Samsung has taken more than a few cracks at different product categories, and smartwatches have been no exception. The company has made several attempts at getting it right, with new smartwatches and fitness trackers every year. We take a look at some of the best available, including the newest of the bunch with the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and a hybrid fitness tracker.
Making things right
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Staff pick
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the latest Samsung smartwatch, and it takes the same “active” approach as its predecessor with a few key tweaks thrown in. It has a touch-sensitive bezel to emulate the physical one Samsung watches are known for, plus better Spotify integration.
$230 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy $230 at Walmart
For the active type
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is definitely geared towards active users whose lifestyle could use a lightweight companion on their wrist to keep them honest. This smartwatch offers solid battery life while automatically tracking your workouts, sleep, and more, all from your wrist.
$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy $160 at Walmart
Tried and true
Samsung Galaxy Watch
The standard Galaxy Watch is bulky by design, and for good reason because it has excellent battery life, military-grade durability, and more. Samsung even packed Gorilla Glass DX+ on the Galaxy Watch’s display to ensure that your smartwatch won’t get accidentally scratched.
$200 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy $230 at Walmart
Fitness-centric
Samsung Gear Sport
For Samsung, the Gear Sport is another attempt to use a different design to cater to those who work out a lot. Rather than a rounded casing, it uses more of a “squircle.” Even so, the Gear Sport has a rotating bezel, supports Samsung Pay, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
$232 at Amazon $233 at Best Buy
Hybrid Tracker
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro
Samsung has those who love fitness trackers covered as well with the Gear Fit2 Pro. This smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid is water-resistant up to 50 meters, along with continuous heart-rate tracking, and built-in GPS. This is truly the best of both worlds for those who need something fashionable and functional.
$200 at Amazon
Fitting a budget
Samsung Galaxy Fit
If the Galaxy Watch is too bulky, and the Gear Fit2 Pro too pricey, then consider the Galaxy Fit as an alternative. The full-color AMOLED display still shines, and with its ability to dive into a pool, plus effective daily activity tracking, it’s a good bang for the buck in a capable package.
$95 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy $70 at Walmart
Which is best?
If we were forced to make a choice, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 would take home the crown of best Samsung Smartwatch. This is partially because it is the latest and greatest, but also because of its price tag, along with what the smartwatch is capable of.
If you don’t really care about all of the added health and fitness benefits, or you want a bigger casing, then the Galaxy Watch would be best. This smartwatch still has a slew of bells and whistles, while looking a bit more rugged and professional. But be warned, it’s a hefty smartwatch to wear on the regular.
