A great timepiece does more than tell time—it can elevate your outfit and track your health. The best smartwatches go further, serving as notification hubs, fitness trackers, and voice assistant access points. But as consumer gadgets have gotten pricier, driven by rising component costs and supply chain pressures, according to WIRED, choosing the right smartwatch requires careful consideration.
After a decade of testing, WIRED's Boutayna Chokrane and Julian Chokkattu recommend the Apple Watch Series 11 as the best for iPhone owners, priced at $399. For Android users, the Google Pixel Watch 4 at $400 takes the top spot. The roundup includes eight models across a range of styles and smarts.
Comparison of Top 8 Smartwatches
| Product | Case Size(s) | Compatibility | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | 42 mm or 46 mm | iOS | Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options | $399 |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | 41 mm or 45 mm | Android | Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options | $400 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic | 40 mm or 44 mm; Classic is 46 mm | Android | Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options | $380 |
| Garmin Vivoactive 6 | 42 mm | iOS and Android | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $300 |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | 40 mm or 44 mm | iOS | Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options | $249 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | 49 mm | iOS | Cellular and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options | $799 |
| Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro | 47 mm | iOS and Android | Bluetooth | $79 |
| Fitbit Ace LTE | 40 mm | iOS and Android | Cellular plan required, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $180 |
More Smartwatches to Consider
Beyond the top eight, WIRED's Julian Chokkattu highlighted three additional models. The Casio Pro Trek PRG-340B, priced at $220, is designed for outdoor use. It features a green case and plant-derived Castlon green strap, plus sensors for barometric pressure, altitude, temperature, and a compass. The LCD is easy to read, and the auto LED lights up when tilted. It is a Tough Solar watch, eliminating the need for a charging cable, but it does not track heart rate or display notifications.
The Casio CA53W-1CR Calculator Watch at $40 is a classic that fits any outfit. With tiny buttons, it can calculate tips at restaurants. It has a five-year battery life, a fully automatic calendar through 2099, and modes including stopwatch, alarm, and second time zone.
The Casio G-Shock Master of G Rangeman GPR-H1000, priced at $520, is a durable, thick-cased watch with a comfortable strap. Chokkattu noted he only needs to charge it about once a week. It is a G-Shock first and foremost, suitable for rugged use.
Key Considerations for Tech Leaders
For enterprise decision-makers evaluating wearables for workforce deployment or personal productivity, the WIRED review underscores the importance of ecosystem compatibility (iOS vs. Android), connectivity options (cellular vs. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), and price—ranging from the budget $79 Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro to the premium $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3. Supply chain pressures and rising component costs are reflected in higher price points across the board, making it essential to balance features with total cost of ownership. All models listed are commercially available as of July 2026.
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