Tracking your daily activity, sleep, and stress has never been easier, thanks to significant advances in wearable health technology. Smartwatches have simplified step counting, and some models now go beyond basic activity tracking to detect conditions such as sleep apnea and hypertension.
At ZDNET, we thoroughly review every major new smartwatch on the market, including Apple Watches, Android watches, and specialized blood pressure monitors. From older Apple Watch models to affordable fitness trackers, we’ve compiled a list of our readers’ most-purchased smartwatches this year, based on items bought through links in ZDNET reviews and buying guides. Several of these smartwatches are currently on sale for Cyber Monday.
The Top Smartwatches ZDNET Readers Bought in 2025
1. FITVII Blood Pressure Smartwatch
Our readers are monitoring their blood pressure with this budget-friendly smartwatch, which has been our top-selling watch of the year so far. It is one of the few blood pressure smartwatches available for below $50. While it may not deliver the most accurate readings, it gives users a general sense of their blood pressure trends. Reviewers praise the FITVII’s consistent readings and user-friendly interface.
2. Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro
If you’re a Google Pixel Watch owner, you probably only get a day or two of use before your smartwatch dies. This Wear OS smartwatch is one of the few Google watches with a marathon battery life. The Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro offers 90 hours of battery life, dual-display technology, and a sapphire glass display.
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a great choice for Samsung fans looking to monitor their sleep apnea condition. The watch rolled out with an FDA-cleared stamp of approval for doing so. Wear it to sleep over a 10-day period to learn more about breathing disturbances and interruptions during rest.
4. Apple Watch Series 10
While Apple announced its newest flagship smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11, at its annual iPhone event in September, it also announced a software update that upgrades older models to share the same functions as newer ones. The one-year-old Series 10 gets nearly every upgrade the Series 11 does, save for a 24-hour battery life and a more durable build.
It features the same form factor, chip, and feature set as the newer watches. It also adds Possible Hypertension Detection to its slate of health-tracking. The FDA-cleared feature monitors blood pressure over a 30-day period to understand whether a user is above or below the threshold.
5. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Whenever you see a smartwatch with “Ultra” attached to the end of its name, know that you’re getting a durable, outdoor activities-ready device that will normally have twice the battery life of the non-ultra flagship. This Ultra model from Apple offers a huge and vivid display, an Action Button specific to Apple’s Ultra lineup, and 36 hours of battery life.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not too different from the Ultra 3 Apple unveiled at this year’s iPhone event. The main difference is Emergency SOS via Satellite communication. New software features like Sleep Scores and Possible Hypertension Detection come to the smartwatch through WatchOS 26.
6. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Hardcore health and activity trackers want a smartwatch that does all the usual monitoring, but with a build that’s designed for adventure. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on this with a durable titanium build, a Running Coach feature that assesses running capacity and guides users to their next race, and the usual slate of exercise and sleep tracking.
Samsung’s Vascular Load feature is on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, providing users with detailed information on what each metric means and ways to improve for better health.
7. Google Pixel Watch 3
The smartwatch gets a 24-hour battery life, a cardio load feature for capturing your weekly cardiovascular expended energy, a big and bright display, and Fitbit integrations for all those exercise- and sleep-tracking needs. The Pixel Watch 3 offers comprehensive health monitoring in a sleek, modern design.
8. Withings ScanWatch Nova
This smartwatch doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for health tracking functionalities. First and foremost, it doesn’t look like a smartwatch. It has the appearance of an analog watch, but with a circle at the top of the watch display that users can toggle through as they’d like. The ScanWatch Nova tracks heart rate and body temperature 24/7, can log workouts, and automatically recognizes 40 activities.
On top of a stylish look and advanced health tracking, the smartwatch boasts a 30-day battery life, one of the longest on this list.
9. Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin’s smartwatch comes with 11 days of battery life and a vivid AMOLED display for viewing in a wide array of environments. It has automatic nap logging and tracking, a readiness score in the form of “Body Battery,” and a wheelchair mode for those looking to track their wheelchair pushes.
10. Apple Watch SE 2
Want a bare bones smartwatch that connects to your Apple ecosystem but don’t want to spend a lot on it? The Apple Watch SE 2 came out several years ago and performs basic functions like step tracking, message sending, and safety features, like Emergency SOS or crash detection.
We’d recommend the smartwatch to someone seeking to use it for one or two specific purposes, such as providing your kid with their first tech device that has the functions for texting and calling, or an older family member who is prone to accidents or falls.
Why These Smartwatches Stand Out
The most popular smartwatches among our readers share several key characteristics: long battery life, comprehensive health tracking, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for advanced medical-grade monitoring or simply want to track your daily steps, there’s a smartwatch on this list that fits your needs and budget.
From budget-friendly options under $50 to premium models with extended battery life and advanced features, these smartwatches represent the best choices for consumers in 2025. Many offer FDA-cleared health monitoring capabilities, making them valuable tools for managing your overall wellness.
