If you’re in the market for a smartwatch but Apple Watch models just don’t quite fit your needs, you’re in luck: Plenty of fantastic alternatives are out there. Maybe you don’t own an iPhone, or you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly. Whatever your reason, it’s good to know that there are plenty of top smartwatches that offer great features and performance without the Apple design – or price tag.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Apple Watch Alternatives:
Given that an Apple Watch doesn’t play nicely with Android systems, anyone who doesn’t buy into the Apple ecosystem should look at the loads of other smartwatches that can integrate seamlessly with alternative platforms, giving you access to your notifications, fitness tracking, and contactless payments. Or, if you’re mainly interested in health and fitness metrics, some wearables are designed specifically to help you monitor your workouts, sleep, and overall wellness.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Best Apple Watch Alternative
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
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Google Wear OS-powered smartwatch with advanced tracking, a bright AMOLED display, and decent battery life.
Classic and sleek circular watch design
New BioActive sensors improve accuracy
AI health features exclusive to Samsung Galaxy phones
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is easily the best Android smartwatch, offering comfort, style, and functionality. The latest generation rocks a minimalist band with a sharp, circular, and responsive AMOLED touch display nearly identical to previous models for more of a classic timepiece look. A new gesture feature adds more one-handed functionality, so you won’t constantly be tapping the display.
A wide range of advanced sensors monitor skin temperature, ECG, and blood oxygen saturation, along with reliable automatic exercise detection and solid sleep tracking. A new BioActive sensor improves the accuracy of metrics. Samsung upped this watch’s abilities further, offering ways to detect sleep apnea, like the Apple Watch Series 10. Other AI health tools, including an Energy Score, can offer even more helpful health insights. Unfortunately, the AI features are limited to Galaxy phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Those features, plus the ability to send messages, answer calls, and make payments are all thanks to a reliable and snappy 3-nanometer Exynos chip. Performance is smooth across the board, and when paired with Google’s Wear OS and Samsung One UI skin, the experience seamlessly accesses just about any app you’d want. However, this model’s battery life remains virtually unchanged, lasting an average of about 24 hours with typical usage. It’s not great, but still better than the Apple Watch Series 10.
With various color options, 40mm and 44mm sizes, and swappable watch bands and faces, the Galaxy Watch 7 is highly customizable. It’s possible to connect with your phone via Bluetooth and the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, or you can use cellular connectivity.
2. Google Pixel Watch 3
Best Casual Apple Watch Alternative
Google Pixel Watch 3
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Google’s latest smartwatch is twice as bright and lasts up to 36 hours in battery saver mode.
Battery life
Up to 24 hours (36 hours with battery saver mode)
Battery life still the same as the Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a game-changer in the world of smartwatches, combining a sleek design with cutting-edge features to help you stay on top of your fitness goals and daily routine. With a 45mm screen that’s twice as bright and 40% larger than its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3 makes it easier than ever to see your stats and information at a glance, whether you’re on a run or just checking your messages.
For runners, the Pixel Watch 3 is packed with features to help you maximize your workouts. You can build custom runs, get real-time guidance, and even track your form with advanced metrics. With Fitbit Premium, Google AI takes your goals, past runs, and fitness readiness into account to offer personalized recommendations, making every run more effective and tailored to your needs. Plus, the readiness feature helps you understand what your body can handle each day, attuning to whether it’s time to push hard or focus on recovery.
Beyond fitness, the Pixel Watch 3 is designed to seamlessly integrate with your life. It offers 24 hours of battery life with an always-on display, and up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode. You can access Google Maps offline, use Google Wallet for payments, and even control your Pixel camera right from your wrist. Whether you’re listening to music with Pixel Buds or checking your Nest Cam feed, this watch makes it simple and convenient to stay connected.
3. Garmin Venu 3
Best Apple Watch Alternative for iPhone Users
Garmin Venu 3
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Beyond exercise tracking, GPS, and phone notifications, the Venu 3 has a unique Body Battery tool and other advanced fitness features.
Battery Life
Up to 14 days
No subscription needed for health metrics
Apps aren’t very intuitive
Equipped with a sharp AMOLED display and impressive battery life, the Garmin Venu 3 is a fantastic pick for iPhone users (or anyone, really) who want more robust fitness options and a circular watch design.
It comes with the features you’ve come to expect from a smartwatch — including accurate GPS, phone notifications, music, fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and much more. The Venu 3 has upgraded the unique Body Battery tool that gives insight into when you should work out and even added nap detection, sleep coaching, and wheelchair tracking. That’s just scratching the surface of its fitness functionality.
The smartwatch is versatile and even does things the Apple Watch just can’t do. However, it doesn’t offer cellular connectivity, so you’ll need to pair it with a smartphone to get the most out of the Venu 3.
4. Fitbit Sense 2
Best Apple Watch Alternative for Fitness
Fitbit Sense 2
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Want to monitor your health stats and fitness? The Fitbit Sense 2 is a little more indulgent but offers plenty of worthwhile data.
Works with Android and iPhone
For the physically fit, the Fitbit Sense 2 (by Google) is the smartwatch of choice and one of the best Fitbits overall. It’s loaded with useful fitness sensors, including GPS to track activities with more than 40 exercise modes, a skin temperature sensor to monitor body heat, and continuous ElectroDermal Activity (cEDA) to track stress. The smartwatch is water-resistant too, so you can wear it while swimming laps in a pool.
The Fitbit Sense 2, which can last a very impressive six days per battery charge, also works with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant for real-time updates and Google Wallet for contactless and quick payment.
5. Amazfit Active 2
Best Budget Apple Watch Alternative
Amazfit Active 2
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Wallet-friendly smartwatch with tons of health and fitness tracking and a GPS
Battery Life
Up to 10 days
Handy strength training mode
For under $100, the Amazfit Active 2 offers tons of sensors, over 160 sports modes, and a GPS to cover every health and fitness tracking need. A unique strength training mode automatically recognizes different moves, while an AI coach can guide workouts. Downloadable maps add more functionality, providing turn-by-turn directions without needing to be connected to a smartphone. Admittedly, not all tracking and sensors will be as accurate and precise as an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, but for the price, it can’t be beat.
Rather than Google’s Wear OS or Apple’s watchOS, the Amazfit Active 2 runs on Zepp. This lesser-known software still offers a range of apps and faces. It’s fairly simple to master, and an AI assistant, similar to Siri, is built-in to adjust settings, reply to messages, and more. Unfortunately, it will cost extra to add NFC support. There’s no cellular, but the watch shouldn’t have a problem connecting to iPhones or Androids via Bluetooth.
The Amazfit Active 2 keeps the design sleek and simple with a circular, stainless steel body. It feels surprisingly premium, and the 1.32-inch AMOLED display is responsive and easy to see in just about any lighting conditions. The lightweight build ensures it remains comfortable on wrist, and you won’t need to worry about taking it off often, as the watch can last up to 10 days depending on usage. It’s really one of the best budget fitness trackers out there.
6. Garmin Enduro 3
Best Battery Life in an Apple Watch Alternative
Garmin Enduro 3
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Go the distance with the Enduro 3 thanks to an epic battery life, brilliant maps, and whole lot more fitness features.
Battery Life
90 days smartwatch mode, 320 hours GPS mode with solar power
Advanced GPS and map features
Clunky for smaller wrists
Smartwatches bring tons of capability to your wrist, but most are lucky to last 24 hours. The Apple Watch Series 10 averages about 18 hours, and that number can tank when you add in constant GPS tracking. The Garmin Enduro 3 is one of the few watches ready to survive weeks or even months on a single charge depending on usage. Plus, with a unique Power Sapphire lens for solar power-saving, it’s possible to squeeze 90 days of charge in smartwatch mode or 320 hours in GPS mode with proper lighting conditions. Even without garnering energy from the sun, the Enduro 3 significantly outlasts other smartwatches.
Beyond battery life, this smartwatch is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to GPS tracking and running features. From topo maps and grade-adjusted pace to a new dynamic round-trip routing feature that adapts your route to stay on schedule, it’s ready to go the distance. Updated sensors provide more accurate insights into your health and wellness journey, and of course, you get all the tracking and sports modes you could need. Other smarts like app notifications, calls, and music playback are slightly limited, as this watch is more fitness-focused.
It’s clear that the Garmin Enduro 3 was built for adventurers. A titanium body and bezel can handle tons of wear and tear, while the 100m water resistance is ideal for divers and swimmers. Its touch display isn’t as flashy as other smartwatches, but it’s still reliable and provides easy viewing. Several buttons surrounding the watch make navigating all the features easier, especially if you’re wearing gloves. Garmin even includes a tiny LED flashlight for when you get stuck on a trail later than expected. Just be prepared for this featuref-rich watch to feel a little clunky on smaller wrists.
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
Best Rugged Apple Watch Alternative
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
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Take this rugged smartwatch on the trails with its GPS map support and “Track Back” feature for finding your way if you’re lost in the wilderness
Battery Life
Up to 80 hours
Great for outdoor enthusiasts
One size doesn’t fit all
Instead of the Apple Watch Ultra, go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro we reviewed and gave high marks, especially for rugged outdoor use. At 45mm, the Android smartwatch is designed for adventure and the great outdoors with a wide range of features, such as GPS map support and Samsung’s “Track Back” for finding your way if you’re lost in the wilderness.
The smartwatch is made from durable Titanium and Sapphire crystal glass, while its long-lasting battery life will get you up to 80 hours of use per charge. Starting at $450, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is also nearly 45 percent less expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2.
8. TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4
Best Luxury Apple Watch Alternative
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4
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With a premium build, high price tag, smartwatch basics, and health tracking, the is for those who love luxury.
Battery Life
Up to 24 hours
Smooth, consistent performance
Smart features are more subdued
If money is no object, TAG Heuer makes a brilliant smartwatch that passes for a stunning classic timepiece. The Connected Calibre E4 offers up a crisp, clear touch display set behind sapphire crystal, while the watch’s body is made of durable steel or titanium and ceramic. It’s obvious more attention to detail was paid in the creation of this watch over the Apple Watch, as both sandblasted and polished elements on the frame deliver a truly premium feel. TAG Heuer’s collection of watch faces are equally stunning. A sturdy rubber crown also makes it easy to scroll menus and additional buttons ensure you don’t always need to rely on the touchscreen.
While looks make the Connected Calibre E4 a standout, it’s also full of all the smartwatch features you’d expect. Fitness tracking and workouts are all available via the TAG Heuer Sports app. TAG Heuer is also known for its brilliant golf app, which offers maps, distance, and other tools for out on the green if that’s your thing. However, this watch is a little light on the sensors compared to others; only a heart rate monitor, compass, and barometer are included. Still, a GPS can map walks, runs, and more.
Using the watch should be butter smooth, consistent, and simple thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor and Google WearOS. It seamlessly connects to Android devices but works pretty well with the best iPhones too. Though the Connected Calibre E4 can receive notifications, it can’t answer calls. Battery life is similar to the Apple Watch Series 10, lasting around a day depending on usage. While the smarts may be more subdued on this option, if you’re after luxury, it’s hard to beat.
What to Look for in an Apple Watch Alternative in 2025
The Apple Watch might be the most popular smartwatch in the world, but plenty of people might want something more than what the wearable device can offer. For some, the Apple Watch is limited in function and style, or its price might be out of reach.
Meanwhile, a lot of tAndroid smartphone users can’t use the Apple Watch altogether because the two are just not compatible. With the wide range of Apple Watch alternatives, it might be intimidating to find the best smartwatch for you. IGN experts have put together a guide to make the selection process a little easier.
Compatibility
Although Apple Watch alternatives run different operating systems, the most popular one is Google WearOS. For the most part, it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices via smartphone app and Bluetooth, but some manufacturers like Samsung and even Google itself restrict their watches to just Android smartphones. Make sure your smartphone is compatible with your smartwatch of choice.
Usability
What’s the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch? These days, the line between them has blurred. However, this doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable, but rather just getting better at adapting features from one to the other.
A fitness tracker is smaller and primarily for tracking health goals, including heart rate monitoring, counting steps, calories burned, blood oxygen levels, and more. It might even include workout specific modes, like running, swimming, cycling, and others. For example: The Fitbit Sense 2 is a fitness tracker that has some features of a smartwatch, like smartphone notifications, and contactless payments, but its main use is for fitness and health.
A smartwatch is typically a bit bigger, looks more like a traditional watch compared to a fitness tracker, and can handle additional tasks, like notifications, emails, messaging, maps, and more. Smartwatches can track fitness and health goals too, but most likely can’t track and record more detailed and workout-specific data.
If you want a wearable device for the gym, then go with a dedicated fitness tracker. For that plus everything else, go with a smartwatch.
Price
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Apple Watch is its price with its least expensive model being the Apple Watch SE, which starts at $249. However, you can get a decent alternative for as little as $100 with the Amazfit Active 2. There are a lot of alternatives that can do just about everything an Apple Watch can do, but at a lower price. The closest comparison to the Apple Watch is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
Style
Let’s face it, most people looking for an Apple Watch alternative aren’t happy with Apple’s rounded-corners square design. Tech manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Garmin, and others have seized this design “flaw” and introduced smartwatches with circular designs, like traditional watches. Simply put, there are a wide range of smartwatches that just look like a watch — which is very appealing to a lot of people.
If you’re looking for a smartwatch with a circular design, go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Google Pixel Watch 3. At first glance, they look like traditional watches, but can do just about everything the Apple Watch can do. If you’re an iPhone user, but want a completely round design in your smartwatch, then go with the Garmin Venu 3 or TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4. Both are compatible with the iPhone and look pretty slick, too.
Apple Watch Alternatives FAQ
What’s the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?
Both smartwatches and fitness trackers focus on tracking your health and fitness, offering a range of sensors for better insights. Smartwatches take things further by providing additional smarts, like app notifications, phone call support, and even music playback. They also feature larger screens and tend to offer GPS support. Some even come with cellular connectivity for an additional charge on your phone bill. Fitness trackers usually pull ahead in battery life due to their smaller size and more limited feature set. Still, there is a good deal of overlap between smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Do all smartwatches support cellular service?
While you can get an Apple Watch with support for cellular service, not all smartwatches will offer this feature. The Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are two alternatives that have the option to add this feature. However, it costs more to purchase a watch with cellular support, and then there’s another monthly fee added to your phone bill to support it.
Even without cellular, many smartwatches can perform typical features of the best smartphones, like receiving notifications, responding to texts, and answering calls when connected to a phone via Bluetooth or on a Wi-Fi network. If you don’t have any way to access the internet, then a smartwatch won’t be the most useful.
Do I need a smartphone to use a smartwatch?
While a smartphone isn’t always necessary to use a smartwatch, it’s certainly recommended. Some smartwatches support cellular and can function like tiny smartphones. However, if you don’t have that connectivity, the majority of smartwatch features won’t be accessible or as useful without a phone.
Rudie Obias is a tech freelance writer and editor who is also interested in cinema, pop culture, music, the NBA, and science fiction. His work can be found at Fandom, TV Guide, Metacritic, Yahoo!, Mashable, Mental Floss, and of course, IGN. Follow him @RudieObias on Twitter & IG.
Danielle Abraham is a Tech freelance writer based in Los Angeles who spends her free time creating videos and geeking out over music history.
