WIRED’s 2026 Smartwatch Guide: Apple, Google, and OnePlus Lead the Pack
From the Apple Watch Series 11 to the Google Pixel Watch 4, WIRED has updated its recommendations for the year, emphasising longevity and user-centric design over sheer feature density.
WIRED has published its updated 2026 guide to the best smartwatches, evaluating eight top-rated devices across various price points and ecosystems. The publication’s testing highlights a shift in consumer priorities, with battery longevity and device repairability emerging as critical factors alongside traditional health and fitness metrics. The guide covers a broad spectrum of options, ranging from premium flagship models to budget-friendly alternatives and specialised devices for children and luxury collectors.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is recommended as the top choice for iPhone users, largely due to its upgraded 24-hour battery life, a significant improvement from the previous 18-hour runtime. This extension allows for continuous overnight sleep tracking without mid-night recharging. The device also features FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, which alert users after 14 days of wear if irregular blood pressure patterns are detected. While the older Series 10 can access some of these health features via software, the Series 11’s power efficiency remains its primary advantage.
For Android users, the Google Pixel Watch 4 takes the top spot, distinguished by its status as Google’s first repairable smartwatch. Users can replace the battery and display through parts available at iFixit, addressing growing concerns over electronic waste. The device utilises a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 chipset and includes satellite messaging capabilities on cellular models. Google has also introduced a Raise to Talk feature for the Gemini assistant, allowing voice commands without activating a hotword, alongside new gesture controls for calls and alarms.
Battery performance remains a key differentiator in the wider market, with the OnePlus Watch 3 receiving high praise for its five-day runtime. Utilising silicon-carbon battery technology and a dual-engine architecture, the watch maintains power efficiency while running Wear OS. The guide also notes the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series for its accurate health tracking and dual-frequency GPS, though it cautions that some newer health metrics, such as the Antioxidant Index, may lack practical utility. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is highlighted for fitness enthusiasts, offering a week-long battery life and extensive activity profiles, albeit with limited smartwatch functionality.
The roundup also addresses niche segments, including budget and family-oriented devices. The Apple Watch SE 3 is recommended for users seeking core Apple Watch features at a lower price point, while the CMF Watch 3 Pro offers a utilitarian, affordable option with accurate heart rate monitoring. For children, the Fitbit Ace LTE is suggested for its safety features, including location tracking and parental controls, with health data deletion policies designed to protect privacy. Luxury options include the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5, which prioritises design and brand heritage over comprehensive smart features.
