Samsung releases new smartwatches every year. They're much loved by its customers across the globe. The company went in a different direction for its smartwatches when it decided to embrace the circular design, allowing it to offer customers a more natural user experience. It also uses its own Tizen platform for these devices so that it can offer more functionality.
It has taken Samsung some time to perfect its smartwatch philosophy. The Galaxy Gear, released in 2013, was its very first smartwatch and quite far from being the best Samsung watch. Samsung made significant improvements to its watches in the years since. It ended up shifting entirely to Tizen OS, adopting a circular design, a physical rotating bezel for navigation and launched LTE models.
It used to be that Samsung smartwatches weren't just compatible with the company's Galaxy smartphones. Not only could you use them with any Android phone, but Samsung also even made its watches compatible with iPhones.
However, that changed in August 2021 when the Galaxy Watch 4 came out and it wasn't made compatible with the iPhone. It does work with all Android phones but there's no support for the iOS platform. That holds true for subsequent models as well.
These are some of the best Samsung smartwatches available today. The list has been put together by our expert reviewers. It includes the latest models as well as Samsung smartwatches that provide the best value for money in 2023.
Our Best Samsung Watch List
Our list of best Samsung smartwatches for 2023 includes the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. These are the latest smartwatches from Samsung. Aside from several new features, the Classic model also brings back the physical rotating bezel, a feature much loved by the fans of Samsung's smartwatches.The list includes a couple of models from previous years as well since they provide good value for money.
Best Samsung Watch – Overall: Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is offered in 47mm and 43mm sizes with a 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display respectively. Samsung has made the display bezels slimmer and also reduced the size of the rotating bezel to fit a larger display without having to increase the overall footprint too much. The return of the fan-favorite rotating bezel earns this watch a place on our list.
Among the reasons why the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the best overall Samsung watch is the fact that it ships with the latest 1.4Hz dual-core Exynos W930 chipset that delivers noticeable power and battery efficiency. The RAM has also been increased to 2GB and its paired with 16GB of onboard storage.
A plethora of sensors are present to provide accurate health and fitness tracking. The features include heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, ECG, BIA, irregular heart rhythm notification, fall detection, and more. Samsung has also significantly improved the sleep tracking functionality which now provides sleep coaching to help you get a good night's rest. Prices start at $399.
Reasons to buy: New chipset, better specs, improved sleep tracking and physical rotating bezel.
Who should buy: Enthusiasts of an active lifestyle , smartwatch lovers and loyal Samsung fans.
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic hands-on | Buy Galaxy Watch 6 from Samsung.com
Best Samsung Watch – Fitness Tracking: Galaxy Watch 5
Offered in two sizes, the Galaxy Watch 5 ditches the physical rotating bezel that has long been a permanent fixture on Samsung's smartwatches. It does get Sapphire Crystal on top of the display for added protection and durability.
There are quite a few reasons why the Galaxy Watch 5 is the best Samsung watch for fitness tracking. It utilizes the powerful Exynos W920 chipset that's paired with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. A plethora of health and fitness sensors are onboard, including a new temperature sensor.
In addition to monitoring ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, and BIA, the watch also provides improved sleep tracking that now includes coaching to help you get a good night's rest. Prices started at $279 upon launch but since the Galaxy Watch 6 has been unveiled, you can find it for much lower, which is why it's deserving of a spot on this list.
Reasons to buy: Sleek design, bigger battery, better health and fitness features.
Who should buy: Those who live an active lifestyle, smartwatch lovers and loyal Samsung fans.
Galaxy Watch 5 Review | Buy Galaxy Watch 5 on Samsung.com
Best Samsung Watch – Value for money: Galaxy Watch Active 2
Samsung's 2019 lineup was entirely focused on customers who live the active lifestyle. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 improved upon its predecessor in more ways than one. It was offered in larger sizes with increased battery capacity and additional fitness tracking features. Samsung also improved the accuracy of the sensors used to track fitness metrics. Those are just some of the reasons why it's on our list of best Samsung smartwatches.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 also included a digital rotating bezel. It provided users with a unique way of navigating the interface of their smartwatch. Features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring were first introduced with the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It remains a viable option for those who primarily want a smartwatch for fitness tracking. Prices start at $249.
Through a recent software update, Samsung has brought many of the Galaxy Watch 3's new features to the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Reasons to buy: Larger sizes, health and fitness tracking features and a more affordable price.
Who should buy: Customers who want a smartwatch that offers great health and fitness tracking and looks great doing it.
Galaxy Watch Active 2 Review | Buy Galaxy Watch Active 2 on Amazon
Best Samsung Watch – Battery Champ: Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has the same specs as the Galaxy Watch 5 but there's one crucial area where it outshines every other Samsung smartwatch before it. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is an absolute battery champ. You'll find a massive 590mAh battery under the hood that's enough for four days on a single charge, even more if you're not pushing the watch too hard.
The integrated GPS is backed up by two new hiking navigation features exclusive to this smartwatch. The features, coupled with the bigger battery, will give you the peace of mind that your smartwatch will not die on you when you're out in the great outdoors. Prices start at $479.
Reasons to buy: Amazing battery life, solid design and hiking navigation features.
Who should buy: Those who live a very active lifestyle and require more battery longevity.
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Review | Buy Galaxy Watch 5 Pro on Samsung.com
Why These Are The Best Samsung Smartwatches In 2023
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the best overall not just because it's the latest Samsung smartwatch, but because it's brings back a design and functional element that's long been a favorite of Samsung's loyal smartwatch buyers. It also brings the latest specs and provides great health and fitness tracking features.
The company has also improved Wear OS with its newest smartwatches to enhance usability. The typing experience is much easier, navigation is simpler, and the new watchfaces bring additional customization options.
Samsung's fitness-focused watches, the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 remain attractive options because they offer great health and fitness tracking features. They're more affordable now as well since they've been out for some time and can often be picked up at a discount.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is worthy of a place on this best Samsung watch list because it's truly a “Pro” model with its massive battery. Users will not face any battery life anxiety with this smartwatch, which also has all the goods to help them thrive in their active lifestyles.
