Best smartwatches and fitness trackers for 2026: The definitive buying guide
From the premium Apple Watch to the budget-friendly Xiaomi Smart Band, the smartwatch market has something for everyone. This guide compares the best wearables you can buy in 2026 — with honest recommendations for every budget and ecosystem.
How to choose: What really matters in a smartwatch
Before we look at specific models, here’s what sets apart a smartwatch you’ll wear every day from one that’ll end up in a drawer:
Ecosystem compatibility It’s the most important factor. An Apple Watch paired with an Android phone is just a paperweight. A Galaxy Watch paired with an iPhone loses most of its features. Choose your watch based on your phone first, then on its features.
Health functions have become the main reason for buying a smartwatch. Heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, ECG, sleep tracking, fall detection — these features save lives. If health tracking is important to you, prioritise accuracy over aesthetics.
Battery life It varies dramatically. The Apple Watch lasts 18–36 hours. The Samsung Galaxy Watch lasts 40+ hours. The Xiaomi Smart Band lasts 2+ weeks. How often are you prepared to charge it?
Size and comfort are more important than the technical specifications. You won’t wear a watch that you find uncomfortable, no matter how many sensors it has. If possible, try it on before you buy it.
The price Prices range from €35 (Xiaomi Smart Band 10) to €899 (Apple Watch Ultra 3). The most expensive watch isn’t always the best one for your needs.
The quick tip
In a hurry? Here’s the short version:
- iPhone users, you want the best: Apple Watch Series 11
- iPhone user, are you looking for a rugged/outdoor model?: Apple Watch Ultra 3
- iPhone user on a tight budget: Apple Watch SE 3
- Samsung user: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
- Samsung user, do you want premium: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
- You just want to track your fitness: Xiaomi Smart Band 10
- Are you looking for a smartwatch for under €300: Apple Watch SE 3 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Now let’s break each one down.
Apple Watch Series 11: The best smartwatch for iPhone users
The Apple Watch Series 11 (models A3331, A3333) is Apple’s flagship smartwatch for 2026 and the most comprehensive wearable on the market — if you have an iPhone.
What it does well
Health monitoring It is comprehensive: continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2), ECG with atrial fibrillation detection, skin temperature sensor, sleep tracking with stages, menstrual cycle tracking, and fall/accident detection. The health features alone make it a genuinely useful device, not just a mirror for phone notifications.
Fitness tracking It covers all the main types of training with impressive accuracy. The GPS tracking for running is accurate, the swimming tracking works in open water and swimming pools (water-resistant to 50 metres), and the training app provides real-time metrics that serious athletes appreciate.
The screen The always-on Retina display is bright, sharp and easy to read in direct sunlight. The screen is significantly larger than previous generations, with slimmer bezels that maximise the visible area.
Integration The integration with the iPhone is flawless. Notifications, calls, messages, Apple Pay, Maps directions on your wrist, a remote camera shutter, Find My iPhone — the Apple Watch extends the capabilities of your iPhone in ways that no third-party watch can match.
Areas for improvement
The battery This remains the Apple Watch’s weak point. Apple promises 18 hours’ battery life, which in real-world use means charging it every day. If you want sleep tracking, you’ll need to find time to charge it during the day. This is significantly worse than Samsung (40+ hours) and laughable compared to Xiaomi (14+ days).
Incompatibility with Android. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone. Full stop. There are no alternatives, and no partial compatibility.
Price. Starting at €439 in Tenerife for the 42mm GPS model – it’s not cheap. The 46mm and mobile-connected models are considerably more expensive.
Who is it for?
iPhone users who want the most comprehensive smartwatch experience available. The combination of health features, fitness tracking, the app ecosystem and integration with the iPhone is unrivalled. The only reasons not to buy it are the battery life or your budget.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: €439 (42mm GPS) · €469 (46mm GPS)
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 11 →
Apple Watch Ultra 3: The watch for adventure
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s toughest, most capable and most expensive watch — designed for outdoor enthusiasts, divers and anyone who needs a watch that can withstand extreme conditions.
What sets it apart
49mm titanium case Built to withstand impacts, extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. It feels substantial on the wrist — it’s not a delicate device.
Depth gauge and dive computer This makes it a certified piece of equipment for recreational diving (EN 13319 certified). Water-resistant to 100 metres and tested for recreational diving to 40 metres.
Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) provides the most accurate location tracking of any Apple Watch — which is essential for trail running, mountain hiking and open-water swimming, where standard GPS fails.
86dB siren for emergency situations. Audible from up to 180 metres away.
36-hour battery life under normal use, extendable to 72 hours in low-power mode. Significantly better than the standard Series 11 (18 hours), making it possible to go on multi-day trips without a charger.
Action Button provides a customisable hardware shortcut for training sessions, waypoints, the torch or other functions.
Who is it for?
People who genuinely need a robust watch for outdoor activities: trail runners, hikers, divers, cyclists, climbers and sailors. Also for those who simply want the Apple Watch with a longer battery life or prefer the larger 49mm screen.
If your most extreme activity is walking to the office, the Series 11 does everything the Ultra 3 does (apart from diving and the extra durability) for €400 less.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: 839€
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 →
Apple Watch SE 3: The smart entry-level model
The Apple Watch SE 3 (models A3324, A3325) is the most affordable smartwatch in Apple’s current range — and it’s better than you might expect from the «budget» option.
What’s included (and what isn’t)
It includes: Heart rate monitoring, fall/accident detection, sleep tracking, GPS, water resistance (50m), all-day fitness tracking, full watchOS with apps, Apple Pay, notifications, Siri, customisable watch faces, and Family Setup (allows children to use an Apple Watch without their own iPhone).
Does not include: Always-on display (the screen turns off when you lower your wrist), blood oxygen sensor, ECG, skin temperature sensor. These are significant omissions for health-conscious users, but for basic fitness tracking and smartwatch functionality, the SE 3 covers the essentials.
Who is it for?
First-time Apple Watch buyers who want to experience the ecosystem without spending €400+. Parents setting up an Apple Watch for their children via Family Setup. Anyone who wants the basic functionality of the Apple Watch — notifications, fitness, Apple Pay — at the most affordable price.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: €259 (40mm GPS) · ~€279 (44mm GPS)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: The best choice for Android users
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the most comprehensive smartwatch for Android users — and the only real alternative to the Apple Watch for those who want a premium wearable experience.
Where it competes with the Apple Watch
Health functions They are comprehensive: heart rate, blood oxygen levels, ECG, body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance), skin temperature, sleep tracking with coaching, and health insights powered by Samsung’s AI.
The battery It’s a genuine advantage over the Apple Watch. Samsung promises 40+ hours, and in real-world use you can easily get through a full day and night — including sleep tracking — on a single charge. Some users report two days’ use with moderate usage. This alone is enough to make many buyers choose Samsung over Apple.
Wear OS With Google, you get access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Pay and a growing ecosystem of apps. It isn’t as mature as watchOS, but it’s functional and improving rapidly.
Where it falls short
Requires a Samsung mobile phone for full functionality. Like the Apple Watch with an iPhone, the Galaxy Watch works best — and in some cases only — with Samsung phones. Technically, it works with other Android phones, but certain features such as ECG and blood pressure monitoring are not available.
The quality of construction It’s good, but it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of the Apple Watch’s aluminium and glass build.
The app ecosystem It is improving, but it still lags behind Apple’s watchOS in terms of the quantity and quality of third-party apps.
Who is it for?
Owners of Samsung Galaxy devices who want the most comprehensive smartwatch available for Android. The combination of comprehensive health tracking, superior battery life and integration with the Samsung ecosystem makes it the obvious choice.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: from ~€249 (40mm)
Read our comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Apple Watch →
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: The adventure watch for Android
Samsung’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra — a rugged smartwatch with a titanium case, designed for extreme conditions and outdoor sports.
49mm Grade 4 titanium case With 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H military certification. Dual-frequency GPS, a siren function and a customisable Quick Button (Samsung’s version of Apple’s Action Button).
100-hour battery life Its battery life is extraordinary — multi-day trips, weekend camping trips and ultramarathons are all possible without a charger.
The main advantage over the Apple Watch Ultra 3: it works with Android. If you’re a Samsung user and want an adventure watch, this is your only premium option.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: 499€
Xiaomi Smart Band 10: The king of budget wearables
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 isn’t a smartwatch — it’s a fitness tracker. And at €39.99 in Tenerife, it does exactly what the 90% model offers — everything people really need from a wearable.
What you get for €35
Cardiac monitoring (to be continued), SpO2 oxygen in the blood, sleep tracking in stages, stress monitoring, step count, 150+ training modes, water resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for swimming) and 14+ days’ battery life on a single charge.
The AMOLED screen is bright and easy to read. Notifications from your phone appear on your wrist. Basic message replies are available. An alarm that vibrates on your wrist wakes you up without disturbing your partner.
What you don’t get
No GPS (uses your phone’s GPS for tracking runs), no ECG, no NFC payments, no app ecosystem, no voice assistant, limited watch faces compared to Apple/Samsung, no calls from the wrist, basic notification management.
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to track their health and fitness without spending €300+. People who don’t want another device to charge every day (14-day battery life). Athletes and runners who need basic workout tracking. Travellers who want sleep and activity data without risking an expensive watch. People who’ve never worn a smartwatch before and want to give it a go before committing to Apple or Samsung.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: 39,99€
Read our comparison of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and the Mi Band 9 →
Quick comparison: All smartwatches
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch SE 3 | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch Ultra | Xiaomi Band 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Tenerife) | 439€ | 839€ | 259€ | ~249€ | 499€ | 39,99€ |
| Battery | 6.00 pm | 36h | 6.00 pm | 40+ hours | 100h (savings) | 14+ days |
| Heart rate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ECG | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Blood oxygen | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ Dual | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Dual | ❌ (telephone) |
| Water-resistant | 50m | 100m | 50m | 50m | 100m | 50m |
| Screen | AOD OLED | AOD OLED | OLED | AOD OLED | AOD OLED | AMOLED |
| NFC Pay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Telephone number required | iPhone | iPhone | iPhone | Samsung* | Samsung* | Any |
| Box material | Aluminium | Titanium | Aluminium | Aluminium | Titanium | Plastic |
| Ideal for | iPhone Diary | Adventure | Affordable Apple | Android Daily | Android adventure | Basic fitness |
*The Galaxy Watch works with other Android devices, but with limited functionality.
The price advantage in Tenerife
All the smartwatches in this guide cost less in Tenerife thanks to the IGIC 7% vs 20-21% VAT in other countries:
| Clock | Price in the UK | Price for mainland Spain | Price in Tenerife | You save | Under the €430 tax threshold? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 42mm | £399 (~469€) | 449€ | 439€ | ~€10 to mainland Spain | ❌ Slightly exceeds |
| Apple Watch SE 3 40mm | £249 (~293€) | 279€ | 259€ | ~€20 to mainland Spain | ✅ Yes |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | £799 (~940€) | 899€ | 839€ | ~€60 to mainland Spain | ❌ Exceeds (duty ~€86) |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | £289 (~340€) | 319€ | ~249€ | ~€70 to mainland Spain | ✅ Yes |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 10 | £34,99 (~41€) | 39,99€ | 39,99€ | ≈ price on the mainland | ✅ Yes |
The Apple Watch SE 3 (€259), the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (from ~€249) and the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 (€39.99) are well below the customs allowance of €430 — Full savings, no customs hassle. The Apple Watch Series 11 (€439) is slightly above the individual allowance, but couples can easily split the cost between two allowances. The Galaxy Watch Ultra (€499) also exceeds the allowance by a small margin, but the same solution applies.
*Prices published on macysdigital.com (including IGIC). Samsung Watch prices: please enquire in-store. Enquire macysdigital.com for the latest prices.
Frequently asked questions
¿Which smartwatch has the best battery life?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 lasts 14+ days. Among full-featured smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra leads the way with up to 100 hours in power-saving mode, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (over 40 hours). The Apple Watch Series 11 lasts 18 hours — the worst in the group but with the most comprehensive set of features.
Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
No. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone for set-up and day-to-day use. There are no alternatives. If you’re on Android, choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Xiaomi Smart Band.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it, or should I save up for the Series 11?
The SE 3 offers 80% of the features found on the Series 11 at 60% of the price. You’ll miss out on the always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen and skin temperature monitoring. If those health features are important to you, save up for the Series 11. If you’re mainly after notifications, fitness tracking and Apple Pay, the SE 3 offers excellent value for money.
Which smartwatch is best for swimming?
All the watches in this guide are suitable for swimming (minimum 50m). The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (100m, dive computer) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (100m) are better suited to serious water sports. For swimming in a pool, any of these options will work well.
Can I buy a cheaper smartwatch in Tenerife?
Yes. The Canary Islands charge 7% in IGIC rather than 20-21% in VAT, saving you between €5 and €100 depending on the model. Most smartwatches are below the €430 duty-free allowance, so you get to keep the full saving. Read our guide to saving on IGIC →
Are you looking for a smartwatch? Visit Macys Digital at Parque Santiago 3, Playa de las Américas, or browse the catalogue at macysdigital.com. For more tech shopping tips, read our A comprehensive guide to buying electronics in Tenerife.