The best smartwatches 2021 in comparison
Last year, I earned a lot of criticism for my list of the best smartwatches! That's because NextPit hadn't tested many of the models mentioned in the past. That's changed in late 2021, and except for the brand new TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, we've checked out all of the smartwatches. In addition, I put this list up for discussion in the newsroom and, most importantly, discussed my picks with Stefan - smartwatch pro and trained fitness trainer.
In the following article you will find a short buying guide first of all. Because before you decide on a smartwatch, you first need to know what is important. Then I present each recommendation in two paragraphs and a table. In doing so, I also explain why I find the smartwatch suitable for the respective category.
Jump To:
- Buying advice: what does a smartwatch need to be able to do in 2021?
- NextPit recommends: The best smartwatches in 2021
- How did NextPit choose the best smartwatches?
- Upcoming action days at a glance
- More best lists
Buying advice: What must a smartwatch be able to do in 2021?
First and foremost, you shouldn't look at your wrist, but in your pocket. The question of which smartwatch is right for you depends largely on the smartphone operating system you use. If you use an iPhone and therefore Apple iOS, you should go straight for an Apple Watch. At the linked site you will find a separate buying guide with all currently available models.
If you use an Android smartphone, you are spoilt for choice! And usually models that have to compete with Apple's smartwatches in terms of feature set, connection to the smartphone, ease of use and build quality. So here's what a smartwatch in 2021 needs to master well:
Requirements for a good smartwatch in 2021
- Good connectivity to the smartphone and self-sufficiency: Smartwatches are to be used as an add-on to a smartphone. Therefore, they need to make certain functions easier or at least easily accessible. In addition, the mobile phone benefits from the data that the smartwatch collects on the wrist. So the connection must be flawless and simple. There is also a certain degree of autonomy for tracking or multimedia functions. A smartwatch should be able to measure the distance via GPS while jogging and possibly even make calls on its own. An LTE module is an important prerequisite for this.
- Ease of use: How well and easily can the Smartwatch be operated? Are there "real" operating options such as crowns or bezels or is the operating system also easy to operate via the touchscreen?
- Vital Signs & Functions: While all smartwatches can measure your pulse, there are many additional features. These include measuring your blood oxygen, blood pressure measurement, ECG features, and more. The more fitness features a watch offers, the better. Other features that are a basic requirement are telephony, music control, independent music playback, digital payments.
- Quality and value: Smartwatches can be prestige objects if you want them to be! A high quality of workmanship including waterproofing and high-quality materials is therefore another aspect you should pay attention to. Of course, it depends on how important these features are to you. Because as a rule, the price also increases with higher-quality materials.
- Battery life: A long battery life is an advantage when you have a watch on your arm. However, this feature doesn't come without its pitfalls. Some smartwatches offer super-long battery life, but are very thick and clunky in exchange for higher battery capacity. This is where you need to find the right -mAh- capacity for you!
NextPit recommends: These are the best smartwatches in 2021
At the top of this article I have presented you all the winning smartwatches in 2021 in a table. If you want more information, you can find it in the paragraphs below. For even more on the individual models, check out the linked reviews.
Apple Watch Series 7: The best smartwatch in 2021
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To the detailed review of the Apple Watch Series 7 on NextPit
It's really a nuisance that the best smartwatch is out of the question for many smartphone users. After all, the biggest criticism of the Series 7 is still that it only connects to iPhones. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch is the smartwatch par excellence. It offers an unmatched comfort in operation and in the connection to the smartphone, offers all common functions and countless apps.
The new model scores above all with a larger and brighter screen. In addition, it charges 33 percent faster than its predecessor via the new charger and an IP6X certification now also ensures better durability. What Apple hasn't been able to improve, however, is battery life: the Watch Series 7 lasts about a day. Do you want to buy it right away? Click bellow!
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: The best Android alternative
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 reviewed on NextPit
The best Android alternative from my point of view presents the Galaxy Watch 4. Released in 2021, it represents a new direction for Samsung in several ways. Firstly, the design of the standard model now resembles the former Watch Active and secondly, there is a new operating system instead of TizenOS. The WearOS-based OneUI Watch performed very well in the test.
Besides the good connectivity to the phone, there is a high-quality and powerful hardware including unique tracking functions. In return, the battery life is low due to the compact case, and some tracking features are Samsung-exclusive. Does the battery life bother you and do you miss the rotating bezel? Then maybe the Classic model is something for you! However, we don't have a test here.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Huawei Watch 3 Pro: Best Premium Smartwatch
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To the detailed review of the Huawei Watch 3 Pro (only available in German)
Besides Apple's WatchOS and Samsung's One UI Watch, we have another new smartwatch operating system on the market. HarmonyOS is Huawei's own creation, and on the Watch 3 Pro we were able to try it out for the first time. Although there are still quite few apps at the beginning and the connection to the phone is not always optimal, the hardware of the Huawei Watch 3 Pro is completely convincing.
Huawei relies on high-quality materials like titanium or ceramic for the casing. In addition, the build quality is beyond reproach. The device is operated via a nice 3D crown and the AMOLED display is super bright with 1,000 nits. If you're looking for a heavy, sturdy and valuable smartwatch, you shouldn't miss out on the Huawei Watch 3 Pro.
Colleague Stefan once again pointed me to Garmin's Fenix models in the run-up to this article. These are indeed very high-quality and can cost well over $1000 . Unfortunately, we have not tested them and therefore I will only mention them here. By the way, the Apple Watch Series 7 is also available with a titanium case and anyway, I have already praised the workmanship. For iOS users, of course, the Apple Watch comes especially into question!
Buy Huawei Watch 3 Pro
Price-performance tip: Fitbit Versa 3
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To the detailed review of the Fitbit Versa 3 on NextPit
Our price-performance tip is, with some restrictions, the Fitbit Versa 3. Because the acquisition costs of the smartwatch are low at just under $160 in November 2021. At the same time, the model offers a range of functions that can definitely compete with the rivals in this best list. The display is AMOLED, the operating concept is well thought-out, and the variety of sensors is top.
You can record your jogging routes via GPS, measure your heart rate and go to the bakery without a wallet thanks to digital payment. However, there are limitations due to the premium subscription. If you also want to do mindfulness exercises or evaluate the measured body data in detail, you will have to pay monthly costs.
Buy Fitbit Versa 3
Best Fitness Smartwatch: Garmin Venu
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Garmin Venu in a detailed test on NextPit
Stefan awarded the top score of 5 stars to the Garmin Venu in 2020! This was mainly due to the "comprehensive sensor technology", as he writes in his review. The optical heart rate monitor could keep up with a chest strap, which we wore in parallel in the NextPit test at that time. In addition, the watch measures your sleep, blood oxygen saturation and even your breathing rate.
Numerous sports exercises and training plans are also integrated into the Garmin app and the watch. Garmin embeds all of this into a comprehensive ecosystem tailored for athletes. If you want to be really precise, you can also buy additional accessories such as chest straps, speed and cadence sensors as well as temperature sensors and link them to the Garmin Venu. Great!
Buy Garmin Venu
Best battery life: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
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In our next tip, we have only been able to test the predecessor model so far. In the latest model from TicWatch, the battery is supposed to be even longer in Essential mode. Thus, the smartwatch lasts up to 45 days. Admittedly, only the most basic functions are available here.
Without power saving, the battery life drops to a still very good 72 hours, at least according to the manufacturer. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is a rather chunky smartwatch that is designed for outdoor use. A good water resistance as well as a certification according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G are on board.
Buy Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
Best hybrid smartwatch: Withings ScanWatch
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To the review of the Withings ScanWatch on NextPit
With my last smartwatch tip, I introduce you to another quite exciting product category. Hybrid smartwatches have a classic watch face including hands, but are connected to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. This way, the Withings ScanWatch transmits the data from the heart rate monitor as well as your step count to your smartphone. At the same time, there are also a few smart features on the watch.
As Berti found out in the test, the watch shows you notifications and incoming calls on a small OLED display on the watch face. The whole package can't be compared to a "real" smartwatch, but the watch is supposed to be a mixture of analog and digital. And it manages that quite well!
Buy Withings ScanWatch
How did NextPit choose the best smartwatches?
Unwrap it, strap it on, try it out, use it for jogging, cycling and everyday life - that's how every review we publish on a smartwatch or fitness tracker goes. Because we at NextPit stick to a practical test procedure that should give you the impression you would get if you tried it out yourself. In addition to our test impressions, we've included other variables for these articles.
When did the smartwatch come out, how well does it serve what purpose and how do we rate the mass appeal of the watch. The Garmin Venu, for example, was given 5 stars as a fitness smartwatch. In my opinion, however, it is a little too fitness-oriented for most readers. Therefore, it could not get the first place as the best smartwatch.
Ideally, you are currently looking for a smartwatch and find the right model via this article. How well did that work out? Of course, we are always happy to receive criticism and suggestions in the comments. Also tell us which model you bought or which you would like to see a review of on NextPit.
Upcoming action days in view
To finish off this list of the best, here are a few tips on what to buy! Because at the end of the year there are some bargain days coming up, where you can get many smartwatches cheaper. Here I have compiled an overview of the dates for the year 2021.
| Action | Date |
|---|---|
| Singles Day | November 11, 2021 |
| Black Week | 23. till 27. November 2021 |
| Black Friday | November 27, 2021 |
| Cyber Monday | November 30, 2021 |
On NextPit, we will list deals on cheap smartwatches for each of these days. Alternatively, you can of course also go on the search yourself and look for deals on the web. Especially with smartwatches, however, it is recommended to try out the models in the store. Because the different case sizes and materials result in a different wearing comfort depending on the wrist.
Smartwatches are also often offered in bundle deals or as part of mobile phone contracts. This makes sense especially if you buy a model with an LTE module and are directly provided with an eSIM. You can find out how to find a good mobile phone contract for your smartwatch in the linked article.
Further best lists on NextPit
Are you shocked by how expensive most of the good smartwatches are? Then don't hang your head, because maybe a fitness tracker will do the trick. Because so-called smartbands have most of the important tracking features and now even often shine with features that only smartwatches had a few years ago.
This best list was completely revised on November 2, 2021. Existing comments remained the same.
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