2025 shook up the smartwatch landscape. New entrants, surprising winners, and a few painful flops made this year one of the most interesting for wrist tech I’ve tested. These Smartwatch awards capture what I think matters most: practical features, accuracy, battery life, and who each watch actually suits.
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugg](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71pdSpwZJiL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
I tested dozens of watches this year and grouped the best into categories so you can pick the right device without getting hype-swept. The Smartwatch awards below cover hybrids, fitness-first devices, minimal bands, battery champions, options for kids and the elderly, the biggest flop, best value, and the overall best smartwatches of 2025.
The Smartwatch Market in 2025-2026
The smartwatch market is booming again. Global shipments grew 9% in Q3 2025, with Apple reclaiming the lead at 23% market share after a 23% surge in shipments—ending a seven-quarter slump. Huawei follows at 17%, dominating in China which now accounts for 31% of all global shipments. The market is projected to reach 402 million units shipped by 2027, up from just 37 million in 2016. Key trends driving growth: 5G connectivity, satellite SOS features, and advanced health monitoring like hypertension alerts.
How I judged these Smartwatch awards
My criteria were simple: real-world accuracy, useful features, battery life, and the software and ecosystem behind the watch. Raw sensor accuracy matters, but features and ecosystem integration usually decide whether a watch is useful day to day. For these Smartwatch awards I weighed:
- Accuracy and health tracking — heart rate, sleep, ECG where available.
- Battery life and charging — realistic numbers based on daily use.
- Software and ecosystem — apps, phone compatibility, cloud access to data.
- Practical features — LTE, satellite SOS, GPS, payment, multisport support.
- Design and comfort — wearability, materials, and how it looks on a wrist.
Best hybrid smartwatch (two picks)
Hybrid watches blur the line between classic analog styling and modern sensors. For the Smartwatch awards I looked for hybrids that actually feel like traditional watches while still delivering meaningful health data.
Winner: Withings ScanWatch Nova
The ScanWatch Nova nails the hybrid promise: it looks like an analog watch, hides a discreet display, and lasts for weeks on a single charge. The ScanWatch Nova is ideal if you want subtle health tracking without a full touchscreen.
- Key specs: 35-day battery, ECG, body temperature, sleep tracking, period tracking.
- Pros: Classic styling, long battery, reliable health metrics, integrates with Withings ecosystem (scales and other devices).
- Cons: No GPS, no voice assistant, limited smart interactions.
- Best for: Anyone who prefers an analog look but wants health insights and long battery life.
Runner-up: Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
Garmin surprised me by putting hands on a full AMOLED watch. The Instinct Crossover gives you the full Garmin feature set — GPS, multisport modes, advanced health tracking — while the hands preserve battery and add a unique physical look.
- Key specs: AMOLED display with analog hands, 14-day battery, multi-band GPS, flashlight, Garmin Pay.
- Pros: True smartwatch features with the hybrid aesthetic; hands are functional (compass integration); full Garmin software stack.
- Cons: Heavier than minimal hybrids; still not as dressy as a pure analog.
- Best for: Outdoor athletes who want Garmin features but prefer the watch-to-watch look.
Best-looking smartwatch
A watch should feel like an accessory. For the Smartwatch awards I judged looks and build quality equally with functionality.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the most elegant smartwatch for those who care about traditional watch aesthetics. Stainless steel body, rotating bezel, and a shape that translates well into dressier wristbands make this my pick for best-looking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) Bluetooth Smartwatch, US Version – Fitness & Sleep
- Key specs: Stainless steel, physical rotating bezel, Tizen/Wear integration (on compatible models), excellent display.
- Pros: Premium finish, bezel adds utility and style, great display and customization.
- Cons: Squircle design not for everyone; feature parity with competitors depends on OS updates.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a smartwatch that looks like a proper dress watch.
Best minimal smart band
Minimal bands are for people who want health tracking without a bulky smartwatch. They win on comfort and battery life.
Winner: Xiaomi Smart Band 10
The Smart Band 10 is a standout for simplicity and value. Its long battery life and tall, bright display make checking metrics quick and painless. It’s a perfect pick for someone who wants to track steps and sleep with minimal fuss.
XIAOMI Mi Smart Band 10 (2025) Global Version – 1.72″ AMOLED Display | 21 Days B
- Key specs: 1.72-inch tall display, 21-day battery, 150 workout modes, heart rate and sleep tracking.
- Pros: Small, comfortable, long battery, strong value, water resistant.
- Cons: Limited smartwatch features compared to full watches; UI is compact.
- Best for: People who prefer minimal devices or want a simple fitness tracker for everyday wear.
Best fitness tracking watch
What Consumers Actually Track
Health monitoring is the #1 reason people buy smartwatches. A Deloitte study found 59% track pulse rate, 42% monitor nutrition/calories, and 40% focus on heart health. In Europe, over 25% already use wearables for heart tracking, with another 30% planning to start.
Accuracy matters: Apple Watch leads in heart rate accuracy during strength training, while all major brands perform similarly during cardio. For sleep tracking, Apple Watch has been validated against clinical EEG data—Samsung’s algorithms haven’t. Garmin stands out for VO2 Max precision and unique features like automatic rep counting.
For the Smartwatch awards, fitness devices were judged on training tools, sensor accuracy, external sensor support, and real-world features that improve workouts.
Winner: Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
If you train seriously — marathons, triathlons, backcountry running — the Fenix 8 Pro remains the obvious choice. It combines rugged design with deep training tools and connectivity for off-grid adventures.
Garmin fēnix® 8 Pro, 51mm, AMOLED Display, Premium Connected Multisport GPS Smar
- Key specs: Rugged build, slope-adjusted pace, training readiness, race predictor, multisensor support, LTE and satellite options, 27-day battery in some modes.
- Pros: Top-tier training features, excellent mapping and GPS accuracy, phone-free connectivity for emergencies.
- Cons: Expensive, bulky for small wrists.
- Best for: Serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who need advanced training metrics and independent connectivity.
Best health and sleep tracker
These Smartwatch awards included a category for people focused on sleep, recovery, and longevity rather than workouts.
Winner: WHOOP (5.0 and MG)
WHOOP is not a watch in the traditional sense. It is a dedicated health band focused on sleep, recovery, strain, and HRV. For anyone obsessed with optimizing recovery and sleep, WHOOP’s insights and coaching are second to none.
WHOOP 5.0/MG Activity Tracker – 12 Month Membership – Health and Fitness Wearabl
- Key specs: Continuous HR and HRV tracking, detailed sleep staging, 12-day battery (approx), WHOOP MG adds cuffless blood pressure capability.
- Pros: Unobtrusive, excellent sleep analytics, AI coach, long battery for the class.
- Cons: No display, no GPS for outdoor tracking, membership model for best features.
- Best for: People who want deep sleep and recovery metrics and prefer an invisible health tracker.
Best battery life (everyday smartwatch)
Solar watches and basic trackers can last years, but for full smartwatches the challenge is balancing features with endurance.
Winner: OnePlus Watch 3
The OnePlus Watch 3 consistently delivers four to five days in normal use and keeps things simple with a clean UI and a rotating crown. If battery life is a must but you still want a full smartwatch, this is a solid pick.
OnePlus Watch 3 Obsidian Titanium, 32GB, 120-Hour Battery, Health & Fitness Trac
- Key specs: 4–5 days battery, rotating crown, Android only, multiple sizes.
- Pros: Good battery, polished feel, smaller size option available.
- Cons: Limited iPhone support; ecosystem less mature than Apple or Samsung.
- Best for: Android users who want multi-day battery without sacrificing a full smartwatch experience.
Best smartwatch for women and small wrists
Comfort and size often decide whether someone actually wears a watch every day. For the Smartwatch awards I focused on smaller cases and wearable styles.
Winner: Garmin Venu 4 (41mm)
The Venu 4 in its smaller 41mm body strikes a rare balance: a compact case, solid fitness features, and a look that works for daily wear. It pairs well with both iPhone and Android.
Garmin Venu® 4, 41mm, Advanced Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Bright and Col
- Key specs: 41mm case, full Garmin fitness features, notifications and calls, good display.
- Pros: Comfortable, stylish for everyday wear, full Garmin training features in a smaller package.
- Cons: Not as feature-dense as Garmin’s top-end models.
- Best for: Those with smaller wrists who still want robust fitness tools.
Classy alternative: Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant
If you want a classier hybrid with period tracking and discreet health metrics, the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant offers a refined look and the same long battery advantage from Withings.
WITHINGS Scanwatch Nova – Heart Health Hybrid Smart Watch for Men & Women – SPO2
Best smartwatch for kids
Safety, location tracking, and parental controls are the top priorities for kid-focused watches in the Smartwatch awards.
Winner for younger kids: Fitbit Ace
The Fitbit Ace provides GPS, simple messaging, school mode, and easy parental management. It’s perfect for elementary school children who need a lightweight, safe smartwatch experience.
Winner for older kids: Apple Watch SE3 (cellular)
For older kids who need full connectivity and a smoother parental setup, the cellular Apple Watch SE3 is the best choice. It supports its own carrier plan, Family Setup, and the Find My integration parents rely on.
Best smartwatch for the elderly
Reliability, fall detection, and easy setup for caregivers were the deciding factors for this Smartwatch awards category.
Budget-friendly pick: Apple Watch SE3
The SE3 gives you location tracking with a cellular plan, easy setup for family members, and dependable fall detection. It’s affordable and simple to manage.
Best for health monitoring: Apple Watch Series 11
If health insights are paramount, Series 11 adds ECGs and some of the most accurate heart rate and fall detection capabilities I tested this year. It’s the Smartwatch awards pick for seniors who need better health monitoring.
Biggest flop of 2025
Not every watch hits the mark. The Smartwatch awards biggest flop goes to a device with promise but critical misses.
Garmin Venue X1
The Venue X1 felt premium but stumbled in the areas that matter for Garmin customers. Short battery life with always-on display enabled, no ECG at a high price point, and missing dual-band GPS for an $800 watch made it fall short of expectations.
- Why it flopped: Poor battery compared to Garmin norms, missing key health features, design too reminiscent of a square competitor.
- Lesson: Premium materials alone do not justify missing core features that buyers expect at this price.
Best budget smartwatch
If you want something new and inexpensive, these Smartwatch awards highlight devices that punch above their weight.
Winner: CMF Watch 3 Pro
For roughly $99, the CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers surprising responsiveness, a rotating crown with haptics, dual-band GPS, and a bright display. The software had teething problems at launch, but it’s a strong value if you want a new, inexpensive smartwatch with real features.
Best value smartwatch (midrange)
Value here means the most realistic combination of price, features, and day-to-day usefulness.
Winner for iPhone users: Apple Watch SE3
The SE3 is the definition of value in this space: the same core performance and app experience as flagship models for a fraction of the price. For most people with an iPhone, this is the best buy in the Smartwatch awards.
Winner for Android users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
For Android owners who want a balanced experience, the Galaxy Watch 8 offers solid tracking, a mature app ecosystem, and growing AI features. It’s not flashy, but it covers the essentials well.
Best overall smartwatch of 2025
The top Smartwatch awards honor the devices that perform best across categories: accuracy, features, battery, and ecosystem polish.
Best overall for Android: Pixel Watch 4
The Pixel Watch 4 impressed across the board. The display is vivid, the Fitbit integration provides robust fitness and health insights, and the new AI health coaching makes contextual recommendations based on your metrics. Gemini integration and LTE plus satellite SOS mean the watch can handle everyday life and some off-grid situations.
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) – Android Smartwatch with Heart Rate and Sleep Track
- Key specs: 40-hour battery, deep Fitbit metrics, Gemini integration, LTE and satellite SOS.
- Pros: Excellent display, smart AI features, polished software experience.
- Cons: Battery life is good but not multi-day like some sport watches; best experience is on Android.
- Best for: Android users who want a balanced, intelligent smartwatch with great software and health features.
Best overall for iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 3
For iPhone owners who want the absolute best, Ultra 3 brings everything together: ruggedness, long-term Apple ecosystem support, advanced sensors, and great software polish. It’s the go-to Ultra-class pick in the Smartwatch awards.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugg
Final thoughts on the Smartwatch awards
This year’s Smartwatch awards reflect a more diverse market. Hybrids give you long battery life and understated design. Dedicated fitness devices like the Fenix 8 Pro remain unmatched for athletes. Meanwhile, smartwatches such as the Pixel Watch 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 deliver balanced experiences for most people.
If you only take one thing from these Smartwatch awards: buy the watch that fits how you live. A runner needs Fenix-level features. Someone focused on sleep and recovery should consider WHOOP. If you want the best daily experience without overspending, the Apple Watch SE3 or Galaxy Watch 8 will serve most people very well.
FAQ
What does “hybrid smartwatch” mean?
A hybrid smartwatch combines analog hands and a traditional watch appearance with hidden smart features such as notifications, health sensors, and small displays. It keeps battery consumption low while providing core smart functions.
Which watch from the Smartwatch awards has the best battery life?
For an everyday full smartwatch the OnePlus Watch 3 is the best battery performer in these awards, typically delivering four to five days. For long-term battery without charging, traditional solar watches or basic trackers will outlast full smartwatches but sacrifice features.
Are hybrids good for fitness tracking?
Hybrids like the ScanWatch Nova can provide solid daily health tracking but usually lack built-in GPS or advanced workout features. If you train seriously, a dedicated fitness watch like the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is a better choice.
Which Smartwatch awards pick is best for older adults?
The Apple Watch Series 11 is ideal for health-critical monitoring due to ECG and highly accurate fall detection. The Apple Watch SE3 is a budget-friendly alternative that still offers location tracking and fall detection.
How do I choose between Pixel Watch 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Choose based on phone ecosystem. Pixel Watch 4 is the best overall for Android users, with strong Fitbit integration and AI features. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the top pick for iPhone users, offering the most complete experience in Apple’s ecosystem.
Appendix: quick picks from the Smartwatch awards
- Hybrid: Withings ScanWatch Nova, Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
- Best-looking: Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
- Best smart band: Xiaomi Smart Band 10
- Best fitness: Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
- Best sleep/health: WHOOP 5.0 / MG
- Best battery: OnePlus Watch 3
- Best for small wrists: Garmin Venu 4 (41mm), Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant
- Best for kids: Fitbit Ace (younger), Apple Watch SE3 (older)
- Best for elderly: Apple Watch SE3 (budget), Series 11 (health)
- Biggest flop: Garmin Venue X1
- Best budget: CMF Watch 3 Pro
- Best value: Apple Watch SE3 (iPhone), Galaxy Watch 8 (Android)
- Best overall: Pixel Watch 4 (Android), Apple Watch Ultra 3 (iPhone)
If you want more detail on any of these picks I wrote deeper reviews and comparisons during the year. The Smartwatch awards are a snapshot of the best choices for 2025 — pick the one that matches your priorities and enjoy better data, simpler routines, and a watch that actually gets worn.
📚 References Section
Market Research & Statistics:
- Counterpoint Research – Global Smartwatch Shipments: https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/global-smartwatch-shipments-market-share
- Statista – Smartwatch Market Share Data: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1296818/smartwatch-market-share/
- Technavio – Smartwatch Market Size & Forecast 2025-2029: https://www.technavio.com/report/smartwatch-market-size-industry-analysis
Product Reviews & Comparisons:
- TechRadar – Best Smartwatches 2026: https://www.techradar.com/news/wearables/best-smart-watches-what-s-the-best-wearable-tech-for-you-1154074
- Android Central – Best Smartwatches for Battery Life: https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/best-smartwatches-for-battery-life
- PCMag – Best Smartwatches 2025: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smartwatches
Industry Analysis:
- TechInsights – Global Smartwatch Vendor & OS Market Share Q2 2025: https://www.techinsights.com/blog/tracker-global-smartwatch-vendor-and-os-market-share-region-q2-2025
- Mordor Intelligence – Europe Smart Watches Market Analysis: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-smart-watches-market
Consumer Studies:
- YouGov – Consumer Feature Preferences for Smartwatches: https://yougov.com/articles/43985-global-what-features-do-consumers-rate-important-w