Even though the latest and greatest version of Google's Wear OS is currently only available on two Samsung watches, that doesn't mean that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are the only good wearables. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers will work with your Android phone. If all the choices are too much for you, we've put together a list of our favorite Android wearables.

 

It's not the best time to purchase a new smartwatch since we know that the long-rumored Google Pixel Watch will come out this fall with the Pixel 7 and that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will be said in the coming week's Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4. But if you need a new smartwatch right now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the clear winner.

 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

 

We're almost sick of saying it, but the fact is that if you want a smartwatch to use with your Android phone right now, you should put Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 at the top of your list. The Watch 4 family is still the only one that can use Wear OS 3 and is also a great smartwatch.

 

The Exynos W920 chipset gives it top-notch performance, the 60Hz display is bright and colorful, and the battery life is better than average. The 40mm model lasts about 30 hours before it needs to be charged again, while the 42mm model lasts closer to 40.

 

It would help if you had some Samsung apps on your phone to get the most out of the Galaxy Watch 4. For example, you won't be able to see your SpO2 stats without Samsung Health. However, it has great performance, a great 60Hz display, and, along with the Watch 4 Classic, Wear OS 3 exclusivity (for now). This makes it the easiest wearable to recommend to most Android users.

 

Google Assistant is also finally on the Watch 4 series. This means we can use Google's voice skills to give commands instead of Bixby. Just be aware that Assistant can quickly turn the Watch 4's battery from above average to "meh." If you don't plan to use it all the time, don't turn on "always listening" on your watch.

 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a nice addition to the standard Watch 4. All models work and look the same, but Classic's case is constructed of stainless steel instead of aluminum, so it costs more.

 

The Classic has a rotating bezel that can be utilized to make menu choices, scroll through notifications, and more. At $350, it might not be as easy to sell as the base-model Watch 4 for $250, but if you want a more conventional smartwatch or can't live without the clicky bezel, the Classic's extra cost will be worth it for you.

 

Let's say you like the clickable bezel or the more classic look of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. In that case, you could require to stick with the Watch 4 instead of the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 Classic, which is said to ditch the physical rotating bezel for an electronic one like the regular Watch 4.

 

Mobvoi TicWatch E3

 

With Qualcomm's Wear 4100 chip, a gigabyte of RAM, and a promise of an update to the new and improved Wear OS 3 later this year, Mobvoi's TicWatch E3 is a good deal for $200. Mobvoi used a cheaper LCD to get that low price, which means the contrast isn't as good, and the blacks aren't as dark as they are on an OLED. Still, even with this less efficient screen, the battery lasts well into the second day.

 

An Essential Mode also limits what the watch can do, making the battery last much longer. The E3 is still pretty new, but with a suggested retail price of $200, you can bet it will sell well in the future. Once it gets Wear OS 3, it will be a great way to try out modern Wear OS without spending a lot of money, and for the price, it's a good choice even now.

 

TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS

 

For a while, the TicWatch Pro 3 was the best Wear OS watch, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the updated TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is also pretty good. There aren't many differences between the two watches. The new Ultra GPS has a more refined design, a slightly stronger Wear 4100+ chipset, and, according to Mobvoi, satisfies the MIL-STD-810G durability normal.

 

It has a great battery life that will easily last more than 24 hours. This is because it has a unique dual-layer display that can go into a super-low-power mode when you're not using the watch. Wear OS 3 is coming to the Pro 3 Ultra GPS at some point this year, which will make the watch even better. The Pro 3 Ultra GPS has a suggested retail price of $300, but if you watch for sales, you can get one for less.

 

Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch

 

Fitbit made its name with simpler fitness trackers, but the Versa 3 is a nice smartwatch. When you're not using the AOD, the battery lasts up to six days, which is very good. Its integration with Google Assistant is even better than what you get on Wear OS, and it works faster and more reliably.

 

The weird bug that makes changing watch faces hard is the worst thing about the watch. Its list price is $230, but you can often get it for less than $200 these days. Check out the Fitbit Sense if you like how it looks but want more features. It costs more, but it has a stainless steel case and more ways to track your health.

 

Fossil Gen 6

 

At first, we weren't too excited about Fossil Gen 6. It has Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4100+ chipset, but its version of Wear OS is outdated. That is not a great buy compared to the Galaxy Watch 4, even the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro Ultra 3 GPS, which has the same MSRP of $300 but also has a low-power display to extend battery life and meets the MIL-STD-810G standard for durability.

 

But the Gen 6 is worth considering because it is well made, has a bright, clear screen, and an update to Wear OS 3 is on the way. You should know that there are probably better options out there right now. With the news above, though, that might change.

 

What's the best Android-powered wearable you can buy?

 

We like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 a lot right now. Wear OS 3 came out with the latest Galaxy Watches, and there are still no other watches with the latest version of Google's wearable software. It also works quickly and has a smooth, bright screen. The battery can last for almost two full days.

 

The Watch 4 has been made better with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Still, it hasn't changed much. Instead of an aluminum case, it has a stainless steel one, and the bezel around the screen can be turned to move through menus. The price increase for these extras is pretty high, though. The Watch 4 starts at $250, but the Classic model costs $350.

 

Big-name watches that Samsung doesn't make won't be too far behind in software for long, either. This year, the latest TicWatches from Mobvoi and the Fossil Gen 6 will get Wear OS 3. When they do, it will look and feel different from Samsung's version, based on the Tizen interface that older smartwatches used.