Smartwatches have evolved far beyond being mere tech accessories . In 2024, they play a crucial role in our daily lives, acting as extensions of our smartphones and offering impressive features for health tracking, communication, and much more.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast , a professional who ’s constantly on the go, or just someone who loves the convenience of wearable technology, there’s a smartwatch out there for you. Here’s a look at the best smartwatches to consider this year.
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Choosing the ideal smartwatch can be a challenge given the variety of options available on the market. Here are the main criteria to consider to make the best choice:
- Features : The best smartwatches offer a host of features, from health tracking (heart rate, sleep, fitness) to notification management, mobile payments, and built-in GPS. The ability to customize and download additional apps is also essential.
- Compatibility : Make sure the watch is compatible with your smartphone. Apple Watches, for example, work exclusively with iPhones, while others like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch offer broader compatibility with Android devices .
- Battery life : Battery life is crucial, especially for those who use their watch heavily for fitness tracking or to receive notifications throughout the day. The best models can offer several days of battery life without a recharge.
- Design : Style and comfort are also important. Watches should be attractive and comfortable to wear, with customization options like interchangeable straps.
- Price : Cost is a key factor. It’s important to find a watch that strikes a good balance between its features and price. Options range from high-end models to more budget-friendly alternatives that don’t sacrifice too much on essential features.
Top 7 Best Smartwatches to Use in 2024
1. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 continues to dominate the smartwatch market with its cutting-edge innovations and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Here’s why it’s one of the best options in 2024:
- Design and Display : Series 9 features an always-on OLED display with slim bezels and a sleek design. Premium materials like titanium and stainless steel, as well as a variety of straps, allow users to customize their watch to suit their style.
- Health features : The Series 9 comes with advanced sensors for tracking heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and even an electrocardiogram (ECG). New features include better fall detection and improved sleep tracking.
- Performance and Battery Life : Powered by the S9 chip, the watch delivers fast and smooth performance. While battery life typically lasts a day, fast charging keeps it topped up quickly for extended use.
- Apps and integration : Apple Watch Series 9 benefits from the App Store with a vast selection of dedicated apps. It is also perfectly integrated with iPhone, facilitating calls, messages and access to notifications. The new features of watchOS make navigation and use even more intuitive.
Benefits :
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Cutting-edge health and fitness features.
- Elegant design and quality materials.
Disadvantages :
- High price compared to some competitors.
- Compatible with iPhones only.
Best for : iPhone users, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for a versatile watch with advanced features.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 stands out as one of the most complete and capable smartwatches for Android users. Here’s why it’s a must-have in 2024:
- Design and Display : The Galaxy Watch 6 features a vibrant Super AMOLED display with high resolution and rich colors. It comes in multiple sizes and materials, allowing for both aesthetic and practical customization. Its classic circular design appeals to those who prefer a traditional watch look.
- Health and Fitness Features : Samsung has integrated advanced health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and body composition measurement. Additionally, the watch offers comprehensive fitness tracking, with specific modes for different sports and activities.
- Performance and Battery Life : Powered by the Exynos W930 chip, the Galaxy Watch 6 delivers fast and efficient performance. It benefits from improved battery life, lasting up to two days with moderate use. Fast charging is also a plus, allowing it to be recharged quickly.
- Connectivity and Integration : Powered by Wear OS in partnership with Google, this watch offers extensive compatibility with Android apps. It seamlessly connects to Samsung smartphones and the Galaxy ecosystem, facilitating interactions and access to notifications, calls, and Samsung apps.
Benefits :
- High quality Super AMOLED display.
- Excellent integration with the Samsung and Android ecosystem.
- Comprehensive health tracking features.
Disadvantages :
- Some features optimized for Samsung phones.
- Battery life less than some competitors.
Best for : Android phone users , Samsung fans, and those looking for a watch with solid health and fitness tracking capabilities.
3. Fitbit Sense 3
The Fitbit Sense 3 is designed for users who value health and wellness. In 2024, this watch continues to shine with its advanced tracking capabilities and ease of use.
- Design and Comfort : The Sense 3 features a modern design with a stainless steel case and a bright AMOLED display. Its rounded shape and smooth edges provide optimal comfort for extended use, ideal for everyday wear.
- Health Tracking Features : Fitbit is renowned for its health tracking tools, and the Sense 3 is no exception. It comes equipped with sensors to measure stress, skin temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen. Advanced sleep tracking provides detailed insights into the quality of rest, helping users better manage their overall health.
- Battery Life and Performance : The Sense 3 offers impressive battery life, lasting up to six days on a single charge, which is excellent for a watch with so many tracking features. Performance is smooth thanks to a well-designed and easy-to-navigate user interface.
- Compatibility and Apps : Compatible with iOS and Android devices , the Sense 3 offers flexibility of use. It integrates with the Fitbit app, providing a robust platform to analyze health data and access a variety of fitness and wellness apps.
Benefits :
- Industry-leading health and wellness tracking features.
- Long battery life.
- Comfortable design and suitable for daily wearing.
Disadvantages :
- Less support for third-party apps compared to other smartwatches.
- Limited features outside of health tracking.
Best for : Health-conscious users, athletes, and those looking for a watch with extended battery life and comprehensive wellness tracking features.
4. Garmin Forerunner 965
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is designed specifically for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. In 2024, it remains one of the best options for those looking for a rugged watch with advanced sports tracking features.
- Design and Durability : The Forerunner 965 has a robust and lightweight body, perfect for intense sports activities. Its AMOLED screen is scratch-resistant, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Its design is focused on functionality, with physical buttons that are easy to use during training.
- Sports Tracking Features : This watch excels at tracking sports performance, offering detailed metrics for a multitude of activities including running, cycling, swimming, and more. It features advanced sensors to track heart rate, VO2 max, accurate GPS tracking, and blood oxygen.
- Battery Life and Performance : Forerunner 965 offers an impressive battery life of up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for long training sessions or races. Performance is optimized to deliver real-time data quickly and reliably.
- Connectivity and Apps : The watch is compatible with Garmin Connect, a powerful app for analyzing performance data and planning workouts. It also offers built-in music features, allowing users to sync their favorite playlists for extra motivation during training sessions.
Benefits :
- Excellent sports tracking and GPS capabilities.
- Long battery life.
- Robust design and suitable for intense activities.
Disadvantages :
- Less suitable for everyday use or non-sporting functions.
- Less intuitive user interface for non-athletes.
Ideal for : Runners, professional athletes, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a performance watch.
5. Google Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is one of the most anticipated smartwatches of 2024, offering deep integration with the Google ecosystem and innovative features.
- Design and Display : The Pixel Watch 2 features a sleek, minimalist design with a clear, vibrant AMOLED display. Its round case and premium materials make it attractive and comfortable to wear every day.
- Connectivity Features : Seamlessly integrated with Google services, Pixel Watch 2 provides easy access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Pay. It also offers full compatibility with Android devices, making it easy to manage notifications, calls, and messages.
- Health and Fitness Tracking : The Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with sensors to track heart rate, sleep, and stress levels. While less focused on high-performance sports than some other watches, it offers reliable tracking for daily activities and general well-being.
- Battery Life and Performance : With a battery life of about a day in normal use, it is in the average range of smartwatches. However, its next-generation chip ensures fast performance and optimal responsiveness for applications and interactions.
- Apps and Personalization : Running on Wear OS, the Pixel Watch 2 offers access to a wide selection of apps available on the Google Play Store. The watch can be customized with a variety of watch faces and bands, allowing users to match it to their personal style.
Benefits :
- Seamless integration with Google services.
- Sleek and elegant design.
- Access to a wide range of Wear OS apps.
Disadvantages :
- Battery life lower than some competitors.
- Less advanced sports tracking features.
Best for : Google Pixel phone users, fans of the Google ecosystem, and those looking for a stylish watch for everyday use.
6. Amazfit GTR 4
The Amazfit GTR 4 is an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or essential features. In 2024, it stands out for its excellent value for money and battery life.
- Design and Aesthetics : The GTR 4 features a classic and sophisticated design with an aluminum case and a high-resolution AMOLED display. Its premium look is perfect for those looking for a stylish watch without a hefty price tag.
- Battery Life : One of the highlights of the Amazfit GTR 4 is its exceptional battery life, lasting up to two weeks under normal use. This makes it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about charging their watch frequently.
- Tracking Features : The GTR 4 offers a full range of health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen saturation tracking. It also offers multiple sports modes to track physical activities accurately.
- Compatibility and Apps : Compatible with iOS and Android, the watch syncs easily with smartphones. The Zepp app provides a user-friendly platform to analyze health and fitness data. Although the app ecosystem is more limited than some other watches, it covers the essentials.
Benefits :
- Excellent value for money.
- Long battery life.
- Elegant and durable design.
Disadvantages :
- Fewer app and customization options.
- Less detailed health tracking features compared to higher-end models.
Best for : Users looking for a budget smartwatch with good battery life and essential features.
7. Huawei Watch GT 4
The Huawei Watch GT 4 stands out for its elegance, robustness and advanced features. It is a must-have option in 2024 for those looking for a versatile smartwatch at a competitive price.
- Design and Display : The Watch GT 4 combines a refined design with high-quality materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display offers high resolution and brilliant brightness, ensuring excellent readability even in direct sunlight. It is available in several styles and colors to suit all tastes.
- Battery Life : One of the highlights of the Watch GT 4 is its exceptional battery life. With moderate usage, the watch can last up to two weeks on a single charge, making it ideal for users who don’t want to worry about recharging it frequently.
- Health Tracking Features : The watch is equipped with precise sensors to track heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen levels. It also offers advanced sleep analysis and stress management features, helping users maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- Sports Tracking & GPS : The Watch GT 4 excels in sports tracking with over 100 workout modes available, including running, cycling, swimming, and even triathlon. Built-in GPS ensures accurate distance and route tracking, which is essential for outdoor activities.
- Connectivity and Apps : Compatible with iOS and Android, the watch offers seamless connectivity with a variety of smartphones. It runs Huawei’s HarmonyOS operating system, offering an intuitive user interface and access to a selection of apps via Huawei’s AppGallery.
Benefits :
- Long battery life.
- Elegant design and high quality materials.
- Wide range of sports tracking modes.
Disadvantages :
- Fewer apps available compared to watches running Wear OS or watchOS.
- Limited integration with some non-Huawei services.
Best for : Users looking for a stylish watch with long battery life, strong fitness and health tracking capabilities, and compatibility with a wide range of smartphones.
Conclusion
In 2024, the smartwatch market offers an impressive diversity of choices for all user profiles. Whether you are looking for a watch with advanced health features , seamless integration with your favorite tech ecosystem, or simply a budget-friendly option with good battery life, there is a watch for you.
- Apple Watch Series 9 : Ideal for iPhone users looking for seamless integration and advanced health features.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 : Perfect for Android users and Samsung fans with its comprehensive health tracking capabilities and sleek design.
- Fitbit Sense 3 : Best for those focused on health and wellness tracking, with long battery life.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 : The best option for serious athletes and sports enthusiasts with detailed tracking features.
- Google Pixel Watch 2 : perfect for users of the Google ecosystem looking for a stylish and connected watch.
- Amazfit GTR 4 : Ideal for users looking for a budget option with long battery life and essential features.
- Huawei Watch GT 4 : An excellent all-rounder with long battery life and a premium design, perfect for users looking for a good balance between style and performance.
