What Is the Best Smartwatch to Buy in 2026?
In the US in 2026, the best smartwatch for most iPhone users is the Apple Watch Series 12 and for most Android users the Samsung Galaxy Watch9; pick by phone first, then by battery and toughness.
In the US in 2026, the best smartwatch for most iPhone users is the Apple Watch Series 12, and for most Android users it is the Samsung Galaxy Watch9. Your phone decides most of the choice. After that, it comes down to battery and toughness: Apple rates the Series 12 at up to 24 hours of battery life and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at up to 50 hours, while Samsung lists a titanium case with 10 ATM and IP69K water resistance on the Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
ShopBack US is a free app, website and browser extension that returns part of what you spend at partner stores as cash you can withdraw. Open ShopBack, tap the store, then check out: it is an essential step before you pay, and cash comes back after the order is confirmed. Join ShopBack US for free, then open Best Buy, Apple or Samsung on ShopBack before your next order.
What is the best smartwatch to buy?
The best smartwatch to buy is the one built for your phone: Apple Watch if you use an iPhone, and a Samsung Galaxy Watch if you use an Android phone, especially a Samsung one. Apple's own compare page lists iPhone requirements for Apple Watch features, and Samsung's US site notes that some Galaxy Watch features require a compatible Android smartphone.
Here is the short list, at the time of writing:
| Your situation | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone, everyday use | Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple's main model, up to 24 hours of battery life |
| iPhone, outdoor sports or long battery | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Up to 50 hours of battery life and 100 meter water resistance, per Apple |
| iPhone, lowest price | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple calls it essential health features at a great value |
| Android, everyday use | Samsung Galaxy Watch9 | Samsung's main model, with Armor Aluminum case and 5 ATM and IP68 rating |
| Android, toughest build | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 | Titanium case, 10 ATM and IP69K, per Samsung |
| Android, classic look | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic | Stainless steel case and rotating bezel |
Other smartwatch brands US shoppers compare include Google Pixel Watch, Garmin and Fitbit.
Best smartwatch 2026: Apple Watch models compared
For iPhone users in 2026, Apple's line is the Series 12 for most people, the Ultra 4 for long battery and outdoor use, and the SE 3 for value. Apple's US site labels the Series 12 and Ultra 4 as new at the time of writing. Here are the headline figures from Apple's compare page:
| Apple model | Battery life | Low Power Mode | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 12 | Up to 24 hours | Up to 38 hours | 50 meters |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Up to 50 hours | Up to 84 hours | 100 meters |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Up to 18 hours | Up to 32 hours | 50 meters |
Apple describes the Series 12 as "the ultimate way to watch your health" and the Ultra 4 as "the ultimate sports and adventure watch". Apple also sells Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès versions of its watches.
Who should pick which:
- Series 12 if you want one watch for health, workouts, notifications and Apple Pay, and charge it most nights.
- Ultra 4 if you hike, swim, run long distances or hate charging; it has roughly double the Series 12 battery figure.
- SE 3 if you want the core Apple Watch experience at the lowest new price, or as a first watch.
Best smartwatch 2026: Samsung Galaxy Watch models compared
For Android users in 2026, Samsung's line is the Galaxy Watch9 for most people, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 for toughness, and the Galaxy Watch8 Classic for a rotating bezel. Samsung's US site lists the Ultra2 and Watch9 as new at the time of writing. Here is how Samsung's own compare table sets them out:
| Samsung model | Case and water rating | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra2 | Titanium, 10 ATM and IP69K | 3 buttons |
| Galaxy Watch9 | Armor Aluminum, 5 ATM and IP68 | 2 buttons |
| Galaxy Watch8 Classic | Stainless steel, 5 ATM and IP68 | Rotating bezel and 3 buttons |
Samsung's compare table also lists battery capacity by model and case size; check it for the exact size you plan to buy.
Samsung lists health tools such as Vitals, Heart Health Score, Advanced Sleep Coaching, sleep apnea detection and Energy Score on the Ultra2 and Watch9, plus a running coach and automatic workout detection across the range. The Ultra2 adds Trail Run and multisport mode for outdoor athletes.
Who should pick which:
- Galaxy Watch9 if you want Samsung's everyday watch with its full health features.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra2 if you want the toughest case in Samsung's lineup.
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic if you like a traditional watch look and a physical rotating bezel.
Apple vs Samsung: best smartwatch price comparison 2026
On price, compare Apple and Samsung tier by tier rather than brand to brand: main model against main model, rugged against rugged. List prices change and both brands run trade-in offers, so match the tier first:
| Tier | Apple | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Main model | Apple Watch Series 12 | Galaxy Watch9 |
| Rugged and long battery | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Galaxy Watch Ultra2 |
| Value | Apple Watch SE 3 | Check Samsung Certified Re-Newed for lower-cost Galaxy Watch options |
| Classic style | Apple Watch Hermès | Galaxy Watch8 Classic |
Then compare on the same day:
- Size and connectivity. Larger cases and cellular models usually cost more.
- Trade-in. Apple Trade In gives credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card, and accepts some Samsung and Google phones, according to Apple. Samsung runs its own Samsung Trade-In Program with credit toward a qualifying new Galaxy device, according to Samsung.
- Refurbished. Apple says its Certified Refurbished products offer savings of up to 15% with a one-year limited warranty, and Samsung sells Certified Re-Newed devices on its US site.
- Final total. Include tax and shipping.
Since each watch is made for its own phone, a price gap rarely makes switching platforms worth it.
Best smartwatch deals in the US: Apple, Samsung and Best Buy
The best smartwatch deals in the US come from the brand stores' own programs and from big retailers' sales, so check both before you buy. Here is where each kind of saving tends to come from:
- Apple offers trade-in credit, education pricing for eligible college students, parents and educators, and Certified Refurbished models.
- Samsung offers its trade-in program and Certified Re-Newed devices on samsung.com, and runs its own time-limited offers.
- Best Buy sells Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy wearables, according to Best Buy's newsroom, and runs its own sale events. See our Best Buy savings guide.
The biggest US sale dates left in 2026 are Black Friday on Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday on November 30. For Apple timing specifically, see whether Apple products get discounted on Black Friday.
Open ShopBack, tap the store, then check out. ShopBack US has pages for Best Buy, Apple and Samsung.
How ShopBack lowers the effective price of a smartwatch
ShopBack lowers the effective price of flights, hotels and online orders after you pay. Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles. Your effective price is what you pay minus the cash ShopBack returns. The live rate is on the store's ShopBack page.
Cashback, credit card rewards and smartwatch orders
You can usually earn ShopBack Cashback and your credit card's rewards on the same smartwatch order, because they come from different places. Your card issuer pays rewards on the amount it charges, and ShopBack pays the Cashback on the order.
Card issuers set their own category rules, so read your card's terms before you check out, and see our credit card guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best smartwatch to buy?
In the US in 2026, the best smartwatch for most iPhone users is the Apple Watch Series 12, and for most Android users the Samsung Galaxy Watch9. Choose by your phone first, then by battery life and toughness: the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are the rugged picks, and the Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple's value model.
What is the best smartwatch for iPhone users?
For most iPhone users it is the Apple Watch Series 12, which Apple rates at up to 24 hours of battery life. Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 4 (up to 50 hours, 100 meter water resistance) for outdoor sports, or the Apple Watch SE 3 (up to 18 hours) if price matters most.
What is the best smartwatch for Android users?
For most Android users, especially with a Samsung phone, it is the Samsung Galaxy Watch9. Samsung lists the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 as its toughest model with a titanium case and 10 ATM and IP69K water resistance, and the Galaxy Watch8 Classic for a rotating bezel. Samsung notes some features need a compatible Android phone.
Is Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch better?
Neither is better for everyone, because each is built for its own phone. Apple Watch works with iPhone, and Samsung Galaxy Watch is built for Android phones, with some features needing a compatible Android smartphone. Buy the one that matches your phone, then compare models.
Which smartwatch has the best battery life?
Among Apple's current models, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 leads with up to 50 hours, or up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, according to Apple. For Galaxy Watch models, Samsung lists battery capacity on its US compare table, so check the size you plan to buy. Real battery life depends on settings and use.
Where can I find the best smartwatch deals in the US?
Compare the brand stores and big retailers on the same day. Apple offers trade-in credit and Certified Refurbished models, Samsung runs its own trade-in program, and Best Buy runs its own sales. Then open ShopBack, tap the store, then check out.
Is a refurbished smartwatch worth buying?
It can be, if it comes with a warranty. Apple says its Certified Refurbished products are fully tested, carry its standard one-year limited warranty and offer savings of up to 15%. Samsung also sells Certified Re-Newed devices on its US site.
Does ShopBack Cashback work on smartwatches?
ShopBack US has pages for Apple, Samsung and Best Buy. Go through the store's ShopBack page before you pay; the live rate is shown there.
What is the effective price of a smartwatch after ShopBack?
Your effective price is what you pay minus the cash ShopBack returns. The live rate is on the store's ShopBack page.
Related reads
Open ShopBack before you check out at: Best Buy · Apple · Samsung
About this guide
Apple Watch details come from Apple's US Apple Watch, compare, Apple Trade In and Certified Refurbished pages. Galaxy Watch details come from Samsung's US watches page and compare table. The Best Buy detail comes from Best Buy's corporate newsroom. All were checked at the time of writing. Cashback rates change, so this guide points to the live rate on each store's ShopBack page instead of quoting one.
Disclaimer
The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author. Models, specifications, prices, trade-in values and Cashback eligibility vary by store and over time and are subject to change. Check each brand's terms before you buy. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional financial or purchasing advice.
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