Best smartwatch for iPhone 2021: Apple Watch, Wear OS, Tizen and more
Date:
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:59:48 +0000
Description:
It's not just about the Apple Watch if you want to get a smartwatch with your iPhone.
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While the absolute best smartwatch for iPhone might be an Apple Watch , that doesn't mean it's the only great option. Apple's own wearables obviously pair up nicely with iPhones, but there are still plenty of other good options if you want a watch to track your fitness while sending you relevant notifications, amongst other useful features.
Generally, smartwatches that run Google's Wear OS work fairly well with iPhones although you will miss out on a few features that only work when synced with an Android phone. However, Wear OS based smartwatches can look pretty stylish so it's all down to where your priorities lie. As always, make sure to read our full reviews to be certain of the functionality you get
here.
It's also possible for iPhones and Samsung's range of Tizen-powered watches
to work together too along with Fitbits and hybrid wearables from the likes
of Withings. Simply put, if you have an iPhone, you're spoilt for choice
here.
We're expecting the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE 2 to emerge later this year but for now our list has the still fairly recent Apple Watch SE coming
in straight at number one. Well-priced and suitably compatible with your iPhone, it's a great choice but there are plenty of other excellent options below too if the latest Apple Watch doesn't appeal. Our definitive wristwear ranking: check out the best smartwatch list What watch should you use with your iPhone?
Most smartwatches will track your basic health metrics such as steps and calories, while devices with built-in GPS make for perfect running, cycling and swimming companions. Many of the watches here also sync up so you'll receive notifications via your watch, saving you the need to dig out your phone as often.
Weve fully worn, tested and evaluated all the watches in this list and ranked them based on software and which we think is best for most people. Bear in mind the watch at number one might not be best for you though depending on your needs, tastes and budget. Best Apple Watch: what are the choices? (Image credit: Apple) 1. Apple Watch SE
The best value Apple Watch at the moment OS: watchOS 7 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.78" OLED | Processor: Apple S5 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery: 18 hours | Charging method: Wireless
| IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC,
LTE Smart design Extensive features No always-on display Average battery life
The Apple Watch SE is the newly affordable model of the Apple Watch and you really don't miss out on much by spending less. There's no always-on display which is a shame but other than that, it's mostly business as usual.
Performance is speedy and far superior to the Apple Watch 4 and earlier. You still get extensive tracking features including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS, as well as the usual bevy of workout tools. It's mostly pretty accurate too although not quite on a par with dedicated fitness
devices like the Garmin range.
Still, as an attractive combination of good looks, good features, and a keen price, you can't go wrong with the Apple Watch SE.
Read the full Apple Watch SE review . Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Apple) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: TechRadar) 2. Apple Watch 6
The best 'full' Apple Watch money can buy OS: watchOS 7 | Compatibility: iOS
| Display: 1.78" OLED | Processor: Apple S6 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery: 18 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, NFC, LTE Great color additions Always-on display Lacks a headline upgrade Battery life needs to be longer
The Apple Watch 6 alongside the Apple Watch SE is Apples latest wearable, and while the SE is relatively affordable, the Apple Watch 6 is the companys top model, if you can stretch that far.
While this isnt a huge upgrade on the Apple Watch 5, it does have some handy new features and improvements, such as blood oxygen monitoring, improved battery life and screen, and an upgraded chipset.
Its also available in some fetching new shades, and is the first Apple Watch to ship with sleep tracking though this feature is now available on older models too.
Its not perhaps the most exciting upgrade then, but it is one of the best smartwatch for iPhone, and one of the best smartwatches period.
Read the full Apple Watch 6 review Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Amazon) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: TechRadar) 3. Apple Watch 5
The second best Apple Watch money can buy OS: watchOS 7 | Compatibility: iOS
| Display: 1.78" OLED | Processor: Apple S5 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery: 1 day to 36 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE Always-on display More storage Battery isn't incredible Still pricey
The Apple Watch 5 is no longer the best Apple Watch, but it comes close. Though while its now been superseded it's still not a cheap option.
The big upgrade here compared to previous models is an always-on display.
This doesn't drain your battery life as much as you may expect as the watch will dim its screen to offer you notifications on your wrist at all times rather than you having to raise it and wake it up to see your stats.
And while it shipped with watchOS 6 it can now be updated to watchOS 7, so
the software is brand new even if the hardware isnt anymore.
If you own an Apple Watch 4, there's not much reason to upgrade here but if you own an older Apple Watch or you're looking to get your first smartwatch this may be a solid option for you.
Read the full Apple Watch 5 review Image 1 of 3 Image Credit: Apple Image 2 of 3 Image credit: TechRadar Image 3 of 3 Image Credit: Apple 4. Apple Watch
4
A still-solid Apple Watch OS: watchOS 7 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.78" OLED | Processor: Apple S4 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 16GB | Battery: 1 to 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE Larger display Lightweight design Battery could be better Doesn't offer always-on
The introduction of the Apple Watch 5 may have seen the Apple Watch 4 drop in terms of pure excitement, but it's now cheaper than ever and it's not all
that dissimilar to the latest device.
This was the first smartwatch from the company to increase the display size
to a 1.78-inch OLED. That looks great on your wrist, and the device comes in either 44mm or 40mm versions.
We particularly liked that the speaker is louder, plus the ECG monitor tech was a big upgrade at the time too.
You won't get the benefits of an always-on display, but if you want to save a bit of money you may want to look at the Apple Watch 4 over the more recent additions to the range.
Read our full Apple Watch 4 review Certain on the Series 4? Before you buy, try our ultimate Apple Watch guide Image 1 of 4 Image Credit: Apple Image 2
of 4 Image credit: TechRadar Image 3 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar Image 4 of
4 Image credit: TechRadar 5. Apple Watch 3
Now even cheaper, but still great OS: watchOS 7 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.65" OLED | Processor: Apple S3 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 16GB | Battery: 1 to 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, NFC, LTE Good battery life Clear, bright screen Only iPhone compatible Siri still patchy
The Apple Watch 3 was once the best smartwatch to use with an iPhone... but it's not the best anymore. Even though you can now buy the Apple Watch 4, 5 and 6, this is still a fantastic smartwatch.
The Series 3 has a bright, high-quality screen, built-in GPS, waterproofing, optical heart rate monitoring and well over a day of battery life, plus all the things that make the Apple Watch 2 great, like a stylish design, water resistance and enough fitness features to cater to most users.
Its a great all-rounder then, with style and substance, suited to both the office and the gym. Theres even an LTE model though at a higher price. And
of course, being an Apple Watch, it works perfectly with iPhone. Plus, this benefits from still being sold direct from Apple at the time of writing,
while the Apple Watch 4 and 5 arent.
Read our full Apple Watch 3 review Know you want an Apple Watch? Here's our guide on how to buy an Apple Watch Wear OS and Tizen watches
Youre not just limited to the Apple Watch if you want a smartwatch for your iPhone. There are some great compatible options that run either Googles Wear OS or Samsungs Tizen software.
As you might expect, Tizen is only found on Samsung smartwatches but they are all excellent, offering attractive circular designs, top specs and good battery life.
Wear OS is used by several manufacturers including Fossil and TicWatch, two brands who tend to make the best of Googles platform.
Along with their Samsung counterparts they have GPS, heart rate sensors and just as many tracking features as most Apple Watches. Some of them also cost
a lot less than the latest Apple wearable, meaning you can save some money
and still get the features you want, all running in harmony with your iPhone. (Image credit: Samsung) 1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The best smartwatch that isn't by Apple OS: Tizen OS | Compatibility:
Android, iOS | Display: 1.2" or 1.4" 360 x 360 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.15GHz | Band sizes: 22mm or 20mm | Onboard storage: 8GB | Battery duration: 3 days on 45mm / less on 41mm | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (for extra) Great rotating bezel Premium design Battery life suffers Bixby sucks
The latest Galaxy Watch is the best non-Apple smartwatch you can buy to pair with your iPhone. If you dont like the aesthetic of the Apple Watch and
prefer a circular watch then this is the one to get.
The Galaxy Watch 3 comes in two sizes depending on your tastes and wrist
size, with the smaller available in bronze or silver, and the larger in
silver or black. Both are packed with fitness features like GPS, and top tier smartwatch functions.
You can also get a 4G model so you could still take calls and receive
messages if you were out without your phone.
But pairing any version of the Watch 3 with an iPhone means youll lose out on some of the functionality that youd get paired with an Android device.
Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Fossil) Image 2 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar Image 3 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar Image 4 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar 2. Fossil Sport
Fossil's latest big smartwatch attempt Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED | Processor: Quad-core 1.2GHz | Band sizes: 22mm straps | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Two days | Charging method: Proprietary | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS Lightweight design Powerful watch Lacks high-end features GPS can be slow
Our favorite Wear OS watch right now is the Fossil Sport , which is cheaper than a lot of the watches you've read about above.
It features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 chipset that offers enough power to run any of the apps you'll find in Wear OS, and in our experience we found the whole interface to be notably smooth.
It'll last for around two days from a single charge, and the design here
feels premium on the wrist when you consider how much it costs compared to other Wear OS watches.
There isn't much uniqueness to the Fossil Sport, but it's good at pretty much everything you'd expect a smartwatch to do and it'll work with your iPhone too.
Read the full Fossil Sport review Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Amazon) Image
2 of 3 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) 3. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Samsungs sporty option OS: Tizen OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.4" 360 x 360 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.15GHz | Band sizes: 20mm | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Around 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Top performance Two-day battery life Quite expensive Limited app choice
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a fine Tizen smartwatch with great battery life and solid performance.
Its circular display might attract you compared to the Apple Watchs squarish look, and the Active 2 has a clever digital bezel to navigate menus. Its fitness features are just as good as Apples but youll have to use the Samsung Health app for iOS instead of Apple Health.
Its waterproof and can track tons of different workouts including outdoor
runs using GPS. Theres even a 4G option. Just bear in mind that while it
works with an iPhone, it wont be as smooth an experience as an Apple Watch.
Read the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 review Image 1 of 4 Image credit: Mobvoi Image 2 of 4 Image credit: Mobvoi Image 3 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar Image 4 of 4 Image credit: TechRadar 4. TicWatch E2
A fully-loaded Wear OS watch youve never heard of OS: Wear OS |
Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+ | Display: 1.39" 400 x 400 OLED | Processor: Snapdragon Wear 2100 | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Around 48h | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: IP67 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 Affordable price Easily two day battery life No NFC for payments Bland design
The TicWatch E2 is one of the more affordable devices on this list, and it's worth noting that this isn't the most premium looking device. That said, it's still a fantastic Wear OS watch.
It offers solid battery life as well as built-in GPS, an accurate heart rate sensor and sleep tracking as well.
The latest Wear OS software is running on the watch too, but you won't be
able to get contactless payments as there's no NFC on this watch.
Read the full TicWatch E2 review Image 1 of 5 Image Credit: Mobvoi Image 2
of 5 Image Credit: Mobvoi Image 3 of 5 Image Credit: Mobvoi Image 4 of 5
Image Credit: Mobvoi Image 5 of 5 Image Credit: Mobvoi 5. TicWatch Pro
Our favorite Wear OS watch comes with two screens OS: Wear OS |
Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+ | Display: 1.4" 400 x 400 OLED paired
with LCD screen | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Up to 48h, 5 extra days in Essential mode | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC Innovative screen tech Premium design Limited app No LTE features
Our favorite Wear OS watch is the TicWatch Pro , which you can use easily
with your iPhone. TicWatch is a little known brand so far, but this watch comes with two different displays that helps it stand out from the rest of
the crowd.
There's a transparent LCD display at the top with a full color OLED panel below it. That means you can get a full Wear OS watch experience with the TicWatch Pro, but when the battery dies off you can then still get some details like heart rate, date and time through the secondary display.
That's a great feature - but there's lots else to love here including GPS,
NFC for Google Pay and the Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset we've seen in almost all the Wear OS watches on this list.
The best part is the lower price than a lot of other top-end smartwatches, which makes this one of the best Wear OS choices to use alongside your
iPhone.
Read the full TicWatch Pro review Other alternatives
There are quite a few devices you can use with your iPhone including some running Fitbit OS and others that you may not even refer directly to as a smartwatch. Read on about them all below: (Image credit: Fitbit) Fitbit Versa 3
The best smartwatch from Fitbit OS: Fitbit OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.58" 336 x 3336 AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.0GHz | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Up to 6 days | Charging method: Proprietary charger | IP rating: 50M water resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Beautiful display Built-in GPS Poor design choices Requires Fitbit Premium
for full features
The latest attempt at a smartwatch from Fitbit, the Fitbit Versa 3 looks at the Fitbit Versa 2 and improves upon it. It finally has built-in GPS and there's still that gorgeous always-on display. The heart rate monitor is more accurate than before too making it a more attractive option for the exercise enthusiast.
Fitbit OS remains not as fully fledged as the Wear OS or Apple Watch devices in this list as there are still a fairly limited amount of apps available to you, but if you want to have a watch as a fashion piece that also focuses on fitness, the Fitbit Versa 3 is still a good option. Alexa is on board along with Google Assistant, and a six day battery life is very appealing, although it does require you to switch off the always-on display.
Read the full Fitbit Versa 3 review . Image 1 of 5 Image Credit: Fitbit
Image 2 of 5 Image Credit: Fitbit Image 3 of 5 Image Credit: Fitbit Image 4
of 5 Image credit: TechRadar Image 5 of 5 Image credit: TechRadar Fitbit
Ionic
A noble first effort from the fitness kingpin OS: Fitbit OS | Compatibility: iOS / Android | Display: 1.45-inch LCD | Processor: Unknown | Band sizes: Small (its wrists 5.5" - 6.7" in circumference) and large (its wrists 6.7" - 8.1" in circumference) in box | Onboard storage: 7 days of movement |
Battery: 4+ days (10 hours of GPS) | Charging method: Proprietary wired | IP rating: 50m water resistance | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS Solid battery life Great fitness features Controversial design Lack of apps
Fitbits answer to the Apple Watchs fitness threat piles all of its best fitness-tracking features into a highly functional smart timepiece.
Theres GPS, continued heart rate tracking, excellent multi-day battery life and the ability to track multiple activities.
That being said, the Fitbit Ionic runs off the bespoke Fitbit OS so it doesnt offer the full fat smartwatch features of watchOS or Wear OS.
Theres also a shortage of apps available right now, you can download around 300 songs and connect Bluetooth headphones for phone-free exercise. Also, the designs a bit controversial and very much has the look of a first-gen smartphone.
Read the full Fitbit Ionic review Image 1 of 2 Image Credit: Garmin Image 2 of 2 Image credit: TechRadar Garmin Forerunner 735XT
For serious fitness fanatics only OS: Forerunner735 software | Compatibility: iOS / Android | Display: 1.23-inch IPS | Processor: Unknown | Band sizes: QuickFit 22mm | Onboard storage: 80 hours activity data | Battery: 14 hours
in GPS mode | Charging method: Proprietary wired | IP rating: 5ATM | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS Great looking Advanced fitness and training features Thick-ish bezel No music storage
If youre seeking a powerful fitness companion rather than a wearable
extension of your smartphone, they dont come much better than the Garmin Forerunner 735XT .
The multi-sport GPS watch, designed with triathletes in mind, features an optical heart rate sensor and reams of deep data insights into your performance.
Runners, for example, will glean metrics like ground contact time, balance, stride length, vertical ratio and much more. Theres a VO2 max estimator, race predictor and recovery adviser too.
Read the full Garmin Forerunner 735XT review Image Credit: Withings Withings Steel HR
A great hybrid choice OS: N/A | Compatibility: iOS / Android | Display: OLED monochrome 72 x 36 | Processor: Unknown | Band sizes: Fits wrists up to 200
mm | Onboard storage: One week of data | Battery: 25 days | Charging method: Magnetic charging pad | IP rating: 5ATM (50m) | Connectivity: Bluetooth LE Best-in-class design Reliable data Expensive for functionality offered No replaceable battery
This hybrid watch used to be called the Nokia Steel HR, but it has now been rebranded as the Withings Steel HR.
It features a built-in digital display thatll show your heart rate in real time, as well as step progress and limited smartphone notifications. It has the neat analogue dial showing process towards a daily movement goal and can automatically track activities like running and swimming.
Theres no GPS so you cant expect hyper-accurate distance tracking, but the Steel HR is still a fantastic, stylish watch with great battery life that you can wear around the clock.
Read the full Withings Steel HR review An introduction to the best hybrid smartwatches Looking for a smart running watch?
You should also check out our extensive range of devices to help you run - in our cunningly named best running watches round up - as many of these offer incredibly battery life as well as smart notifications from your wrist.
For instance, the Garmin Forerunner 935 will last almost 10 days on a single charge while running every day, allow you to take or reject calls and control your music - plus it's one of the most gifted exercise companions we've seen.
So if you're thinking of getting fitter - check out the burgeoning world of running devices to help you out. The best fitness trackers : the top 10 activity bands on the planet Shop the best smartwatch deals available now
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