.

Why it’s great:

• Accurate everyday tracking
• Excellent Fitbit app
• Good price

Where it falls short:

• Not as comfortable as you’d expect
• Missing some modern sensors

7. Best Samsung Smartwatch: Galaxy Watch 8

If you’re in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch 8 delivers strong performance and clean integration with Samsung’s apps and Gemini AI.

We like the squircle design more than most people. It’s easy on the wrist, bright, and packed with solid health features, including a new Sleep Coach. Gemini integration is one of the highlights, making everyday tasks smoother.

Battery life is fine, but not amazing. For Samsung fans, though, this is still the watch to get.

Why it’s great:

• Bright and responsive display
• Great software and AI integration
• Strong sleep and health tracking
• Premium build

Where it falls short:

• Battery life is average

Final Thoughts

Apple continues to dominate, Google finally has a standout premium Android watch, Nothing shocked everyone with its budget-friendly CMF Watch 3 Pro, and Samsung continues refining its formula.

The right one depends on your needs:

• Want value? Apple Watch SE 3 and CMF Watch 3 Pro.
• Want pure performance? Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8.
• Want premium rugged power? Apple Watch Ultra 2.