The best watch on the market right now is the SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4. It runs well on all the best phones, even if you pair it with aSamsung phone. It has all of the features you would expect from a Wearable from SAMSUNG. Wear OS 3 should not deter you from buying the new model of the watch, even though it might be a slight departure from previous models. It is lightweight, compact, and stylish, perfect for fitness enthusiasts who want to experience the best of both worlds. If you don't like that choice, there are many other amazing options.

What are the best Android smartwatches?

If you are in the market for the best smartwatch in the market, we recommend the SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4. Users are looking for features that are attractive while maintaining an attractive design. If you don't mind spending a bit more money on a premium watch, then you should upgrade to the better one. These are some of the most impressive devices.

The new Wear OS 3 platform and beautiful hardware make theGalaxy Wearables so great. TheGalaxy Watch 4 has a "virtual" bezel that lets you move around the software by rotating around the edge of the display.

Over the last couple of years, SAMSUNG HEALTH has improved immensely and now features a built-in gps for monitoring outdoor runs or bike rides, as well as a well-rounded selection of workout tracking options. The included sports bands are comfortable enough that you can forget about them until a notification comes in, which is easy to dismiss.

The latest Wearable device can also be worn with other devices. There is no support for the iPad. The user experience will be slightly different now that Wear OS 3 has been created. It is the first watch to launch with the new software. Not all existing Wear OS watches will get the update. At the initial launch date, each product will receive at least three years of software support. You want to make sure that you consider the software when shopping for a smartwatch.

We recommend the Mobvoi TicWatch E3 if you are not interested in a SAMSUNG SWITCH or prefer how GOOGLE does things. It is one of the cheapest Wear OS watches you can buy. One of the existing Wear OS watches will eventually be eligible to upgrade to the new Wear OS platform. It has a simple but efficient design with a high-density display. It runs smoothly thanks to the 4100 chip and 1GB of RAM. If you want the premium version of this, you can spend a bit more and get the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS, which will also be eligible to upgrade to Wear OS 3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Hands On

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

The best watch for most people.

It is easy to see that the game is changing, but it is not hard to see that the SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4 is familiar to Tizen loyalists. Wear OS is the biggest change. The design is accompanied by many features and perks. You can get a lot of things, including gps, heart-rate monitoring, and much more.

There are pros.

  • Attractive, thoughtful design
  • Optional LTE connectivity
  • Easy-to-use capacitive bezel
  • Comprehensive health/fitness tracking
  • Excellent performance and app support

There are pros and cons.

  • Battery life is just OK
  • Health tracking not as accurate as Garmin

The best deals of the day.

Best smartwatch overallSamsung Galaxy Watch 4
SpecsExynos W920

There is 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

Display size40mm / 44mm
Band size20mm
Weight25.9g (40mm) / 30.3g (44mm)
Battery life40 hours
OSWear OS Powered by Samsung
ColorsSilver, Black, Green, Pink Gold
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTEYes, Optional
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging✔️ (Qi)

The most well-rounded Wearable experience for users of the OS is provided by the GALAXY WATCH 4. The design is lightweight and caters to active individuals. It also has an extremely sharp and vivid touch display that is easy to navigate and fun to use. The debut of Wear OS 3 has been very good. The performance is smooth and there is better app selection.

TheActive may not have been the name of the previous watch, but it is still a fitness watch. Automatic workout tracking, sleep tracking, and heart-rate monitoring are features of it. The new 3-in-1 BioActive chip houses many of the key sensors. The sensors include heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. The latter uses a weak electrical pulse to measure body composition.

If you wear a watch for notifications, the watch will be very satisfying to use. Excellent support for the notification system is what you will appreciate. You can reply with your voice, built-in keyboard, or one of the many quick answers. There are a lot of reasons why theGalaxy Watch 4 is the best watch on the market right now.

We have to think about battery life. The battery life on previous models was not as good, but the new model will only have 40 hours per charge. The Wear OS watches that barely last a day are better. It is nice to be able to easily charge your watch with a compatible wireless pad.

Read the full review.

Ticwatch E3 Lifestyle

Source: Chris Wedel/Android Central (Image credit: Source: Chris Wedel/Android Central)

2. Mobvoi TicWatch E3

Our top choice for a Wear OS watch.

Users might be hesitant to buy a Wear OS watch right now because of all the changes. The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is one of the few confirmed for the new platform. It doesn't cost a fortune, and it has a lot of features, like gps, heart-rate monitoring, and activity tracking.

There are pros.

  • Simple, straightforward design
  • Built-in GPS
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • Google Assistant
  • Google Pay

There are pros and cons.

  • Design may be too simple for some
  • Proprietary charger can be finicky
Best Wear OS watchMobvoi TicWatch E3
SpecsQualcomm Snapdragon 4100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Display size44mm / 1.3-inch HD Display, 360x360
Band size20mm
Battery lifeUp to 3 days
OSWear OS
ColorsPanther Black
Water-resistant✔️ IP68+Pool Swimming suitable
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

There are a lot of reasons to consider the TicWatch E3. Some people want to enjoy the perks of owning a smartwatch without having a loud fashion statement on their wrist. The TicWatch E3 has a straightforward design that consists of a light polycarbonate case and a curved high-density display. It is visible even in direct sunlight, even though it is not as crisp as AMOLED displays.

You might not expect much from the TicWatch E3. Mobvoi decided to include the latest processor under the hood. It's possible to expect slick performance if you combine that with 1GB of RAM.

This Wear OS watch has a lot of features, such as gps, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and more. Users have a microphone and a speaker. The battery can last up to three days in SmartWatch Mode. The Essential Mode helps preserve battery life by disabling key features. You can still track your sleep with the watch. If you want your device to automatically switch to Essential Mode at a certain percentage, you can adjust the settings.

The TicWatch E3 is an excellent option for Wear OS users if you are not concerned about having a fancy watch on your wrist and looking for something reasonably priced. The future of your device is one of the most important things to consider when buying a Wear OS watch. The good news is that the Wear OS 3 update will be available for the TicWatch E3 in 2022.

Read our full review.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

For people who want more style.

If you want to take the style factor up a notch, and you are looking for the latest tech, but you want to do it in a more elegant way, the new SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4 CLASSIC has your name written all over it. You get a premium design that is bound to turn heads.

There are pros.

  • Exceptional design
  • Optional LTE connectivity
  • Physical rotating bezel
  • Solid health/fitness tracking
  • Outstanding performance

There are pros and cons.

  • Expensive starting point
  • Only two color options
Best upgrade pickSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
SpecsExynos W920

There is 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

Display size42mm / 46mm
Band size20mm
Weight46.5g (42mm) / 52g (46mm)
Battery life40 hours
OSWear OS powered by Samsung
ColorsBlack, Silver
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810G)
LTEYes, Optional
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging✔️ (Qi)

You are not the only one who is trying to understand where the watch sits in the lineup. This is due to the fact that SAMSUNG did things differently with this release. The standard GALAXY WATCH 4 is the successor to the GALAXY WATCH 2, while the GALAXY WATCH 4 CLASSIC is the successor to the GALAXY WATCH 3. The features and capabilities of the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are the same.

Why would you want to upgrade to the more expensive watch? The watch is more aesthetically pleasing than the standard variant. You can choose between a 42mm and 46mm case for the original models. The cases are made of stainless steel, so they are more premium looking. The difference between the two models is that they both have a rotating bezel. It is a matter of personal preference, but there is something very satisfying about navigating theUI with an actual bezel.

The standard variant of theGalaxy Watch 4 Classic has the same improvements as the Classic variant. Wear OS 3 is incredibly smooth with the upgraded RAM and storage. It has the new 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor so that you won't be missing out on any of the impressive tech.

The main factor to consider is whether you want to spend more on the premium variant of the watch. The 42mm and 46mm size options have to be considered. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for the best smartwatch with a style icon.

Read our full review of the watch.

Garmin 245 Music Hero

Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central)

4. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

A good watch for people who are focused on fitness.

If you want to run, the Forerunner 245 Music is the best choice. It has a display that is easy to read. It has a comfortable band and a great battery life.

There are pros.

  • Advanced workout tracking and guidance
  • Incredible battery life
  • Sunlight-friendly transflective display
  • Music streaming
  • Extremely comfortable strap

There are pros and cons.

  • Limited smartwatch features
  • Basic design may not be for everyone
Best for runnersGarmin Forerunner 245 Music
Display size42mm / 1.2-inch, 240x240 transflective
Band size20mm
Weight38.5g
Battery life7 days
OSGarmin
ColorsBlack, White, Aqua
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC🚫
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

There are a lot of watches for every type of user, and the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is an outstanding running watch for anyone who runs, bikes, or swims. It is not the best watch, but it does get notifications from your phone. If you don't need much more than that, the Forerunner 245 is more than enough for a marathon.

The Forerunner 245 can be seen in direct sunlight thanks to the transflective screen. If you're trying to hit those personal bests, there's also music storage and the option to stream from Deezer. It is a wonderful option to add in features like VO2 max estimation and sleep tracking.

We have some of the best fitness watches on the market right now, so be sure to check them out.

Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra Gps Lifestyle

Source: Chris Wedel/Android Central (Image credit: Source: Chris Wedel/Android Central)

5. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS

Premium performance is the best.

If you are familiar with Mobvoi, you will be surprised to learn that the new TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS is larger than ever. There is more to it than that. This watch has an improved dual display, smooth performance, and solid battery life. This is even better than the TicWatch Pro 3GPS.

There are pros.

  • Built-in GPS
  • Great performance
  • Improved dual-layer display
  • Excellent durability
  • Better battery life
  • Google Pay

There are pros and cons.

  • Expensive
  • Too bulky for some wrists
Best for premium performanceTicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS
SpecsQualcomm Snapdragon 4100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Display size48mm / 454x454 AMOLED + FSTN
Band size22mm
Weight41g
Battery life3 days
OSWear OS
ColorsShadow Black
Water-resistant✔️ (IP68)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

When a company releases an improved model, we never know what we will get, but the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS does a great job of maintaining everything good from the previous model while also offering helpful improvements.

You will appreciate the refined design that features a new backlight for the top layer of the display. New software features for the TicHealth suite are helpful for those who take advantage of the tracking features. The previous model was more durable, thanks to the MIL-STD-810G rating.

The dual-layer display is one of the most attractive features. The battery life for the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS is up to 72 hours in smart mode and 45 days in essential mode. Users can change the color of the top display by choosing 18 different colors. It makes things more colorful, easier to read, and fun to look at.

When buying a Wear OS watch, it's important to know if it will be eligible to upgrade to the new platform. This is not an issue with the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS. You will have to wait until 2022, for the upgrade. When running Wear OS 3, this watch will get even better. Some users may shy away from the giant case size.

The full review of the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS.

Fitbit Versa 3

Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)

6. Fitbit Versa 3

The best watch for casual athletes.

One of the most popular names in the world is always a good option. Health and fitness tracking is ideal for workout enthusiasts. You have built-in gps, activity/sleep tracking, and heart-rate monitoring.

There are pros.

  • Built-in GPS
  • Sleek, attractive design
  • Excellent battery life
  • Solid smartwatch features
  • Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant

There are pros and cons.

  • Limited app selection
  • Old bands won't work with Versa 3
Best smartwatch for casual athletesFitbit Versa 3
Display size40mm / 1.58-inch, 336x336 AMOLED
Band sizeCustom, OSFA
Weight40g
Battery life6+ days
OSFitbitOS
ColorsBlack, Soft Gold
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

Everyone knows that Fitbit makes some of the best Wearables. The new Versa 3 is one of the best watches you can buy. It provides the perfect amount of features and perks into a single device. It is slim and lightweight with an attractive design. You will get at least six days of battery life. It has a stunning AMOLED display that is crisp and bright. The addition of onboard gps is one of the most important upgrades.

You will be happy to know that all of the features you have been familiar with are here. Automatic workout detection, all-day activity/sleep tracking, and heart-rate monitoring are included. Reminders to move will also be sent to you. You can follow on-screen workouts. The proprietary bands were difficult to change. The quick-release system of the new infinity bands is easy to use. The good news is that the old Versa bands won't work on this new watch.

It is not uncommon for some products to lack features that users want. The Versa 3 is one of the company's most capable fitness watches. You will have easy to navigate notifications on your phone, and you can talk directly to the voice assistant and hear responses, as well as an app store with popular names such as Starbucks. The good news is that there is storage for hundreds of songs on the Versa 3. It is a standard feature that Fitbit Pay is as well.

It may not be overflowing with higher-end features, but the Fitbit Versa 3 is the best smartwatch for casual trackers who don't want to spend a fortune on a Wearable. If you have money to spare, you should consider the Fitbit Sense.

Read our full review of the device.

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus

Source: Michael Hicks / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

7. Garmin Venu 2 Plus

The best lifestyle device.

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a premium lifestyle watch that can track health and fitness. It is not cheap, but there is a reason for that. Extra perks such as phone calls and voice assistants are also available.

There are pros.

  • Stunning AMOLED touchscreen
  • Phone calling and voice assistants
  • Advanced activity/health tracking
  • Up to 9 days of battery life
  • Garmin Pay & music storage

There are pros and cons.

  • Extremely expensive
  • Only one size option
Best lifestyle smartwatchGarmin Venu 2 Plus
Display size43mm / 1.3-inch, 416x416 AMOLED
Band size22mm
Weight51g
Battery life9 days
OSGarmin
ColorsSlate, Silver, Light Gold
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

Some companies focus on offering a lifestyle watch, while others do a great job of merging the two. The Venu 2 Plus is a premium Wearable that offers a lot of health and fitness features while also focusing on smartwatch perks, so you don't miss out on anything. It is the most expensive model in the Venu lineup, but it might be appropriate for the price. It has a gorgeous 1.3-inch color AMOLED screen and a sturdy 43mm case. The battery can last up to nine days on a single charge and stretch further with battery saver mode.

How does the Venu 2 Plus differ from other models in the lineup? Voice assistants and phone calls are the most important upgrades. These features have been available on other watches, but now they are being added by Garmin. It is a step in the right direction. It's easy to take calls on your wrist with the built-in microphone and speaker. It supports various voice assistants.

The Venu 2 Plus goes deeper than the premium perks. There are tons of features to track your health and fitness, including onboard gps, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and more. There is no denying that this is a great device, but it is expensive. You have to decide if the perks are worth the money. The Venu 2 or Venu Sq are two of the more affordable models in the lineup.

Read our full review of the Venu 2 Plus.

Fossil Gen 6 Explore Wear Os

Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

8. Fossil Gen 6

It's the best for fashion.

The Fossil Gen 6 is the first Fossil to have a new chip. You can expect better performance because of being a highly fashionable smartwatch. You will be able to choose from two different sizes. There are many health and fitness tracking features.

There are pros.

  • Attractive, stylish design
  • Two size options
  • Improved health tracking
  • Excellent quality display
  • Ultra-fast charging

There are pros and cons.

  • Pretty expensive
  • No Wear OS 3 until 2022
Best for fashionFossil Gen 6
SpecsQualcomm Snapdragon 4100+

There is 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage.

Display size42mm or 44mm / 1.3-inch, 416 x 416 AMOLED
Band size22mm
Weight43g
Battery life1-2 days
OSWear OS
ColorsBlack, Silver
Water-resistant✔️ (3ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

The Fossil Gen 6 is a classic design watch with features. You will get great performance, better battery life, and precise health metrics. It will be on the new Wear OS 3 platform eventually. The watches are one of the few Wear OS devices that have to wait until 2022.

Wear OS has been lagging for a long time. If this has been a problem for you, you will be happy to know that the Fossil Gen 6 lineup is here to change that. The Fossil watch is the first one that uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ Chipset that is designed to remedy many previous problems that users have experienced.

The 1.7 GHz co-processor makes it possible for the device to use always-on health metrics without draining the battery life, which is a huge step in the right direction. Users will receive more detailed heart rate readings.

The Gen 6 has health sensors that are great for daily use. If you invest in this watch because of tracking, you will not be disappointed. Ultra-fast charging is offered by the Fossil Gen 6 and it isn't as long as some of the other watches. You can charge your battery in 30 minutes.

Read the full Fossil Gen 6 review.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

9. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

The best value watch.

All of the best ideas from the best companies are rolled up into one watch. It is stylish, comfortable, has an excellent battery life, and has a lot of health tracking features. It is still one of the best models in the lineup, even though it is not the newest model.

There are pros.

  • Compact and well-designed
  • Easy to navigate
  • Capacitive bezel
  • Great performance and battery life

There are pros and cons.

  • Third-party app support could be better
  • Health tracking not as accurate as Garmin

The best deals of the day.

Best value smartwatchSamsung Galaxy Active 2
SpecsExynos 9110768MB RAM (Wi-Fi) / 1.5GB RAM (LTE)

There is 4 gigabytes of storage.

Display size40mm / 44mm
Band size20mm
Weight37g (40mm) / 42g (44mm)
Battery life2-3 days
OSTizen
ColorsSilver, Black, Gold, Pink Gold
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810G)
LTEYes, Optional
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking✔️
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging✔️ (Qi)

One of the most affordable and well-rounded Wearable Experiences forANDROID users is provided by the GALAXY WATCH Active 2, it is not necessary to use a SAMSUNG phone to enjoy the benefits. It is compact and lightweight, but it has an extremely sharp and vivid touch display that is easy to navigate and fun to use. The app selection is small, but the core tenets of the OS are there.

The primary purpose of theGalaxy Watch Active 2 is exercise tracking. The watch comes with a built-in gps and features automatic workout- tracking, sleep tracking, water, food, and caffeine consumption tracking. The Running Coach feature has been improved, giving you real-time pace metrics and a rundown of what to expect from your workout before you start. You can hear audio through the speaker on the watch or headphones.

If you only wear a watch for notifications, theGalaxy Watch Active 2 is for you. You can reply using your voice, the built-in keyboard, or one of the many quick answers with excellent support for the notification system. It is still an amazing value for everything you get, even though it is no longer the newest model. The Active 2 is one of the older models that is still receiving useful updates.

We have to think about battery life. It is still pretty impressive, and can be topped off with a wireless powershare feature, and it is not as good as some of the other larger watches on the list.

Read the full review of the watch.

Suunto 7 with Wear OS

Source: Android Central / Russell Holly (Image credit: Source: Android Central / Russell Holly)

10. Suunto 7

Best Wear OS for serious athletes.

Wear OS users who want a fitness watch designed for serious athletes who will love the Suunto 7 are the bottom line. If you want a giant piece of tech on your wrist, it is the best pick. It has built-in gps with offline maps, superior activity tracking, and an array of vibrant color options.

There are pros.

  • Built-in GPS and offline outdoor maps
  • Attractive, sporty design
  • Various color options
  • Excellent activity tracking
  • Water-resistant up to 5ATM
  • Google Pay

There are pros and cons.

  • A bit too huge for some
  • Battery life is mediocre
  • Extremely pricey
Best Wear OS for serious athletesSuunto 7
SpecsQualcomm Snapdragon 3100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Display size50mm / 1.39-inch, 454x454 AMOLED
Band size24mm
Weight70g
Battery life2 day
OSWear OS
ColorsBlack Lime, All Black, Graphite Copper, Sandstone Rosegold, White Burgundy
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking🚫
Wireless charging🚫

If you are partial to Wear OS and looking for the perfect smartwatch to handle your activity tracking, you can't go wrong with the Suunto 7. It is still relatively new to the market, but it has the potential to be great if you are a serious athlete. It has built-in gps and full-color accurate mapping software, as well as over 70 sport modes. You will have access to helpful metrics that go above and beyond what you can find on Fit, including training load, training recovery, and more.

It should be a match made in heaven when you combine all of the offers. It depends on what type of experience you want. If you can live with a mere two days of battery life in smartwatch mode and the likelihood of laggy performance due to the work-in-progress nature of Wear OS, then it is a solid choice for serious athletes who need all the tracking perks they can get.

This thing is large. This is a bonus for some users, but dainty wrists may shy away from this 50mm powerhouse. If you are on a budget, this pricey watch might not be the best choice. It is not eligible for Wear OS 3, so it is something to keep in mind.

Garmin Vivomove Sport weather

Source: Courtney Lynch / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Courtney Lynch / Android Central)

11. Garmin Vivomove Sport

The best hybrid watch.

The Garmin Vivomove Sport is a hybrid watch that has a perfectly balanced experience. You will enjoy superior health and fitness tracking. This Wearable has heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, Body battery, and smartphone notifications.

There are pros.

  • Hidden OLED display
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • Body Battery, Pulse Ox
  • 5 days of battery life
  • Garmin Pay

There are pros and cons.

  • Lacks onboard GPS
  • Hidden display is small
Best hybrid smartwatchGarmin Vivomove Sport
Display size40mm / 72x154 hidden OLED
Band size20mm
Weight33.8g
Battery life5 days
OSGarmin
ColorsIvory, Cool Mint, Cocoa, Black
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS🚫
NFC✔️
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

If you prefer the look of a traditional timepiece, but still want some extra perks, you might benefit from a hybrid watch. These are unique in many ways. You can't tell it is a watch. An excellent example is the Garmin Vivomove Sport. It offers just enough perks to claim the title of smart, but it is not a full-blown smartwatch.

The other options on this list have onboard gps, but this hybrid watch does not. Your watch can use your phone's gps to track your route during an activity. It has many other key features that fitness enthusiasts swear by, like heart-rate monitoring, detailed sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and many others. You will also have music controls. The battery life can be extended to six days in regular watch mode.

You will not have a color AMOLED touchscreen. It is understandable that the display works a bit differently since this is a hybrid watch. You can wake up with a double-tap or by lifting your wrist if you have a hidden screen on the bottom half of the display. This is more than you get on most hybrid Wearables. It can take a while to get used to the small display area.

Read our full review.

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Review

Source: Michael Hicks / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

12. Amazfit GTS 2 Mini

The best budget watch.

The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini looks good on your wrist, and it handles activity/health tracking nicely. The low price tag and lightweight design make it both appealing and affordable for those on a budget.

There are pros.

  • Lightweight, modern design
  • Built-in GPS
  • Activity/sleep tracking
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • 1-2 weeks of battery

There are pros and cons.

  • Lacks voice commands
  • No music storage
  • Can't take Bluetooth calls
Best budget smartwatchAmazfit GTS 2 Mini
Display size40mm / 1.55-inch, 354x306 AMOLED
Band size20mm
Weight19.5g
Battery life1-2 weeks
OSAmazfit OS
ColorsMidnight Black, Flamingo Pink, Sage Green
Water-resistant✔️ (5ATM)
LTE🚫
GPS✔️
NFC🚫
Heart rate monitor✔️
Automatic workout tracking🚫
Sleep tracking✔️
Wireless charging🚫

Not everyone is willing to part with their money. It is possible to enjoy features on the smartwatch without paying top dollar. There is a growing lineup of Amazfit watches. The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is an excellent budget watch to get the most bang for your buck.

The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is a great alternative to the Apple Watch. It has the modern rectangular design that many users love, but it is also packed with features that make it a desirable Wearable for those who want a smartwatch experience without having to spend a fortune on it.

Depending on how you use it, the battery life on the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini will vary. The battery will last seven days for heavy usage. It can last up to 14 days with normal use. This is one of the lightest watches out there, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. You get built-in gps, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, more than 70 sport modes, and blood oxygen monitoring.

It is a lot like the original Amazfit GTS 2, but it is not as robust when it comes to features. You won't be able to use voice commands to start workouts or make calls on your wrist if you don't have a built-in microphone or speaker. Music storage is not included in the Mini. The budget-friendly price tag and attractive design will make up for missing features for some users. If you want to land somewhere in the middle, the newer Amazfit GTS 3 might be the one for you.

The full Amazfit GTS 2 Mini review can be found here.

How to pick the best Android smartwatch for you

There are tons of options on the Wear OS side, which is good news for wearing a smartwatch in 2022. If that isn't quite your speed, you also have some fantastic options from other companies.

The most coveted best overall recommendation is for the SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4 and it is an outstanding choice for most people. The first watch on the new Wear OS 3 platform is pretty exciting. It doesn't get much better than this. It is priced reasonably considering all of the improvements.

Everyone has their own preferences. If you are not sure how you feel about Wear OS 3 or not particularly fond of SAMSUNG HEALTH, your choices are endless. You can choose from many other Wearables, whether it be from a brand that has captured your attention or not.

There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for a watch. You will want to narrow down some key aspects before you make a decision. The main factors you should focus on are:

1. Design preferences and size.

You will need to determine what size you want. Smaller watches are often a bit cheaper than their larger counterparts, and some may be too large or small for your wrist, which will thin out the herd. A good example is the not-so- cheap Suunto 7.

We can't forget about Aesthetics. You are still shopping for a watch, and it should be compatible with your style. One of the fashionable options is always a good choice. If you are looking for the best watch for women, you might want to look at something more subtle like the Fitbit Versa 3 or the Garmin Vivomove Sport.

Other options might catch your eye if you are more concerned about having a comfortable fit than a stylish design. Runners will love the simplistic look and feel of the music. The Fossil Gen 6 is elegant enough for daily wear if you prefer something slightly more appealing.

2. Consider your features.

You will need to consider features like heart-rate monitoring, mobile payments, and fitness and sleep tracking. It is not hard to find a watch that has everything. If you want to have a watch with cellular connection, your list of options will be shorter. The pickings are slim because you only find three models with that feature. This won't be a problem for most users because not everyone is buying a watch for the internet.

Some of the more common features on most watches are heart-rate monitoring, fitness tracking, andGPS. You have to decide how much this means to you because some models still have not jumped on the built-in gps wagon. You will be happy to know there are many fitness trackers with gps to choose from. You can still use your phone for gps, but it is not as convenient. This is more common on trackers than watches. Some of the best fitness trackers don't have built-in gps. Most of the watches on this list have onboard gps.

We see more and more of this feature. More than half of the Wearables on this list have it. You will not find it on the more niche watches, like the Forerunner 245 Music. The models are geared toward a different user type.

3. Which OS do you prefer?

Now that Wear OS 3 is in the equation, choosing an operating system can be difficult. It can affect your overall experience if you are indifferent on the matter, so it is worth considering. How well your phone will work with your watch is one of the most common concerns.

Is it easier to have a smartwatch with a phone? Absolutely. Is that the deciding factor? Not necessarily. It is possible to use an Apple device with an Android device. Not using the quick reply feature to respond to a text message from your watch is one of the limitations.

Users of the OS complain that it doesn't always do a good job of displaying notifications. The options for how they appear are limited. It might be easier to scroll through notifications on a Wear OS watch. Thanks to the new Wear OS 3 platform, this is not a problem for theGalaxy Watch 4.

Some companies use their own operating systems. This can involve a learning curve, but it might be worth it. For example, if you are a passionate runner who tracks your workouts and other data frequently, you should consider using a device such as Garmin. On the other hand, casual athletes might find the simplicity of the device to be easy to use.

4. How smart is a hybrid?

If you are learning about hybrid watches for the first time, you might be wondering how smart they are. You get a nice blend of a traditional timepiece and some smartwatch perks. Don't buy one of these Wearables expecting premium features. These watches are designed to focus on the basics so that you won't find many advanced perks.

Basic activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and music controls are some of the standard features that the Garmin Vivomove Sport offers. You will not have a bright display, voice assistants, or onboard gps. This is an excellent place to start if you want a taste of the smartwatch world without going all-in.

5. What about the battery life?

Some users don't like having to take their watch off every 24 hours to charge it. There are many battery life picks on this list. The dual-layer display on the TicWatch Pro 3 UltraGPS helps extend the battery life.

Some models offer battery-saving modes that turn off certain features, but this isn't always ideal. It might not be as much of a hassle to charge your Wearable more frequently if you choose a watch such as the Fossil Gen 6 that offers rapid charging. If you set your watch to charge in the morning, it will be fully charged by the time you leave.

If you still want to find a watch with better battery life, you can choose from some of the best options. You can get a full nine days of battery with the Venu 2 Plus and six days with the Versa 3.

You should be able to form a general idea of what type of smartwatch you should buy once you have hammered out the essential details. Regardless of which option you choose, you can look forward to owning a nifty piece of tech that will help you track your health and fitness while also giving you a fun accessory to pair with your style.

Author:

Lynch is a writer. She is obsessed with health, fitness, and music. At any given time, she can be found checking out the latest and greatest gadgets while simultaneously petting her dog and sipping iced coffee.

Author:

Daniel has written about phones for nearly a decade.