10 Best Smartwatch For Your Money 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a solid choice if you're looking for a smartwatch that works seamlessly with iPhones (iPhone Xs or later). It offers a bright and always-on Retina display that's larger and clearer than before, making it easy to see your stats and notifications at a glance. The battery life supports a full day of typical use, with a handy fast charging feature that can juice it up to 80% in about 30 minutes, which is great if you're in a hurry.

Health and fitness tracking are strong points here. It covers a wide range of activities from running and swimming to yoga and dance, and provides advanced health insights like ECG readings, sleep tracking (including sleep apnea alerts), heart rate notifications, and menstrual cycle tracking. Safety is also a focus, with fall and crash detection plus emergency SOS features to keep you connected when it matters most.

Durability is impressive with 50-meter water resistance and dust protection, so you can wear it through workouts, swimming, or in dusty environments without worry. Connectivity options include GPS for precise location tracking, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi, though this GPS-only model requires an iPhone nearby for calls and texts. The watch supports Apple Pay and some handy Apple services, but the experience is best if you already use Apple products. The battery lasts up to 18 hours with regular use, which might feel short if you want multi-day use without charging. It is relatively pricey compared to other smartwatches, and some advanced features need the iPhone to function fully. The watch’s aluminum case is lightweight and comfortable but less premium feeling than titanium options. This smartwatch is an excellent fit for iPhone users who want a reliable companion for health, fitness, and safety, packaged in a stylish, durable design with a bright display. If you’re after long battery life or don’t use Apple devices, there might be better options elsewhere.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a strong contender in the smartwatch category, especially for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for advanced health monitoring features. Its larger, always-on Retina display is a standout, making it easy to read notifications and track activities without constantly tapping the screen. Users will appreciate the impressive battery performance, which offers up to 18 hours under normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, alongside quick charging capabilities.

In terms of health and fitness tracking, the Series 10 excels with features like the ECG app, sleep tracking, and various workout metrics that can cater to almost any activity. The inclusion of advanced safety features such as Fall Detection and Crash Detection enhances its appeal for those concerned about personal safety. Additionally, its water resistance of up to 50 meters and dust resistance rating make it suitable for various outdoor activities.

Customization options are abundant, with a wide variety of watch bands and faces to personalize the watch according to user preference. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices allows for streamlined notifications and functionalities like Apple Pay, enhancing its usability.

However, there are some limitations to consider. You'll need to have an iPhone 6s or later to use the watch, which can limit compatibility for users of other smartphone brands. Also, while the battery life is commendable, heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently, especially if utilizing many features simultaneously. Additionally, the price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent choice for Apple ecosystem users who prioritize health, fitness tracking, and safety features, but it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more budget-friendly or universally compatible smartwatch.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a solid option for anyone looking for a smartwatch that combines fitness tracking, health features, and connectivity. Its compatibility with other Apple devices makes it particularly appealing for iPhone users. The built-in GPS and various health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking and fall detection are great strengths, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and those who value safety. The watch also offers a bright Retina display, which is easy to read, and the 50m water resistance means it can withstand swimming and showering, enhancing its usability for active individuals.

One of the standout features is its extensive app ecosystem, allowing access to numerous apps for fitness, music, and communication, which can enhance your daily life. The customization options with various bands and watch faces allow users to express their personal style, making it not just functional but fashionable.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The battery life, while decent, may not last as long as some competitors, especially with heavy use. Additionally, the Apple Watch SE lacks some advanced health monitoring features found in higher-end models, like an ECG monitor. Finally, as it is designed to work best within the Apple ecosystem, users with non-Apple smartphones will miss out on many of the watch's capabilities.