May 2024
Smartwatches: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of smartwatches rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 2 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 88 smartwatch endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
50 smartwatches were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 May 2024, Apple Watch Series 9 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed smartwatch with 6 expert endorsements. 6 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 smartwatch' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Garmin: 10 smartwatches
(#1 is Garmin Venu 3)
-
Apple: 7 smartwatches
(#1 is Apple Watch Series 9)
-
Fitbit: 7 smartwatches
(#1 is Fitbit Versa 4)
-
Samsung: 6 smartwatches
(#1 is Samsung Galaxy Watch 6)
-
Amazfit: 3 smartwatches
(#1 is Amazfit GTS)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Smartwatch |
Wareable
|
TechRadar
|
10Beasts
|
Trusted Reviews
|
Tom's Guide
|
Popular Science
|
PCMag
|
Ars Technica
|
Android Authority
|
Reviewed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Apple Watch Series 9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $300 |
Google Pixel Watch 2
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
|
3
|
- | $780 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
|
8
|
1
|
-
|
8
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $350 |
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $270 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Apple Watch SE
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
7
|
- | $399 |
Apple Watch 7
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $150 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $370 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $290 |
OnePlus Watch 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
|
11
|
- | $390 |
Garmin Venu 3
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $150 |
Fitbit Versa 4
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Apple Watch SE 2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | Check price |
Fitbit Sense
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $166 |
Fitbit Versa 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
|
17
|
- | $252 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Apple Watch Series 9 #1 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
- Out of those, 6 experts ranked Apple Watch Series 9 as #1.
Wareable
Best overall smartwatch
|
Superb, unisex design
Incredible sports watch
Gesture feature is very cool
Unmatched app store
|
Only works with iPhone
Some wellness features feel a little stale
Not a huge leap forward from Apple Watch Series 8
|
Trusted Reviews
The best smartwatch
|
Certain models made from recycled aluminium
Faster Siri
Accurate tracking
Very bright screen
|
Design remains the same
Health data to be shown better
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch overall
|
Siri works offline
Double-tap gesture is awesome
New UWB chip helps find your phone
First carbon-neutral Apple device
|
Find iPhone feature only works with iPhone 15
|
PCMag
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Powerful processor
Bright display
Double-tap gesture for hands-free operation
On-device Siri
Precision Finding for iPhone 15 family
Carbon neutral build option
|
Familiar design
|
Android Authority
Editors Choice
|
Powerful new S9 chipset
Brighter AMOLED display
Expanded Find My Phone feature
|
Key new features not available at launch
Battery life still unimproved
|
Reviewed
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Faster processor
Brighter screen
Great fitness-tracking features
|
Aging design
Battery could be better
|
We ranked Google Pixel Watch 2 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Best smartwatch for Android
|
Battery life is improved
Excellent HR tracking accuracy
The design is very sleek and comfortable
|
Doesn't work with iPhone
Fitbit Premium required for some insights
Only available in one case size
|
TechRadar
The best Google smartwatch for Pixel users
|
Elegant, classic watch-like looks
Brilliant screen
New multi-path HR sensor
|
One (small) size fit all
Band switch system takes practice
No blood oxygen sensing - yet
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch for Pixel smartphones
|
Stress-detection sensor
Safety Check feature
Improved battery life
|
Big bezel
No wireless charger
|
PCMag
Best for Style-Minded Android Users
|
Improved battery life over previous version
More Fitbit health and fitness features
Responsive performance
IP68 rating
100% recycled metal casing
Attractive and comfortable design
|
Pricey
Some health metrics require a premium membership
No preinstalled compass
Only comes in one size
|
Android Authority
|
Runs a snappy Wear OS 4
Added and upgraded advanced health sensors
New training features and automatic workout detection
|
Only available in one size
Some health features feel underbaked
Fitbit app redesign oversimplifies
|
Reviewed
Most Stylish Android Watch / Editors' Choice
|
Improved battery
Excellent fitness tracking options
Stylish
|
Limited app options
Irritating charger
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend smartwatches.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of smartwatches, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
Wareable
TechRadar
10Beasts
Trusted Reviews
Tom's Guide
Popular Science
PCMag
Ars Technica
Android Authority
Reviewed
We ranked Apple Watch Ultra 2 #3 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Apple Watch Ultra 2 as #1.
Wareable
Best sporty smartwatch
|
Fun gesture cpontrol
Even brighter display
Still a slick smartwatch experience
|
Needs some native software tweaks
Battery life still isn't amazing
Male orientated
|
TechRadar
The best smartwatch overall
|
Large, bright display
Action button is very useful
|
battery life could be better
Ultra Wideband only works with iPhone 15
|
Trusted Reviews
Best rugged smartwatch
|
Top screen
Excellent sports tracking
The best Apple Watch
|
Fitness tracking feels dated
Lack of performance analysis
Mapping rolling out slowly
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch for safety and sports
|
Best battery life of any Apple Watch
Action Button
Emergency siren
|
Battery life doesn’t compare with competitors
|
PCMag
Best for Outdoor Adventurers
|
3,000-nit display
Powerful processor
Expanded operating altitude
Carbon-neutral build option
Excellent connectivity features
|
Expensive
Some map limitations
|
We ranked Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Best Android smartwatch for battery life
|
Ingenious and effective screen tech
Multi-day battery life
Good fitness accuracy
|
No smaller case option
Too many pre-installed apps
No voice assistant
|
TechRadar
The best Wear OS smartwatch not made by Google
|
Big battery
Powerful
Accurate fitness metrics
|
Quite expensive
|
Trusted Reviews
Best Wear OS smartwatch
|
Outstanding battery life
Wear OS 3 is finally on a TicWatch
Fast charging
The secondary FSTN display is always welcome
|
Not the most stylish of smartwatches
Included watch faces are hit and miss
No Google Assistant
|
PCMag
Best Pixel Watch 2 Alternative
|
Three-day battery life
Bright AMOLED display
Attractive design
Good app selection
|
No Google Assistant at launch
Only comes in one size
No cellular option
Some low heart rate readings in testing
|
Android Authority
|
Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is snappy and efficient
Digital crown streamlines navigation
Dual display adds even more functionality
|
Sleep tracking still inconsistent
Band design is cheap and attracts dust
No wireless charging
|
We ranked Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 #5 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
TechRadar
The best Samsung smartwatch overall
|
Powerful fitness features
Durable and lightweight
|
One-day battery life
Optimized for Samsung phones
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch for Android
|
Slimmer display bezels
Improved interchangeable band mechanism
Satisfying physical bezel on Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
|
Unimpressive battery life
|
PCMag
Best Android Smartwatch
|
Bigger, brighter screen than previous model
Good app selection
Digital bezel for quick scrolling
Excellent sleep insights
Active skin temperature sensor
Reliable automatic workout detection
Two case sizes, optional LTE connectivity
|
One-day battery life
Minor workout heart rate accuracy issues
|
Reviewed
Best for Android / Editors' Choice
|
Stylish design
Bright display
Solid battery life
|
Some features require Samsung smartphone to use
|
We ranked Apple Watch SE #6 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Best affordable Apple Watch
|
Same S8 chip as Apple Watch Series 8
Superb value - and now an even lower price
Comprehensive features and tracking
|
Only works with iPhone
No Always-On display
Not a huge leap forward from the original Apple Watch SE
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch value for iPhone users
|
Lower price than previous Apple Watch SE
Color-matched bottom case
Same chipset as Apple Watch Series 8
|
No always-on display
|
PCMag
Best Affordable Apple Watch
|
Upgraded processor from previous model
New motion sensor with support for Crash Detection
Improved real-world battery life
Lightweight
Excellent app selection and safety features
Lower price than first-generation model
|
No always-on display
Lacks sensors for ECG, SpO2, or body temperature
No rating for dust resistance
|
Reviewed
Best Value / Editors' Choice
|
More for less
Great iPhone integration
Crash detection
|
Still no always-on display
Inconsistent evercise detection
|
We ranked Apple Watch 7 #7 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Apple Watch 7 as #1.
10Beasts
Best Smartwatch for iPhone
|
Connects seamlessly with iPhone
Acts as your phone when needed
Easy to read face
Waterproof
Many health and tracking features
Very few complaints
|
Expensive
Can be easy to crack the screen
|
We ranked Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as #1.
10Beasts
Best Overall Smartwatch
|
Easy and sleek app
Customizable features with the app
Many features
Clean appearance
Great customer reviews
|
Slightly expensive
Short battery life
|
We ranked Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic #9 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Most stylish Android smartwatch
|
Love the tactile bezel
Accurate heart rate and sleep
Solid health monitoring
|
Only works with Android
Underwhelming battery life
|
PCMag
Best for a Rotating Bezel
|
Rotating bezel
Stainless steel case
Attractive synthetic leather strap
Bigger, brighter screen than previous model
Excellent sleep insights
Active skin temperature sensor
Reliable automatic workout detection
Two case sizes, optional LTE connectivity
|
Heavier than standard model
Mediocre battery life
Minor workout heart rate accuracy issues
|
Android Authority
|
The rotating bezel is back
Elegant design and build materials
Ships with Wear OS 4
|
Only minor upgrades over Watch 5
Imperfect heart rate data
Disappointing battery life
|
We ranked OnePlus Watch 2 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
PCMag
Best Battery Life
|
Up to four days of battery life
Stainless steel case
Responsive touch screen
Good app selection
Accurate sleep measurements
Excellent running insights
|
Comes in only one size
No cellular option
Lacks ECG, body temperature sensors, fall detection, period tracking
No phone camera controls
|
Android Authority
|
Runs Wear OS 4
Unique dual-chip architecture
Incredible battery life
|
Bulky, single-size design
Non-functional rotating crown
Simplistic app experience
|
Reviewed
|
Easy to manipulate the screen, use the app
Fantastic battery life and quick charging
Lots of Watch Face options to personalize the look
|
Only comes in one larger size
No ECG app, menstrual cycle tracking
Always-on display significantly reduces battery life
|
We ranked Garmin Venu 3 #11 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Best for wellness
|
Lots of sports modes
Great battery life
Great screen
Wellness features now feel useful
|
Lightweight fitness metrics
Relatively pricey
Some sleep-tracking accuracy issues
|
Tom's Guide
The best fitness-tracking smartwatch
|
Intuitive sleep and workout advice
Borrows features from high-end Garmin watches
Up to 14 days of battery life
|
Not enough third-party apps
|
Android Authority
Editors Choice
|
Highly accurate GPS and heart rate sensors
Automatic nap detection and sleep coaching
On-device phone call and voice assistant support
|
No ECG app
Pricey compared to competitors
No LTE model
|
We ranked Fitbit Versa 4 #12 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
|
Improved design from Versa 3
UI is very friendly
Super sleep tracker
|
No third-party apps
No music features
Some heart rate accuracy issues
|
Tom's Guide
The best smartwatch for step counting
|
Great, slim-profile design
Accurate step counting
Good battery life
|
Trouble with heart rate accuracy
No third-party apps
|
PCMag
Best Fitbit Smartwatch
|
Attractive, comfortable design
Better touch-screen responsiveness than predecessor
Physical button improves usability
40 exercise modes (up from 20)
Long battery life
Lots of watch faces
Tracks overnight skin temperature variation
|
No third-party app support
Some lifestyle apps from previous generation removed
Lacks ECG, stress sensors
|
We ranked Apple Watch SE 2 #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
TechRadar
The best Apple Watch for iPhone users on a budget
|
Light and comfortable
Good battery life for price
Packs updated features compared to older cheap Apple watces
|
No always-on screen or ECG compared to higher-priced watches
Nylon back
|
Trusted Reviews
The best value Apple Watch
|
Plenty of the best Apple Watch features in a cheaper package
Excellent software
Wide customisation options
Accurate tracking
|
Slow charging
No always-on display
|
We ranked Fitbit Sense #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Popular Science
Best fitness tracker
|
Offers a long-lasting battery life, so you can avoid charging for days at a time.
|
Screen response time can be slow when compared to other smartwatches.
|
We ranked Fitbit Versa 3 #15 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Reviewed
Editors' Choice
|
Automated fitness tracking
Always-on display
Battery life
|
Button design
Premium-feature paywall
Usability quirks
|
We ranked Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro #16 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best smartwatches” rankings.
Wareable
Best Samsung smartwatch
|
Super battery life
Great smartwatch features
Solid health monitoring
|
Only works with Android
Some sports tracking inaccuracies
Health features require a Samsung phone
|
Trusted Reviews
The best Wear OS smartwatch
|
Solid fitness tracking services
Rugged, sports-ready design
Wonderfully bright display
|
Route planning process feels clunky
Battery life doesn’t match rival fitness trackers
|