6 best smartwatches of 2023: Which one deserves a place on your wrist?

The premium pricing means that the watch is designed for those with the iPhone Pros – and its elaborate features make it best suited for outdoorsy users who demand maximum durability, advanced fitness tracking, and highly accurate GPS. While casual users will likely opt for the more affordable Series 9, the Ultra 2 delivers upgrades that hardcore athletes and adventurers will appreciate.

Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 is carbon neutral, uses recycled materials, ships via ocean, and offsets charging power, promoting environmental responsibility. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

If the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not an option, then, the Rs 41,900 Apple Watch Series 9 is without a doubt the best smartwatch you can buy as an Apple user. Subtle but meaningful upgrades like on-device Siri processing and enhanced health sensors cement its status. With familiar 41mm and 45mm sizing, ultra-smooth performance from the new S9 chip, and around 20% faster charging, the Series 9 improves upon the Series 8 in small but appreciable ways.

Although the pricing is still quite premium, excellent fitness tracking, deep iOS integration, and a polished user experience justify the cost for iPhone users wanting a flagship smartwatch experience.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

It’s large enough for you to even browse websites on, since the browser is one of the apps available. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Alright, enough with Apple. The Watch6 Classic is an excellent pick for Android users (it doesn’t work with Apple at all), particularly those flaunting Samsung smartphones, since a couple of features like electrocardiogram and irregular heart rate alerts only work when paired with phones from the same brand.

The watch blends elegance and functionality – its signature rotating bezel allows for intuitive navigation, while advanced health sensors provide granular fitness metrics. At a Rs 26,999 starting price, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic packs great value. Between its understated style, smooth Wear OS software, and multi-day battery life, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic hits the sweet spot for those seeking a capable and attractive smartwatch without breaking the bank.

Garmin Forerunner 265

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a round watchface and comes in two colours. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Serious runners need to look no further than the feature-packed Garmin Forerunner 265. It provides in-depth tracking insights for all training metrics, aided by advanced sensors like a wrist-based optical heart rate monitor. While its Rs 50,490 retail price is steep, competitive and hobbyist runners alike will find immense value in the Forerunner 265’s expansive data analytics, handy training tools, and smart coaching features. The only downside with this one is its plastic build, but that does result in a weight of just 39 grams – lighter than many basic fitness trackers today.

CMF Watch Pro

The CMF Watch Pro costs Rs 4,999. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

Nothing’s Rs 4,999 Watch Pro isn’t technically a ‘smart’ smartwatch since you can’t download any apps, but it still deserves a shoutout if you want a quality fitness tracker that looks and feels like the real deal. The watch faces are sweeter than anything else you’ll find at this price point. And the 1.96-inch AMOLED display runs at 60Hz with 600 nits max brightness for supreme crispness.

With the launch of the Watch Pro, Nothing has completed its device ecosystem, even if it’s not officially a Nothing-branded product. It’s also a top pick for smartwatch newbies since it doesn’t overwhelm you with a gazillion settings and options. You can use it as a simple watch or as a health and fitness companion – it’s up to you.

Sekyo Turbo 4G

The watch works with both iOS and Android but seems to be better off paired with the latter. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Parents seeking a secure connected smartwatch for kids will appreciate the Sekyo Turbo 4G. It provides real-time location tracking and video calling to give parents peace of mind. The Sekyo Turbo’s durable, functional design ensures it can withstand kids’ energetic lifestyles. While the Rs 7,999 Sekyo Turbo lacks some polish, especially in the software department, its essential mix of safety features and communication abilities make it a compelling option for parents wanting to keep close tabs on kids’ whereabouts.