The Best Smartwatch for iPhones in 2023
We have saved you the trouble of scouring online for the right watch and brought you some of the best smartwatches for iPhone users.
In the last decade, smartwatches have become exceedingly commonplace and even a requirement for some. For iPhone users, an Apple Watch appears as a top option, yet with 12 different models previously in production, there have been countless choices to search through. We have done our best research and testing to find the best collection of smartwatches for iPhone users, allowing you to make calls, track your health, and receive notifications, all from your wrist.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Apple Watch Series 8 Smart Watch
2. Runner Up
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Smart Watch
3. Cost Effective
Amazfit Bip U Smart Watch Fitness Tracker
4. Almost Made the Cut
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3
1. Best Product
Best For Advanced Health Tracking
Apple Watch Series 8 Smart Watch
With its advanced features and sleek design, this is the perfect companion for any lifestyle.
Specifications
- Color
- Midnight
- Case Material
- Aluminum
- Display
- Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, 1000 nits
- Capacity
- 32GB
- Weight
- 13.1 Ounces
- Connectivity
- GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life
- 18 hours in regular use, 36 hours in Low Power mode
- Water Resistance
- Up to 50m
Pros
Features include Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and Fall Detection- Low Power Mode Extends Battery Life to 36 Hours
- Always-On Retina Display
- Thinner Bezels and Curvier Chassis
Cons
Not compatible with IOS prior to iPhone 8- Minimal Improvement from Series 7
Previous Customer Experience
| Mobile App |
  |
4.6 |
| Sleep tracking |
|
4.5 |
| Accuracy |
|
4.4 |
| Battery life |
|
4.2 |
| Value for money |
|
3.9 |
About The Product
The Apple Watch Series 8 was the best iPhone smartwatch we tested, as it spots advanced sensors that provide information to help you understand your health better. Our testers were impressed by the easy-to-read retina display. The screen displayed all health tracking information clearly, allowing our testers to see their vitals at any time of day.
With a thinner bezel and curvier chassis, this pick is lighter and more slick than previous models. Our testers commented on this pick's comfort and lack of unnecessary weight. This pick comes in many sizes and materials, with dozens of bands and watch faces to tailor your device to your preferences.
The main factor in this pick beating competitors in our testing was the quality and number of tracking software. For example, this watch sports crash detection and fall detection software, making it a perfect fit for users ranging from active runners to vulnerable elderly. Should the user befall a car accident or a hard fall, this watch offers immediate assistance by connecting you to the Emergency SOS.
When connected to the updated Workout app, our testers could train and receive sophisticated analytics and insight into their workout performance. From our testing results, this watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and stands up to its dust-tight rating of IP6X.
Despite these features, our testers were disappointed with the battery life. The manufacturer listing for this pick highlighted a low-power mode that extends power for up to 36 hours. However, our testers noticed quick battery drainage, especially when using GPS or external connectivity functions.
Additional to the health tracking features, this watch gives you access to thousands of apps from the App Store. It also integrates and connects easily to other Apple products, such as Apply Pay to send or receive money. This pick requires the most up-to-date iOS.
2. Runner Up
Best For First Time Buyers
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Smart Watch
This option is a more affordable Apple Watch and compliments the features of the Series 8 and the First Generation SE watch.
Specifications
- Color
- Silver Aluminium Case with White Sport Band
- Style
- 40mm M/L - fits 150–200mm wrists
- Weight
- 11.8 ounces
- Display
- Retino LTPO OLED display, 1000 nits
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- Capacity
- 32GB
- Fall Detection
- Yes
- Special Features
- Sleep Monitor, Activity Tracker, Voice Control, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor
Pros
- Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS
- 1.78-inch Retina Display
- Water Resistant up to 50 meters
- Comprehensive Fitness Tracking
Cons
- Lacks Always On Display Feature Common In Other Options
- No Fast Charging
Previous Customer Experience
| Mobile App |
|
4.3 |
| Ease of Use |
|
4.3 |
| Accuracy |
|
4.2 |
| Value for money |
|
4.1 |
| Battery Life |
|
4 |
About The Product
The second-generation Apple Watch SE has all the features you need to track your health, stay connected, and stay safe. With features like Crash Detection and improved workout analytics, it works up to 20% quicker than the Series 8 and at a better value.
This pick features a newly created, color-matched rear case using a new manufacturing process that cuts carbon emissions by more than 80%. The Apple Watch is a quality personal gadget that gives instant access to thousands of apps from the App Store. This 2nd Gen watch sports a water-resistance rating of 50 meters.
This watch provided our testers with deep insights into their health, including alerts if their heart rates went abnormally high or low or had an irregular rhythm, and offered three months of AppleFitness.
Despite these features, the thick bezels were not as smooth throughout testing as the thinner model of the Series 8. This pick also missed the Series 8 feature of an Always-On-Display, which required our testers to interrupt workouts and manually switch it on.
Due to being released on the same day as the Series 8, it complements the same features. For example, this watch integrates with other Apple products and services, such as Apple Pay.
It also comes in many colors and sizes, offers hundreds of band options, and has watch faces with intricacies specific to the user's interests. This pick also requires the most recent iOS.
3. Cost Effective
Best For Long Battery Life
Amazfit Bip U Smart Watch Fitness Tracker
With over 60 sports modes and impressive battery life, this smartwatch gives the Apple Watch a run for its money.
Specifications
- Color
- Green
- Operating System
- Amazfit OS
- Screen Size
- 1.43 Inches
- Weight
- 1.09 ounces
- Dimensions
- 1.61 x 1.39 x 0.44 inches
- Phone Compatibility
- iOS 10 and Above, Android 5 and Above
- Battery Life
- Up to 9 Days
Pros
- Impressive 9-day Battery
- Over 60 Sports Modes
- 1.43-inch HD Color Screen
- Water Resistant up to 50 meters
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitor
- 50 Default Watch Faces
Cons
- No Built-in GPS; Relies On Connected Device
- Occasional Delayed or Missed Notifications Delivery
Previous Customer Experience
| Battery life |
|
4 |
| Mobile App |
|
3.6 |
| Sleep tracking |
|
3.6 |
| Accuracy |
|
3.4 |
About The Product
Our testers labeled this option as one of the best smartwatches for those who want to monitor their vitals effectively but have a limited budget.
The Amazfit Bip U offers more than 60 sport modes and unique health features from our other picks, such as 24-hour heart rate monitors, blood oxygen saturation levels, stress levels, breathing, and sleep quality. These features also helped our testers track menstrual cycles, offering forecasted dates and helpful reminders. Our testers found that any smartphone running iOS 10.0 or higher was compatible with this watch.
Our testers were impressed with this watch sporting a 9-day battery, allowing for long workouts without worrying about losing out on the analytic features. They could also accurately record and track their participation in marathons or gym sessions.
Despite our testers being impressed by the available features, they were disappointed by the lack of third-party support with this watch, meaning that no external app or device can connect.
This watch notifies the wearing of incoming calls, upcoming calendar events, weather forecasts, music, and camera controls. The Bip U is also water-resistant, up to 50 meters.
This watch is extra lightweight and not cumbersome to wear by weighing just over one ounce. Despite its slight weight, this pick offers a larger display than an average circular face of comparable width thanks to its 1.43-inch HD customized elegant square screen, with a pixel resolution of 320 x 302.
4. Almost Made the Cut
Best For Durability
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3
Looking for a reliable smartwatch outside the Apple ecosystem? This is it!
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 4.69 x 4.45 x 4.25 inches
- Weight
- 5.3 ounces
- Memory
- 1GB + 8GB
- Display
- 360 x 360 Super AMOLED
- Battery
- 340mAh (56H)
Pros
- Functional Rotating Bezel
- Fitness-Focused Features
- Round Interface
- Up To 56 Hours Of Battery Life
Cons
- Not The Latest Galaxy Watch
- Setup Can Be Challenging
Previous Customer Experience
| Overall |
|
4.6 |
About The Product
Made with a premium leather band, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 promises military-grade durability with their products, and this smartwatch offers a maximum water resistance of up to 164 feet. With a memory capacity of 4.3 gigabytes and a claim of compatibility with Android and IOS products, our testers were initially impressed by this pick.
Like many smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy 3 offers a variety of health trackers, including an automatic sleep tracker which monitors oxygen levels, tracks stress, and breathing guides. When we tested this pick, we noted tracking capabilities for heart rate, oxygen, and built-in coaching, for swimming, cycling, running, and more! This smartwatch also offers safety precautions, such as the ability to reach out to emergency services or emergency contact if a fall is detected.
With the manufacturer boasting that this pick has a long-lasting battery, our testers were happy with the single charge that lasted more than a day of activity.
One issue our testers faced was the release of the Samsung Galaxy 5 in August 2022 which sported newer and improved features now missing from the Galaxy 3. For example, the Samsung Galaxy 5 is crafted with premium Sapphire Crystal, promising to be 1.6 times harder than previous models. The Galaxy 5 also sports an improved curved sensor for more accurate readings and results. Although the Galaxy 3 was successful in its offer to track seven popular activities, this seemed less impressive to our testers once the Galaxy 5 announced a manual tracker of up to 90 exercises.
Additionally, our testers claimed this watch worked significantly better with Samsung products than iPhone users, despite claiming seamless compatibility with iOS. Numerous features were also inaccessible to Apple users.
Who This Is For
Options are abundant when it comes to smartwatches, even specifically for iPhones. Some smartwatches offer similar features with weightier price tags. We have done careful research to bring you options that perfectly balance advanced features without costing you a fortune.
What are Smartwatches for iPhones used for?
Smartwatches bring the convenience of using an iPhone to the wrist. Our options enable you to make calls, receive and respond to different notifications, and track your physical activities and health parameters, among other things. An Apple smartwatch can also be used as a remote control for the music on your phone, to take a picture with your iPhone camera, or to control your Apple TV.
Do Smartwatches for iPhones improve fitness?
Smartwatches can help you achieve your fitness goals by encouraging you to set and achieve them and allowing you to track and monitor your activity as you go. These smartwatches offer numerous tracking and workout programs, displaying the metrics and analytics that matter to your health and fitness goals. They also track stress levels, and sleep monitoring, to help with everyday health.
Why You Should Trust Us
Searching for the best smartwatch for iPhones dumps 44 million results in your lap. We at National Today have made this process infinitely easier for fitness enthusiasts by testing the best ten products and narrowing them down to the top three. We are an unbiased company, aiming to make finding the best purchase easy to manage.
We tested the products highlighted in our list over several months. Our testers are trusted members of our team, evaluating and reinforcing the authenticity of products. We all do our best to break down complex topics into easy-to-understand language, making even the most technical products accessible to readers of all backgrounds. With no sponsors encouraging us to present any particular product outside of our careful judging factors, you can rely on us to offer accurate, detailed, and honest results of how these products perform.
We are constantly updating and improving our content for our readers, so if you buy any of our recommendations, let us know your experience by contacting us at —.
How We Picked
Features
Quality smartwatches should feature many sensors that can accurately measure physical activities. To ensure accuracy, we picked watches with suitable sensors, guaranteed to give accurate tracking.
The functionalities of smartwatches that enable tracking and day-to-day monitoring of your health state are crucial factors for many consumers. The possibilities are unlimited, from calculating a workout at the gym with a breakdown of calories to aid motivation or establishing a goal for daily steps. We looked at products that accurately analyze numerous functions, from health tracking, exercise tracking, GPS and location programs, and notifications of incoming messages and calls from your smartphone.
Visibility and convenience were other significant factors during testing. Answering calls, and checking and responding to messages, are just a few of these activities and needs. We picked smartwatches that use Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity to aid this. These provide the convenience needed during the connection of the watches to your devices, phones, and the internet.
Display Design
Different smartwatches have different display designs. Typically, larger screens offer better resolution, but it also depends on the time of the LED. Due to the differences in quality and price across these styles, our options sport the easy-to-use display for use in a smartwatch.
- OLED
- LED screens use a backlight to illuminate pixels. OLED differs from the standard LED as the former autonomously emits light from each pixel. OLED allows for more lighting precision, making it easier to handle darker environments.
- MicroLED
- Similarly, MicroLED has three LEDs per pixel. This detail beats OLED power consumption due to not requiring backlights or color filters. MicroLED also offers superior brightness and response time. These LEDs are more expensive to manufacture and, therefore, more so for consumer applications.
- AMOLED
- AMOLED displays are more flexible than OLEDs but are also consistently more expensive. AMOLED screens also have better refresh rates and great viewing angles.
Lightweight and Comfortable
Due to the features available on a smartwatch, users are increasingly inclined to leave their smartphones behind to free up their hands, pockets, or mind from distractions. We chose lightweight products that are comfortable on the wrist and user-friendly to any potential customers.
Durability
Given the price for some of these products, we considered durability in all aspects when picking and testing products. Charging speed, power consumption, battery life, and material strength were all judged.
Due to the features available and the average time the product will track activity or display notifications, long battery life has become a competitive selling feature. Many advertise batteries that last up to 50 hours on a single charge. Therefore, we chose products that promised impressive battery and charging life to test the accuracy of these claims. We also chose products that offer long lifespans that consume less power to reduce the charging frequency.
We researched and chose picks with durable materials, ranging from stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and titanium, with leather straps for comfort and to reduce damage over time.
Price Range
Our picks span from just over $50 to over $300, depending on the manufacturer and seller. Any options available for well under $50 offered limited features and were made from easily-broken material, and would not last with everyday use.
How We Picked
-
Advanced Tracking Technology
The ideal Smartwatch should have multiple sensors, numerous tracking capabilities, and enough memory to store previous workouts to show improvements over time. These features should be easy to use and offer accurate results.
-
Battery Life
We focused on smartwatches with impressive battery life to ensure that you experience the whole health-tracking experience, no matter the length of the workout.
-
Device Compatibility
The best Smartwatch should operate on a new iOS system to avoid missing new updates or having features load slowly. A higher iOS also aids in the compatibility of devices the watch can connect and pair with.
-
Cost-Effectiveness
Technological devices, especially those with impressive features, often have a high price tag. We offer products at multiple prices, allowing people of all budgets to experience high-quality tracking.
Care and Maintenance
Safety
It is important to remember to charge the smartwatch before use. Luckily, all smartwatches have a protective circuit built-in to prevent lithium-ion batteries from overcharging.
Once charged, you must ensure it is secure to avoid accidents or breakage.
To check accurate tightening, you should be able to get a finger’s width between your wrist and the band. It should be tight enough to avoid sliding or moving. However, it should not leave marks on your skin. We recommend loosening the strap a little when you are not actively exercising.
Hydration
During your workout sessions, remember to stay hydrated. Not only does this ensure that you remain healthy and alert, but it will also lead to accurate readings of your vitals by smartwatches.
Cleaning
After use, wipe down the strap and display with a gentle microfiber cloth to remove any sweat or dirt. Do not submerge the watch in water, and do not use harsh chemical cleaning products or bristles. Smartwatches can air or hang dry.
Sources and Research
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