The best Android smartwatch 2024: wearables for Google-powered phones

Best Android smartwatch
(Image credit: TechRadar / Samsung)

Consider one of the best Android smartwatches if Apple Watches are not to your liking. Thanks to the different manufacturers making their own Android wearables, there's something for everyone in the current smartwatch landscape, offering a good variety for every user and every need.

Of course, while the best Android smartwatches are among the best smartwatches, the variety means that there's no one-size-fits-all solution here. So, you will need to do proper research and really think about what you'll need the smartwatch for. You might need one of the best running watches for your marathon training. Or you're on a budget and prefer the best cheap smartwatch instead.

Don't worry; we've tested our share of Android-powered wearables, testing them on on an Android phone for full functionality. So, we can tell you which ones are worth your time and which ones might be a waste of your hard-earned money. And, we collected the former below, with each entry capable of tracking your fitness, wellness, and health needs, as well as provide notifications to your wrist. Each entry also comes with a quick overview, pros and cons, and a link to the full review.

If you need to pair it with one of the best iPhones, you'll be limited. Generally, it's a better option to get one of the best Apple Watches or one of the best smartwatches for iPhones. But, if you're sticking to Android, these are the best Android smartwatches to consider in 2023.

The best Android smartwatch 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

(Image credit: Samsung)
The best Android smartwatch overall

Specifications

OS: Wear OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLED
Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz Cortex-A55
Onboard storage: 16GB
Battery duration: One day
Charging method: Qi wireless charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful fitness features
+
Durable and lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
One-day battery life
-
Optimized for Samsung phones

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a smart looking watch in every sense of the word. It looks great on your wrist while offering powerful features. A Super AMOLED display is sharp and clear, as well as able to handle very bright outdoor scenes. 

Performance wise, it's fast although you'll reap the most benefits when paired with a Samsung smartphone. There's no iPhone support here either. 

Besides SmartThings integration, the highlight here is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5's ability to monitor your body composition. It's bordering on the ultimate fitness tool with extensive sleep tracking also helping you get the most from yourself every day. Shame about that one day battery life, though.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 review.

TicWatch E3

(Image credit: Srivatsa Ramesh)
The best cheap Android smartwatch powered by Wear OS

Specifications

OS: Wear OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.3-inch 360 x 360 OLED
Processor: Snapdragon Wear 4100
Onboard storage: 8GB
Battery duration: Two days
Charging method: Qi wireless charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Large display
+
Fast performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Looks simple
-
Casing feels cheap

The TicWatch E3 packs a lot in for the price. It has a large display, even if it's not OLED, while its focus on health and wellbeing ensures there are options for measuring stress, ambient sound, sleep, exercise and more.

Reliable and affordable, its two-day battery life is superior to many rivals, all while still tracking useful factors like blood oxygen levels and heart rate. It might look a little basic but it packs a punch where it counts.

Out the box, iOS compatibility is available, thanks to its Wear OS 2-based user experience but an upgrade to Wear OS 3 is on the cards, which might change things.

Read our full TicWatch E3 review

Google Pixel Watch hand wash

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The best Wear OS showcase

Specifications

OS: Wear OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED
Processor: Exynos 9110
Onboard storage: 32GB
Battery duration: One day
Charging method: Proprietary wireless charging
IP rating: Up to 5ATM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Elegant looks
+
Fitbit integration

Reasons to avoid

-
One size fits all
-
Underwhelming battery life

Google's first foray into smartwatches has produced beautiful results. The Google Pixel Watch looks great, with a glossy, smooth face that's more eye-catching than most. It may be smaller than some rivals but it works well, with great integration with popular apps, not to mention access to the Fitbit ecosystem, which makes it even more appealing to fitness-focused users.

Wear OS is a breeze to use here, pairing up particularly well with Google’s own phones, like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Google Assistant integration is smart and effective, with built-in media controls also working well. While the battery life could be better, there's little else to fault when it comes to how well this watch works. 

Read our full Google Pixel Watch review

Custom route on a Garmin Fenix 7S

(Image credit: Future)
Garmin's top-tier sports watch

Specifications

OS: GarminOS
Compatibility: Android and iOS
Display: 1.3-inch 260 x 260 Memory-in-pixel
Processor: Dual-frequency GNSS
Onboard storage: 16GB
Battery duration: Up to 18 days
Charging method: USB
IP rating: 10ATM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Ideal for athletes and hikers
+
Extra-tough design

Reasons to avoid

-
Low-contrast display
-
No mic for hands-free calls

For anyone who can't stay still, the Garmin Fenix 7 is a perfect smartwatch for tracking everything possible. It gives you all the tools you could need to understand your current fitness level, as well as to set and achieve your goals. 

With advanced workout tracking and training tools, along with superb navigation apps, it's excessive for someone that wants a stylish timepiece, and its display could look sharper. For the avid adventurer though, this is a powerful investment.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 review

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

(Image credit: Matt Evans)
The smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts

Specifications

OS: Wear OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLED
Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz Cortex-A55
Onboard storage: 16GB
Battery duration: Two days
Charging method: Qi wireless charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Tough exterior
+
Advanced GPS features

Reasons to avoid

-
Average battery life
-
Chunky

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review is big, bold and brash with an eye on assisting outdoor enthusiasts. Its AMOLED screen is super smooth to use while also being twice as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 before it. All the improved health features are there with the Pro offering up a route workout GPS function so you can plan your route carefully with turn-by-turn navigation. 

It has the advantages of a Garmin watch while also the glamor of a Wear OS device, ensuring you get the best of both worlds with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. A 80 hour battery life is better than many other Wear OS watches but it's not quite as good as the Garmin-based competition if you plan on being very active. Still, it's a small price to pay for an otherwise gorgeous watch.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review.

A photo of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro smartwatch

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli / TechRadar)
The best smartwatch for stylish looks

Specifications

OS: HarmonyOS
Compatibility: Android and iOS
Display: 1.43-inch 466 x 466 AMOLED
Processor: Dual-chipset
Onboard storage: 4GB
Battery duration: Up to 14 days
Charging method: Qi charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Premium look and feel
+
Responsive interface

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited third-party app support
-
Janky watch app store

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is a seriously stylish watch with excellent build quality. It feels expensive and looks suitably classy too. Combined with excellent battery life, and great fitness and wellness features, it might appear to be the ideal smartwatch on the surface.

Inferior third-party app integration and a broken wallet app lets the side down, but if you can live with the out-of-box experience, the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is a gorgeous timepiece to have on your wrist, offering great health features and fantastic longevity.

Read our full Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro review

Person wearing the Galaxy Watch 4 on their wrist

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Geewon Jung)
Formerly the best Android smartwatch

Specifications

OS: Wear OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLED
Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz Cortex-A55
Onboard storage: 16GB
Battery duration: Two days
Charging method: Qi wireless charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Premium finish
+
Great performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited compatibility 
-
No rotating bezel

Formerly the best Android smartwatch as well as one of the best smartwatches overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is packed with features. With an improved battery life over its predecessor, and some interesting new software in the form of One UI Watch 3, it's a compelling mixture of features right down to its new body composition tools. 

There's limited compatibility if you don't have a Samsung smartphone to pair it with and we miss the rotating bezel (although there is a virtual one), but you can't beat the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for all-round style and useful features. Its gorgeous display further helps here too with speedy performance keeping up with your plans.

It might not be the most highly-specced fitness watch out there. However, it's a solid all-rounder for those keen to check on their heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and more while looking good in their downtime too.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review

The TicWatch Pro 3 on a wrist

(Image credit: Truls Steinung)
The best Wear OS 2.0 Android smartwatch

Specifications

Compatibility: Android, iOS
Display: 1.4" 454 x 454 OLED paired with LCD screen
Processor: Snapdragon Wear 4100
Onboard storage: 8GB
Battery duration: Up to 72h, 45 extra days in Essential mode
Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC

Reasons to buy

+
Big battery lasts 3 days
+
Fast chipset

Reasons to avoid

-
Sometimes poor interface
-
Sleep tracking isn't the best

The TicWatch Pro 3 is a good all-rounder that doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area. But it doesn’t need to because it’s also cheaper than top-end rivals.

And it does have a lot going for it. For one thing, it was the first smartwatch to use the top-end Snapdragon 4100 chipset, so performance is good in our tests. It also offers two to three days of battery life, or – if you switch it to Essential mode – it can keep going for up to 45 days.

The TicWatch Pro 3 also has a good screen - 1.4-inch 454 x 454 one that’s crisp, bright, and responsive, plus the watch has all the typical health and fitness features you’d expect from a smartwatch. Just don’t buy this for sleep tracking, as we found that wasn’t very accurate.

Read the full TicWatch Pro 3 review

The Fitbit Sense on a wrist

(Image credit: Future)
An excellent Android smartwatch with mental health tools

Specifications

OS: Fitbit OS
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Display: 300 x 300 LCD
Processor: N/A
Onboard storage: N/A
Battery duration: Up to 6 days
Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
IP rating: Water resistance to 50m
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed stress logging
+
On-board GPS

Reasons to avoid

-
Many tools require Fitbit Premium
-
Step counting slightly inaccurate

The Fitbit Sense has a design that's quite similar to the Versa, listed higher on this list, and as a Fitbit it's also quite similar to use. However, this Android smartwatch model comes wtih health features that go beyond the physical.

The Fitbit Sense has the... well, sense, to check in on some aspects of mental health too, logging your mood and stress, as well as providing meditation and mindfulness lessons. Its main issue is that you have to pay for Fitbit Premium for lots of its extra features. There aren't exactly many other watches on this list that require you to keep paying after you've bought it.

Performance-wise, we found it to be impressive during testing. Putting the Sense through a pretty intense spin session, we didn’t see any unexpected dips in heart rate that indicate an issue with fitness trackers. It also vibrates to indicate when you're moving between heart rate zones, which is very useful for training.

Read the full Fitbit Sense review

OnePlus Watch Cobalt Limited Edition

(Image credit: Srivatsa Ramesh)
Sleek if basic at times

Specifications

OS: OnePlus Watch OS
Compatibility: Android
Display: 1.39-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED
Processor: OnePlus chipset
Onboard storage: 4GB
Battery duration: Up to 7 days
Charging method: Qi charging
IP rating: IP68
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Reasons to buy

+
Week-long battery life
+
Sleek design

Reasons to avoid

-
No way to add apps
-
Basic fitness tracking

The OnePlus Watch looks truly high-end for the price rivalling some top-end competitors. A circular design with a stainless steel metal body gives it a glossy finish that looks great on your wrist. Larger than most, it's clear to see what you're doing too.

The downside? There's no way to add apps, so you're stuck with what's already installed. Also, its fitness tools can be quite inaccurate, which is frustrating, especially when tracking your location via GPS. Still, it runs smoothly and has great battery life, which are useful advantages.

Read our full OnePlus Watch review

How to choose the best Android smartwatch for you

First off, don't buy an Apple Watch, as they don't work with Android.

Beyond that it's a case of picking one with the features you need. Do you care about being able to take an ECG or is basic heart rate monitoring enough? Are you into health and fitness or do you mostly just want notifications? Consider all that, along with what prices and styles suit you.

Do these smartwatches also work with an iPhone?

Most smartwatches that work with Android will also work with an iPhone. However, you might lose out on some functionality, and there are a few that won't work at all, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5, as well as the Google Pixel Watch. For the best results with an iPhone, stick to an Apple Watch. 

How we test Android smartwatches

When testing a smartwatch we pair it to our phones and use it for days, so we can tell what it's like for everyday use - this includes working out its true battery life, seeing how it handles notifications, and appreciating any extra features it has.

We also take it for workouts with us, so we can see if it's accurate at measuring distances and time, and to see if the fitness modes bring any cool extras.

To create our ranking we considered our review score, the specs, features, performance, price, and how they stack up to alternatives.

Alex Walker-Todd
Senior Phones Editor

Alex joined as TechRadar's Senior Phones Editor in June 2022, but brings over a decade's worth of experience to the role, with an expertise in smartphones, tablets and wearables. He's covered keynotes hosted by the biggest brands and attended the launches for some of the most influential mobile products of the last few years. His experience was amassed at some of the most reputable consumer technology publications out there, including GSMArena, TechAdvisor and Trusted Reviews.