The Best Smartwatch For IPhone: Is Apple Watch Your Only Option?
Smart watches are no longer redundant pedometers. They can perform tasks such as phone calls and contactless payments while monitoring everything from body temperature to heart rate. But the best smartwatches become the ultimate gem when paired with a compatible smartphone. iPhone users can instantly remove many incompatible brands. While older Samsung smartwatches support iOS, current WearOS 4 devices do not, and even Google's top models, such as the Pixel Watch 2, only work on Android.
The question for many Apple fans is already: which Apple Watch to buy? The Apple Watch Series 9 combines features, price and size. The entry-level Apple Watch SE offers the best value with all the features you need for under $300, while the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most powerful of the bunch.
Apple Watch Series 9
1. The best iPhone smartwatch ever
Apple Watch SE (second generation)
2. The best smartwatch for iPhone at an affordable price
Apple Watch Ultra 2
3. The best premium smartwatch for iPhone
Garmin Precursor 965
4. Best GPS Smartwatch for iPhone
Withings ScanWatch Horizon
5. The best stylish smartwatch for iPhone
Apple Watch Tips and Tricks: WatchOS Hidden Secrets Revealed
The Apple Watch is a complex device, but it offers a lot to those who are happy and willing to learn all of its features. Here are our tips and recommendations.But iPhone users aren't limited to Apple-made smartwatches. While features like Apple Pay are exclusive to the company's devices, Apple Watch alternatives offer everything from low prices to sleeker looks. If you need longer battery life or accurate topographic maps, you'll be better off opting for a third-party device. From choosing an Apple Watch to buy to choosing the best tracker with universal compatibility, here are the best smartwatches for iPhone users.
Best smartwatches for iPhone: our top pick
Apple Watch Series 9
1. The best iPhone smartwatch ever
Apple's flagship model for Apple
$329 $ 399 Save $70
Apart from the stunning display, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with a wide range of sensors, making it an easy choice for iPhone users.
- Built-in sensors provide accurate health data.
- Great show and performance
- Many features
- Blood saturation monitoring is not available on newer US models.
- 18 hours of battery life
- Small update compared to the 8 series
The Apple Watch is the obvious choice for iPhone users, but the Series 9 model offers more than just compatibility. The latest version of Apple's mid-range smartwatch has the same tracking sensors as its predecessor, including ECG, blood oxygen level, heart rate, body temperature and GPS. The new chip offers better performance compared to previous models.
Apple Watch Series 9: Be careful, but have fun
Is the Watch Series 9 worth buying with some updates but no major changes? Here is my opinion.Perfect iPhone compatibility has also been improved, giving you more tools to find your lost iPhone 15, and Siri is built into the chipset. If you have a HomePod (2nd generation) or a HomePod Mini, you can stream music directly from your watch.
The new double-tap gesture makes it easy to access all functions. This means you can easily access a wide range of apps with the flick of your wrist, rather than reaching into your iPhone. The design itself hasn't changed much from the Series 8, but it remains a classic smartwatch with thin bezels and plenty of customization options, from color to strap options. Plus, the always-on display means the more traditional watch face is always visible.
If there's one downside to the Apple Watch Series 9, it's battery life. 18 hours of use is enough to get you through the day, but there are plenty of competitors with more reliable sleep tracking. While first-time Apple Watch users or older models will find plenty of reasons to upgrade, Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 users won't find enough reason to spend another $399.
Apple is also in the middle of a patent dispute over blood oxygenation technology in its watch. The company disabled the feature to confirm sales in the US, but there's one less difference between the Series 9 and the cheaper Apple Watch SE. However, blood saturation control still works outside the US and on US models purchased before the ban.
Apple Watch SE (second generation)
2. The best smartwatch for iPhone in terms of price/quality ratio.
A second-generation economic option available to everyone
$199 $ 249 Save $50
With a list price of $279, the Apple Watch SE strikes a good balance between functionality and price, missing only a few high-end options like temperature monitoring.
- A great combination of features
- the light
- Easy on your wallet
- There is no show that always appears
- Features like body temperature monitoring are missing.
Apple isn't usually the first brand that comes to mind when choosing a budget option, but iPhone users don't need to spend $400 to get perfect watch-to-phone compatibility. The Apple Watch SE (2022) trims the list of sensors, keeps the durable aluminum body, and gives up some of the new Series 9 features for a lower list price. But all the reasons to buy an Apple Watch remain the same: you can answer texts and calls, use Find My and Apple Pay, track health data, and more.
Can I use old watch bands on Apple Watch SE 2022?
Fortunately, some things remain the same with the next-generation Apple Watch SE.The Apple Watch SE has yet to close those rings these days, but it lacks the body temperature tracking and blood oxygen sensor found in Apple's more expensive models. Despite fewer high-end features, the $250 watch is no slouch either, with extras like shock detection and irregular heart rate notifications. The screen does not have an always-on feature and has large bezels. The chip inside isn't Apple's newest, but like the Apple Watch Series 8, it's important. However, these are premium features that many would be willing to give up for a lower price.
Yes, the Apple Watch SE is a scaled-down version of the Apple Watch, but the most convenient features of watchOS remain intact. If you want to answer calls from your wrist, use Apple Pay without taking out your phone, easily find a lost iPhone and track your health data, but don't need all the extra features, then the Apple Watch SE is a great choice. .
Apple Watch Ultra 2
3. The best premium smartwatch for iPhone
A reliable smartwatch for iPhone users.
$774 $ 799 Save $25
Featuring titanium and sapphire crystal, the Ultra 2 Apple Watch is perfect for those who lead a rugged lifestyle.
- Great view
- Rugged design designed for outdoor use
- Excellent gesture control
- Minimal updates to the previous one
- Competitors offer better GPS capabilities
- Expensive
Current Apple Watches have some water resistance, but if your lifestyle involves deep diving, rock climbing, or extreme hiking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be a better choice. Apple's high-end smartwatch is made of titanium rather than aluminum or stainless steel, with a sapphire crystal face. This increases the watch's ingress protection against swimming - only up to 40 meters for recreational diving and high-speed water sports. At 49mm thick, the case is slightly thicker than the Apple Watch Series 9 or SE, which also leaves room for a custom action button.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: It's an evolution, not a revolution
Apple is adding some nice touches to the second-generation Watch Ultra, but is it enough to establish its dominance in the world of outdoor smartwatches?Although the design has a long list of differences from the 9 series, both laptops use the same chipset. Built-in Siri, which can multitask without connecting to Wi-Fi, is the same one available for almost $400 less. It also has the same sensors as Apple's mid-range laptops. While you can wear the Ultra 2 in more scenarios, the list of things you can do with the more expensive Series 9 watch is shorter. You can activate the siren in an emergency on the Ultra 2 and the battery will last twice as long, but generally the upgrades to the Ultra are more about size and durability than extra features.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most reliable Apple Watch, but it's not the best choice for offline travel. It offers dual-band GPS, which the Series 9 lacks, but it still lags behind Garmin's capabilities. Topographic maps in Ultra 2 are regionally limited, must be downloaded for offline use, and do not have the same level of detail as OS maps. But many Garmin watches won't answer your phone calls; so if you want a true smartwatch with exceptional durability, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the perfect choice. We think it's a great choice for travel, thanks to its versatility and durability.
Garmin Precursor 965
4. Best GPS Smartwatch for iPhone
Apple viewing rights
$550 $600 Save $50
If accurate topographic maps are a priority, the Garmin Forerunner 965 may be a better choice than the Apple Watch.
- Big and bright AMOLED screen
- Advanced GPS Features
- Seven days of battery life
- More expensive than other Garmin models.
- Calls and Apple Pay features are missing.
While the Apple Watch is the obvious choice for iPhone users, some third-party brands offer more features. That's the case with the Garmin Forerunner 965. As you'd expect from a company that's gradually pushing GPS into cars rather than smartphones, the topographical mapping and navigation features are a step up from what you'll find on the devices. Apple Watch Ultra 2. I'll find it
Garmin Forerunner 965: Up front
Garmin is adding an AMOLED display to its excellent Forerunner line, so it looks better than ever, but how does it perform?Another feature Apple can't compete with is battery life, as this sports device can last a full week before needing a charge, even with the display set to always-on. Battery life decreases if you play music or do a lot of exercise, and if you leave GPS on all the time, you'll get about 31 hours of battery life, which is still better than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
... designed to monitor health data, including blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
Another important feature of the Garmin is the AMOLED display. The 1.4-inch screen is bright enough to read in sunlight, but not too big for sleep tracking. Forerunner 965 is equipped with features to monitor health data, including blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. GPS accuracy is essential for workouts like running and cycling, and the Garmin Coach app creates structured training plans. The smartwatch will allow players to view the course on their wrist and track the distance of the course.
While it offers better battery life and topographic maps than the Garmin Forerunner 965 series, it lacks some of the features found in Apple's offering. Using the Forerunner 965, iPhone users can view notifications and messages from their wrist, but the wearable does not have a speaker for phone calls or communicating with Siri, which the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has. Wristband payments are processed by Garmin Pay instead of Apple Pay. However, better GPS capabilities and the ability to only charge once a week make the Forerunner 965 a great alternative to the Apple Watch.
Withings ScanWatch Horizon
5. The best stylish smartwatch for iPhone
A hybrid of fashion and functionality
The Withings ScanWatch Horizon is a mechanically designed smartwatch for those who think the Apple Watch is like a tiny smartphone strapped to their wrist.
- Classic and elegant design
- Stable
- Reliable fitness tracking
- Expensive
- no GPS
- No calling, voice control or Apple Pay
The look of the Apple Watch isn't for everyone: iPhone users who want smart features over style should consider a hybrid like the Withings ScanWatch Horizon. Instead of a large touchscreen, this model had a mechanical watch face with a smaller screen. Although the Withings ScanWatch Horizon takes up less screen space, it's better for office wear than sports trackers. The watch comes with a durable metal strap, but there's also a rubber strap in the box if you want to lighten the weight while you're working out.
Withings ScanWatch Horizon: A stylish update
This new ScanWatch case is a great choice for those who want a little more formality.While the ScanWatch Horizon is more suited for the office than the gym, the list of included health monitoring options is still long. The watch can track your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, calories burned, steps and sleep. It doesn't have GPS capabilities, but you can still get directions with your phone in hand while running. Battery life is another plus: Withings promises up to 30 days on a single charge.
Hybrid style, durability, tracking and battery life make the Withings ScanWatch Horizon an attractive alternative to the Apple Watch. But the hybrid design loses some features. The small smart screen is designed for notifications rather than responding to texts and messages. You also can't use the ScanWatch Horizon to answer phone calls, talk to Siri, or use apps, even though the screen isn't big enough for that. Finally, there is no Apple Pay support. But if you want workout tracking and notifications in a watch that doesn't look like a smartwatch, the Withings ScanWatch Horizon is a great option.
Fitbit Inspires 3
6. Best fitness tracker for iPhone
Star battery and personal data
$80 $ 100 Save $20
While a fitness tracker may not offer the same level of functionality as a smartwatch, the FitBit Inspire 3 will keep track of your workouts and sleep while you last less and longer between charges.
- Great fitness and sleep tracking
- Slim and minimalist design
- Seven days of battery life
- No smart watch function
- Fitbit Premium subscription requires additional payment.
If you want an easy way to track your workouts, a fitness tracker might fit your lifestyle better than a smartwatch. While the FitBit Inspire 3 lacks smartwatch features like answering phone calls, it offers longer battery life for less money than a smartwatch. Due to the lack of smart features, there is no need for a large screen, meaning the FitBit Inspire 3 has a thin and light design.
Fitbit Inspire 3: A great entry-level fitness tracker.
Is the Fitbit Inspire 3 worth buying, or is it better to spend a little more and get the Luxe of Charge? Here is our opinion.Despite the FitBit Inspire 3's retail price of $79, it still has an Sp02 sensor to monitor blood oxygen saturation, a feature usually reserved for more expensive devices. This goes beyond what you'd expect to find in a fitness tracker, including heart rate, temperature, sleep and exercise tracking. However, you will need to connect it to your phone if you want to track your runs using GPS. Plus, the 10-day battery life (if you use always-on mode) makes sleep tracking easier than with the Apple Watch.
The FitBit Inspire 3 battery lasts longer because it charges less. You can see your notifications, but nothing else. It does not have the ability to receive calls, respond to text messages, or use Apple Pay. Some more complex data collection also requires a FitBit Premium subscription. But if you want a minimalist wearable that isn't bulky and can track activity for days without a trip to the store for under $100, the FitBit Inspire 3 should be at the top of your list.
Bottom line: What's the best smartwatch for iPhone?
Full compatibility, a wealth of health data, and a mid-range price make the Apple Watch Series 9 the best smartwatch for most iPhone users. But the Ultra 2 promises more durability, if you can afford it. The Apple Watch SE also loses more in price than in its list of features, mainly due to a patent dispute that disables the blood oxygen monitoring of the Series 9 in the US.
Also, iPhone users shouldn't feel pressured to buy another Apple product. Buying a smartwatch from the same brand as your phone has its benefits. But the Garmin Forerunner 965 offers better GPS and longer battery life, and the Withings ScanWatch Horizons is sleeker. And if the feeling of constant connection with smartwatches scares you, make it easier with the help of a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Inspire 3.
Apple Watch Series 9
Editor's Choice
$329 $ 399 save $70
How I Picked the Best Smartwatch for iPhone
The Pocket-Lint team has tested dozens of the latest smartwatches, including everything on this list. Each recommended product impressed us enough to earn at least a four-star rating.
When I bought my first Apple Watch, I fell in love with their full compatibility, convenient features like Find My and the ecosystem of similar apps that weren't on my previous trackers. That's why I prefer the Apple Watch line.
How to find a lost iPhone, AirPods or watch using the Find My app
The Find My app allows Apple users to locate their iPhone, watch, AirPods, iPad, Mac, and a number of third-party devices. Here's how to use it.But there are, in my opinion, several areas where the Apple Watch could be improved. For example, I rarely use sleep because I always charge at night. All of the third-party alternatives on this list work great, with the Apple Watch lagging behind and leading the list of smartwatches that work with Android and iOS.
Can smartwatches work with the iPhone?
Not all smartwatches will work with the iPhone. To use smartwatches with iPhone, they must support iOS. Brands that offer Android-based smartphones and smartwatches, such as Google and Samsung, typically don't support iOS. However, this does not mean that iPhone users are limited to the Apple Watch only. Companies like Garmin and Fitbit support iOS and Android.
Which smartwatches are as good as Apple?
Ideal compatibility compels many iPhone users to choose Apple Watch. But while choosing smartwatches from third-party manufacturers eliminates compatibility with Apple Pay and Find My, many alternatives offer better standalone work, more style, or a lower price. Some brands offer features that Apple doesn't, such as expanded topographical maps and even golf course statistics.
If you need smartwatches, not the Apple Watch, think about which features are most important. If you need sports watches that are suitable for tracking, pay attention to the Garmin Forerunner described above. If you need something that looks slimmer than the Apple Watch, try a hybrid like the Withings Scanwatch Horizon.
What is the difference between the Apple Watch and other smart watches?
The exact differences between the Apple Watch and other smartwatches will depend on the model you're looking at. However, there are some compatibility features if your phone and smartwatch are manufactured by the same company. Setting up your new Apple Watch is easy if you already have an iPhone with an Apple ID. Apple apps, including Mail, Messages, Music, Cards, and Health, sync automatically and work seamlessly with each other whether you're using iOS or WatchOS.
The Apple watch also has some features that are hard to find in third-party models. One of my favorite Apple Watch features is Find Me. With the help of scrolling and tapping, I can turn on the sound on my lost iPhone to quickly find where I left it. Apple Pay is another feature that is typically only available on Apple devices, although some brands, such as Garmin, offer their own mobile payment platforms. While some watches from third-party manufacturers support Siri when connected to the nearest smartphone, Apple's latest smartwatches allow you to use some Siri functions without connecting to Wi-Fi.
Other functions depend on the model. For example, many Garmin watches can't receive calls like the Apple Watch, but the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a speaker and a microphone that are needed to answer calls.