8 Best Smartwatches (2026): Apple, Google, and Hybrid Watches

Boutayna Chokrane Julian ChokkattuGearJul 21, 2026 8:02 AMThe Best Smartwatches, Backed by Years of TestingThese WIRED-tested wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected.CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Smartwatch for iPhoneApple Watch Series 11Read more$399 AppleBest Smartwatch for AndroidGoogle Pixel Watch 4Read more$400 Amazon (45 mm)An Affordable Apple WatchApple Watch SE 3Read more$279 $249 (11% off) AmazonBest for Samsung LoyalistsSamsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 ClassicRead more$370 Amazon (44 mm)A great timepiece doesn’t just display the time of day. It can also elevate your outfit and make you feel good. The best smartwatches can do even more, from tracking your workouts and heart rate to serving as a notification hub and accessing voice assistants. While wearing a connected watch, you can leave your phone in your pocket and use your wrist for simple tasks.Like many consumer gadgets today, smartwatches have gotten pricier, driven by several factors, including rising component costs and supply chain pressures. That said, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains my favorite for iPhone owners, but Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is the best smartwatch for Android users. I also like several other options—in various styles and with different levels of smarts.Below is a roundup of the best smartwatches I’ve tested. Looking for a fitness tracker or smart ring instead? There's plenty more in our Best Fitness Trackers, Best Smart Rings, and Best Cheap Watches guides.Updated July 2026: We've refined our recommendations and removed discontinued products; added an FAQ section and smartwatch comparison table; and updated product information, prices, and links.Jump toAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronCompare Top 8 SmartwatchesMore Smartwatches to ConsiderFrequently Asked QuestionsBest Smartwatch for iPhonePhotograph: Michael SawhPhotograph: Michael SawhPhotograph: Adrienne SoPhotograph: Adrienne SoChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAppleWatch Series 11$399 Apple$399 $299 (25% off) Amazon$399 $299 (25% off) Best BuyThe Series 11 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the top smartwatch for iPhone owners, mixing a nice blend of features for a reasonable price. That includes arguably the most important upgrade: all-day battery life. No, really, Apple has finally upgraded the 18-hour runtime to a full 24 hours, and that's a game-changer. Now you can wear your watch to bed and track your sleep knowing it won't die in the middle of the night.The second most notable addition is hypertension notifications. The CDC says nearly half the US adult population has high blood pressure, which increases the risk of a stroke or heart disease. You shouldn't use the Series 11 to diagnose hypertension, but you can double-check your results with your physician if there are trouble signs. It's FDA-cleared, and you'll need to wear the watch for 14 days before it starts delivering alerts. Apple has also added a Sleep Score that rates your sleep, and blood oxygen is officially back.It's worth noting that the older Series 10 can also take advantage of some of these new features via a software update, including hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, so if you can find it on sale, it might be worth snagging it instead of the latest and greatest. However, a full 24 hours of battery life might trump everything else. Read our Best Apple Watch guide for more.SpecsCase size: 42 mm or 46 mmCompatibility: iOSConnectivity: Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi optionsStraps: ProprietaryTop health features: Hypertension notifications, heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, sleep apnea notifications, blood oxygen sensing, skin temperature sensing, electrocardiogram, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detectionBest Smartwatch for AndroidPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuChev