Top-tier performance, precise health tracking and great style combined
Wearable tech is incredibly sophisticated nowadays. From measuring your heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen levels to offering reliable GPS navigation for adventures, as well as using body temperature to track menstrual cycles, they offer so much more than the early fitness trackers. So, which smartwatch is right for your wrist? Here’s our guide to help you keep track.
Best new tech: Apple Watch Series 12
Expect the most accurate heart rate variability (HRV) measurements in a very good-looking wearable, plus Audio Intelligence that helps you remember key moments from conversations. Built with privacy at the core and exceptional integration tech, this is the next era of smartwatch. Note: it’s iOS-compatible only, so not one for Android users.
Best for the great outdoors: Garmin fēnix 9 Pro Inreach
With advanced tracking features, including a stamina curve, as part of its highly accurate health and performance stats, this is one for adventurers. The multi-continent TopoActive maps are routable and more intuitive than ever, plus you can count on a satellite link for off-grid messaging. And, bonus, it has up to 18 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
Best for high performers: Coros Apex 4 GPS
Built for training, racing, and beating your personal best, this mountain sports watch gives you ultra-precise GPS, up to 41 hours of battery life and zero-lag mapping. It also features advanced training and recovery tools, accurately measuring everything from HRV to sleep and training load, plus 3D Flyovers and Adventure Journaling to study and modify routes.
Best different wearable: Oura Ring 5 Smart Ring
If you want a wearable that’s super-comfy to wear, try the world’s smallest smart ring, Oura Ring 5. With even greater sensing power – despite being 40 per cent smaller and ultra-lightweight – the titanium ring sends you personalised recommendations based on over 50 health metrics with research-grade accuracy. Plus, it has up to nine days of battery life.
The best fitness bands
If you seek a screenless, distraction-free wearable, fitness bands are a brilliant alternative to watches. The WHOOP tracker is a 24/7 health and fitness wearable that provides continuous, expert insights into your daily exercise, sleep and recovery, offering coaching tips and medical-grade insights to help you maintain optimum health. Alternatively, there’s the Google FitBit Air; a light-yet-powerful tracker that monitors sleep, heart rate, steps and daily activity, with lots of extra features, you can read our full Tried & Tested review here.
