Smartwatch Buying Guide: Top Picks for Every User and Budget

This WIRED article, updated in April 2025, is a comprehensive guide to the best smartwatches across multiple categories, including those best suited for iPhone and Android users, kids, and fitness enthusiasts. It offers detailed reviews of top picks like the Apple Watch Series 10, Google Pixel Watch 3, and Samsung Galaxy Watch7, alongside budget-friendly options such as the CMF Watch Pro 2. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right device based on your needs—whether it’s for accessing apps and notifications or focusing on fitness tracking and battery life. It also highlights concerns over PFAS chemicals in fluoroelastomer straps and recommends alternative materials like leather, silicone, and metal. In addition to top models, the article lists other noteworthy smartwatches like the Withings ScanWatch 2 and Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro, and even offers advice on watch strap customization. The piece serves not just as a buying guide but also as an educational resource to help users understand differences between smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings. A few underperforming or overpriced models are also called out in a section on which watches to avoid.