The Best Android Smartwatches - IGN (2024)

The best Android smartwatches have come a long way from the thin plastic devices available many moons ago. Starting out as simple step counters, smart watches have evolved in aesthetics and convenience, with a range of luxurious and durable fitness trackers that can keep you updated with current affairs. Our list is packed full of wearable tech that can work with almost every Android phone on the market, whether you’re a Samsung Galaxy S24 diehard or a Google Pixel loyalist.

TL;DR Best Android smart watches at a glance

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
• Google Pixel Watch 2
• Fitbit Sense 2
• TicWatch Pro 5
• Garmin vívoactive 5
• Fitbit Versa 4

The smartwatch market's growth has delivered plenty of impressive wearables to consider to suit whatever lifestyle you lead. Not to worry, though, as we’ve sifted through the many options and found the best Android smart watches available right now.

The best Android smart watches

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Best Android smart watch for the Samsung ecosystem

Pros

• Easy-to-use UI
• Plenty of health features to track your fitness

Cons

• Higher price point than other Android watches on the market

The Samsung Galaxy Watch has established a reputation as a premium Android smartwatch. The newest addition, the Galaxy Watch 6, continues this sentiment, boasting a bright and durable Sapphire Crystal display in its sturdy frame.

The Galaxy Watch 6 offers convenient apps that would be ideal for fitness users who don’t want to take a bag on their outings. Samsung Pay will let you grab a mid-run meal without carrying cash, and the onboard music player can propel you out of the pain cave. There is also the option to call and text on the watch - though the 1.3-inch screen naturally limits your prose ability, so you aren’t likely to be writing War and Peace.

The Galaxy Watch 6 is flush with health features, like a standard PPG sensor to help track your heart’s condition and some handy fall detection technology to keep you safe. When you want to work out, you’ll also have your pick of 90 unique fitness tracking presets, from running to cycling and everything in between.

2. Google Pixel Watch 2

Best all round smart watch for Android users

Pros

• Smart Charge gives you a 50% charge in 30 minutes
• Google Smart Assistant is helpful on the go

Cons

• The rounded watch face doesn’t display as much information as you might like

The Google Pixel Watch 2 harnesses all the convenience associated with the company’s proprietary work suite and smart assistant, parachuting tried and tested features into a sleek wearable. The watch's body is rounded and made of smooth aluminum, but it comes in a range of colourways so that you can match your watch body and strap to your personal style. You’ll also be able to curate multiple watch faces to match if you want to switch things up day by day.

Power users can make the most of the 24-hour always-on display - though your mileage may vary depending on your days' intensity. If you do find yourself in need of a boost, the Google Pixel Watch 2 comes with a USB-C fast charging cable that lets you get a 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, which is perfect for a snappy recharge during a lunch break or ahead of an evening meal. The Google Pixel Watch 2 also has a built-in ECG heart monitor, blood oxygen detector, and a skin temperature tracker so you can keep on top of your health and look stylish in the process.

3. Fitbit Sense 2

Best smart watch for iPhone and Android users

Pros

• Can be used across Android and iOS devices
• Fitbit health tracking technology is easy to use

Cons

• A subscription service is required to get the most out of the watch

Fitbit is a brand synonymous with health tracking technology, so it’s no surprise that two of the company’s watches have made it onto our list. With a square design similar to the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Sense 2 offers handy fitness and lifestyle apps at a reasonable price. The Sense 2 can be set up with the Fitbit app, which acts as a central hub for your lifestyle data, including sleep and stress trackers and an ECG app to track heart health. Once you’ve used the app enough, you’ll be fed helpful ‘readiness’ info, letting you know optimal times for activity and rest, which can compel you into healthier fitness routines.

If you don’t want to hitch your wagon to one brand's ecosystem, the Fitbit range is a great option, as the supported app comfortably works with both iPhone and Android phones, which means you don’t have to worry about compatibility. And if the new iPhone turns your head, you don’t need to worry about a year's worth of health data going down the drain - you can simply transfer it to the new device and keep those streaks going.

4. TicWatch Pro 5

Best Android smart watch for heavy-duty use

Pros

• High durability ratings make it great for intensive use
• The built-in compass is convenient for hiking

Cons

• The larger watch size may not suit all users

If you want to get out in the wild with a tough and durable smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro 5 will have you covered. Tested against military standards for durability, this sturdy smartwatch has a boatload of protective certifications meant to survive the outdoors. Paired with the TicWatch’s approximately 80-hour battery life, you should be able to scale a few peaks or chart some trails before needing to plug in. Though if you do need to add some juice, you can conveniently recharge up to 65% in around 30 minutes. The heavy-duty design does mean the TicWatch Pro 5 runs a little larger and heavier than other options on the list, emulating a more traditional watch design, which will appeal to some and deter others.

And if your sense of direction isn’t on point; the TicWatch Pro 5 works with five unique satellite systems that should be able to keep you on course, and a built-in compass so you’ll always find true north. Plus, as you do scale heights, the TicWatch Pro 5 will graph your altitude to provide data on your climbs.

5. Garmin vívoactive 5

Best Android smartwatch for casual fitness

Pros

• 30 fitness presets to track activity
• Option to choose watch band and face colour

Cons

• UI isn’t the most convenient to use

If achieving your fitness goals is at the forefront of your mind, then the Garmin vivoactive 5 might be the watch for you. Boasting over 11 days of battery life, you won’t need to take off your watch for bed and can enjoy the feedback of the onboard sleep health tracker. This sleep tracker will provide a clear picture of your snoozing quality. Delivered as a ‘Morning Report,’ you’ll also get a quick snapshot of the daily weather and your fitness recovery status so you can start planning your daily routines with a dossier of useful info.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers 30 fitness tracking presets, which, when used, can benchmark your progress towards health goals. If you have accessibility needs, you can also turn on the wheelchair mode, which will track movement as pushes of steps, switching icons appropriately. Four standard colourways are available for the Garmin vivoactive 5, though if you want something bespoke, you can customize the watch face and band to find your perfect match.

6. Fitbit Versa 4

Best Android smart watch for users on a budget

Pros

• Low price point
• Doesn’t have all the bells and whistle of more expensive watches

Cons

• The simple design might not suit everyone

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the most affordable smartwatch here but doesn’t sacrifice any essential features. Boasting a six days of battery life and GPS, the Fitbit Versa is a smart choice to track your fitness accurately without breaking the bank. Using Fitbit's signature technology and associated app, you can choose between 40 different activities, like HIIT (high impact interval training) and Strength Training, with specific calorie and distance information provided as you get stronger. Plus, when you’re ready to wind down, you’ll find your stress and sleep health information available to monitor your recovery.

There's a decent range of lifestyle features too, incorporating the Google Suite, the Alexa smart assistant and contactless payment. Like the Fitbit Sense 2, the Fitibit Versa can also be used with iPhones, so if you switch up your handset, you can still make the most of your fitness data. Unfortunately, it’s not the most impressive-looking smart watch on our list, but it's hard to argue with the price if you’re just after a fitness tracking device and nothing more.

FAQ

How can I make sure the watch will fit my wrist?

Each Android watch brand will feature a unique measurement system you can consult before purchasing to ensure a good fit. The location of the information may vary from brand to brand, so it’s often best to search for the model you want individually to ensure you’re finding the correct sizing guide. For example, search ‘Google Pixel Watch 2’ plus ‘sizing guide’.

Do I need a subscription to use the health apps on Android smart watches?

Not all Android smart watches require a subscription to use their health apps. However, some may offer premium software that requires payment to unlock. This information is often disclosed on the store page for the watch itself, with some watches offering free month trials of the premium service (such as the Fitbit) when you buy the product.

Can I go swimming in my Android smart watch?

While all the smart watches on our list have levels of resistance grading, not all are made for frequent use in water. If you’re a swimmer and want to ensure your prospective watch will fit the bill, you’ll need to find the resistance rating in the product specifications. You can use this grading (say, IP68) to verify the watch is appropriate for your needs. It’s worth considering that salt and chlorinated water can affect the performance of the rating, so check manufacturer guidance before taking the leap.

Sarah Thwaites is a freelance tech writer at IGN, with bylines at GameInformer, TrustedReviews, NME and more.