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If you’re shopping for the best smartwatches for business, you’ll want to think about the operating system (OS) and smart integrations that are most essential for you. People who want a smartwatch that can act as a hands-free solution should focus on watches made by phone manufacturers as these tend to offer the most robust smart features. But picking a watch specifically designed for your phone’s current OS is the best way to create a seamless experience. Also, think about other functionality such as fitness and health tracking. But don’t forget to consider battery life, and the overall design of your watch as silicone straps may look out of place in a formal office setting.
After conducting thorough research through countless customer reviews, we nominated the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 as the best smartwatch for business. Keep reading to learn more about our selection criteria. If you need more options, check out our review of the best smartwatch.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for Android users that gives them a seamless experience with call and text support, wireless charging, and Bixby voice assistant integration.
Arguably, depending on whether you’re an Apple or Android user, either Samsung or Apple are going to come out on top as the best choice for a true business smartwatch. That being said, there are more Android users in the market than Apple, so by default, we’re nominating the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 as our Top Pick. We think it’s the best smartwatch for Android users because it supports calls and text, along with access to Bixby — Samsung’s proprietary voice assistant. The Galaxy Watch 3 also passed the MIL-STD-810G, a military testing protocol that puts a device through 10 harsh conditions including being dropped from 4.9 feet, extreme temperatures, dust resistance, and enduring shock, low pressure, vibration, and high altitude. You’ll also get water resistance to 50 meters.
Even though we’re promoting it as best for Android users, the Galaxy Watch 3 is also compatible with Apple iOS. However, you’re going to experience limitations such as Samsung Pay or select music streaming apps that won’t work properly as you try to cross the OS. Other key features include access to fitness tracking apps that follow steps, monitor your heart rate, sleep data, and stress levels. If you’re concerned about a watch that looks too casual, you have a choice from over 50,000 digital watch faces and removable straps so you can swap them out for something more upscale. The Galaxy Watch 3 comes in a 41- and 45-millimeter version. While it has a better battery than Apple Watches, it’s still fairly low compared to more streamlined fitness smartwatches. The 45-millimeter case watch gives you 56 hours and you’ll get 43 hours with the 41-millimeter case watch. Also, check out another impressive model that is the best rugged smartwatch that features the Max Battery GPS Mode.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to seamless integration, location targeting, multiple case sizes, and full support for the Apple iOS ecosystem.
iPhone users can certainly opt for an Android-based smartwatch if they prefer. But it’s no secret that smart support is greatly limited when you try to cross into another OS. Specifically, we consistently find that OS-agnostic smartwatches that promise to work with both Apple and Android devices consistently don’t support select smart features such as quick replies to texts, canceling calls, contactless payment, app support, and music streaming. So, the best smartwatch for iPhone users is an Apple Watch. The Series 5 Apple Watch is a great bridge option whether you have an older iPhone or a more current one. It offers many of the same core smart features as the newer Series 6 but can also work with older phones. The Series 5 offers GPS, WiFi, and cellular support.
Key metrics include sleep, step, a heart rate sensor, and monitoring for ECG. You’ll also get fall detection with Emergency SOS call support and elevation. The Series 5 comes in 40 and 44-millimeter sizes. Other important Apple Watch features include pairing and mirroring so that you can seamlessly work between apps on the iPhone and your Apple Watch. Remember that Apple Watches can only work with Apple devices so Android users need to keep looking for a smartwatch. Also, Apple Watches have some of the worst battery lives for the smartwatch category. Although the brand promises 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, most users are lucky to get 12 hours — especially if they’re power users. For older consumers, you might want to check out the best smartwatch for seniors buying guide.
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for time management thanks to a robust calendar, while also accessing wireless charging, talk and text, Bixby voice assistant, and enhanced fitness and health metrics.
If you’re a fan of Samsung products, you’ll like the Galaxy Watch Active 2. We think it’s a great option for someone who wants a sleeker watch but also prioritizes tracking health and fitness data. It’s also the best smartwatch for time management thanks to the Bixby assistant which can help you stay on track, manage calendar entries, and seamlessly work in the background while you focus on the day’s tasks. Like most smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers in-depth fitness and health tracking for steps, stress levels, heart rate sensors, and sleep.
One of the main drawbacks we saw is that while you get call and text support, you’re limited to just over 24 hours of usage on a single charge. While that’s better than the Apple Watch, that’s a far cry from some third-party competitors that can go days or weeks on a single charge. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is designed to work with Apple and Android devices but Android wear users will enjoy seamless access to Samsung-specific features such as Samsung Pay and usage for streaming apps such as Pandora and Spotify. Another complaint we noted was that many users found the Galaxy Watch Active 2’s interface to be clunky. If you run a lot, the best smartwatch for running is another great option.
Award: BEST FOR OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for business use thanks to a more sophisticated strap that can charge quickly and multiple power modes to extend battery life for up to two weeks.
Silicone bands tend to be the standard for most smartwatches. But for people who work in professional environments, they scream casual wear. The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is the best smartwatch for business use and is ideal for people who need a more sophisticated solution to wearable tech. Fossil smartwatches rely on Google’s Wear OS. This makes it compatible with both Apple and Android devices. But, it’s important to note that Apple users will experience limitations when pairing Wear OS watches to their iPhones. The 44-millimeter case is paired with a 22-millimeter band and you can switch it with other 22-millimeter Fossil bands.
Key smartwatch features include fast charging that will get your watch back to 80% in just an hour and access to Google Fit to track health and fitness metrics such as steps, calories, floors climbed, sleep, a heart rate sensor, and breathing. While it is somewhat water-resistant, it’s limited to 30 meters which means it’s not designed for swimming. Because the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle relies on Wear OS, you’ll get access to G Suite apps to manage Gmail, your calendar, Google Assistant, and Google Pay. Common complaints we found through our research centered on the somewhat buggy Wear OS platform. But we do like that depending on the power mode you select, you can get as much as two weeks of battery life between charges. Another option may be one of the best hybrid smartwatches.
Award: BEST FOR ATHLETES
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for fitness that tracks in-depth metrics in real-time for fitness and health while also being water-resistant to 50 meters, with a long multi-day battery for maximum use.
The Fitbit Versa Lite is a true fitness tracker that has adopted smart functions. While you can’t make calls or send texts, you still get notifications. We think this is the best smartwatch for fitness because of the more robust metrics it gathers. The Versa Lite is OS-agnostic meaning you can pair it with Apple and Android phones. It offers built-in GPS for fitness tracking features that include movements and pace. The smartwatch relies on Bluetooth to pair and seamlessly send data to the Fitbit app for review at a later time.
The single button design makes this a great user-friendly solution with an interface that is fairly easy to master. You’ll appreciate the four-day battery life and 50-meter water resistance rating that makes this safe for swimming. The fitness component includes more than 15 exercise modes and in-depth health metrics tracking such as female health, a 24/7 heart rate monitor, steps, floors climbed, calories burned, and more. For smart support, you’ll get notifications for calls, text, and calendar updates. Android users can take advantage of quick response texts. They also have access to streaming apps like Spotify and Pandora, as well as contactless payment through Fitbit Pay. If you’re an iPhone user consider any one of the best smartwatches for iPhones that will suit your needs.
Award: BEST FOR OLDER IPHONES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A great entry into the Apple Watch world for smartwatch beginners that still supports calls and texts while pairing well with older iPhone models and offering a 50-meter water resistance rating.
For iPhone users with older phone models, the latest and greatest Series 6 Apple Watch might not be a realistic choice. But if you still want a smartwatch that keeps you in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 3 Apple Watch is a smart choice and a great price. This pick doesn’t offer quite as many robust features as newer Apple Watches, but it’s designed to work seamlessly on the Apple iOS and gives you the key smart support that you need to be hands-free while you’re in the office. Specifically, you’ll still get support for talk and messages, as well as access to key Apple-based features like Apple Music, Apple Pay, and emergency SOS call support.
Unsurprisingly, the Series 3 has a battery range just like other Apple Watches. In other words, the battery life isn’t good. For fitness and health metrics, you’ll have continuous heart rate monitoring, step and sleep tracking, and activity monitoring for multiple sport modes. While you get a retina display, it’s not the always-on retina display as seen in newer Apple Watch models. Choose from a 38 or 42-millimeter case size. You’ll also like that the Series 3 Apple Watch has 50-meter water resistance, meaning you can swim while wearing this watch. For your young ones, consider purchasing the best smartwatch for kids for slimmed down functionality with increased parental controls.
Award: BEST SPORT MODES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A true fitness watch with some smart support that offers multiple sport modes for indoor and outdoor activities, a five-day battery life, and a 50-meter water resistance rating.
Garmin is a trusted name in the smartwatch category because they make watches that are designed to seamlessly transition between work and exercise. The Garmin Venu is another great option that’s available in a variety of colors and round and square bezels. The Venu comes with a silicone strap but you can always swap it out for something else. We like that you have three power modes that can range from six hours for continuous GPS with music mode to five days in smartwatch mode.
Key smart features include notifications for text, calls, and calendar updates, find my phone/watch, music and music storage for up to 500 songs. Although the Garmin Venu can pair with both Apple and Android devices, only Android users have access to text response and reject phone calls and Garmin Pay. Fitness buffs will appreciate the wide array of sport and exercise profiles that include gym and fitness, running, golfing, outdoor activities, cycling, swimming, and even kid activity tracking. You’ll also get a 50-meter water resistance rating. Health monitoring centers on continuous heart rate monitoring, respiration rate, pulse ox, stress, sleep, hydration, and even women’s health monitoring. For cyclists, check out the best smartwatch for cycling that offers you enhanced safety features with a live track, group live track, live event sharing, incident detection, and assistance.
Award: BEST FOR CONNECTED HOMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for heart rate monitoring with in-depth health metrics, Amazon Alexa built-in for smart home integration, and a battery life that lasts for more than six days.
For people with connected homes that rely on Amazon Alexa, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a great pick. It comes with Alexa built into it, meaning you can easily adjust the thermostat, turn on the lights, or even send updates to other connected appliances straight from your wrist. But more importantly, we think this is the best smartwatch for heart rate monitoring because of the robust data this watch can give you. Along with 24/7 heart rate tracking, you’ll get access to resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation monitoring, breathing rate, heart rate variability, sleep tracking, sleep score, and all-day activity tracking. As with other Fitbit smartwatches, the Versa 2 can pair with Apple and Android devices.
The Versa 2 is a streamlined smartwatch, meaning that you have access to notifications for calls, texts, and calendar updates. Android users can make quick replies to texts. Other smart features include support for third-party apps like Spotify, as well as Fitbit Pay, and the ability to store and play more than 300 songs directly on your device. But you’ll appreciate that you get six or more days of use between charges depending on how heavily you use the smart features. Compare this model to the best smartwatch with a camera with photo capabilities.
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Award: BEST MUSIC STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best smartwatches for people who don’t need extensive smart functions but want enhanced fitness support and on-watch music storage for a hands-free experience.
If you’re more focused on fitness versus smart support, then the Fitbit Ionic is a great option. Because it’s part of the Fitbit family, it focuses more on fitness and health metrics but does incorporate some smart functionality so that it can do more than simply track steps and your heart rate. Just like with the Versa 2, the Fitbit Ionic focuses on in-depth data tracking that includes continuous heart rate monitoring, steps, calories, floors climbed, activity monitoring, and sleep metrics.
The Ionic is OS-agnostic and can pair with both Android and Apple devices. GPS support lets you track routes and gather in-depth activity metrics. For smart functionality, you’ll get notifications for phone calls, texts, and calendar updates. But for people who need a soundtrack while they workout, the Ionic is one of the best smartwatches with access to music streaming platforms Spotify and Pandora, and the capacity to natively store more than 300 songs. We also like that you’ll get a four-day battery life between full recharges. Athletes may also want to consider the best fitness smartwatch.
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A wallet-friendly smartwatch with impressive 45-day battery life, access to social media apps, and select smart functionality for notifications.
Not everyone wants to be glued to their wrists all day. Or, even if they’re interested in investing in a smartwatch, their budgets might not allow them to pick one of the more extravagant options in our guide. So, the Amazfit Bip is a great compromise if you feel like you need to join the smartwatch experience, but your wallet requires that you be frugal about the price. The Bip creates a happy medium between limited smart support and fitness and health tracking. But one of the biggest draws for this watch is that you can get up to 45 days of use between recharges.
For health and fitness metrics, you’ll get 24/7 heart rate monitoring along with activity tracking, steps, activity levels, calories, and access to four specific sport modes. The smart features are slightly more robust than other third-party watches. Along with notifications for calls, texts, and calendar events, you’ll also enjoy access to social media apps such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. And if you’re a clinical worker, consider the best smartwatch for nurses that offers hands-free support so that you don’t need to glance at your phone between patients.
When you’re shopping for a smartwatch to use in business settings, you’re focused on smart support and design. To create our guide for the best smartwatches for business, we looked at the following key features — OS compatibility, smart integration, functionality, battery life, and design. Except for the Apple Watches, all of our picks are OS-agnostic and can pair with both Apple and Android devices.
But OS compatibility is especially important for iPhone users as using Android-based smartwatches tends to limit smart functionality especially for payment apps and music streaming along with support for calls and text. So, for this reason, we did include a few Apple Watches as they provide the best native experience for iPhone users and support full smart support without any limitations.
Smart integrations are an important feature if you want a truly hands-free experience as you work. These features are usually limited to watches created by phone manufacturers (i.e. Apple and Samsung) since their smartwatches are specifically designed to be smartphone replacements. But not everyone needs that much functionality, which is why we also included plenty of third-party supported smartwatches that streamlined smart support to notifications, music controls, contactless payment, and limited access to calendar and weather reports.
Along with smart integration, most smartwatches are designed to track fitness and health metrics. This functionality is fairly standard although the amount of data being collected can vary widely. In some cases, you can get in-depth access to ECG, pulse ox, and continuous heart rate monitoring while other watches may only track select metrics during moments of intense activity.
Battery life is another key feature since typically more robust smart features will result in shorter battery life. In our research, we found that while Samsung and Apple have more attractive phones in terms of functionality, both severely underperform in the battery life category when compared with third-party watches from brands like Garmin and Fitbit.
And finally, the design is a critical feature. Specifically for a business professional, they’re going to want a smartwatch that looks more sophisticated. While silicone straps tend to be the standard option because of their durability, remember that straps are usually removable and can be swapped out for something that looks better in a corporate or professional environment.
