If you’re shopping for the best smartwatches for texting, you need to think about your current smartphone or tablet and its operating system (OS). Because Apple devices don’t support text and calls through Android devices, it’s important to find a watch that uses the same OS as your smartphone or tablet. Next, think about text functionality. Do you merely want to have access to quick replies or do you prefer a robust texting feature? And you should consider other functions such as calls, contactless payments, or even streaming media. However, all of the above smart features can quickly drain a watch battery so you’ll want to look at the listed battery range, and how quickly a watch can be fully recharged. Yes, you have to do the same even if you are buying the best smartwatch.
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch, Sport Watch with...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PRlIHiYsL.jpg)
After conducting thorough research through countless customer reviews, we nominated the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as our Top Pick. Keep reading to learn more about our selection criteria and to shop from our recommendations on the best smartwatches on the market today.
Top 10 Smartwatches for Texting
#1 Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Best Smartwatch for Texting & Calls
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: A rugged yet luxurious smartwatch with a spacious screen, full QWERTY keyboard, voice dictation, and unmatched iPhone integration.
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Excellent voice dictation with Siri
- Deep iOS and iMessage integration
- Pricey
- Only works with iPhones
For iPhone users, this is the gold standard for smartwatch communication. You can tap out full messages on the large screen, dictate replies with Siri, or use emojis and quick responses — all with seamless iMessage support. The built-in microphone and speaker offer great clarity for calls, and the cellular version means you can leave your iPhone behind entirely.
Battery life is impressive for an Apple Watch, and the design is built for both outdoor adventures and day-to-day wear. It’s a serious investment, but for those who want a full communication hub on their wrist, the Ultra 2 delivers better than anything else on the market.
#2 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A premium Android smartwatch with powerful messaging tools, a beautiful rotating bezel, and LTE call support — all backed by Wear OS and Samsung’s smart ecosystem.
- On-screen keyboard and voice input
- Works well with Samsung Messages and Google Messages
- LTE model supports phone-free calling
- Best experience with Samsung phones
- Battery life can drop with LTE use
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a strong all-rounder for Android users. It gives you both QWERTY and T9 keyboard options for texting, plus fast voice input that syncs directly with your messaging app of choice. Calls are loud and clear, and the LTE option allows full independence from your phone if you activate it.
Its premium rotating bezel gives it a traditional watch feel while making navigation faster. For users who own Samsung phones, the integration is especially polished, but the watch still performs great across most Android devices. If you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, this is the go-to pick. Also consider the best rugged smartwatch that features the Max Battery GPS Mode that can run up to 145 hours on solar charging or 70 hours without solar.
#3 Huawei Watch 4 Pro
Award: BEST LTE STANDALONE OPTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A high-end smartwatch that works well even without your phone, offering strong LTE calling support and a full texting experience — ideal for users who want freedom on their wrist.
- LTE + eSIM support for full independence
- Full keyboard for texting
- Premium display and long battery life
- Limited Google app support
- Not widely available in the U.S.
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro is built to operate independently. With eSIM capabilities, you can make and receive calls, text, and access data directly from your wrist — even if your phone is miles away. Messaging is smooth with both a touchscreen keyboard and voice input, and the speaker quality is top-tier.
That said, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. It doesn’t support Google services like Maps or Assistant, so users in the U.S. or Google-heavy environments may miss some features. But for travelers, Huawei users, or those outside the U.S., it’s one of the strongest standalone smartwatches for communication. You may want to consider purchasing the best smartwatch for seniors that comes in a 41 and 45-millimeter case size with up to 56 hours of battery life.
#4 Apple Watch Series 9
Award: BEST VALUE FOR IPHONE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Compact and lightweight, Series 9 offers a full keyboard, voice dictation, and excellent call support, making it ideal for everyday iPhone users.
- QWERTY keyboard & dictation
- iMessage and emoji support
- LTE for calls
- Limited battery life (18 hours)
- Still iPhone-only
The Apple Watch Series 9 delivers almost all the communication features of the Ultra 2 in a smaller, more affordable package, making it ideal for users who want robust texting and calling without the premium price. Its QWERTY keyboard is responsive and paired with Siri dictation, so you can compose messages in multiple ways, depending on your mood or situation. With LTE connectivity, the watch lets you take calls or reply to texts without your phone nearby, adding a great deal of flexibility to daily life.
Battery life is typical for an Apple Watch, lasting roughly a day under regular use, so nightly charging is necessary. However, for users prioritizing smooth iOS integration and a lightweight design, the Series 9 hits the sweet spot between performance, style, and affordability. It’s perfect for everyday communicators who want convenience and quality but don’t need the Ultra’s rugged features.
#5 Google Pixel Watch 2
Award: BEST FOR GOOGLE ECOSYSTEM
WHY WE LIKE IT: Tight integration with Google Messages and Assistant, plus a QWERTY keyboard and LTE calls, make this the best choice for Pixel users.
- Gboard keyboard and smart replies
- Google Assistant dictation
- LTE for phone-free calls
- Smaller display
- Battery lasts about a day
Google Pixel Watch 2 brings the full power of Google’s messaging and voice assistant right to your wrist. It supports a smooth Gboard keyboard for typing out texts, smart replies for quick responses, and excellent voice dictation via Google Assistant. LTE connectivity allows you to make and receive calls without needing your phone, perfect for those fully invested in the Google ecosystem. This watch is the ideal companion for Pixel phone users or anyone who relies on Google apps for communication.
However, its compact screen can feel a bit cramped for longer typing sessions, and battery life hovers around a day of regular use, so plan to charge it every night. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pixel Watch 2 delivers a seamless, integrated experience for those wanting to stay connected via calls and messages while enjoying Google’s smart features.
#6 Garmin Venu 3
Award: BEST FITNESS WATCH WITH TEXTING (ANDROID ONLY)
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great for Android users who want quick replies and voice texting on a watch that doubles as a serious fitness tracker.
- Voice reply and canned responses
- Excellent fitness tracking
- Long battery life (up to 14 days)
- No full keyboard
- Limited iOS texting features
The Garmin Venu 3 caters especially to fitness enthusiasts who want to stay connected without sacrificing workout features. While it doesn’t offer a full keyboard, it supports voice replies and preset quick responses, which allow you to answer texts hands-free or with minimal effort. Its health and fitness tracking capabilities are among the best in the industry, making it a perfect all-in-one for active Android users.
Though it has limited texting functionality for iPhone owners and isn’t suited for composing long messages, its outstanding battery life—up to two weeks—means you won’t have to worry about charging often. If you want a smartwatch that keeps you informed with basic communication features while focusing on health, this is a solid pick.
#7 TicWatch Pro 5
Award: BEST BATTERY LIFE FOR TEXTERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A Wear OS smartwatch that supports full keyboard texting and voice replies, plus LTE calling, all with excellent battery life.
- Full keyboard and voice texting
- LTE-enabled for calls
- Long battery life (3–4 days)
- Slightly bulky design
- UI not as polished as Samsung or Apple
TicWatch Pro 5 stands out with its impressive battery life and comprehensive communication tools, including a full touchscreen keyboard and reliable voice-to-text features. Its LTE capability means you can make calls and send texts independently from your phone, which is a major convenience for Android users on the go. The dual-layer display helps conserve battery, allowing several days of use between charges, something rare in Wear OS watches.
The design is a bit bulkier than some competitors, and the user interface isn’t quite as refined as Samsung’s or Apple’s, but for the price, it offers exceptional value. If long battery life combined with solid texting and calling functionality is your priority, this watch delivers consistently.
#8 Fitbit Sense 2
Award: BEST LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION FOR ANDROID
WHY WE LIKE IT: A health-first smartwatch offering voice replies and quick text responses for Android users who don’t need a full keyboard.
- Voice-to-text reply support
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Great wellness features
- No keyboard
- Limited iOS texting functionality
Fitbit Sense 2 appeals to those who prioritize health tracking but want to stay connected with basic texting features. It supports voice-to-text replies and quick canned responses, allowing you to answer messages effortlessly without a keyboard. Its lightweight and comfortable design make it ideal for 24/7 wear, whether you’re exercising or resting.
While the Sense 2 doesn’t support long message typing and has limited texting capabilities on iOS, it’s a fantastic option for Android users who want a balance of wellness monitoring and simple message management. It’s not meant to replace your phone, but it keeps you reachable and informed throughout the day. And if you’re a clinical worker, compare that to the best smartwatch for nurses that offers hands-free support so that you don’t need to glance at your phone between patients.
#9 Amazfit Balance Smartwatch
Award: BEST BATTERY LIFE FOR BASIC TEXTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Affordable smartwatch with message notifications, canned replies, and an incredible 10+ day battery life.
- Long battery life
- Notification previews
- Lightweight design
- No keyboard
- Limited app ecosystem
The Amazfit Balance is a budget-friendly option that excels at keeping you informed with message previews and basic quick-reply options. It doesn’t offer a full keyboard, so it’s not designed for composing long messages, but it’s perfect for people who want to stay connected without constant phone checks. The standout feature is its exceptional battery life, lasting over ten days on a single charge, which is ideal for users tired of daily charging routines.
Its lightweight design and straightforward interface make it accessible for all users, though the limited app ecosystem means it’s best suited to those looking for basic smartwatch features alongside dependable messaging alerts. You might also be interested in a smartwatch with a camera that is safe from exposure to moisture.
#10 Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch
Award: BEST STYLISH HYBRID WATCH
WHY WE LIKE IT: Classic analog style combined with smart notifications and canned replies for Android users who want simplicity with style.
- Sleek analog design
- Text notifications and quick replies
- Long battery life (up to 2 weeks)
- No touchscreen keyboard
- Android-only texting features
The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid offers a unique combination of traditional watch aesthetics with smart features. It delivers message notifications and supports quick reply options without the need for a touchscreen keyboard, making it perfect for users who want a low-key, stylish watch that keeps them connected. Its analog hands hide a digital display that provides discreet alerts without sacrificing battery life.
This watch is ideal for casual texters who prefer style and simplicity over extensive messaging capabilities. With up to two weeks of battery life, it also suits users who don’t want to worry about daily charging, making it a refined choice for those who want to stay in touch without the bulk of a full smartwatch.
How We Decided
When you narrow down your smartwatch search to ones that support texting, the field instantly becomes less cluttered. To create our guide for the best smartwatch for texting, we focused on the following key features — OS compatibility, text support, functionality, and battery life. Because texting is a function that separates Android and Apple devices, you’ll find that we narrowed down our criteria significantly so that only Apple Watches were promoted for iPhone users, and all Tizen (Samsung) and Wear OS-backed watches were targeted for Android users. And you’ll note that text support for smartwatches is usually limited to talk-to-text features where a voice assistant or a specific program must be accessed to dictate messages for transcription to your watch.
Aside from texting, most smartwatches that support full-text functionality also support making and receiving phone calls. Likewise, you’ll usually have access to email, be able to manage calendars, stream media, and make contactless payments. But you’ll also want to pay attention to the battery life. Unlike traditional fitness smartwatches with limited smart support, these watches are promoted as hands-free companions that untether you from your smartphone. So, battery life tends to be greatly reduced and your experience may vary depending on how frequently you rely on smart features like texting, phone calls, and streaming media, all of which drain power faster. And a common issue we found was that many brands had watches that fell far short of their promoted battery range. Still, you’ll find a range from just 18 hours to as many as two weeks.
Guide to Using Smartwatches for Texting
- Can You Text on a Smartwatch?
Yes, many smartwatches let you send and receive texts, but how you do it varies. Some support full messaging apps, while others only allow quick replies or voice-to-text. - How to Text From a Smartwatch
Texting typically involves using voice dictation, pre-written smart replies, or an on-screen keyboard—if supported. Most Android-compatible watches offer multiple input options, while Apple Watches integrate tightly with iMessage. - Voice-to-Text vs. On-Screen Typing
Voice-to-text is the most common method and works well for quick replies. On-screen typing is available on some models but can be cramped and slower. Some watches also offer handwriting input or swipe typing to improve usability. - What Smartwatches Can You Reply to Texts On (Android)?
If you’re an Android user, you’ll want a Wear OS or Samsung Galaxy Watch. These offer native texting support through apps like Messages by Google or Samsung Messages, as long as they’re paired correctly. - Can You Reply to Texts on a Smartwatch?
Yes, as long as the watch supports full messaging features and is paired with a compatible phone. Look for models with native app support and input options like voice, keyboard, or smart replies.
Best Android vs. Apple Smartwatches for Texting
When it comes to texting on smartwatches, the experience depends heavily on whether you use an Apple or Android device.
Apple Smartwatches: Best for iPhone Users
Apple Watches, like the Ultra 2 and Series 9, offer seamless texting with a full QWERTY keyboard, Siri voice dictation, and rich iMessage support. The LTE models let you make calls and send texts without your iPhone nearby, providing great independence. Apple’s tight integration ensures smooth message syncing and instant notifications, making it the best choice for iPhone users.
The main downside is daily charging and exclusive compatibility with iPhones.
Android Smartwatches: Versatile and Feature-Rich
For Android users, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Google Pixel Watch 2 lead the pack with full keyboards, voice input, and LTE calling. Wear OS watches like the TicWatch Pro 5 offer solid texting features and longer battery life, while fitness-focused options like Garmin Venu 3 support quick replies and voice texting.
Android watches tend to offer more customization and support multiple keyboard types but sometimes lag behind Apple in polish and battery performance.
Best Smartwatches for Texting Buyers Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- OS Compatibility
The OS or operating system compatibility is crucial for a smartwatch that supports texting. This is especially true for iPhone users. While most smartwatches that support texting can seamlessly work with an Android phone whether they run on Wear OS, Tizen for Samsung, or an alternate platform, they usually don’t work as well with the iPhone. And this means that the best bet for finding a smartwatch that supports texting if you’re an iPhone owner is to get an Apple Watch. Also, note that the Apple Watch only works with Apple devices such as the iPad and iPhone and cannot pair with an Android device. So even if you’re concerned about price amongst the range of smartwatches, you might be locked into the specific OS that you already have on your phone. - Text Support
Most smartwatches have screens that are too small to support actual typing on a keyboard. Instead, you’ll have the option of talk to type or talk to text which converts your spoken words into text that can be sent to contacts. Also note, that we’re focusing on watches that support true text messaging, not just quick template replies. Quick reply text messaging functions, sometimes called smart replies, are common from many third-party brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and AmazFit. However, it is possible to find a few Wear OS supported third party watches that allow for Android users to access talk to text support. - Functionality
More than likely, if you’re shopping for a modern smartwatch that supports texting capabilities, you’re also going to have access to a wide range of more robust smart features like making and receiving calls, a touch screen, Google Maps, contactless payments, streaming media, calendar reminders, and additional apps both proprietary to the watchmaker and from third-party developers. But you also might want to consider what fitness features, health tracking or music controls are available through the watch. A health tracker can come in handy if you regularly workout, and health monitoring could potentially save your life and notice abnormalities in your health like with a blood oxygen sensor. If you’ve juggled texting on your phone while working out with a fitness watch, a smart watch for texting can lessen how much you’re carrying in your pockets when off to the gym. And in some cases, you can find smartwatch features like Apple’s Hand Off which allows you to open an app on an iPhone or iPad and seamlessly continue using it on the Apple Watch. - Battery Life
Being able to send and receive texts is considered a smart feature. And typically, the more smart features a watch supports, the lower the battery life range tends to be. In some cases, you can find watches like the Apple Watch that can’t survive 24 hours without being recharged whereas other smart-heavy watches can last at least 24 to 48 hours depending on total usage of the battery power. Having days of battery life can come in handy in the case of an emergency. They all have their pros and cons, but if having enough extended battery life time is crucial for you, then pay close attention to the battery spec. You can also learn about additional features that can help save battery, or you can avoid the “always-on display” feature. You can turn off the calling features when you’re sure you don’t need them in the moment.
