7 Best Smartwatch Models: Apple, Google, Garmin (2026)

These WIRED-tested wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected. It elevates your outfit and makes you feel good. The best smartwatch can do even more, from tracking your workouts and heart rate to serving as a notification hub and accessing voice assistants. You can leave your phone in your pocket and use your wrist for simple tasks. Like many consumer gadgets today, wearables have gotten pricier, driven by several factors, including rising component costs and supply chain pressures. There are plenty of solid options, in various styles, at a range of prices, and with different levels of smarts. Below is a roundup of the best smartwatches I've tested. While not a major upgrade from its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 12 is the best everyday smartwatch for most iPhone users.