The best Apple and Android smartwatches of 2021
Looking for a new smartwatch? Being here is a good decision, because the top models from Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Co. are real all-rounders for your wrist. In our best list, you will find current recommendations for smartwatches in 2021. In addition to premium models, we also have tips for iOS and Android in different price ranges for you.
The best smartwatches 2021 in comparison
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Last year, I earned a lot of criticism for my list of the best smartwatches! That's because NextPit hadn't tested many of the models mentioned in the past. That's changed in late 2021, and except for the brand new TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, we've checked out all of the smartwatches. In addition, I put this list up for discussion in the newsroom and, most importantly, discussed my picks with Stefan - smartwatch pro and trained fitness trainer.
In the following article you will find a short buying guide first of all. Because before you decide on a smartwatch, you first need to know what is important. Then I present each recommendation in two paragraphs and a table. In doing so, I also explain why I find the smartwatch suitable for the respective category.
Jump To:
- Buying advice: what does a smartwatch need to be able to do in 2021?
- NextPit recommends: The best smartwatches in 2021
- How did NextPit choose the best smartwatches?
- Upcoming action days at a glance
- More best lists
Buying advice: What must a smartwatch be able to do in 2021?
First and foremost, you shouldn't look at your wrist, but in your pocket. The question of which smartwatch is right for you depends largely on the smartphone operating system you use. If you use an iPhone and therefore Apple iOS, you should go straight for an Apple Watch. At the linked site you will find a separate buying guide with all currently available models.
If you use an Android smartphone, you are spoilt for choice! And usually models that have to compete with Apple's smartwatches in terms of feature set, connection to the smartphone, ease of use and build quality. So here's what a smartwatch in 2021 needs to master well:
Requirements for a good smartwatch in 2021
- Good connectivity to the smartphone and self-sufficiency: Smartwatches are to be used as an add-on to a smartphone. Therefore, they need to make certain functions easier or at least easily accessible. In addition, the mobile phone benefits from the data that the smartwatch collects on the wrist. So the connection must be flawless and simple. There is also a certain degree of autonomy for tracking or multimedia functions. A smartwatch should be able to measure the distance via GPS while jogging and possibly even make calls on its own. An LTE module is an important prerequisite for this.
- Ease of use: How well and easily can the Smartwatch be operated? Are there "real" operating options such as crowns or bezels or is the operating system also easy to operate via the touchscreen?
- Vital Signs & Functions: While all smartwatches can measure your pulse, there are many additional features. These include measuring your blood oxygen, blood pressure measurement, ECG features, and more. The more fitness features a watch offers, the better. Other features that are a basic requirement are telephony, music control, independent music playback, digital payments.
- Quality and value: Smartwatches can be prestige objects if you want them to be! A high quality of workmanship including waterproofing and high-quality materials is therefore another aspect you should pay attention to. Of course, it depends on how important these features are to you. Because as a rule, the price also increases with higher-quality materials.
- Battery life: A long battery life is an advantage when you have a watch on your arm. However, this feature doesn't come without its pitfalls. Some smartwatches offer super-long battery life, but are very thick and clunky in exchange for higher battery capacity. This is where you need to find the right -mAh- capacity for you!
NextPit recommends: These are the best smartwatches in 2021
At the top of this article I have presented you all the winning smartwatches in 2021 in a table. If you want more information, you can find it in the paragraphs below. For even more on the individual models, check out the linked reviews.
Apple Watch Series 7: The best smartwatch in 2021
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To the detailed review of the Apple Watch Series 7 on NextPit
It's really a nuisance that the best smartwatch is out of the question for many smartphone users. After all, the biggest criticism of the Series 7 is still that it only connects to iPhones. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch is the smartwatch par excellence. It offers an unmatched comfort in operation and in the connection to the smartphone, offers all common functions and countless apps.
The new model scores above all with a larger and brighter screen. In addition, it charges 33 percent faster than its predecessor via the new charger and an IP6X certification now also ensures better durability. What Apple hasn't been able to improve, however, is battery life: the Watch Series 7 lasts about a day. Do you want to buy it right away? Click bellow!
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: The best Android alternative
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 reviewed on NextPit
The best Android alternative from my point of view presents the Galaxy Watch 4. Released in 2021, it represents a new direction for Samsung in several ways. Firstly, the design of the standard model now resembles the former Watch Active and secondly, there is a new operating system instead of TizenOS. The WearOS-based OneUI Watch performed very well in the test.
Besides the good connectivity to the phone, there is a high-quality and powerful hardware including unique tracking functions. In return, the battery life is low due to the compact case, and some tracking features are Samsung-exclusive. Does the battery life bother you and do you miss the rotating bezel? Then maybe the Classic model is something for you! However, we don't have a test here.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Huawei Watch 3 Pro: Best Premium Smartwatch
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To the detailed review of the Huawei Watch 3 Pro (only available in German)
Besides Apple's WatchOS and Samsung's One UI Watch, we have another new smartwatch operating system on the market. HarmonyOS is Huawei's own creation, and on the Watch 3 Pro we were able to try it out for the first time. Although there are still quite few apps at the beginning and the connection to the phone is not always optimal, the hardware of the Huawei Watch 3 Pro is completely convincing.
Huawei relies on high-quality materials like titanium or ceramic for the casing. In addition, the build quality is beyond reproach. The device is operated via a nice 3D crown and the AMOLED display is super bright with 1,000 nits. If you're looking for a heavy, sturdy and valuable smartwatch, you shouldn't miss out on the Huawei Watch 3 Pro.
Colleague Stefan once again pointed me to Garmin's Fenix models in the run-up to this article. These are indeed very high-quality and can cost well over $1000 . Unfortunately, we have not tested them and therefore I will only mention them here. By the way, the Apple Watch Series 7 is also available with a titanium case and anyway, I have already praised the workmanship. For iOS users, of course, the Apple Watch comes especially into question!
Buy Huawei Watch 3 Pro
Price-performance tip: Fitbit Versa 3
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To the detailed review of the Fitbit Versa 3 on NextPit
Our price-performance tip is, with some restrictions, the Fitbit Versa 3. Because the acquisition costs of the smartwatch are low at just under $160 in November 2021. At the same time, the model offers a range of functions that can definitely compete with the rivals in this best list. The display is AMOLED, the operating concept is well thought-out, and the variety of sensors is top.
You can record your jogging routes via GPS, measure your heart rate and go to the bakery without a wallet thanks to digital payment. However, there are limitations due to the premium subscription. If you also want to do mindfulness exercises or evaluate the measured body data in detail, you will have to pay monthly costs.
Buy Fitbit Versa 3
Best Fitness Smartwatch: Garmin Venu
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Garmin Venu in a detailed test on NextPit
Stefan awarded the top score of 5 stars to the Garmin Venu in 2020! This was mainly due to the "comprehensive sensor technology", as he writes in his review. The optical heart rate monitor could keep up with a chest strap, which we wore in parallel in the NextPit test at that time. In addition, the watch measures your sleep, blood oxygen saturation and even your breathing rate.
Numerous sports exercises and training plans are also integrated into the Garmin app and the watch. Garmin embeds all of this into a comprehensive ecosystem tailored for athletes. If you want to be really precise, you can also buy additional accessories such as chest straps, speed and cadence sensors as well as temperature sensors and link them to the Garmin Venu. Great!
Buy Garmin Venu
Best battery life: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
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In our next tip, we have only been able to test the predecessor model so far. In the latest model from TicWatch, the battery is supposed to be even longer in Essential mode. Thus, the smartwatch lasts up to 45 days. Admittedly, only the most basic functions are available here.
Without power saving, the battery life drops to a still very good 72 hours, at least according to the manufacturer. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is a rather chunky smartwatch that is designed for outdoor use. A good water resistance as well as a certification according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G are on board.
Buy Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
Best hybrid smartwatch: Withings ScanWatch
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To the review of the Withings ScanWatch on NextPit
With my last smartwatch tip, I introduce you to another quite exciting product category. Hybrid smartwatches have a classic watch face including hands, but are connected to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. This way, the Withings ScanWatch transmits the data from the heart rate monitor as well as your step count to your smartphone. At the same time, there are also a few smart features on the watch.
As Berti found out in the test, the watch shows you notifications and incoming calls on a small OLED display on the watch face. The whole package can't be compared to a "real" smartwatch, but the watch is supposed to be a mixture of analog and digital. And it manages that quite well!
Buy Withings ScanWatch
How did NextPit choose the best smartwatches?
Unwrap it, strap it on, try it out, use it for jogging, cycling and everyday life - that's how every review we publish on a smartwatch or fitness tracker goes. Because we at NextPit stick to a practical test procedure that should give you the impression you would get if you tried it out yourself. In addition to our test impressions, we've included other variables for these articles.
When did the smartwatch come out, how well does it serve what purpose and how do we rate the mass appeal of the watch. The Garmin Venu, for example, was given 5 stars as a fitness smartwatch. In my opinion, however, it is a little too fitness-oriented for most readers. Therefore, it could not get the first place as the best smartwatch.
Ideally, you are currently looking for a smartwatch and find the right model via this article. How well did that work out? Of course, we are always happy to receive criticism and suggestions in the comments. Also tell us which model you bought or which you would like to see a review of on NextPit.
Upcoming action days in view
To finish off this list of the best, here are a few tips on what to buy! Because at the end of the year there are some bargain days coming up, where you can get many smartwatches cheaper. Here I have compiled an overview of the dates for the year 2021.
Upcoming promotion days
| Action | Date |
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| Singles Day | November 11, 2021 |
| Black Week | 23. till 27. November 2021 |
| Black Friday | November 27, 2021 |
| Cyber Monday | November 30, 2021 |
On NextPit, we will list deals on cheap smartwatches for each of these days. Alternatively, you can of course also go on the search yourself and look for deals on the web. Especially with smartwatches, however, it is recommended to try out the models in the store. Because the different case sizes and materials result in a different wearing comfort depending on the wrist.
Smartwatches are also often offered in bundle deals or as part of mobile phone contracts. This makes sense especially if you buy a model with an LTE module and are directly provided with an eSIM. You can find out how to find a good mobile phone contract for your smartwatch in the linked article.
Further best lists on NextPit
Are you shocked by how expensive most of the good smartwatches are? Then don't hang your head, because maybe a fitness tracker will do the trick. Because so-called smartbands have most of the important tracking features and now even often shine with features that only smartwatches had a few years ago.
- The best fitness trackers to buy in 2021
- The best smartphones under 200 euros
- The best budget smartphones for under $300
- Best mid-range phones for under $400 in 2021
- The best gaming smartphones in 2021
- The best foldable smartphones: Which 2021 foldable comes up top?
- The best smartphone cameras in 2021
This best list was completely revised on November 2, 2021. Existing comments remained the same.
fit bit iconic, but rates are really too good . Right now can't afford it bro .
i ant this
Hi very useful information which helped me a lot thank you
Waiting for Mobvoi to release a new TicWatch Pro updated with the new SD 3100 chipset.
To be honest smartwatches are cool but I never really got the idea of the smartwatch,I have lost interest in them because in my country the are bloody expensive because I could buy a Xiaomi MI5 with the amount of a smartwatch I recently thought of buying,I am sure in some countries they are way...way cheaper.
If the price continues to come down, I might get one, but for now, I don't see the need to spend 200 or more on "a watch". My phone, when in the car, tells me who' calling, when I'm out of the car, I have a borg implant (BT headset) that tells me who's calling. I've worn a watch since a kid in the early 70's, my huge Casio Illuminator was around 40 bucks, battery lasts for years.
if was Micro-SD available in these watches i think it's will be super and amazing watches !!
i know that asus have a best laptops and best smartphones .. so it's will be having a best watches
and I like Android Wear smartwatch and Sony SmartWatch 3
Best laptops? Ok, sure, LOL.
Are any of these NOT made in China?
Is anything not made in China?
It's much harder with electronics no doubt... But if you look you can often find items made elsewhere.
I got a Martian Notifier watch and love it. While it has minimal functionality, what it does is what I need it to do. And at 30 bucks, it is an excellent bargain!
I had the Moto 360 first generation, but it wasn't a great experience. First of all, the gray bracelet got quickly stained from perspiration and became hard, then started to crack, after just 3 months of use. I replaced it with a steel mesh which solved the bracelet problem, after I had to figure out how to fit a regular bracelet which has no gap on the edge. Well, I simply chopped down those tiny plastic lines and it went into position. 3 months later, the plastic cover from the back of the watch started to crack and finaly flew away. In the end I glued it with silicone and I gave it to somebody for free. I mention that Huawei watch was us used in the same conditions as poor Moto 360 and survived unscathed in my job place; I'm a mechanical engineer working onboard container ships. Long story short, I fully recommend Huawei watch over Motorola's to those who want a good, sturdy watch, letting aside other considerents like style or operating system.
I have the Huawei W1, the gold edition and I'm very happy with it. I wear it everywere, only at night It will be out of my hand, charging. The gold plating looks good after 8 months and still no scratches on the display. Battery life could be extended till 2 days, depending on the face which you set on. It's an eye catcher! The only downside is that charging has some difficulties, the pogo pins have some positions where they don't touch the charging dots on the back of the watch. It's kind of annoying to fiddle with the charging plate until it will start charging.
They are still way too ugly. Design looks like it's meant for children. No style, no elegance.
Huawei is my pick when it comes to smartwatches
Once the price comes down a bit more, I might get one. I've been impressed with Huawei. I've had 3 of their phones, never had a problem with any of them.
When you're updating your android smart watch list with a Tizen watch then you know that the android wear platform is dead.
Why? All of Samsung's smartwatches are running on Tizen nowadays, and the chance that Samsung makes a good smartwatch is pretty high anyways, isn't it?
I agree that they make the best smartwatch at the moment but it isn't an android watch. If you were to poll Google they would say the same thing. If you are a consumer immersed in the Android platform then an android wear watch would be ideal for you. If you're looking for a Great smartwatch then you go with Tizen and Samsung Pay.
This speaks to my theory of android's inability to popularize alternative hardware platforms ( smartwatches, tablets, VR, Smart home). When subsidies are not involved Android cannot compete on price. Phones are a necessity but are tablets? Smartwatches? VR?
I have a Pebble round, less than 2 years the screen becomes unreadable of and on. Pebble said they can't fix it and my warranty has passed. They offered a link to buy a new Pebble at 25% discount. Great watch for a year or so, but no more Pebble sorry
I like Sony SmartWatch 3.
Did you REALLY just say adding customization is a copy of Apple? Really? Seeing as Apple was so late to the game I'd have to say the inverse is true, Apple borrowed from Android.
Aside from that, aren't there any NON budget Androidwear Smartwatches that are square? I love my LG G watch, but no wifi chip and its not going to get the next big update. But round faces are beyond stupid. An androidwatch should be function first, form second. Reading texts and emails on a circle is asinine.
is there a watch with bluetooth 4.0+, microSD slot, and music player? i cant seem to find anything for running.
Hi, Kris, any update article?
I had a classic Pebble which suffered from screen tearing. So i updated to a Pebble Time Steel. And i can't say I'm happy with it. It's big and heavy. And for some reason it doesn't always gets the notifications. Wheres on my other arm there is a Microsoft band. Not so much smartwatch but a lot of sports band. It gets notifications, measures my sleep and my every move. I must say that I actually prefer that. But coming from a classic Pebble I only used notifications on a smartwatch and not apps.
I have just put a payment down for a Tag Heuer Connected watch. I have been promised by Harrods that it will arrive before Christmas, but everywhere in the UK has already sold out of their first orders (due to arrive on 9th December).
I bought a Huawei watch to see if I liked it. I do, but I'm used to much more expensive and higher quality watches, so I think the Tag is the way to go.
I owned (and sold) the original Moto and Zen. Battery life was so bad I just stopped using them both. Add in the bulky cases, I just figured smartwatchs were not for me, until I bought the Pebble time. Honestly outstanding. Lasts days, does everything I want (notifications, alarms, ability to send responses to sms via voice, trip info, syncs with Google cal and has a slew of apps) and light enough where I forget about it. Its not perfect, but I've not used anything better yet. Samsung's s-voice eliminates them for me.
How come the Moto 360 is the best? I doesn´t even have a proper circular screen. That black band at the bottom is anoying. The LG Urbane is much better.
I've owned the original gear and currently the gear live. The latter in terms of functionality and customisation via watchmaker is way better.
The cradles are truly painful. The live Cradle being the worse design possible. In both cases however price was the deciding factor. $180 AUD for the live.
Connection drop out is my number 1 gripe. I rely heavily on the notifications. It's annoying Android wear doesn't support sound like the 1st gear. Then again muting the gear after hours was a pain.
I intend to switch to a round watch next so I'm keen to see what the Moto360 2nd gen brings. As I've just updated to a LG G4, the LG R might end up on my wrist.
I have the Gear and its not a bad watch once you root it and can run any android app on it - the downfall of all thee watches is the battery life though - I cant be bothered to take the watch off and insert it in its charging cradle every night!
www.xbmcplayer.co.uk
I got a Gear Live and like it because it was dirt cheap. the cradle sucks and I had to replace it once already. luckily they began to be offered on eBay about 3 days after it broke. the 360 is just ugly as sin, and I wouldn't be caught dead wearing the original G Watch. the newer version (round) is cool, but pricey. I like Sony, but the armband on the SW3 is crap...I still can't grasp why they would make that pop out module, and not offer a pocketwatch chain...
I'm ok with the Gear Live for now, but only because it was the lesser of 8 evils. next year might be time for an upgrade to a 2015 model.
I have an LG G Watch, which was given to me by a family member who works at Google. While its kind of cool its also a bit gimmicky. I wouldnt pay money for one of these things. They need to improve the battery lives of these things and also make the watches standalone devices