The Best Smartwatches of 2024: Top Picks for Every Need

In 2024, smartwatches are more advanced and varied than ever, making it tough to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a budget shopper, or simply looking for the best overall smartwatch, this guide breaks down the top picks across various categories. Let’s dive into the best options available right now.

Key Takeaways

• Fitness Tracking: Garmin Venu 3 is the top choice for serious fitness tracking.
• Non-Samsung Android Users: Pixel Watch 2 offers the best features and compatibility.
• Style and Functionality: Withings ScanWatch Nova stands out for its hybrid design.
• Battery Life: OnePlus Watch 2 offers an impressive battery performance.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Apple Watch SE and Galaxy Watch 4 provide great value.
• Fitness Bands: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 leads in affordability and features.
• Health Tracking Alternatives: Whoop Strap 4.0 and Oura Ring are excellent for in-depth health insights.

Best for Fitness Tracking: Garmin Venu 3

If fitness tracking is your top priority, the Garmin Venu 3 is the smartwatch to beat. This watch excels with its precise GPS and heart rate monitoring, making it ideal for tracking various activities from marathons to casual workouts. Its advanced features include:

• Body Battery: Tracks your energy levels throughout the day.
• Fitness Age: Gamifies your fitness progress by showing how your age compares to your fitness level.
• Health Snapshot: Provides a quick overview of your health metrics.

The Venu 3 is lightweight and comfortable, with a battery life that outlasts many competitors. Garmin claims up to 14 days of battery life, but in real-world use, expect about 7-9 days. It costs around $399, making it a solid mid-range option.

Best for Non-Samsung Android Users: Pixel Watch 2

For Android users who aren’t on a Samsung phone, the Pixel Watch 2 is a standout choice. It seamlessly integrates with Google’s ecosystem, offering features such as:

• Google Assistant: Provides voice commands and smart home control.
• ECG Monitoring: Tracks your heart health with ease.
• Minimal Design: Features a sleek, rotating crown for easy navigation.

With a price tag of $349, it balances performance and style, though its battery life is a bit shorter, typically lasting a day and a half.

Best Looking and Hybrid Watch: Withings ScanWatch Nova

When style matters as much as functionality, the Withings ScanWatch Nova is your best bet. This hybrid watch combines analog hands with a small digital display that shows essential health metrics without sacrificing elegance. Key features include:

• Premium Design: Stainless steel casing and replaceable straps.
• 30-Day Battery Life: Far exceeds most smartwatches.
• Health Tracking: Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and activity.

Although it lacks GPS, it’s perfect for formal settings and daily health tracking, priced around $300.

Best Battery Life: OnePlus Watch 2

If a long battery life is crucial for you, the OnePlus Watch 2 is an excellent choice. It boasts up to 100 hours of battery life thanks to its dual-chip architecture:

• Dual-Chip Design: Combines a powerful Snapdragon W5 chip with an efficient secondary chip.
• Dual-Band GPS: Enhances location accuracy.
• 32 GB Storage: Allows you to store music and other media directly on the watch.

At $299, it’s a solid choice for those who need a smartwatch that can go days between charges without sacrificing functionality.

Best on a Budget: Apple Watch SE and Galaxy Watch 4

For those looking for great value without breaking the bank, consider:

• Apple Watch SE: Priced around $250, it offers a similar experience to the more expensive models but with fewer features.
• Galaxy Watch 4: Available at a discount due to its age, it provides a comprehensive smartwatch experience for a lower cost.

Both options deliver good performance and essential features while being cost-effective.

Best Fitness Band: Xiaomi Mi Band 8

For a compact and affordable fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 stands out. It offers:

• 16-Day Battery Life: Far exceeds most smartwatches.
• 1.62-Inch Display: Larger than previous models for better readability.
• Versatile Use: Can be worn as a fitness band or used in “Pebble mode” for added convenience.

At around $45, it’s a great entry-level option for those who want basic smart features and excellent battery life.

Top Smartwatch Alternatives for Health and Sleep Tracking

If you’re interested in tracking health and sleep without wearing a traditional smartwatch, consider:

• Whoop Strap 4.0: Extremely lightweight and comfortable, ideal for sleep tracking and overall health monitoring.
• Oura Ring: A discreet alternative that tracks sleep, activity, and health metrics without the bulk of a smartwatch.

Both options provide in-depth health insights and work well alongside smartwatches or as standalone devices.

Best Overall Smartwatch for iOS Users: Apple Watch 9

For iOS users, the Apple Watch 9 is the top pick. It provides:

• Comprehensive Features: Great for fitness, sleep, and general smartwatch functions.
• Regular Updates: Ensures compatibility with future iOS versions.
• Superior Performance: Compared to the older SE, it offers better functionality and longevity.

Best Overall Smartwatch for Android Users: Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Android users will find the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to be the best all-around choice. It includes:

• Rotating Bezel: Enhances navigation with a classic touch.
• Longer Battery Life: Compared to other Android watches.
• Samsung Ecosystem: Offers unique features integrated with Samsung devices.

In summary, 2024 offers a fantastic range of smartwatches catering to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for fitness tracking, style, or the best value, there’s a perfect smartwatch for you.