Smartwatches with eSIM: What to Choose in 2026
January 5, 2026
Smartwatches with eSIM are no longer exotic — they're just a convenient option for anyone who wants to stay connected without carrying a phone in their pocket. These watches are increasingly chosen not only for sports but for everyday use — so you don't have to lug around a smartphone, yet everything important is still at hand. We've rounded up models that truly work standalone: they make calls, show your location, receive messages, and don't require a physical SIM card.
1. Apple Watch Ultra 3 GPS+Cellular 49mm
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is perfect for those who are always on the move and don't always take their phone along. These watches are rugged with a titanium case and feel almost weightless on the wrist. The screen is bright — clearly visible even in direct sunlight. They track steps, heart rate, sleep, skin temperature, GPS routes — everything you need. Plus, you can listen to music, answer calls, and reply to messages right from the watch.
They run on watchOS, so you get the familiar Apple functionality. Apple Pay is supported, along with water and dust resistance, plus military-grade certification. You can confidently take them to the city or on hikes.
Key highlights:
Titanium case and robust protection
Calls, messages, and navigation without a smartphone
Bright display and great sound
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP6x/WR100, shock resistance
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm eSIM
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm is a versatile choice that works great for both sports and daily life. It features a classic round AMOLED display, lightweight aluminum case, and full Android compatibility. It tracks just about everything: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, sleep, activity, and temperature.
Runs on Wear OS, so you can use Google apps, control music, and navigate with maps. Calls, notifications, payments — all directly from the watch. Built-in GPS and Bluetooth for headphones. Best of all — no need to carry your phone to stay connected.
Key highlights:
Bright AMOLED display, readable even in daylight
Sleep, temperature, heart rate, and step tracking
Calls, payments, notifications without your phone
Specifications:
Processor: Exynos W1000
Storage: 32 GB
Display: Super AMOLED
Protection: IP68, shock resistance
Battery: 425 mAh
3. Apple Watch SE 3 GPS+Cellular 40mm
Apple Watch SE 3 is a basic but very convenient model for those who don't need all the bells and whistles of the top versions. These watches are light and compact — perfect if you don't like bulky gadgets. You can make calls, read notifications, and track steps, sleep, and temperature.
They run on watchOS and sync easily with iPhone. Apple Pay is supported, plus GPS and eSIM — so you can use them comfortably even without your phone nearby. A simple, straightforward model for everyday tasks.
Key highlights:
Compact and almost weightless
Make calls directly from the watch
Tracks sleep, steps, temperature
NFC support and music controls
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: WR50
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic LTE 46 mm
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic is for those who want smartwatches that look like regular ones. It has a nice classic design: steel case, rotating bezel, and sapphire glass. It looks premium, but inside it's a full Wear OS platform with all the essential features.
You can make calls, pay, listen to music, use navigation, and run apps right on the watch. It tracks heart rate, activity, sleep, and more. With eSIM, you stay connected even if your smartphone stays home. And the case protection means you don't have to worry about water or accidental drops.
Key highlights:
Classic look with physical rotating bezel
Works like a phone thanks to eSIM
Suitable for daily use and sports
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Storage: 64 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, sapphire glass, shock resistance
Battery: 445 mAh
5. Google Pixel Watch 3 LTE
Google Pixel Watch 3 — neat and lightweight watches that are perfect for Android users, especially those who rely on Google services. Aluminum case, round screen, nothing extra — simple and clear. Runs on Wear OS with voice assistant, maps, notifications, calls, and of course eSIM.
Tracks heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature. Also monitors sleep, workouts, and steps. Built-in Fitbit support — convenient if you're already using their system. Water resistance is included, and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, so durability is solid.
Key highlights:
Seamless integration with Google services
eSIM support, calls, and notifications
Sleep and health monitoring via Fitbit
Specifications:
Processor: Qualcomm SW5100
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: Gorilla Glass, water resistance
Battery: 307 mAh
6. Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular 42mm
Apple Watch Series 10 is great for iPhone users who want some familiar features always on their wrist. The watches have a bright, nearly bezel-less display — stylish and clearly readable anytime. With eSIM, you can take calls and messages even if your phone is left at home.
Everything needed for basic health tracking: heart rate, temperature, oxygen levels, plus sleep tracking and cycle tracking. Voice commands, contactless payments, and other classic Apple features are supported. Water and dust resistance means you can keep them on during workouts or swimming.
Key highlights:
Bezel-less OLED display with Always-On
Sleep tracking, ECG, temperature monitoring
Standalone connectivity via eSIM
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10 SiP
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP6X, WR50, sapphire glass
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm LTE Black
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is ideal for those who want reliable smartwatches with great battery life and eSIM support. Make calls, get notifications, listen to music — all without your phone nearby. Titanium case and sapphire glass screen — feels solid and confident in hand.
Features are straightforward: health monitoring, navigation, sports modes. The interface is familiar, especially if you already have other Samsung devices. These watches are about consistent daily performance rather than flashy looks.
Key highlights:
Full standalone operation via LTE
Durable titanium case
Sapphire glass and water resistance
Activity tracking and built-in GPS
Specifications:
Processor: Exynos W920
Storage: 16 GB
Display: Super AMOLED
Protection: IP, sapphire glass
Battery: 590 mAh
8. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE 40 mm Silver
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE — a light and neat option for those who want eSIM smartwatches without extra bulk on the wrist. Especially convenient in the city, on runs, or during travel — leave your phone at home, and you'll still stay connected.
Handles core tasks: notifications, calls, sleep, activity. The interface is smooth, no lag, no learning curve needed. Perfect for anyone looking for a minimalist daily device with full connectivity.
Key highlights:
eSIM and LTE — no need to carry your phone
Compact and lightweight case
Sleep, heart rate, activity monitoring
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 435 mAh
9. Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + Cellular 46mm Jet Black
Apple Watch Series 11 — classic Apple style with full autonomy. Thanks to eSIM, the watch handles calls and messages independently — even if your iPhone is left at home. Aluminum case is light and barely noticeable on the wrist. The design is recognizable without being flashy — just neat everyday smartwatches.
Usage is straightforward: notifications, basic health features, GPS, apps — nothing extra, everything works as expected. The interface is familiar and intuitive, especially with other Apple devices. Great for those who want convenience and reliability without chasing premium extras.
Key highlights:
Handles calls and messages without your phone
Full iPhone synchronization
Activity and basic health metric tracking
GPS and contactless payments
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S10
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP6X, WR
Battery: Up to 18 hours (typical use)
10. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic eSIM
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic — for those who appreciate a classic appearance. Rotating bezel, steel case, sapphire glass — looks serious like traditional watches, but packed with full smart features inside. Runs on Wear OS with a responsive interface, no lag, easy controls.
Make calls and get notifications without your phone — eSIM performs excellently. All standard sensors: heart rate, temperature, sleep, workouts. Plus support for 90+ sports modes. Holds charge confidently, not heavy, comfortable to wear all day.
Key highlights:
Classic design with physical bezel
Standalone operation via eSIM
Full set of health sensors
Google services and contactless payments
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W930
Storage: 16 GB
Display: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, shock resistance
Battery: 300 mAh
11. Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular
Apple Watch Series 9 — a choice for those who want compact and straightforward smartwatches paired with iPhone. Small case, sharp display clearly visible even in bright sun. Made of steel — looks strict, suitable for office or everyday wear.
Tracks heart rate, temperature, oxygen levels in the background without draining the battery. Supports ECG, Apple Pay, notifications. Lasts all day with fast charging — no long waits by the outlet.
Key highlights:
Compact and comfortable
Sharp Always-On display
Background health monitoring
Full integration with the Apple ecosystem
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S9
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP68
12. Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular
Apple Watch Ultra 2 — these aren't just watches anymore, but a truly rugged device for people on the go. Large titanium case, loud speaker, bright screen — everything is visible even under sunlight. Suitable for sports, hiking, swimming — built to handle a lot.
eSIM support keeps you connected anywhere, even without your phone. Track health, use for diving, enable GPS navigation. In low-power mode, they last a long time — a lifesaver on trips or in the mountains.
Key highlights:
Durable titanium case
Bright protected display
Diving support and advanced GPS
Standalone connectivity via eSIM
Specifications:
Processor: Apple S9
Storage: 64 GB
Display: OLED
Protection: IP68, MIL-STD
Conclusion
Smartwatches with eSIM are no longer a novelty — they're just convenient. No more carrying your phone everywhere — answer calls, read messages, or play music straight from your wrist. This is especially appreciated on the road, during workouts, or even on regular days when you don't want to overload your pockets.
There's a choice for every taste. Compact models, rugged protected ones. Some want lightweight options for the city, others a reliable companion for active adventures. But the core idea is the same: more freedom, less dependence on your smartphone. What once seemed like something "for advanced users" is now simply convenient. And as we all know, you get used to the good stuff quickly.