Choosing a smartwatch in 2025 means selecting a device that truly excels at tracking your fitness, keeping an eye on your health, offering solid battery life, and providing handy everyday smart features. On top of all that, it absolutely needs to work well with your specific phone and fit comfortably into your lifestyle. It might feel like there are countless options out there, which can be overwhelming, but remember: not every watch will be the right one for you. In this article, we’re here to help you pinpoint the perfect smartwatch for your needs. We’ll cover all the key details you should know before making a purchase, making sure that by the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident finding a smartwatch that ticks all your boxes. So, let’s explore the best smartwatches available in 2025.

Our Favorite Smartwatches for 2025

Here are our top recommendations:

1. Apple Watch Series 10: Apple's Latest Flagship

Image: Apple

Apple's primary smartwatch offering for 2025 is the Series 10. It boasts a refreshed design that is both thinner and lighter than previous models, alongside a larger always-on OLED display (approximately 1.6 inches on the 42mm size and 1.8 inches on the 46mm size). It runs watchOS 11, which introduces new applications like "Vitals" for monitoring core health metrics. A significant new health feature is FDA-cleared sleep apnea monitoring. Standard health sensors like heart rate monitoring, the ability to perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), and fall detection are included. However, it's important to note that blood oxygen (SpO₂) tracking is disabled on new models sold in the United States due to an ongoing patent dispute. The watch includes built-in GPS and is rated water-resistant up to 50 meters.

• Compatibility: Exclusively for iOS devices (requires an iPhone).

• Battery Life: Offers roughly 18 hours during typical daily use, extending up to around 36 hours if you enable Low Power Mode.

2. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Built for Adventure

Image: Apple

This is Apple's most robust and premium smartwatch. Housed in a durable 49mm titanium case, it features one of the brightest displays on any Apple Watch (peaking at 3,000 nits) for excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Designed with outdoor activities and adventure in mind, it includes dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy, a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for diving, and an extra programmable "Action Button" for quick access to custom functions. It also meets MIL-STD durability standards for toughness. It incorporates all the health capabilities found in the Series 10 while adding enhanced tools for hiking and improved safety features. It operates on watchOS 11 and offers water resistance up to 100 meters.

• Compatibility: Works only with iOS devices (an iPhone is required).

• Battery Life: Delivers approximately 36 hours of battery life in normal usage, which can be pushed to roughly 72 hours by adjusting power-saving settings.

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Android's Feature-Rich Companion

Image: Samsung

Samsung's newest main smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 7, comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and sports a sleek, round AMOLED screen. It runs Google's Wear OS but is layered with Samsung's One UI Watch interface, introducing new AI-powered health features. These include an "Energy Score" that provides a morning assessment of your recovery level and upgraded sleep tracking with more detailed insights. It also offers FDA-cleared detection for sleep apnea, which works after two nights of data analysis. It includes a full suite of health sensors: heart rate, SpO₂, ECG, and even blood pressure monitoring. Note that the ECG and blood pressure functions currently require pairing with a Samsung Galaxy phone to be enabled. It supports GPS, has an optional LTE cellular version, and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM.

• Compatibility: Designed for Android phones running Android 7.0 or newer (full functionality, especially ECG/BP, requires a Samsung phone). Not compatible with iPhones.

• Battery Life: Typically lasts around one day with active use, extending up to approximately 40 hours if certain settings are tweaked or the Always-On Display is turned off.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung's Rugged Challenger

Image: Samsung

A larger, more robust "pro-grade" version of the Galaxy Watch. It's built to be tougher and offers longer battery life than the standard models. It features a 47mm titanium case with a tough sapphire glass covering the display and meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards. It's equipped for outdoor enthusiasts with dual-band GPS for increased accuracy, an altimeter/barometer, a compass, and enhanced navigation features. Running Wear OS 5, it supports a wide range of apps from the Play Store. Health features mirror the Watch 7 (heart rate, SpO₂, ECG, blood pressure – again, requires a Samsung phone for ECG/BP) and includes Samsung's new programmable "Quick Button" for custom shortcuts while you're active. This watch is rated water-resistant to 100 meters, suitable for swimming and diving.

• Compatibility: Android only (does not work with iPhones; requires a Samsung Galaxy phone for full health features like ECG and blood pressure).

• Battery Life: Samsung advertises up to 60 hours (multi-day typical use) or up to 100 hours in power-saving modes. Real-world usage often sees about 2 days with heavy use or 3 days with moderate use.

5. Google Pixel Watch 3: Google's Ecosystem Star

Image: Google Store

Google's Pixel Watch 3 presents a refined look and improved performance. Importantly, it's now available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm), offering a better fit for various wrist sizes. It runs the latest version of Wear OS, providing seamless integration with Google services and capable of tracking over 40 different types of exercise. Fitbit technology powers its health tracking suite, offering accurate heart rate data, detailed sleep stage analysis, SpO₂ readings, ECG capabilities, and a new system for alerting you to a potential loss of pulse. With a vibrant, responsive AMOLED screen and a smooth interface, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a clean balance between wellness features and smart capabilities.

• Compatibility: Exclusively for Android devices.

• Battery Life: Generally provides around 20-24 hours of battery life, which can extend up to approximately 36 hours using a battery-saver mode.

6. Garmin Venu 3: Cross-Platform Powerhouse

Image: Garmin

The Garmin Venu 3 is a top-tier choice that bundles premium health and fitness tracking into an attractive package featuring an AMOLED display. Available in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, it delivers advanced metrics like Body Battery (energy levels), HRV (Heart Rate Variability) status, VO₂ Max estimates, personalized sleep coaching, and supports tracking for over 160 sports and activities. It also includes a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to take calls directly from your wrist or use your phone's voice assistant. With a battery that can last up to 14 days and full compatibility with both Android and iOS phones, it stands out as one of the most practical choices for both casual users and serious athletes who want strong performance without needing to charge daily.

• Compatibility: Works with both Android and iOS devices.

• Battery Life: Offers an impressive 12–14 days of typical smartwatch use or about 20 hours when continuously using GPS.

7. OnePlus Watch 3: Enduring Performance for Android

Image: OnePlus

The OnePlus Watch 3 distinguishes itself by offering a true, feature-rich smartwatch experience with impressive multi-day battery life – potentially up to five days on a single charge. Its build features a durable 46mm case made from titanium and sapphire glass, housing a bright AMOLED screen. It runs the full Wear OS platform, granting access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and a wide range of third-party applications. For health and fitness, it includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, and support for over 100 workout modes. It's a strong contender for Android users looking for robust hardware, solid performance, and noticeable endurance in a premium package.

• Compatibility: Compatible only with Android devices.

• Battery Life: Rated for about 5 days of typical smart usage, and can potentially reach up to 16 days in specific power-saver modes.

8. Amazfit Active 2: Top Budget Smartwatch (Under $100)

Image: Amazfit

For those seeking great value, the Amazfit Active 2 earns the title of the best budget smartwatch in 2025. Priced around $100, it remarkably includes advanced features such as blood oxygen level tracking, detailed sleep scoring, built-in GPS (without needing your phone), and even support for Alexa voice commands. It offers tracking for more than 160 types of exercise and delivers impressive battery life of up to 10 days. While you won't find the depth of third-party apps or cellular connectivity of higher-end models, it provides reliable performance and significant wellness tracking capabilities without the premium price tag. It's an excellent choice for first-time smartwatch buyers and those on a tighter budget.

• Compatibility: Works with both Android and iOS devices.

• Battery Life: Typically provides around 8–10 days of use.

Common Questions About 2025 Smartwatches

Which 2025 Smartwatches are Best for Android Phones?

Explore top smartwatches optimized specifically for Android devices, including models from Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus, that offer great features and compatibility with your phone.

What's the Top Smartwatch Pick for iPhone Users in 2025?

Find out which smartwatches offer seamless integration and full feature sets when paired with an iPhone, featuring Apple's own models and other cross-compatible options like the Garmin Venu 3.

Looking for the Longest Battery Life in a 2025 Smartwatch?

Discover the smartwatches that stand out for offering multi-day battery performance without compromising essential features like GPS and health monitoring capabilities.

Which Smartwatches in 2025 Are Best for Fitness and Health Tracking?

Compare wearables specifically designed with serious fitness enthusiasts and health-focused users in mind, including advanced metrics like VO₂ Max, HRV status, and detailed sleep analysis tools.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

So there you have it – our breakdown of the top smartwatches for 2025. Each watch offers its own unique strengths, whether your main priority is intense fitness tracking, essential health monitoring features like ECG or blood pressure, getting the longest possible battery life, or simply ensuring perfect compatibility with your existing smartphone. With this range of options, there's definitely a smartwatch on this list that aligns with your specific needs and the phone you own. We hope this guide has helped clarify the landscape and made your decision process much smoother, helping you pinpoint your top choice. Now, the only thing left is finding the one that feels just right on your wrist and seamlessly integrates with your daily life!