Best Smartwatches in 2024: Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Google Compared

2024 is the year smartwatches matured into genuinely indispensable tools. From the apple-watch-ultra-2-review" class="auto-link-article" style="color:#e8b84b;border-bottom:1px dotted rgba(232,184,75,0.4);text-decoration:none;">Apple Watch Ultra 2's 3,000-nit display to Garmin's 37-day battery life, the gap between top-tier smartwatches has never been smaller — but they each excel for different users.

Best Overall: Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you use an iPhone, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best smartwatch you can buy. 3,000-nit display, dual-frequency GPS, S9 chip with Double Tap, premium titanium build. The watchOS app ecosystem is unmatched. $799.

Best for Android: Google Pixel Watch 2

Finally a worthy Wear OS flagship. The google-pixel-watch-2-review" class="auto-link-article" style="color:#e8b84b;border-bottom:1px dotted rgba(232,184,75,0.4);text-decoration:none;">Google Pixel Watch 2 fixes the original's battery and performance issues while keeping the elegant circular design. Pairs best with Pixel phones but works on any modern Android. $349.

Best for Athletes: Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is the most capable outdoor sports watch ever made. Multi-band GPS, preloaded topographic maps, 37-day battery life with solar. Heavy and expensive at $999, but unmatched for serious adventures.

Best Value: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The samsung-galaxy-watch-5-review" class="auto-link-article" style="color:#e8b84b;border-bottom:1px dotted rgba(232,184,75,0.4);text-decoration:none;">Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivers premium health tracking (BioActive sensor with body composition), sapphire crystal, and Wear OS 3 at a competitive price. Best for Samsung phone owners.

How to Choose

By Phone Ecosystem

• iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (no alternative comes close)
• Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy Watch 5 (full feature integration)
• Google Pixel: Pixel Watch 2
• Other Android: Pixel Watch 2 or Galaxy Watch 5
• Any phone, fitness focus: Garmin Fenix 7X

Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 wins overall — but only for iPhone users. Android users should choose the Google Pixel Watch 2. For pure athletic capability regardless of phone, the Garmin Fenix 7X is unbeatable.