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The best smartwatches for women: Apple, Samsung, and more (December 2023)

From the Galaxy Watch 6 to the Apple Watch Series 9, these are the best smartwatches for women.
By
December 21, 2023
Apple Watch Series 9
MSRP: $399.00
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Positives
Powerful new S9 chipset
Brighter AMOLED display
Expanded Find My Phone feature
Onboard Siri query processing
Excellent WatchOS 10 updates
Negatives
Key new features not available at launch
Battery life still unimproved
The Bottom Line.
The Apple Watch Series 9 may not deliver a complete design overhaul, but its significantly upgraded internals mark a promising future for the lineup. In addition to new features like Double Tap gesture controls and onboard Siri queries, Apple's new watch delivers powerful computing clearly meant for even more down the road. In the meantime, a brighter display and a collection of watchOS 10 updates like stackable widgets make the Series 9 a device worth shopping, unless you already own a Series 8.Read full review...
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
The Bottom Line.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic brings back the fan-favorite rotating bezel just in time to spin through an updated Wear OS 4 operating system. With upgraded internal specs, a useful temperature sensor, and a few other tweaks, the Watch 6 Classic might it very safe, but it continues Samsung's dominance as the best smartwatch choice for Android users.Read full review...
Garmin Venu 3
MSRP: $449.99
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Positives
Highly accurate GPS and heart rate sensors
Automatic nap detection and sleep coaching
On-device phone call and voice assistant support
Up to 14-day battery life
Larger display
Negatives
No ECG app
Pricey compared to competitors
No LTE model
The Bottom Line.
By combining the best of the Garmin Venu 2 and 2 Plus and adding in a few key upgrades, the Venu 3 offers the most robust smartwatch experience yet from the fitness tracking giant. Popular tools such as HRV status and Body Battery make the watch a powerful workout companion, while other new features such as automatic nap detection and Daily Summary are completely new to Garmin's stable.Read full review...
Google Pixel Watch 2
MSRP: $349.99
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Positives
Runs a snappy Wear OS 4
Added and upgraded advanced health sensors
New training features and automatic workout detection
Fast charging alleviates battery woes
Safety Check and other safety features
Negatives
Only available in one size
Some health features feel underbaked
Fitbit app redesign oversimplifies
Flaky GPS recording
Setup isn't seamless
The Bottom Line.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 retains the first model's successful features and refines several of the original's shortcomings. Added sensors, upgraded training tools, and a few key changes suggest a more finished product. Google's Wear OS 4 runs flawlessly, while advanced health tools from Fitbit join the lineup. Google's smartwatch still isn't perfect, but it's powerful enough to earn consideration, and is the best Fitbit smartwatch you can buy.Read full review...
Fitbit Charge 6
MSRP: $159.99
Check price
Positives
Useful physical button
Updated heart rate sensor
All sport modes now on device
Google app integration
Negatives
Built-in GPS unreliable
Iterative changes compared to last year
Heart rate broadcasting limited
No altimeter
The Bottom Line.
The Fitbit Charge 6 represents the company's best fitness tracker, with powerful hardware, useful design updates, and smart features not found on many other band-style wearables. It also boasts upgraded heart rate monitoring and ECG support, as well as skin temperature, SpO2, and stress monitoring. While there are some odd GPS issues that could put off long-distance trainers, the Charge 6 packs a lot of tools into a fairly small device and provides an approachable point of entry to a reliable ecosystem.Read full review...
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
MSRP: $43.00
Check price
Positives
Accurate health and fitness tracking
Affordable price point
Unique form factor
Negatives
No built-in GPS
Limited smart features
Limited availability

It isn’t easy to maintain exercise goals, stay on top of notifications, and keep up with daily tasks, but for many women, wearing a smartwatch helps. For everything from connectivity to tracking workouts, we’ve compiled the best smartwatches for women you can buy right now.


Buying the right smartwatch

Purchasing a new smartwatch is about finding a suitable device for your needs. Consider the factors below when choosing the right fit.

  • Smartwatch features: If you’re hoping for an extension of your smartphone, a smartwatch with solid notification support and a large display is vital. The Apple Watch Series 9 has the best app support and many smart features. For non-Apple users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best Wear OS smartwatch on the market.
  • Fitness tracking: From steps and calories to training and recovery tools, there are also many fitness tracking features to consider. For runners and cyclists, GPS is especially important. Some devices feature built-in GPS, plus track dozens of sports and activities.
  • Health monitoring: Sensors, features, and dedicated health apps broaden a device’s potential impact. Choose a smartwatch with the necessary tools, be it a reliable sleep tracker or an SpO2 monitor.
  • Device size: How about fitting all these features on your wrist? Many of the devices below come in multiple sizes. The Fitbit Charge 6 packs many fitness features into minimal real estate for women looking for something more petite. Likewise, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers a similar aesthetic but at a budget price.
  • Software: Finally, look, feel, comfort, and functionality are all top priorities, but don’t forget to look for timely software updates. Some brands are better than others at keeping devices fresh.

The best smartwatches for women

  • Apple Watch Series 9: The best smartwatch for women is the Apple Watch Series 9. You need an iPhone to use it, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re an Android user.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series: The Galaxy Watch 6 is the best alternative to the Apple Watch and the best Wear OS smartwatch for women. It can pair with most Android phones, though the best results are had with a Samsung phone.
  • Google Pixel Watch 2: The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers a unique combination of Google’s Wear OS and thorough Fitbit integration. It also refines many of the shortcomings of the original model.
  • Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Another solid Wear OS pick is the TicWatch Pro 5. Boasting Google’s latest software, the device packs powerful internals and great features.
  • Garmin Venu 3: The best Garmin smartwatch for women is the Venu 3. It’s one of the best multisport tracking watches available and Garmin’s best smartwatch yet.
  • Fitbit Charge 6: The Fitbit Charge 5 is the best fitness tracker for women. It offers a full fitness tracking feature set and compact design.
  • Xiaomi Mi Band 8: The best affordable fitness tracker for women is the Xiaomi Mi Band 8. The device is incredibly cheap and punches well above what its weight (and price tag) would suggest.

Apple Watch Series 9: The best smartwatch for women

A user reviews her Smart Stack on her Apple Watch Series 9.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for women, and in our opinion, the best smartwatch in general. The device features a premium build and a bright AMOLED display, plus unmatched third-party app support, and all the basic fitness tracking features you could need. It also packs a powerful S9 chipset that enables serious computing, including onboard Siri queries and Double Tap gesture controls. Throughout our Apple Watch Series 9 review, we found the device responsive, reliable, and seamlessly integrated with the iPhone.

With an Apple Watch Series 9, you can track your daily activities and overall fitness in the corresponding app on your iPhone. You can even track medication with the useful Medication Reminder app. Monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, log move goals, and measure your blood oxygen with the device’s SpO2 sensor. Specifically for women, the Apple Watch offers Cycle Tracking, a helpful and informative app for tracking your menstrual cycle. The device leverages temperature data for deeper insights. Those who menstruate can use the device to retroactively predict ovulation dates.

Beyond health and fitness, the Apple Watch Series 9 can receive and make calls and fire off texts directly from your wrist. It can also store music, manage smart home devices, navigate trails, and much more. It’s a great tool for managing tasks as well as communication. If budget is a concern, the Apple Watch SE 2 offers many of the same features for a lower price.

 

Apple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 9
AA Editors Choice
Apple Watch Series 9
Powerful processor • Upgraded display with 2000 nit brightness • Gesture controls and Siri features
MSRP: $399.00
Apple's most convenient smartwatch
The new S9 chip makes the Apple Watch Series 9 the most capable, and battery friendly Apple watch to date. Enjoy improved security, improved functionality in low-connectivity situations, and improved health tracking. Introducing new Double-Tap gesture.

Pros

  • Powerful new S9 chipset
  • Brighter AMOLED display
  • Expanded Find My Phone feature
  • Onboard Siri query processing
  • Excellent WatchOS 10 updates

Cons

  • Some features  not available at launch
  • Battery life still unimproved
  • No third-party watch faces

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series: The best Samsung smartwatches for women

A Galaxy Watch 6 Classic user relies on the native calendar app while Google Calendar is still not available.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

For the best you can buy that isn’t made by Apple, the Galaxy Watch 6 series devices are our top pick. The devices run on Google’s latest Wear OS platform with a Samsung skin, and the software experience is crisp and powerful. Users can access a host of tracking features, plus Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Assistant, and even offline listening via YouTube Music. In short, these top-of-the-line Galaxy wearables bring back everything we already loved in the last generation.

For fitness tracking, they’re also a great pick with notably accurate heart sensors. Users can log periods and track menstrual health in the Samsung Health app. The series offers body composition analysis with a BIA sensor, blood pressure monitoring, and ECG measurements, although you’ll need a Samsung phone to see this data. Though the device doesn’t offer native pill tracking, there are medication management apps available via the Google Play Store.

Again like the last generation, the series offers two models. This year, however, Samsung brought back the fan-favorite rotating bezel on its new Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Since the watches are otherwise very similar, we recommend the pricier model for easier on-device navigation. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is also still available for those looking for a more durable device with niche features for outdoor enthusiasts.

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 rotating bezel is back
  • Elegant design and build materials
  • Ships with Wear OS 4
  • Bright, vibrant AMOLED display
  • Robust, snappy software experience

Cons

  • Only minor upgrades over Watch 5
  • Imperfect heart rate data
  • Disappointing battery life
  • Some features only work with Samsung phones

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Another great Wear OS smartwatch for women

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Watch Face
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

With the most up-to-date processor available, Wear OS 3, and fantastic battery life, the TicWatch Pro 5 adds a powerful option to the wearables table. Women shopping for a new smartwatch (who are not already tied into the Apple ecosystem) should give the TicWatch a look.

For starters, the watch is both durable and attractive and features a new rotating Digital Crown for easier device interaction. We love its unique dual-display that not only saves battery but even offers useful heart rate zone information during workouts. We weren’t able to test all 100 built-in sport modes during our review, but we were very impressed with the offerings. Likewise, the heart rate sensor and GPS both proved reliable during our outdoor runs and cycle workouts.

On the smartwatch front, the device boasts all the best from Google including Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Pay, and of course, the Google Play Store. It also supports on-wrist phone calling when in Bluetooth range of your paired phone, plus plenty of storage, 5ATM water resistance, and hundreds of watch face choices for customizing your look. In short, it’s a powerful Wear OS smartwatch and a great pick for those without a Samsung phone.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
AA Recommended
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is snappy and efficient • Digital crown • Dual display
MSRP: $349.99
The latest Wear OS meets Qualcomm's top chipset on this powerful device
Running Wear OS 3.5 out of the box, Mobvoi's durable TicWatch Pro 5 elevates the brand's lineup to the ranks of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series or Google Pixel Watch. The device also features a powerful processing chip for a smooth and seamless user experience, plus plenty of health and fitness tools. While Mobvoi's unique power-saving dual display makes a welcome return, the company also adopts a digital crow for easier navigation of the watch has to offer.
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Pros

  • Runs on Wear OS 3
  • Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 is snappy and efficient
  • Digital crown streamlines navigation
  • Dual display adds even more functionality

Cons

  • Pricier than its predecessor
  • Inconsistent sleep tracking
  • Band design is cheap and attracts dust
  • No wireless charging

Google Pixel Watch 2: The best Google smartwatch for women

A Google Pixel Watch 2 displays the Utility watch face.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is the best smartwatch for anyone in the Fitbit ecosystem and offers a much better experience than Fitbit’s Sense or Versa lineups. With advanced health sensors and thorough Fitbit integration, the device offers everything found on Fitbit’s original devices. Users will find detailed sleep monitoring, accurate activity tracking, and invaluable wellness features like ECG support. Meanwhile, it also boasts Google’s latest Wear OS for access to popular tools like Google Maps, Wallet, Assistant, Calendar, and even Gmail, as well as thorough third-party app support via the Google Play Store.

The original Pixel Watch didn’t blow us away, but the second generation introduces significant upgrades and refinement. On the wellness front, the watch offers irregular heart rate notifications and automatic workout detection. It also ships with a fast-charging cable and slightly better battery specs. During our Pixel Watch 2 review, we were especially impressed with the device’s added safety features.

Google Pixel Watch 2Google Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2
Runs a snappy Wear OS 4 • Added and upgraded advanced health sensors • Fast charging alleviates battery woes
MSRP: $349.99
Wear OS 4, advanced health sensors, and upgraded training features elevate the Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 retains the first model's successful features and refines several of the original's shortcomings. Added sensors, upgraded training tools, and a few key changes suggest a more finished product. Google's Wear OS 4 runs flawlessly, while advanced health tools from Fitbit join the lineup.

Pros

  • Runs a snappy Wear OS 4
  • Added and upgraded advanced health sensors
  • New training features and automatic workout detection
  • Fast charging alleviates battery woes
  • Safety Check and other safety features

Cons

  • Only available in one size
  • Some health features feel underbaked
  • Fitbit app redesign oversimplifies
  • Flaky GPS recording
  • Setup isn’t seamless

Garmin Venu 3: The best Garmin smartwatch for women

A user access their voice assistant via their Garmin Venu 3.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Of all the Garmin watches, the Garmin Venu 3 is the best smartwatch for women. It builds on the impressive health- and fitness-tracking suite of the Venu 2 and 2 Plus with more smartwatch features, making for a more comprehensive wearable. The device features on-wrist phone call and voice assistant support as well as onboard music storage. It’s also the only Garmin watch to currently offer automatic nap detection along with personalized sleep coaching. Specifically for those who menstruate, the Venu 3 also allows users to track their periods, pregnancy, and other female health stats in the Garmin Connect app. Users can also download a helpful medication management app from the Garmin Connect IQ store.

Unfortunately, the Venu 3 does not feature Garmin’s recently launched FDA-approved ECG app. The Venu 3 features the company’s newest Elevate heart rate sensor, and though the hardware is adequate, it is not yet clinically approved. For now, only Venu 2 Plus users can take on-demand readings and monitor for signs of AFib. We’re hopeful Garmin will continue to support the Venu 3 in this regard and expand its feature set over time.

Overall, this is an excellent pick for fitness-focused women looking for a smartwatch to aid their exercise journey. Among the many valuable tools and features we expect from Garmin, the Venu 3 supports Health Snapshot, updated Body Battery, Morning Report, Daily Summary, Fitness Age, and much more, all of which help users target and achieve wellness goals. Additionally, the lineup offers two case sizes so shoppers can find the perfect fit for their wrists.

Garmin Venu 3Garmin Venu 3
AA Editors Choice
Garmin Venu 3
Highly accurate GPS and heart rate sensors • Automatic nap detection and sleep coaching • Up to 14-day battery life
MSRP: $449.99
Accuracy and smarts.
The Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S focus on providing personalized data about your health and wellness with some of Garmin's most advanced body tracking features. The Body Battery function informs you of your activity levels, and new sleep tracking includes nap detection.

Pros

  • Highly accurate GPS and heart rate sensors
  • Automatic nap detection and sleep coaching
  • On-device phone call and voice assistant support
  • Up to 14-day battery life
  • Larger display

Cons

  • No ECG app
  • Pricey compared to competitors
  • No LTE model

Fitbit Charge 6: The best fitness tracker for women

A Fitbit Charge 6 displays its watch face.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Compared to the previous generation, Fitbit’s latest tracker offers several small improvements that refine the user experience. First, the device brings back a physical button for easier interactions. Meanwhile, the display remains crisp and colorful, and the fit is comfortable and lightweight.

While still packing step and activity tracking, sleep tracking, ECG support, skin temperature tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and the option to take EDA scans, the Charge 6 provides greater accuracy than its predecessor, largely thanks to improved machine learning algorithms. The device also adds 20 additional sport profiles, all of which are now stored on-device, and can broadcast heart rate data to popular exercise equipment such as a Peloton bike.

On the smart feature front, the Charge 6 boasts Google Wallet for digital payments, YouTube Music controls, and Google Maps integration for on-device turn notifications. These additions help round out the Charge line and keep the smaller form factor attractive compared to smartwatches with more robust feature sets.

Fitbit Charge 6Fitbit Charge 6
AA Recommended
Fitbit Charge 6
Useful physical button • Updated heart rate sensor • All sport modes now on device
MSRP: $159.99
The Fitbit Charge 6 is the company's 2023 top-of-the-line fitness tracker
When it comes to fitness trackers, the Fitbit Charge 6 is now the best product in the company's portfolio. To get anything better, you'd need to jump up to the Sense 2, which is more like a smartwatch. The Charge 6 has a full-color display, 40 exercise modes, and the most advanced heart-rate tracker Fitbit offers.

Pros

  • Useful physical button
  • Updated heart rate sensor
  • All sport modes now on device
  • Google app integration

Cons

  • Built-in GPS unreliable
  • Iterative changes compared to last year
  • Heart rate broadcasting limited
  • No altimeter

Xiaomi Mi Band 8: The best cheap fitness tracker for women

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 global
Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s fitness trackers are popular because they’re good and cheap. Really good and really cheap. The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 continues the brand’s trend of offering a much better experience than its price point might suggest. Like the previous generation, the Mi Band 8 boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display. This year, however, the device features a sleek, two-piece strap similar to Fitbit’s Inspire 3. The tracker pill can also be worn off the wrist as a necklace or attached to a gym shoe.

Regardless of how you wear it, you can capitalize on the tracker’s heart rate and SpO2 sensors, 190mAh battery, and a 6-axis motion sensor for activity tracking. The device also boasts over 150 sports modes, so you can clock stats no matter how you prefer to work out. Unfortunately, you won’t find GPS onboard, however. Still, all in all, it’s a great entry-level fitness tracker at an unbeatable price.

Xiaomi Mi Band 8Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Accurate health and fitness tracking • Affordable price point • Unique form factor
MSRP: $43.00
Once again, Xiaomi delivers a well-rounded fitness tracker at an approachable price.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 features an all-new strap design and the same vibrant touchscreen display found on the previous generation. On the wrist, as a necklace, or even attached to a running shoe, the device tracks key fitness stats and offers useful health monitoring tools to users eager to keep an eye on their wellness. It's a powerful, entry-level tracker at a great price.

FAQs

When determining the best smartwatch for women new to wearables, there is no straightforward answer. Users who are new to wearables should consider ease of use. Smartwatches that are only compatible with specific smartphones will likely have similar operating systems to those phones, which may help with faster learning.

On smartwatches, GPS allows users to accurately track distances as well as map runs and other workouts. Some devices offer connected GPS, which tethers your device to your smartphone. Other devices offer built-in GPS, which means a GPS sensor is inside the watch itself, and you do not need to carry your smartphone during workouts.

Smartwatches track steps most precisely using three sensors: a 3-axis accelerometer, an altimeter for measuring elevation, and a gyroscope for measuring orientation. However, not all devices feature all three of these sensors. Those that do will be the most accurate.

Not a whole lot anymore. Here at Android Authority, we refer to devices with big displays prioritizing apps and notifications as smartwatches. Devices with small displays that look more like a traditional fitness band, we refer to as fitness trackers.

If you are an iOS user, the Apple Watch is hands down the best smartwatch available. However, Fitbit’s ecosystem has plenty to offer anyone new to activity tracking, including a user-friendly companion app and one of the best sleep-tracking platforms in the business. To find out more, read our Fitbit vs Apple comparison guide.