Best Smartwatches in India (November 2024)

Smartwatches have witnessed a surge in popularity across India, prompting brands to release their offerings across various budget segments. This trend isn't merely anecdotal but backed by research studies consistently highlighting India's burgeoning smartwatch market. Indian consumers, known for their price-conscious approach, seek value for their money, driving the demand for feature-rich yet affordable digital timepieces. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and now OnePlus have stepped up their game, making the world of smartwatches extremely competitive in the high-tier segment. In the mid and lower tiers, brands like FitBit, Amazfit, Boult, boAt, amongst many others continue to have a stronghold. Both premium smartwatch manufacturers and those catering to budget-conscious buyers face fierce competition, intensifying the landscape. Consequently, the competition in this sphere has reached unprecedented levels. To assist in navigating this dynamic market, here's a curated list of the top 10 smartwatches available in India –

• 1.

The Apple Watch Series 9 emerged victorious this year, securing the prestigious Digit Zero1 Award 2023 in the Best Performing Smartwatch Category. Rigorous testing encompassing walk tracking, exercise sessions, steps, heart rate, SpO2, and numerous metrics established its comprehensive superiority over all contenders in the category. Apple’s bold claims made during the September launch held true in our extensive examinations.

Display brightness reached a remarkable 779 nits during our evaluations, surpassing others by 1.5 times, showcasing exceptional brilliance. Powered by the S9 SiP, the Watch Series 9 dominated the competition. Our assessments confirmed the watch’s 100% accuracy in heart rate and SpO2 testing, alongside superior haptic feedback. Consistently excelling in every test, the Apple Watch Series 9 exhibited unparalleled precision across metrics, surpassing competitors and earning the prestigious Digit Zero1 Award for the Best Performing Smartwatch of 2023.

• 2.

In the realm of Android smartwatches, Samsung’s lineup stands prominently for its blend of capabilities and competitive pricing. While options like Garmin cater to hardcore fitness enthusiasts at a premium cost, Fitbit’s charm seems to have dwindled, and other manufacturers focus on budget-friendly offerings. Apple, though a formidable contender, remains secluded within its ecosystem, excelling within but facing limitations beyond its user base.

For those ready to invest, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic emerges as a worthy choice, delivering expected features and more, justifying its price tag. Tailored for individuals juggling work, workouts, and daily tasks, it seamlessly transitions through various activities. However, for fitness enthusiasts seeking alternatives, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus stands as a robust choice, while the regular Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers comparable specs at a slightly lower price point.

• 3.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro elevates the Wear OS experience for Android users. Building on its predecessor’s legacy, this year’s model significantly enhances every facet of this immersive software journey. Boasting premium materials like Titanium alloy for the case and Sapphire Crystal glass for the screen, it ensures durability and sophistication. The AMOLED panel delivers a seamless and vibrant display, complemented by cellular calling, smart fitness tracking, and comprehensive navigation capabilities, including turn-by-turn alerts and backtracking features. Moreover, its substantial battery capacity empowers extended usage.

In our rigorous tests centered on performance and battery endurance, the Watch5 Pro excelled remarkably, showcasing exceptional performance and endurance.

• 4.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, part of Garmin’s Instinct series, has garnered attention for its promises of exceptional battery life and adventure-ready features. Its standout attribute is solar charging, enabling indefinite battery life when exposed to sunlight. However, for less outdoorsy users, reliance on the included charger is necessary. Impressively, even with active features, the watch lasted around 20 days.

Built for outdoor use, it adheres to military standards, ensuring durability in extreme conditions. Testing included GPS tracking, demonstrating commendable accuracy. Gym sessions revealed extensive fitness functionalities, including oxygen absorption monitoring, aiding in tailored workouts. Notifications during daily use were reliable, albeit constrained by screen limitations. Priced at ₹50,490, it’s a robust option for adventure seekers but might not replace mainstream smartwatches. For those seeking a durable adventure companion, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar proves a worthwhile investment.

• 5.

The Garmin Forerunner 225 stands as a durable smartwatch tailor-made for runners spanning various distances, from 5k runs to marathon endeavors. Boasting a vibrant color display and vibrating alerts, its heart rate monitoring becomes more comprehensible and practical during workouts. Its functionality extends beyond running, offering activity and sleep tracking, appealing to individuals focused on overall fitness, weight management, and holistic well-being.

Retaining the signature Garmin Forerunner aesthetics, its design maintains familiarity within the series. Despite a slightly bulkier build to accommodate the inbuilt Mio optical heart rate sensor, the watch remains lightweight at a mere 54g. The simplistic design, adorned with subtle red accents, exudes a more sophisticated appearance compared to vibrant GPS counterparts.

Yet, it does have limitations. Lacking running dynamics, utilizing micro-USB charging, and the heart rate accuracy falls short of chest straps. However, its strength lies in bpm-based training features, making the Garmin Forerunner 225 a commendable choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a smartwatch that doubles as a reliable fitness tracker.

• 6.

The 2023 launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces a top-tier smartwatch, blending advanced features with a robust design. Renowned for its exceptional screen, it outshines previous models with a notably brighter display. Powered by Apple’s latest S9 chipset, the Ultra 2 introduces innovations like the convenient hands-free Double Tap control.

Distinguished by its use of a recycled titanium frame, aligning with Apple’s eco-friendly initiatives, the Ultra 2 bears similarity to its predecessor. However, it retains the same battery life, a potential downside compared to other advancements. In summary, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands as a high-end smartwatch with impressive features and a commitment to sustainability. Yet, its availability challenges and unaltered battery performance might influence potential buyers’ considerations.

• 7.

The Amazfit GTR Mini, priced at ₹10,999 in India, resembles the design of the GTR 4 with its round dial and classic appearance. Offering 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and over 120 sports modes, it ensures comprehensive health tracking. Its steel-colored side frame and comfortable silicone band make it suitable for extended wear. Featuring a 1.28-inch AMOLED display and an intuitive user interface with notification access and quick settings, it’s easy to navigate. Additionally, it boasts 5ATM water resistance.

Combining power and style, the GTR Mini excels in health and fitness tracking, albeit with slight accuracy issues in distance tracking and a less inspiring strapping system. While these aspects may not be deal breakers, they’re worth noting, especially considering the device’s price.

• 8.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a high-end multi-sports watch crafted for athletes seeking performance enhancements. It introduces advanced workout tracking, training tools, and GPS improvements. Notably, it incorporates a touchscreen, aiding map navigation, though its memory-in-pixel display offers good readability but lacks contrast.

Rather than assuming users have established training plans, the Fenix 7 offers tools to evaluate fitness levels, set achievable goals, and tailor workouts accordingly. It’s designed for accessibility to new users, streamlining their experience. Renowned for its durability and extended battery life without added bulk, it operates for weeks under optimal conditions, with even non-solar versions boasting impressive longevity. However, it lacks a microphone for hands-free calls.

• 9.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 presents an extensive array of features catering to fitness and tech enthusiasts. Enhancements include a new heart rate sensor, stress detection, advanced workout tools, a more efficient processor, and improved battery life. Sporting a lightweight, eco-friendly aluminum body, the watch introduces a slightly revamped digital crown for enhanced usability. While the display retains a substantial black bezel, it now operates in an Always On mode by default.

A notable highlight is the Personal Safety Check, which automatically tracks workout sessions. Additionally, the watch incorporates a new multi-path heart rate sensor. However, the switch to non-wireless charging may pose a downside for some users. Despite these upgrades, the Pixel Watch 2 maintains the same screen size and dimensions as its predecessor. It’s offered in a single-size option, and the display bezels retain a relatively thick profile.

• 10.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a smartwatch that strikes a balance between health features and fitness tracking. It showcases an appealing design complemented by a large, always-on color display. This lightweight and comfortable device are suitable for prolonged wear. A notable enhancement in the Versa 3 is the inclusion of integrated GPS, allowing real-time tracking of workout distances and pace. Additionally, it features an SpO2 sensor for monitoring blood oxygen levels while sleeping, a valuable function during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, limitations include the absence of offline Spotify support and the requirement of a Fitbit Premium subscription to unlock advanced features. Some users find the side button design challenging to navigate. Despite these downsides, the Versa 3 boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 6 days. It supports Amazon Alexa, Fitbit Pay, and Spotify, enhancing its smartwatch capabilities. Priced at approximately ₹17,000, the Versa 3 serves as a solid budget alternative to the Apple Watch, particularly for Android users. It offers a wide range of fitness tracking capabilities at a relatively affordable price point.