8 Best Smartwatches for Every Budget: Summer 2025 Guide

Summer is just around the corner, and for smartwatch enthusiasts like us that means one thing: new watches to consider. While a smartwatch is a gadget meant and desgined to be worn and used year around, they do provide more benefit in summer than other times of year. Since they come with GPS-tracking, maps, music integration and, depending on the model, wireless payment options, they can effectively (albeit temporarily) replace the need for both your wallet and your phone, which is perfect for days at the beach, long walks, and those impulsive adventures that summer often brings.

While searching for the perfect smartwatch, we've found that budget plays a crucial role in decision-making. Fortunately, there's something for everyone, from the affordable Amazfit Active 2 to premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. If you're an iPhone user, Apple Watch remains the gold standard, with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Android users, however, have excellent choices in the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Despite the price differences, many smartwatches now offer impressive health tracking capabilities, including ECG and blood pressure monitoring on premium models.

From our extensive research, we've compiled this summer guide to help you find the perfect wrist companion, regardless of your budget or smartphone preference. Let's explore the nine best smartwatches that actually deliver on their promises in 2025.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands as the most rugged and feature-packed smartwatch in Apple's lineup, sporting a distinctive titanium case that now comes in both natural and sleek black finishes. We've found this premium wearable particularly impressive for outdoor enthusiasts who demand extreme durability and extended battery life without sacrificing smart features.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 key features

The Ultra 2 features a stunning 49mm case crafted from 95% recycled titanium, making it significantly more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. Its most eye-catching feature is the extraordinary 3,000-nit display—50% brighter than the original Ultra—ensuring perfect visibility even in harsh sunlight.

The watch differentiates itself from standard Apple Watches with several unique elements:

• A customizable orange Action button for quick access to workouts or other functions
• More tactile digital crown and side buttons designed for gloved hands
• A powerful 86-decibel emergency siren for safety situations
• Depth gauge capable of measuring up to 40 metres underwater (131 feet)

Notably, the Ultra 2 boasts impressive environmental resilience, with operating altitudes ranging from -500 to 9,000 metres (-1,640 to 29,500 feet), far exceeding the capabilities of standard smartwatches. Additionally, it carries MIL-STD 810H certification, confirming its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, freezing/thawing, blowing sand, vibration, and shock.

For connectivity, the Ultra 2 includes cellular support as standard, alongside Bluetooth, dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), and Wi-Fi. The S9 processor powers everything smoothly, particularly beneficial for the new double-tap gesture control that allows operation without touching the screen.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 pros and cons

Pros:

• Extraordinarily bright 3,000-nit display for perfect outdoor visibility
• Powerful S9 processor enabling snappy performance
• Expanded operating altitude range (-500m to 9,000m)
• Carbon-neutral build options with certain bands
• Excellent battery life (36-72 hours depending on usage)
• Comprehensive workout tracking with training load insights
• Precision dual-frequency GPS for superior accuracy

Cons:

• Expensive price point compared to other smartwatches
• Battery life, although improved, still falls short of dedicated sports watches
• Limited improvements over the first-generation Ultra model
• iPhone-only compatibility excludes Android users

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is best for

The Ultra 2 particularly excels for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts requiring a combination of smart features and rugged durability. It's especially suited for:

Outdoor explorers and hikers benefit from its offline maps, backtrack features, and waypoint marking capabilities. Divers gain access to a built-in dive computer (through the Oceanic+ app) with automatic depth sensing to 40 metres and water temperature monitoring.

Moreover, the watch delivers exceptional value for athletes training for endurance events. Its training load feature provides insights about workout impact over time, helping users determine when to push harder and when to recover. With customizable workout views and heart rate zones, runners and cyclists can precisely monitor their performance metrics during activities.

Nevertheless, casual users primarily seeking smartwatch functionality might find better value in the standard Apple Watch Series 10, which offers many of the same features at half the price. Furthermore, those seeking truly marathon battery life might prefer dedicated sports watches that can last weeks rather than days between charges.

Check out of collection of Apple Watch Ultra 2 straps and accessories.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Samsung's first foray into rugged adventure smartwatches brings the Galaxy Watch Ultra to life, sporting an aerospace-grade titanium build and premium features aimed squarely at outdoor enthusiasts. After researching this watch extensively, we've found it offers a compelling alternative for Android users seeking durability without switching ecosystems.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra key features

The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in a single 47mm size housed in grade 4 titanium with sapphire crystal protection. What immediately catches the eye is the unique "cushion" design—essentially a circular display mounted within a square-ish frame. The display itself is an impressive 1.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with 480×480 resolution that reaches a blindingly bright 3,000 nits.

Beyond the standard specifications, the Watch Ultra introduces several standout features:

• Customizable orange Quick Button for rapid workout control or emergency activation
• Powerful 85-decibel emergency siren audible up to 180 metres away
• Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) for superior location tracking
• Improved BioActive sensor for more precise heart rate monitoring

Environmentally, this watch excels with extraordinary resilience—it operates in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C and at altitudes between -500m and 9,000m. Its 10ATM water resistance rating allows submersion up to 100 metres for 10 minutes, consequently making it suitable for swimming and shallow water activities, yet not quite ideal for diving.

Under the hood, the new 3nm Exynos W1000 processor powers Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI 6 interface. This marks the first watch to run Google's latest wearable OS, certainly providing a performance boost over previous models.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra pros and cons

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with premium titanium construction
• Remarkably bright 3,000-nit display for perfect outdoor visibility
• Impressive battery life (48-100 hours depending on power mode)
• Comprehensive health tracking through enhanced BioActive sensors
• Galaxy AI provides useful Energy Score insights
• Dual-frequency GPS ensures accurate location tracking even in challenging environments

Cons:

• Large 47mm size isn't suitable for all wrist sizes
• Circle display on square body creates unusual aesthetic
• Limited compatibility with non-Samsung Android phones for some features
• Cannot handle diving or high-pressure water activities despite 10ATM rating
• Price point may be prohibitive for some users

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is best for

The Galaxy Watch Ultra shines primarily for adventure enthusiasts using Android phones. It's ideally suited for:

Outdoor explorers benefit from its military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H certification) and extended battery life of up to 100 hours in power saving mode. Indeed, this means less anxiety about charging during multi-day treks.

Fitness enthusiasts gain access to advanced features like Energy Score with Galaxy AI, which analyses overall physical condition. Additionally, the watch can detect Functional Threshold Power (FTP) within just 10 minutes of cycling when paired with a power metre.

Triathletes will appreciate the new multisport tracking mode, which handles all three disciplines in sequence. The customizable Quick Button makes logging intervals or transitions effortless.

Ultimately, the Galaxy Watch Ultra represents Samsung's strongest answer yet to Apple's Ultra lineup. For Android users seeking a premium smartwatch with serious outdoor credentials, it's undoubtedly among the best options available in summer 2025.

Check out of collection of Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra straps and accessories.

Google Pixel Watch 3

Google unveils its third iteration smartwatch with impressive upgrades in size options and fitness capabilities, making the Pixel Watch 3 a formidable contender in the mid-range wearable market. We've spent considerable time examining how this watch balances technology and fitness tracking for everyday users who want more from their wearable.

Google Pixel Watch 3 key features

The Pixel Watch 3 marks a significant evolution with its new size options—41mm and 45mm. Both feature smaller bezels than previous models, with the 45mm offering an impressive 40% more screen real estate than the Pixel Watch 2. The display technology has been upgraded from AMOLED to AMOLED-LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 60Hz for better battery efficiency.

Visual clarity receives a substantial boost with maximum brightness doubling to 2,000 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent even in direct sunlight. Meanwhile, the minimum brightness drops to just 1 nit for less disruption in dark environments.

Under the hood, the watch runs on Wear OS 5 powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with a Cortex M33 co-processor. This dual-chipset architecture dedicates one core for ambient computing and another for performance, resulting in smooth operation across applications.

For fitness enthusiasts, Google has introduced several noteworthy features:

• Daily Readiness Score (now free for all users without Premium subscription)
• Cardio Load for measuring workout intensity
• Target Load for personalised training guidance
• Custom workout builder for running with interval support
• Advanced running metrics including ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and stride length

Google Pixel Watch 3 pros and cons

Pros:

• Attractive design with smaller bezels and two size options
• Substantially brighter display (2,000 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility
• Faster charging on the 41mm model (20% quicker than predecessor)
• Readiness Score no longer requires Fitbit Premium subscription
• Comprehensive running tools and workout builder
• Useful Morning Brief feature upon waking
• Integration with Google ecosystem (Nest, Google TV, etc.)

Cons:

• Limited battery life on 41mm model (24 hours with always-on display)
• Only three years of software updates
• Lengthy calibration period needed for some metrics (14 days for Target Load)
• Workout builder currently limited to outdoor running
• No Gemini AI support yet
• Not as durable as some competitors (lacks sapphire glass)

Google Pixel Watch 3 is best for

The Pixel Watch 3 is ideally suited for casual runners seeking detailed insights without overwhelming complexity. Its workout builder feature makes creating custom runs with warm-ups and intervals straightforward, providing haptic feedback and audio guidance throughout the session.

Secondly, Android users who prioritise ecosystem integration will appreciate how the watch connects with Google services. You can control your Google TV, view Nest camera feeds, unlock your Pixel phone, and even use the watch as a car key with compatible vehicles.

For health-conscious users, the watch offers sophisticated monitoring capabilities. The new Cardio Load feature measures workout intensity based on heart rate, duration, and other factors, alongside automatic Bedtime Mode detection to preserve battery and minimise sleep disruptions.

Lastly, the watch serves fashion-conscious consumers well with its sleek circular design that many find more aesthetically pleasing than other smartwatches. Multiple band options in various materials further enhance its versatility for different occasions.

Ultimately, the Pixel Watch 3 represents Google's most refined wearable to date, balancing smart functionality with fitness tracking in a visually appealing package.

Check out of collection of Google Pixel Watch 3 straps and accessories.

Garmin Venu 3S

Garmin's Venu 3S emerges as an excellent option for smaller wrists while delivering impressive battery performance and fitness capabilities. After extensive research, we've found this compact smartwatch balances style and functionality without compromising on essential features.

Garmin Venu 3S key features

The Venu 3S sports a 41mm case diameter with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Its fibre-reinforced polymer case with stainless steel bezel achieves a remarkably light 40g weight with the silicone band.

Battery life stands out as a major advantage—up to 10 days in standard smartwatch mode and an extraordinary 20 days in battery saver mode. For outdoor activities, the watch provides up to 21 hours of GPS-only tracking or 15 hours using all satellite systems.

The watch excels in health monitoring with:

• Sleep coaching with personalised recommendations
• Nap detection that accounts for daytime rest periods
• ECG measurement capability
• Blood oxygen monitoring
• Stress tracking throughout the day

As for connectivity, the device supports Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites for precise location tracking. The built-in speaker and microphone allow taking calls directly from your wrist when paired with a smartphone.

Garmin Venu 3S pros and cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally comfortable for slim wrists due to compact design
• Outstanding battery longevity compared to other smartwatches
• Brilliant display visible even in direct sunlight
• Comprehensive sleep analysis with coaching features
• Accurate heart rate sensors for fitness tracking
• Water-resistant to 50 metres for swimming activities

Cons:

• Primarily constructed of plastic apart from the bezel
• No wireless charging capability
• Higher price point than some competitors
• Requires several days to adapt to your body's patterns
• Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple or Samsung

Garmin Venu 3S is best for

The Venu 3S proves ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking a comprehensive fitness companion without daily charging. The detailed sleep analysis and nap detection features benefit those prioritising recovery alongside activity.

In addition, the watch serves active users who value accurate tracking across multiple sports. Its 5 ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimmers, whilst its light weight ensures comfort throughout workouts and daily wear.

Ultimately, the Venu 3S offers an exceptional balance of smartwatch features and fitness capabilities in a size that fits smaller wrists perfectly.

Check out of collection of Garmin Venu 3S straps and accessories.

OnePlus Watch 3

Challenging battery limitations across the smartwatch industry, the OnePlus Watch 3 introduces a groundbreaking dual-engine architecture that delivers extraordinary power efficiency. Throughout our research, this elegant titanium-bezeled timepiece has proven itself as a strong contender in the mid-range market segment.

OnePlus Watch 3 key features

The OnePlus Watch 3 sports a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with peak brightness reaching an impressive 2,200 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Its premium construction combines a stainless steel case with a titanium alloy bezel, protected by sapphire crystal glass.

Battery performance stands out dramatically with up to 5 days in smartwatch mode and an astonishing 16 days in power saver mode. This efficiency stems from its unique dual-processor system—utilising both Snapdragon W5 for intensive tasks and BES2800BP for routine functions.

For health tracking, the watch offers comprehensive monitoring including:

• ECG capability (not available in US/Canada)
• Wrist temperature sensor
• Optical heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
• "60S Health Check-In" feature for quick vitals assessment

Alongside water resistance ratings of IP68 and 5ATM, the OnePlus Watch 3 boasts MIL-STD-810H certification for durability across 15 environmental tests.

OnePlus Watch 3 pros and cons

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life outperforming most competitors
• Fast charging (10 minutes provides a full day of use)
• Bright, clear display with sapphire crystal protection
• Comprehensive health tracking suite
• Functional rotating crown for improved navigation

Cons:

• Only available in one size (47mm) which may be too large for smaller wrists
• No cellular variant currently available
• ECG feature unavailable globally
• No iOS compatibility

OnePlus Watch 3 is best for

The OnePlus Watch 3 excels primarily for Android users seeking extraordinary battery performance without sacrificing smart functionality. It's ideally suited for fitness enthusiasts who track multiple activities—supporting over 100 different sports modes.

Casual fitness users will appreciate the holistic health insights, while outdoor adventurers benefit from dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) for superior location accuracy. Ultimately, this smartwatch serves those who prioritise extended battery life but still desire comprehensive health tracking capabilities.

Check out of collection of OnePlus Watch straps and accessories.

Fitbit Versa 4

Striking a balance between functionality and affordability, the Fitbit Versa 4 delivers comprehensive fitness tracking in a lightweight, attractive package. After researching this watch extensively, we've found it offers excellent everyday health monitoring without overwhelming users with complex features.

Fitbit Versa 4 key features

The Versa 4 features a bright 1.58-inch AMOLED touchscreen in a slim aluminium case measuring 40.5 x 40.5 x 11.2mm and weighing just 37.6g. The watch reintroduces a physical side button for easier navigation, alongside a refined interface that provides access to stats, workout modes, and apps with a single press.

Battery performance is impressive, lasting 6+ days on a single charge, yet requiring a full 2 hours to recharge completely. The watch includes built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and SpO2 tracking, plus it's water resistant to 50 metres.

Health tracking capabilities include:

• Active Zone Minutes for intensity-based workout credit
• Daily Readiness Score (requires Premium subscription)
• Sleep tracking with sleep stages and Sleep Score
• Stress management tools and guided breathing exercises

Fitbit Versa 4 pros and cons

Pros:

• Exceptional sleep tracking accuracy
• Comfortable, lightweight design for 24/7 wear
• Excellent battery endurance exceeding claimed 6 days
• Over 40 exercise modes including swimming
• Built-in microphone and speaker for Alexa and calls

Cons:

• Heart rate monitor can be inaccurate during intense workouts
• Some premium features require Fitbit Premium subscription
• No music storage or control unlike previous models
• No third-party app support except for watch faces
• Relatively slow charging compared to competitors

Fitbit Versa 4 is best for

The Versa 4 excels for casual fitness enthusiasts wanting to track multiple activities without complex metrics. According to reviews, it's particularly well-suited for sleep tracking enthusiasts, with its sleep stage analysis proving "freakishly accurate".

On balance, the Versa 4 serves those seeking a straightforward fitness companion with smart functionality rather than a full-featured smartwatch. It's ideal for users who prefer less frequent charging and prioritise health monitoring over extensive third-party app support.

Check out of collection of Fitbit Versa 4 straps and accessories.

Amazfit Active 2

Offering remarkable value at entry-level pricing, the Amazfit Active 2 packs premium smartwatch features into a classic round design. We've examined this budget-friendly timepiece that manages to include capabilities normally reserved for much costlier wearables.

Amazfit Active 2 key features

The Active 2 features a circular 1.32-inch AMOLED display with an extraordinary 2,000 nits brightness, ensuring perfect visibility even under direct sunlight. Its stainless steel construction provides a premium feel, whilst two dedicated buttons offer simple navigation—top for apps, bottom for workouts.

Health monitoring relies on Amazfit's BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor with dual-LED and 5PD configuration, enabling precise tracking of heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and stress levels. The watch also includes:

• RestoreIQ™ algorithm for enhanced sleep tracking precision
• 160+ workout modes including unique options like HYROX Race Mode
• GPS with offline maps and turn-by-turn directions
• Barometer for accurate altitude measurements

Battery endurance stands out significantly, with typical usage lasting up to 10 days, heavy usage reaching 5 days, and continuous GPS operation extending to 21 hours.

Amazfit Active 2 pros and cons

Pros:

• Exceptional value-for-money
• Bright display visible in all conditions
• Comprehensive workout tracking capabilities
• Impressive battery longevity
• Offline maps with navigation functionality
• Stylish classic design

Cons:

• NFC payments only available in premium version
• Occasionally questionable heart rate accuracy
• Limited third-party app ecosystem
• User interface can feel clunky at times

Amazfit Active 2 is best for

The Active 2 perfectly suits budget-conscious consumers seeking extensive fitness tracking capabilities without high expenditure. It excels for outdoor enthusiasts wanting smartwatch features alongside reliable GPS navigation.

Furthermore, fashion-conscious users benefit from its classic timepiece aesthetic combined with modern smartwatch functionality. Yet perhaps its strongest appeal lies with those prioritising battery longevity—its extended runtime means fewer interruptions for charging.

Check out of collection of Amazfit straps and accessories.

Kospet T3 Ultra 2

Emerging as a formidable budget contender, the Kospet T3 Ultra 2 combines military-grade durability with unexpectedly premium features at a fraction of mainstream prices. In reviweing this rugged timepiece, we've discovered a well-crafted alternative for outdoor enthusiasts seeking extreme resilience without breaking the bank.

Kospet T3 Ultra 2 key features

The T3 Ultra 2 boasts a full stainless steel unibody design with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, certified against 15 U.S. MIL-STD-810H standards plus 28 internal reliability tests. Its vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display (466×466 resolution) delivers 461 PPI with excellent visibility outdoors.

Of course, what truly distinguishes this watch is its combination of outdoor-focused tools – including dual-band GPS with six satellite positioning systems, built-in compass, altimeter, and barometric pressure monitoring. For underwater adventures, it offers remarkable 5ATM and IP69K waterproofing, enabling dives to 50 metres.

Battery performance surpasses many competitors with its 470mAh pure cobalt battery delivering 12-15 days of typical use, 5-8 days of heavy use, or an impressive 30-35 hours of continuous GPS tracking.

Kospet T3 Ultra 2 pros and cons

Pros:

• Military-grade durability with full stainless steel construction
• Exceptional battery longevity (up to 15 days typical use)
• Comprehensive navigation tools (compass, altimeter, barometer)
• Over 170 sports modes with smart recognition
• Excellent water resistance (5ATM/IP69K)

Cons:

• No third-party app support
• Relatively bulky for smaller wrists
• Limited smartwatch integration compared to mainstream brands
• Software experience occasionally feels unpolished

Kospet T3 Ultra 2 is best for

The T3 Ultra 2 ideally serves outdoor adventurers prioritising rugged construction and extended battery life over advanced smartwatch capabilities. Its military-grade durability makes it perfect for hikers, climbers, and those working in harsh environments, alongside swimmers benefiting from its superior waterproofing.

Check out of collection of Kospet straps and accessories.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect smartwatch ultimately depends on your specific needs, smartphone ecosystem, and budget. After extensive research and review of these eight models, we'veve found remarkable diversity across price points. The OnePlus Watch 3 stands out with its extraordinary 120-hour battery life, whereas Apple devices deliver unmatched ecosystem integration despite shorter battery duration.

Budget-conscious shoppers can certainly find impressive options without breaking the bank. The Amazfit Active 2 delivers exceptional value at a lower price point, including features like offline maps and 2,000-nit brightness that rival premium models. Similarly, the rugged Kospet T3 Ultra 2 brings military-grade durability at a similarly low price.

Apple users will undoubtedly benefit most from Apple's own offerings. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains the gold standard for adventure enthusiasts with money to spend, while the SE provides core functionality at a significantly lower price point. Android users, however, have excellent alternatives in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Google Pixel Watch 3, both offering comprehensive health tracking alongside smart features.

Battery life considerations should guide your decision. Though the Apple Watch Series 10 provides merely 18 hours of usage, watches like the Garmin Venu 3S and OnePlus Watch 3 last for days between charges. Additionally, health tracking capabilities have become increasingly sophisticated across the board, with most devices now offering sleep analysis, heart rate monitoring, and workout tracking.

Throughout our research, one thing became clear - the best smartwatch isn't necessarily the most expensive one. Your ideal choice depends on which features matter most to you. Whether prioritising battery longevity, rugged construction, health insights, or seamless ecosystem integration, this summer's smartwatch lineup offers compelling options across every budget range.