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The Best Samsung Watch for 2026

Not sure which Galaxy Watch to buy? Whether you want a rugged build or a more streamlined design, we've reviewed all of Samsung's smartwatches to help you pick the right one.

 & Andrew Gebhart Senior Writer, Smart Home and Wearables

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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If you're considering which Samsung smartwatch to purchase, you've come to the right place. We've been reviewing Samsung wearables since the original Galaxy Gear back in 2013. The Galaxy Watch 8, the stylish Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra, the budget-friendly Galaxy Watch FE, and the fitness-focused Galaxy Fit3 represent Samsung's current lineup. Unlike earlier Tizen-based Samsung smartwatches, all of these models run Wear OS and feature preinstalled Google apps like Maps and the Play Store. There are several design and feature differences between these models you need to consider, so read on to find the best Samsung watch for you. It's also worth considering the Samsung Galaxy Ring as a comfortable and stylish alternative for health tracking.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
    Best Samsung Watch for Most People

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 3,000-nit display
      • AI coaching helps with sleep and fitness
      • Accurate heart rate tracking
      • Measures antioxidant levels
      • Google Gemini built-in
      • One-day battery life
      • More expensive than last-gen model

    Why We Picked It

    The Galaxy Watch 8 offers all the connectivity and health features that you'd expect of a flagship Samsung smartwatch, and it adds a few useful extras to the mix. New features to this generation include a Galaxy AI coach to help you train for a marathon and get a restful night’s sleep. The Galaxy Watch 8 also features Google's Gemini built in for responding to voice commands. Additionally, it can measure your antioxidant levels to provide insight into your dietary health and your vascular load, offering an understanding of your arterial health. Samsung's latest smartwatch features a refined design, with a thinner case and a brighter screen than its predecessor, along with a larger battery.

    It otherwise rolls forward the impressive feature set of previous Galaxy Watches. When you exercise, it goes beyond the basics of heart rate and pace tracking with the ability to measure advanced outdoor running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation. While you sleep, it tracks your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) level, skin temperature, and even snoring if you have a nearby Samsung phone, in addition to more common overnight metrics. It can even calculate your body fat percentage, similar to a smart scale.

    Aside from its robust health-tracking tools, this Wear OS-powered smartwatch offers a range of useful lifestyle features, including calling, texting, and mobile payment support, as well as a wide selection of downloadable third-party apps via the Google Play Store.

    Who It's For

    Most Samsung fans: The Galaxy Watch 8 offers the best smartwatch features that Samsung has to offer at a relatively affordable price, making it the top pick in the Galaxy Watch lineup for most people. Like the other watches on this list, the Galaxy Watch 8 works best when paired with Samsung phones, as doing so enables its AI-based Running Coach, irregular heart rhythm notifications, phone separation alerts, gesture controls, and snoring detection.

    Health enthusiasts seeking detailed metrics: If you're in the market for a new Wear OS-based smartwatch, you won't find one with more health features than the Galaxy Watch 8. Antioxidant detection and vascular load sensing are exclusive to the Galaxy Watch 8 series, building on existing features like body fat calculations and snore detection.

    Wellness seekers who could use a little coaching: Both the running and sleeping AI coaches introduced with this model are genuinely helpful. You can utilize their unique insights to develop an effective exercise plan and routine that helps you sleep better.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 26 hours (tested)
    Compatibility Android
    Display Size 1.34 inches/1.47 inches
    Display Type Super AMOLED
    Fitness Features Accelerometer
    Fitness Features Barometer
    Fitness Features Blood Oxygen Monitor
    Fitness Features ECG
    Fitness Features GPS
    Fitness Features Gyroscope
    Fitness Features Heart Rate Monitor
    Fitness Features Light Sensor
    Fitness Features Pedometer
    Fitness Features Temperature Sensor
    Heart Rate Monitor
    Phone Call Capacity
    Phone OS Compatibility Android
    Processor Samsung Exynos W1000
    Separate App Store
    Sleep Tracker
    Watch OS Wear OS
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
    Credit: Andrew Gebhart
    Best Bang for Your Buck

    Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Responsive touch and gesture controls
      • Accurate heart rate monitoring
      • In-depth sleep metrics
      • Detailed exercise tracking
      • Measures ECG, SpO2, body fat percentage, and more
      • Large app selection
      • Small screen with big bezels
      • Dated processor
      • No AI health insights

    Why We Picked It

    Running Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch FE is an excellent lifestyle and health companion at a reasonable price. It offers nearly all the health-tracking features of its more expensive siblings, including heart rate, pace, and VO2 Max measurements, as well as advanced outdoor running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation. It even offers Samsung's more unique wearable features, including snore detection and body fat measurements. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index tracking, dual-frequency GPS, Galaxy AI, skin temperature sensors, and sleep apnea detection are the major omissions here compared with its more expensive siblings.

    Who It's For

    Budget-conscious buyers: If you’re looking for an Android-compatible smartwatch on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE offers unbeatable bang for your buck, with most of the features of the company's flagship models for much less money.

    Anyone spooked by AI: The main features missing from the Galaxy Watch FE when compared with the Galaxy Watch 8 are related to AI health assessments and coaching. If you prefer not to have AI analyze your habits, consider this model instead.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 27 hours (tested)
    Compatibility Android
    Display Size 1.19 inches
    Display Type AMOLED
    Fitness Features Accelerometer
    Fitness Features Barometer
    Fitness Features Blood Oxygen Monitor
    Fitness Features GPS
    Fitness Features Gyroscope
    Fitness Features Heart Rate Monitor
    Fitness Features Light Sensor
    Fitness Features Pedometer
    Heart Rate Monitor
    Phone Call Capacity
    Phone OS Compatibility Android
    Processor Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz
    Separate App Store
    Sleep Tracker
    Watch OS Wear OS
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy Fit3
    Credit: Andrew Gebhart
    Best for Fitness Tracking

    Samsung Galaxy Fit3

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Accurate heart rate readings
      • On-demand blood oxygen measurements
      • Weeklong battery life
      • Color touch screen with always-on option
      • Inexpensive
      • Gaps in sleep data
      • Some features exclusive to Samsung phones
      • Doesn't work with iOS

    Why We Picked It

    While not a full-fledged smartwatch with the same app support and lifestyle features as the other options on this list, the Galaxy Fit3 is a strong, budget-friendly wearable for fitness tracking, capable of keeping tabs on more than 100 different types of workouts. It accurately records heart rate, and when you're not working out, it measures daily activity, sleep, and stress. Like the models on this list, it can even monitor snoring when paired with a Samsung phone.

    Who It's For

    Budget-minded fitness enthusiasts: The Fit3 is the best wearable in Samsung's lineup if you're focused on tracking workouts and health stats, and don't want to spend a lot of money.

    Smartwatch naysayers: If you just want a wearable to track your workouts and sleep, and you'd rather wear an old-fashioned timepiece for its fashion during the rest of your day, go with this affordable option, as it fills that role perfectly.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 7.5 days
    Compatibility Android
    Display Size 1.57 inches
    Display Type AMOLED
    Fitness Features Accelerometer
    Fitness Features Barometer
    Fitness Features Gyroscope
    Fitness Features Heart Rate Monitor
    Fitness Features Light Sensor
    Heart Rate Monitor
    Phone OS Compatibility Android
    Processor ARM Cortex-M33
    Sleep Tracker
    Watch OS FreeRTOS
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
    Best Battery Life

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Attractive design with rotating bezel
      • 3,000-nit display
      • Two-day battery life
      • Accurate GPS, heart rate tracking
      • AI coaching helps with sleep and fitness
      • Single large size option
      • Expensive

    Why We Picked It

    The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic brings back the popular rotating bezel from the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and puts it into an updated body with a cushion (aka squircle) design for a more comfortable fit. In terms of features, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic matches the flagship Galaxy Watch 8 with robust health tracking and lifestyle capabilities. Galaxy AI powers a Running Coach to help you prep for a 5K and a Sleeping Coach to guide you to a better night's rest. Google's Gemini is on board to answer your questions. In addition to the extra style boost, it boasts the best battery life of the line. With the always-on display enabled, it can last just over two full days on a charge.

    Who It's For

    Style-minded shoppers: Thanks to its timeless rotating bezel, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic boasts the most elegant look among Samsung's current smartwatches. If you're looking for a watch that strikes a balance between classic charm and modern conveniences, this is the one.

    Anyone who wants to go days between charges: If you dislike the idea of having to charge your smartwatch every day, go with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It lasted even longer than the more expensive Galaxy Watch Ultra in our battery tests and should survive over two full days of moderate use before needing a charge.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 49 hours (tested)
    Display Size 1.34 inches
    Display Type Super AMOLED
    Fitness Features Accelerometer
    Fitness Features Barometer
    Fitness Features Blood Oxygen Monitor
    Fitness Features ECG
    Fitness Features GPS
    Fitness Features Gyroscope
    Fitness Features Heart Rate Monitor
    Fitness Features Pedometer
    Fitness Features Temperature Sensor
    Phone Call Capacity
    Phone OS Compatibility Android
    Processor Samsung Exynos W1000
    Separate App Store
    Watch OS Wear OS
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
    Best for Durability

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Battery lasts more than a day
      • Detailed sleep and health insights
      • Customizable Quick Button
      • Responsive touch and gesture controls
      • Durable titanium build
      • Big and bright display
      • Single bulky size option
      • Not suitable for water sports
      • Slightly inaccurate sleep time measurements
      • Expensive

    Why We Picked It

    The Galaxy Watch Ultra combines Galaxy AI-powered insights with a large, durable body and a few extra features specifically designed for hard-core athletes. It features a multi-sports tile for triathlons, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) measurements for cycling, and an 85dB emergency siren that can be sounded if you get lost or into trouble. The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a 10ATM rating, meaning it can withstand water pressure at depths up to 328 feet. On land, it works at extreme altitudes ranging from -1,640 feet to 29,527 feet above sea level and temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit. It powered through 46 hours of moderate use in a single charge during testing.

    Who It's For

    Adventurers: If you're planning your next mountain biking or hiking trip, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is an ideal wearable for you. The extra durability will help it survive bumps and bad weather, the extra brightness will keep it visible in direct sunlight, and the extra button will allow you to control the watch more easily while wearing gloves.

    Hard-core athletes: The multisports exercise tile and the cycling power measurements will help you train for big events like triathlons. You can pick a preset trio if training for a triathlon (swimming, biking, running), a duathlon (running, biking, running), or an aquathlon (running, swimming, running). You can also create a custom trio with options including biking, indoor biking, mountain biking, open-water swimming, pool swimming, outdoor running, and treadmill running.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 46 hours (tested)
    Display Size 1.5 inches
    Display Type Super AMOLED
    Fitness Features Accelerometer
    Fitness Features Barometer
    Fitness Features Blood Oxygen Monitor
    Fitness Features GPS
    Fitness Features Gyroscope
    Fitness Features Heart Rate Monitor
    Fitness Features Pedometer
    Fitness Features Temperature Sensor
    Phone Call Capacity
    Phone OS Compatibility Android
    Processor Samsung Exynos W1000
    Separate App Store
    Watch OS Wear OS
    Get It Now
The Best Samsung Watch for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best Samsung Watch for Most People
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best for Fitness Tracking
Best Battery Life
Best for Durability
Best Samsung Watch for Most People
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best for Fitness Tracking
Phone OS Compatibility
AndroidAndroidAndroidAndroidAndroidAndroidAndroidAndroid
Watch OS
Wear OSWear OSFreeRTOSWear OSWear OSWear OSWear OSFreeRTOS
Processor
Samsung Exynos W1000Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHzARM Cortex-M33Samsung Exynos W1000Samsung Exynos W1000Samsung Exynos W1000Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHzARM Cortex-M33
Display Size
1.34 inches/1.47 inches1.19 inches1.57 inches1.34 inches1.5 inches1.34 inches/1.47 inches1.19 inches1.57 inches
Display Type
Super AMOLEDAMOLEDAMOLEDSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLEDAMOLEDAMOLED
Fitness Features
Accelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor, GPS, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Pedometer, Barometer, Temperature Sensor, Gyroscope, ECG, Light SensorAccelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Gyroscope, Pedometer, Light Sensor, Barometer, Blood Oxygen MonitorAccelerometer, Barometer, Heart Rate Monitor, Light Sensor, GyroscopeAccelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor, GPS, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Pedometer, Gyroscope, Temperature Sensor, Barometer, ECGAccelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor, Pedometer, Gyroscope, BarometerAccelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor, GPS, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Pedometer, Barometer, Temperature Sensor, Gyroscope, ECG, Light SensorAccelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Gyroscope, Pedometer, Light Sensor, Barometer, Blood Oxygen MonitorAccelerometer, Barometer, Heart Rate Monitor, Light Sensor, Gyroscope
Battery Life
26 hours (tested)27 hours (tested)7.5 days49 hours (tested)46 hours (tested)26 hours (tested)27 hours (tested)7.5 days
Separate App Store
Phone Call Capacity

Buying Guide: The Best Samsung Watch for 2026

About Our Expert

Andrew Gebhart

Andrew Gebhart

Senior Writer, Smart Home and Wearables

My Experience

I’m PCMag’s senior writer covering smart home and wearable devices. I’ve been reporting on tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that, I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET. 

I foster many flavors of nerdom in my personal life. I’m an avid board gamer and video gamer. I love fantasy football, which I view as a combination of role-playing games and sports. Plus, I can talk to you about craft beer for hours and am on a personal quest to have a flight of beer at each microbrewery in my home city of Chicago.

The Technology I Use

I tend to like mixing flavors from various companies. My personal computer is an Apple MacBook Pro. My phone is a Google Pixel 7a. On my wrists are an ever-rotating lineup of the latest smartwatches, and I sometimes wear two at once for testing and extra style. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a mainstay on my wrist because I use it as a control for evaluating the accuracy of other devices' fitness metrics. 

I spend plenty of time in front of my entertainment center, which features a 55-inch LG OLED TV, a Yamaha soundbar, a Nintendo Switch, and a PS5. (I insisted on getting the PS5 with the disc slot when they were hard to come by and haven’t used the feature in more than a year.) I thought I’d have given in to temptation and snagged an Xbox to play Starfield by now, but Baldur’s Gate 3 saved me money by distracting me long enough for the Starfield hype to blow past.

I have two cats and sneeze plenty, so I have a Shark Air Purifier to help me fight back against their dastardly, shedding ways.

I use my aforementioned Pixel 7a and a Nest Hub for Google Assistant, an iPhone 16e and AirPods to talk to Siri, and an Amazon Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 15 for Alexa, so I’m not in danger of losing touch with any of the big three digital assistants.

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