Whether people want to track their steps and get on top of their fitness goals, get hands-free notifications, or have a slick-looking timepiece on their wrist, smartwatches are an excellent device to pick up. For Android watch users, there are many options to choose from, so regardless of what kind of smartwatch for Android a person wants, there is probably one that will suit everyone's needs. The best smartwatches are excellent companions to top Android devices like Google Pixels and Samsung phones, but they will also work fantastically with any other compatible Android device.

Need a headset to pair with your smartwatch or phone? Check out our guides for the best headsets and the best earbuds.

Game ZXC's picks for the Best Smartwatches for Android in 2024

The Samsung Galaxy Watch lineup has been and continues to be a fan favorite for Android smartwatch fans. Samsung seems to be following the rule of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' with the Galaxy Watch 6. This Android watch has the same slim and sleek look, sturdy construction, and tons of health and fitness tracking features as Galaxy Watches in the past.

The Galaxy Watch 6 is easily one of the best smartwatches for Android with its snappy processor, a battery life that can get through a whole day, and a fantastic display regardless of the setting. This watch is flawlessly integrated with Samsung's Android version, especially for people already in the Samsung ecosystem.

A notable improvement from previous Galaxy Watch releases is its larger display size. This Android smartwatch has a 44mm screen size, which makes it easier to view and navigate. The aluminum bezel gives the watch a classy appearance while also enhancing its durability.

Our pick for the best budget smartwatch for Android is the FitBit Charge 6. For people who don't want to wear a big bulky Android watch but still want something that will allow them to track fitness stats and access some smart features, the Charge 6 is the way to go.

The Android watch is comfortable, and it feels natural on users' wrists without risks of leaving marks if properly worn. Durable as they come, it can withstand falls and is water resistant up to 50 meters. Functionality-wise, the Fitbit Charge 6 Android smartwatch outdoes itself, supported by numerous operating resources. It has over 40 exercise modes, a built-in GPS, all-day activity training, automatic exercise training, reminders, and many more. With this watch, users can keep tabs on all their activities, especially if they are watching their health.

When users get the watch, they also get a 6-month premium subscription to high-standard workouts, mindfulness sessions, and many other exclusive programs.

Garmin Android smartwatches are some of the best options for avid runners and fitness buffs looking for a robust fitness tracker. The Garmin Venu 2 is easily one of their most popular Android watches; it rides the line of a straight-up fitness tracker and a typical smartwatch. The Venu 2 doesn't exactly scream fitness watch, but it is built with enough durability to be worn regardless of the activity, including pool swimming. And even though this smartwatch isn't a standalone device like an Apple Watch, it does have internal storage that can hold up to 650 songs to keep users motivated for longer runs.

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The super bright 1.3" AMOLED display shows users a wealth of information from this watch, like their daily calendar, heart rate, water intake, stress level, and phone notifications. Unfortunately, unlike the Pixel Watch 2, the Venu 2 has somewhat limited app support, so be sure to take a look at what apps it works with first before purchasing.

When it comes to a fully featured smartwatch, few competitors have as long of a battery life as the Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 5. This Android smartwatch has an impressive three-day battery life, alongside a display and overall performance that rivals the best smartwatches for Android, like the Galaxy Watch 6. The bulkier design and no support for Google Assistant took it out of the race for best overall smartwatch. However, if people like a bulkier watch and want a fully featured Android watch that can last for 80 hours without needing a recharge, the Ticwatch Pro 5 is a fantastic choice.

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The design on the Ticwatch Pro 5 is reminiscent of the Casio G-Shock watches that every cool person was wearing for a while, but with a more sleek frame around the watch face itself. The more significant form factor and display make it easier to navigate around, but for people with smaller wrists, this watch might feel a bit too heavy to wear for three days straight. If people are okay with sacrificing some features, a smartwatch like the Fitbit Charge 6 might be a better option for people with smaller wrists.

The Garmin Vivomove Sport is a hybrid smartwatch for Android for people who want the smart features and fitness-tracking ability of smartwatches but don't want them to look like smartwatches. Whether out for a run or hitting the town, the Vivomove Sport looks the part, and even though its battery life is not as long as some hybrid watches, it will keep it charged for up to five days.

When wrapped around the user's wrist, the Android watch just has a typical analog watch face, but when users twist their wrist to look at it, a hidden OLED display will turn on. The display shows phone notifications and calendar updates. Unlike the other Vivomove watches, the Sport also offers stress levels, body battery, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and hydration levels. While not the most comprehensive fitness tracker or fully featured smartwatch, the Vivomove Sport is a great way to get into smartwatches while still looking fashionable.

The watch is durable, owing to its robust design, and can withstand impact and falls. It also effortlessly connects to users' devices and is compatible with multiple operating systems.

The Kumi smartwatch is our pick forthe best mid-range smartwatch for Android. This device lets users make or answer calls, read SMS and app messages, and operate smart devices via the voice assistant. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a full-color display for more vibrant and realistic colors than regular smartwatch screens. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts get more than 100 sports modes for comprehensively monitoring exercise and workouts. They can read the step count, heart rate, calories burned, distance, and workout duration by simply glancing at the screen. This makes it easier to monitor progress in their fitness journey.

But the makers of this Android watch didn’t intend it to act only as a fitness tracker. Instead, they infused other features such as music playback, weather information, camera control, alarm clock, etc. It is a long-lasting watch with an IP68 waterproof rating, so users can wear it without worrying about it getting damaged by sweat or water. Once a user plugs it in, the smartwatch takes up to two hours to charge fully. The battery lasts for five to seven days of everyday use.

How To Make a Smart Decision On a Smartwatch

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 in different colorways

The best smartwatches for Android must be compatible with the respective device. Connecting to the primary device via Bluetooth should be possible without any problems. Besides compatibility, there are other factors that users must always consider when shopping for one. They include the following:

The Quality of Display

The display quality of any smartwatch is the first consideration for buyers. They should consider the screen size, whether it is HD, and the type of technology used, such as the cutting-edge curved OLED monitor technology that features enhanced viewing angles and deeper blacks. For example, the Efolen Smartwatch has a 1.43-inch HD AMOLED screen, which ensures vividly clear graphics. Of course, other phones could have bigger or smaller displays. Attention to the display that will serve the user’s needs is critical.

Functionality

A good smartwatch shouldn’t be just for checking the time. It should also serve other purposes, including fitness tracking. The smartwatch should help users monitor their heart rate, daily steps, and other metrics easily. It should also make taking or making calls, reading SMSs, or receiving app notifications possible. A multi-functional smartwatch removes the need for different devices when a user can have one.

Connectivity Options

The smartwatch will work with Android smartphones. However, it first needs to connect. That means having the correct connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Ideally, the available connectivity options should be compatible with the latest Android systems. Otherwise, it will be impossible for users to enjoy having the smartwatch.

Compatibility

Compatibility goes beyond whether it will work with a phone, although that is still an important thing to look for. For most WearOS devices, which is the leading Android-based smartwatch OS, the device is required to be at least on Android 9.0. Moving past the phone compatibility though, users should also make sure that the watch works with the apps that they consider must-haves. These could be fitness tracking apps, contactless payment like Google Wallet, controlling music, and many more.

Extra Features

The features of a smartwatch are typically what sets it apart from the rest, but not everyone needs a smartwatch that is packed to the gills with features that they will probably not even use. Many people pick up a smartwatch for their health-tracking abilities; for those people, they should check whether the watch has a heart rate sensor, step tracker, and possibly GPS tracking. But if people want to go beyond that, some smartwatches additionally offer an oxygen saturation sensor and sleep tracking.

Battery Life

Battery life plays a huge role in the enjoyment of a smartwatch. The best smartwatches for Android typically have at least a day or two worth of battery life, but some can last a week or even longer. Deciding the blend of performance and battery life is a personal choice, but Game ZXC recommends looking for smartwatches with at least two days of battery life. That way, it is not always on the charger.

Regardless of what smartwatch people choose, there is a perfect option out there for everyone. As long as it at least hits all these factors, it will most likely be an excellent smartwatch that will add a ton of helpful resources to daily routines.

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FAQ

Q: Do I need a data plan for a smartwatch?

Most smartwatches don't need data plans, unless they are a standalone device. Even then smartwatches with LTE connections don't necessarily need a data plan, if users want to use it via a WiFi or Bluetooth connection.

Q: Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?

As long as the smartwatch is capable of LTE connection, users can still have full access to phone calls, messages, and other phone features when the phone is at home. If a smartwatch is not capable of LTE connection, then users can still leave their phone at home for runs or bike rides, but they won't get access to the full features that the smartwatch offers.