Best Smart Watches: Expert Reviews & Comparison Guide 2026

Phone compatibility and apps: confirm the watch works with your phone OS and that the companion app provides the data and notifications you need. Battery and charging: note advertised battery life and real-world claims - budget models often last 5-7 days, mid-range 7-11 days and some rugged models promise much longer standby times. Check charging time too. Display and size: consider screen size and type. AMOLED or high-resolution TFT screens are brighter and easier to read outdoors; sizes commonly range from about 1.3 to 1.8 inches or roughly 40 to 45 mm. Health and sports tracking: decide which sensors matter - heart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking and GPS are the most useful. Look at the number of sport modes if you train in specific disciplines. Build and waterproofing: check IP or ATM ratings. IP68 and 3ATM are common, but some watches are better suited for swimming or rough outdoor use. Calls and voice assistants: if you want to answer calls from the wrist or use voice assistants, verify the watch has a microphone, speaker and the feature is supported on your phone.

Screen and readability: aim for an AMOLED or bright HD TFT screen if you use the watch outdoors. Consider a size that sits comfortably on your wrist. Battery specifics: look for stated days of typical use and charging time. Real world use with GPS and music reduces battery life considerably. Sensors and accuracy: essential sensors are optical heart rate and SpO2. ECG is useful but less common. Check whether continuous 24/7 monitoring is supported. GPS and connectivity: decide between built-in GPS for accurate tracking or phone-GPS which saves battery. Look for Bluetooth version for stable call and data transfer. Waterproof rating and limits: IP68 or 3ATM covers everyday splashes and swimming. Avoid using non-specified watches in hot baths or seawater unless explicitly rated. Call, voice and smart features: if you need wrist calls, ensure the watch has speaker and mic and that calling works with your phone. Voice assistants and message syncing are handy for hands-free use. Extras to consider: music storage, NFC/contactless payments, incident detection and safety features, custom watch faces and strap interchangeability. Warranty and support: longer warranty policies indicate vendor confidence. Some sellers offer several years of cover; check how to access service or replacements.

Online vs in-store: buy online for wider choice and better prices but check seller ratings, return policy and delivery times. Try in-store if you need to test fit and screen legibility first. Common mistakes to avoid:

• Buying for looks only and overlooking compatibility with your phone.
• Assuming long battery life with heavy features like GPS and music turned on.
• Overpaying for premium features you will not use, such as contactless payments or advanced coaching.
• Ignoring warranty and return terms, especially when buying renewed items.

Quick expert tips:

• Prioritise battery life and key sensors for your use rather than every available feature.
• Choose a model with replaceable straps and plenty of watch faces for future personalisation.
• Check firmware update history and app reviews to judge long-term support.
• If you plan to take calls, verify hands-free call quality from reviews rather than specs alone.
• Look for seller warranties of at least one year; extended guarantees are a valuable bonus.