Smartwatch operating systems include Apple Watch OS, Samsung’s Tizen, Fitbit OS, and Google Wear. All of them offer a great set of features and can hit different price points, though if you’re more fitness-focused and want standalone LTE and GPS connectivity to track your runs, be sure to also take a look at our list of the best fitness trackers. Without further ado, read on to see the best smartwatches for women. The nice looks aside, the Fitbit Versa 3 is heavily wellness-focused. The smartwatch can track your runs, monitor your heart rate, sleep schedule, and keep track of your workouts and activity tracking. It has support for smart voice assistants, can store music, and do playback. It doesn’t have the more advanced sensors that track SPO2 and stress levels like the Fitbit Sense, but the six-day battery life is an excellent trade-off. Size: 1.59 inches | Weight: 1.5oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Battery Life: 6+ days | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters While most wearables are content to stop at a step counter, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is capable of tracking up to 39 different fitness activities, ranging from cycling to rowing or swimming. As of February of this year, Samsung’s health app now also offers menstrual cycle tracking, a noticeably absent feature from the original wearable. This wearable also comes in a variety of colors for both its 40 and 44mm watch faces, as well as different bands available in either leather or sweat-friendly nylon. But there are a virtually limitless number of third-party wristbands for this wearable that allow it to suit nearly any style. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 can last several days on a single charge and can even be topped off from other Samsung devices through its convenient Wireless PowerShare feature. Screen Size: 1.4 inches | Weight: 1.48oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE| Battery Life: 340mAh | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters The display is still an always-on Retina display, but it’s now 2.5 times brighter than the one you get on the Series 5, making for easier sunlight visibility. On the software end, there are lots of new features rolled in with watchOS 7. You get an oximeter to measure blood oxygen levels, sleep tracking which can detect sleep apnea, and an always-on altimeter for hiking and climbing to track elevation. An improved wireless chip (U1 Ultra Wideband) also offers improved tracking and accuracy for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Screen Size: 1.78 inches | Weight: 1.1oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE| Battery Life: All day | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters These detailed metrics appear on the device and in more detail on the companion Garmin Connect app, which works in harmony with the device. The Forerunner 745 offers generous customization power with several watch faces, customizable widgets, and workout apps, as well as access to the Garmin IQ app store for other helpful integrations. This capable training tracker also adds a few helpful connected touches including smartphone notifications, onboard music storage of up to 500 songs, Garmin Pay, and an emergency alert system. While the Forerunner 745 lacks a touchscreen, five intuitive buttons, a light, and a sun-reflective color display provide easy visibility and control mid-workout and throughout the day. The body, though it’s solidly built, swimproof to 50 meters, and features substantial silicone, fiber-reinforced polymer, and Gorilla Corning glass, isn’t unnecessarily bulky for smaller wrists or daily wear. While the ecosystem and design are user-friendly and customizable, the premium price tag and training metrics situate this device as ideal for the goal-oriented user. Screen Size: 1.65 inches | Weight: 1.66oz Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS | Battery Life: Up to 7 days | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters (3ATM) Aside from design innovations, the Fitbit Sense features a biosensor core that can provide clues about wellness changes. New sensors measure skin temperature, SPO2 (blood oxygen saturation), and provide even more accurate 24/7 heart rate tracking. The device-exclusive ECG app puts the Sense in company with the Apple Watch, and EDA monitoring, which tracks electrodermal responses, encourages stress management throughout the day by logging reflections and meditation sessions. Our product reviewer found the brand’s battery life claim of over six days to be accurate and appreciated the consistently quick charging times. She was less impressed by GPS consistency, but was a fan of the Sense’s general wellness support and the opportunity to view long-term trends via the companion Fitbit mobile app. Screen Size: 1.58 inches | Weight: 1.6oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Battery Life: Up to 6 days | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters The Fossil Juliana now features built-in GPS tracking as well as heart rate and activity tracking powered by Google Fit making it a solid option for fitness in addition to being an effective accessory. While Google Fit doesn’t natively support menstrual cycle tracking, it can still import data from third-party apps like Clue or Glow and the 8GB of onboard storage provides you with plenty of space for 3rd party apps as well as music. While currently only available in a 44mm face format, the Fossil Juliana comes in a variety of finishes and bands to complete any look making it an excellent accessory despite its steep price. Screen Size: 1.28 inches | Weight: 3.5oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC | Battery Life: Multi-day battery | Water Resistance: Up to 30 meters Pair it with your smartphone, and you’ll receive all your calls, messages, and notifications, plus it’ll track things such as your heart rate, sleep, menstrual cycle, and activity. The battery lasts about three days on a single charge, which is exceptional if you’re comparing it to the Apple Watch, but disappointing if you compare it to other Fitbit models. But if you didn’t have to charge it, you’d likely never take it off because it’s fully waterproof, meaning you can wear it in the shower (and even in the swimming pool), and also so comfortable you can sleep with it on. Screen Size: 1.2 inches | Weight: 1.41 z Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Battery Life: 6+ days | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters This fashion-forward wearable also boasts several smart touches for staying in touch and active, thanks to the Wear OS platform. Take advantage of several battery modes that conserve the battery for 24-hour or multi-day use. Conveniences such as Theater Mode dim the display entirely, and Google Pay helps you leave your wallet at home if you please. You can also keep on top of all of your most important updates, whether from your favorite social media platforms, texts, emails, or scheduling reminders. This mic-enabled device also keeps Google Assistant assistant handy for setting reminders or checking in for a calendar update and provides a fast way to answer calls right from your wrist. The Google Fit suite of wellness tools is available to track indoor and outdoor workouts, though you will need your smartphone to find a tethered GPS connection for distance-based activities—and accuracy might vary. The Access Gen 5E can also monitor heart rate and sleep basics, which adds to the appeal for around-the-clock wear. When it comes down to it, this classy-looking wearable will transition from the workday to the gym in style. Screen Size: 1.19 inches | Weight: 1.89 z Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Battery Life: Up to 24 hours | Water Resistance: Up to 30 meters (3ATM) You won’t find any features lacking either. The Falster 3 has heart-rate monitoring, GPS tracking, NFC to use for Google Pay, water-resistance up to 30 meters, integration with Google Fit, and various sensors like an altimeter and gyroscope. The only thing missing is an LTE model. Screen Size: 1.3 inches | Weight: 1.44oz Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC | Battery Life: One day | Water Resistance: Up to 30 meters (3ATM) Yoona Wagener has been reviewing products for Lifewire since 2019. With a background in software and tech, she specializes in sporting and fitness tech. Ajay Kumar is Tech Editor at Lifewire with almost a decade of experience in the industry. He’s reviewed thousands of products, from phones to smartwatches and fitness trackers. Rebecca Isaacs has been writing for Lifewire since 2019, and she’s passionate about testing new gadgets.
What to Look for in Women’s Smartwatches
Style
You no longer have to sacrifice on aesthetics when it comes to choosing a smartwatch. These days, there’s a wide range of styles available, from sporty to techie to designer. Choose an option that you won’t mind showing off on a regular basis.
Price
Early smartwatches were wildly expensive, but they’ve started to come down in price and are now more on par with traditional watches. Most hover in the $200 range, but you can find basic options for as little as $30.
Functionality
It may look cool, but does your smartwatch truly add value to your life? At their most basic, smartwatches can track your activity level and sleep patterns. However, more advanced models can also act as a smart assistant, working together with your phone to notify you of new messages and upcoming appointments. Some even have support for Apple Pay or Android Pay, so you never have to whip out your credit card again.
