Top 5 Smartwatches (2026 Edition)
From premium fitness wearables to affordable all-rounders, these are the smartwatches that stand out in 2026. Clear recommendations, honest pros and cons, and quick links to check today’s prices.
Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch (AMOLED Touchscreen)
The vívoactive 5 is Garmin’s sweet spot between advanced fitness tracking and everyday smartwatch convenience. With a gorgeous AMOLED display, long battery life, and Garmin’s unmatched health metrics, it’s perfect for users who want serious fitness data without the bulk or complexity of premium sports watches.
Best For:
Fitness enthusiasts, runners, and anyone who wants accurate health tracking with a polished, modern screen.
Approx. Price: £150 – £200
(Links to Amazon are provided for convenience. Prices and ratings may change after publication.)
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a friendlier price. It’s fast, stylish, easy to use, and integrates perfectly with iPhone features like Messages, Apple Pay, and Find My. It’s the best value smartwatch for Apple fans.
Best For:
iPhone users who want an affordable, reliable smartwatch with strong everyday features and smooth app performance.
Approx. Price: £170 – £200
(Links to Amazon are provided for convenience. Prices and ratings may change after publication.)
Cillso Smartwatch with alexa built in
Cillso’s smartwatch packs a surprising amount of tech into a low-cost package, including Alexa voice control, Bluetooth calling, and a bright 1.83″ display. It’s ideal for first-time smartwatch users who want features without the premium price tag.
Best For:
Budget shoppers, teens, and smartwatch beginners who want lots of smartwatch features without spending big.
Approx. Price: £50 – £75
(Links to Amazon are provided for convenience. Prices and ratings may change after publication.)
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 Smartwatch
Samsung’s Galaxy Fit3 offers an excellent balance of comfort, simplicity, and accurate fitness tracking. With a slim design and a surprisingly large display, it’s perfect for users who want a light wristband rather than a chunky smartwatch.
Best For:
People who prefer a slim, lightweight fitness tracker for daily health monitoring and exercise tracking.
Approx. Price: £45 – £55
(Links to Amazon are provided for convenience. Prices and ratings may change after publication.)
Google Fitbit Versa4 Fitness Smartwatch
The Fitbit Versa 4 focuses on health, wellness, and coaching with excellent sleep tracking, guided workouts, and reliable GPS. With up to six days of battery life, it’s great for users who prefer a health-first approach over app-heavy smartwatch features.
Best For:
People focused on sleep, wellness, and structured fitness routines who prefer long battery life over app complexity.
Approx. Price: £125 – £150
(Links to Amazon are provided for convenience. Prices and ratings may change after publication.)
Images shown may only be reflective, full product images can be seen by following the link to the Amazon website.
⌚ Smartwatch Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right One
Decide What You’ll Use It For
Start by identifying what matters most:
Clear priorities make choosing far easier.
Check the Fitness & Health Features
Modern smartwatches track everything, but not equally. Look for:
If you exercise regularly, choose a model with accurate GPS and strong health insights (Garmin, Fitbit).
Battery Life Matters More Than You Think
Smartwatch battery life varies massively:
If you hate constant charging, avoid heavy app ecosystems.
Consider Comfort & Size
Your smartwatch should be comfortable enough to wear day and night.
Key comfort factors:
Try to match the case size to your wrist shape; lighter watches tend to be better for fitness and sleep.
Think About App Ecosystem & Compatibility
Some smartwatches work best within their own brand family:
If you switch phones often, choose a brand-agnostic model.
Display Type & Brightness
Modern displays fall into two main types:
If you run outside or check your watch in sunlight, choose AMOLED.
Durability & Water Resistance
Look for:
For heavy sports use, Garmin tends to be the most durable.
Budget Range — What to Expect
£30 – £100 (Budget)
£100 – £200 (Mid Range)
£200+ (Premium)