Smartwatches have long been more than just a stylish accessory on the wrist. They are practical everyday helpers, fitness coaches and smart companions for on the go. Whether you want to track your fitness goals, read messages directly on your wrist or even answer calls – smartwatches offer a wide range of functions that make our lives easier and more connected.
But the market is huge and the range of models is constantly growing. From entry-level models to premium devices: Which smartwatch best suits your needs? In this article, we present the best smartwatches of the year and give you an overview of their most important functions, advantages and disadvantages, as well as helpful tips on what you should look out for when buying. Whether for everyday use, for sports or for work – we’ll help you find the perfect smartwatch.
The Best Smartwatches: Our Recommendations
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers numerous advantages, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Its robust titanium case and water resistance to 100 meters make it extremely durable, while the large, high-resolution display remains easy to read even in direct sunlight. Thanks to advanced functions such as GPS, barometer and compass, it is ideal for adventures and sports. The long battery life of up to 36 hours ensures that the watch lasts even during intensive use.
However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has some disadvantages. The high price makes it an expensive investment that is only worthwhile for users who really need the extensive functions. Anyone interested in a comparable range of functions , on the other hand, can save a lot of money with the Apple Watch Ultra 1. It is also relatively large at 49 mm, which makes it less suitable for smaller wrists. And as it is only compatible with iOS devices, Android users cannot use the watch.
Apple Watch Series 10
More affordable and also absolutely convincing in the Apple cosmos: the Apple Watch Series 10 combines an elegant design language with advanced functions. One of the biggest advantages is the high-quality display, which shows relevant information at all times with the Always-On function. It is also lighter and slimmer than the Ultra models, making it particularly suitable for users looking for a comfortable smartwatch suitable for everyday use. The integration of advanced fitness tracking, including heart rate measurement and sleep analysis, makes it an ideal companion for health-conscious users.
One weak point, however, is the battery life, which is up to 18 hours with normal use, but this is sufficient for most users. Seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem ensures easy operation and synchronization with iPhones and other Apple products. The Series 10 also offers a wide range of customization options with different straps and watch faces.
However, there are also some disadvantages. The battery life might seem limited for users who want even longer use between charging cycles. In addition, the pricing is on the high end, making the Series 10 an expensive choice, especially when you consider that many features are also available in the previous models. Finally, the Apple Watch Series 10 is only compatible with iOS devices, so Android users are excluded.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a bit like the Android counterpart to the Apple Watch Ultra and is the Korean manufacturer’s highest-quality smartwatch. It impresses above all with its robust design and high-quality outdoor functions, such as GPS, barometer and compass. With its robust titanium case and water resistance up to 100 meters, it is ideal for adventures and outdoor sports activities. The watch also offers a large, bright display that remains easy to read even in direct sunlight and a long battery life of up to 60 hours, making it a reliable companion for longer outings.
Another advantage is the good integration of fitness tracking features, such as heart rate measurement, sleep analysis and stress management. It is equipped with many health functions that are of interest to both athletes and health-conscious users. In addition, Android users benefit from extensive compatibility, making the Galaxy Watch Ultra an excellent choice for Android owners.
However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra also has its drawbacks. Its high price puts it in the premium segment, which may make it an expensive option for some users. However, the price is now on a par with the Apple Watch Series 10. In addition, the size of the watch (47 mm) could be uncomfortable for people with smaller wrists. Another drawback is that the software does not always run as smoothly as the competition, which can sometimes affect the user experience.
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch7 impresses with its elegant design and a wide range of functions for everyday life and fitness. It offers a bright AMOLED display that is easy to read even in sunlight and supports an Always-On function so that important information is always visible. The Galaxy Watch 7 is characterized by convenient operation and easy navigation, and its slim design goes well with any style.
A big plus of the Galaxy Watch 7 is its extensive fitness and health functions. It has heart rate measurement, sleep tracking and stress management as well as integrated GPS, which makes it particularly attractive for sporting activities and health-conscious users. The Watch 7 also runs on Samsung’s Wear OS, which enables many apps and good integration with Android devices. The battery life is solid and covers typical use of around one to two days.
However, there are also some disadvantages. One major criticism is the limited battery life, which could be somewhat disappointing for users who prefer extended use without recharging. The Galaxy Watch 7 also lacks the extreme robustness offered by Samsung’s Ultra models, which makes it less suitable for intensive outdoor adventures. The high price could also be an obstacle for some users, as similar functions are already available in older models and cheaper alternatives.
HUAWEI Watch GT5 Pro
The HUAWEI Watch GT5 Pro impresses with its high-quality and elegant design, which is made from materials such as sapphire glass, ceramic and titanium to ensure exceptional durability and scratch resistance. The large AMOLED display offers a high resolution and vibrant colors that are clearly visible even in direct sunlight. With its elegant look, it is suitable for both everyday wear and sporting activities and can be combined with various straps.
A major advantage of the Watch GT5 Pro is its impressive battery life of up to two weeks, which clearly sets it apart from many other smartwatches and eliminates the need for regular charging. The smartwatch is equipped with extensive health and fitness tracking functions, including heart rate measurement, blood oxygen monitoring and sleep analysis. Thanks to integrated GPS and high water resistance, it is also suitable for outdoor activities and sports such as swimming.
However, there are also some disadvantages. As the Watch GT5 Pro runs HarmonyOS, the app selection is more limited than on models with Wear OS or watchOS, which can reduce flexibility of use. Integration with Google services is also limited, which could be a disadvantage for Android users who rely on Google apps.
HUAWEI Watch 4 Pro (Space Edition)
The HUAWEI Watch 4 Pro Space Edition impresses with its robust and futuristic design, which is characterized by the use of high-quality titanium and scratch-resistant sapphire glass. These materials make the watch particularly resistant, ideal for use in demanding environments. The large, high-resolution AMOLED display offers excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight, and gives the watch a classy, striking look that is suitable for both sporting and formal occasions.
A particular advantage of the Watch 4 Pro Space Edition is its long battery life, which lasts several days with moderate use, making it a reliable companion for outdoor activities. It offers comprehensive health and fitness functions such as heart rate measurement, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep analysis and integrated GPS for precise tracking of outdoor activities. The watch is also highly water-resistant and suitable for sports such as swimming and diving.
However, there are also disadvantages. The Watch 4 Pro Space Edition runs on HarmonyOS, which limits the choice of apps compared to Wear OS or watchOS and therefore offers less flexibility. Integration with Google services is limited, which can be a disadvantage for Android users who rely on these services. The high price of the Space Edition also makes it a premium option, which makes it less attractive for price-conscious users, while the weight of 111 grams is also not without its drawbacks.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro impresses with its robust design and has been specially developed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. It has a hard-wearing housing and a scratch-resistant display that is easy to read even in strong sunlight. Thanks to the dual-layer display design, which allows you to switch between an energy-saving LCD and a bright AMOLED display, the watch always remains clearly visible and energy-saving.
A major advantage of the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is its long battery life, which sets it apart from other WearOS smartwatches: In low-power mode, it can last several days, making it a good choice for longer adventures without a regular charging option. The watch offers comprehensive fitness and health features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, blood oxygen monitoring and GPS tracking, making it particularly versatile for sports activities. It runs on Wear OS, which enables a wide range of apps and seamless integration with Android smartphones.
However, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro also has some drawbacks. The chunky design could be less comfortable for users with narrower wrists, making it less suitable for everyday wear. In addition, the watch is in the upper price segment, which could make it less attractive for price-conscious buyers.
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 scores with an elegant and minimalist design that harmonizes particularly well with Android devices. Its AMOLED display is sharp and offers vivid colors, while the always-on function ensures that important information is always in view. Thanks to its compact design and various strap options, it goes well with both sporty and formal outfits and is comfortable to wear in everyday life.
One advantage of the Pixel Watch 3 is its deep integration with Google’s health and fitness tools, such as Google Fit and Fitbit, which provide extensive fitness and health data. The watch offers heart rate measurement, sleep analysis, stress management and integrated GPS for precise tracking during outdoor activities. The Pixel Watch 3 also runs on Wear OS, which enables a wide range of apps and seamless connectivity with Android smartphones.
However, the Pixel Watch 3 also has some disadvantages. The battery life is comparatively short and often only covers one day of intensive use, which can be impractical for users who prefer longer runtimes. It also lacks the robust construction and water resistance of outdoor-oriented models, which makes it less suitable for extreme sports and adventures. The high price could also be an obstacle, as similar functions are also available on cheaper smartwatches.
Price tip: CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2
A convincing smartwatch with a wide range of functions for just around 70 euros? The CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2 is a real value-for-money hit if you’re looking for a modern wearable but don’t want to (or can’t) spend too much money.
The CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2 impresses with its minimalist, modern design and lightweight case, which makes it particularly comfortable for everyday use. With its sharp AMOLED display, it offers a clear and vivid display, and the Always-On function ensures that all important information is visible at all times. The design is simple and high-quality, which fits in well with the minimalist style of the Nothing brand.
A major advantage of the Watch Pro 2 is the comprehensive fitness and health tracking, which includes functions such as heart rate measurement, sleep analysis and blood oxygen monitoring. The watch also has integrated GPS for precise tracking of outdoor activities, making it a versatile option for sporty users. The battery life is solid and lasts up to two days with normal use, which is remarkable for a smartwatch with so many functions.
However, there are some drawbacks. The battery life may seem limited for users who prefer longer runtimes without recharging, as it is shorter compared to some competitor models. In addition, the watch lacks the robustness and water resistance required for intensive outdoor adventures, which limits its possible uses. The app selection and compatibility may also be limited, as CMF by Nothing uses a relatively new operating system that may offer fewer applications and integrations than Wear OS or watchOS.
Buying a smartwatch: What you should look out for
When buying a smartwatch, there are a number of factors that you should consider to ensure that the device meets your needs and requirements. Here are the most important aspects you should look out for:
Compatibility with your smartphone One of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone. Most smartwatches are compatible with either iOS (Apple) or Android (Google), although some devices also work across platforms. If you have an iPhone, you should look for an Apple Watch as they offer the best features and are seamlessly integrated into the iOS system. For Android devices, you have a wider choice of brands such as Samsung, Garmin or Fitbit.
Functions and operating system The functions of a smartwatch vary greatly depending on the model. Think about which features are particularly important to you:
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- Fitness tracking: heart rate monitor, GPS, pedometer, sleep analysis and sports modes are important for sporty users.
- Notifications: The ability to see notifications from your smartphone such as messages or calls directly on the watch.
- Voice control: Some models offer voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant.
- Music streaming and control: If you want to listen to music while exercising or on the go, look out for music features such as offline music playback or integration with music services.
Battery life A long battery life is a decisive purchase criterion for many users. Depending on the model and usage, the battery life can vary – from one day to several days. If you use your watch intensively (e.g. for fitness tracking or notifications), you should consider a model with a more powerful battery. Think about how often you want to charge the watch and how important a long battery life is to you.
Design and comfort Since you will be wearing the smartwatch all day long, the design also plays an important role. Make sure that the strap is comfortable and that the watch sits well on your wrist. You should also decide whether you prefer a sporty or elegant design. The choice ranges from classic, analog watches to modern touchscreen devices with simple or eye-catching designs.
Water resistance If you want to wear the watch while swimming or during outdoor sports activities, a high level of water resistance is important. Many smartwatches offer IP certification, which indicates how well the device is protected against water and dust. Look for a watch with at least IP68 or a special swimming certification if you want to use it regularly in water.
Price-performance ratio The price can vary greatly depending on the brand and functions. While more expensive models such as the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch offer high performance and many extras, there are also cheaper options that cover basic fitness and notification functions. Think about which functions are essential for you and whether you are willing to pay more for additional features.
Additional features
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- Heart rate measurement: For fitness enthusiasts, precise heart rate measurement is important to optimize training.
- GPS: Especially important if you are doing outdoor activities such as running or cycling.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): This allows you to make contactless payments, e.g. with Google Pay or Apple Pay.
- Stress level and ECG measurement: Some smartwatches offer advanced health functions such as stress measurement and ECG, which is of particular interest to health-conscious users.
User-friendliness and display The display of the smartwatch should be clear and easy to use. Look for a high-resolution OLED or AMOLED display that is clearly visible even in direct sunlight. A touchscreen should respond smoothly and the user interface should be intuitive. Some watches also offer an always-on display that shows the time continuously without draining the battery too much.
