Best smartwatches 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

What features do you need from a smartwatch or Apple Watch and how much should you spend on one? Here's how to choose the right one
Amy AxworthySenior researcher & writer

The best smartwatches not only look stylish, they'll also work seamlessly to track fitness, control apps, deliver notifications and help you communicate straight from your wrist. 

In our expert tests, we've found plenty of models that tick these boxes, but we've also come across those that are uncomfortable, lack functionality or don’t track your activity accurately.

In this guide, we'll help you to find the perfect smartwatch, whatever your budget. As our tests prove, spending big won't always guarantee you a Which? Best Buy smartwatch.

Just want to see reviews of all the smartwatches we've tested? Head to our smartwatch reviews.

Video: How to buy the best smartwatch

How much do you need to pay for a good smartwatch?

Smartwatches cost anything from £40 to more than £700, but we've found some good models for around £100, and there are several Which? Best Buy smartwatches that cost less than £200. 

Paying more will get you features like advanced activity tracking and premium materials, such as a strap and bezel made of stainless steel or aluminium rather than plastic. New models, especially from bigger brands, usually command a premium. 

Head to our guide to the best cheap smartwatches for more on picking the best budget option. 

Which smartwatches are compatible with my phone?

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a smartwatch is whether it’s compatible with your smartphone, as you’ll need to connect them to access incoming calls, texts, emails and apps. 

Fortunately, cross-compatibility is a lot better than it used to be, but there are still some things to bear in mind.

  • iPhone If you're an iPhone user, an Apple Watch is by far the best option. Apple Watches don't work properly with Android phones, although there are ways to get some limited functionality. If one of your family members has an iPhone, you could use the new Apple Family Setup feature, whereby multiple Apple Watches can be paired with the same iPhone. Check out our guide to the best Apple Watches for more.
  • Samsung Samsung watches run the Tizen operating system. Just as Apple Watches are best with an iPhone, you're better off with a Samsung-branded phone here. However, you will find good compatibility with other Android brands. Apps have historically been more limited on Tizen than on Wear OS, although this is slowly improving, with popular apps such as Spotify, Uber and Nest now available. There's some compatibility with iPhones, but some more recent releases, are not compatible.
  • Google Wear OS, the Google smartwatch operating system, is the most versatile and works fairly seamlessly across all Android brands. There's a wealth of apps available and standalone apps will work with any Bluetooth or wi-fi connection, even without your phone nearby. iPhone compatibility is more limited, so it's worth checking reviews before buying. For example, you probably won't be able to respond to messages via text or using your voice, even if your watch supports it for Android.

Get help choosing with our Apple Watch reviews, Samsung smartwatch reviews and Wear OS smartwatch reviews.

What is a hybrid smartwatch?

Some watches, including many that run Wear OS, combine classic design with modern tech, hiding smart features behind a traditional-looking face.

These watches will often have a decent set of smart features, but aren't intended for hardcore fitness fans who want accurate, detailed tracking of particular sports. Some, due to their design and materials, are primarily about fashion, and won't really be suitable to wear at the gym.

Even if all you're after is a chic-looking watch with a smattering of smart features, it's worth checking our smartwatch reviews before you buy, as we've found some that look cheaper in reality than their marketing pictures – which is disappointing for the high price, particularly if you're buying it as a present.

What features do I need on a smartwatch?

Fitness tracking All smartwatches will cover the basics, such as step and distance tracking. Most have a heart-rate monitor, and an increasing number have built-in GPS, so you can track your running route without taking your phone. Many are also waterproof, which is handy if you want to keep your watch on in the pool (although only some offer detailed swimming metrics). At Which?, we run all smartwatches through a rigorous test to see how accurate its exercise-logging capabilities really are.

Internal storage Most good smartwatches should have a reasonable amount of internal memory: look for 4GB or more. This not only allows you to download new apps, but also store music so you can listen to tunes without a smartphone in tow.

Internet A smartwatch with wi-fi can connect to local networks, so you can continue to receive notifications and use online functions even if your phone is out of Bluetooth range, so long as both your watch and phone have access to a wi-fi network.

LTE Also known as cellular connectivity, this allows you to make and receive calls, texts and other notifications without your phone nearby. It's not available for everyone, as only a small number of network carriers offer LTE. Connectivity will also have a large impact on the battery life of the watch. And you'll need to consider the ongoing monthly cost.

Near-field communication (NFC) If you're looking to make contactless payments via your smartwatch, make sure it has built in NFC and that it's compatible with your bank. 

Built-in GPS Smartwatches can use the GPS on your smartphone, but, if you like to exercise outside and don’t want to be tied to your phone, built-in GPS allows you to track your route and distance while leaving your smartphone at home. We repeat our walking test to see if the smartwatches consistently overstate, understate or hit the accuracy mark.

Waterproofing Most smartwatches should be at least splashproof, and ideally IP67- or IP68-certified for immersion in water. Note that this doesn't meant the watch is suitable for swimming; this capability is usually measured in atmospheres (ATM). For example, 5 ATM means a smartwatch is water-resistant up to a depth of 50 metres. See Water ratings explained for more.

Built-in speaker Most smartwatches have a built-in microphone (useful for dictating voice messages as responses, or using a voice assistant to issue commands), but it's less common to find a speaker. This won't be essential for everyone, but if you want to make phone calls using just your watch, it's a must-have. It's also useful for alarms and reminders as an alternative to the vibration alert.

22mm watch strap Some smartwatches (including the Apple Watch and older Samsung Gear watches) use a proprietary strap connection, which means you'll have to stick to a fairly limited set of branded replacements (or passable imitations). Choose a smartwatch with a removable 22mm strap, and you'll find a massive range of designs and materials available, with prices starting from just a few pounds.

Which smartwatch brands offer the best software and security support policies?

Software and security support are important considerations when buying a smartwatch, dictating how long the brand continues updating the device with new features and security patches to guard against emerging threats. Unfortunately, policies vary.

  • Samsung promises at least five years from launch on the Galaxy Watch4 and later, and three years on previous models.
  • Fitbit said its devices 'typically receive' software updates for at least two years after a model is no longer sold on its website.
  • Garmin said in 2022 it will provide updates for a minimum of two years from launch on its consumer products. It didn't respond when we asked again this year.
  • Honor will support its smartwatches for a minimum of two years from launch.

Apple did not specify a minimum support period, and instead referred us to the Apple Security Updates website, where you can check to see whether a watch has received the latest update.

Other smartwatch brands that did not provide us with information on minimum update support periods include: Amazfit, Huawei, Mobvoi, Realme and Xiaomi. 

Polar said it follows regulations and guidance on security and software updates, but didn't guarantee a minimum support period either.

While you may not be at immediate risk if you're using a device that's unsupported, it's obviously much safer to buy and use a device that you know will receive update support for a decent period of time. For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.

Best Samsung smartwatches

The Samsung Galaxy Watch can analyse your exercise and help you to manage your health, as well as having a bunch of apps that you find on your Samsung phone. They're generally cheaper than the Apple Watch. The sixth iteration has just been released, so watch this space for our reviews.

We've featured the best of the best below from our tests.

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If Apple's your choice, check out our guide to the Best Apple smartwatches.

How do we test accuracy?

We test how accurately smartwatches log steps during walks and runs, as well as household activities, including packing and unpacking the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, going up and down stairs and sitting reading a magazine. 

Some smartwatches wildly over- or understate step count, either missing steps or being so sensitive that they clock up too many. In particular, many smartwatches miscalculate steps during everyday household activities, mistaking any hand movement for you swinging your arm while taking a step. Some smartwatches from well-known brands have been out by around 80% in this part of our test.

We test smartwatches during low-intensity exercise, high-intensity running and cycling as well as while resting, to see how accurately each one monitors your heart rate. We compare these results to those taken by chest belts, which are known to be much more accurate. One smartwatch we tested from a popular brand was more than 60% out when measuring heart rate at rest. 

All smartwatches are taken on runs and walks along routes of a known length, to see how accurately they track your distance travelled. Our routes include woods with dense tree coverage.

Find out more about how we test smartwatches.

Best smartwatches with heart rate monitors

If you are interested in monitoring your heart rate with a view to getting more out of your workouts, then look for a smartwatch with an in-built heart-rate monitor.

Some watches go even further, allowing you to take electrocardiograms to check for signs of atrial fibrillation. It's important to note that these aren't medical devices, so any heart concerns you have should always be taken to your GP. But you can flag any unusual readings with your GP and your device can help you build a more detailed overall picture of your health.

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Best GPS smartwatches for running

Not all smartwatches have built-in GPS. Some have to rely on your phone's GPS, so you'll have to take your phone out with you when you go for a run to track your route and distance. If you leave your phone behind, your distance will be based on step count. 

If you're a keen runner, we recommend looking for a watch with in-built GPS for the best chance of accuracy. Be aware that GPS will drain your battery faster, though.

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    • best buy
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Best waterproof smartwatches for swimming

Some smartwatches shouldn't be used in the water at all. Others can be if you've got the right sort of strap, usually silicone.

Some waterproof watches don't give you much in the way of swim-tracking data, while others go into plenty of detail and tell you the number of lengths, your pace, stroke rate and swimming efficiency. A few can be paired with a heart-rate monitor chest strap. Here's our top pick

Water ratings explained

You'll sometimes see wearables' ability to withstand water described according to different ratings. Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and refer to the protection provided by the casing of an electrical device in fresh water.

The first digit after the IP reflects the level of protection against solids, such as dust or grit. The second represents the protection against moisture. An IP code with an X in place of either number means the device hasn't been tested for that element.

For example, a smartwatch with a rating of IPX7 has been tested for moisture protection but not for dust. 

  • IP 0: no protection
  • IP 1-3: Protection against light rain
  • IP 4-6: Splash proof
  • IP 7: Protected from immersion in water at a depth of up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes
  • IP 8: Protected from continuous immersion in water at a depth of more than 1 metre 

You can also look for a water pressure rating. These are standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). 

Pressure tests are measured in atmospheres (ATMs) and replicate the level of pressure at certain depths of water.

  • 1 ATM: Resistant to pressure equivalent to a depth of 10 metres. Splashproof but not shower- or swim-proof.
  • 3 ATM: Resistant to pressure equivalent to a depth of 30 metres. Splash- and shower-proof; should be fine if accidentally submerged in water. Not designed for swimming.
  • 5 ATM: Resistant to pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 metres. Splash- and showerproof, can be worn swimming and snorkelling in shallow water.
  • 10 ATM: Resistant to pressure equivalent to a depth of 100 metres. Splash- and showerproof; suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Not designed for deep-water diving or watersports. 
  • 20 ATM: Resistant to pressure equivalent to a depth of 200 metres. Splash- and showerproof; suitable for swimming and snorkelling, surface diving and watersports but not deep-water diving.

Put your smartwatch to the test tracking progress in a home gym – our exercise equipmen can help you get started.