Battery life<\/p>\n
Battery life varies depending on the type of smartwatch, how you use it, and which features are active. Most full-featured models, like Samsung\u2019s Galaxy Watch 8, last about one to two days on a single charge under normal use. However, using power-hungry features like GPS tracking, continuous heart-rate monitoring, or Always-On Display can significantly reduce that runtime. Fitness-focused watches from brands like Garmin can stretch anywhere from five to 20+ days. Hybrid watches, which combine analog design with limited smart features, can last up to a month.<\/p>\n
BraceletsMetal Bands (Stainless Steel, Titanium, or Aluminium)<\/p>\n
Metal bands are best for work, formal occasions, and everyday wear. They give your smartwatch a more polished, traditional-watch look \u2013 great for dressing up or blending your tech into a sleek outfit. Stainless steel feels classic and weighty, while titanium offers a lighter, more premium feel with added durability. Aluminium links are affordable and comfortable for all-day wear. However, metal can feel heavy during workouts and may trap sweat, so they\u2019re better for the office than the gym.<\/p>\n
Fabric Bands (Nylon, Recycled Yarn, or Elastic Weave)<\/p>\n
Fabric bands are great for casual wear, fitness tracking, and comfort-first users. The straps are lightweight, breathable, and soft against the skin, making them great for long wear or sweaty workouts. Woven nylon or elastic options adjust easily, dry quickly, and don\u2019t dig into your wrist mid-run. Fabric bands can hold onto odour or discolour over time, so they\u2019ll need a wash if you\u2019re wearing them to the gym often.<\/p>\n
Leather Bands (Full-Grain, Suede, or Vegan Alternatives)<\/p>\n
Leather bands work for everyday and office wear, dressed-up casual looks. This material instantly elevates a smartwatch \u2013 ideal if you want tech that doesn\u2019t scream ‘tech’. A good leather strap moulds to your wrist over time and works seamlessly from the office to dinner. Though, leather doesn\u2019t love sweat or water, so it can warp or stain after a tough workout or shower.<\/p>\n
StyleLifestyle \/ Hybrid Smartwatch<\/p>\n
Sleek, modern design that can transition from workouts to everyday life and even casual business settings. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a prime example. It has a round case, thinner and lighter than previous Galaxy models. This watch works well with casual, sporty, and business-casual outfits. Less ideal for tuxedos and it\u2019s slightly bulkier than the Apple Watch, which might not be great for smaller wrists.<\/p>\n
Adventure \/ Outdoor Performance Smartwatch<\/p>\n
Rugged, functional design; built for sports, hiking, and outdoor activities. Large, durable cases and breathable straps. The Suunto Race 2 falls in this category. This kind of watch features silicone straps for high-intensity activities. Ideal for trail running, hiking, or multi-sport training, but not quite suitable for formal or dress settings.<\/p>\n
Rugged \/ Sport-Focused Smartwatch<\/p>\n
Extremely durable, often shock-resistant, water-resistant, and built for extreme conditions. Less emphasis on sleek aesthetics, more on functionality. Enter the Casio G-Shock Move GBD-H2000. Perfect for outdoor sports, training, and tough environments, but overly bulky for office or formal wear.<\/p>\n
Luxury \/ High-End Smartwatch<\/p>\n
Premium materials, refined aesthetics, and sophisticated design. Often bridges performance tracking with dress watch styling. For instance, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 features a stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal display, and finely brushed surfaces that highlight its craftsmanship. It looks great worn with business, casual, or semi-formal attire.<\/p>\n
Smart features<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re shopping for a smartwatch, the difference between a good one and a great one comes down to its smarts. Beyond basics like notifications and step counts, the best models feel like genuine performance and lifestyle tools\u2014helping you train harder and recover better.<\/p>\n
Real-time music control <\/p>\n
Play, pause, or skip songs right from your wrist without digging for your phone.<\/p>\n
Voice assistance \/ on-device commands <\/p>\n
Hands-free control for texts, calls, or starting workouts via Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby. Google\u2019s new Gemini assistant onboard, the Watch 8 can summarise your schedule, recommend workouts, or manage your day.<\/p>\n
Advanced health metrics <\/p>\n
Beyond heart rate and steps, look for deep data like HRV, recovery scores, and stress tracking. New features like antioxidant or vascular load tracking in Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 show how your system\u2019s performing, not just what you did. Inside the TAG Connected Calibre E5, it tracks heart rate variability (HRV), peripheral capillary oxygen, and even includes performance training plans tailored for running and golf. <\/p>\n
Performance coaching & training plans <\/p>\n
Built-in programs that adapt to your progress over time. The Samsung Galaxy 8 has a Running Coach that runs a 12-minute test to build a personalised training plan. <\/p>\n
Navigation & GPS accuracy <\/p>\n
Dual-band GPS and offline maps for outdoor workouts and adventures so you don\u2019t have to bring your phone to navigate. The Suunto Race 2 leans more adventure with dual-band GNSS (L1+L5) positioning ensures pinpoint accuracy whether you\u2019re running through city streets or navigating alpine trails. The Casio G-Shock Move packs six sensors and built-in GPS to track multiple sports\u2014from running and cycling to swimming \u2013 while offering advanced metrics like cardio load, VO\u2082 max, and even energy source breakdowns that show how your body shifts between burning fats and carbs. <\/p>\n
Sleep, recovery, and stress insights <\/p>\n
The best smartwatches help you form habits, not just track them. For example, the Vascular Load in the Galaxy 8, monitors blood-flow stress during rest and sleep. <\/p>\n
How We Selected<\/p>\n
To pick the best smartwatches, we didn\u2019t just look at specs\u2014we put them to the test in real life. Our contributing editor and watch expert Ted Stafford<\/a>, who styles every Men\u2019s Health cover shoot, weighed in on how they feel on the wrist and how versatile they are for everyday wear. Ryan Brower<\/a>, MH US tech and gear editor, tested the watches\u2019 performance, accuracy, and tech features over weeks of workouts and training sessions. Our fitness editors logged miles, tracked recovery, monitored sleep, and pushed each watch through tough workouts to see which ones could actually keep up. After combining all their hands-on notes, we narrowed the list to the models that deliver on style, durability, comfort, battery life, smart features, and reliable health and fitness tracking.<\/p>\n ” data-next-head\/>Skip to Content<\/a><\/p>\n We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.<\/p>\n Best Overall<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch8 After testing every major smartwatch on the market, our fitness and style editors say the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is the best in its class for performance tracking, everyday usability, and refined design. Sleeker, thinner, and brighter than the previous model, Samsung doubled down on AI-powered health metrics, so you\u2019re getting twice the data and smarter insights than before. One of these new features is the Antioxidant Index, which uses the sensor on the back to give a rough measure of your carotenoid levels<\/a>, a possible indicator of how well-balanced your diet is. Pair it with your phone and the Vascular Load feature can track your stress levels as you sleep \u2013 just wear it for three nights to get the full picture. And when it\u2019s time to hit the pavement, the Running Coach feature builds custom training plans and gives real-time feedback to help you pace smarter and recover faster. <\/p>\n Compared with the Apple Watch Series 9, the Galaxy Watch 8\u2019s design leans more traditional in its round case design, which gives it a classic watch silhouette rather than the rectangular look of the Apple Watch. That makes it easier to pair with business or dressier outfits \u2013 you could comfortably wear it with a suit or blazer without it feeling out of place. The lighter case and contoured band also make it practical for casual and workout fits alike. That said, the Galaxy Watch 8 is slightly bulkier than the Apple Watch on smaller wrists, and while it\u2019s perfect for casual, sporty, or business-casual looks, it may feel oversized with a tuxedo or suit.<\/p>\n Unlike previous smartwatches, this one comes with Google Gemini, a new AI personal assistant built to handle everyday tasks: creating reminders, sending text messages, pulling up maps, digging through emails, even generating images and video or summarising info across apps. The fit\u2019s been refined too: the case is lighter, the band hugs closer to your wrist, and the screen\u2019s easier to read in direct sunlight. It comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and two colourways (Graphite and Silver) for a clean, elevated look. Battery life lasts more than a full day on the 44mm model, and last up to 30 hours for 40mm. Either way you go, that\u2019s a fair deal.<\/p>\n Read More: Best Fitness Trackers for Men<\/a><\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleLifestyle\/HybridBraceletSiliconeSmart FeaturesRunning Coach, Advanced Sleep Coaching, Google Gemini, Antioxidant Index, Vascular LoadBattery LifeMore than a full day on the 44mm, and up to 30 hours for 40mmFitness and Health Tracking?Yes<\/p>\n Most Stylish Running Smartwatch<\/p>\n Suunto Race 2 When it comes to premium running watches, the latest Suunto Race (the Race 2) packs a serious punch at \u00a3429 \u2013 or \u00a3529 for the Titanium Trail version. The display is larger and brighter than the Race 1 while being thinner. That said, at 49mm, the Race 2 isn\u2019t a small watch. Men\u2019s Health US tech and gear editor Ryan Brower<\/a> put it to the test, noting: ‘While I\u2019ve enjoyed testing it, the Race 2 would be nice to have in a smaller size.’<\/p>\n That bigger size, though, makes room for a faster processor and an impressive 55 hours of battery life in GPS mode (or up to 30 days with daily use and no training). ‘The battery claims really hold,’ Brower says. ‘I\u2019ve only had to charge it a couple of times throughout months of testing. To be fair, I don\u2019t wear it every day, but I did for a few stretches to get a sense of it.’ Another big improvement is the redesigned charging clip, which Brower found far more effective and reliable than previous Suunto models that didn\u2019t always connect easily.<\/p>\n Performance-wise, the Race 2 delivers more than 115 sport modes. Brower put many of those programs through their paces \u2013 treadmill running, running, trail running, strength training, hiking, climbing, rowing (technically paddling), and even surfing \u2013 and each one worked smoothly, serving up plenty of useful metrics. GPS tracking proved fairly accurate, and features like training load and recovery provided deeper insights when synced with the Suunto Coach or other training apps. Building a regimen and letting the watch help implement it, Brower says, ‘can be a great tool for runners.’<\/p>\n The Race 2 leans into a rugged aesthetic with its large round case and durable polymer or titanium build. Its style clearly favours sport and outdoor fits, so the 49mm case can feel oversized or out of place in formal or office clothes. The standard strap is a breathable silicone, perfect for sweaty workouts or trail runs, and the Titanium Trail model adds a premium case finish for those who want a more elevated look in casual settings. <\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleAdventure \/ Outdoor PerformanceBraceletSiliconeSmart featuresAdvanced touchscreen, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation, and 115+ sport modesBattery lifePerformance GPS mode: 55 hours; Tour mode with lower GPS accuracy and HRM off: up to 200 hoursFitness and health trackingYes<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Best Luxury Smartwatch<\/p>\n TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 Contributing editor and watch expert Ted Stafford<\/a>, who styles every Men\u2019s Health US cover, was seriously impressed by the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5. ‘I was impressed by how well the E5 straddles the line between traditional style and modern innovation,’ he says. ‘It wears beautifully on the wrist, with a sleek, stylish design and a comfort-first build. Its intuitive interface also makes it refreshingly simple to navigate, even on the move or during high-intensity activities.’<\/p>\n In fact, Stafford recently met with Tag Heuer\u2019s team in Boston to test the Connected Calibre E5. During his 5K-run, he appreciated how easy it was to glance at messages, check his heart rate, and accurately track his activity \u2013 all without slowing down. He also noted that the stainless bracelet stayed comfortable and secure the whole time. Another standout feature is the ability to customise the watch face. ‘Whether you\u2019re in the mood for a sporty Carrera or a bold Formula 1 look, the E5 lets you effortlessly switch styles to match your day,’ he says. ‘This and all the other unique tech offerings make having a connected watch a win-win for me.’<\/p>\n What really makes the E5 shine, though, is how much it packs under the hood. You get dual-band GPS for pinpoint tracking, heart-rate and blood-oxygen sensors, and full sleep and stress tracking that rivals top fitness-focused wearables. The new TAG Heuer OS runs smoother than ever, with cleaner visuals and tighter iPhone integration for those in the Apple ecosystem. Plus, it\u2019s built like a tank with 50 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal display, and your choice of steel or titanium cases. Battery life clocks in at about two days of regular use, and fast charging gets you back to full in around 30 minutes.<\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleLuxury \/ High-EndBraceletSteelSmart FeaturesRunning Focus, Integrated GPS and Altimeter, advanced wellness trackingBattery Life2 days for the 45mm model, 1.5 days for the 40mm modelFitness and Health TrackingYes Other Smartwatches We Love<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Best Value Smartwatch for iPhone<\/p>\n Apple Watch SE 3 The Apple Watch SE 3 keeps everything essential \u2013 fitness tracking, seamless iPhone integration, and safety features \u2013 while cutting the extras that most people barely use. It runs on Apple\u2019s snappy S9 chipset, the same processor that powers the Series 9, so it feels fast and responsive whether you\u2019re tracking a run, answering a call, or checking a text mid-workout. You still get Crash and Fall Detection with Emergency SOS, heart-rate tracking, and all the latest software updates through watchOS 11, including the improved Smart Stack and new workout interface.<\/p>\n What you don\u2019t get: an always-on display or premium sensors like ECG and skin-temperature tracking. But unless you\u2019re deep into advanced health analytics, you probably won\u2019t miss them. The display is still bright and crisp enough to read on the go, and the battery comfortably lasts a full day (or more with Low Power Mode). The design feels classic Apple \u2013 clean, lightweight, and easy to wear all day, from the gym to the office.<\/p>\n Read More: Apple Watch SE3 Review<\/a><\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleLifestyle\/HybridBraceletSiliconeSmart featuresHealth and safety monitoring Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Sleep ScoreBattery lifeUp to 18 hoursFitness and health trackingYes<\/p>\n Best for Safety Measures <\/p>\n Google Pixel Watch 4 Women\u2019s Health US fitness editor Nicolette Accardi put the new Google Pixel Watch 4 through its paces \u2013 and she says it\u2019s one of the few fitness trackers that goes beyond counting steps. ‘Every fitness tracker can measure heart rate, calories, and steps, but few have standout safety features,’ she says. ‘The Pixel 4 Watch can actually detect a loss of pulse, which could be lifesaving for anyone with cardiac issues \u2013 it automatically calls 911 within 20 seconds of detection.’<\/p>\n Accardi also noted that this new generation adds ‘a more detailed look at sleep stages, which is especially helpful if you\u2019re a runner like me.’ She appreciated that it tracks stress levels, too \u2013 ‘something I struggle with \u2013 so I know when to take a moment to decompress.’ When it comes to design, she describes the Pixel 4 Watch as ‘basic but sleek’, making it easy to wear with any outfit. ‘It\u2019s a bit large on me, but I accidentally ordered the wrong size,’ she admits. ‘If you have petite wrists, definitely go for the 41mm.’<\/p>\n As for battery life, Accardi found it slightly overpromised: ‘Google says it lasts up to 40 hours, but I had to charge it every day.’<\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleLifestyle\/HybridBraceletSiliconeSmart featuresGemini AI Assistant, Health Tracking InsightsBattery lifeUp to 30 hours, or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver modeFitness and health trackingYes<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Best Apple Smartwatch<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3 The Apple Watch Ultra 3 builds on what already made the Ultra line a favourite for serious exercisers and outdoor adventurers. The rugged titanium case and big 49mm face are still here, but the new model slims down the display borders for more screen space. Men’s Health US fitness editor Brett Williams took it for a spin. ‘The Ultra 2, which is usually my go-to smartwatch, looks marginally smaller when compared side-by-side,’ he says.<\/p>\n What stood out most to him was the improved readability. ‘The large, bright display and straightforward layout make it easy for me to get the information I need at a glance,’ he says. ‘With other brands\u2019 devices, it sometimes takes me an extra moment to register what\u2019s on the screen \u2013 and in the middle of a tough interval split, those moments add up.’ Because of that, Brett says there\u2019s ‘a good chance’ he\u2019ll keep using the Ultra 3 as his main fitness tracker.<\/p>\n Battery life also got a noticeable bump \u2013 from a reported 36 to 42 hours. In testing, Brett got ‘closer to 45 hours before I needed to juice up’. Fast charging came in clutch, too: ‘I was set to embark on a 10-mile interval run when I realised I was at only 18 percent battery,’ he says. ‘I popped the Ultra 3 on the charger while I got dressed and filled up my water pack, stretched, then took the device off power 15 minutes later at 36 percent.’ Even after tracking his run for over an hour, he only burned through 12 percent of the battery.<\/p>\n For adventurers, the new satellite communication feature adds extra peace of mind. You can send messages via satellite if you have a cellular plan \u2013 or trigger Emergency SOS even without one. Brett saw the demo firsthand at Apple Park: ‘It was all a bit complicated,’ he says. ‘The Ultra 3 required a clear view of the horizon and took some time to actually connect to the satellite \u2013 but the distress signal was able to go through eventually.’<\/p>\n Overall, Brett found the Ultra 3 to be a strong upgrade \u2013 bright, powerful, and reliable, even if it\u2019s not the emergency device you\u2019d fully depend on.<\/p>\n Features at a GlanceStyleLifestyle\/HybridBraceletSilicone\/ Woven textileSmart FeaturesActivity Tracker, Always On Display, Cycle Tracking, GPS, Heart Rate MonitorBattery LifeUp to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power ModeFitness and Health TrackingYes<\/p>\n Best Midrange Smartwatch<\/p>\n![\"smartwatches\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hlh100125dig-mhl-smartwatches-68ffc131103b8.jpg\" "\\"smartwatches\\"")
![\"pinterest\"](\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff\")
<\/a>Joe Lingeman<\/p>\n![\"Samsung](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772621905-samsung-galaxy-watch-8-69a810404bfee.jpg\" "\\"Samsung")
<\/a>Cons![\"Con\"](\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" "\\"Con\\"")
Only comes in two colourways<\/p>\n![\"Suunto](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772622169-suunto-race-2-69a811455f068.jpg\" "\\"Suunto")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"TAG](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772622729-tag-heuer-connected-69a8137ba17be.jpg\" "\\"TAG")
<\/a>ConsPricier than others on the list, but worth the investment<\/p>\n![\"horizontal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ecomm-breaker-67febcd349ec4.jpg\" "\\"horizontal")
<\/p>\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1760368804-616Y66Csy8L.jpg\" "\\"Apple")
<\/a>Pros![\"Pro\"](\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" "\\"Pro\\"")
Comes with Crash and Fall Detection with Emergency SOSVitals appWorks for swimmingConsWorks for swimming<\/p>\n![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772623254-71ycpG3LMNL.jpg\" "\\"Google")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1764755108-71EI5GgVHkL.jpg\" "\\"Apple")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Ticwatch](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1742414274-71PxRrV4EaL.jpg\" "\\"Ticwatch")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Fitbit](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1689001871-61Uicbb64GL.jpg\" "\\"Fitbit")
<\/a>Cons![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/05bdcb91-da03-4585-a662-90f1ea6ed8d3_1740843869.file.png\" "\\"Headshot")
<\/p>\n