May 31, 2025, 1:57 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The days when wristwatches only needed to tell time are over. Today, people wear communication services, fitness trackers, and personal assistants directly on their wrists. But which of the many available models stand out? A new study by “Stiftung Warentest” provides the answer.
Smartwatches offer a wide range of functions. Which one is the best depends on individual needs–in other words, on which features the smartwatches focus. “Stiftung Warentest” examined smartwatches based on various objective criteria. Since 2022, the consumer organization has been following the same procedure; you can find more information about the testing program here. TECHBOOK delves into the criteria considered and presents the test results.
Overview
The Best Smartwatches According to “Stiftung Warentest”
According to their own statements, “Stiftung Warentest” purchases the products to be tested anonymously in stores. Press samples or prototypes are not tested. The evaluation criteria, weighted differently, include the fitness functions of the smartwatches (35 percent), communication and other functions (25 percent), handling (20 percent), battery life (10 percent), as well as stability, workmanship, and data security (each 5 percent). Prices do not directly affect the overall score at “Stiftung Warentest.”
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Three-Way Tie for First Place
Three of the tested gadgets received an overall score of 1.6 (“good”) and thus share the first place among the best smartwatches according to “Stiftung Warentest.” Two of them are Android devices.
Google Pixel Watch 3
With the Pixel Watch 3, Google launched its most advanced smartwatch to date earlier this year (TECHBOOK takes a closer look here). “Stiftung Warentest” awarded it a “very good” in various tested areas. Moderate results in battery life and data protection slightly lowered the overall result, which is why the watch only received a “good” rating overall. Compared to the other top-rated smartwatches, the Google Pixel Watch 3 performs best in step counting and sleep tracking.
Read also: “Google Has Disrupted the Smartwatch Market”
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, also rated “good” overall, received only a “satisfactory” in the data protection category and an “adequate” for the battery from “Stiftung Warentest.” However, the smartwatch excelled in the evaluation categories of fitness tracking, communication functions, usability, workmanship, and durability. Users must weigh their options. Those willing to charge their smartwatch regularly will find the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra a solid model.
Apple Watch Series 10
In the case of the Apple Watch Series 10 (also called Apple Watch 10, see photo above), the battery and data security category, both rated “satisfactory,” proved to be weaknesses in the test. Nevertheless, it is the right choice for iPhone users due to its operating system–and possibly for people with sleep problems.
The Apple Watch 10 is the first smartwatch to offer sleep apnea detection. Over a period of 30 days, it analyzes breathing patterns during sleep to provide warning signs for this often undetected condition. While the results should not be overestimated, as market approval by health authorities is still pending, the measurements can at least provide an indication to seek a thorough examination.
The Highly Rated Smartwatches Are Expensive
The three smartwatches are all priced above 400 euros. And it gets even more expensive: The Garmin Fenix 8, which received an overall score of 1.7 from Stiftung Warentest, costs a whopping 900 euros. But you don’t have to spend that much. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (price: around 160 euros) is rated equally. It achieved good results in the subcategories, although there were deductions for the battery here as well.
TECHBOOK recommends the Android smartwatch TicWatch Pro 5 as a cost-effective alternative in its own test. With its extensive features, powerful Snapdragon processor, numerous integrated sensors, and tracking functions, it offers users satisfactory service–and all for a price under 300 euros.