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The best Samsung smartwatches you can buy

Samsung makes some excellent devices, but which should you buy?
By
December 12, 2023
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
MSRP: $299.99
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Positives
Bigger, brighter AMOLED display
Snappy Wear OS 4 software experience
Sporty yet tasteful aesthetic
User-friendly quick-release strap
$100 less than Watch 6 Classic
Negatives
Mostly minor improvements over Watch 5
Unreliable touch bezel
Inconsistent GPS and heart rate data
Some features only available to Samsung phone users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
MSRP: $399.99
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Positives
The rotating bezel is back
Elegant design and build materials
Ships with Wear OS 4
Bright, vibrant AMOLED display
Robust, snappy software experience
Negatives
Only minor upgrades over Watch 5
Imperfect heart rate data
Disappointing battery life
Some features only work with Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
MSRP: $279.99
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Positives
Much better battery life
Full compatibility with more phones
A slimmer design
Negatives
No skin temperature monitoring at launch
No more rotating bezel
GPX file sharing not applicable to runs
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
MSRP: $449.99
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Positives
Long-lasting battery
New adventures features
Reliable heart rate monitoring
Negatives
No skin temperature monitoring at launch
GPX file sharing not applicable to runs
No more rotating bezel
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
MSRP: $279.99
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Positives
Classy, durable designs
Multiple size options
Good value buy
Negatives
No solid software update commitments from Google
Some features for Samsung phone users only
Slow, slow charging
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
MSRP: $349.99
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Positives
Classy, durable designs
Multiple size options
Good value buy
Negatives
No solid software update commitments from Google
No Google Assistant support
Slow, slow charging
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
MSRP: $399.99
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Positives
Fantastic display and rotating bezel
Thinner, lighter design
Two-day battery life
Negatives
GPS and HR sensors can be inaccurate
No MST payments with Samsung Pay
Big price increase over original Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, LTE)
MSRP: $249.99
Check price
Positives
Sleek, premium design
Sharp AMOLED display
Touch-enabled bezel for quick navigation
Bluetooth + LTE variants for more flexibility
~2 day battery life
Fantastic sleep tracking
Negatives
No MST payments with Samsung Pay
Tizen app ecosystem is still lacking compared to Wear OS
Heart rate, GPS, and altimeter sensors can be wonky
Setup process still needs work

The best smartwatches on the market include devices from Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, and the Korean-based giant Samsung. The company released some great wearables in recent years, with many contenders for the best outright product in this category. Here are the best Samsung smartwatches you can buy.

Buying the right Samsung smartwatch for your needs

Samsung smartwatches cover all market corners, from style and practicality to health and fitness tools. We rounded up the Samsung devices that offer users the best bang for their buck.

The best Samsung smartwatches

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series: The latest Samsung smartwatches feature larger displays, larger batteries, upgraded chipsets, and a new strap fastening mechanism. All of these add value. The sixth generation also heralds the return of the Classic model.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Samsung’s 2022 flagship smartwatch still has a place on this list. It’s more refined than its predecessor and includes valuable upgrades, from a larger battery to a built-in temperature sensor. Plus, you can now often find it on sale.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the suped-up and technically best Samsung smartwatch you can buy. It features the same health and fitness tracking tech as the base 5 series model, a more durable build, better battery life, and a few tools for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series: The Galaxy Watch 4 series still offers great picks if you appreciate a bargain and don’t mind slightly older tech. Both models run on Wear OS. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic remains a fan favorite that can now be had for much cheaper.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: The best Tizen-based Samsung smartwatch and the best Samsung smartwatch for iPhone users is the Galaxy Watch 3. It’s a stylish smartwatch with a healthy dose of fitness-tracking features.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the best cheap Samsung smartwatch. It does an excellent job balancing smartwatch and fitness features and won’t cost a fortune.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series: The best Samsung smartwatches you can buy

Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic on Z Fold 5
Damien Wilde / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 isn’t too different from its two predecessors, but if you look closely, it brings value-adding upgrades. These are refinements rather than complete overhauls, which makes sense, considering the Galaxy Watch 5 was already solid.

The newer model boasts a roomier, brighter display and bigger battery. A new band fastening system also makes clipping and releasing straps an absolute breeze. Meanwhile, a faster chipset, more RAM, and buffed charging all add to the user experience. Regarding fitness features, there aren’t many new additions compared to the previous generation. Users find much of the Galaxy Watch 5’s loadout, including a heart rate sensor, ECG, SpO2 monitoring, and the body composition analysis tool. The temperature sensor has a little more use now, allowing users to read object temperatures like a pool or bath.

With a lack of a brand-new killer feature, convincing legacy Samsung users to upgrade might be tough. This is especially true now that the line’s Wear OS 4 and One UI 5 Watch skin have filtered down to older models. Those who missed Samsung’s physical rotating bezel might be tempted by the new Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, but be prepared to pay for that privilege and stainless steel build.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Bigger, brighter AMOLED display • Snappy Wear OS 4 software experience • Sporty yet tasteful aesthetic
MSRP: $299.99
Bigger and better.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 brings the best of Wear OS 4 and Samsung's smartwatch features to the table. A large display and full Samsung Wallet app make the Watch 6 a powerful standalone device, while integration with Samsung phones makes the Watch 6 a valuable part of your Galaxy ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 ClassicSamsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
The rotating bezel is back • Elegant design and build materials • Ships with Wear OS 4
MSRP: $399.99
The rotating crown is back
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic rocks a rotating bezel! Better equipped than the base Galaxy Watch 6, the Classic model is a powerful watch with updated activity tracking, improved health features, and the full Samsung Wallet app for your mobile payments.

Pros

  • The Classic model (and rotating bezel) returns
  • New band fastening and release mechanism
  • Larger batteries
  • Bigger, brighter displays
  • Now running Wear OS 4 and One UI 5 Watch
  • New chipset brings speed and efficiency gains

Cons

  • Similar to its two precessors
  • The smallest Classic model might be too large
  • Slightly pricier than the Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: The best Samsung smartwatch for most shoppers

A Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 displays the apps list.
Andy Walker / Android Authority

Both Galaxy Watch 5 models outshine their predecessors with small but significant upgrades, including improved battery life and build. At a much more approachable price point, the base model is the best pick for most people. During our Galaxy Watch 5 review, we found it to be one of the most comfortable smartwatches we’ve worn. The refined design is sleek and classy, and added durability keeps the device safe despite bumps against furniture. It was also plenty comfortable for bedtime tracking. Samsung greatly expanded its overnight offerings with more data and analysis for monitoring your sleep, and the improved experience is now much more similar to that of Fitbit.

By day, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a solid smartphone companion and reliable fitness tracker. Users will find all the typical tools, including access to Google, third-party apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal, and support for digital payments and music. The watch can also update to the latest Wear OS 4 for an even more powerful and upgraded user experience. Finally, we found the Galaxy Watch 5 performed adequately during our review period regarding GPS and heart rate tracking.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Excellent build and comfort • Improved battery life • Solid GPS accuracy
MSRP: $279.99
Subtle upgrades make a huge difference
The Galaxy Watch 5 smartwatch offers a bigger battery, more sturdy body, and more comfortable fit than its predecessor. It supports Google Assistant and Google Maps navigation, while a body composition monitor, skin temperature sensor, and improved sleep tracking makes for an impressive health-tracking product.
See price at Amazon
44mm, Bluetooth

Pros

  • Tougher build
  • Comfortable on the wrist
  • Better battery life on 44mm model
  • Faster charging
  • Reliable fitness tracking
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Very similar to its predecessor
  • Skin temperature sensor not ready at launch
  • Small models still have short battery life
  • Awkward touch bezel
  • Some features exclusive to the Samsung ecosystem

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: The best Samsung smartwatch for more serious trainers

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Watchface
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Both Galaxy Watch 5 series devices are great smartwatches from Samsung. However, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro specifically offers a massive battery, even more durability, and a few exclusive features. Its upgraded user experience earned the device the top spot in our list of the best wearables of 2022. While both series 5 models feature Sapphire glass displays, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro adds a titanium case and thicker Sapphire glass than the base model. More than a year after purchase, our device still looks pristine. Unfortunately, you won’t find a rotating bezel, but the device’s aesthetics are still elegant.

What you will find are all the same great health and fitness tracking we loved on the Galaxy Watch 4 series. In testing, we found the 5 Pro offers slightly upgraded heart rate data which Samsung credits to sensor improvements and a better fit. We especially liked the feel of Samsung’s D-buckle band with its elevated metal clasp. This watch band only comes with the Pro model out of the box, not the base model.

The 5 Pro also packs a much larger battery, offering up to 20 hours of use in GPS mode (though we never quite reached those numbers during our Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review period). It also ships with a charging cable that can charge your device from zero to 45% in 30 minutes. Finally, only the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro adds navigational upgrades for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. These include TrackBack for exploring new areas, GPX file compatibility for sharing favorite routes, and a GPX File Database that allows users to search out recommended courses.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ProSamsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
AA Editors Choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Up to 2 days battery life • Advanced sleep tracker • Fast Charging
MSRP: $449.99
Samsung's first adventure watch is a winner
Building on the Galaxy Watch 5's base with a much hardier body, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also features multiple health and fitness tracking tools, a bigger battery, and a better navigation system. All these improvements make for a great all-round smartwatch whether you're in the boardroom or out on the trail.

Pros

  • Durable, premium build, and D-buckle clasp
  • Improved battery life and faster charging
  • New hiking and navigation features
  • Reliable heart rate monitoring
  • Solid GPS accuracy
  • Rich software and app support

Cons

  • No more rotating bezel
  • GPX file sharing not applicable to runs
  • Expensive

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: A cheaper Wear OS option that still delivers

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic on a table.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

At their launch, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic were arguably the best Wear OS smartwatches, running One UI Watch atop Google’s then-new Wear OS 3. Samsung’s newer watches have since eclipsed these devices, but this older generation is still a very solid lineup worth considering if you want to save some cash. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is also a good alternative if your heart is set on a rotating bezel.

The Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic come in small and large sizes and have optional LTE-connected variants. The wearables feature refreshed designs, an improved strap mounting system, 1.19- and 1.36-inch displays, and bright AMOLED screens. Both models look fantastic on the wrist, and their displays are bright, colorful, and engaging.

The watches also include several advanced fitness tracking features, including body composition monitoring, which we found quite useful. During our Galaxy Watch 4 review, we were pleasantly surprised by the line’s much-improved heart rate monitoring. Additionally, users will find ECG and SpO2 sensors, though some features can only be used with a paired Samsung smartphone.

The devices are also now eligible to update to Wear OS 4, which adds considerable polish to users’ experience. Unfortunately, we found GPS accuracy less than stellar while reviewing the devices. Additionally, the smaller models’ battery life isn’t great, and charging is laboriously slow. Still, the line is fantastic overall. More importantly, they can now often be found on sale.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (variant)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (variant)
AA Editors Choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (variant)
Classy, durable designs • Multiple size options • Good value buy
MSRP: $279.99
Even if you aren't a huge Samsung fan, you'll find a lot to like.
Samsung and Google combined forces to improve the software situation with smartwatches on Android. The result is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, running a co-developed Wear OS. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 is for the sportier crowd, while the Watch 4 Classic is for those who'd like a watch they can wear to the office.
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variant
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ClassicSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
AA Editors Choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Classy, durable designs • Multiple size options • Good value buy
MSRP: $349.99
Even if you aren't a huge Samsung fan, you'll find a lot to like.
If you're looking for a high-end follow-up to Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3, look no further. Now with Wear OS on board, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will be perfect for your trip to the office or a night out.

Pros

  • Classy, durable designs
  • Multiple size options
  • Large models have decent battery life
  • Improved heart rate sensor
  • Useful body composition metrics

Cons

  • No solid software update commitments from Google
  • Slow, slow charging
  • Poor GPS performance
  • Sleep tracking needs tweaking
  • Small models have short battery life

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: The best Samsung smartwatch for iPhone users

A Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 displays a user's running workout stats including pace, duration, and heart rate.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is still a great smartwatch, even if it’s not running the latest, greatest software. The predecessor to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, this device includes a crisp display and a handy rotating bezel (did we mention how much we like those?). It’s also the best option for Tizen fans who don’t want to jump ship to Wear OS or iPhone users looking for something beyond the Apple Watch.

For starters, the Galaxy Watch 3 delivers a solid smartwatch experience. It’s a good-looking device on the wrist, and we love the opportunity to personalize it during our Galaxy Watch 3 review with tons of first and third-party watch faces available. For example, the two-day battery isn’t bad compared to the Apple Watch. We also found a few advanced tools for running worth tapping into and were pleased with what the device offers in terms of sleep tracking, especially sleep score.

That said, this range-topper isn’t without its flaws. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 isn’t built with sensor accuracy in mind. In other words, if fitness tracking is your key feature, your money is best spent elsewhere. You also won’t find as many apps on Tizen as you would on Wear OS, but Wear OS also has limitations.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
AA Editors Choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Fantastic display and rotating bezel • Thinner, lighter design • Two-day battery life
MSRP: $399.99
Samsung's premium smartwatch is a jack of all trades, master of many.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is one of the more versatile smartwatches you can buy. It's stylish, sporty, comes with plenty of smartwatch features, and has new health sensors that will make the watch better over time.

Pros

  • Fantastic display and rotating bezel
  • Thinner, lighter design
  • Two-day battery life
  • Advanced running metrics can be super helpful
  • Useful sleep tracking and insights

Cons

  • GPS and HR sensors can be inaccurate
  • No MST payments with Samsung Pay
  • The setup process for non-Samsung phones is a pain
  • Third-party app support is lacking

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: The best cheap Samsung smartwatch

A user models a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 watch face on his wrist.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is an attractive Samsung smartwatch and can be found for just a couple hundred dollars. Unlike the Galaxy Watch 3, it sports a slimmer touch-sensitive bezel with a slightly curved glass face and various band options. The Galaxy Watch 4 is the direct follow-up to this device (you probably notice in its sporty aesthetic).

Before the release of the Galaxy Watch 4, the Active 2 was the best Samsung smartwatch for fitness and sleep tracking. That’s not to say it’s fantastic, but it was the best available. We wouldn’t suggest this device if you’re a dedicated athlete looking for absolute precision. Instead, the Active 2 is for shoppers looking to save cash without sacrificing many features. It packs LTE support, too, making it a good option for streaming music at the gym or during runs.

Of course, cutting costs has its consequences. For one, during our Galaxy Watch Active 2 review, we found key health tracking metrics, like heart rate monitoring, could be unreliable. The device’s blood pressure monitor is a definite low point. If you don’t need hardcore monitoring, this smartwatch is plenty good. Most significantly, this is the best cheap Samsung smartwatch available.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, LTE)Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, LTE)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, LTE)
Sleek, premium design • Sharp AMOLED display • 2-day battery life
MSRP: $249.99
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a product that proves Samsung is listening to user feedback. The touch-sensitive bezel really helps with the overall experience, and there's now LTE connectivity for those who need it. All in all, it's a good all-around smartwatch.

Pros

  • Sleek, premium design
  • Sharp AMOLED display
  • Touch-enabled bezel for quick navigation
  • Bluetooth + LTE variants for more flexibility
  • ~2 day battery life
  • Fantastic sleep tracking

Cons

  • No MST payments with Samsung Pay
  • Tizen app ecosystem is lacking compared to Wear OS
  • Heart rate, GPS, and altimeter sensors can be wonky
  • The setup process still needs work

FAQs

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are the latest watches from Samsung.

Devices from the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 series can utilize Google Pay. Meanwhile, watches powered by Tizen can only use Samsung Pay.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Active 2, Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch 4 series, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 series can all charge wirelessly with their included chargers. However, the watches may not charge properly with wireless chargers typically used for smartphones, so your best bet is to use a charger designed specifically for Galaxy Watch devices.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is a very impressive device with a lot to offer. However, whether it is worth buying depends on your budget and what devices you already own. If you’re a newcomer to the Samsung smartwatch world and can afford it, we recommend purchasing the Galaxy Watch 6.