When smartwatches first hit the market, the early devices were innovative, yet limited, even though the best tech companies like Samsung and Apple were jumping on the bandwagon. It would have been difficult to make a list of the “best smartwatches for men,” because early smartwatches were all essentially the same, with only a few fitness features.
Nowadays, there are so many smartwatch variations that it may be hard to pick just one, and that’s why I have compiled this list of the best smartwatches for men. I’m here to help you pick the best possible device, or the best possible present for a guy in your life. After all, Christmas is coming up, and trust me, I know how hard it can be to pick a gift for someone, even if you have known them for a long time. Either way, I present you with the best of the best smartwatches for iPhone and Android users.
I’ve researched top-of-the-line fitness smartwatches for bodybuilders and gym fanatics, and the best activity trackers for those simply trying to stay healthy. I’ve reviewed some of the most classy-looking smartwatches to compliment your best office suit, and those with the best possible specs for the most exacting tech nerd. No matter what or whom you are looking for, this list has something for everyone.
Let’s get to it. In no particular order.
Contents:
Contents
- 10 Best Smartwatches For Men 2022 At A Glance
- 1. Garmin Vivoactive 4 – Best Overall Android Smartwatch For Men
- 2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 – Samsung Smart Watch For Men With The Best Specs
- 3. TAG Heuer Connected – Best Hardware In An Android Smartwatch For Men
- 4. Timex Metropolitan – Best Value For A Man’s Android Smartwatch
- 5. AmazFit Bip – Most Affordable Android Smartwatch For Men
- 6. Fitbit Versa 2 – Best Android Sports Watch For Men
- 7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 – Best Combination Of Sport And Everyday Life
- 8. Apple Watch 6 – Best Smartwatch By Apple
- 9. Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch – Best Apple Watch Competitor
- 10. Montblanc Summit 2 – Most Luxurious Android Watch For Men
- Honorable Mentions
- Methodology
- Buyers Guide
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
- Top Rated Smartwatches for Men
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Smartwatches For Men 2022 At A Glance
- 1. Best Overall Android Smartwatch For Men – Garmin Vivoactive 4
- 2. Samsung Smart Watch For Men With The Best Specs – Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
- 3. Best Hardware In An Android Smartwatch For Men – TAG Heuer Connected
- 4. Best Value For A Man’s Android Smartwatch – Timex Metropolitan
- 5. Most Affordable Android Smartwatch For Men – AmazFit Bip
- 6. Best Android Sports Watch For Men – Fitbit Versa 2
- 7. Best Combination Of Sport And Everyday Life – Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
- 8. Best Smartwatch By Apple – Apple Watch 6
- 9. Best Apple Watch Competitor – Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch
- 10. Most Luxurious Android Watch For Men – Montblanc Summit 2
1. Garmin Vivoactive 4 – Best Overall Android Smartwatch For Men
We’re starting this list strong with one of the most well-rounded android watches for men, because the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is everything you would want in a smartwatch. It’s stylish, durable, and perfect for a gift. Personally, I bought it for my brother a few months back, and he was over the moon. As someone who is really – and I mean, really – into tech and gadgets, even he was impressed by its features and design. So much so, that he spent the rest of the day tinkering and playing with the watch, discovering all that it had to offer.
But enough about geeky older brothers. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The first thing I would like to say is that this bad boy was designed for everyday wear, and it shows. It has a variety of clean, slightly muted colors that go with everything. Whether you are going to a business meeting in a suit and tie or are taking a stroll in casual wear, this round smartwatch will look good on you no matter what.
Now while I said it was designed for everyday use, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is primarily a sports smartwatch designed to help reach your exercise goals. If you live an active lifestyle, then this smartwatch will be especially effective. It has over 20+ sports apps already installed and a plethora of health stats that will monitor every bone in your body, so that you can stay as safe as possible and get the most out of your exercise. This watch is also perfect for people who want to begin exercising but don’t know where to start; with its built-in workout animation, you will never have to look up ‘how to do a Rear-Foot-Elevated Split Squat’ ever again.
But that’s enough of tiring exercises; let’s look at all the other features of this watch. Like most high-end devices, this is a smartwatch that can answer calls if it’s connected to your smartphone. When paired with a compatible Android phone and yes, it has to be Android, you can also respond to messages straight from the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Another amazing feature is Garmin Pay, which will allow you to make contactless payments just from your wrist when you pair it up with your bank account. Let me tell ya, this is one of my brother’s favorite features. I have never seen him look so satisfied as when he realized he didn’t have to carry an uncomfortable wallet around anymore.
If the exercise, communication, and banking apps are not enough for you, why not download some more? Garmin’s Connect IQ store allows you to download different faces, widgets, and apps for your watch, so even if the Garmin Vivoactive 4 doesn’t have what you are looking for, it provides you with a way to find it. I gotta say, that’s pretty awesome.
All these apps and features are great. “But how long would it last me if I use it every day?” you may be wondering. While not the best battery life on this list, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 should last up to 8 days in smartwatch mode. In GPS mode, it could last 15 hours – with music on, only 6.
If you are thinking about going for a swim or taking the watch in the shower with you (for whatever reason), then you don’t have to worry. With a water rating of 5ATM, the watch will be perfectly fine even if fully submerged.
Although this smartwatch has some great features, there are some areas in which it’s lacking. The Connect IQ I mentioned earlier is a bit slow, and it takes a while for apps and watch faces to download and install. And while you can answer calls no matter what, you can only reply to messages if you have an Android phone connected. Sorry, iPhone users. Lastly, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 has onboard music storage for up to 500 songs and allows you to download from third-party services. While you can use Spotify to download and listen to music, it’s not as user-friendly as it could be.
So would I recommend this smartwatch? Short answer – yes! The slightly longer answer: even with its wide range of features, this smartwatch’s limitations may make some of the other options in this list a better fit for you.
- Great exercise & health apps
- Slow download & installation time
- State of the art GPS tracking
- Spotify integrations leaves something to be desired
- Offline music & contactless payment support
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 – Samsung Smart Watch For Men With The Best Specs
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is one of three Samsung smartwatches on this list, but that doesn’t mean I’m partial to Samsung. All of the watches on this list have advantages and disadvantages, including this one.
If Garmin Vivoactive 4 was a Toyota or Honda – a good car that has everything going for it and few dislikes- then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 would be a Porsche. This powerhouse of a watch combines the latest software alongside impressive hardware.
As we did before, let’s first look at the design. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a round smartwatch with a small variety of colors such as Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, or Mystic Black. Samsung prides itself on this being their first titanium smartwatch, but there is a non-titanium (and cheaper) option as well.
Users can navigate the Galaxy Watch 3’s app easily with its rotating bezel, which may be either 45mm and 41mm in diameter. Its large display and slimmer frame make it much lighter and more comfortable than traditional watch designs. With premium quality materials, like the Dutch calf leather strap, it matches comfort with durability. This classy yet modern design really screams ‘sportscar’, for some reason. Or is it just me?
This watch isn’t all looks, however; it also has state-of-the-art apps, including unique features for exercise. As is standard, it can record your ECG for up to 30 seconds, but the watch also has an impressive built-in feature to immediately notify your emergency contact if you have a hard fall during your workout. On top of that, it has all the tracking features you would expect from a smart device of this caliber, including sleep tracking and SpO2 measurement.
Samsung offers such a diverse product line that you can hypothetically pair all your smart devices together. So, you could choose a workout video on your Samsung phone, broadcast it on your Samsung TV, and monitor your heart rate on your Samsung watch. While the Galaxy Watch 3 can work with other brands like Apple, it is best compatible with Samsung products.
Not confined to fitness, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 offers a variety of convenient apps, including its unique chat. When you receive a new message, the device will automatically show your chat history, including any images you and your friends have sent. (In my opinion, this is perfect for sending memes.) Another chat feature that I am still on the fence about is its ‘smart reply’, which allows you to send ready-made replies Samsung thinks are appropriate for the conversation. However, I’m more convinced of the handy ability to send a Bitmoji sticker from your wrist. (You could use this to communicate universal human emotions like love and sadness, or again, you could personalize your exchange of memes).
So, where are the cons for this sportscar of a watch? Some features may only work with a Samsung phone; the battery life leaves something to be desired; and it is quite pricey. If you have the means and willingness to use this watch to its fullest potential, then go for it. This smartwatch was designed primarily with Samsung enthusiasts in mind, but it may be worth purchasing even if you use a variety of smart device brands.
- Sleek design
- Unique features & apps
- Convenient and multi-faceted messaging
- Battery life is too short
- A bit expensive
- Some features may only work with a Samsung phone
3. TAG Heuer Connected – Best Hardware In An Android Smartwatch For Men
The TAG Heuer Connected is one of the more classy Android watches for men on the market. If you want an expensive look that does not compromise on utility, this is a great option. Made for elegance, it also boasts some of the best hardware on the market. Although it is easily one of the most expensive watches on this list, it is the one I would most like to buy for myself. Well, maybe someday when I’ve made it big.
This watch is sports-luxury incarnate; its modern face is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire screen. With a ceramic bezel, stainless steel, and grade 2 titanium, this watch is built to remain intact through accidental scuffs and scrapes. This watch will make you look and feel like a classy gentleman.
The smartwatch has a variety of designs that will go well with whatever you have in the closet. From a steel case/steel band to a titanium case/rubber band, as well as color choices of white, blue, and black, I’m sure that you will be able to find the design which suits you best.
In addition to its fashionable design, this watch also has some great fitness features, including standard heart rate monitoring and activity tracking. It also comes with apps varying from golf to running to cycling. Track your sleep, how many calories you’ve burned, and all the other functions that come with a high-caliber smartwatch.
The most unique and impressive feature of the TAG Heuer Connected is probably its golf app. Of course, this is not the only nor the first smartwatch to offer a golf app, but I believe that The TAG Heuer Connected is the best out of all the others.
This app offers you a satellite view of over 39,000 courses, as well as both a 2D and 3D plan. In addition, it will show you the distance from all obstacles and strokes. Finally, when you add the integrated scorecard and advanced statistics, you will be sure to become a beast on the field.
Not limited to fitness and golfing, this device can also be your own personal translator, powered by Google’s Wear OS. No matter where you go, the TAG Heuer Connected will translate captured speech into whatever language you choose when you turn on the app. This is perfect for frequent travelers, but the feature does have its downsides. For example, the person must speak either loudly or close to the microphone so that the app can capture it, and even then the accuracy of the translation may vary.
Since this watch’s operating system is powered by Google, you will get all of the brand’s essentials, including Google Music, Calendar, Weather, Maps, and even Google’s very own contactless payment – Google Pay. Still, your smartwatch will also support third-party apps like Spotify and Shazam, which will be available for purchase through Google Play.
Don’t fret iPhone users: since the watch is also compatible with iOS devices, it has access to the App Store as well as apps like Apple Health. You can download exclusive TAG Heuer watch dials on both the App Store and Google Play and change the way your watch looks using your phone.
All things considered, I’d say the biggest downsides of the TAG Heuer smartwatch are the weak battery life and the high price. It can’t compare to the eight-day battery life of the Garmin Vivoactive 4, and with a price tag ranging from $1,800 – 2,500, it is easily one of the most expensive smartwatches out there. Still, when you consider its weaknesses and strengths, the elegant design, incredible hardware, and impressive apps could make it a worthwhile purchase – if you are looking to pay $2000 for a true luxury smartwatch.
- Classy design
- Luxury price
- Amazing fitness apps
- Very weak battery life
- Third party app support
4. Timex Metropolitan – Best Value For A Man’s Android Smartwatch
Now here is a watch that knows what it is and does it well. The Timex Metropolitan is an affordable gift that will give you the exact quality that you are paying for. Pleasant to the eye and smooth to the touch, this smart device has everything you need in a watch.
This smartwatch has a clean and classy design, with a brown leather and silicon combination strap which is complemented by a metal case and scratch-resistant glass. The device is really durable and that sleek smartwatch look means it goes together with everything.
But good looks aren’t the only thing going for this particular watch. It also has all the fitness features you would expect from a device such as this, and it might even do some of the basics better than the more high-end smartwatches. But herein lies the problem (which I wouldn’t exactly consider a ‘problem’ myself, but it might be a deal-breaker for some people): while the Timex Metropolitan does the basics well – and I mean really well – it has nothing unique going for it. It’s just a standard, affordable and attractive smartwatch. Its most impressive feature is its battery – this is easily one of the longest battery lives in a smartwatch, at least when it comes to this list.
Let’s look at it in more detail. The Timex Metropolitan’s GPS tracking is pretty accurate, and even though there is a bit of a lag, this is easily one of the best GPS smartwatches out there. Heart rate monitoring is also very accurate, as well as sleep tracking. The watch is actually better than most at detecting when your body falls asleep and when it wakes up.
The watch has more capabilities than GPS, heart rate, and sleep tracking of course, but it is also missing a few features. For example, there is no contactless payment in place or ECG capability. It’s also missing cellular connectivity and third-party app support. What might be the real deal-breaker, however, is that it has no onboard music storage. It should be stated that you can control the music on your phone if it’s near, but forget about going out with just your watch.
So now for the final question: should you buy this one? As always, this completely depends on what you’re looking for. A few final things to consider are that the watch’s screen is hard to read in direct sunlight. However, this watch has a better battery life than most high-end smartwatches. With up to 2 weeks of battery, you can use this watch without charging it for a while.
I believe It’s best to consider this watch as a fancy sports band. While it’s missing some high-end features, you can still accept calls and find your phone from it. Honestly, for the price it’s selling at, I think it’s worth it if you are looking simply for a well-rounded smartwatch and not something that will make you the talk of the party.
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Great tracking apps
- No contactless payments
- No ECG capability
- No music storage
5. AmazFit Bip – Most Affordable Android Smartwatch For Men
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Even if the answer is no, the AmazFit Bip is still one of the best Android sport watches for men out there.
If the Timex Metropolitan provides the best value for its price, then the AmazFit Bip is the most affordable smartwatch, while still providing everything you would need and then some. Although not as stylish as some of the other watches on this list, the AmazFit Bip has a certain futuristic charm to it. And although like the Metropolitan it is missing a few more high-end features, it does what it was made to do and it does it well. (While still having the best smartwatch battery life on the market.) But more on that later.
Its design, although not too fancy, still looks pretty slick. Despite the fact that I was not a big fan of it in the beginning, honestly, it grew on me. With 4 pastel colors to choose from, I’m sure that you will find something to suit your tastes. Personally, I am partial to the Cinnabar Red.
So with design out of the way, let’s take a more in-depth look at this pretty amazing and affordable sports watch. And it’s exactly what it says it is, a smart sports watch. Although you can still accept calls and view messages, the smart device was mainly designed for fitness enthusiasts, which is evident from its weight of only 32 grams (approximately).
The watch is so light and comfortable that you might even forget it’s there during your exercise. As for fitness features, it has everything you would expect. With its Sony 28nm low-power GPS tracking, the watch currently supports a total of 4 sports modes, including Outdoor Running, Indoor Running, Cycling, and Walking. All of these modes have a detailed data analysis and a pretty accurate heart rate monitor as well as a PPG sensor. This means you can instantly know whether the exercise meets your standards or if your form needs tweaking, and whether your exercise routine is aerobic or anaerobic. You can also set speed and heart rate reminders so you can exercise more efficiently.
A great piece of hardware is the watch screen, which is always on. Its reflective surface means that the stronger the light is, the clearer the image. You won’t have any troubles seeing what you need to see with this watch, even if you were in the Sahara desert with the sun directly hitting your face.
But more amazing than anything else is this watch’s battery, which easily beats all the competition with the longest battery life of any smartwatch. You can go two whole months without having to charge it. This means you can cross the entire Sahara and still have a battery left to spare.
While the watch is also water and dust-resistant, I wouldn’t recommend going for a bath or a swim while wearing it. I also wouldn’t recommend going for a stroll in the Sahara desert either, too much sand. I don’t like it, it’s coarse, rough and it gets everywhere.
So if you are a sports enthusiast or know someone who is, I would definitely recommend this device, as it’s easily one of the best fitness smartwatches out there. Even if you are not a hard-core fitness guy and just want to live a healthier lifestyle, I would still recommend this watch. Great for running and watching your calorie intake, it’s affordable and it has everything you need in one simple package. Honestly, if I wasn’t sitting on my bum all day long, researching and writing articles I would also consider buying it for myself.
- A very long battery life
- Always visible screen
- Affordable price
- Average design
- Bluetooth connection could be improved
6. Fitbit Versa 2 – Best Android Sports Watch For Men
While I am on the topic of smart sports watches, let’s look at what might be considered the AmazFit Bip’s older cousin, the Fitbit Versa 2. The names are not the only thing that’s similar between these two. They also have similar designs and functionality with both being especially targeted towards fitness enthusiasts. So, let’s look at what could be considered the premium version of the sports watch world.
The design is slick, stylish, and screams smartwatch. With no additional dials or a bezel, the watch is mostly operated by touchscreen control.
The design features a band made with flexible, durable material similar to what’s used in many sports watches, as well as an aluminum watch case and buckle. It’s made to be comfortable and light so that you may focus completely on your exercises.
Speaking of which, this watch has a lot of fitness apps and trackers that will help you with your daily workout. It features the usual suspects such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and even an SpO2 tracker. However, it does also have some more unique features.
I personally liked their in-depth REM sleep tracker. It will tell you how long you’ve spent in light, deep, and REM sleep in order to improve your sleep cycle. For someone like me who is really into sleeping and tries to get the best night of sleep possible, this is really useful. You may think I’m joking, but I actually love learning about sleep, dreams and achieving lucid dreaming, and I am extremely glad to have a watch that can help me do that.
Other than sleep, this watch can track the number of steps you’ve climbed as well as remind you to move if you have been writing articles all day, or you know, working a normal job. Like other high-end, sport-centered watches it also has an on-screen workout function, so if you don’t exactly know how to do a push-up you won’t have to worry.
The watch is also waterproof for up to 50m, which means you can wear it in a bath or a pool. In addition to some more great fitness features, the smartwatch also has a variety of different apps, including Spotify for all your motivational needs.
The Fitbit Versa 2 also has other third-party app support, and it allows you to receive messages and notifications directly on your wrist. Here is the downside, however: even though the smartwatch has a microphone, you can neither receive nor send calls. The microphone is used for Alexa and Google Assistant support, which I think is an amazing feature to add to a smartwatch.
You can use your smartwatch Alexa or Assistant to schedule an alarm or appointment or to do anything that a normal Alexa can do, including sending messages by speaking directly into the microphone. However, there is a downside to this feature as well. Google Assistant for the Fitbit Versa 2 is only available in a few countries and Alexa in even fewer. So, I would advise you to go on the official Fitbit site and see if your country has Assistant or Alexa support.
Other amazing features are its contactless payment (which is available for all stores that feature the so-called ‘tap and pay’) as well as find my phone and always on mode (which is off by default.)
All in all, I think this is a pretty cool device, with a battery of up to a week and a ton of awesome features. If you are really into health, fitness, and sleep then this is the smartwatch for you. Even if you are not and you know someone who is….well. All I can say is that Christmas is right around the corner.
- Alexa & Google Assistant built-in
- Third-Party app support
- Can receive messages
- Alexa & Google Assistant not available everywhere
- Can not receive calls
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 – Best Combination Of Sport And Everyday Life
Now here is a watch designed for everyone. Doesn’t matter if you love fitness or want to go about your daily life – the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 has something for you. Don’t let its sporty design fool you; unlike our previous entries, on this device you can do much more than just fitness tracking.
Let’s take a look-see at this round smartwatch’s design. If you want to buy this watch, you have options to consider. Firstly, it comes in two sizes: 40mm and 42mm, so choose wisely. Secondly, it comes with an aluminum case with a rubber band; this is the cheaper version of the watch which supports Bluetooth connectivity. The more expensive version has a stainless steel case and leather band and also supports LTE.
Both versions have 3 available colors, 6 in total. For the Bluetooth version, they are: Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, and Pink Gold. As for the LTE version, its colors don’t have any fancy names but look just as good or even better with ordinary Silver, Black, and Gold.
Both models have a wide screen with barely noticeable black borders, which is supposed to provide you with an uninterrupted view of whatever it is you are doing. It has two buttons on the side and a bezel for quick access to apps and functions. Overall I would say the watch is pretty slick looking, and I could definitely see myself wearing it to work or out for a walk.
Since we were discussing fitness features a bit earlier, let’s start our more in-depth look with that. This is one of the best smartwatches by Samsung for men. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 has all the best tracking functions from the previous 2 watches on our list, plus even more interesting ones. You have your standard heart rate monitoring, breathing, and running tracker, but you also have swimming and even rowing trackers. With its 50m water resistance, you won’t have to worry about getting it wet.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 also features an ECG monitor and depending on how much you use the device, you won’t have to charge it at least for a day. This may not be as impressive as some of the other batteries on this list, but at least it’s better than my phone, which gets tired after not even a full day of use.
Other than fitness, this Samsung smartwatch can act as your own personal assistant. It has a translator app installed which will come in handy with your travels, as well as in-depth camera control. With this feature, you can control your smartphone’s camera with your wristwatch. I am not exactly sure when and how you will need that, but it’s there. You can also answer calls as long as you have Wi-Fi.
So is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 the smartwatch for you? Before you make your decision, let’s look at some of the negatives. Even though it’s Samsung, the watch is still a bit pricey, and it has very few third-party apps. So you can look at it this way: if you are a sports guy and want a smartwatch mainly for exercise, then you might consider some of the other watches on this list. But if you just want a regular smartwatch from an established brand, then this is the device for you.
- LTE support (with the more expensive version)
- State-of-the-Art fitness apps
- Answer calls with Wi-Fi
- Third-party app support is lacking
- Battery life is not as long as it could have been
8. Apple Watch 6 – Best Smartwatch By Apple
Speaking of established brands – yeah, you all knew it was coming. It’s the one, the only Apple Watch Series 6. With its clean and slick design, this watch has a variety of features and apps to help both in your daily life and work life. And I mean, it’s Apple come on. Need I say more?
Well, like it or not, I am still going to go in-depth and discuss all the various things this device has to offer, starting from its design.
The only way I can describe this Apple smartwatch is that it’s like a flowing water of futurism; it looks and feels smooth to the touch, and the band blends almost perfectly with the case. But of course, Apple has historically been known for its silky smooth designs, so this comes as no surprise.
The watch features a variety of colors for its cases, which you can get in titanium, steel, or 100% recycled aluminum. The Apple Watch also has seamless bands which are available in two materials including what Apple calls the ‘solo loop’ and the braided ‘solo loop’. The solo loop is crafted from silicon rubber, making it really lightweight and comfortable. Its counterpart, the braided solo loop, is made out of silicon treads interwoven with recycled polyester yarn filaments, together creating a textured, yet still stretchable band.
Apple’s new always-on Retina display is even brighter when outdoors, making it easier for you to look at your watch without too much trouble. And with countless watch faces to choose from, you will find yourself more often than not staring at your device even when you don’t have to.
But a slick and sustainable design is not the only thing this watch possesses; like all other smartwatches it has a fitness mode and all the apps you need (and then some). It has all the classics, like heart rate monitoring, a blood-oxygen sensor, and of course an ECG app. Other fitness-related apps include a dance app, a hiking and cycling app, and a running app. And the Apple Watch 6 has music, podcast, and audiobooks to keep you motivated throughout your exercise, as well as activity tracking and sharing. You can show your friends and family how active you have been and make them jealous! While the competitions feature allows you to, well, compete with your friends throughout a seven-day period to see who has exercised the most – I think we have established by this point that won’t be me.
Other than fitness, the device has some pretty amazing smartwatch features. You can receive and send calls and messages without being near your phone. Do you know what that means? It means phoneless road trips, which I don’t think society is even ready for yet. Heck, you don’t even have to bring your wallet with Apple’s contactless payment. And with Siri acting as your personal translator you can go anywhere. Even if you get lost, with a simple click you can access the built-in map and find your way.
The best feature in my opinion, however, is the family setup. If you are the only one in your family who has an iPhone, you can use it to pair up multiple watches so your kids or grandmas and grandpas can call you from their own watch even if they don’t have an iPhone.
At this point you might be asking yourself, what’s the downside in all of this? Well hold your horses, I’m getting to it. The biggest problem I have with the Apple watch is that it only works with iPhones and if you don’t own one, well then good luck buddy. It’s also very expensive, and some of its features like sleep tracking and the blood oxygen data are not that reliable or informative. Its battery life is not that great either. So should you buy it? I’d say only if you are an Apple enthusiast, or already own an iPhone. Even then, I think you should look at all your available options before making a decision.
- Smooth design
- Family setup feature
- Accept and place calls independently
- Expensive
- Only works with iPhones
- Some fitness features are a bit lacking
9. Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch – Best Apple Watch Competitor
Not a fan of Apple, but searching for a smartwatch like the Apple Watch? Not to worry – I have the perfect alternative for you. The Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch, like the Apple Watch, has everything you need and – some people say – even more. Like its younger brother the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, it can be used to work out, go to work, and live your everyday life. Unlike the Apple Watch, however, Samsung has chosen to go in the complete opposite direction when it comes to design, focusing instead on a more classic look instead of the slick ‘futuristic’ one of Apple.
Let’s look at one of the best non-Apple smartwatches. The Galaxy’s round face, as well as its shadowed, ticking hands, give the device an authentic ‘real watch’ feel. However, if wearing a classic ‘real’ watch isn’t what you really want, don’t worry. You can turn off the ticking noise and customize your watch face to whatever your heart desires.
This round smartwatch has a total of 3 colors, including Silver, Rose Gold, and Midnight Black. You can customize even more with a variety of lightweight silicone straps. Honestly, I think this Samsung watch can go with whatever you are wearing, and in my personal opinion, it’s one of the best looking on this list so far. (Although, we do have one more smartwatch to go and I have saved the best for last.)
But back to the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch: it has a 5ATM water resistance and military-grade durability, which means you can bump it into as many underwater rocks as you want. That’s a joke, don’t actually go hitting your watch against underwater rocks. But it is pretty durable, which means you can do a lot of stuff with it, including hiking, rock climbing, and yes, even swimming.
With that being said, let’s move on to fitness features. The Galaxy Watch can act as your own personal trainer and takes care of a lot of the planning for you so you can wholeheartedly focus on the exercises at hand. Your watch also has state-of-the-art heart rate monitoring, and you can select up to six activities to track when you exercise, out of an array of over forty activities.
The Samsung health option lets you expand on the existing fitness features for even greater detail, including a heart rate report and calorie tracker. My favorite feature has to be the sleep tracker, which logs the four stages of sleep and measures your sleep quality. The watch also monitors your stress levels and assists you with guided breathing.
I love sleep, but you know what I love even more? When my watch acts as its own phone. With the LTE version of the Galaxy Watch, you can leave your phone at home and take calls or place them straight from your wrist. The same goes for music: connect the watch to your wireless earbuds and stream music online.
The best thing about this watch is that the battery lasts for days, and the watch certainly is built to help you function smoothly from day to night. So that means that when you are done answering calls and listening to music from your watch, you can still have enough battery left to review your health stats for the day. This Samsung watch sends you a reminder right before bedtime with your sleeping habits, remaining tasks, and health statistics for that day. When you wake up, the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch will wake up with you and will help you stay on track by displaying your schedule for the next 10 hours. Which, mind you, is all visible and understandable at a glance.
Not satisfied with what you have? Don’t worry, Samsung has got you covered with both Google Play, the App Store, and its countless third-party apps, including Spotify, BMW Connected, Uber, and many, many more.
So at this point in the article, thorough readers will not be shocked. First, I tell you how awesome a particular watch is, and then I ruin your day by showing you all the negatives it has. So let’s get right to it.
While this is one of the best Samsung smartwatches for men and one of the best LTE smartwatches out there, it is pretty expensive, no matter which version you pick. That’s something Apple and Samsung have in common. Although it is an Apple compatible watch and it works with Android as well, the better-than-average battery still leaves room for improvement, especially when compared to some other devices on this list. Also, some of its features work only in selected countries, like the ECG monitor which only works in the USA and South Korea. What’s more, the internal storage of the watch is not enough by any means. So again I would advise you to do your own research, check which features work in your country, and decide for yourself.
- Stylish design
- Very durable
- LTE support
- Some features only work in certain countries
- Not enough internal storage
10. Montblanc Summit 2 – Most Luxurious Android Watch For Men
So last but definitely not least, we have our most luxurious and definitely most expensive Android watch for men on this list. The Montblanc Summit 2 is easily the best-looking smartwatch out there. This device was designed to resemble a traditional watch as much as it possibly could, while still having some of the best features on market. It’s classy, it’s stylish and it wasn’t made with fitness enthusiasts in mind. I know, shocking right?
Let’s look at its design in more detail. With a stainless steel case, a sapphire screen, and a 5ATM water resistance, this watch was made for those with the highest of standards. The back of the device is made out of resin, and its high-quality leather strap makes it feel as premium as it looks. However, if you are not a fan of leather, the straps are detachable and you can choose whatever suits you best. Be warned, the straps are also quite pricey.
There are three buttons on the side, with the center one acting as the home screen button and the two on either side being programmable. As for the bezel, it is quite large, but that only adds to the premium aesthetic in my opinion.
While the face is luxurious, the display itself is quite nice to look at. When in use the colors pop out, no matter if you are indoors or out, and the sapphire reinforced glass will keep it from scratching.
All of this makes the smartwatch a pretty heavy device, and with limited fitness features, it is obvious that it wasn’t designed for sports enthusiasts. Sorry guys. However, as it has a heart rate monitoring function and is one of the best GPS tracking systems on a smartwatch, you can still go for a run with it, if that’s what you want to do.
Where it lacks in fitness, however, it makes up for in performance. With 1GB of RAM and an extremely fast refresh rate, this watch will be done loading before you can even blink.
Its battery life is simply average compared to other watches on this list, but it does have one feature that all the others may lack. That is its Time-Only mode which saves on battery by deactivating all your smartwatch features and showing you only the time. That means that your smartwatch can function as an actual watch. In this day and age? Incredible.
So is this watch for you? Yes, if you don’t mind the expensive price. This watch was made for people who live in luxury, and if you are one of those then go for it. Well first, maybe hear out the negatives. Other than the high price, the watch is actually quite bulky. With this smartwatch, you are not paying for technology or advanced features, but instead style and performance. If this aligns with what you’re looking for, go ahead and splurge a little – it’s almost Christmas.
- Luxury design
- Comfortable on your wrist
- Time-Only mode
- Very expensive
- Fitness features are lacking
- Quite heavy
Honorable Mentions
So, after reading all my thoughts about ten of the best smartwatches for men, did you decide on a watch yet? Or are you still unsure? If it’s the latter, not to worry: I may have a solution. While you are thinking about your choice, take a look at our honorable mentions, and maybe these 3 other Android watches for men will help you. These are the devices that are still pretty top-tier but did not manage to make it into the best of the best.
Suunto 7
If you would like a watch like the Garmin Vivoactive 4 that is tailored towards fitness enthusiasts, then this could be the smartwatch for you. Part of the good GPS-tracking club, this device was built to last days with its GPS turned on. However, even when GPS is turned off the watch supports offline outdoor maps so you can still see where you are going. Powered by Google’s Wear OS, this device also supports contactless payments and all other Google-related apps. Personally, if I was a fitness enthusiast, I would consider giving this one a try as well.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro
With 1GB of ram and military-grade durability, this Android watch for men is a pretty solid deal. Also a Wear OS device, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro has an amazing performance rate and one of the best LTE connections for a smartwatch out there. If for some reason you can not get a hold of the other LTE devices on this list, I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
Fossil Men’s Gen 4
Easily one of the best looking smartwatches, (even better-looking than some of the devices on our top ten list), the Fossil Men’s Gen 4 is truly an excellent Android watch for men. It’s even in the name. It has a stainless steel touchscreen and both the look and feel of a ‘real’ watch. Out of all our honorable mentions, this is the watch I would consider buying the most – mainly for style, but also for quality features supported by Google’s Wear OS.
Methodology
Ah, smartwatches, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have been riding on the smartwatch bandwagon ever since the beginning. Personally, I believe that these are revolutionary devices, and I have made it my hobby to know all that I can about them. It’s amazing when you can combine your personal hobby with your job.
Most of these smartwatches I have tested myself, whether by buying them, borrowing them from my fellow smartwatch enthusiasts, or getting the advanced review copy of a device. I fiddled with all the functions and asked my friends and colleagues what they thought about them. I wrote everything they said down on my little green notebook, including the best and the worst. Now, on the subject of my next step: if you are researching a particular topic, I believe it is extremely important to first make up your own opinion and then look at what other people think. Otherwise, your own personal opinion might be tainted. So, after I had compiled my opinion on each one of the devices, I scoured the internet for all the information I could find.
After all my research and fiddling was said and done, I looked at my little green notebook and used all of the information I had carefully gathered to compile this article.
Buyers Guide
There are many things to consider when looking for a Smartwatch, and with this guide, I hope to tell you what I look for in smartwatches and how I rank them accordingly.
Connectivity
First of all, it’s very important to look at how your watch connects to your phone. This will determine the quality of your smartwatch/phone partnership and determine stuff like the quality of incoming calls. There are 3 things you should look for when it comes to connectivity, the first and most common being:
Bluetooth
This will connect your phone to your watch via a Bluetooth signal. While this type of connection is the most common one and has a few versions, it’s generally best suited for transferring sound data (e.g. wireless headphones). It is generally fairly easy to use, but has a low range and is less secure than other forms of connectivity.
Wi-Fi
You could consider this type of signal the better version of Bluetooth. While Wi-Fi has a faster connection and a wider range, it also consumes more battery life and is more complex to use.
LTE
This is the best connection you could have on your smartwatch. It is also the one that costs the most. Most devices that support an LTE connection usually also offer a cheaper model without. The price difference is due to the fact that instead of simply relying on your phone, LTE connects your watch to the wider cellular network. This way, your smartwatch can act as its own independent device that doesn’t need a phone in order to make calls or send messages.
Operating System
Another very important thing is to consider a device’s OS. While some smartwatches, like the ‘Fitbit Versa 2’ have their own operating systems (or a “Proprietary OS”), others use the Proprietary OS developed by Google (“Wear OS”) or Apple’s iOS. This operating system is what makes your watch a smartwatch; it determines everything from how fast the device processes information to what kind of apps you can download and install.
iOS
This operating system is easily one of the best on the market. Supported and used only by Apple, it has a high refresh rate and great quality apps, although those you can download from the App Store are limited when compared to the iPhone.
Wear OS
The operating system was designed by Google and made with Android watches in mind. It supports both rectangular and round-faced watches. While it has a great performance rate and supports Google Play among other Google apps, more and more companies are choosing to develop and use their own OS.
Proprietary OS
An OS designed by smartwatch developers for their own devices. The quality of these operating systems may vary. While companies like Garmin and Taizen have developed state-of-the-art operating systems that work well with their devices, there are some which tried to make their own OS but ultimately failed. So, if you’re thinking about buying a smartwatch with a lesser-known Proprietary OS, it’s worth making sure it measures up to the big players like Wear OS and iOS because the operating system will greatly affect the quality of your experience.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things that go into choosing a good smartwatch. While there is no way to cover everything without making it an article of its own, I believe I showed you the most important things you can look for when choosing a smartwatch. I know that I say this often, but please do your own research and see what works for you.
Final Verdict
When it comes to picking a device such as this it all depends on your personality and what you are looking for, from the best-looking smartwatch to the one with the best features, I compiled this list so that everyone can have something they would like. Whether you’re a guy who is into expensive cars and accessories or just someone who likes working out or you’re somewhere in between, this list has it. I know that’s not exactly the easy answer you want to hear, so I am going to compare my favorite smartwatches from the list and tell you why I like them.
My first choice would be the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch. It has a lot of useful features and a good-looking design, its Bluetooth connectivity is top-tier, and it’s also as durable as they come. Plus, I’m more of an Android guy myself.
Second and third place I would have to give to the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4 respectively. I choose the Versa 2 for its slick design and high-end fitness trackers. If I am to exercise, I would like this smartwatch with me. And the Garmin Vivoactive 4 wins third for just being a solid well-rounded watch.
Of course, you might feel differently, since we are all humans after all, and we all have opinions that don’t necessarily match. In fact, if people don’t have different opinions, society and technology won’t progress and neither will smartwatches. Either way, I hope you found what you are looking for. Oh and guys, one more thing. Expect a new list soon with the best smartwatches for women, because we are here to help you choose a gift for your lady as well.
FAQ
Q: Why isn’t ‘X’ smartwatch on this list?
A: There are a lot of watches out there, and of course, I have not tried every single one, but I have done extensive research on most of them. If a certain smartwatch is not on this list, it could be for one of two reasons.
One: It did not meet the necessary requirements for this list. It might have been lacking in one or more areas.
Two: It might already be on one of our other smartwatch lists. While there is bound to be overlap between articles, I try to have as much variety as possible, so everyone can find the watch that suits them best.
Q: Aren’t smartwatches just a novelty item?
A: No, I do not believe they are. Smartwatches are constantly evolving and new features are added with every generation. I won’t be surprised if everybody owns one of these devices in a few years.
Q: How do smartwatches track your sleep, heart, etc.?
A: In order to track your sleep pattern, most devices use what is known as an actigraph sensor which tracks your motion in order to determine whether you’re asleep or awake. While in order to track your heart rate, the smartwatch measures the blood flow near your wrist by illuminating it with LEDs.
Q: When the inevitable robot revolution finally comes, will our smartwatches rise up against us as well?
A: Not unless Elon Musk updates them with his OpenAI software. 😉
Top Rated Smartwatches for Men
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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