This WIRED buying guide rounds up the best smartwatches available in 2026, covering options for iPhone and Android users as well as budget and hybrid picks. It matters for shoppers because smartwatch prices have risen due to component costs and supply chain pressures, making informed choices more valuable, and the guide narrows a crowded market down to tested recommendations across different needs and ecosystems.

The Apple Watch Series 11 (£399/$399) is named the top pick for iPhone owners, offering a notable jump to 24-hour battery life, FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, a new Sleep Score feature and the return of blood oxygen sensing. For Android users, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (£400/$400, 45mm) is recommended, while the Apple Watch SE 3 (£249/$279) offers a cheaper Apple option and the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic (£370/$370, 44mm) are suggested for those loyal to Samsung's ecosystem. The guide, updated in July 2026, also includes a comparison table, an FAQ section and further picks for those wanting fitness trackers, smart rings or cheaper watches.