Introduction
Smartwatches are awesome gadgets. They’re made to keep track of your activity levels, record your workouts, and show you health and recovery insights. But they also do much more. The top smartwatches around today connect to your smartphone, delivering notifications, and even phone calls, to your wrist, as well as give you quick and easy access to a range of apps, like meditation apps, timers, weather insights, and so much more.
Do you need a workout companion or simply want a stylish-looking watch with some extra features? a smartwatch is a great gadget to rely on, the good news is that these days there’s a lot of choice available in the market.
In this article, we will explore the top 7 recommended smartwatches in 2024, without further ado lets dive in.
Here Are The Top 7 Recommended Smartwatches in 2024
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Google Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 by Google enhances battery life compared to its predecessor, thanks to a larger battery capacity and a more advanced Qualcomm processor. Fitbit’s advancements encompass enhanced stress tracking, incorporating cEDA measurements, a stress management score, and a skin temperature sensor. Additionally, users can now set pace and heart rate zone alerts before commencing their exercise.
In the stress management aspect, another component involves recording your mood and participating in mindfulness sessions. I value this emphasis on mental health, enabling me to pause during the day and assess both my physical and emotional well-being. Taking a moment to slow down and reflect is consistently crucial.
One standout feature of the Pixel Watch 2, surpassing even the Apple Watch, is its emphasis on safety. While the Apple Watch can be visible in your Find My application, and you can share your location with family and friends, this is a passive setting requiring individuals to actively check the app to locate you.
Key Features
Display: 320ppi AMOLED
Battery life: 24 hours with AOD
Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm
Weight: 31 g (without band)
Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM
LTE cellular option: Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Unveiled at the 2023 Unpacked event, Samsung’s most recent smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, was introduced alongside the Galaxy Watch 6 this summer. Both watches in the 6 Series incorporate the One UI 5 software update, prioritizing improvements in sleep tracking, fitness, and safety features. Notably, the 6 Classic boasts the largest Samsung Watch display (1.5 Super AMOLED) and reintroduces the distinctive rotating bezel.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a rotating bezel which is seen by most users as their favourite feature,the bezel provides enhanced precision when setting timers and navigating through settings, thanks to the assurance that the next value or tab is just a tick away. He also praises the watch for its extended battery life and new sleep-friendly settings, making it a commendable choice. Available in both 43mm and 47mm sizes, the 47mm variant stands as the largest option among any Galaxy smartwatch released by the company.
Key Features
Display: 1.5-inch 480×480 Super AMOLED (47mm) and 1.3-inch 432×432 (43mm)
Battery life: Up to 40 hours
Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm (47mm) 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm (43mm)
Weight: 59g (47mm) and 52g (43mm)
Water/Dust resistance: 5ATM/IP68/MIL-STD-810H
LTE cellular option: Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
As Apple consistently enhances the Apple Watch, Samsung is actively keeping pace. Although not the latest Samsung wearable, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro stands out with advanced health tracking features, including blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking, offering a longer battery life compared to the Apple Watch. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro boasts body composition measurements, a skin temperature sensor, and premium materials typically associated with high-end GPS sports watches, often priced at double the cost of the Watch 5 Pro. Having spent a few weeks conducting our comprehensive review, I continue to use the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro a year later.
Operating on Samsung-powered Google Wear OS 3, the Watch 5 Pro maintains the distinctive appearance of a Samsung smartwatch while seamlessly integrating support for Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and various other Google apps. Tailored for the round watch design, the operating system features a virtual rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. The watch offers a range of functionalities, including fall detection, messaging, phone calls, and extensive fitness data such as VO2 Max and advanced running dynamics.
Key Features
Display: 1.4 inch, 450 x 450 pixels Super AMOLED
Battery life: Two to three days
Dimensions: 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.0mm
Weight: 46.5 grams (without strap)
Water resistance: 5 ATM+IP68
LTE cellular option: Yes
Garmin Venu 3S
Garmin’s GPS sports watches prioritize enhancing health, fitness, and performance, and while some features compete with smartwatches, the Venu 3S stands out as Garmin’s top contender against the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. With exceptional build quality, a vibrant AMOLED display, over a week of battery life, and the ability to handle calls directly from the wrist, the Venu 3/3S also supports voice assistants through a connected smartphone.
Beyond its smartwatch capabilities, the Venu 3S seamlessly integrates with Garmin’s impressive functions and extensive ecosystem. This encompasses subscription music support, Garmin Pay, compatibility with Connect IQ apps, and the excellent Garmin Connect smartphone application.
Key Features
Garmin Venu 3S tech specs:
Display: 390 x 390 pixels AMOLED
Battery life (GPS): 21 hours
Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12mm
Weight: 27 grams (40 grams with band)
Water resistance: 5 ATM
LTE Cellular option: No
Amazfit GTR 4
Amazfit remains at the forefront of delivering exceptional value under $200, exemplified by the elegantly designed Amazfit GTR 4. This smartwatch not only features Amazon Alexa support but also allows call answering through a Bluetooth connection, a feature common to non-cellular smartwatches.
Amazfit offers the Zepp smartphone application, delivering a comprehensive experience for tracking intricate details captured by the various sensors. While the application may be overwhelming for some users, Amazfit is actively refining and simplifying it to enhance usability for GTR 4 owners.
Making and accepting phone calls directly from your wrist is convenient, especially when your phone is securely stowed in a pocket or backpack. With support for over 150 sports and a collection of impressive watch faces, the overall functionality is commendable.
With advanced features such as voice assistants, crash detection, call and text support, and long battery lives, modern smartwatches are more than just an accessory. And thanks to powerful sensors and extensive app suites, they’ve become one of the most popular health and fitness trackers, too.
Key Features
Display: 1.43-inch, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED
Battery life: 14 days
Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 12.4 mm
Weight: 34 grams (w/o strap)
Water resistance: 5 ATM
LTE Cellular option: No
Garmin Vívomove Trend
Garmin’s Vívomove series is recognized for seamlessly merging the classic mechanics of a traditional analog watch with cutting-edge digital features. This characteristic, exemplified by models like the Vívomove Trend, caters to users seeking a discreet and timeless smartwatch design.
The smartwatch achieves a harmonious blend of in-app health and fitness features, battery longevity, and charging technology. Notably, the Trend marks Garmin’s inaugural watch with wireless charging support, allowing users to conveniently power it up on any Qi-enabled charging pad. Additionally, a wired charging option is included in the box for those who prefer it.
Featuring a hybrid design, the Vívomove Trend’s motorized hands dynamically rotate around the watch face during interactions. Whether swiping through fitness metrics, adjusting sound and vibration settings, or initiating a workout, the adaptive movement enhances user experience. Auto workout detection, Garmin Pay, and comprehensive data in the companion app remain integral features, ensuring a stylish choice doesn’t compromise on Garmin’s capabilities.
Key Features
Garmin Vivomove Trend tech specs:
Display: 254 x 346 pixels
Battery life: Five days
Dimensions: 40.4 x 40.4 x 11.9 mm
Weight: 43.3 grams
Water resistance: 5 ATM
LTE Cellular option: No
Apple Watch Series 9
Launched in 2023, the Series 9 model advances the Apple Watch legacy. Similar to the Ultra 2, the Series 9 introduces a double-tap gesture, enabling you to control your phone with a simple tap of your index finger and thumb. This feature facilitates various actions, including answering calls, snoozing alarms, managing media playback, stopping timers, and more.
With the new Series 9, Siri no longer requires an active connection as the watch can independently process requests. Additionally, incorporating Crash Detection, the watch can identify when you’re involved in a car crash and automatically connect you to emergency services.
Packed with various features, the Series 9 proves to be an outstanding choice for both everyday users and athletes keen on monitoring their health progress. Emma Clark, a former University of San Diego track athlete, transitioned from her Garmin Forerunner to an Apple Watch upon retiring from competitive sports. She notes, “For someone who lives an active lifestyle but is no longer competing competitively, it makes the most sense to have a watch integrated with important things on my phone, like my calendar and messages,” said Emma Clark
Key Features
Display: 396 x 484 pixels OLED
Battery life: 18 hours
Dimensions: 45 x 38 x 10.7mm
Weight: 38.8 g (Al)
Water/Dust resistance: 50m with IP6X
LTE cellular option: Yes