Best Smartwatches 2024: the Best Buys from our independent expert tests

Our Best Buy recommendations not only look stylish, they'll also work seamlessly to track your activity levels and keep tabs on social updates.

In our independent expert tests, we've found plenty of models that tick these boxes, but we've also come across smartwatches which are uncomfortable, lack functionality or don’t track your activity accurately.

Spending big won't always guarantee you a Which? Best Buy smartwatch, as we've found pricey models that underwhelm, and cheaper ones that have impressed in our tests.

Compare all of the products we've tested by taking a look at our smartwatch reviews, or see our top recommendations below.

Best smartwatches for 2024

These are the smartwatches that aced our tests.

We rigorously test smartwatches in our lab tests – we compare their accuracy to medical-grade devices and test the precision of the location and fitness tracking – to find the best model for you. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best smartwatches in our table below. Join Which? to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

Smartwatch reviews by brand

• Apple watch reviews - or check out our full guide to the Best Apple smartwatches
• Fitbit smartwatch reviews
• Samsung smartwatch reviews

Smartwatch reviews by price

• Smartwatches under £300
• Smartwatches under £200
• Smartwatches under £100

Head to our guide to the best cheap smartwatches for more on picking the best budget option.

Why you can trust our smartwatch reviews

We don't accept freebies. Instead we buy the smartwatches we test anonymously from the shops, just like you, to keep our results impartial.

You should be able to trust the stats your watch is recording, so we take accuracy testing seriously. 

We test smartwatches during low-intensity exercise, high-intensity running and cycling, as well as while resting, to see how precisely each device monitors your heart rate in any conditions. We also test multiple routes, including in the woods, to see how they cope with dense tree coverage.

We compare these results to those taken by chest belt monitors, which are known to be much more accurate. 

Some smartwatches wildly understate or overstate step counts, either missing steps or being so sensitive that they clock up too many. 

In particular, many smartwatches miscalculate steps during everyday household activities, mistaking any hand movement for you swinging your arm while taking a step. Some smartwatches from well-known brands have been out by around 80% in this part of our test. 

Our experts also explore the paired apps that work with each smartwatch to assess if they are useful and easy to navigate. 

The best watches are useful for everyday communications too. Our lab tests measure how good the notifications systems really are and check how much you can control directly from the watch. 

The quality of smart notifications on smartwatches varies more than you might think. On some you can respond and answer calls with ease (and decent sound). On others, you are only alerted to some notifications and need your phone to respond properly.

Find out more about how we test smartwatches

How much do you need to pay for a good smartwatch?

Smartwatches can cost anything from £40 to more than £700, but we've found some good models for around £100, and there are Which? Best Buy smartwatches that cost less than £200. 

Paying more will get you features like advanced activity tracking and premium materials, such as a strap and bezel made of stainless steel or aluminium rather than plastic. New models, especially from bigger brands, usually command a premium.

Head to our guide to the best cheap smartwatches for more on picking the best budget option. 

Which smartwatches are compatible with my phone?

One of the first things to consider when buying a smartwatch is whether it’s compatible with your smartphone, as the two need to work together for you to be able to access calls, texts, emails and apps. 

Cross-compatibility is better than it used to be, but mixing certain brands or operating systems can still be pretty glitchy.

• iPhones If you're an iPhone user, an Apple Watch is by far the best option. Apple Watches don't work properly with Android phones, although there are ways to get some limited functionality on some models. If one of your family members has an iPhone, you could use the new Apple Family Setup feature, whereby multiple Apple Watches can be paired with the same iPhone. Check out our guide to the best Apple Watches for more.
• Samsung All Samsung watches run the Tizen operating system. Just as Apple Watches are best with an iPhone, you're better off with a Samsung-branded phone here. However, you will find good compatibility with other Android brands. Apps have historically been more limited on Tizen than on Wear OS, although this is slowly improving, with popular apps such as Spotify, Uber and Nest now available. There's some compatibility with iPhones, but some more recent releases are not compatible.
• Google Wear OS, the Google smartwatch operating system, is the most versatile and works fairly seamlessly across all Android brands. There's a wealth of apps available and standalone apps will work with any Bluetooth or wi-fi connection, even without your phone nearby. iPhone compatibility is more limited, so it's worth checking reviews before buying. For example, you probably won't be able to respond to messages via text or using your voice, even if your watch supports it on Android phones.

Get help choosing with our Apple Watch reviews, Samsung smartwatch reviews and Android compatible smartwatch reviews.

What features do you need on a smartwatch?

This depends on what you most want to use it for. Connectivity and GPS is something to consider if you want to do distance running in the wild minus your phone, for example. Here are some key considerations:

Fitness tracking All smartwatches will cover the basics, such as step and distance tracking. Most have a heart-rate monitor, and an increasing number have built-in GPS, so you can track your running route without taking your phone. Many are also waterproof, which is handy if you want to keep your watch on in the pool (although only some offer detailed swimming metrics). At Which?, we run all smartwatches through a rigorous test to see how accurate its exercise-logging capabilities really are.

Internal storage Most good smartwatches should have a reasonable amount of internal memory: look for 4GB or more. This not only allows you to download new apps, but also store music so you can listen to tunes without a smartphone in tow.

Internet A smartwatch with wi-fi can connect to local networks, so you can continue to receive notifications and use online functions even if your phone is out of Bluetooth range – so long as both your watch and phone have access to a wi-fi network.

LTE Also known as cellular connectivity, this allows you to make and receive calls, texts and other notifications without your phone nearby. It's not available for everyone, as only a small number of network carriers offer LTE. Connectivity will also have a large impact on the battery life of the watch. And you'll need to consider the ongoing monthly cost.

Near-field communication (NFC) If you're looking to make contactless payments via your smartwatch, make sure it has built-in NFC and that it's compatible with your bank. 

Built-in GPS Smartwatches can use the GPS on your smartphone but, if you like to exercise outside and don’t want to be tied to your phone, built-in GPS allows you to track your route and distance while leaving your smartphone at home. We repeat our walking test to see if the smartwatches consistently overstate, understate or hit the accuracy mark.

Built-in speaker Most smartwatches have a built-in microphone (useful for dictating voice messages as responses, or using a voice assistant to issue commands), but it's less common to find a speaker. This won't be essential for everyone, but if you want to make phone calls using just your watch, it's a must-have. It's also useful for alarms and reminders as an alternative to the vibration alert.

22mm watch strap Some smartwatches (including the Apple Watch and older Samsung Gear watches) use a proprietary strap connection, which means you'll have to stick to a fairly limited set of branded replacements (or passable imitations). Choose a smartwatch with a removable 22mm strap, and you'll find a massive range of designs and materials available, with prices starting from just a few pounds.

How waterproof are smartwatches?

Most smartwatches should be at least splashproof (ideally IP67 or IP68-certified for immersion in water). Note that this doesn't meant the watch is suitable for swimming; this capability is usually measured in atmospheres (ATM). For example, 5 ATM means a smartwatch is water-resistant up to a depth of 50 metres.

There's a range of ratings which show how splashproof a watch is or if you can swim with it. 

• If you want to swim in shallow water, look for a rating of IP7/5 ATM or above. This should be fine for casual use but you'd want to avoid the watch being impacted directly by swift currents during water sports.
• If you're looking for a watch you can take deeper, you'll need a rating of IP8/10 ATM

Some smartwatches shouldn't be used in the water at all. Others can be if you've got the right sort of strap, usually silicone. You should also avoid using a watch in hot showers or saunas, and bear in mind that the level of water resistance is not permanent and may reduce over time.

Some watches don't give you much in the way of swim-tracking data, while others will tell you the number of lengths, your pace, stroke rate and swimming efficiency. A few can be paired with a heart-rate monitor chest strap. 

Where to buy a smartwatch

You can pick up a smartwatch from most tech retailers, but you may be better off buying directly from manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, who may offer savings when you trade in old devices.

We've highlighted a few shops that stock smartwatches and that also scored well in our survey of the best technology shops.

• Apple has their newer Apple Watches available to buy directly. Prices start from £219 for an Apple Watch SE, and you'll have a wide range of customisation on the case colour, strap, watch size, and can trade-in an older Apple model to get money off a new watch. Smartwatches from other brands can be recycled through Apple. You'll get free delivery on your order, or you can pick it up from your local Apple store.
• John Lewis stocks most major smartwatch brands. You'll usually find models from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and Google. The cheapest models start from £170, with premium models setting you back over £600. You'll get free standard delivery on orders over £50, with next-day shipping starting from £7.50. 
• Samsung sells the last couple of generations of their Galaxy watches directly online, and you may be able to get a better deal than buying from a third-party retailer. Prices start from £169, and you can save money on certain new smartwatches by trading in an older model from brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and more. It's also not uncommon to find bundle deals on other products like smartphones, which can save you money on a smartwatch. You'll also get free shipping on most orders.

Best smartwatches with heart-rate monitors

If you are interested in monitoring your heart rate with a view to getting more out of your workouts, then look for a smartwatch with an in-built heart-rate monitor.

Some watches go even further, allowing you to take electrocardiograms to check for signs of atrial fibrillation (an irregular or abnormally fast heart rate). 

Smartwatches aren't medical devices, so don't rely on them to be. Any heart concerns you have should always be taken to your GP. But you can flag any unusual readings with your GP and your device can help you build a more detailed overall picture of your health.

Find out more advice in the best way to monitor your heart rate with a smartwatch  

Best GPS smartwatches for running

Not all smartwatches have built-in GPS. Some have to rely on your phone's GPS, so you'll have to take your phone out with you when you go for a run to track your route and distance. If you leave your phone behind, your distance will be based on step count. 

If you're a keen runner, we recommend looking for a watch with in-built GPS for the best chance of accuracy. Be aware that GPS will drain your battery faster, though. Here are our top picks.

Which smartwatch brands offer the best software and security support policies?

It's likely not something you've given a great deal of thoughts to, but software and security support are important considerations when buying a smartwatch.

These dictate how long the brand will continue updating the device with new features and security patches to guard against emerging threats after its launch, affecting the potential lifetime or future security of your product.

Unfortunately, policies vary.

• Apple says it will support its watches for a minimum of five years from launch. 
• Samsung appears to support its products for at least five years from launch on the Galaxy Watch4 and later, and three years on previous models.
• Fitbit said its devices 'typically receive' software updates for at least two years after a model is no longer sold on its website.
• Garmin said in 2022 it will provide updates for a minimum of two years from launch on its consumer products. 

Other smartwatch brands that did not provide us with information on minimum update support periods include: Amazfit, Huawei and Realme.

Polar said it follows regulations and guidance on security and software updates, but didn't guarantee a minimum support period either.

While you may not be at immediate risk if you're using a device that's unsupported, it's obviously much safer to buy and use a device that you know will receive update support for a decent period of time. For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.