The best Samsung smartwatches you can buy

Smartwatches have seen a leap in popularity in recent years as more firms join the wearables race. While the likes of Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit are arguably leading the fitness tracking field, players like Samsung focus on broad smartwatch features. Whether you’re in the market for a basic activity tracker, a steady budget smartwatch, or a range-topping Apple Watch rival, Samsung probably has a device for you. Here’s a look at the best Samsung smartwatches you can buy right now.

See also: The best smartwatches you can find

How to choose the right Samsung smartwatch for your needs

Samsung smartwatches cover all corners of the market, from style to practicality, fitness tracking to smartwatch functionality. If you’re looking for something to regularly use during your workouts, choose a Samsung watch that has a sportier design. Looking for something a little smaller? Samsung’s fitness tracker line likely has what you need. We’re singling out four devices in this list that offer users the best bang for their buck.

The best Samsung smartwatches

• The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is the best Samsung smartwatch, bar none. It’s a stylish smartwatch and also packs a healthy dose of fitness tracking features.
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the best Samsung smartwatch for fitness. It does a good job of balancing the smartwatch and fitness tracking aspects of wearables.
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is the best cheap Samsung smartwatch. It lacks a few of the Active 2’s features, but buyers benefit from a lower overall price.
• The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is the best Samsung fitness tracker. This entry-level tracker doesn’t resemble any of its peers but it’s a great start for those entering the wearable market.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: The best Samsung smartwatch

If your aim is to purchase the top-end Samsung smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 should be your target. It’s the most expensive Samsung smartwatch and packs a laundry list of features.

The physical rotating dial makes its return in a slim, streamlined body that’s also lighter than the Galaxy Watch it replaces. Decent battery life for a smartwatch is also met with excellent software baked into Tizen OS. If you’re serious about your health, an ECG also makes an appearance.

The range-topper isn’t without its flaws, though. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 isn’t built with sensor accuracy in mind. If fitness tracking is a key feature for you, your money is best spent elsewhere. You won’t find the abundance of apps on Tizen as you would on Wear OS, either. 

In terms of all-around functionality, though, it’s hard to fault the Galaxy Watch 3 for being a solid all-rounder and the best Apple Watch alternative.

Check pricing

Check out our full review to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: The best Samsung smartwatch for fitness

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is arguably the most attractive Samsung smartwatch. Unlike the Galaxy Watch 3, it sports a slimmer touch-sensitive bezel with a slightly curved glass face and a host of strap options.

It packs LTE support too, making it a perfect option for streaming music sans a phone while at the gym or during runs. Available in 44mm and 40mm sizes, the Watch Active 2 is also more suitable for those with smaller wrists. Even in its largest size, it weighs just 30 grams. This also makes it the best Samsung smartwatch for fitness and sleep tracking. While it happily wears these badges, it doesn’t mean it’s an excellent fitness watch.

Key health and activity tracking metrics, like heart rate monitoring, can be unreliable. The blood pressure monitor is a definite low point. Again, if fitness tracking is a key buying point for you, it’s arguably best to go for something else. Still, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 remains a viable choice for those who want a Samsung smartwatch but don’t need the Galaxy Watch 3.

Check Pricing

Check out our full review to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active: The best cheap Samsung smartwatch

The original Galaxy Watch Active deserves a shout as Samsung’s cheapest smartwatch option. It drops the touch-sensitive bezel found on the Active 2, but this isn’t a huge miss. The AMOLED display is crisp, while a 230mAh battery can be charged with any Qi wireless charger adding to the Watch Active’s usability.

These features are balanced by a fair list of faults, though. Like the Watch Active 2 and Watch 3, the Watch Active’s fitness tracking isn’t as reliable as we’d like. It’s also slow to charge, which means it’ll spend less time on your wrist.

Nevertheless, if you want a Samsung wearable purely for its smartwatch capabilities, the Watch Active is your cheapest option.

Check Pricing

Check out our full review to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 2: The best Samsung fitness tracker

The Galaxy Fit 2 is a solid, affordable fitness tracker. It switches out the Galaxy Fit’s physical button for a larger touchscreen — a good move in our books. This makes glossing through menus and peeking indicators much easier.

It covers all the fitness tracking basics too, from stress and sleep monitoring to heart rate tracking. The latter is on-demand though, not continuous. The Galaxy Fit 2 also lacks the style of its more traditional smartwatch siblings, but this isn’t really a deal-breaker considering its price point.

While we wouldn’t recommend using it to train for marathons, it’s a solid starter wearable and an affordable gateway into the Samsung smartwatch ecosystem.

Check Pricing

Read our full list of the best fitness trackers to learn more.

Looking for even more recommendations? Be sure to check out even more coverage below:

• The best Garmin running watches you can buy
• The best Fitbit trackers and smartwatches you can buy
• The best Wear OS watches available: Mobvoi, Suunto, and more
• The best smartwatch deals we could find