Smartwatch | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-04-13T23:43:21+00:00https://www.theverge.com/rss/smartwatch/index.xmlhttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The Apple Watch Series 11 has returned to its best-ever price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9111912026-04-13T19:43:21-04:002026-04-13T14:48:17-04:00
You can buy the Apple Watch Series 11 for $100 off in multiple sizes and colors. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
If you’re still holding onto an older Apple Watch, now might be a good time to upgrade. Right now, the 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 with GPS is on sale for around $299 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is its best price to date. If you prefer a larger size, the 46mm is also $100 off for a limited time, with the base GPS configuration selling for about $329 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
While it’s not a significant upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 10, we still recommend it if you’re using a Series 5 or Series 6. It’s Apple’s fastest and most durable flagship wearable yet, with a bright, wide-angle OLED display that’s easy to read at a glance. It offers the longest battery life of any Series model to date, allowing you to eke out up to 24 hours (or 38 hours in low-power mode) on a single charge with the base configuration. The LTE version doesn’t drain as quickly either thanks to Apple’s power-efficient 5G modem, and you can charge a dead watch to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.
On the health and wellness side, it offers a diverse range of features, from FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and sleep scores to ovulation tracking, sleep apnea detection, and fall detection. Beyond that, you get access to watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, which offers real-time coaching, as well as wrist flick and double tap gestures so you can control the watch without touching the screen. Rounding things out, you also get Apple’s usual set of smart features, including Apple Pay, Siri, and access to music directly from your wrist.
]]>
Brandon WidderSheena Vasani<![CDATA[Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/21289209/best-apple-watch-deals2026-04-09T18:31:47-04:002026-04-09T18:30:00-04:00
In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each has its own pros and cons, but the introduction of Apple’s newest wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models, leaving those with a Series 5 and older devices in the proverbial dust. Fortunately, picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a futureproof smartwatch with an updated design, a robust feature set, and plenty of sensors.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on both the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
If you are looking to upgrade, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 in the 42mm / GPS configuration at Amazon and Walmart starting at $329 ($70 off), which remains the second-best price we’ve seen for the base model. If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s also available at Amazon and Walmart for around $329 ($100 off), matching its lowest price to date.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals,the Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available on Amazon in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $239,a mere $10 discount and about $40 shy of its lowest price to date. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model on Amazon starting at $269, which, again, is $10 less than the MSRP.
Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.
As far as deals go, the Ultra 3 recently dropped to an all-time low of $699.99 ($100 off), which is the current sale price on Amazon when you pick it up with either an Ocean Band or a Trail Loop strap. You can also grab it from Amazon with an Alpine Loop strap starting at $768 ($32 off), which remains one of the better prices we’ve seen on that particular model in recent weeks.
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save some money by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.
Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Best Buy with an Alpine Loop, a Trail Loop, or an Ocean Band starting at $574 ($225 off), which is about $125 less than the current price of the Ultra 3.
Update, April 9th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and several new links.
]]>
Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is easier to recommend now it starts at $260]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9095022026-04-09T18:01:03-04:002026-04-09T17:10:47-04:00
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is on sale in multiple colors. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now, especially if you’re already using a Samsung phone. Right now the 40mm, Bluetooth-enabled version’s on sale for $289.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung, which is its second-best price this year and only $50 shy of its all-time low price. Meanwhile, Woot is offering the 46mm, international version of the Bluetooth-enabled Classic model for even less at $259.99 ($240 off) in black and white, though it’s worth noting that it only comes with a 90-day Woot warranty instead of Samsung’s standard one-year coverage.
The wearable isn’t a dramatic overhaul from its predecessor, but it’s a solid upgrade if you’re coming from a Galaxy Watch 5 or older. The new “squircle” design is slimmer and more comfortable, and if you opt for the Classic model, you’ll also get a rotating bezel along with the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s customizable Quick Button. Both versions also introduce a few new health-focused tools. Our favorite is the Running Coach feature, which offers a personalized training plan based on your performance during a 12-minute run test. The wearable also offers sensors that attempt to estimate whether you’re getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, although in testing we found it can be a bit hit or miss.
Otherwise, it covers the essentials well, with reliable heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, as well as sleep apnea detection and EKGs when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone. Beyond fitness, both wearables also support Google’s Gemini AI assistant, letting you handle quick tasks from your wrist like asking for nearby cafe recommendations or creating playlists without pulling out your phone.
]]>
Victoria Song<![CDATA[How the Apple Watch defined modern health tech]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9063912026-04-09T08:44:42-04:002026-04-03T10:00:00-04:00
In my humble opinion, the Series 4 was a watershed moment in wearable tech history. | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewerVictoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.
You can trace the state of health tech today to a single gadget: the Apple Watch Series 4.
Back in 2018, smartwatches and fitness bands focused on a handful of things: step count, heart rate, some light sleep monitoring, and activity logging. As a result, they were much more focused on fitness rather than overall health. Handy if you were trying to increase activity levels or lose a few pounds, but not a device th …
]]>
Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The Apple Watch SE 3 is even easier to recommend at $50 off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8996712026-03-24T13:18:10-04:002026-03-24T13:18:10-04:00
When Apple released the latest Apple Watch SE, it surprised us, outshining Apple’s more expensive models while improving on the basics. Now that it’s on sale, it’s even easier to recommend. The LTE-enabled model has dropped back to its all-time low of $249 ($50 off) at Amazon for the first time since December, while the 40mm GPS version is down to $219 ($30 off) at Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The larger 44mm GPS model is also on sale for $249 ($30 off) at Amazon and Target while you can add LTE for $50 more.
The Apple Watch SE 3 brings over a number of features that were previously limited to Apple’s higher-end models. Notably, it now has an always-on display, so you can glance at the time or notifications without having to tap the screen. It’s powered by Apple’s S10 chip, which enables features like on-device Siri and gesture controls such as double tap and wrist flick, making it easier to answer calls or manage notifications. You also get faster charging and 5G connectivity for improved coverage, along with the ability to listen to music directly from your wrist. On the health and wellness side, the SE 3 supports ovulation tracking and can monitor your breathing while you sleep, sending alerts if it detects signs of sleep apnea.
Of course, as an entry-level watch, Apple left out some features to keep costs down. You can’t take an EKG, measure blood oxygen levels, or receive hypertension alerts like you can on the Series 11 and Ultra 3. The more expensive models also offer larger displays and include Apple’s Ultra Wideband chip, which powers Precision Finding, a feature that helps you locate your iPhone. That said, the SE 3 covers the essentials, and for many, that’s more than enough.
]]>
Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The kid-friendly Fitbit Ace is $100, which matches its best price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8991342026-03-23T17:33:55-04:002026-03-23T17:10:28-04:00
The Fitbit Ace LTE turns exercise into a game for kids, and it’s on sale at multiple retailers. | Image: Fitbit
If you’re trying to figure out how to keep your kids occupied this spring break, the Fitbit Ace LTE is an easy way to get them outdoors and off their phones. The kid-friendly smartwatch encourages movement with trackable games, and it’s back to an all-time low price of $99.95 ($80 off) at Amazon ahead of the retailer’s Big Spring Sale. Best Buy and Target are also matching that price.
Fitbit Ace LTE
The Ace LTE sports some of the same hardware found on the Google Pixel Watch 2 and a variety of step-activated games, which can help motivate your child to keep moving. It also offers calling, messaging, and location sharing when you sign up for a monthly or annual data plan. Read our hands-on impressions.
Built with kids ages 7 to 11 in mind, the wearable features step-activated games and a digital companion called Eejie. As they play more, kids can earn points that can be used to buy items like outfits, rooms, and other accessories for Eejie. The built-in activities are simple and fun, and include a fishing challenge where kids cast their arm and pull it back to catch fish and a Mario Kart-styled game where kids race by tilting their arm.
Fitbit also includes useful safety and communication features. There are no ads or third-party app stores to worry about, and parental controls let you manage contacts and tweak other settings. You can also monitor your child’s progress on activity goals and disable games during school hours. What’s really helpful is that it can double as a smartphone replacement; the Ace supports Tap to Pay via Google Pay, so kids can make purchases on their own. With a $9.99 monthly subscription, kids can also call or text preapproved contacts and share their location through Google Maps, all without requiring a separate smartphone.
]]>
Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Google’s latest Pixel Watches have fallen to their lowest prices ever]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8913392026-03-09T14:48:20-04:002026-03-09T12:45:58-04:00
With longer days and warmer weather on the way, it’s a good time to take your gym routine outside. Luckily, Google’s Pixel Watch 4 can help you track all your outdoor fitness activities, and right now it’s on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target starting at $289.99 ($60 off), a new low price. The last-gen Pixel Watch 3 is also currently the cheapest it’s ever been, with the 41mm / Wi-Fi configuration selling for $169.99 ($80 off) — also a new low — at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
The Pixel Watch 4 is our favorite Fitbit-powered smartwatch, one that offers a great feature set for the price. Google’s latest wearable features dual-frequency GPS, which improves accuracy in challenging environments such as cities and dense forests, and it can automatically record certain cardio activities on your behalf, including both running and cycling. It also offers improved sleep tracking, satellite SOS (on the LTE model), and a slew of AI features courtesy of Gemini — including an exclusive raise-to-talk gesture that’s useful while on a run.
The hardware has improved as well. Most notably, you can now replace and repair both the screen and the battery, making it a better long-term investment. The display is bigger and brighter, too, and the Pixel Watch 4 lasts about a day and a half on a single charge, or roughly 45 hours if you buy the 45mm model (up from 32 hours on the Watch 3). Charging is also faster, allowing you to charge it up to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes. And as a nice little extra, the included side-mounted charger lets you use the watch as a glanceable display, so you can see the battery percentage and other useful tidbits of info more easily.
If you want a great Android smartwatch for less, the last-gen Pixel Watch 3 is also a good option. While it’s not easily repairable like the Watch 4 and lacks some of the aforementioned upgrades (including dual-frequency GPS), it still offers a good set of health and fitness tools, allowing you to track your activity, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. It also supports Gemini and integrates well with Google’s various services, letting you download offline maps and leave your wallet at home by paying via Google Wallet. You can even use it to control a slew of compatible devices from your wrist, from Nest cameras and video doorbells to the newest Google TV devices.
The transparent white Razer Kishi V3, which is designed to make mobile gaming feel more like playing on a dedicated handheld, is currently on sale at Amazon for an all-time low of $79.99 ($30 off). It attaches directly to USB-C phones, including Android devices and newer iPhone models, and comes with anti-drift TMR thumbsticks and dual mouse-click back buttons, which allow you to react faster while gaming on the go.
Sony’s last-gen WH-1000XM5 are on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target for around $278, which is a solid $122 discount. Despite having launched in 2022, the over-ear headphones still deliver impressive sound and top-notch noise cancellation. They’re also comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to their lightweight design and plush earcups, and last up to 40 hours on a single charge. You also get multipoint connectivity and, thanks to an October firmware update, support for audio sharing and Gemini Live, Google’s conversational AI assistant. Read our review.
You can buy the stylish Marshall Willen II for around $98 ($32 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is one of its better prices to date. The lightweight Bluetooth speaker features an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, along with a built-in fastening strap, making it easy to carry on outdoor adventures. It also features a mic for hands-free calls and up to 17 hours of battery life.
]]>
Stevie Bonifield<![CDATA[Meta is reportedly planning to launch a smartwatch this year]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8810652026-02-18T17:54:05-05:002026-02-18T17:54:05-05:00
Meta is planning to launch a smartwatch with health tracking and AI features later this year, along with an updated version of its Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, The Information reports. The smartwatch would arrive ahead of a pair of mixed reality glasses, code-named Phoenix, that Meta has reportedly delayed until 2027 amidst efforts to streamline the company's AR and MR roadmap.
Meta previously scrapped plans for an earlier smartwatch in 2022 due to technical challenges and cost-cutting measures. If the new watch, code-named Malibu 2, comes to fruition, it would intensify competition with Apple, which is rumored to be working on a pa …
]]>
Victoria Song<![CDATA[The best Apple Watch to buy]]>https://www.theverge.com/23037217/best-apple-watch-series-se-ultra2026-01-08T19:00:45-05:002026-01-08T19:00:00-05:00
If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for you. But there was only one Apple Watch when the smartwatch launched in 2015. A decade later, you’ve got three flavors to choose from: the entry-level Watch SE, the standard Series, and the rugged Ultra. Each appeals to a different demographic and set of needs, but good news: I’ve tested every Apple Watch dating back to the Series 2 and can point you in the right direction.
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm / Weight: 26.3g (40mm), 32.9g (44mm) / Battery life: Up to 18 hours / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
The third-gen Apple Watch SE is an incredible value. So much so, there’s not that much of a difference between this entry-level watch and the more advanced Series 11. There’s now an always-on display, an improved S10 chip that enables gestures like double-tap and wrist flick, fast-charging, on-device Siri, 5G cellular, and additional health features thanks to the new wrist-temperature sensor. For folks who are in relatively good health, you don’t necessarily need advanced health features like blood oxygen or EKGs for afib detection. The SE 3 still gets you the basics like abnormal heart rate notifications, the new Sleep Score, and sleep apnea notifications.
Aside from health, you’re only really giving up on aesthetics. The SE 3 has a thicker bezel, and I wish battery life were a bit longer. Still, I had zero FOMO while testing this watch alongside the Series 11. And for $150 less? This is the Apple Watch most people should buy.
Sizes: 42mm, 46mm / Weight: 30.3g (42mm), 37.8 (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 24 hours, 38 in low-power mode / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
While I maintain the SE 3 is the best for most people, if health monitoring is your primary focus, the Series 11 has a slight edge. It’s got all the advanced sensors that enable afib monitoring, and the bigger battery is a bonus if sleep tracking and sleep apnea features appeal to you. Apple has also added FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, which the SE 3 doesn’t have. Its slimmer profile and larger display are other reasons I recommend the Series 11 to anyone buying an Apple Watch for a parent.
But if you’re looking to save some moola, I recommend hunting for a Series 10 while there’s still stock available. The Series 10 and 11 are nearly identical watches, with the latter’s main hardware upgrades being 5G connectivity and a modest bump to battery life.
At the beginning of last year, Apple stopped selling Apple Watches with the blood oxygen feature in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The International Trade Commission has ruled that Apple Watches with the blood oxygen feature infringe on two of Masimo’s patents — and are therefore subject to an import ban.
That said, the blood oxygen feature is not particularly vital on any wearable just yet. Many either have spot check features only or passively track your SpO2 overnight and give you an average in the morning. They cannot, and should not, replace fingertip pulse oximeters.
The best Apple Watch for athletes
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Score: 8
Pros
Cons
Even longer battery life
Bigger display, thinner bezels
Satellite and 5G connectivity
Most people likely won’t notice 5G or satellite improvements
Sizes: 42mm, 46mm / Weight: 30.3g (42mm), 37.8 (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 24 hours, 38 in low-power mode / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is overkill for daily life. Its extra durability, bright screen, siren, and Action Button are best suited for folks who have active lifestyles. I’m talking about frequent hikes, outdoor runs, recreational diving, and all that jazz. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the Ultra — I know plenty of Tech Dads in particular who love this watch for its extra-long battery life and the bigger display. (Both reasons why I’ve also used the Ultra as my daily driver for the past two years.) The black model also looks sick.
Like with the Series watches, I’d hunt for a discount on a last-gen Ultra 2 for a teeny bit of savings since this year’s model was a minor upgrade. Also, if you already have an Ultra 2, hold your horses! Now is not the time to upgrade. The exception is if you think you’ll find value in the new satellite connectivity feature. I’ve gone on multiple hikes in New Jersey and haven’t found an area without coverage — but if you’re in a rural area where that’s an issue, this is a valid reason to opt for the Ultra 3.
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm / Weight: 26.3g (40mm), 32.9g (44mm) / Battery life: Up to 18 hours / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
Unless there are explicit health issues at play, your kids don’t need a Series 11’s advanced health tracking, nor do they need the Ultra 3’s bulky design. An SE 3 is more than sufficient for keeping tabs and staying in touch. Plus, if you’re buying for a younger, rambunctious child, the SE 3 comes in the smallest size and won’t burn as big a hole in your wallet if it breaks. But if you’re not keen on giving your child their own iPhone just yet, make sure you’re getting a cellular model so you can take advantage of the Apple Watch For Your Kids setup feature.
Now that Apple’s fall hardware events are behind us, we don’t anticipate any changes to the Apple Watch lineup until the end of 2026, especially given that Apple typically refreshes its smartwatches only once a year. The next big update to look forward to may be what’s in store for watchOS, the next iteration of which will likely be unveiled at Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June.
Update, January 8th: Updated pricing / availability and updated the copy to reflect the new year.
]]>
Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Amazfit’s stylish budget tracker is nearly matching its best price to date]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8578772026-01-07T20:36:59-05:002026-01-07T16:16:55-05:00
The Amazfit Active 2 is a solid fitness tracker that could easily be mistaken for a smartwatch. | Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Amazfit might not have the name recognition of a company like Garmin or Fitbit, but its wearables consistently impress, with the Amazfit Active 2 being one of the best fitness trackers you can buy. And right now, it’s on sale for just $84.99 ($15 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is only $5 more than its best price to date.
Even at its regular price of $99.99, Amazfit’s feature-packed wearable is an incredible value. Its bright, 2,000-nit OLED display and handsome stainless steel case give it the look of a stylish everyday watch, rather than a basic fitness tracker. The platform-agnostic wearable also supports 160 different sport types and an array of core health features, including continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as menstrual cycle, skin temperature, and stress tracking. It’s also well-suited for outdoor workouts thanks to its support for offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation, which is backed by accurate location tracking across all five major GNSS satellite systems.
Battery life is another area where it shines. In our testing, the Active 2 also lasted around eight or nine days on a single charge, easily besting more advanced smartwatches. It’s even equipped with an AI-powered coach that can generate personalized training plans, along with an on-device voice assistant for hands-free control.
