Here are a few key factors to consider to help you filter out the noise and narrow down your search.
Budget: If you’re looking to score a deal, it might be worth waiting for major discount days like Black Friday or Labor Day in the US when most retailers, including the original manufacturers, offer sales or cash-back incentives. You can also save by waiting for the next update cycle and considering the previous-generation model, which often goes on sale once a newer version is released. While newer models typically bring modest improvements in battery life, processing power, and design, the updates are often iterative. Previous models still hold up well in terms of performance and features. You should still consider all the other factors—especially software and operating system updates — when making your final decision.
Battery: Most Android smartwatches on this list offer between 24 to 72 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on how often you use power-hungry features like GPS or the always-on display. But a few stand out from the pack. If battery life is your top priority, the OnePlus Watch 3 is your best bet; it can last up to five days on a charge with raise-to-wake enabled, or about three days with the always-on display active. For Samsung phone users, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth the splurge, offering at least a full day more than other Galaxy models (though still no match the OnePlus). The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 and Enduro models are also solid alternatives if you’re looking for longer battery life at a lower price.
Wear OS updates: One of the caveats with Android smartwatches is that most manufacturers aren’t in control of the operating system’s update cycle. Google manages Wear OS updates, and there’s no guarantee that every watch will receive them. That’s why it’s important to research how many updates a watch is expected to get. This information is often listed on the manufacturer’s website or in our reviews. Without this research you might wait a year for an update or find your model isn’t eligible. Samsung leads the pack, promising at least four years of updates for its Galaxy Watch models with the Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 3 following closely behind with up to three years of support. Others, like Mobvoi, have been notoriously slow in rolling out updates, and while these older models may save you money upfront, they may not be as future-proofed and may end up spending more on a replacement in the long run.
The Watch 3 is far too big for my wrist.
Design: The upside of having so many android watches is the sheer breadth of design options available to you; different screen shapes, cover materials, sizing options, etc. You can choose a more traditional watch design with a stainless steel finish and a bulkier frame, like the OnePlus Watch, or opt for the sleek, minimalist design of the Pixel Watch 3 with its barely there bezels. Sizing is another important factor to consider. If you have smaller wrists and prefer a watch that won’t overpower your arm, you must avoid the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the OnePlus Watch 3, as they only come in one size — giant and massive, respectively.
Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular: Your choice of smartwatch may depend on whether it even offers the option of LTE or Wi-Fi only, so it’s worth researching early on to avoid going too far down the wrong path. The OnePlus Watch 3, for example, is only available in a Wi-Fi model, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra is cellular-only. Most users will find Wi-Fi models sufficient to track workouts and make mobile payments without the phone nearby. However, features like notifications, messaging, and calls still require your phone to be in range, and if you’re planning on leaving your phone behind from time to time and want full smartwatch functionality on the go, it may be worth splurging on an LTE version, which can add anywhere from $50 to $100 to the price tag and may require a monthly carrier fee.
