Best smartwatches 2026: no fluff, just the facts
January 2, 2026
Smartwatches have long ceased to be just a reminder for calls. Today they track sleep, show routes, count steps, and even let you pay for coffee without taking out your phone. In 2026, everything revolves around ecosystems, stable performance, and convenient software that doesn't annoy you with small details. We've collected several models where everything is well-balanced: the screen doesn't fade in sunlight, the battery lasts, and you don't have to fight with the interface.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 will suit those who want one watch for everyday use and workouts. They feature a sharp AMOLED display that's perfectly visible in sunlight. The compact case with an aluminum frame looks neat and doesn't get in the way on your wrist. They run on Wear OS, so there are no issues with apps.
The watch reads heart rate, ECG, skin temperature, tracks sleep and activity. You can connect headphones, use GPS, and answer calls. They charge quickly, and the case is protected with IP68 rating — it will easily handle water and dust.
Key highlights:
Bright screen, visible even in bright sunlight
Runs on Wear OS with the necessary apps
Full set of health sensors
Integrates perfectly into the Samsung ecosystem
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, shock resistance
Battery: 435 mAh
2. OnePlus Watch 2R
OnePlus Watch 2R is all about simplicity and reliability. The watch has a lightweight aluminum case, AMOLED display that's sharp and bright. It runs on Wear OS, with all the essential functions at your fingertips. Battery life lasts several days, so you don't need to charge it every evening.
It monitors heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and even stress. NFC works — payments from the watch are seamless. It also has a microphone, speaker, and GPS. For sports — over a hundred modes. In short, it's great for both workouts and daily use.
Key highlights:
Bright AMOLED display
Support for Google Wallet and Wear OS
Reliable aluminum case
Fast charging, good battery life
Specifications:
Processor: Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 500 mAh
3. Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 are lightweight and neat watches that are perfect for those already living in the Google ecosystem. The interface is smooth, voice control works via the assistant, the case is aluminum, and the glass is protected by Gorilla Glass.
For sensors — everything you need: ECG, SpO2, skin temperature tracking. It has built-in Fitbit, so all analytics for workouts and sleep sync automatically. One downside — battery lasts about a day, but it charges quickly.
Key highlights:
Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear
Tight integration with Google and Fitbit
ECG, temperature, SpO2 — all present
GPS and NFC work reliably
Specifications:
Processor: Qualcomm SW5100
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Battery: 307 mAh
4. Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar are the watches you take not to the office, but to the mountains, forest, or biking. They're made for those who don't sit still and prefer real trails over asphalt. The case is tough — reinforced plastic with metal, and the transflective display ensures everything is visible even under direct sunlight.
They charge from the sun — handy when no outlet is nearby. Built-in maps, pressure sensors, temperature, routes, player — everything you might need between camp and summit. And yes, they won't let you down during workouts: running, swimming, cycling, trekking — all tracked.
Key highlights:
Satellite systems, maps, sensors — everything included
Solar charging
Sports profiles for any activity
Tracks heart rate, stress, sleep
Specifications:
Storage: 32 GB
Display: Transflective
Protection: Shock resistance, Power Glass
Battery: Solar charging, up to several days of use
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic is for those who value a traditional watch look: round case, metal bezel, rotating bezel — everything in place. But inside it's the same flagship hardware on Wear OS. Easily switch between sleep tracker, heart rate monitor, and music without distraction.
GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC support — check. Over 100 sports modes — check. Sapphire glass, sturdy case, proprietary One UI interface — everything runs fast. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other Samsung devices and Galaxy AI.
Key highlights:
Classic design, just like regular watches
Sapphire glass and convenient bezel
Health sensors and activity tracking
GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi onboard
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Storage: 64 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, sapphire glass
Battery: 445 mAh
6. Mobvoi TicWatch Atlas
Mobvoi TicWatch Atlas — in short, it's about durability. The watch has military certification, a thick case, and sapphire glass. It looks serious and holds up strong. The large, bright OLED display and familiar Wear OS interface.
Support for over 100 sports modes, NFC, GPS, built-in player, and even a thermometer. It runs stably, controls are responsive. Battery lasts several days if you don't max everything out. Voice commands are included too.
Key highlights:
Rugged case and military-grade protection
Large OLED display with good readability
Sensors: heart rate, temperature, ambient light
Wear OS and familiar feature set
Specifications:
Processor: Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
Storage: 32 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: MIL-STD-810H, sapphire glass
Battery: 628 mAh
7. Apple Watch Series 10 GPS
Apple Watch Series 10 GPS delivers everything people love about Apple Watch, only with a larger screen, thinner bezels, and even more health features. Always-On display, aluminum case, water and dust resistance — you can wear it everywhere without taking it off.
New additions include blood pressure measurement, plus classics: heart rate, ECG, skin temperature, sleep and stress tracking. Everything works without drawing too much attention. Fast charging is also included — put it on in the morning while getting ready, and it's already good to go.
Key highlights:
Larger Always-On screen
Blood pressure, ECG, temperature
Support for Apple Fitness+, workout tracking
Fast charging
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10 SiP
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP6X, glass
8. HUAWEI Watch Buds
HUAWEI Watch Buds are essentially two gadgets in one. On the outside — regular smartwatch with a round AMOLED screen, and inside — a pair of wireless earbuds hidden under the lid. Open it, take them out, and listen. Convenient, especially if you don't want to carry an extra case.
The watch itself doesn't disappoint: activity trackers, sleep, heart rate, steps, SpO2 — all there. Player, microphone, and even NFC for payments. Runs on HarmonyOS, supports Android and iOS. Dust and water resistance is present, battery lasts a couple of days.
Key highlights:
Earbuds built right into the watch case
Classic round AMOLED display
All main sensors: sleep, heart rate, steps
Support for Android and iOS
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP54
Battery: 410 mAh
9. Garmin Lily 2
Garmin Lily 2 is for those who want watches that look neat and understated but remain useful. Lightweight, compact, with minimalist design and touch monochrome screen — they go well with a dress or casual clothes.
Tracks sleep, steps, heart rate, oxygen, and even supports a women's health calendar. NFC is included, basic workouts too. The interface is simple, connects to Android and iOS, and the strap is easy to swap to match your mood.
Key highlights:
Very compact and lightweight case
Sleep tracking, SpO2, heart rate, and women's health
Touch monochrome screen
NFC for payments
Specifications:
Display: Monochrome
Protection: Gorilla Glass 3
Battery: Up to 5 days of use
10. Amazfit T-Rex 3
Amazfit T-Rex 3 is all about endurance. These watches calmly go on hikes, withstand water, dust, and any weather whims. Sturdy case with metal bezel, bright AMOLED display inside, and a ton of sensors: from thermometer to barometer.
They last a long time — up to 27 days without charging if not overloaded. Over 170 sports modes, answer calls, listen to music, and use GPS without a phone. NFC and Wi-Fi included too, so it's suitable for both city and wilderness.
Key highlights:
Withstands water (10 ATM) and impacts
Has microphone, speaker, GPS, and Wi-Fi
Support for NFC payments
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: 10 ATM water resistance, shock resistance
Battery: 700 mAh
11. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is no longer just a watch but a full-featured gadget for people who are not afraid of wind, water, or long trips. A rugged titanium case, an ultra-bright display, and water resistance up to 100 meters mean you can dive or climb mountains without worry. The upgraded GPS performs reliably, and the dual speakers are useful in noisy environments.
There are plenty of features: ECG, heart rate monitoring, body temperature tracking, SpO2, and an emergency siren. In regular use, the watch lasts up to a day and a half, and with power-saving mode enabled, it can reach up to three days. Otherwise, it is classic Apple - Fitness+, iPhone sync, and a clean, intuitive interface.
Key Highlights:
Durable titanium body with strong water protection
Health sensors and emergency siren
Depth gauge and water temperature tracking
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S9
Memory: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP68, shock resistance, MIL-STD 810H
12. HUAWEI Watch 4 Pro
HUAWEI Watch 4 Pro is a watch that looks solid and feels reliable. The titanium case, sapphire glass, and leather strap make it comfortable both for the office and casual wear. The AMOLED display is bright and supports Always-On, so the time is always visible.
In terms of features, everything is included: ECG, SpO2, heart rate, sleep tracking, skin temperature, and activity monitoring. GPS works accurately, there is speaker support for calls, a music player, and even eSIM. NFC is also included, allowing contactless payments from the watch.
Key Highlights:
Stylish titanium case with sapphire glass
AMOLED display with Always-On mode
eSIM, calls, and music playback
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM, sapphire glass
Battery: up to 5 days
13. Garmin Instinct 3
Garmin Instinct 3 is built for people who spend more time outdoors than indoors. The rugged case meets military standards, the AMOLED display is protected by reinforced glass, and even the base version can last for weeks on a single charge.
Inside, everything needed for hiking and sports is included: GPS, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer, and barometer. Sleep tracking is also supported. A built-in flashlight is included, which comes in handy in a tent or during night runs. NFC is not available, but contactless payments still work via Garmin Pay.
Key Highlights:
Bright AMOLED display
Built-in flashlight with strobe mode
Sports features and sleep tracking
Weeks of battery life
Specifications:
Memory: 4 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: MIL-STD-810, reinforced glass
Battery: from 25 hours to 24 days depending on usage
14. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS features a dual-display system designed to save battery life. When needed, the bright AMOLED display turns on, while the energy-efficient FSTN screen shows basic information the rest of the time.
It supports calls, Google Pay, heart rate monitoring, SpO2, temperature tracking, and sleep analysis. The case is durable, the strap is replaceable, and IP68 protection is included. Running on Wear OS, it offers access to apps. Battery life reaches up to three days with moderate use.
Key Highlights:
Dual display system for better efficiency
Full sensor set with Google Pay
Durable build with water protection
Specifications:
Processor: Snapdragon Wear 4100+
Memory: 8 GB
Display: AMOLED + FSTN
Protection: IP68
Battery: up to 72 hours
15. HUAWEI Watch GT 4 41mm White
HUAWEI Watch GT 4 41mm is about a compact size, light weight, and balanced features. The steel case, comfortable strap, and bright, clear display make it suitable for everyday wear while still keeping an eye on health.
It tracks activity, breathing, heart rate, and sleep reliably. Wireless charging is supported, the interface is responsive, and controls are comfortable even on the move. Both Android and iOS are supported without connection issues.
Key Highlights:
Lightweight and comfortable for daily use
Over 100 activity modes
Smart health monitoring
Reply to notifications directly from the watch
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Protection: scratch resistance, 5 ATM water resistance
Battery: up to 7 days (typical use)
16. Garmin Forerunner 165 Mist Gray/Whitestone
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a compact watch for running, training, and tracking progress. The interface is simple but well thought out, showing sleep, recovery, and suggested workouts right from the morning.
It includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2, GPS, contactless payments, and Garmin Connect sync. The case is light and barely noticeable on the wrist. Battery life reaches up to 11 days, so daily charging is not required.
Key Highlights:
Virtual coach and adaptive training plans
Bright AMOLED display
Up to 11 days of battery life
GPS and Garmin Pay
Specifications:
Memory: 4 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: glass, water resistance
Battery: up to 11 days (up to 17 hours with full functionality)
17. Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire 51mm
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is a step above. Large, powerful, with excellent battery life and advanced features. The rugged case, sapphire glass, and built-in flashlight make it suitable for demanding conditions.
Features include music playback, training load forecasts, Hill Score, maps, thermometer, heart rate, and SpO2 tracking. Battery life can reach up to 31 days depending on usage. Garmin Pay and Wi-Fi are also supported.
Key Highlights:
AMOLED display and rugged build
Built-in flashlight and sapphire glass
Maps, music, forecasts, and Hill Score
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: sapphire glass, water and shock resistance
Battery: up to 31 days depending on mode
18. Garmin Vivomove Sport Cool Mint
Garmin Vivomove Sport Cool Mint is a hybrid smartwatch that looks like a classic analog watch but hides smart features inside. A touchscreen display is hidden beneath the hands and appears only when needed.
It tracks sleep, steps, activity, and heart rate. The lightweight case and soft strap make it comfortable to wear all day. Notifications are delivered quietly without being distracting.
Key Highlights:
Classic look with hidden touchscreen
Basic health tracking
Built-in heart rate sensor
Notification support
Specifications:
Display: OLED
Protection: glass
Battery: up to 5 days
19. Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm Silver
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm Silver keeps the familiar design but adds new features inside. The updated S9 chip improves performance, while the bright Always-On display remains easy to read even in sunlight.
Health features include ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and temperature monitoring. NFC payments are supported, and Siri is always available. Battery life remains around one day, but fast charging helps top it up quickly.
Key Highlights:
New S9 chip for smoother performance
Bright Always-On display
Gesture control with Double Tap
ECG, SpO2, and temperature tracking
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S9
Memory: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: glass, IP68
Battery: up to 18 hours
20. Garmin tactix 8 AMOLED
Garmin tactix 8 is not a daily watch but a tool for serious tasks. The rugged case, AMOLED display, and sapphire glass make it suitable for expeditions and demanding environments.
It includes profiles for swimming, hiking, climbing, and even shooting. Battery life lasts for weeks in power-saving modes. Everything is designed for users who rarely stay in one place.
Key Highlights:
Rugged case with sapphire glass
Tactical and sports modes
Multi-band GPS
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: sapphire glass
Battery: up to 29 days (typical use)
21. Garmin Forerunner 965 Titanium Bezel
Garmin Forerunner 965 is designed for users who take training seriously. The lightweight case with a titanium bezel and bright AMOLED display remains readable even in direct sunlight.
It supports running and many other activities, including swimming and interval training. Features include heart rate monitoring, SpO2, morning reports, and adaptive training recommendations.
Key Highlights:
Bright AMOLED display with touch control
Full-color maps and precise navigation
Detailed recovery and training data
NFC and contactless payments
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass DX
Battery: up to 23 days (smartwatch mode)
22. HUAWEI Watch 5
HUAWEI Watch 5 offers a balanced design with a solid set of features. The stainless steel case and LTPO AMOLED display under sapphire glass look clean and remain readable even in bright light.
Health tracking includes heart rate, ECG, body temperature, a menstrual calendar, and even blood pressure measurement. Sports modes cover swimming and freediving. Wi-Fi, speaker, and microphone allow calls and music playback. Battery life reaches a couple of days, with support for both Android and iOS.
Key Highlights:
ECG, temperature, and blood pressure monitoring
Sapphire glass and LTPO AMOLED display
Over 100 sports modes
Android and iOS compatibility
Specifications:
Display: LTPO AMOLED
Protection: sapphire glass
Battery: up to 3 days (typical use)
23. Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Series 11 keeps the familiar look but becomes lighter, thinner, and smarter. The titanium case houses the new S10 processor, while the OLED display reaches up to 2000 nits of brightness for comfortable outdoor use.
All key health features are included: ECG, SpO2, temperature tracking, and a barometer. 4G and 5G support allows independent use without a phone. With watchOS 12, training, sleep, and app experiences feel updated and refined.
Key Highlights:
Lightweight titanium case
Bright OLED display with auto brightness
SpO2, ECG, and temperature tracking
4G and 5G support with NFC
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10
Memory: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP6X, WR50
Battery: up to 18 hours (typical use)
Conclusion
Choosing a smartwatch has not become easier, and that is actually a good thing. Each model focuses on different priorities - battery life, design, or precise tracking. There are enough options to find a watch that fits your lifestyle rather than an average user profile.
You do not need everything at once. If sports matter most, choose a watch with strong navigation and training analysis. If style is the priority, there are models with clean designs and elegant straps. And if you want everything combined, those options exist too, though they are usually heavier and more expensive.
The most important thing is understanding what matters to you. When that is clear, the watch becomes a useful everyday tool instead of a distraction and stays on your wrist longer than just one charging cycle.