Mobile accessories and wearables have become very popular as of late. One such wearable is the smartwatch. There are tons of them in the market right now, but which ones are actually the best Android smartwatch?
With many brands releasing their own take of a smartwatch, it’s easy to get carried away instead of choosing one that will really suit your needs and lifestyle. While devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch and the Apple Watch will surely take the cake, there are other devices that just might fit your lifestyle a bit more.
In this article, we’ll be looking at 15 of the best Android smartwatches, their features, and what you should look for in an Android smartwatch.
What Is the Best Android Smartwatch?
Looking to buy your smartwatch but don’t know which brands are available? Here are 15 of the best Android smartwatches that are available in the market today!
There is generally a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It’s lighter and more comfortable than its predecessors and packs a punch with its great features.
This smartwatch sports an AMOLED screen, which makes its interface bright, crisp, and bold. It’s also comparatively lighter than its predecessors despite it being large. On top of that, you’ll get really powerful features with accurate results. It even supports voice coach training with Bixby. It helps you motivate yourself, helps you meet your goals, and encourages you to keep on moving.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also flexible to use for any sport including swimming and cycling. It also has stress tracking and sleep tracking.
PROS
- Larger design and display
- Has an LTE variant
- Comfortable
- Accurate sleep and heart rate tracking
CONS
- Lacks third-party app support
- Incomprehensive workout tracking
If you’re looking for the best lifestyle Android smartwatch, look no further than the Garmin Venu.
The Garmin Venu features a bold and vibrant AMOLED display that is not only attractive but also easily puts the device ahead of its brand predecessors. This smartwatch is ideal if you’re looking for one to manage your wellness and your fitness goals 24/7. Its attractive design also makes it perfect for when you’re hitting the gym or if you’re planning to go on a night out.
The only downfall of this is that you’ll be getting the same features as the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Despite being the same, the Venu proves to be more equipped to assist you no matter what you’re doing.
PROS
- Competitive battery life
- Clear and bright AMOLED screen
- Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking
- Comprehensive tracking
CONS
- High price mark
- Finicky touchscreen
- Similar features to the Garmin Vivoactive 4
The TicWatch E2 is a great smartwatch to buy if we’re talking about value. Despite being a budget smartwatch, you’ll still get a well-rounded and solid experience with this device.
Fitted with the necessary features of a smartwatch, this smartwatch gets you basic fitness tracking and great battery life. Though, if you’re looking for an aesthetically-pleasing watch, you might skip the TicWatch E2 as it focuses more on functionality rather than being fashionable.
In all, it has the basic features that you would expect from a smartwatch at its price point. It’s considered one of the best Android smartwatches if you’re looking at value.
PROS
- Affordable
- Competitive battery life
- Waterproof
CONS
- Bland design
- Basic fitness data
Fossil Gen 5 Julianna is easily the best smartwatch for women. For a known watchmaker, this is kind of expected from Fossil.
Not only are they acclaimed for their fashionable watches, but they’re also known for being the “go-to” brand for Android-based smartwatches because of their use of the Google Wear OS. It’s the ideal smartwatch if you’re looking for something fashionable that packs a bit of power.
It’s a bit small, which makes it an ideal smartwatch for the girl bosses who are on the go. But don’t let its small size fool you for it has a built-in GPS and a heart tracker, and has a reliable notification and app system. It’s also powered by Snapdragon 3100, which makes the running smoother.
PROS
- Notable notification & music control
- Google Play support
- Third-party app support
- Water-resistant for up to 30 meters
CONS
- Short battery life
- Flimsy health tracker
If you are looking for the best smartwatch for men, then here’s another one from Fossil. Fashionability aside, the Explorist HR packs great features that you wouldn’t want to turn an eye on.
The Explorist HR sports an improved technological design. The smartwatch now features the NFC, GPS, and a heart rate tracker that it lacked in previous Explorist models.
In general, the device packs a punch, especially with its fitness technology and app support. The only drawback that the device might have is its processor. Contrary to most smartwatches these days, the Explorist runs on the old Snapdragon 2100, which doesn’t necessarily promise a seamless experience.
In all, it’s a great watch with its updated design and features if you don’t mind it running on an old processor.
PROS
- Superb display
- Great design
- Well-developed fitness technology
CONS
- Unreliable NFC for Google Play
- Occasional performance issues
- Uses an old processor
Who says kids can’t have smartwatches? The Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 stands as one of the best Android smartwatches for kids and parents who want to keep their kids active.
The Vivofit Jr. 2 is a lightweight and sturdy smartwatch that’s great for kids who are always on the go. It’s designed to keep up with a child’s active lifestyle and encourage them to be on their feet.
The smartwatch comes in two different band types. A stretchy band made for kids four to seven years old and an adjustable type for kids of age six and above. Further, the watch is guaranteed to be waterproof for up to 50 meters so your kids can jump into the pool without worrying about damaging the watch.
The device is fitted with features that are kid-friendly and will keep them active. Such features include In-App Adventures, Activity Tracking, Sleep Monitoring, Chores, and Clock features among others.
PROS
- Swim and showerproof
- Various colorful designs
- Long battery life
- Child-friendly interface
CONS
- No GPS tracking
- Does not support automatic syncing
If you’re looking for a great smartwatch that you can wear in and out of the gym, look no further than the Fitbit Charge 3.
The device easily makes its way into this list of best Android smartwatch for a couple of reasons. It is sleek, stylish, and lightweight making it perfect if you’re looking for a watch that you can wear in the gym and during intense activity.
Further, the Fitbit Charge 3 is waterproof and has new features including a new swim workout mode for those who are looking to add more variety to their routine. Other notable features of the device include its large display, reliable sleep analysis, and great activity tracking.
Whether you’re a fitness buff or a casual athlete, the Fitbit Charge 3 is one smartwatch that you would want to have.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
- Supports smartphone notifications
CONS
- No built-in GPS
- iOS not fully compatible
Despite being on the cheaper side, the Polar M430 takes a spot on this list of the best Android smartwatches for a couple of reasons.
First is the variety of features that it offers. For an affordable watch, the Polar M430 packs strong features such as its own fitness test, a back-to-start feature on its built-in GPS, and the Polar Flow software to optimize your workouts.
Second is its ease of use and ease of set-up. Compared to other smartwatches, the Polar M430 features a very simple interface with easy-to-use buttons and a great balance of features. It also only takes a couple of minutes to set up, which is an important factor to consider.
Lastly, you’ll be surprised at how accurate its fitness results are. With this, working out will surely be a breeze!
PROS
- Accurate fitness stats
- Voice coaching
- Lightweight and comfy
- Great battery life
CONS
- Syncing issues
- Outdated design
- Terrible notifications
If you’re someone who is fond of going out on outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, or even hunting — you might want to consider getting the Suunto Traverse Alpha as your smartwatch.
The Suunto Traverse Alpha is the best Android smartwatch for those who love the outdoors. It’s an extremely durable smartwatch that offers a variety of features and even two navigation options (GPS and GLONASS). The smartwatch has the capability to track altitude, distance, and speed. Further, it also has a tracking feature that helps you return the way you came in case you get lost.
The only downfall of this product is that it’s placed a higher price mark than most smartwatches. Its battery life is also an issue as it drops if you decide to use all of its advanced features.
PROS
- Water-resistant
- Two navigation options
- Durable
CONS
- High price mark
- Intimidating design
- GPS & weather updates taking a while
If you’re looking for a smartwatch with a reliable GPS and advanced sports features, you might want to invest in the Coros Apex.
Compared to Suunto’s Traverse Alpha, the Coros Apex has three navigation options — GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for the best possible coverage. Apart from that, it’s also equipped with a compass, gyroscope, altimeter, and accelerometer.
Its advanced sports features include a cadence sensor and stride length calculator that’s great for all kinds of sports. With the Coros Apex, you’ll be getting accurate readings whether you’re hiking or just running.
PROS
- Extended battery life
- Easy-to-use software
- Lightweight
- Great navigation
CONS
- Limited smartwatch features
- Only supports swimming, running, and cycling
- High price mark
If you prefer the design of traditional watches over that of a smartwatch, you can opt to get a hybrid smartwatch. It is basically a smartwatch but is designed to look like a traditional watch.
That’s right, the best Android smartwatch doesn’t necessarily have to be a purely digital smartwatch — it can be a hybrid too. Such a watch is Withings Steel HR. This smartwatch packs a punch with its solid design and strong fitness tracking features.
This smartwatch helps improve your overall health with its accurate heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and multi-sport tracking. It also comes with smartphone notifications to help you keep track and improve your health.
That said, the Withings Steel HR is a great smartwatch to consider if you’re looking for a fitness tracker that looks fashionable in every way.
PROS
- Accurate heart monitor
- Ease of use
- Stylish
CONS
- Limited features
- High price mark
- Noncompetitive battery life
If you’re a professional looking for a no-fuss smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa is for you. This is ideal if you’re not too finicky with the specs or features of your smartwatch. The Fitbit Versa 2 is somewhat basic and perfect if you’re just looking for a smartwatch with the basic features to accompany you.
You can customize its settings through your smartphone to see which settings to keep to help you with your productivity. The watch also features a very reliable sleep tracker, which is great for professionals who are looking for a healthier sleep experience.
PROS
- Competitive battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- No-sleep display option
CONS
- No GPS
- Does not support offline playback
- No integration to health and fitness apps
Huawei Watch GT 2 is a no-fuss smartwatch that you can use for your everyday crunch. With a variety of designs to fit your everyday activities, it’s no wonder that this watch is considered to be the best Android smartwatch by many.
With the GT 2, you get a very competitive battery life that will help you last the week. Further, the watch is designed to be your daily assistant. It helps you track your activities, heart rate, and even calculates your stress levels. Apart from that, you get a ton of sports activities on the app, which really makes for a great day-to-day companion.
The biggest issue that you might have with the Huawei Watch GT 2 is that it doesn’t have third-party app support, which means that you will have to rely on its in-house application, Huawei Health.
PROS
- Variety of designs
- Great battery life
- Ease of use
- Great value
CONS
- No third-party app access
- Does not support LTE/Wi-Fi
Fossil Sport is an all-around smartwatch that won’t leave you disappointed. It’s one of the first smartwatches to have the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, which gives its users a much smoother experience than most smartwatches.
Fossil Sport is comfy and lightweight, which means that you’ll be able to wear it to the gym or your day-to-day commute. Apart from that, it has a competitive battery life and a great GPS for that on-the-go.
PROS
- Swimproof
- Great chipset
- Lightweight
CONS
- Pricey
- No high-end features
- Slow GPS
Amazfit Bip is the Android smartwatch for people who easily get overwhelmed by the complex features of premium devices. For a product that’s less than $100, you might expect very little from this smartwatch, but there are reasons why it’s considered to be one of the best.
The Amazfit Bip is fitted with incredible battery life, great navigation options (GPS & GLONASS), strong Bluetooth, and good display options. Further, its heart rate and sleep trackers are also accurate, which makes it a bit better than most high-end smartwatches who often have inaccurate results.
It may not have premium features, but the Amazfit Bip is perfect for those who just want a simple and easy to use Android smartwatch without shelling out too much.
PROS
- Extraordinary battery life
- Waterproof
- Great color display
- Accurate sleep and heart tracking
CONS
- Small display
- No reply options
What Makes a Good Android Smartwatch?
When you look at it, all these smartwatches have their own uniqueness and their own flair to them.
There are a lot of factors that make a good Android smartwatch but since we’re looking for the best, it’s important that you consider things such as your immediate needs, lifestyle, and budget among others.
When heading out to the store or order your Android Smartwatch online, here are a couple of things that you should consider before purchasing:
Compatibility
Look for a smartwatch that is compatible with your phone. A good Android smartwatch should be able to work with a variety of devices.
Water-Resistance
Water-resistance is also an important factor to consider. You might think that a waterproof smartwatch is unnecessary. But for extended periods of time and with unpredictable weather, you might need one that can handle rain.
Fitness & GPS Features
For fitness buffs, choose a smartwatch with a heart rate sensor and a GPS. This will come in handy if you’re out on a run. This isn’t just for fitness buffs, of course; the sensor and GPS are good things to have as features.
Ergonomic Design
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the smartwatches’ design in terms of comfort and efficiency. A good smartwatch should have a band and a clasp that’s easy to swap and use. Also, make sure that it’s easy to find replacements for the band of your smartwatch.
Style
Style is also an important factor to consider. It can be silly to some, but it’s important to consider getting a smartwatch that will complement your fashion and style.
Battery Life
Lastly, as with any device, don’t forget to pay close attention to battery life. Look for a smartwatch with a battery life that will match your intended use for it.
How to Protect Your Android Smartwatch From Damage
With such a delicate gadget, it’s guaranteed that maintenance for it can be quite important as well. To protect your smartwatch from damage, we’ve compiled a couple of important tips that you might want to keep in mind.
If you plan on cleaning your smartwatch, use a microfiber cloth. It’s important that you use a microfiber cloth because regular tissue paper and paper towels can cause damage to your smartwatch.
Cleaning the band or strap of the watch is just as important as cleaning the screen. If you have a plastic or rubber band, you can just wipe it with a damp cloth. If you have a cloth band, consider scrubbing it down if it has stains. The bands and straps are usually replaceable but it widely depends on the model.
Most smartwatches can withstand a certain amount of water exposure. There are some that can handle a bit of rain and some that you can take swimming with you but no matter the case, you might want to keep your smartwatch away from the water completely.
If you really want to make sure that your smartwatch is protected, you might also want to get insurance for it. Silly as it may sound; there are insurance companies who offer insurance for gadgets and due to its sudden popularity, smartwatches are no exception.
So, if you already have a regular insurance agent for your gadgets, you might want to ask them if they cover smartwatches too!
Final Word
In the end, a smartwatch can really be a good investment. Not only does it provide you with the very basic features of a watch, but it also gives you a lot more than that. A smartwatch basically provides you with ease of access to your notifications and music; it can also help you track your health and it also helps with your focus.
Ultimately, it’s always important to consider your own needs and lifestyle before purchasing a smartwatch. It’s easy to find and buy a smartwatch, but if you’re looking for one that will match your specific lifestyle, it can take a while before you can really settle on the best Android smartwatch.
With so many of them in the market today, we hope that this guide can help you pick the best Android smartwatch for you!