Other Smartwatches to Consider
Table of Contents
- 1. Other Smartwatches to Consider
- 2. What are the privacy implications of a kids’ smartwatch with video calling and location tracking features?
- 3. The Ultimate Smartwatch Guide for 2025: Top Picks for Apple, Wear OS, Hybrid, and Kids’ Watches
- 4. Apple Watch Series 11: Still the King of Smartwatches?
- 5. Wear OS 4.1: Expanding the Android Smartwatch Universe
- 6. top wear OS Smartwatches of 2025
- 7. Hybrid Smartwatches: The Best of Both Worlds
- 8. Smartwatches for Kids: Safety and Connection
- 9. Smartwatch Battery Life: A 2025 Comparison
The number of smartwatches on the market is staggering. Here are a few other options I like.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 for $1,900: I got a chance to try TAG Heuer’s new luxury smartwatch for a few days, and it’s slick. The Calibre E5 feels like nothing else, with premium materials like sapphire crystal and ceramic bezels; it has a nice heft to it. TAG has switched from Google‘s Wear OS to its own proprietary operating system (TAG Heuer OS), so you won’t be able to access the usual apps on this smartwatch. However, it works with Android or iPhone, routes your notifications through, and can track basic fitness activities. A software update will also bring sleep tracking. We’ll be putting it through its paces soon, but if you have other TAG or luxury watches in your collection, you might not mind having one that can also be a little more functional.
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Apple Watch Series 10 for $329: Thanks to watchOS 26, the 2024 Series 10 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has many of the same features as the new Series 11, like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. It has a thinner and lighter design with a larger screen than prior models, and it even got blood oxygen sensing back via a software update in August 2025. It’s too bad this one still has the 18-hour battery life. Avoid paying anywhere close to MSRP for this watch. If you can find it for under $300, snag it.
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Google Pixel Watch 3 for $230: The Pixel Watch 3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is seeing some steep discounts now that the Pixel Watch 4 is here. It’s a great smartwatch, with the caveat that it’s not repairable. (The newer model addresses that.) It features loss-of-pulse detection—cleared by the FDA for use in the US—which can be critical in saving someone’s life. Google also focused its fitness updates on running, enabling users to create custom runs and follow AI-powered run recommendations while getting feedback on cardio load—how hard your heart is working and whether it’s appropriate for your body. I strongly recommend you go with the 45-mm model, which doesn’t even feel that big. It simply delivers better battery life—just about 24 hours with the always-on display or a little more if you have it turned off.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $799: The Watch Ultra 2 is still worth considering, just don’t pay anywhere near MSRP; otherwise, you may as well buy the new Watch Ultra 3. It can last several days of use, and has many of the same great features as the latest model, including better mics to pick up your voice, an 86-decibel siren to alert your position to anyone nearby, and precise GPS to better track your hikes (plus help you find your way back with the Backtrack feature). The screen can display topographic maps, but you cannot view offline maps without an iPhone.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 for $650: The 47-mm Galaxy Watch Ultra (7/10, WIRED Review) is the company’s Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin competitor, and it’s a solid first entry into the world of pricey, feature-rich, and powerful smartwatches designed for professional athletes. This is technically the 2025 model, which is identical to the 2024 version but comes with 64 GB of storage and in a new blue color. It lasts a little over two days on a charge because it’s a big 47-mm watch and can pack a beefy battery. There’s a titanium case and sapphire glass face, plus it’s rated to 10 ATM and IP68, so you can submerge it up to 100 meters underwater. The heart rate tracker is remarkably consistent with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the dual-band GPS delivers accurate mapping. The software isn’t as intuitive, and a few features are lacking when compared to other performance smartwatches, but this is a good start if you’re in the world of Android. If you don’t care for the blue or the extra storage, you can buy the 2024 model for hundreds less.
Samsung Galaxy Watch7 44-mm for $190: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 from 2024 is a little plain. This model debuted Samsung’s Energy Score and added updated sleep tracking capabilities. You also get FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, though this isn’t a feature you’ll turn on all the time—it takes two nights to track, and afterward, you’ll get a note saying whether or not you show symptoms. This feature, along with the electrocardiogram and irregular heart rhythm notifications, is only available when paired with a Samsung phone. Otherwise, this watch functions well with any other Android. You can choose from two sizes, plus Bluetooth-only or LTE. I tested both sizes and found battery life frustrating compared to its predecessors. With the always-on display, I struggled to hit 24 hours with two tracked activities and sleep tracking overnight. With it turned off, things fared a little better, but I was still barely hitting a full day. You’ll have to baby the battery and utilize the power-saving modes. If you don’t care for the latest and greatest, you can save a lot of dough with the Watch7.
Casio G-Shock Master of G Rangeman GPR-H1000 for $500: It’s not for every event, but the Master of G-Land Rangeman (GPRH1000RY1A) looks great on my wrist, and I love that I only need to charge it about once a week. This is a G-Shock first and foremost. It has a durable, thick case and a comfortable strap. It’s a big watch. It also has six sensors and a built-in GPS. Connect the watch to your smartphone via Casio’s app, and you can get simple notification alerts, heart-rate tracking, activity tracking, and sleep tracking. That’s without mentioning other features like blood oxygen monitoring, compass, world time, altimeter, and barometer. I’ve compared the results to an Apple Watch Series 10, and for the most part, core metrics like heart rate, step tracking, and sleep are similar. I have had some data not show up in the Casio app for a few days, and many of these functions are slow to load on the watch. This would not be my first choice if I wanted a fitness-focused wearable—get a Garmin instead—but I like the ability to look at and track some of these metrics whenever I want. More importantly, I like having a G-Shock around my wrist.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $240: The Galaxy Watch FE is a fine budget Wear OS smartwatch. The 40-mm Galaxy Watch FE has a smaller screen that doesn’t get as bright and sports a slower processor and a smaller battery compared to the Watch7 series. The health sensors are almost the same, and I got accurate results with heart rate and sleep tracking. The battery lasts just about a day, if not a little less.
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OnePlus Watch 2 for $227: This is last year’s OnePlus smartwatch, but it’s still available. It seems like a better value now that the OnePlus 3’s price has been jacked up. The 46-mm OnePlus Watch 2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) runs Wear OS and lasts roughly three days on a single charge, a little more if you enable some power-saving settings. The health capabilities are lacking—there’s no fall detection or electrocardiogram—but there’s sleep tracking, and it’s pretty accurate. Some features, like heart-rate tracking, distance traveled, and steps, have mixed accuracy in my testing, which means you shouldn’t buy this smartwatch if you’re primarily using it for those functions. Also, consider the OnePlus Watch 2R, which you can snag for less cash. The differences are mostly around build quality. The screen doesn’t get as bright, it has an aluminum case instead of stainless steel, and there’s no sapphire crystal protecting the screen, so it’s less durable. However, this makes it lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Withings ScanWatch 2 for $370: The ScanWatch 2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) can pass for an analog watch. Its health-tracking feature set is comprehensive—you get heart rate monitoring, an electrocardiogram, blood oxygen measurements, and sleep tracking. Battery life is stellar too, as it can last up to 30 days with light use. (Heavier usage will see roughly 22 days before needing a charge.) The main problem is the tiny display on this watch, which is too small to read some notifications. The GPS is also connected, meaning it requires your phone to be tethered and nearby. There’s an optional Health+ subscription, but we’d advise against it, as it doesn’t offer much utility. The ScanWatch 2 comes in a 42-mm or 38-mm case size and doesn’t have the rich features and apps you’ll find on the likes of an Apple Watch, but if you want to monitor your health data—and you don’t want your watch to look too techy—this will do the job.
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What are the privacy implications of a kids’ smartwatch with video calling and location tracking features?
The Ultimate Smartwatch Guide for 2025: Top Picks for Apple, Wear OS, Hybrid, and Kids’ Watches
Apple Watch Series 11: Still the King of Smartwatches?
The apple Watch continues to dominate the smartwatch market, and the Series 11 (released Q3 2025) is no exception. Key improvements include a micro-LED display offering significantly enhanced brightness and clarity, even in direct sunlight.Expect advancements in health tracking, perhaps including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) integration and improved sleep analysis.
* Key Features: ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, temperature sensing, advanced workout tracking, cellular connectivity (optional).
* Price Range: $499 – $999+ (depending on model and band).
* Best For: iPhone users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, fitness enthusiasts, and those prioritizing health monitoring.
* Considerations: Limited compatibility with Android devices. Battery life remains a common concern, typically requiring daily charging.
Wear OS 4.1: Expanding the Android Smartwatch Universe
Google’s Wear OS has matured significantly, offering a compelling alternative to watchOS. Wear OS 4.1, rolled out in late 2025, focuses on improved battery optimization and a more streamlined user interface. Several manufacturers are embracing the platform, leading to a diverse range of options.
top wear OS Smartwatches of 2025
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Continues Samsung’s tradition of premium Wear OS devices. Expect a rotating bezel (a fan favorite!), enhanced health sensors, and a vibrant AMOLED display. Price: $349 – $499.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: Google’s own offering, tightly integrated with Fitbit’s health tracking capabilities. Focuses on simplicity and seamless Google Assistant integration. Price: $329 – $429.
- Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Known for its unique dual-display technology (AMOLED and low-power LCD) which dramatically extends battery life. A grate choice for users prioritizing longevity. Price: $299 – $399.
* Wear OS Benefits: Wider compatibility with Android smartphones, access to a vast app ecosystem through the Google Play Store, customizable watch faces.
* Wear OS Drawbacks: Historically, battery life has been a challenge, though Wear OS 4.1 shows significant improvements. fragmentation across different manufacturers can lead to inconsistent software experiences.
Hybrid Smartwatches: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid smartwatches blend the classic aesthetic of traditional timepieces with the smart features of modern wearables. They typically offer long battery life (weeks or even months) and focus on essential notifications and activity tracking.
* Fossil hybrid HR: Stylish designs with e-ink displays for excellent readability. Tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep. Price: $199 – $299.
* Withings ScanWatch Horizon: A premium hybrid smartwatch with advanced health features, including ECG and SpO2 monitoring. Looks like a traditional dive watch. Price: $499 – $599.
* Garmin Vivomove Style: Combines a sleek design with Garmin’s renowned fitness tracking capabilities. Price: $249 – $349.
Benefits of Hybrid Smartwatches: Long battery life, classic aesthetic, discreet smart features.
Ideal for: Users who want a stylish watch with basic smart functionality without the need for daily charging.
Smartwatches for Kids: Safety and Connection
The kids’ smartwatch market is growing, offering parents peace of mind and a way to stay connected with their children.
* Verizon GizmoWatch 3: Offers GPS tracking, two-way calling, and pre-approved contact lists. designed for younger children. Price: $149 + monthly service.
* Xplora X6Play: Features GPS tracking, calling, messaging, and a built-in camera. Encourages activity with step challenges.Price: $199.
* TickTalk 4: A more advanced kids’ smartwatch with video calling, location tracking, and SOS functionality.Price: $249.
Important Considerations for kids’ smartwatches:
* Privacy: Ensure the watch has robust privacy settings and data security measures.
* Parental Controls: Look for features that allow you to control who your child can communicate with and what features they can access.
* GPS Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of the GPS tracking.
Smartwatch Battery Life: A 2025 Comparison
| Smartwatch Model | Estimated Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | 18-36 hours |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | 36-48 hours |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | 24-36 hours |
| Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 | 5-10 days |
| Fossil Hybrid HR | 2 weeks+ |
| Withings Scan
