Elevate Your Game: The 7 Best Smartwatches for 2024

Smartwatches have evolved significantly since their inception, transforming from simple timepieces into multifunctional gadgets that enrich our daily lives. With capabilities beyond just telling time—such as app support, smartphone notifications, and heart rate monitoring—the best smartwatches are now essential for staying connected and monitoring health. You’ve come to the right spot if you’re looking for the 7 best smartwatches for 2024.

Choosing the Right Smartwatch

Navigating the smartwatch landscape can be overwhelming, given the myriad options available today. Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android enthusiast, there’s a smartwatch that caters to your specific needs. Among the many contenders, the Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as the best choice for iPhone users, thanks to its sleek design, extensive app selection, and precise fitness tracking. However, if you’re looking for something more affordable or if you’re an Android user, we’ve got plenty of options to explore. Let’s dive into our top picks to find the proper smartwatch for you!

The 7 Best Smartwatches for 2024

1. Apple Watch Series 10: The Ultimate Smartwatch for iPhone Users

The Apple Watch Series 10 establishes a new benchmark with its remarkable lifestyle, fitness, health, and safety features. It offers the widest variety of third-party apps found on any smartwatch. Its sleek design features a larger screen and a slimmer profile than its predecessor, while a new lightweight titanium case option adds to its appeal.

One of the significant upgrades is its enhanced adventuring capabilities, including depth and water temperature sensing, audio playback, and sleep apnea detection. These features make the Apple Watch Series 10 a comprehensive option for anyone looking to stay active and informed. It is our Editors’ Choice for iPhone users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch that excels in connectivity and health tracking.

If you’re torn between the Series 10 and the more budget-friendly Watch SE, it’s worth noting that the Series 10 justifies its premium price with its larger screen, always-on display, and advanced health-tracking functionalities. However, it’s essential to know that blood oxygen saturation monitoring has been inactive for Apple Watches sold in the U.S. since January 18, 2024.

Pros:

• Sleeker case design and larger screen compared to Series 9
• Attractive aluminum and titanium case options
• Enhanced adventuring features
• It supports audio playback and offers sleep apnea notifications

Cons:

• The blood oxygen sensor is currently inactive

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: Smart Features at an Affordable Price

For those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is an excellent choice. It shares many similarities with the more expensive Galaxy Watch 7 but at a lower price. Running on Wear OS, this smartwatch allows you to access standard Google apps like Assistant, Maps, Messages, and the Play Store.

From a wellness perspective, the Galaxy Watch FE offers robust workout tracking, measuring heart rate, pace, VO2 Max, and advanced running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation. It even provides unique features not found in some competitors, such as overnight snore tracking and body composition measurements. With its durable build and IP68 weather-resistance rating, this smartwatch is built to last.

If you want to stay connected while keeping costs down, the Galaxy Watch FE delivers excellent value. It’s compatible with Android phones with at least 2GB of RAM, making it a versatile option for many users. Currently, it’s available in a tiny 40mm size with a Bluetooth model, but an LTE version is expected to launch soon.

Pros:

• Excellent touch and gesture controls
• Accurate heart rate monitoring
• Comprehensive sleep metrics
• In-depth exercise tracking

Cons:

• Small screen with significant bezels
• Limited app support compared to competitors

3. Fitbit Ace LTE: Fun and Safety for Kids

Designed specifically for kids ages 7 to 11, the Fitbit Ace LTE combines fitness, gaming, and safety features in a kid-friendly package. The built-in arcade is a fun aspect of the watch, encouraging active play while limiting screen time. It tracks various activities throughout the day, including floors climbed, light and moderate activities, and steps taken. Daily quests and customizable avatars further enhance engagement for young users.

For parents, the Ace LTE offers location tracking through GPS and Google Maps, included in a monthly subscription service that provides LTE connectivity. Kids can send texts and call trusted contacts added by parents via a Google Family Link account.

While the Ace LTE comes at a premium price and requires a monthly subscription, its unique offerings make it a worthwhile investment for parents looking to keep their children engaged and safe.

Pros:

• Activity-based games
• Location tracking capabilities
• Supports texting and calling trusted contacts
• Robust parental controls

Cons:

• Higher cost due to the subscription model
• Limited features compared to adult smartwatches

4. Garmin Venu Sq 2: The Fitness-Focused Smartwatch

Standing out in the crowded fitness smartwatch market, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 excels with its practical design and impressive battery life, lasting up to nine days between charges. Featuring a sizeable AMOLED color touch screen, this smartwatch offers better text legibility than round models, making it user-friendly.

The Venu Sq 2 focuses on fitness and health tracking, providing various workout tools while offering lifestyle features like calendar and weather apps, smartphone notifications, and Garmin Pay support for mobile payments. If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that prioritizes fitness, the Venu Sq 2 is our Editors’ Choice winner in this category.

With compatibility for both iOS and Android devices, the Venu Sq 2 is versatile enough for most users. A Music Edition is also available for those who want to store music directly on the watch.

Pros:

• Large AMOLED touchscreen
• Long battery life
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Comprehensive health metrics and contactless payments

Cons:

• Lacks floor tracking capabilities
• Limited lifestyle features compared to competitors

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Advanced Features for Health Monitoring

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a standout choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced wellness features. With innovative health tracking capabilities, including FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index tracking, this smartwatch provides valuable insights into metabolic health.

Its dual-frequency GPS ensures accurate location tracking and gesture controls allow quick access to apps and features. Built with durability, the Galaxy Watch 7 has an IP68 rating, MIL-STD-810H certification, and 5ATM water resistance, making it suitable for various environments.

If you’re looking for the best Wear OS smartwatch for health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 7 is an excellent option. It offers a larger screen and a more comprehensive array of features than the Galaxy Watch FE, making it ideal for serious users.

Pros:

• Accurate heart rate monitoring
• Comprehensive sleep-tracking features
• AI-driven health insights
• Responsive touch and gesture controls

Cons:

• Short battery life (one day)
• Slightly inaccurate running metrics

6. Apple Watch SE: The Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re looking for an entry-level smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE is the perfect choice. The second-generation model has received minor updates but remains a fantastic budget-friendly option in Apple’s lineup. Although it lacks an always-on display and a few advanced health sensors, it still offers robust connectivity, safety, and fitness features.

Safety functionalities include Emergency SOS, fall detection, and irregular heart rate notifications, making it a solid choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, children, teens, and older adults. It even supports Apple’s Family Setup feature, allowing you to manage the watch for family members who don’t own an iPhone.

While the Series 10 is our top pick for advanced health tracking, the Apple Watch SE offers excellent value for a well-rounded smartwatch experience without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Upgraded processor from the previous model
• New motion sensor for Crash Detection
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Excellent app selection and safety features

Cons:

• Lacks always-on display
• Missing advanced sensors for ECG and body temperature

7. Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Rugged Companion for Adventurers

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the rugged smartwatch you’ve been waiting for. With its durable design and extended battery life, this watch is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The Ultra series offers the most significant design overhaul for the Apple Watch, featuring a customizable Action button, a more tactile Digital Crown, and a flat front crystal for increased durability.

Packed with outdoor-specific features, the Ultra 2 includes a bright display, improved water resistance, and dual-frequency GPS for enhanced accuracy. The built-in emergency siren is a lifesaver for those venturing into the great outdoors. With a WR100 water-resistance rating, it’s the only Apple Watch suitable for high-speed water sports and recreational diving.

While its price tag may be steep, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the perfect companion for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers.

Pros:

• Bright, durable display
• Powerful processor with on-device Siri capabilities
• Excellent connectivity features
• Suitable for high-speed water sports and diving

Cons:

• Expensive
• It may feel bulky for users with smaller wrists

Conclusion

With so many options available, finding the proper smartwatch can feel daunting. Whether you’re an iPhone user looking for the best experience with the Apple Watch Series 10, an Android user exploring the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, or a parent seeking a safe option for your child, there’s a smartwatch out there for everyone. Evaluate your lifestyle, preferences, and budget, and make an informed choice to find the perfect smartwatch that suits your needs.