Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallApple Watch Series 11 | RunnersGarmin Forerunner 265 | Android usersSamsung Galaxy Watch8 | BudgetFitbit Charge 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £370–£450 | £280–£360 | £250–£330 | £100–£140 |
| Best for | iPhone users | Runners | Android users | Budget |
| Key feature | Best smartwatch for iPhone | Accurate GPS and long battery | Best for Samsung phones | Fitness tracker with GPS |
| Battery | up to 24 h | up to 13 days | up to 40 h | up to 7 days |
| GPS | Yes | Multi-band | — | Built-in |
| OS | — | — | Wear OS | — |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Apple · Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 11
Best smartwatch for iPhone.
- Buy it if
- you have an iPhone
- Skip it if
- you use Android
Pros
- Excellent apps
- Health features
- Great screen
Cons
- Daily charging
Key specifications
- Battery
- up to 24 h
- GPS
- Yes
Garmin · Smartwatches
Garmin Forerunner 265
Accurate GPS and long battery.
- Buy it if
- you run regularly
- Skip it if
- you want smart apps
Pros
- Accurate GPS
- Long battery
- Training insights
Cons
- Fewer apps
Key specifications
- Battery
- up to 13 days
- GPS
- Multi-band
Samsung · Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Best for Samsung phones.
- Buy it if
- you have an Android phone
- Skip it if
- you have an iPhone
Pros
- Great screen
- Health tracking
- Wear OS
Cons
- Battery 1–2 days
Key specifications
- Battery
- up to 40 h
- OS
- Wear OS
Fitbit · Smartwatches
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitness tracker with GPS.
- Buy it if
- you want simple tracking
- Skip it if
- you want a big screen
Pros
- Affordable
- GPS
- Long battery
Cons
- Small screen
- Premium subscription
Key specifications
- Battery
- up to 7 days
- GPS
- Built-in
Compare more Smartwatches on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Smartwatches and fitness watches compared on health tracking, battery and phone compatibility. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Apple Watch only works with iPhone.
- Battery life ranges from one day to two weeks.
- GPS accuracy matters for runners.
Buying in the UK
Some smartwatches support contactless payments with UK banks – check your bank is supported for Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Garmin Pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which smartwatch works with Android?
Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch and Garmin all work well with Android phones.
Smartwatch or fitness tracker?
Smartwatches do more; fitness trackers are cheaper and last longer on a charge.