🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

🔥 Trending Deals

Loading trending deals...

Best Smartwatches for 2025

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

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 11th, 2024

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.

🥇
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.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$329.00 at Amazon

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.

View All Answers for

🥈
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

$199.88 at Amazon

💸
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.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$190.90 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.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$349.99 at Amazon

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

7.19

Overall Score: 7.19/10

Consumer:7.19/10

📖 Read TLDR Review to learn more →

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.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$798.00 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers