10 Best Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a strong choice if you want a smartwatch that combines a stylish, traditional look with modern tech. Its 1.3-inch round AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, enhanced by a rotating bezel that makes navigating apps intuitive. Running on Wear OS powered by Samsung, it works smoothly with many Android devices, though iPhone users might find some features limited. Battery life is solid, designed to last through a busy day and keep you going with typical use.

For fitness and health, it provides advanced tracking including heart rate, sleep coaching, running guidance, and even a unique Energy Score based on your activity and rest. It also measures vascular load to give deeper insight into your heart health. The watch is lightweight at 63.5 grams, comfortable to wear, and features a new lug system for easy band changes, allowing personalization to suit your style. Connectivity is mainly Bluetooth, supporting notifications and a personal AI assistant that helps with hands-free commands, which can be handy for quick tasks.

Storage at 64GB might be more than needed for most users, and the price could be higher compared to simpler smartwatches. The watch’s integration works best with Samsung phones, so some features might not function fully with other brands. If you want a premium smartwatch with robust health tracking, stylish design, and useful smart features, this model is worth considering.

The Apple Watch Series 10 in the 42mm GPS version is a strong choice for anyone already in the Apple ecosystem, as it works seamlessly with iPhones running iOS 18 or later. Its always-on Retina display is bright and sharp, offering up to 30% more screen space than before, which makes interacting with apps and notifications easier. The design is noticeably thinner and lighter, ensuring comfortable everyday wear.

Fitness and health tracking are major highlights here. The watch supports a wide range of workouts, from running and swimming to yoga and even wheelchair exercises. It offers advanced health insights like ECG readings, sleep tracking with apnea detection, cycle tracking, and vital sign monitoring such as heart rate and respiratory rate. Safety features like fall and crash detection add peace of mind by connecting you to emergency services if needed. Battery life is rated at about 18 hours for typical use, which might require daily charging, but the fast-charging feature helps regain 80% battery in around 30 minutes—a practical touch. Water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance make it durable for swimming and outdoor activities.

Connectivity options include GPS, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and support for Apple Pay, making it easy to stay connected and make payments on the go. The watch also offers good customization with various bands and watch faces to suit your style. The battery life may feel short if you use many features throughout the day, and it requires an iPhone to unlock its full potential, so it's not ideal for Android users. Additionally, the price point might be higher compared to other smartwatches with similar fitness tracking capabilities. This smartwatch is well suited for iPhone users wanting a stylish, health-focused device with plenty of smart features and strong safety tools, who do not mind charging it nightly.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a top-tier smartwatch that stands out with its enhanced display, advanced health features, and robust design. The larger screen offers up to 30% more display area, making it easier to interact with apps and notifications. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive tracking capabilities, including an ECG app, sleep tracking, and various workout modes that cater to a wide range of activities, from swimming to yoga. Its 50m water resistance and durable construction make it suitable for active lifestyles and aquatic adventures.

Battery life is decent, with up to 18 hours of regular use and a low power mode that can extend this to 36 hours, although heavy users may find themselves recharging more frequently. The fast-charging feature is a plus, allowing for 80% charge in about 30 minutes. The watch integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, which is a significant advantage for those already in the Apple ecosystem, providing easy access to features like Apple Pay and notifications.

On the downside, the Apple Watch Series 10 does require an iPhone (from Xs or later) for full functionality, limiting its appeal to non-Apple users. Additionally, while its array of fitness and health tracking features is impressive, some users may find the depth of data overwhelming or unnecessary. The design, while sleek and customizable, may not suit everyone’s taste or comfort.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent choice for Apple aficionados and fitness lovers who value advanced health insights and connectivity. Those outside the Apple world or who prefer a more simplified smartwatch experience might want to explore other options.