{"id":7833,"date":"2026-09-29T12:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T12:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=7833"},"modified":"2026-09-29T12:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T12:31:20","slug":"best-smartwatch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=7833","title":{"rendered":"7 Best Smartwatch Models: Apple, Google, Garmin (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Google Pixel Watch 4 for $330<\/a>:<\/strong> The Pixel Watch 4<\/a> is the first repairable smartwatch from Google, and that alone makes it easy to recommend. With the release of the Pixel Watch 5<\/a>, I would only snag last year\u2019s model on sale.<\/p>\n

Apple Watch SE 3 for $249<\/a>:<\/strong> Even though Apple hasn’t updated the Apple Watch SE this year, the SE 3 is still a nice upgrade<\/a> if you’re coming from an older model; it\u2019s also a great option for your older parents or kids<\/a>. It has the same S10 chip as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, but Apple has further limited the features to lower the price. For example, there are no hypertension notifications, ECG app, or Blood Oxygen app. Brightness is only up to 1,000 nits, and battery life is also limited to 18 hours. It’s not particularly exciting, but you’re still getting a smartwatch that offers many of the new features in\u00a0watchOS 27<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photograph: Michael Sawh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Apple Watch Series 11 for $399<\/a>:<\/strong> Thanks to watchOS 27<\/a>, the Series 11 has many of the same features as the new Series 12, like Siri AI and perimenopause support. They also share the same 24-hour battery life. You will be missing out on high-frequency background heart rate tracking, the new Readiness score, and Audio Intelligence. There is no price increase with the Series 12, so avoid paying anywhere close to MSRP for this watch.<\/p>\n

Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $799<\/a>:<\/strong> The Ultra 3 is still worth considering, just don’t pay anywhere near MSRP; otherwise, you may as well buy the new model.<\/p>\n

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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 for $300<\/a> and Watch8 Classic for $500<\/a>:<\/strong> Within last year\u2019s Galaxy Watch8 series, there are three watches: a 40-mm and 44-mm model, and the Watch8 Classic, which is 46 mm and sports Samsung’s mechanical rotating bezel; you can physically rotate the bezel to scroll through the interface. Former WIRED editor Adrienne So<\/a> tested the tiniest Watch8 and saw disappointing battery life, but senior editor Julian Chokkattu<\/a> hit close to two full days on the Classic and recommends going for the 44-mm or the Classic if you catch them on sale.<\/p>\n

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Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Photograph: Julian Chokkattu<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 for $650<\/a>:<\/strong> The 47-mm Galaxy Watch Ultra<\/a> is the company’s Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin competitor. 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<\/a>. 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 underwater to 100 meters. 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 could potentially save some money with the 2024 model<\/a>. \u2014Julian Chokkattu<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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How Are Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Different?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n