Each and every one of us has a list of non-negotiables when looking to buy a smartwatch. This list is highly subjective and depends entirely on the kind of user you are, however, some common features can be singled out. Battery life is probably the number one concern for most people. Who wants to have to recharge a smartwatch in the middle of the day? And while even some of the best smartwatches need to be recharged at least nightly, the best smartwatches for battery life last well beyond just a single day.
These wearables are ideal for active individuals who do a lot of tracking and use their watch for apps, mobile payments, and more. Some even have battery saver modes that will keep you going with limited features until you get to the charger so you aren’t left staring at a black screen. They’re also great for travelers: imagine being able to go away for a weekend, even a week, and not have to bring your smartwatch charger with you!
I’ve tested dozens of Android watches across brands and not surprisingly, the ones that last longer between charges stand out for this reason in a big way. Here’s a round-up of the best ones.
Best overall
Our previous top pick, the Instinct 2X Solar, finally has a worthy successor in the form of the Garmin Instinct 3. It comes in two variants — the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar and the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED. The latter still has a non-touch display but you get a sharper and more vivid screen similar to a regular smartwatch.
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar uses a better solar panel compared to the Instinct 2X, thereby giving you better battery life. As long as you can find a decent light source, you can keep using the watch indefinitely without needing to charge it. It also looks more stylish and is lighter than the 2X.
The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED lacks the solar panel but it can still offer 18-24 days of battery life, which is equally impressive. It’s a chunky little thing with slightly sluggish performance with every button press. This is not the watch for casual users. It’s also a bit more expensive than the Solar variant. However, if you’re serious about tracking your runs accurately, you won’t find a better option than this.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Not “unlimited” like the solar version but still very good |
★★★★☆ |
|
Display |
Very readable outdoors, bright and sharp AMOLED panel |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Ruggedness and cool outdoorsy feel |
★★★★☆ |
|
Price |
Expensive compared to the Solar variant |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Software |
Excellent for fitness tools, but missing mainstream smarts like offline maps, music, Bluetooth calling |
★★☆☆☆ |
|
Health |
Excellent accuracy for standard metrics and all-day SpO2 data, but no ECG or skin temp |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Fitness |
Will absolutely help you improve as an athlete, with no subscription required |
★★★★☆ |
Best Wear OS
While you’ll get about 48 hours from a typical Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel watch, the OnePlus Watch 3 blows this out of the water with 72 to 120 hours, or 3-5 days. This does depend on your settings and how much you use apps. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent, practical option if you need proper smarts with long battery life.
The smartwatch lasts longer thanks to the Wear OS Hybrid Interface, which assigns background tasks like health tracking and notification to the low-powered coprocessor to save battery life. Every Wear OS watch has this tech, but OnePlus uses its own RTOS for these tasks and is more efficient for whatever reason. According to our OnePlus Watch 3 reviewer, he regularly got 4 days of use even with the AOD on, sleep tracking all night, and logging an hour workout per day.
A Power Saver mode also extends the battery life to 16 days, four more days than the previous generation but still long-lasting OnePlus Watch 2. Our reviewer notes that he did not experience any of the heart rate sensor or occasional notification issues with Power Saver mode in the OnePlus Watch that he did with the OnePlus Watch 2, suggesting you also get improved health tracking.
However, since using Power Saver mode turns off most of the smarts that make the Watch 3 worth picking over a fitness watch—from the Wear OS apps and Google Assistant to health tracking—you will probably only use it when you really have to, like to get through a night out. What matters more is its faster VOOC charging, which tops off the massive 631mAh battery at lightning speed. Our reviewer said he got to 75% in just 20 minutes, up to full in another 20.
You can also consider the OnePlus Watch 2R variant of the previous-gen model, which has the same hardware, battery, and software but a lighter, less rugged design. Any of the three models could have taken this slot.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Consistently long-lasting thanks to hybrid OS |
★★★★☆ |
|
Display |
Large and high-res, average brightness, no smaller size option |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
MIL-STD-810H and attractive design, wish it had a smaller size option |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Price |
Excellent price for what it offers |
★★★★☆ |
|
Software |
Wear OS with promised software support, Google Assistant, third-party apps |
★★★★☆ |
|
Health |
Missing some essentials, but an improvement from the Watch 2 |
★★★★☆ |
|
Fitness |
Accurate dual-band GPS, but lacking on training tools and metrics |
★★★☆☆ |
Best budget
Fitness trackers are pseudo-smartwatches, and some are worth including because they are designed to look like smartwatches with some advanced features. Plus, they last one or two weeks per charge and cost significantly less than true smartwatches. For those looking for the best budget option, something like the Amazfit Bip 6 is exactly what you want.
The Amazfit Bip 6 has a fully customizable watch face that lets you edit its information. You can also also visit the app for more watch face options. The watch shows data for your active minutes, standing time, and steps. It’ll also show your stress levels, and you can do handy things like control your music from the watch screen.
Despite being so cheap, the Bip 6 has fitness insights you’d typically only find on fancier watches like VO2 Max, training load/effect, and recovery time. You even get a large and bright AMOLED display, built-in mic and speaker for calls, 5ATM water resistance, built-in GPS, over 140 sport modes, and the same HR, SpO2, and stress measurements as pricier Amazfit watches.
What’s most incredible is that it can last for up to two weeks per charge, despite offering all this tracking. While this is drastically reduced to six days with heavy use, even if you go by reviewers and users who claim it realistically lasts closer to four days, that’s still pretty impressive for a smartwatch-like tracker. There’s even a battery saver mode that extends it to up to 26 days.
Alternatives: We haven’t reviewed the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, but it has a 1.62-inch AMOLED, a Vitality points system similar to PAI, and up to 21 days of battery life, all for about the same price.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Impressive longevity in a compact device |
★★★★☆ |
|
Display |
Surprisingly bright |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Not especially attractive or rugged, pretty basic |
★★☆☆☆ |
|
Price |
Can’t be much cheaper, but doesn’t feel excessively cheap |
★★★★★ |
|
Software |
Plenty of tracking modes and built-in GPS |
★★★★☆ |
|
Health |
Gives you data on the essentials |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Fitness |
More than 140 sport modes like indoor and outdoor activities |
★★★☆☆ |
Best hybrid
I reviewed the Withings ScanWatch 2 earlier this year, which barely uses any battery per day, tracks a ton of health data, and keeps things simple, using its tiny OLED display portion to show a little information at a time.
To put it bluntly, many of the best smartwatches for battery life are ugly; they’re basic squircles or thick plastic behemoths. The ScanWatch 2 isn’t what you’d call light, but it has a stainless steel chassis and traditional watch hands have a classic charm. It blends in as a more classic watch and seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
Withings released a refreshed 2025 variant with 35 days of battery life, vs. 30 days on the previous model. You’ll get data on your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood oxygen, breathing rate, sleep quality, and skin temperature, with FDA-approved precision for its active ECG readings for AFib. Several of our other recommended options track the same data, but only the ScanWatch 2 has 24/7 skin temperature data for health insights.
You may not hit 35 days precisely if you regularly work out (because of the always-active display) or enable every health tracking tool like blood oxygen. I got at least two to three weeks per charge with daily workout tracking. I love that even when the battery is at 0 percent, you’ll still get some sleep and basic step tracking for a time until you finally make your way over to the charger.
Alternative: The Garmin Instinct Crossover has a classic fitness watch look with hands that move to the 3-9 spots to make room for notifications, and it lasts 28 days (or 70 if you pay for solar) per charge. We have plenty of thick, data-packed watches on this list, so I figured Withings offered better variety.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Good efficiency for a hybrid watch |
★★★★☆ |
|
Display |
Barely counts as a display, but it clearly displays notifications and apps |
★★☆☆☆ |
|
Design |
People will love the Classic steel aesthetic and crown |
★★★★★ |
|
Price |
About average compared to mainstream smartwatches; you may want the monthly sub |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Software |
Doesn’t really have any; it’s a hybrid! |
★☆☆☆☆ |
|
Health |
All of the accurate health data you could want, pairs with your smart scale |
★★★★★ |
|
Fitness |
No built-in GPS, has some basic sport modes and Withings+ workouts |
★★☆☆☆ |
Best premium
Although the OnePlus Watch 3 has the battery life you crave, it may not have the polished software you want. Google may develop first-party Wear OS, but Samsung’s One UI Watch spinoff is the most popular Android watch option. Samsung promises four years of software version updates, adding new tricks yearly. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the better device, with three to four days of battery life, military-grade ruggedness, and software perks.
I’ve reviewed the Galaxy Watch Ultra and am impressed by its speedy performance. The smartwatch’s 3nm Exynos CPU is more efficient than most watch chips and loads apps in a snap without burning the battery. It also has the upside of dual-band GPS and heart rate data, which did impressively well in my fitness testing.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra battery didn’t impress me at launch, but it was because of some initial software issues that were draining the battery. Since Samsung fixed the problem, the watch consistently lasts three days with AOD active, barely using any battery during sleep tracking or when idle on my wrist. It’s not a perfect device, but it certainly feels like a flagship watch. You’ll value the 3,000-nit display (only matched by the Apple Watch Ultra 2), the voice assistant commands, and the third button for quick fitness app shortcuts.
Note that Samsung introduced a 2025 version the Samsung Galaxy Ultra with a few minor upgrades. This includes a new Titanium Blue finish option along with double the storage for music and apps at 64GB, and One UI out of the box, which adds features like antioxidant index, Running Coach, Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, and built-in Gemini access. But all of these OS features are available with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) as well with the update.
Alternative: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an obvious alternative for iOS users, as Samsung borrowed heavily from it when designing its own Ultra. Still, that watch will barely last two days, giving Samsung the edge. For Android users, I’ll point back to the OnePlus Watch 3. For either if you’re a serious runner, consider the new Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, which boasts up to 17 days battery life, though only 29 hours when using continuous GPS.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Longer-lasting than most mainstream watches |
★★★★☆ |
|
Display |
Large, vivid, and smooth display; only comes in one size |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Durable and stylish, though heavy and lacks buttons/crown of other picks |
★★★★☆ |
|
Price |
Look for a trade-in deal, as this is quite expensive |
★★☆☆☆ |
|
Software |
Four years of Wear OS, Google Assistant, third-party apps |
★★★★★ |
|
Health |
Highly respected Samsung Health metrics with no subscription |
★★★★☆ |
|
Fitness |
Comparable GPS and HR accuracy to Garmin watch in tests; may be uncomfortable for sleep tracking; no training plans |
★★★☆☆ |
Best longevity
If you care solely about raw battery numbers, then the Garmin Enduro 3 is your watch. It can last an outrageous three months per charge with daily solar recharges or just as long indoors in battery-saver mode. You might “only” get a few months if you regularly use dual-band GPS tracking, but it’s still in a distinct league from any other watch.
While I technically haven’t tested the Garmin Enduro 3 yet, I’m testing the Fenix 8, which launched simultaneously and has most of the same software. Both are flagship Garmin models that share most of the exact software perks.
It has built-in TopoActive maps for exploring national parks, with NextFork telling you what trailheads are ahead and a new “dynamic round trip routing” tool to choose the correct trail look to be home at a specific time, all visible mid-hike on your wrist. You can even subscribe to fancier Outdoor+ maps for satellite imagery. It’s still a MIP display, so it saves on battery and looks fantastic in direct sunlight (where it’ll recharge energy as you trek).
With the Enduro, you get all of the perks of the high-end Garmin Forerunner 965, but with 90 dual-band GPS hours instead of 19. You also get unique sports insights for activities like golf, back-country skiing, surfing, and cycling that many won’t need, but some will really benefit from. Of course, all its “smarts” are fitness-related; you won’t get an assistant, calling, or third-party apps.
Alternative: The Enduro 3 is costly, so look for older generations of Enduro or Fenix that might lose a month or two of battery but still last plenty long for most. The Fenix 8 Solar comes in more sizes, has a built-in mic & speaker, and looks more stylish. If you’re looking for a long-lived MIP option from another brand besides Garmin, I’ll point again toward COROS.
|
Attribute |
Quick look |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery life |
Top-class for standard and solar battery |
★★★★★ |
|
Display |
If you don’t mind MIP, this gives you all the space you need |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Comfortable weight, titanium bezel, useful buttons |
★★★★☆ |
|
Price |
Only accessible to well-off athletes |
★☆☆☆☆ |
|
Software |
Missing some of the Fenix 8’s tricks |
★★☆☆☆ |
|
Health |
Accurate and in-depth data like Body Battery and ECG readings |
★★★★☆ |
|
Fitness |
All of the training tools you could ever want |
★★★★★ |
Honorable mentions
I recommended alternatives throughout this guide because battery life is just one consideration when choosing a smartwatch. Some might do better for battery but worse in other areas. So, along with the picks above, I’m including a few alternate selections I’ve personally tested and wholeheartedly recommend.
Best cheap running watch
One of the best running watches, the COROS PACE 4 lasts 19 days with continuous heart and stress readings, and the 2.5D AMOLED display makes it a joy to use. It has advanced EvoLab training metrics and, at 32g, weighs about a third of what many of our top picks weigh, making it highly comfortable.
No solar required for power
This heavy, expensive watch doesn’t have the hook of solar recharging, but on its own merits, it’ll last 36 days with HR and HRV checks, or up to 118 hours of GPS tracking. You’ll rarely find any smartwatch hitting those numbers. This watch is designed with serious climbers or skiiers in mind, people who need a rugged watch that won’t quit across long excursions.
Up to 10 days
In real-world scenarios, even with the always-on display, the Reebok Pulse lasts for about a week per charge, which is pretty impressive. While it isn’t as reliable as others for things like sleep tracking and caloric burn, it’s a decent smartwatch for entry users at a fab price. But the best part? You’ll only need to charge it 4-5 times per month.
Entry-level runners
For those just getting started on their running journeys, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium will give you a solid up to 12 days battery life with regular use, 7 even with heavy activity. While GPS will impact battery life, the six-satellite positioning, offline maps access, and integration with third-party apps make it a good option.
Comparing battery life across brands
Our guide is focused on the best smartwatches for battery life, which means focusing on other aspects besides longevity. If you’re mainly interested in finding specific data on battery life, and want more options than what we’ve tested for ourselves, the tables below will give you the data you need.
First, we’ll break down the longest-lasting MIP and AMOLED watches and split them into their own tables. Many runners prefer the longevity of MIP tech, while others prefer the visual upgrade of AMOLED and don’t mind losing some battery life for it.
Our tables focus on each brand or subbrand’s best battery watch options rather than listing dozens of options.
|
Watch |
Daily battery / with solar |
GPS / with solar |
Dual-band GPS / with solar |
|---|---|---|---|
|
COROS APEX 2 Pro |
24 days |
66 hours |
24 hours |
|
COROS PACE 3 |
17 days |
38 hours |
15 hours |
|
COROS VERTIX 2S |
40 days |
118 hours |
43 hours |
|
Garmin Enduro 3 |
36 / 90 days |
120 / 320 hours |
60 / 90 hours |
|
Garmin fenix 8 51mm Solar |
30 / 48 days |
95 / 149 hours |
52 / 65 hours |
|
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar |
15 / 20 days |
42 / 49 hours |
20 / 22 hours |
|
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar |
40 days / “Unlimited” |
60 / 145 hours |
27 / 36 hours |
|
Polar Pacer Pro |
7 days |
35 hours |
N/A |
|
Brand |
Daily battery life |
GPS battery life |
Dual-band GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fitbit Sense 2 |
6 days |
5 hours |
N/A |
|
Garmin fenix 8 51mm AMOLED |
29 days |
84 hours |
62 hours |
|
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
23 days |
31 hours |
19 hours |
|
Garmin Venu 3 |
14 days |
26 hours |
N/A |
|
Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
11 days |
21 hours |
N/A |
|
Polar Vantage V3 |
10 days |
Unknown |
43 hours |
|
Suunto Race |
16 days |
65 hours |
50 hours |
|
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro |
14 days |
Unknown |
Unknown |
We’re also listing out mainstream watches that we’ve specifically tested or reviewed and can recommend on their own merits unrelated to battery life. You can decide what battery life number is good enough for your needs!
|
Watch name |
Daily battery life |
Power Saver |
GPS battery life |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Apple Watch S series |
18 hours |
36 hours |
7 hours |
|
Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
36 hours |
72 hours |
12 hours |
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 |
40-48 hours |
~72 hours |
Unknown |
|
Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm |
48 hours |
~72 hours |
~10 hours |
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
72 hours |
100 hours |
13 hours |
|
OnePlus Watch 3 |
72 hours |
16 days |
Unknown |
|
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro |
90 hours |
45 days |
Unknown |
FAQ
How do I charge my smartwatch?
As with most Android devices, your smartwatch should come with a charging cable and instructions on how to use it. Some watches have a USB port built directly into the device but most support wireless charging. To charge your smartwatch, grab the charger that came with the device and connect one end to the watch while plugging the other end into a wall outlet. Connect the smartwatch by lining up the sensors: some click into place, some magnetically connect. The smartwatch display should then show the device’s current charging status to confirm that it’s working.
Are smartwatches safe?
Smartwatches are widely considered safe for most healthy people to use, and they can actually contribute to better overall health through features such as heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and sleep tracking.
Although the benefits are largely thought to outweigh the risks, smartwatches are known to emit small amounts of EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation, just like smartphones and other wireless devices. Most mainstream smartwatch manufacturers design their wearables with the strictest safety standards in mind, but if you’d like to reduce your exposure to EMF radiation, consider taking off your smartwatch at certain points throughout the day, or turn on airplane mode when the device isn’t in use.
Are smartwatches waterproof?
Although most smartwatches aren’t technically “waterproof”, the vast majority of Android wearables on the market are designed to be water-resistant. This means that most models can withstand some moisture from rainfall or the occasional splashes of water, while others may be resistant enough to be used in a swimming pool.
When picking out a smartwatch, be sure to check the product’s water-resistance rating. These generally appear as ATM (Atmospheres) ratings or IP (ingress protection) ratings. A watch with a 5 ATM rating can be using in a swimming pool, for instance, while a device with IPX8 protection can be submerged in water for a limited time. Note, however, that all water-resistant rating reference freshwater sources, so don’t use them in saltwater like the ocean.
How long do smartwatch batteries last?
It depends entirely on the smartwatch you choose. Many of the most popular devices will last one to seven days, while some battery life beasts can harness the power of the sun to last indefinitely. Needless to say, purchasing one of the watches above will ensure that you’re getting plenty of bang for the buck when it comes to battery life.
Why is my smartwatch battery draining so fast?
If the battery life on your smartwatch is draining too quickly, it’s probably due to some suboptimal settings or apps running in the background. To optimize battery life, try reducing the screen brightness or disabling some background apps that you may not need. You can also adjust some of the automatic features to meet your daily needs. Most folks don’t need their watch to do continuous GPS tracking while they’re at home, for instance.
Many smartwatches also come with a “wake-on-wave” feature that activates the watch screen every time you move your wrist. This can be turned off to save battery life. You can also make your watch more battery-efficient by updating the operating system and any apps on your device.
Are smartwatch batteries replaceable?
Most smartwatches do have replaceable batteries, but you’ll generally need to pay a professional to do the work for you, and it usually isn’t cheap. This prohibitive cost leads many shoppers to simply buy a new smartwatch rather than replace the old battery. If you’re interested in replacing the battery yourself, you’ll need to invest in the right tools and find the right instructional DIY guides online.
How to choose
What smartwatch should I get?
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When deciding on the best smartwatches for battery life, your first consideration should be this: MIP or AMOLED? More fitness watch brands are transitioning to AMOLED its brighter, more efficient, less likely to burn in than in the past, and to compete with mainstream watches. But the old guard still prefers MIP, which is lower-res and looks worse indoors but is much more readable outdoors in most conditions. I prefer AMOLED, even if it means shorter battery life; you’ll have to decide if you agree or disagree.
If you choose MIP, decide if a solar panel is necessary. The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar or Enduro 3 might sound appealing, but if you don’t get frequent, direct sunlight for the watch to pick up on, you won’t actually have “unlimited” battery. And if you work out daily with dual-band GPS tracking, the watch won’t be able to refill its battery quickly enough. You may choose a watch that skips the pretense and lasts a long time on its own merits.
If you choose AMOLED, the next decision is obvious: do you want a smartwatch or fitness watch? Among the best Android smartwatches, most Wear OS models last no longer than four days, whereas even short-lived Fitbit watches last six days, and Garmins last a couple of weeks. Do you want to lose functionality in exchange for battery peace of mind?
I can’t answer those questions for you, but hopefully, I’ve given you enough information to decide. I hope the information helps you select a watch you’ll love and be happy with for years to come.
