The newest Apple device is here, but that doesn’t mean you should buy it. Review our top Apple Watch Series 9 alternatives for more options.
The arrival of a new Apple Watch always sends waves through the wearables market as others compete to keep up with the latest and the leading. However, while Apple’s devices are iconic, they’re not the only smartwatches in the game. Whether your phone is incompatible or you just don’t want an Apple wearable, you can find plenty of other powerful devices up for grabs. We round up the best Apple Watch Series 9 alternatives to help you shop around.Buying the right Apple Watch Series 9 alternative for your needs
Before we lead anyone astray, we wholeheartedly believe that an Apple Watch is the best iPhone companion available. The company’s seamless integration and unmatched app support make its in-house devices hard to beat. The Series 9 is Apple’s newest traditional model and it’s loaded with useful health and fitness features. The Apple Watch Ultra offers a more rugged experience and niche features for outdoor adventuring. For those on a budget, Apple has you covered with the pared-down Apple Watch SE 2.
But what if you don’t want an Apple Watch? Devices from Garmin, Fitbit, and Google also have a lot to offer. Determine which features you’d like your Apple Watch alternative to emulate so you know what to look for while shopping. For example, for accurate fitness stats and reliable GPS, we highly recommend Garmin’s stable. For a well-rounded smartwatch experience compatible with Android phones, we suggest the Galaxy Watch 6 series.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: The best Wear OS devices available, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 series consists of the two best choices for Android phone users. We recommend the Classic model with its rotating bezel and elevated look.
Garmin Venu 3: Garmin’s newest smartwatch is the company’s most powerful yet, building on the successful Venu 2 Plus with automatic sleep detection and more.
Fitbit Versa 3: Though not Fitbit’s newest smartwatch, the Versa 3 is the best smartwatch for anyone committed to the Fitbit ecosystem.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Another loaded Wear OS device, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 packs impressive specs and a unique dual-display, plus a rotating crown similar to that of the Apple Watch.
Withings ScanWatch 2: The Withings ScanWatch 2 is the best medically approved hybrid device with a dedicated health focus and an attractive build. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: The best Wear OS Apple Watch Series 9 alternative
Samsung currently reigns king with the only devices running the latest Wear OS 4. The Galaxy Watch 6 Series may only feature iterative improvements compared to last year’s lineup, but that doesn’t make them anything less than powerful smartwatches with a lot to offer. For the most refined, elevated aesthetic we recommend the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It features the company’s fan-favorite rotating bezel for easier on-device navigation.
Beyond the bezel, the watch boasts a crisp AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits maximum brightness. Below the glass, it packs the top-tier Wear OS featuring a bevy of useful smartwatch features, snappy performance, updated Google apps, and much more. It also offers a robust fitness tracking and health tracking suite including the same temperature sensor which the company debuted last year for deeper sleep insights and women’s health tracking.
