Health smartwatches have become one of the most popular fitness gadgets on the market. These devices are designed to help you monitor your health and fitness. But which watch should you buy?
We’ve reviewed the best health smartwatches on the market to help you decide which is right for you. From big-name brands like Apple and Fitbit to the perhaps lesser-known Garmin, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about smartwatches.
Before we jump into our full review, let’s cover some basics. Before you can understand which is the best smartwatch on the market for you, you need to know what you’re working with.
What Exactly is a Health Smartwatch?
A health smartwatch is simply a smartwatch that is loaded with features to help improve your overall wellbeing. This predominantly refers to your physical health, but it may also incorporate mental wellbeing advice and tips in the form of meditation and mindfulness.
What separates a health smartwatch from regular smartwatches is the emphasis on fitness. Health smartwatches are not designed to simply be an extension of your smartphone. They are designed to inform you of a variety of important bodily metrics, such as heart rate, blood oxygen, and how many calories you have burnt in a day.
The applications of health smartwatches vary widely. Depending on the design, they can be utilised by seasoned athletes, avid hikers, or anybody that simply wants a closer insight into how their daily routines affect their health. Finding the perfect smartwatch for you requires you to investigate why you want the watch and what its primary use will be.
What are the Key Benefits of a Health Smartwatch?
Beyond gaining insight into your body and your health, a smartwatch can actively be incredibly motivating. Maintaining consistent exercise is a true test of willpower and can be challenging to do by yourself.
Wearing a smartwatch provides both a reminder and a reward all in one. You are reminded, by virtue of wearing it on your wrist, that you should be active. You are then rewarded as you continuously monitor your progress and watch yourself improve. It is a highly beneficial practise when implemented properly
This heightened commitment to your health has numerous benefits, as the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle are all too clear. Smartwatches encourage you to stay active, help you to stay on top of your calorie intake, and can catch signs of illness long before symptoms may be immediately obvious (such as identifying an irregular heartbeat earlier).
All that said, remember that they aren’t miracle devices. You aren’t healthier just from having worn one, even if you buy the very best available! You must think of a health smartwatch as an assist to an active lifestyle, rather than some kind of cheat code. Your priority should be finding the right one to achieve this.
What Should You Look For in a Smartwatch?
There are a number of things to look out for when purchasing your first (or millionth!) smartwatch. There are now numerous out on the market, and that number is only set to increase. So how do you discern which are worth your money?
We have compiled a few key areas that you should review before deciding on a favourite. Don’t just go for the first flashy device you see. This thing is going to live on your wrist every day, after all, so you need to make sure you love it!
Design
We know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but are you allowed to judge a watch by its face? We think so. Given how frequently you will be wearing your smartwatch, you need to know that you like the look of it.
Thankfully, many smartwatch manufacturers understand this, which is why they often come in a variety of different colours. That’s before you consider the type of wristband you want to attach it to. There’s a whole world of customisation to sink your teeth into.
Beyond colours, you also need to consider the physical shape of the device. Smartwatches fall into two distinct categories: round and resembling a classic wristwatch, or square-faced with rounded corners. It might sound unimportant, but you would be surprised how opinionated people can get about the shape of a screen. Choose wisely!
Health Monitoring Capabilities
This is make-or-break for many people, and with good reason. If you are new to the world of health smartwatches, you might not know exactly what you’re looking for yet. Don’t worry about it. It won’t take you long to catch on, and many of the benefits of tracking these metrics will be made clear by the manufacturer.
If you are a seasoned athlete and know exactly what you are looking for, it would be wise to compare the efficacy of different watches in measuring your most valued metric. What are you most interested in? Blood pressure? Blood oxygen? Heart rate? Each device has its own way of measuring these things.
If you are a hiker rather than an athlete, your needs will be different. You should prioritise a device that possesses GPS and distance metrics, so you can map out new routes and measure your success effectively.
Essentially, when trying to improve your workout (whatever form it takes), any data is better than no data. An insight into the wellbeing of your body is always valuable information, no matter how you choose to implement it into your day.
Your Budget
Last, but certainly not least, you need to consider how much you are willing to spend on your smartwatch. They aren’t exactly cheap, though there are affordable devices throughout the market, you just need to know where to look.
Thankfully, due to the sheer amount of smartwatches currently out there or due to be released, you don’t need to spend an enormous amount to find the right one for you. There are many to choose from, and how much you spend is entirely up to you.
Granted, you may need to spend more for the latest models, but that is simply par the course. Remember, just because it has a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a superior item. You may be able to find precisely what you require at a surprisingly low price. This is why knowing exactly what you want is so important.
With all of that in mind, it’s time to jump into our top picks. We have selected a variety of smartwatches, each with their own pros and cons, for you to review. We have included details of their features and what we think makes them special. Let’s get into it.
The Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch has remained significantly popular ever since it first hit the scene, and remains a frequent top-listing among reviews. The Series 6 continues this reputation, with a variety of new features in addition to what made them so popular in the first place.
One of the key additions is a blood oxygen saturation sensor that can capture your SpO2 level whenever you need it. It even captures information while you sleep or when you’re inactive. It primarily monitors information on your respiratory and circulatory systems, particularly relating to oxygen levels.
If style is on your mind with your health smartwatch, Apple delivers there too. They offer the device itself in navy blue, red, gold, silver, and space grey. The strap is also fully replaceable, so the creative options are endless!
The design of the Apple watch is highly distinctive, most notable thanks to its square screen with rounded corners. Compared to the previous iteration of the Apple Watch, the Series 5, the Series 6 isn’t tremendously different in appearance.
Right out of the box, the Apple Watch Series 6 comes partially charged, so you can get started with the setup right away. Most options can be turned on or off as you please, so you have full control over what your smartwatch is monitoring.
Key Features
Pros
- New features built-in to improve upon the Series 5, including the blood oxygen saturation sensor
- Swappable wrist-strap available for maximum customisation, with a variety of device colours available
- Monitored features can be turned on or off at the tap of a button, so you maintain full control
Cons
- Expensive compared to similarly capable smartwatches
- Only functions alongside iPhone, incompatible with Android systems
Verdict
For all the iPhone users out there, the Apple Watch is a bit of a no-brainer. It is highly functional and accurately monitors a wide variety of important bodily metrics. The price tag is a definite downside if you are working with a smaller budget, but overall we consider this watch a success.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has an awful lot to offer. What stands out the most is its appealing design, stark display, and numerous features to measure a wide variety of bodily functions. This smartwatch is designed to keep you motivated, and we think it excels.
Before we get into the functionality of this fitness tracker, we need to talk about the design. At first glance, it looks like a fashionable watch, which sets it apart from other smartwatches. It also features a rotatable bezel, which allows you to cycle through features and metrics with absolute ease.
Beyond making you feel like James Bond, the rotatable bezel feature provides high functionality to an already impressive smartwatch. It adds a unique layer to the Galaxy Watch that sets it apart from the numerous smartwatches that now exist on the market. That’s a rare feat!
If you were disappointed that you couldn’t get the latest Apple Watch because you don’t have an iPhone, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the perfect option for your Android. It also features a display resolution of 360 x 360, which is the perfect size for quickly looking at stats.
The battery life could be improved, but it isn’t a huge setback. Performance remains impressive and apps take very little time to load thanks to the 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 3 is its automation. Certain activities will enable tracking features without a prompt, which can be incredibly handy for the forgetful fitness freaks out there.
Key Features
Pros
- Unique, rotatable bezil design to easily click through separate apps and features
- Fully compatible with Android systems
- Automatically monitors certain activities without prompt, including swimming, cycling, aerobics, running, and walking
Cons
- Does not possess the longest battery life
- 4GB of storage is taken by the pre-installed apps, so you really only get 4GB of the original 8GB to work with
Verdict
If you own an Android phone and want to explore the world of health smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 3 is a fantastic choice. If you need extensive battery life, it isn’t the one, but for a subtle and innovative design, you can’t really get any better.
Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is the smartwatch of the Fitbit family, and it features many of the same attributes that make its peer devices so popular. The intention of this device is to put your well-being at the forefront and to help you to prioritise your health. In many ways, it succeeds.
Included with the Fitbit Sense is an ECG sensor to monitor atrial fibrillation in addition to a variety of fitness tracking features. These are especially helpful if you are interested in adding heart rate training to your workout routine.
One of the most unique features of the Fitbit Sense that sets it apart from many of its competitors is the introduction of a stress monitor. By taking note of a variety of bodily metrics, your Fitbit Sense can actually acknowledge your stress levels and provide methods to calm you when those levels begin to spike.
However, many of the calming features are only available to Fitbit Premium users. This includes a variety of guided meditations and mindfulness tips. It is a little disappointing that these features exist solely behind a paywall, but their presence is still appreciated.
In terms of design, the Fitbit Sense does not disappoint. The screen display is vivid and, if aesthetics are important to you, there are plenty of watch faces to choose from. Its square screen with rounded corners is more akin to the Apple watch than a classic wristwatch.
Key Features
Pros
- Helpful for heart rate training with a variety of monitored fitness metrics
- Unique stress monitor feature to help you take control of your mental wellbeing as well as your physical fitness
- Bright screen with effective visibility
Cons
- Certain features are hidden behind the Fitbit Premium paywall
- The accompanying charging cable is very short, which may not be suitable for all users
Verdict
Overall, the Fitbit Sense is an effective health smartwatch. Is it the most sophisticated smartwatch on the market? No, but then it doesn’t need to be. If you are looking for a slightly less expensive smartwatch that will still live up to expectations, the Fitbit Sense is a solid choice.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
If you fell in love with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 but felt the battery life was a dealbreaker, then this addition to the Galaxy family is the perfect choice for you. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is full of useful features with superb usability.
Sticking to a classic theme among Galaxy smartwatches, the Active 2 features a rotatable bezel around the edge of the screen for you to cycle through applications as you please. Unlike the Watch 3, the Active 2’s bezel doesn’t click as it rotates, opting instead to smoothly rotate around the screen fluidly.
If you plan to use your smartwatch while swimming, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is water-resistant to depths as low as 50 metres. If you plan on swimming deeper than that, you will probably need more equipment than a smartwatch anyway. The watch also has a water mode, which actually clears the speaker of liquid when you leave the water. Fancy!
Performance speeds are fast, switching between apps with ease and requiring very little time to show you the metrics you’re most interested in. However, one of the most notable improvements is the battery life.
With a screen that is permanently on, you would expect the Galaxy Active 2 to run out of power fast, but it can last up to two days without needing another charge. When it is time to charge, it takes just 2 hours and can be attached to the accompanying wireless charger or right to the back of your smartphone. Samsung has definitely learnt their lesson after the criticism they received for the Galaxy 3 battery life.
Key Features
Pros
- Smooth rotary bezel makes switching through applications incredibly easy and builds upon the slick usability
- Ideal for swimming as it is water-resistant down to 50 metres, with a unique ‘water mode’ designed to remove liquid
- Exceptional battery life with fast, wireless charging
Cons
- Sometimes struggles to sync with iPhone systems
- Contactless payment functionality is poor
Verdict
Overall, we love the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It has a heavy-duty battery life despite having a screen that is constantly running, in addition to highly effective performance speeds and usability. Its cons are pretty negligible and we don’t consider them dealbreakers, so if you’re in the market for an impressive smartwatch, this could be the one!
Apple Watch SE
If you want the swish, smooth usability of the Apple Watch without the daunting price tag, the Apple Watch SE is the one for you. It features many of the same positive attributes that make the original Apple Watch so effective, all without breaking the bank.
In terms of appearance, it would be hard to tell the Apple Watches apart. They all feature that classic, square screen with rounded edges. The Apple Watch SE is no exception, but in terms of functionality, there are some marked differences.
While the Apple Watch SE is a very effective budget option from the Apple Watch line, you have to bear in mind that it is a budget option. This means it is perfectly capable of meeting your expectations, but it won’t exceed them, as it doesn’t offer anything tremendously innovative.
Still, is this such a bad thing? The Apple Watch SE might not be the most interesting device to hit the market, but it isn’t trying to be. It features the same sharp, crisp resolution you would expect from Apple, but not necessarily the same health-monitoring features you would expect from a similar smartwatch.
Some of the key features dropped to earn the lower price tag include the always-on display and some key metrics you would need to accurately observe your body’s activity levels. However, this doesn’t mean it wouldn’t benefit your workout routine at all. It definitely could, but it may not be the best choice for seasoned athletes who want specificity.
Essentially, the Apple Watch SE excels as an extension to your iPhone with some additional fitness features, but health isn’t its priority.
Key Features
Pros
- Affordable option from the Apple Watch line without sacrificing enormously on quality or functionality
- Strong battery life, mostly thanks to the screen only lighting up when you raise your arm
- Highly comfortable strap, which can be swapped out for a variety of styles
Cons
- Not suitable for those who want the latest in fitness monitoring, exists more effectively as an extension to your iPhone than a health smartwatch
- Only usable with iPhone systems, not applicable for Android users
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is a fantastic budget option if you really want an Apple watch but feel intimidated by the price tag. It successfully tracks a variety of health metrics, but it might not bolster your workout routine as effectively as a more specialised device could. Still, it’s an impressive device and definitely worth a look into!
Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 is widely considered to be Fitbit’s best smartwatch, with a variety of features that set it apart from previous releases. This includes GPS, a larger screen, phone call capabilities, and an improved heart rate monitor.
The focus of the Fitbit Versa 3 is your fitness, which is why it makes the perfect workout companion. It does possess an always-on option for your screen, but this can be turned on and off to suit your preference. This is ideal, as it means when you aren’t working out you can turn the screen off and save a lot of battery power.
The screen itself is an impressive size, with a 336×336 resolution. Its design is similar to the previous Veras, with a square screen and rounded corners. It does appear somewhat similar to the Apple Watch, which may have been a deliberate style choice.
If design customisation is important to you, the Fitbit Versa 3 has plenty of options to keep you occupied. The device itself comes in two colours, either Black Aluminium or Soft Gold, whereas the wristbands come in Black, Midnight Blue, and Pink Clay. There are additionally woven, sport, knit, and leather wristbands available that can be swapped out whenever you please.
Unfortunately, the wristband itself doesn’t feel as secure as other brands. Rather than opting for a buckle fastening, it utilises a peg-in-hole connector. Given the vigorous exercise the Fitbit Versa is supposed to work alongside, this could prove problematic.
Key Features
Pros
- New features such as the built-in GPS improve upon Fitbit’s previous releases
- Capable of taking phone calls with surprising efficiency
- You have full control over how long your screen stays on, so you can optimise your workout times while saving battery power
Cons
- The peg-in-hole style fastener doesn’t feel as sturdy as a buckle may have
- Does not possess the same extensive heart monitoring features that you may expect from similar devices, such as the Fitbit Sense
Verdict
The Versa 3 brings plenty of new features to the Fitbit family, namely the addition of GPS and phone call functionality. It provides plenty of health monitoring features, but may still feel lacklustre if heart rate monitoring is your primary concern. Still, it is first and foremost a fitness tracking device, which is refreshing given how many health smartwatches have started to feel like smartphones that you wear on your wrist.
Apple Watch Series 3
The third Apple Watch on our list, and the second appropriate option for Apple fans on a budget, the Apple Watch Series 3 has a lot to offer in its own right. Somewhat of an outlier in the crowd, especially since Series 4 and 5 have both been removed from the Apple Store, the Series 3 clearly has something going for it.
But what is that? Well, the old saying ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ comes to mind immediately. The Series 3 remains popular because it works, and many of its original features have yet to become outdated or impractical.
Features such as high-quality phone call capabilities and a clear (albeit rather small) display screen contribute to this. Essentially, if you are interested in trying out a smartwatch but don’t want to make a big financial commitment, the Series 3 is perfect.
It offers everything you would need for a trial run of a smartwatch at a much lower price point than many competitors. It doesn’t possess the same sophistication or innovation as some more recent designs, but that is the price you pay for paying a lower price!
The silicon wristband feels completely comfortable, and performance speeds are surprisingly slick. The display resolution is vibrant and features everything you have come to expect from Retina-iOS devices.
Key Features
Pros
- The perfect beginner smartwatch for those who aren’t sure about making a pricier purchase
- Monitors a variety of key metrics to measure your heart rate and total calories burned
- Capable of making phone calls and receiving text messages
Cons
- Limited functionality compared to newer devices
- Does not possess a strong battery life
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 3 is not the latest addition to the world of smartwatches, so it isn’t going to dazzle you with any new innovative features. However, if purchased as an affordable introduction, they are a perfect choice.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin may be a lesser-known brand than juggernauts like Apple or Samsung, but they still hold their own when it comes to smartwatch design. The Vivoactive 4 is no exception to this rule, as it provides a myriad of interesting features.
First off, the device is affordable. It is significantly cheaper than Garmin’s other smartwatches, the Fenix and Forerunner, yet possesses certain design choices that may actually give it the edge.
An example of this is the changes to the control interface. Whereas the Fenix and Forerunner have both been criticised for accidentally pausing mid-workout, the Vivoactive 4 faces no such issues.
Granted, it doesn’t provide you with the wealth of data that the Fenix or Forerunner does. You won’t receive monthly stats based on your activity over the past thirty days. However, this doesn’t mean the Vivoactive 4 is a poor fitness tracker. Far from it!
The transflective screen is possibly one of the most innovative things about the Vivoactive 4. This means that the display actually becomes clearer the brighter the day is, rather than being obscured by the extra light. The backlit, always-on screen is perfect for darker evenings too. Essentially, visibility is unbeatable with this smartwatch.
Key Features
Pros
- Circular, classic design makes it appear as an ordinary watch rather than an obvious fitness watch
- A transflective screen means the sun will never obscure visibility. In fact, it will improve it!
- Full GPS capabilities
Cons
- Spotify integration is complicated and doesn’t feel as slick as it should
- Weak battery life compared to similar devices
Verdict
We like the Garmin Vivoactive 4. It isn’t the greatest smartwatch out there, especially when compared to devices of a similar price point. Still, it provides an enormous amount of data and metrics to help you to improve your fitness performance, including a variety of breathwork exercises unique to the Vivoactive.
Final Thoughts: The Best Health Smartwatch
That rounds up our review, and as you can tell, there is a wide variety of devices out there. Ultimately, it is difficult to name any one as the outright best health smartwatch, because it largely comes down to personal preference!
The highest-priced, most innovative smartwatch would be overkill for someone who simply wants greater insight into their health, whereas a standard heart rate monitor would prove a little disappointing to a committed athlete. The key to finding the best device is researching what you need, researching what it can offer, and then making an informed purchase. Good luck!
Christian Scott is the founder and director of MindBodyFit, a website dedicated to providing the latest information on fitness, health, and mental well-being technology. With over six years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Christian is a passionate fitness enthusiast who combines his love for technology and wellness to help others achieve their best selves.
