Let’s be honest: shopping for a smartwatch these days can feel like walking into a crowded store with no map. There are new releases, previous-generation models still on shelves, and feature lists that all blur together after a while. The best approach is to slow down, forget the hype, and think about what you actually need on your wrist. Lately, one of the most important factors has been repairability. We’ve all been trained to treat gadgets as disposable, but that’s starting to change, and Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is a perfect example of why. At $330, the Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just another Android smartwatch; it’s the first repairable smartwatch Google has ever released. That means when a part fails, there’s legitimate hope of fixing it instead of tossing the whole thing in a drawer. That kind of design philosophy is easy to get behind, especially if you care about waste, cost over time, or simply hate the idea of throwing away something that could still be saved. Of course, the Pixel Watch 5 is now on the scene, so you shouldn’t be paying full price for last year’s model. But that doesn’t mean the Watch 4 is obsolete. On sale, it becomes a genuinely smart pick: you get all of the core Google wearable experience, a design that feels polished on the wrist, and the rare peace of mind that comes with knowing you can actually open it up and fix it if something goes wrong. In a world where most smartwatches are sealed shut and designed to be replaced, that alone is reason to pay attention. Even if you don’t end up needing a repair, knowing that the option is there makes the Watch 4 feel less like a throwaway gadget and more like a long-term companion.
If you’re in the Apple world, the choices can feel just as overwhelming, but there are two models that make a lot of sense depending on your budget. The Apple Watch SE 3, priced at $249, hasn’t been updated this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s suddenly irrelevant. In fact, it’s still a lovely upgrade for anyone coming from an older model, and it’s a particularly great option for older parents or kids who don’t need every health sensor imaginable. Under the hood, it has the same S10 chip found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3, which means it’s still quick and capable. Apple has just carefully trimmed some features to keep the price low. You won’t get hypertension notifications, the ECG app, or the Blood Oxygen app, and the screen brightness tops out at 1,000 nits instead of something brighter. Battery life is also limited to about 18 hours, which is fine but not exciting. Still, you’re getting a smartwatch that supports many of the new watchOS 27 features, including the more conversational Siri experiences and other quality-of-life improvements. It’s not the flashiest watch Apple sells, but it’s honest, practical, and easy to recommend to someone who wants a dependable Apple Watch without spending a fortune. Then there’s the Apple Watch Series 11 at $399. This is where things get interesting. Thanks to watchOS 27, the Series 11 inherits a lot of what makes the new Series 12 appealing, including Siri AI features and perimenopause support. Both watches also share the same 24-hour battery life, so you’re not losing endurance by choosing the older model. What you do miss out on are the high-frequency background heart rate tracking, the new Readiness score, and Audio Intelligence. Those are genuinely useful additions, but they’re not must-haves for everyone. The tricky part is pricing: since the Series 12 didn’t get a price increase, paying anywhere close to full MSRP for the Series 11 doesn’t make sense. If you can find it on sale, though, it’s a fantastic value. You’re essentially getting most of the latest experience for less, as long as you’re willing to skip a few of the newest bells and whistles.
Apple’s premium side is worth a mention too, especially if you’re eyeing the Apple Watch Ultra 3. At $799, the Ultra 3 is still a great watch for outdoor adventures, long runs, and anyone who wants a rugged case and excellent battery life. But with a new model likely already here or coming soon, you really shouldn’t pay anywhere near MSRP for the Ultra 3. If you can find a solid discount, it’s still worth considering; otherwise, you may as well spend your money on the newer version. For Android users, though, the most interesting options might come from Samsung. Last year’s Galaxy Watch8 series actually includes three different watches: a 40-millimeter model, a 44-millimeter model, and the Galaxy Watch8 Classic, which comes in at 46 millimeters and features Samsung’s signature mechanical rotating bezel. That bezel is more than just a design quirk. You can physically rotate it to scroll through menus, and it feels surprisingly satisfying in daily use. Battery life varies quite a bit across the lineup. Former WIRED editor Adrienne So tested the smallest Watch8 and found the battery life disappointing, which makes sense given its smaller size. Senior editor Julian Chokkattu, on the other hand, got close to two full days on the Watch8 Classic and came away impressed. His advice is simple: if you see the 44-millimeter model or the Classic on sale, go for one of those. The rotating bezel alone makes the Classic feel distinctive, and the extra battery capacity makes it a much better daily driver. For Android users who want a traditional smartwatch experience with strong fitness tracking and a comfortable design, the Watch8 series is worth a serious look.
If you want something even tougher from Samsung, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is the company’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin’s adventure watches. It’s priced at $650, and it’s technically the 2025 model, though it’s almost identical to the 2024 version. The main differences are 64 gigabytes of storage and a new blue color option. That might sound like a small update, but the core watch was already solid enough that it didn’t need much changing. Because it’s a large 47-millimeter watch, Samsung was able to pack in a beefy battery, and it lasts a little over two days on a single charge. That’s not Garmin-level endurance, but it’s plenty for most people. The build quality is excellent too, with a titanium case, sapphire glass face, and a water resistance rating of 10 ATM and IP68, which means you can take it underwater down to 100 meters. For swimmers, snorkelers, and anyone who spends a lot of time in or around water, that’s a reassuring spec. The heart rate tracker is also remarkably consistent with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is high praise, and the dual-band GPS delivers accurate mapping when you’re out exploring. There are some downsides, though. Samsung’s software isn’t as intuitive as some competitors, and a few features still feel lacking when compared to other performance smartwatches. But for Android users, this is a good start. It’s a rugged, capable, and well-built watch that can hold its own in most situations. And if you don’t care about the new blue color or the extra storage, you can probably save some money by tracking down the 2024 model instead. Either way, you’re getting a serious adventure watch without having to leave the Android ecosystem.
Before you make a decision, it helps to understand the difference between smartwatches and fitness trackers, because they’re not always the same thing. A smartwatch is essentially a mini smartphone for your wrist. It can replicate many of the functions you’re used to on your phone, like controlling smart home devices, responding to Slack messages, or summoning an AI assistant such as Siri or Gemini. On top of that, it typically includes standard health and fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, step counting, and sleep tracking. The trade-off is battery life. Most smartwatches only last a day or two, and some don’t even make it that far if you use them heavily. Fitness trackers, on the other hand, are more focused and often more restrained. They may let you control music playback or read text messages, but they’re generally more limited when it comes to apps and features. They also don’t usually offer cellular coverage. What they lack in bells and whistles, they make up for in battery life and health tracking. Because they’re designed for multi-day excursions, endurance sports, and consistent sleep tracking, they tend to have batteries that last much longer. They also don’t have to be worn on the wrist at all. Fitness trackers can come in the form of a smart ring, a chest strap, or even a contactless wearable. So if your main goal is to understand your body, get better sleep, and train smarter, a dedicated fitness tracker might actually be a better fit than a full smartwatch. You can always check out a guide to the best fitness trackers for vetted recommendations, but the important thing is to ask yourself what you’re really buying this device for before you spend the money.
Finally, once you pick a smartwatch, you’ll probably want to think about bands, and there’s good news there: you don’t have to stick with the strap that comes in the box. Every smartwatch has bands that can be swapped out, though the process varies. Apple Watches, Google Pixel Watches, and Samsung Galaxy Watches all use proprietary strap systems, which means you’ll need to buy bands specifically made for them. Other watches may accept standard analog watch bands, which opens up an almost endless range of styles and materials. The easiest way to figure out what works is to check the manual or the website where you bought the watch. As long as you know the band size and whether the connection is proprietary, you’re free to experiment with different colors, materials, and designs. There is one thing you should be careful about, though: some bands contain PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” A study published in December 2024 found that many smartwatches and fitness trackers with fluoroelastomer straps, which are a type of synthetic rubber, had high concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid, a type of PFAS linked to immune, thyroid, kidney, and reproductive health problems. The study noted that there’s still limited knowledge about how much of these chemicals actually absorb into the skin, but it’s enough to make you think twice. If you’re worried, stay away from straps made from fluoroelastomer, which is often listed in the product description but not always. That includes popular options like Apple’s Sport Bands and Google’s Active Band. Instead, opt for other materials like silicone, metal, or leather. You can still express your personal style, swap straps for different occasions, and feel good about what you’re putting on your wrist.
