Which Samsung Galaxy Watch is best? How to choose the right one

Samsung now has so many Galaxy Watch models that choosing has become genuinely tricky. Watch 9, Watch Ultra 2, Watch 8 Classic, Watch 8 or the more affordable Watch FE: they look similar, but differ considerably in battery life, size and price. There is no single answer to "which Samsung Galaxy Watch is best". It depends on how you use your watch and how much you want to spend.

To point you in the right direction: for most people, the Galaxy Watch 9 is the best choice. If you train seriously or spend time outdoors, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a better match. If you want to keep costs down, the Watch 8 or Watch FE will serve you perfectly well. Read on to find out exactly why, along with answers to any other questions you might have.

• Not sure where to start and just want a solid, up-to-date smartwatch? Go for the Galaxy Watch 9.

• If you train seriously, hike in the mountains or do some diving, go for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

• Prefer a classic look with a rotating bezel? Go for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. If you mainly want to count steps and see notifications without spending too much, the Watch 8, Watch FE or a Galaxy Fit will do the job nicely.

The Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2 are Samsung's two newest smartwatches, which is why they're so often compared. Both run on the same Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, but that's largely where the similarities end.

The verdict: for most people, the Watch 9 is the more comfortable choice. It sits lighter on your wrist and costs considerably less. The Ultra 2 is worth considering if you'll genuinely make use of the extra battery life, brightness and dive certification. Otherwise, you're mostly paying for features that don't apply to you.

Please note: recommended retail prices can vary by retailer and change over time. Use this table to compare models with each other, not as a current price guide.

Samsung quotes a battery life for each model based on ideal conditions: limited screen use, no navigation and sometimes even without always-on display. In practice, with the screen on more often and GPS running during workouts, reviewers typically measure a slightly shorter battery life than Samsung promises.

For the Galaxy Watch 9, that means just over a day of battery life with normal use in practice. Daily charging is still necessary, just as with most smartwatches. A full charge takes around an hour and a half.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, with its larger battery, can last several days depending on how much you use GPS, always-on display and workout tracking. Thanks to fast charging, you can also top it up quickly throughout the day, for example 40% in half an hour.

Samsung offers four different sizes and the right choice depends mainly on your wrist size and personal preference.

• 40 mm: the smallest size, available on the Watch 9 and the Watch 8. Ideal for a slimmer wrist or if you prefer a more discreet watch.
• 44 mm: slightly larger, also available on the Watch 9 and the Watch 8. A good middle ground between visibility and wearing comfort.
• 46 mm: exclusive to the Classic models, with a stainless steel case and rotating bezel for a timeless look. The Watch 8 Classic is the latest Classic watch.
• 47 mm: the largest size, exclusive to the Watch Ultra series. Sturdy and easy to read, but less suited to a smaller wrist.

In terms of design, you can choose between three styles: the round, clean look of the Watch 9, the rounded square "squircle" shape of the Ultra 2, and the classic round case with rotating bezel of the Watch 8 Classic. Colours vary by model and season; the Watch 9 and Watch 8 are generally available in multiple colours, whilst the Classic and Ultra 2 offer a more limited, premium colour selection.

Every Galaxy Watch counts steps, so you don't necessarily need the most expensive model for basic step tracking. Here's how to choose based on what else matters to you:

Best value: the Galaxy Watch FE counts steps, monitors your heart rate and tracks your sleep at the lowest price in the range.

Lightest option: the Galaxy Watch 9 in 40 mm is the lightest smartwatch in this overview, making it ideal for all-day and all-night wear.

More than just steps: if you want detailed training analysis as well, the Watch 9 or Ultra 2 is a more logical choice than the FE, which focuses primarily on the basics.

If you only need a simple activity tracker without apps or notifications, a Galaxy Fit is often more than enough and considerably more affordable than a full Galaxy Watch.

A brief overview of the most significant milestones in the Galaxy Watch's history:

• Galaxy Watch 4: the switch to Wear OS, Samsung's operating system developed together with Google. This was the first time the Galaxy Watch became truly well-suited to third-party apps.

• Galaxy Watch 5 and 6: refinements to battery life, the display and health sensors, without any major changes in direction.

• Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: the return of the rotating bezel, after it was dropped in earlier generations.

• Galaxy Watch Ultra: the introduction of a rugged, sport-focused model alongside the standard range, with a much larger battery and a titanium casing.

• Galaxy Watch 8 series: deeper integration of Galaxy AI features and health insights, with the Watch 8 Classic carrying on the rotating bezel tradition.

• Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2: a new chip, a brighter display and, on the Ultra 2, official dive certification.

If you currently own a Watch 5, 6 or 7, an upgrade is usually only worth it if your battery life has noticeably deteriorated or you really want the latest features. For everyday use, step tracking and notifications, the most recent generations differ less from one another than the product names might suggest.

A Samsung Galaxy Watch with Bluetooth always works alongside your phone when it's nearby: notifications, messages and calls all run through that connection. An LTE version has its own SIM card (usually an eSIM) and works independently of your phone, for example when you're out for a run. LTE does come at a higher upfront price, plus a monthly fee with your network provider.

No, not well. All recent Galaxy Watch models, from the Watch 4 to the Watch Ultra 2, run on Wear OS. This operating system does not support iPhones. If you do pair a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone, key features become unavailable, including ECG and blood pressure monitoring, replying to messages and access to the Galaxy Store. If you use an iPhone, an Apple Watch or a brand-independent smartwatch is a more sensible choice than a Samsung Galaxy Watch.

There is no single best Samsung Galaxy Watch for everyone, but there is a clear best choice for each situation. Just want a modern, reliable smartwatch without any fuss? Go for the Galaxy Watch 9. Do you train seriously or head out into the great outdoors? The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is the one to go for, thanks to its longer battery life and dive certification. Prefer a classic look with a rotating bezel? Choose the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. And if you mainly want to track steps and see notifications at a keen price, the Watch 8, the Watch FE or a Galaxy Fit are all worth considering.