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Best Smartwatches for 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Best Picks

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 11th, 2024

1 min read

Last Updated: February 5th, 2025

⌚Smartwatches have come a long way from just telling time. Nowadays, they track your fitness, monitor your health, and keep you connected—all while looking great on your wrist. Whether you're a serious athlete, a tech lover, or someone who’s focused on health, there's a smartwatch out there that's perfect for you.

We’ve done the homework and rounded up the best smartwatches of 2024 to fit every preference and budget.

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Overall Best: Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band 45mm Case M/L - fits 160–210mm wrists

8.25

Overall Score: 8.25/10

Professional:8.6/10

Consumer:7.9/10

📖 Read TLDR Review to learn more →

The Apple Watch Series 9 tops our list for its flawless integration with iOS, extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, and sleek interface. This watch provides advanced metrics, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, along with new features such as crash detection, making it a standout for most users. Additionally, the Series 9 boasts a vast ecosystem of apps, ensuring its usefulness for both fitness enthusiasts and professionals juggling daily tasks. According to our research, users are particularly impressed with its user-friendly design and overall reliability.

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Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$329.00 at Amazon

📚More About Apple Watch Series 9 45mm

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TLDR Review: Apple Watch Series 9 45mm

TLDR Review·10 months ago

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Can I use third-party bands with Apple Watch Series 9?

Q&A·8 months ago

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Is Apple Watch Series 9 good for fitness tracking and running?

Q&A·8 months ago

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How does Apple Watch Series 9 compare to Series 10?

Q&A·8 months ago

View All 5 Answers

More Answers

Still curious about the Apple Watch Series 9 45mm? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

Can I use third-party bands with Apple Watch Series 9?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is fully compatible with third-party bands, providing significant cost savings and expanded customization options compared to Apple's official band selection. **Third-Party Band Advantages:** **Cost Effectiveness:** Third-party bands typically range from -, compared to Apple's official bands priced between -, offering substantial savings for style variety. **Design Variety:** Extensive selection includes sport bands, leather straps, metal bracelets, fabric loops, and specialty bands for specific activities—often in colors and styles not available from Apple. **Universal Compatibility:** All Apple Watch models use the same standardized band attachment system, ensuring third-party bands connect and release identically to official Apple bands. **Selection Considerations:** **Size Matching:** Ensure proper case size compatibility—41mm bands fit 41mm watches, 45mm bands fit 45mm watches. Incorrect sizing prevents proper attachment. **Quality Assessment:** Read user reviews and purchase from reputable manufacturers to ensure adequate build quality, secure attachment, and comfortable wear. **Material Considerations:** Consider skin sensitivity when selecting materials, particularly with metal alloys or synthetic materials that may cause irritation. **Popular Third-Party Options:** **Sport Bands:** Silicone alternatives matching Apple's sport band functionality at reduced cost **Leather Straps:** Professional appearance options for business and formal settings **Metal Bracelets:** Premium aesthetic upgrade with various finishes and link styles **Specialty Bands:** Activity-specific designs for fitness, swimming, or outdoor use **Bottom Line:** Third-party Apple Watch Series 9 bands offer excellent value for customization and style variety, allowing users to personalize their device affordably while maintaining the same ease of use and secure attachment as official Apple bands.

Is Apple Watch Series 9 good for fitness tracking and running?

The Apple Watch Series 9 excels at fitness tracking and running for recreational athletes and general fitness enthusiasts, offering comprehensive health monitoring with heart rate tracking, GPS capabilities, and extensive workout variety. **Fitness Tracking Strengths:** **Comprehensive Monitoring:** - Accurate heart rate tracking during various activities - GPS-enabled outdoor workout tracking - Automatic workout detection for common exercises - Activity ring motivation system for daily movement goals - Seamless integration with Apple Health and third-party fitness applications **Running Capabilities:** - Real-time pace and distance tracking - Route mapping and workout summaries - Heart rate zone monitoring during activities - Split time tracking for interval training **Ideal User Profiles:** **Well-Suited For:** - Recreational runners (3-10 mile distances) - General fitness enthusiasts with varied workout routines - Users wanting comprehensive health tracking beyond exercise - Apple ecosystem users seeking seamless device integration **Limitations for Advanced Athletes:** **Performance Constraints:** - No manual lap marking during track workouts - Limited advanced running metrics compared to dedicated sports watches - GPS lock acquisition time before workout start - 18-hour battery life may require charging during extended training sessions **GPS Performance:** Built-in GPS provides adequate accuracy for most running activities but lacks the precision of dedicated sports devices or Apple Watch Ultra's dual-frequency system. **Alternative Considerations:** Serious marathon trainers, competitive athletes, or users requiring multi-day battery life should consider specialized sports watches or the Apple Watch Ultra for enhanced performance analytics. **Bottom Line:** The Apple Watch Series 9 delivers excellent fitness tracking for recreational runners and general fitness users, combining solid exercise monitoring with full smartwatch functionality, though dedicated sports watches may better serve competitive athletes.

How does Apple Watch Series 9 compare to Series 10?

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers meaningful improvements over the Series 9, though both provide excellent smartwatch functionality. Understanding the key differences helps determine which model best fits your needs and budget. **Primary Series 10 Advantages:** **Enhanced Charging Performance:** Series 10 achieves 0-80% battery in approximately 30 minutes compared to Series 9's 45-minute charging time, providing greater convenience for users with irregular charging habits. **Improved Display:** Larger, brighter screen with enhanced visibility in bright conditions and increased real estate for apps, complications, and interface elements. **Updated Processor:** The S10 chip delivers improved performance and enables enhanced features like faster on-device Siri processing. **Design Evolution:** Refined case dimensions (42mm/46mm vs 41mm/45mm) with thinner profile for improved comfort and aesthetics. **Shared Core Capabilities:** Both models include identical health monitoring (heart rate, ECG, sleep tracking), GPS functionality, cellular options, water resistance, app ecosystem access, and daily usability features. **Value Considerations:** **Choose Series 10 for:** - Latest technology and longest software support lifecycle - Significantly faster charging requirements - Premium display experience - Budget flexibility for higher-tier features **Choose Series 9 for:** - Cost-conscious purchasing (typically -150 savings) - Satisfaction with proven performance capabilities - Adequate charging speed for current usage patterns - Shorter planned device lifecycle **Bottom Line:** While Series 10 provides genuine improvements, Series 9 remains a highly capable smartwatch offering excellent value. The decision depends on individual priorities regarding latest features versus cost savings.

What size Apple Watch Series 9 should I get - 41mm or 45mm?

Choosing between 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 models depends on wrist size, display preferences, and aesthetic considerations. Both sizes offer identical functionality and performance. **Size Recommendations:** **41mm Model:** - Optimal for wrists 130-200mm (approximately 6-8 inches) in circumference - Provides more subtle, proportional appearance on smaller wrists - Ideal for users preferring minimal bulk during sleep or daily activities - Less likely to catch on clothing or interfere with movement **45mm Model:** - Best suited for wrists 160-210mm (approximately 7-9 inches) in circumference - Offers larger display for enhanced readability and app interaction - Provides more screen real estate for complications and detailed information - Suitable for users comfortable with more prominent wrist presence **Key Considerations:** **Display Advantages (45mm):** Larger screen improves text readability, app usability, and overall visual experience, particularly beneficial for users over 40 or those frequently using watch applications. **Comfort Advantages (41mm):** Smaller profile reduces bulk during sleep, exercise, and daily activities while maintaining sophisticated appearance. **Battery Performance:** While the 45mm model offers marginally better absolute battery life, both sizes provide comparable all-day usage under typical conditions. **Feature Parity:** Both sizes include identical health monitoring, connectivity, performance capabilities, and available features—no functionality is sacrificed with either choice. **Selection Strategy:** Visit an Apple Store to try both sizes when possible, as personal comfort and aesthetic preference significantly influence satisfaction with either option. **Bottom Line:** Choose 41mm for smaller wrists and subtle appearance, or 45mm for larger wrists and enhanced display readability. Both deliver excellent Apple Watch Series 9 performance regardless of size selection.

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?

The Apple Watch Series 9 features 50-meter water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and most water activities, though it's water resistant rather than fully waterproof. **Water Resistance Capabilities:** **Safe Water Activities:** - Swimming in pools, lakes, and ocean environments - Showering and daily water exposure - Rain and weather-related water contact - Water sports and recreational activities **50-Meter Rating Explanation:** This rating indicates the watch can handle water pressure equivalent to 50 meters of depth (approximately 164 feet), designed for swimming activities rather than deep diving applications. **Usage Limitations:** **Avoid These Activities:** - Scuba diving or high-pressure diving - High-velocity water sports (jet skiing, water skiing) - Sauna or hot tub exposure - Prolonged exposure to soaps, shampoos, and chemicals **Maintenance Requirements:** **Post-Water Care:** - Rinse with fresh water after chlorine or salt water exposure - Dry completely with soft cloth - Operate Digital Crown and side button to expel trapped water - Avoid touchscreen operation while wet (water interferes with touch sensitivity) **Long-Term Considerations:** Water resistance may decrease over time due to normal wear, impacts, or chemical exposure. Regular maintenance helps preserve sealing effectiveness. **Practical Performance:** The Series 9 handles typical swimming activities and daily water exposure effectively, with built-in water detection and expulsion features through the Digital Crown mechanism. **Bottom Line:** Apple Watch Series 9 provides reliable water resistance for swimming, showering, and recreational water activities, requiring basic maintenance to preserve long-term water resistance capabilities.

How fast does the Apple Watch Series 9 charge?

The Apple Watch Series 9 offers efficient charging performance, reaching 0-80% battery capacity in approximately 45 minutes using the included magnetic charging cable with an appropriate USB power adapter. **Charging Performance:** **Standard Charging Times:** - 0-80%: Approximately 45 minutes - 0-100%: 1.5-2 hours (varies with power source and environmental conditions) - 15-minute quick charge: Provides several hours of usage **Fast Charging Requirements:** Optimal charging speed requires a USB-C power adapter rated 20W or higher. The included magnetic charging cable is compatible with various power sources. **Performance Comparison:** The Series 9 charges faster than previous Apple Watch generations but slower than the newer Series 10 model, which achieves 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes. **Charging Optimization Factors:** **Environmental Considerations:** - Ambient temperature affects charging speed (extreme heat or cold reduces performance) - Battery age impacts charging efficiency over time **Usage During Charging:** Active use, workout tracking, or heavy app activity during charging can slow the charging process. **Practical Applications:** The 45-minute charging time integrates well with daily routines—sufficient for quick top-ups during morning preparation, evening routines, or brief downtime periods. **Magnetic Charging System:** The charging puck automatically aligns when positioned correctly, ensuring reliable connection without manual adjustment. **Bottom Line:** Apple Watch Series 9's charging performance provides practical daily usability with quick top-up capability that fits seamlessly into typical daily schedules without extended charging periods.

Can Apple Watch Series 9 detect sleep apnea?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes sleep apnea detection capabilities through advanced monitoring of breathing disturbances during sleep using the device's accelerometer technology. **How Sleep Apnea Detection Works:** The feature monitors subtle wrist movements that occur when breathing is disrupted during sleep, tracking patterns over multiple nights to identify signs consistent with moderate to severe sleep apnea. **FDA Medical Device Clearance:** This feature has received FDA clearance as a medical device, meeting regulatory standards for health monitoring accuracy and reliability. **Detection Process:** - Requires consistent overnight wear for approximately 30 days - Analyzes breathing disturbance patterns during sleep - Provides notifications if signs consistent with sleep apnea are detected - Suggests consulting healthcare providers for further evaluation **Device Compatibility:** Available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 with watchOS 11 or later. **Setup Requirements:** - Enable sleep tracking in the Health app - Wear Apple Watch consistently during sleep - Maintain regular charging schedule to ensure nightly use - Allow sufficient data collection period for accurate analysis **Medical Screening vs. Diagnosis:** This feature serves as a screening tool rather than diagnostic equipment. Only medical professionals can officially diagnose sleep apnea through comprehensive sleep studies. **Clinical Significance:** Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide, many undiagnosed. Early detection through wearable technology can prompt timely medical consultation and potential treatment. **Bottom Line:** The Apple Watch Series 9's sleep apnea detection provides valuable health screening capability that may identify a serious condition requiring medical attention, though professional medical evaluation remains essential for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the common problems with Apple Watch Series 9?

While the Apple Watch Series 9 is generally reliable, several common issues have been reported by users. Understanding these problems and their solutions can help ensure optimal device performance. **Primary Known Issues:** **False Touch/Ghost Touch Problems:** The most significant reported issue involved unintended screen activation, causing unwanted app switching, automatic passcode entry, and accidental emergency calls. Apple addressed this through watchOS 10.4 updates, making software updates essential. **Battery and Charging Issues:** Users report inconsistent charging behavior and unexpected battery drain. Common causes include poor charger contact, aging batteries, or background app activity. **Display Complications:** Intermittent pink coloration of watch face complications has been reported, typically resolving automatically without user intervention. **Connectivity Problems (Cellular Models):** GPS + Cellular models may occasionally fail to receive calls or notifications properly, often related to carrier network issues rather than hardware problems. **App Performance Issues:** Applications may freeze or respond slowly, typically requiring force-quitting through the app switcher (double-press side button, swipe up on problematic app). **Time Display Glitches:** Brief incorrect time display occasionally occurs before automatic correction, presenting no functional impact. **Resolution Methods:** **Software Solutions:** - Maintain current watchOS updates to address known issues - Force restart device (hold side button and Digital Crown for 10 seconds) - Force-quit problematic applications **Hardware Support:** Contact Apple Support for persistent hardware-related problems or issues unresolved by software troubleshooting. **Bottom Line:** Most reported issues are minor and addressable through software updates or basic troubleshooting. The false touch problem, previously the most concerning issue, has been largely resolved through recent updates.

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Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Fitness Tracker, Personalized HR Zones, Advanced Sleep Coaching, Heart Monitor, BIA Sensor, Health Wellness Insights, Big Screen, US Version, Graphite Graphite 40mm Bluetooth Watch6

8.07

Overall Score: 8.07/10

Professional:8.44/10

Consumer:7.7/10

📖 TLDR Review available

For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is our runner-up, recognized for its sophisticated design, robust battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking features. It includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS navigation, and seamlessly integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem, making it an excellent companion for those with Samsung smartphones. Reviewers have praised its smooth operation and the multitude of functionalities it offers, which cater to a wide range of user needs.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$249.99 at Walmart

📚More About Galaxy Watch 6 40mm

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What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6?

Q&A·1 years ago

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Budget Pick: Fitbit Versa 4

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Pink Sand/Copper Rose, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

7.8

Overall Score: 7.8/10

Professional:8/10

Consumer:7.6/10

📖 Read TLDR Review to learn more →

If you’re budget-conscious, the Fitbit Versa 4 is an outstanding choice. It delivers essential health and fitness tracking features at an affordable price. With reliable heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and remarkable battery life, it’s perfect for those who need a capable smartwatch without spending a fortune. According to our research, users appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a popular choice for budget shoppers.

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Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.95 at Amazon

Best for Specific Users: Garmin Forerunner 265

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray Black and Powder Gray 46 mm

7.3

Overall Score: 7.3/10

Professional:8/10

Consumer:6.6/10

📖 Read TLDR Review to learn more →

Avid runners and athletes should consider the Garmin Forerunner 265, designed with precise and dependable tracking in mind. It offers advanced running metrics, exceptional GPS accuracy, and comprehensive features that cover sleep quality and recovery times. The watch's ease of use during workouts and impressive battery life make it an ideal option for serious runners. According to user reviews, it reliably meets the rigorous demands of training and competition.

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Available at Amazon

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Best for Luxury: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Alpine Loop Large. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life, Carbon Neutral Blue Alpine Loop Large - fits 165-210mm wrists Rugged Titanium Case

For those desiring a touch of luxury, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is unparalleled. This model combines top-tier smartwatch functionalities with a refined design and premium materials. In addition to its efficient fitness tracking and health monitoring, it stands out for its sophisticated aesthetic. Users who prioritize both form and function will find the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to be an exceptional and stylish companion.

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Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$798.00 at Amazon

How we researched this

How we chose these: We looked at around 5 products in this category, compared prices across thousands of retailers, and read through hundreds of user reviews. We also tracked how prices have changed over the past few months to get a sense of value.

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