The best men’s smartwatch in 2024

Polar is one of the top brands when it comes to fitness trackers, but this Grit X Pro is a step up from previous versions. The always-on colour touch screen will let you access a respectable range of apps and control your connected phone. Dedicated smartphone integrations include getting notifications and controlling music. Thankfully, that colour screen has Sapphire glass with an anti-fingerprint coating - so it'll look great no matter what - plus you can choose from various watch face themes.

The Polar Flow companion app for iOS and Android will let you easily adjust things and keep track of fitness data too. Useful extras include being able to monitor your swimming and even stress levels, plus sweat and waterproofing. The GPS inside this smartwatch is seriously impressive. It will work with Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, and QZSS. Additional sensors in the Grit X Pro include an altimeter and barometer. So, all in all, this is a versatile and capable smartwatch for all seasons.

Fitbit may have started out in fitness tracking gadgetry, but this Fitbit Versa 4 includes more than just a plethora of fitness programs and sensors. Incredibly light and comfortable, it's easy to forget how many features you're getting for the price. Easy to use, it's compatible with smart devices from all the major brands such as Apple and Samsung. There isn't currently third-party app support, but you'll still find a good range to choose from. Crucially, you have Fitbit's answer to Apple Pay. This used to be Fitbit Pay but since the brand was bought by Google, you can expect Google Pay for your NFC contactless payments. A built-in mic will also allow you to use voice functions and take calls via Bluetooth.

But, this is still Fitbit through and through, so you'll find blood-oxygen measuring, stress management, hydration levels and more. Some advanced health features are subscription only though, such as deeper sleep and stress insights and your personal readiness score.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is probably about to be usurped by the Series 9. But, as a hugely popular smartwatch, it's our current pick of the best Apple-made watch for this list. As you'd expect, you're getting a high-quality build and clean aesthetics, with a stunning 1.9-inch OLED screen. Behind that screen is a typically gargantuan spread of apps, with even more to download from the App Store. In terms of smartwatch functionality, if you can think of it you'll probably find an app for it.

Utilising the latest sensor technology, the Apple Watch will also double as a fitness and health tracker. Perceptive temperature sensors, sleep trackers, and even blood-oxygen readings are with you every step of the way. And let's not forget Apple's trademark user interface. As smartwatches go, you'll be hard-pushed to find a slicker way of using one. Themes and customisable watch faces will make you forget that this is an extension of your iPhone, it's that seamless.

Battery life can't compete with less capable devices though – at approximately 18 hours of average use. But, that's the price you pay for all this power on your wrist.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch5 Pro is, much like the Apple Watch, essentially a miniature smartphone on your wrist. Alongside state-of-the-art fitness sensors, it's a fast and responsive smartwatch. Sporting a casual yet refined design, it's both comfortable and stylish. Despite the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro being an Android exclusive right now, you won't be short of apps and features to keep your daily life on track and simplified. And, for any users who have embraced Samsung SmartThings for home automation and control, you can even get the SmartThings app for this watch.

But the app goodness doesn't stop there. Popular options include Spotify, Camera Controller (to use your smartphone remotely), HERE WeGO for navigation, and Samsung Pay for contactless shopping. This is one of the most capable smartwatches here, and a joy to use.

The Garmin Venu 2 is filled with countless apps and sensors but also has exercises that are often absent from many a smartwatch, such as strength training, yoga and pilates. There's a simple well-designed user interface that's easy to read and interact with while exercising, and you're also getting that all-important GPS tracking for mapping your route.

And now, take a deep breath for the mammoth list of sensors: Heart Rate Monitor, Barometer Altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer, Ambient Light Sensor, and Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor. Phew. And to monitor all of that data you have a large 1.8-inch circular screen. That's a welcome change from all of those rectangular designs out there, and being AMOLED it's beautifully crisp - although not as bright as some others. The Venu 2 is a quality Garmin smartwatch, packed with great features. It's easy to use, and the ideal health and fitness companion.

If any smartwatch brand knows how to do 'high-end' it's Apple. The Ultra takes the normal version of the Apple Watch and amps it up with a slightly larger and beautifully detailed screen. And then there are some serious durability upgrades too - just as well, considering the price tag. You're getting a build made from aerospace-grade titanium. Inside there's a massive array of body sensors and monitors for next-level health and fitness advice

Another issue that's been addressed from the standard Apple Watch is the inclusion of a bigger 36-hour battery and an extended range of features. Design-wise, it isn't too different from the Apple Watch Series 8 - and, of course, it's running on the same iOS as any other - but what you do have is integrated cellular function for making calls without your iPhone, 100m of water resistance, and a brighter screen. A gorgeous luxury smartwatch.

There's a good reason why this smartwatch looks so classy, and that's because it comes from the classic watch brand Fossil. The GEN 6 Fossil Men's smartwatch is loaded with tech features, housed inside a case that's both modern and traditional in equal measure. Here, you're getting the ideal balance of buttons with touchscreen controls for manual operation. But it'll also accept your voice commands.

Apps and features don't disappoint either. While the Fossil GEN 6 is slightly lacking compared to an Apple Watch, there's enough there to warrant the smartwatch label plus a good range of tracking features and associated sensors to support your fitness targets. This is a seriously good-looking smartwatch that is something of a dark horse – at a glance, it's a modest and refined watch to go with your suit, the next it's a fully-featured high-tech gadget with more features than you'd ever expect.

Garmin might be best known for its advanced sensor and GPS technologies, but the Venu Sq Music Edition is a rather special little gadget. As you'd expect, we have respiration, steps and calories; plus distance, sleep and more; it'll even use it's Move IQ feature to intelligently detect what exercise you're doing based on your movements. A personalised report can then give suggestions on what to do to up your fitness routine.

But, the star attraction here is that this is the Music Edition of the Garmin Venu Sq. That means there's enough internal storage to leave your phone at home and take your music with you. 3.4 GB may not seem like a lot compared to the average smartphone, but this is more than enough for something this small that's attached to your wrist. Bluetooth means you're able to listen on the move to your heart's content. We think there's no better solution when it comes to taking your tunes with you without breaking the bank. Added smartwatch goodness includes Garmin P for contactless payments, and even more customisations and apps via the Connect IQ store.

Garmin makes it back onto our list as a top-of-the-line luxury smartwatch that prioritises fitness monitoring and a tough all-weather build. The Garmin Fēnix 7X Solar Multisport GPS Watch comes in several colours and finishes, but the premium build is what matters here. It's rugged enough to use as your primary fitness tracker and smartwatch on all kinds of extreme adventures, including climbing and hiking. It also has 30+ built-in sports apps and the deepest water rating here at 10ATM. There's even a built-in LED flashlight to light your way.

Sensor-wise, it will track your heart rate, work as a pulse oximeter, and track stress and sleep too. The GPS in this watch supports multiple satellite systems – essential for those who escape into the wilderness. Battery life, even with GPS, is more than respectable at 89 hours, but this is continuously topped up by the killer feature of this watch - solar charging. Solar will take this watch's battery life to a staggering 122 hours. Smartwatch features include Garmin Pay for easy shopping and Connect IQ for apps and customisation. Much like the Venu Sq above, this has some brilliant additions for music fans. A massive 16GB storage can hold your Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music downloads - but, certainly compared to the Venu Sq, you'll pay for the extra capacity. All in all though, we think it's worth every penny.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, 2023) represents a significant step forward in Apple's lineup of cost-effective smartwatches, offering a balanced mix of features and performance at a more accessible price point compared to the premium Apple Watch Series. This iteration introduces enhancements in speed and functionality, powered by the S8 chip, which ensures smoother operations and faster app loading times. The watch maintains its sleek design that we've all come to love and is available in a variety of finishes and band options. Its Retina display is brighter than its predecessor and it features the same robust health and fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and an array of workout modes.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, 2023) emphasizes safety and connectivity, incorporating features such as Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and Crash Detection, making it a reliable companion for everyday use and unforeseen emergencies. The watch runs on the latest watchOS, offering users new software capabilities and enhanced interactions with the Apple ecosystem. This includes more responsive Siri interactions, new watch faces, and better integration with other Apple devices, enhancing its appeal as a smart accessory. Battery life has also seen improvements, although users have still found that the 18-hour claim may have been a little exaggerated.