Best Smartwatches of 2027

What separates the best smartwatches on this page?

Two things decide most of it: which phone is in your pocket, and how often you want to charge. The Apple Watch Series 10 scores 8.1 and has the lowest heart-rate error on intervals here, but it is iPhone only and runs a day and a half. The Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 both score 7.9 at $449.99 — the Venu 3 measured 12 days with an AMOLED screen, the Forerunner 265 held dual-band GPS under trees and buildings and lasted 11 days with daily GPS runs.

Below that, the Amazfit Balance at $229.99 scores 7.8 with 13 days measured and dual-band GPS within 1.2% on the 5K, though its heart rate lagged 4 bpm on intervals. The OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 both score 7.7 at $329.99: the OnePlus lasts five days with full Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch 7 brings ECG and sleep apnoea but needs a Samsung phone for both. The Apple Watch SE scores 7.6 at $249, and the Google Pixel Watch 3 scores 7.4 at $349.99 with Fitbit metrics and Loss of Pulse detection.

What should you check before buying a smartwatch?

Our scoring puts 30 points on health and fitness accuracy, 20 on battery, 20 on smart features and ecosystem, 20 on value and 10 on design and display. That order matches how the watches actually differ.

• Phone match: the Series 10 is iPhone only; ECG and blood pressure on the Galaxy Watch 7 need a Samsung phone.
• Charging habit: the Series 10, Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 all run a day and a half. The Venu 3, Forerunner 265 and Amazfit Balance run 12, 11 and 13 days measured.
• Training depth: the Forerunner 265 carries training load, readiness and race predictor; the Venu 3 costs the same with fewer training tools.
• Heart-rate accuracy: the Series 10 leads on intervals; the Amazfit Balance lagged 4 bpm.
• Size and screen: the OnePlus Watch 3 is 46 mm only; the Apple Watch SE has a smaller, dimmer screen and no always-on display.

iPhone owners

The Apple Watch Series 10 suits anyone who wants ECG, sleep apnoea notifications and the app experience, and will charge daily. The Apple Watch SE covers the same watchOS, apps and safety features for $249, with Family Setup for a child or parent without an iPhone.

Runners and long battery

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is for runners who want dual-band GPS and training readiness. The Garmin Venu 3 trades those metrics for calls from the wrist, nap detection and 12 days. The Amazfit Balance gets close on GPS and battery for $229.99.

Android and Wear OS

The OnePlus Watch 3 fits a big wrist and a five-day charging cycle. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is for Samsung phone owners who want ECG and body composition. The Google Pixel Watch 3 suits Fitbit users who want the cleanest-looking Wear OS watch.

For iPhone owners, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the pick if you will charge daily, and the Apple Watch SE covers the same apps and safety features for $249. Runners should look at the Garmin Forerunner 265 for dual-band GPS and training readiness, while the Garmin Venu 3 trades those for calls and 12 days of battery. On Android, the OnePlus Watch 3 lasts five days, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 adds ECG for Samsung phones, and the Amazfit Balance gets 13 days for $229.99.