10 Best Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

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 11 (GPS, 42mm) is a well-rounded smartwatch that suits those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness companion combined with stylish design and strong connectivity. It works best with iPhones, ensuring smooth integration with apps and notifications. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, making it easy to check stats or read messages even in bright sunlight. Battery life lasts about 24 hours under normal use, which should cover a full day, and the quick charging option lets you top up fast when needed.

Health tracking is a major strength here — it can monitor blood pressure trends, ECG, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality with a sleep score, possible sleep apnea signs, and even detect falls or car crashes for emergency help. Fitness features include detailed workout metrics and guided sessions with Apple Fitness+, which appeals to active users. It’s also swimproof with 50m water resistance and dust resistant, making it durable for everyday wear and exercise.

Design-wise, it’s slim and lightweight, comfortable for 24/7 wear, and comes with customizable bands and finishes like rose gold. On the downside, battery life is decent but not standout compared to some competitors offering multiple days, and it relies heavily on iPhone connectivity, so Android users won’t get full functionality. Some advanced health features require user setup and understanding to make the most of them. This makes the Series 11 ideal for iPhone users wanting a stylish, feature-rich watch with strong health insights and solid fitness tracking, while those seeking longer battery life or cross-platform use might look elsewhere.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a robust and feature-rich smartwatch designed especially for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It works seamlessly with iPhones from the Xs model onward, making it a great choice if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. The watch sports a large 49mm bright OLED display that’s easy to read in different lighting conditions, including a handy flashlight mode.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 42 hours with regular use and stretching to 72 hours in low power mode, which is helpful for long adventures. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal screen provide excellent durability, plus it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, suitable for swimming, diving, and water sports.

Fitness and health tracking are comprehensive, covering everything from running and cycling to swimming and even skiing. It offers detailed metrics like heart rate zones, running power, sleep tracking including sleep apnea alerts, blood oxygen levels, and irregular heart rhythm notifications. The built-in GPS is precise with dual-frequency support, ideal for outdoor workouts.

One standout safety feature is satellite communication for emergency texting when you’re out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, alongside fall and crash detection, which adds peace of mind during risky activities. The cellular version lets you make calls, stream music, and stay connected without your phone nearby.

Customization is flexible with four different band styles and a programmable physical action button for quick access to key functions. Given its large size and rugged design, it might feel bulky if you prefer a smaller, lighter watch for daily casual wear. Also, it’s a premium device with a price to match, making it best suited for users who truly need advanced sports and safety features.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 suits active users who want a durable, powerful smartwatch packed with health insights, safety tools, and excellent connectivity, while those looking for a simple everyday smartwatch might find it more than they need.