Best Smartwatches of 2025: Apple, Samsung, and More
- Charles Cooper

- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Smartwatches have officially gone from “nice to have” to essential everyday tech. Whether you’re tracking marathon splits, managing your sleep, checking your heart rate mid meeting, or just replying to texts on the fly, today’s best smartwatches are more capable, more stylish, and more personal than ever.

In 2025, we’re seeing huge strides in battery life, AI powered health insights, LTE independence, and cross platform compatibility. Whether you’re team Apple, all in on Android, or just want the most accurate step count for your morning run, there’s a smartwatch out there for you.
Let’s dive into the Best Smartwatches of 2025, fitness ready, style conscious, and smarter than ever.
Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 10
Price: From £419
Platform: iOS only
Why It’s Hot: A decade in, and Apple’s flagship still leads the pack, especially with the bold new redesign in Series 10.
Apple Watch Series 10 brings:
A bigger, edge to edge microLED display
New magnetic strap interface
Siri on device (no internet needed!)
Enhanced fitness features with Recovery Metrics
Seamless iPhone free usage with WatchOS 11
Battery life still tops out around 36 hours, but fast charging makes it manageable.
Perfect for: iPhone users who want peak smartwatch functionality, fitness tracking, and unmatched app support all wrapped in a sleek, customisable design.
Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch7
Price: From £349
Platform: Android only
Why It’s Hot: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7, running Wear OS 5 and powered by their new Exynos W1000 chip, is faster, smarter, and smoother than ever before.
Top features:
Galaxy AI coaching (including real time form correction!)
Dual frequency GPS for ultra precise location
Custom workout detection
Enhanced bioactive sensor with 5 lead ECG support
Up to 3 days battery (5 on the Watch7 Classic)
The Watch7 plays beautifully with Galaxy phones, but any Android will do.
Perfect for: Android users who want a premium, fitness forward smartwatch that nails the balance between health tracking, style, and productivity.
Best Budget Pick: Amazfit Balance
Price: ~£199
Platform: Android and iOS
Why It’s Hot: The Amazfit Balance quietly crushes the budget game. With ultra long battery life (up to 14 days!), tons of fitness modes, and Zepp OS 3.5, it’s a brilliant alternative to bigger brands.
Highlights:
BioTracker 5.0 PPG for heart, stress, SpO₂
Zepp Aura for sleep coaching & meditation
Built in Alexa and offline voice assistant
Stylish round AMOLED display
Sure, it doesn’t have 4G or a massive app store, but for the price, it’s a steal.
Perfect for: Budget savvy fitness fans who want reliable health tracking and battery life without breaking the bank.
Best for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 965
Price: £599
Platform: Android and iOS
Why It’s Hot: If your idea of a good time involves PBs, lactate thresholds, and VO2 max, the Forerunner 965 is your wrist bound best mate.
Features:
Brilliant AMOLED display (finally!)
Training Readiness and Real Time Stamina
Full triathlon mode + in depth metrics
Turn by turn navigation
Week long battery (even with heavy GPS use)
Garmin’s ecosystem (and app) remains unmatched for training analysis and post run insights.
Perfect for: Serious runners, triathletes, and data driven athletes who want to optimise every training session.
Best for Health & Wellness: Fitbit Sense 3
Price: From £249
Platform: Android and iOS
Why It’s Hot: Fitbit’s latest flagship, now with deeper Google Health integration, is all about holistic wellbeing, not just steps and sleep.
Standout health features:
Electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor
Skin temperature tracking
AI stress detection + daily mood journaling
Guided breathing + wellness coaching
Fitbit Premium still unlocks rich insights
The Sense 3 is sleek, lightweight, and comfy enough to wear 24/7.
Perfect for: Anyone focused on mental health, mindfulness, and long term wellbeing rather than just hardcore workouts.
Best Battery Life: Huawei Watch GT 4
Price: From £229
Platform: Android (limited iOS support)
Why It’s Hot: The GT 4 is a stunner, and with up to 14 days of battery, it’s ideal for those who hate charging every night.
What you get:
Gorgeous AMOLED screen
TruSeen 5.5+ sensor for continuous heart tracking
Sleep, stress, and menstrual cycle insights
Dual GNSS tracking
Clean HarmonyOS interface
It lacks 3rd party app support in the West, but for core fitness and smartwatch essentials, it’s rock solid.
Perfect for: Users who prioritise battery life, style, and long term tracking, with a touch of fitness functionality.
Best for Productivity: Google Pixel Watch 2
Price: From £349
Platform: Android
Why It’s Hot: The Pixel Watch 2 refines everything the first gen started, now with Fitbit smarts baked in and the best integration for Gmail, Calendar, and Assistant.
Why it works:
Snapdragon W5 chip = smoother performance
Built in AI summaries for notifications
Stress and heart zone tracking
Tight Google Home integration
Improved battery (~24 30 hrs)
It’s compact and stylish, with a minimal aesthetic that suits both work and workouts.
Perfect for: Android users in the Google ecosystem, balancing fitness and productivity in equal measure.
Most Stylish Smartwatch: Withings ScanWatch Nova
Price: ~£429
Platform: Android and iOS
Why It’s Hot: A hybrid smartwatch that doesn’t look like one, the ScanWatch Nova blends classic diver watch aesthetics with clinically grade health tracking.
Features include:
ECG and SpO₂ sensors
30 day battery life (!), 5 ATM water resistance
Sleep, steps, and respiratory rate tracking
Premium build: stainless steel, sapphire glass
Discreet OLED display for notifications
It’s subtle, elegant, and functional, ideal for those who don’t want to scream “tech”.
Perfect for: Style conscious professionals who want health features without the full smartwatch vibe.
Honourable Mention: TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
Price: From £329
Platform: Android
Why It’s Hot: Mobvoi’s latest dual display tech is smarter than ever. With military grade durability, GPS, and a multi day battery, it’s a beast for adventurers and casual athletes alike.
Key highlights:
Wear OS 4 with improved apps
Snapdragon W5+ chip
Secondary is always on LCD for battery savings
90+ sport modes
Fast charging + rugged build
Perfect for: Those who want a bit of everything, outdoor workouts, notifications, Google Assistant, and real world toughness.
How to Choose the Right Smartwatch in 2025
Functionality vs. Fitness: If you’re more about email alerts, navigation, and phone calls, lean toward watches from Apple, Samsung, or Google. But if fitness, recovery, and training are your top goals, Garmin, Fitbit, or Amazfit are better suited.
Platform Lock In: iPhone? Get an Apple Watch nothing else works as seamlessly.Android? You’ve got more choice, but Google + Samsung work best for full feature access.
Battery vs. Features: High end features drain more battery. If you don’t want to charge nightly, choose devices like the Huawei GT 4, Amazfit Balance, or Garmin Forerunner.
Style and Comfort: Remember, you’ll be wearing this all day. Comfort, strap options, and how it looks on your wrist matter just as much as what it can do.
Final Thoughts: The Best Is What Works for You
In 2025, the smartwatch market is stronger than ever, and that’s great news for consumers. Whether you're chasing triathlon medals, checking your blood oxygen levels before bed, or just trying to move more each day, there’s a smartwatch tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
From Apple’s new futuristic edge, to Samsung’s AI enhanced fitness focus, to Garmin’s athlete first detail, the options are smarter, sportier, and more stylish than ever.
So, which wrist companion will you choose?
— Charles Cooper, Wearables & Fitness Tech | The Tech Advisor



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