Picking a smartwatch for fitness tracking means wading through what feels like an endless parade of options. Whether you’re training for something specific or just want to know why you’re always tired, the right watch can actually help you make sense of your health. We spent weeks testing the latest models to figure out which ones are worth your money—and which ones are just marketing fluff dressed up as hardware.
Here’s what actually matters when you’re wearing one of these things every day.
How We Tested These Smartwatches
We wore each watch for at least two weeks. That’s enough time to see past the “new toy” phase and figure out what actually works in real life—not just on a spec sheet.
Heart rate accuracy was a big one. We compared every watch against chest strap monitors during everything from walks to HIIT sessions. For sleep, we checked whether the data matched how rested people actually felt, not just what the algorithm said. GPS got tested on actual runs and rides, not just around a parking lot. Battery life we ran through multiple scenarios: always-on display, GPS tracking, normal wear with notifications. We also paid attention to the basics—how easy is the interface, does the touchscreen respond when your fingers are sweaty, and is it comfortable enough to actually forget you’re wearing it?
Our Top Pick: Apple Watch Series 9
The Series 9 is still the one to beat if you want a solid all-around smartwatch with genuine health tracking. Apple keeps refining what they started, and this version finally feels like the complete package instead of a work in progress.
The heart rate sensor is genuinely good now. Not perfect—no optical sensor is—but close enough that you can trust it during workouts without wondering if you’re in the right zone. The ECG app is FDA-cleared, which means something if you’ve ever worried about your heart rhythm. It’s not replacing a doctor’s visit, but it’s there if you want it.
Sleep tracking got better with recent watchOS updates. It automatically detects when you pass out and starts tracking—no fiddling with settings. You get sleep stages (REM, Core, Deep), a morning summary, and any breathing irregularities worth knowing about. It’s not as detailed as some dedicated sleep trackers, but it’s useful.
The Double Tap gesture is actually practical. Tapping your thumb and index finger together to control the watch sounds like a gimmick until you’re mid-workout and can’t spare a hand. The display is bright enough to read in direct sunlight, which matters more than you’d think until you’re squinting at your wrist on a sunny run.
The downside: you’re charging this thing every night. Most people work around it (shower charging is a thing), but if you hate daily charging, keep that in mind.
Best for iPhone Users: Apple Watch Ultra 2
If you’re all-in on Apple and want the most capable fitness watch they make, the Ultra 2 is it. Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s expensive. But if you’re actually using your watch for serious training, the extra features justify the size and cost.
The battery is the real difference. We’re talking 36 hours normal use, up to 72 in Low Power Mode. That’s enough to track a full marathon and still have battery for the drive home. During testing, we wore it for an ultra—we won’t name names—and it handled it without dying.
The Action Button is genuinely useful. You can map it to whatever you actually need—interval markers, activity switching, whatever—and hit it without stopping. The bigger display and louder speakers matter more than you’d expect when you’re trying to hear workout cues in a noisy gym or on a busy trail.
It’s also built like a tank. Titanium case, 100-meter water resistance, the whole thing. This is the Apple Watch that’s going to survive years of actual use, not just careful handling.
Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung finally got the Galaxy Watch right. The Watch 6 is the Android equivalent of the Apple Watch—polished, capable, and genuinely good at the things that matter.
The BioActive sensor combines heart rate, ECG, and blood pressure in one module. That’s not just marketing; it actually works. We tested the heart rate against a chest strap during interval training, and it held up well even when heart rate was bouncing around. The blood pressure feature requires a quick calibration with a traditional cuff, then gives you trends over time. Useful if you’re tracking that.
Sleep tracking is where Samsung actually impressed us. The Sleep Score breaks down what matters—total time, efficiency, wake periods—and the Sleep Animals thing sounds silly but actually motivates some people to get better rest. It’s a nice touch.
The rotating bezel is still the best way to navigate a smartwatch. No smearing your fingerprint across the screen, no missed touches with sweaty hands. Just spin and go.
One catch: some health features (blood pressure, ECG) really want a Samsung phone. Other Android phones get most features, but the full experience is locked to Samsung’s ecosystem.
Best for Android Users: Google Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 is what happens when Google actually tries. The first one had potential but felt unfinished. This one delivers on it.
The new multi-path heart rate sensor is noticeably better than the original, especially during hard efforts when the first version sometimes lost the plot. GPS is built in, so you can leave your phone at home and still get accurate distance and pace data.
Fitbit’s ecosystem is the real selling point here. You get everything Fitbit built over years—detailed workout logging, achievements, challenges with friends—and Google’s software makes it all feel smooth. Wear OS 4 integrates well with Maps, Calendar, and Assistant. The haptics actually feel premium now, not buzzy.
Battery life is about a day with always-on display. Same situation as Apple Watch—you’re charging nightly. But at least the charging is fast.
Stress tracking requires Fitbit Premium for the full picture, which is annoying if you wanted everything included. The basic health stuff is free, though.
Best Budget Option: Fitbit Inspire 3
Not everyone needs a mini-computer on their wrist. The Inspire 3 strips away the excess and gives you what actually matters: heart rate, sleep, activity tracking—without theMarkup and premium price.
Ten days of battery. That’s the headline. You put this on, set it, and forget about it for over a week. It’s almost relaxing after constantly charging flagship watches.
The health tracking is solid for what most people need. 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, automatic sleep staging. PurePulse 2.0 isn’t as accurate as Garmin or Apple during intense workouts, but for everyday wear and general fitness, it works fine.
No built-in GPS—you need your phone for outdoor distance tracking. But honestly, if that’s a dealbreaker, you’re probably in the market for something more expensive anyway. The Inspire 3 knows what it is and doesn’t try to be something else.
Water resistant to 50 meters. Swim tracking, shower, no problem. Basic notifications keep you connected without turning your wrist into a phone replacement.
Best for Sleep Tracking: Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin doesn’t just do sleep tracking—they’re obsessed with it. If understanding your nights is your priority, this is the watch.
HRV overnight is the secret sauce. Heart rate variability tells you about recovery and stress in a way that simple heart rate can’t. Morning sleep scores give you instant feedback, and Body Battery combines sleep + activity to tell you if you’re ready to push or should take it easy.
Training readiness is genuinely useful. It looks at your recent training load, HRV trends, and sleep to tell you whether today is a good day for a hard workout or if you should recover. It’s like having a coach on your wrist.
Battery is ridiculous—23 days in smartwatch mode, 31 hours with GPS. You can track multiple nights of sleep without charging. That’s the real advantage here.
The display is AMOLED now, so it’s actually readable. Previous Forerunners had that dim LCD problem. This one doesn’t.
Design is athletic, not dressy. That’s fine if you’re actually running, but don’t expect this to look good with a suit.
Best for Runners: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
This is the watch serious runners actually buy. Not the one that looks cool on Instagram—the one that works when you’re 30 miles into an ultramarathon and need to know if you’re on pace.
The LED flashlight built into the case is something you don’t know you need until you use it. Red light for not blinding your running partner. White light for finding your way to the trailhead in the dark. It’s become one of our favorite features.
Running dynamics get detailed. Cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length—stuff that usually needs extra sensors. The Fenix handles it all. PacePro gives you grade-adjusted pacing for trail running, which sounds niche until you’re on a mountain and trying not to blow up your legs.
GPS is the best you’ll find. Multi-band GNSS acquires fast and stays accurate even in terrible conditions—dense trees, tall buildings, canyons. We never lost signal during testing.
Battery: 22 days smartwatch, 57 hours GPS. That’s not a typo. You can run a 100-miler and still have battery left.
Build quality is overkill in the best way. Titanium bezel, sapphire crystal, this thing will outlive your running career.
Best for Comprehensive Health Metrics: Fitbit Sense 2
The Sense 2 is for people who want the most data about their body—stress, skin temperature, heart rhythm, the works. It’s less of a fitness tracker and more of a health monitor.
The cEDA sensor tracks electrodermal activity to detect stress responses. It’s not perfect—your body responds to stress in complicated ways—but it gives you a starting point for awareness. The daily Stress Management Score is helpful, and the breathing sessions actually work when you remember to use them.
ECG is FDA-cleared. Same as Apple Watch—if it catches atrial fibrillation, that’s potentially life-saving. SpO2 tracks blood oxygen at night, useful for breathing issues or altitude training.
Fitbit’s app ecosystem is mature. Sleep tracking, activity goals, social features—they’ve been doing this longer than anyone. Google Assistant handles voice commands well.
Battery is about six days, less with heavy GPS use. That’s fine, but it’s another device you’re charging weekly.
Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance
| Model | Battery Life | Heart Rate | ECG | SpO2 | GPS | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 9 | 18 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Built-in | 50m |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 36-72 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Built-in | 100m |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | ~40 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Built-in | 50m |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | ~24 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Built-in | 50m |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | ~10 days | ✓ | — | ✓ | Phone required | 50m |
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | ~23 days | ✓ | — | ✓ | Built-in | 50m |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Pro | ~22 days | ✓ | — | ✓ | Built-in | 100m |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | ~6 days | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Built-in | 50m |
What to Look for in a Fitness Smartwatch
Before you buy, think about what you’ll actually use. It’s easy to pay for features that sound cool but never get opened.
Heart rate accuracy matters most if you’re training in specific zones. Not all optical sensors are created equal—some struggle during high-intensity work where movement interferes with the reading. If that describes your training, look for proven accuracy in reviews, not just the marketing claims.
SpO2 got popular during COVID but it’s still useful—respiratory tracking, altitude training, checking if your snoring is actually sleep apnea. ECG is genuinely valuable if you have any heart concerns, but it’s mostly a premium feature.
GPS is essential if you run or bike outside without your phone. Built-in means freedom. Battery life during GPS tracking varies wildly—check the real numbers if you’re doing long activities.
Sleep tracking has gotten sophisticated. Basic duration is useless; you want stages, quality scores, and recovery insights. This is where spending more actually gets you better data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch is most accurate for heart rate monitoring?
Testing says Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 7 Pro are the most consistent. They stay close to chest strap monitors across different activities and body types.
Are smartwatches accurate for health monitoring?
Good enough for daily use and trend tracking, not good enough to replace doctor visits. The ECG features can actually detect problems, but always follow up with a professional if something seems wrong.
Which smartwatch has the best heart rate monitor?
Garmin usually wins here. Their Elevate sensor technology outperforms most competitors, especially during high-intensity activities.
How much should I spend on a fitness smartwatch?
Essential tracking starts around $100 (Fitbit Inspire 3). Most people do well in the $200-400 range. Premium gets you better battery, more sensors, and tougher build quality—worth it if you’re actually training hard.
Do I need ECG on my smartwatch?
If you have heart concerns or family history, yes. If you’re healthy with no issues, it’s nice to have but not essential.
Can smartwatches replace fitness trackers?
They already have. Smartwatches do everything fitness trackers do, plus more. The only reason to pick a dedicated tracker now is price or battery life.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 9 is still the best choice for most people. It works well, integrates with everything, and does what you need without overcomplicating things. iPhone users who want the absolute best should look at Ultra 2—yes, it’s big and pricey, but the battery life alone justifies it for anyone training seriously. Android users have two good options: Galaxy Watch 6 if you want Samsung’s ecosystem, Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer Google’s.
On a budget, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a no-brainer—it’s cheap, lasts forever, and tracks everything that matters. Runners who want serious data should look at Garmin. Forerunner 965 for pure running focus, Fenix 7 Pro if you do multiple sports and want it to last forever. Sleep is your priority? Garmin does it best. Want the most health data possible? Fitbit Sense 2.
But here’s the real talk: the best smartwatch is the one you’ll actually wear. Fancy features mean nothing if it sits in a drawer. Think about comfort, battery, and whether you’ll actually use the app before you drop $800 on the most advanced thing on paper.
