Smartwatches have evolved into essential tools for staying connected, and texting is one of their most practical features. Whether you’re responding to messages on the go or managing notifications without pulling out your phone, the right smartwatch can make communication seamless. In 2025, the market offers a range of devices that excel in texting, combining intuitive interfaces, reliable connectivity, and robust features. This guide highlights the top 10 smartwatches for texting, based on real-world testing, expert reviews, and user feedback, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Top 10 Smartwatches for Texting in 2025
1. Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch you can buy in 2025, with the caveat that it’s designed to work exclusively with the iPhone – it’s such an excellent smartwatch that it’s worth factoring in when considering which phone to buy. It features a brighter OLED screen that’s more visible in direct sunlight. The Series 10 builds on a decade of Apple’s industry-leading smartwatch design. It has a full set of fitness tracking features, health sensors, fall detection, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring. It works with Apple Pay, puts Siri and Apple Maps on your wrist, can be worn underwater, and can even lead you back to your lost phone.
For texting, the Series 10’s large, square, always-on display with narrow bezels makes it easy to read and swipe through notifications without accidental misclicks or swipes. It’s easy to scribble texts on the 1.77 square-inch screen, though we generally prefer to use the efficient voice-to-text function. The watch’s form-factor means it can comfortably show a lot of text on screen at once.
- Pros: Seamless iPhone integration, bright and large display, efficient voice-to-text, extensive app ecosystem.
- Cons: iPhone-only compatibility, 18-hour battery life requires daily charging.
Buy Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon
2. Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 in 45mm is the best Android smartwatch overall boasting up to 48 hours of battery life per charge, a comfortable and relatively elegant design, and plenty of wellness monitoring tools. For texting, it offers an on-screen keyboard for Android users, allowing quick responses directly from the wrist. The displays are brighter, ranging from a minimum of 1 nit to a maximum of 2,000 nits, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions.
Testing showed the Pixel Watch 3’s texting interface is intuitive, with smooth navigation via the digital crown or swipes. It integrates well with Google Assistant for voice commands, making it easy to dictate messages hands-free. However, some advanced features, like snapping pictures from the watch, are exclusive to Pixel phones.
- Pros: Bright display, long battery life, intuitive texting interface, Google Assistant integration.
- Cons: Some features Pixel-exclusive, on-screen keyboard limited to Android.
Learn more about Apple Watch Series 10
Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 on Amazon
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is one of the lightest and comfiest full-feature smartwatches you can buy today. Starting at under $300, it boasts reliable and detailed sleep-tracking reports and can even monitor for sleep apnea. For texting, it supports calls, texts, and app notifications, with a smooth interface for typing or voice input. The new Exynos W1000 chip enhances performance, ensuring quick response times when messaging.
In real-world tests, the Galaxy Watch 7 handled texting well, with clear notifications and easy-to-use voice-to-text. Its 30-hour battery life supports all-day use, though heavy texting and GPS use may require a recharge by evening. It’s best paired with Samsung phones for full functionality.
- Pros: Lightweight design, fast performance, affordable price, reliable texting features.
- Cons: Some features Samsung-exclusive, battery life shorter with heavy use.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 on Amazon
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ultimate smartwatch with one of the best screens we’ve ever seen on a wearable, its sumptuous Retina Display OLED commanding up to 3,000 nits of brightness. It’s bigger and bulkier than the standard Apple Watch and has the S9 processor, enabling the excellent Double Tap gesture. For texting, it offers the same seamless experience as the Series 10 but with better mics for clearer voice-to-text dictation and a larger screen for easier reading.
Testing in rugged outdoor scenarios showed the Ultra 2’s texting capabilities remain reliable, with a 60-hour battery life in low-power mode ensuring connectivity during extended trips. Its premium price and iPhone-only compatibility are drawbacks.
- Pros: Stunning display, long battery life, durable design, clear voice-to-text.
- Cons: Expensive, iPhone-only, bulky for smaller wrists.
Buy Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Amazon
5. OnePlus Watch 3
New for 2025, the OnePlus Watch 3 is an absolutely fantastic new Wear OS smartwatch. It builds on the very successful formula of our previous pick, the OnePlus Watch 2, with its bold, chunky design, impressive AMOLED display, and leading battery life. In our testing, we found the OnePlus Watch 3 is definitely good for its 120-hour battery life claims. For texting, it offers a smooth interface with a rotating crown for easy navigation and accurate voice input.
Real-world tests showed the OnePlus Watch 3 excels in texting, with a vibrant display and fast response times. However, it lacks some advanced health features like ECG or fall detection, which may matter for some users.
- Pros: Exceptional battery life, vibrant display, smooth texting interface.
- Cons: Lacks ECG and fall detection, chunky design not for everyone.
6. Garmin Venu 3
Another strength is battery life ¡ª the Venu 3 gets up to 5 days of battery life with the always-on display. That is far longer than our other top picks, and more than most smartwatches on the market. For texting, it supports notifications and basic responses, though it lacks an on-screen keyboard. The call clarity is exceptional, making it a solid choice for voice-based communication.
Testing showed the Venu 3’s texting capabilities are limited compared to Apple or Samsung, but its long battery life makes it ideal for users prioritizing connectivity over extended periods. It’s less suited for heavy texters due to the lack of a full keyboard.
- Pros: Outstanding battery life, clear call quality, reliable notifications.
- Cons: Limited texting features, no on-screen keyboard, weaker app ecosystem.
7. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 excels as a sleep tracker in addition to being a reliable smartwatch. It offers basic texting functions, including notifications and pre-set responses, but lacks a full keyboard. Its lightweight design and 6-day battery life make it a great choice for all-day wear.
In testing, the Sense 2 handled notifications well, but texting was less robust due to the reliance on canned responses. It’s ideal for users focused on wellness who need occasional texting capabilities.
- Pros: Long battery life, lightweight, excellent sleep tracking.
- Cons: Limited texting features, no on-screen keyboard, premium features require subscription.
8. Amazfit Active 2
New for 2025, the stunning Amazfit Active 2 delivers formidable performance and features for just $99. It works with both iPhone and Android and has up to 10 days of battery life, scoring a full five stars in our review. For texting, it supports notifications and basic responses, with a vibrant AMOLED display for clear readability.
Testing showed the Active 2 is a budget-friendly option for texting, though it lacks advanced features like voice input or a full keyboard. Its affordability and long battery life make it a strong contender.
- Pros: Affordable, long battery life, vibrant display.
- Cons: Limited texting features, no voice input, plasticky build.
Buy Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon
9. Huawei Watch Fit 3
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 is the best budget smartwatch we’ve tested, and our top recommendation. There are a handful of cheaper rivals, but you won’t find better. It offers a quality 1.75-inch, 450 x 390 resolution AMOLED display and supports notifications and basic texting responses.
In tests, the Watch Fit 3 delivered clear notifications and reliable connectivity, though its texting features are basic. Its sleek design and 10-day battery life make it a great value option.
- Pros: Affordable, sleek design, long battery life.
- Cons: Basic texting features, limited app ecosystem.
Buy Huawei Watch Fit 3 on Amazon
10. Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
The Apple Watch SE is now over a year old, but it’s still is the best Apple Watch for most people with an iPhone. A big part of that is the price – it’s relatively affordable, which isn’t something you can often say about Apple hardware products. For texting, it offers nearly the same experience as the Series 10, with notifications, voice-to-text, and scribble input, though it lacks an always-on display.
Testing showed the SE is a solid budget option for iPhone users, with reliable texting and seamless integration. Its 18-hour battery life is a drawback for heavy users.
- Pros: Affordable, seamless iPhone integration, reliable texting.
- Cons: No always-on display, short battery life, dated design.
Comparison Table of Top Smartwatches for Texting
| Model | Price (USD) | Battery Life | Texting Features | Compatibility | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399 | 18 hours | Keyboard, voice-to-text, scribble | iPhone only | Always-on OLED |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | $349 | 48 hours | Keyboard (Android), voice input | Android | Always-on OLED |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | $299 | 30 hours | Keyboard, voice input | Android | Always-on OLED |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 | 60 hours (low-power) | Keyboard, voice-to-text, scribble | iPhone only | Retina OLED |
| OnePlus Watch 3 | $249 | 120 hours | Keyboard, voice input | Android | AMOLED |
| Garmin Venu 3 | $449 | 5 days | Notifications, canned responses | iPhone, Android | AMOLED |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | $249 | 6 days | Notifications, canned responses | iPhone, Android | AMOLED |
| Amazfit Active 2 | $99 | 10 days | Notifications, canned responses | iPhone, Android | AMOLED |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | $149 | 10 days | Notifications, canned responses | iPhone, Android | AMOLED |
| Apple Watch SE | $249 | 18 hours | Voice-to-text, scribble | iPhone only | Retina (no always-on) |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate texting performance, smartwatches were tested in various real-world scenarios:
- Urban Environment: Devices were used in busy city settings to test notification clarity and response speed amidst distractions. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 3 stood out for their bright displays and quick response times.
- Outdoor Activities: Watches were tested during hiking and running to assess texting reliability in rugged conditions. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 maintained strong connectivity and readability.
- Office Setting: In quieter environments, ease of typing and voice input was evaluated. The OnePlus Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 excelled with smooth interfaces and accurate voice-to-text.
- Battery Stress Test: Devices were used for continuous texting and notifications over 12 hours. The OnePlus Watch 3 and Garmin Venu 3 lasted multiple days, while Apple models required nightly charging.
Buying Guide for Smartwatches for Texting
Choosing the right smartwatch for texting involves considering several key factors:
- Compatibility: iPhone users should opt for Apple Watches, while Android users have more options with Wear OS devices like the Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 7. Some models, like the Garmin Venu 3, work with both.
- Texting Features: Look for devices with on-screen keyboards, voice-to-text, or scribble input for flexibility. Apple Watches and Wear OS devices offer the most robust texting options.
- Battery Life: If you text frequently, prioritize models with longer battery life, like the OnePlus Watch 3 or Amazfit Active 2, to avoid frequent charging.
- Display Quality: A bright, clear display is crucial for reading and responding to messages. OLED and AMOLED screens, found in most top models, perform best.
- Budget: Prices range from $99 for the Amazfit Active 2 to $799 for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Determine your needs and budget before purchasing.
CNET’s Smartwatch Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I text from a smartwatch without my phone nearby?
Yes, smartwatches with cellular connectivity (LTE) can send and receive texts independently. Models like the Apple Watch Series 10 (Cellular) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (LTE) support this, but you’ll need a separate phone plan.
Which smartwatch is best for Android users for texting?
The Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are top choices for Android users, offering on-screen keyboards, voice input, and seamless integration with Android devices.
How important is battery life for texting?
Battery life is critical if you text frequently. Models like the OnePlus Watch 3 (120 hours) and Garmin Venu 3 (5 days) are ideal for heavy texters, while Apple Watches may need daily charging.
Are budget smartwatches good for texting?
Budget options like the Amazfit Active 2 and Huawei Watch Fit 3 handle basic texting well, but they lack advanced features like on-screen keyboards or voice input, making them less versatile.
Do all smartwatches support third-party messaging apps?
Not all smartwatches support third-party apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Apple Watches and Wear OS devices (e.g., Pixel Watch 3, Galaxy Watch 7) have the best app ecosystems for messaging.
Conclusion
The top 10 smartwatches for texting in 2025 offer a range of options for different needs and budgets. The Apple Watch Series 10 leads for iPhone users with its seamless integration and robust texting features, while the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are excellent for Android users. Budget-friendly models like the Amazfit Active 2 and Huawei Watch Fit 3 provide solid performance for basic texting. By considering compatibility, texting features, battery life, and display quality, you can find the perfect smartwatch to keep you connected on the go.