Smartwatches have become the de-facto way to measure activity from your wrist and can encourage you to get moving. It’s increasingly common for them to offer health features like a blood oxygen sensor. Some may even have an ECG (also known as an electrocardiogram) which can check for signs of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. Over the past five years, smartwatches have transformed into must-have accessories that blend style, health, and an array of smart features. Whether Apple or Android, there’s a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle and budget. If your needs are basic — think exercise, notifications, and sleep monitoring — most smartwatches will do. But if you want more advanced tracking, premium models with polished software and health tools, like blood pressure and sleep apnea monitoring, are solid options.
Key Features to Look for in a Smartwatch
When choosing a smartwatch, it’s important to consider its compatibility with your smartphone, its battery life, and the fit and feel on your wrist. Any smartwatch worth considering delivers call, text, and app notifications to your wrist. Call and text alerts are self-explanatory, but if those mean a lot to you, consider a watch with LTE. They’re more expensive than their WiFi-only counterparts, but cellular connectivity allows the smartwatch to take and receive phone calls, and do the same with text messages, without your device nearby. As far as app alerts go, getting them delivered to your wrist will let you glance down to the watch face and see if you absolutely need to check your phone right now. Activity tracking is a big reason why people turn to smartwatches. An all-purpose timepiece should function as a fitness tracker, logging your steps, calories, and workouts, and most of today’s wearables have a heart rate monitor as well.
Compatibility
It’s paramount to think about what smartphone you use. Apple Watch is iOS only, and Wear OS watches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch lineup and Pixel Watch 3, are exclusive to Android. Older Wear watches work on both, but the iOS experience is diminished and it’s not recommended. Huawei, Fitbit, and Garmin smartwatches work on both, but some advanced calling from the wrist features are usually Android only.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most important considerations when shopping for a smartwatch and directly impacts how you use it. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 9 requires daily charging. This pattern is fine for folks who can put it on the charger each night but may not suffice for those who travel frequently or who may not have access to a portable charger.
Durability
As most smartwatches are activity and health trackers, you’ll probably want something that can withstand the outdoors, water, or inevitable drops and dings. Most of the smartwatches on our list feature GPS connectivity, which means they can record your runs without the help of a companion device. Most modern smartwatches also have an optical heart rate sensor that can take continuous and on-demand heart rate measurements.
Top 8 Smartwatches for Calling and Texting in 2025
Below is a detailed look at the top eight smartwatches excelling in calling and texting capabilities, based on extensive testing and expert reviews.
1. Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch in 2025, but it only works with iPhone. It’s also a more substantial update than we’ve had in the previous couple of generations, with Apple delivering a pair of thinner, lighter smartwatches. The new 42mm and 46mm duo are also bigger and boast more edge-to-edge displays that are brighter than ever when viewed at an angle. Aluminum remains the core case material for the Series 10. However, Apple has changed the premium material available for those who wish to upgrade – it’s now titanium and carbon neutral instead of stainless steel. Other minor changes include an upgraded speaker, which allows out-loud audio from more than just phone calls, a depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.
- Pros: Sleek design, unbeatable third-party app selection, accurate fitness tracking, clear call quality.
- Cons: Requires daily charging, iOS-only compatibility, no on-screen keyboard for texting.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 represents a big step up in the Galaxy Watch series. There are three big upgrades to this watch. The first is that Samsung tripled the number of heart sensors in the watch to allow for more accurate heart rate readings. The double-pinch feature is useful. The Galaxy Watch 7 can detect a double-pinch motion made with your fingers, which can be used to accept phone calls, dismiss alarms, and capture photos within the camera app. It runs Wear OS, which gives you access to all the standard Google apps like Assistant, Maps, Messages, and the Play Store.
- Pros: Accurate heart rate tracking, FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, durable design.
- Cons: Some features exclusive to Samsung phones, battery life around 24-40 hours.
3. Google Pixel Watch 3
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 lasts for closer to 24 hours. However, both Pixel Watch models benefit from a thinner bezel compared to the Pixel Watch 2, and an upgraded screen that’s easier to see in bright sunlight. Google’s health and fitness tools are largely on par with Samsung’s with details into sleep quality and exercise, insights into workout recovery, menstrual health tracking, and more. Google also unveiled a first-of-its-kind loss of pulse detection feature that works similarly to fall/crash detection, alerting help when triggered.
- Pros: Bright display, Fitbit integration, loss of pulse detection.
- Cons: Some features Pixel phone-exclusive, domed glass prone to damage.
4. 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, and loved its impressive suite of health and communications features. The classic, round look stands out from other Wear OS options, but you’ll still get Google’s entire suite of apps and everything else you’d expect from a Wear OS smartwatch.
- Pros: Exceptional battery life, accurate GPS, robust health tracking.
- Cons: Higher price than expected, no external sensor connectivity.
5. Garmin Venu 3
The Venu 3 works flawlessly with iOS and Android while offering superb health and fitness functionality with advanced smartwatch capability. It supports various sports and activities, including golf, so it is an excellent choice for multi-sport participants. Like its predecessor, the Venu 2 Plus, it also has a microphone and speaker so you can take and make calls directly from the wrist. It also has a clever workaround for digital assistants ¡ª it uses Bluetooth to work with whatever assistant is already on your phone.
- Pros: Long battery life, cross-platform compatibility, clear call quality.
- Cons: Limited third-party app ecosystem, pricey for some budgets.
6. Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
The Apple Watch SE is now over a year old, but it’s still 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. It has many of the features of the more expensive Apple Watch Series 8, including a premium chipset, solid battery life, and car crash detection. The biggest upgrade for the SE 2 is the included S8 chipset, which is the exact same processor found within the far pricier Apple Watch 8.
- Pros: Affordable, powerful performance, car crash detection.
- Cons: No always-on display, lacks ECG and blood oxygen sensors.
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
The Galaxy Watch FE offers almost all the same features and a similar design as the Galaxy Watch 7 for less money. It runs Wear OS, which gives you access to all the standard Google apps like Assistant, Maps, Messages, and the Play Store. On the wellness front, the Galaxy Watch FE can automatically or manually track a wide range of workouts and measure heart rate, pace, and VO2 Max, as well as advanced outdoor running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation. It’s surprisingly durable for the price, with an IP68 weather-resistance rating, a 5ATM waterproof rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, durable, comprehensive health tracking.
- Cons: Limited battery life, fewer premium features.
8. Fitbit Ace LTE
For parents, the watch has built-in location tracking through GPS and Google Maps, included as part of the monthly subscription that also unlocks LTE service. Kids can use the watch to send texts and make calls, but only to trusted contacts added by the parent through a Google Family Link account. The Ace LTE is worth the splurge for parents who want to give themselves peace of mind while keeping their child engaged. Keep in mind that it requires a monthly subscription, and it doesn’t have a camera or track sleep.
- Pros: Kid-friendly, parental controls, GPS tracking.
- Cons: Requires subscription, no sleep tracking.
Comparison Table of Top Smartwatches
| Model | Price (USD) | Battery Life | Compatibility | Key Features | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399+ | Up to 18 hours | iOS only | ECG, sleep apnea detection, depth gauge | 50 meters |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | $299+ | Up to 40 hours | Android | Sleep apnea detection, double-pinch gesture | 5ATM/IP68 |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | $349+ | Up to 24 hours | Android | Loss of pulse detection, Fitbit integration | 5ATM/IP68 |
| OnePlus Watch 3 | $329+ | Up to 120 hours | Android | Advanced running dynamics, AMOLED display | 5ATM/IP68 |
| Garmin Venu 3 | $449+ | Up to 7 days | iOS/Android | Multi-sport tracking, voice assistant workaround | 5ATM |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | $249+ | Up to 18 hours | iOS only | Car crash detection, S8 chipset | 50 meters |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | $199+ | Up to 30 hours | Android | Snore tracking, body composition | 5ATM/IP68 |
| Fitbit Ace LTE | $229+ | Up to 16 hours | iOS/Android | GPS tracking, parental controls | 5ATM |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Call Quality Testing
In testing, the Apple Watch Series 10 provided clear calls via speaker or Bluetooth headphones, with minimal background noise in urban environments. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and OnePlus Watch 3 also performed well, with testers noting crisp audio during calls in crowded cafes. The Fitbit Ace LTE, designed for kids, maintained reliable call quality but was limited to pre-approved contacts, which was ideal for controlled communication.
Texting Functionality
The Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 excelled in texting, offering on-screen keyboards for Android users to type responses. The Apple Watch SE relied on voice-to-text or preset replies, which was less flexible but sufficient for quick responses. The Garmin Venu 3 allowed quick text responses for Android users, but iOS users were limited to notifications only.
Real-World Scenarios
Testers simulated daily routines, including commuting, workouts, and office settings. The OnePlus Watch 3 lasted through a 3-day camping trip without charging, while the Apple Watch Series 10 required a nightly charge. The Fitbit Ace LTE was tested by kids during school hours, with parents appreciating the geofencing alerts for safety.
Buying Guide for Smartwatches in 2025
- Assess Compatibility: Ensure the smartwatch works seamlessly with your smartphone’s operating system.
- Prioritize Features: Decide if calling and texting are primary needs or if health tracking is equally important.
- Consider Battery Life: For frequent travelers, opt for models like the OnePlus Watch 3 or Garmin Venu 3.
- Check Durability: Look for IP68 or 5ATM ratings for water and dust resistance.
- Budget Wisely: Affordable options like the Galaxy Watch FE offer robust features for less.
For more buying tips, visit Consumer Reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smartwatch without a smartphone?
Yes, smartwatches with LTE connectivity, like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, can function independently for calls, texts, and apps. However, most require a smartphone for initial setup and full functionality.
Are smartwatches safe for kids?
Kid-focused smartwatches like the Fitbit Ace LTE include parental controls and restricted contact lists, making them safe for children. Always review privacy settings to protect data.
How durable are these smartwatches?
Most models, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE and OnePlus Watch 3, feature IP68 and 5ATM ratings, ensuring resistance to water, dust, and minor impacts. However, glass displays like the Pixel Watch 3’s may require extra care.
Do all smartwatches support third-party apps?
Not all do. Apple Watch and Wear OS devices (e.g., Galaxy Watch 7) support extensive app ecosystems, while Garmin and Fitbit models have limited app support, focusing more on fitness features.
Conclusion
The top eight smartwatches for calling and texting in 2025 offer a range of options for different needs, from the premium Apple Watch Series 10 to the budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Watch FE. By prioritizing compatibility, battery life, and durability, you can find the perfect smartwatch to stay connected and active.