The 5 best smartwatches of 2026: Comparing the latest models from Apple, Google, and Samsung

The best smartwatches make it easy to monitor your health, track your workout progress, and check your notifications on the go.

Top brands like Apple, Garmin, Google, and Samsung have all launched new smartwatches in recent months, so whether you're team Apple or team Android , you have excellent choices for your wrist.

Now that we've researched the biggest releases, tested a handful of them ourselves, and drawn upon the expertise of our Ziff Davis colleagues at CNET and PCMag to fill in the gaps, we're ready to name the best smartwatches of 2026.

Spoiler: You really can't go wrong with any of the latest flagship models.

The best smartwatches at a glance: Best smartwatch for most iPhone users Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget smartwatch for iPhone users Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219.00 at Walmart Shop Now Best Android smartwatch Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm, Bluetooth/WiFi) $399.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget Android smartwatch Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79.00 at Amazon Shop Now Best Samsung smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) $379.99 at Amazon Shop Now The smartwatch market is crowded, and that's good news Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable In just the past few months, Samsung, Apple, Garmin , and Google have all rolled out new smartwatches.

Later this month, Google will also debut the brand-new Fitbit Edge with a bright display and advanced fitness features. (The Venn diagram of the best smartwatches and the best fitness trackers is basically a perfect circle.) The competition intensifies when you factor in other wearables like smart rings and sleep trackers .

Price-wise, most of our favorite smartwatches cost somewhere between $250 and $400, though they're often on sale for much less.

However, you don't have to spend very much to get a kick-ass smartwatch.

In fact, we have an excellent option for folks with budgets capped at $100.

So, which watches deserve a spot on your wrist? (Say that five times fast.) Here's our definitive guide to the best smartwatches for 2026 shoppers.

The best smartwatch for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 12 Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable If you're an iPhone user, we think you'll be very happy with Apple's latest smartwatch, the Series 12.

Mashable's Stan Schroeder is in the process of testing it right now, and he said that while it may look similar to last year's model — other than some new ceramic case options — "it does bring a number of big improvements inside." The Series 12 has a new S11 chip that adds support for Audio Intelligence tools .

Moreover, it boasts "an entirely new electrical and optical heart sensor," and offers more battery life during workouts (plus faster charging), Schroeder said.