Finding the perfect smartwatch can seem complex. The market offers numerous models, each with varied features. Before looking at the products, you need to define your needs. Which features are really useful for you? A modern smartwatch offers many possibilities. However, not everyone has the same expectations.

Identifying Your Needs Before Choosing

Before looking at the products, you need to define your needs. Which features are really useful for you? A modern smartwatch offers many possibilities. However, not everyone has the same expectations. Here are some questions to guide your reflection.

Basic Functions: Is It Enough?

First, assess whether basic functions are sufficient for you. All current models receive notifications. They provide simple health tracking, including heart rate and sleep monitoring. They also offer basic sports tracking, including daily activity and step count. Tracking of various activities is also included. Ask yourself if you expect more from your watch. Or do these basic functions meet your expectations?

Sports Needs: Precision and Resistance

Second, for athletes, measure the importance of performance. What level of precision do you want? If you’re looking for a sports watch, choose a resistant one. Check if the band is suitable for your practice. Make sure the materials are appropriate for your discipline. Then, examine the embedded sports functions.

For example, a runner will prefer a very precise GPS. They will also look for a responsive heart rate sensor for interval training. Someone often in the mountains will appreciate an altimeter. This tool precisely measures the elevation gain. An aquatic sports enthusiast will want a waterproof watch. A diver will check the maximum supported depth. Finally, for progress, personalized coaching helps a lot. If the watch adapts this coaching to your goals and activities, it’s even better.

Advanced Health Monitoring: ECG, Falls, Temperature

Third, to what extent do you want to monitor your health? High-end watches now perform electrocardiograms (ECGs). Some models also detect falls. The latest very high-end watches even track body temperature. Evaluate the usefulness of these advanced features for you.

The Top 5 Best Smartwatches 2025

Now that your needs are clear, here is a selection of the best smartwatch. For each, discover three strengths and three weaknesses.

1. Redmi Watch 4 (Under €50)

Strengths:

• Large 1.96-inch AMOLED screen (410×502 pixels), clear and readable.
• Excellent battery life: about 14 days (with 3 sports activities). 470 mAh battery.
• Excellent features/price ratio: 150 sports modes, health tracking (sleep, HR, SpO2), 5 ATM water resistance, built-in GPS.
• See product : Here

Weaknesses:

• GPS tracking not very reliable in the city (frequent signal losses). Less problematic in open environments.
• No advanced features (NFC for payment, Always-On Display).
• Maximum brightness (600 nits) a bit low in full sunlight. Modest materials (plastic), thick edges, imposing watch.

2. Huawei Watch GT 4

Strengths:

• Customizable design with interchangeable bezel and bands (silicone, leather). 1.32-inch round AMOLED screen (466×466 pixels).
• Good connected features: notification reception (calls, messages, apps), music control, reminders.
• Very good battery life: 9 days (with GPS activities). 305 mAh battery.
• See product : Here

Weaknesses:

• Variable GPS precision: good in open environments, some approximations in the city. Acceptable for occasional use.
• Basic health tracking: no ECG or temperature measurement.
• Limited connected functions: no contactless payment, GPS navigation or music storage. Remains an entry-level watch.

3. Huawei Watch Fit 3

Strengths:

• Thin, light design (49g band included, <1cm thick), comfortable. Bright rectangular AMOLED screen.
• Accurate health and sports tracking for its range: HR, sleep, calories burned. Personalized advice. Satisfactory GPS tracking (less precise in narrow alleys, no dropout).
• Excellent battery life: one week in normal use (with 3 GPS trackings). 4 days with Always-On Display.
• See product : Here

Weaknesses:

• Limited connected functions: call answering, music control, audio transfer possible. No NFC payment, nor GPS guidance.
• Missing health functions: no ECG.
• Less suitable for extreme sports despite reliable tracking and guided workouts. Light design not intended for this. Product favorite, very complete for its price.

4. Garmin Venu 3 (Around €399)

Strengths:

• Versatile and refined design: sporty but elegant look. Thin case. Bright 1.4-inch AMOLED screen.
• Impressive battery life: more than 10 days (with several GPS runs).
• Exceptional sports tracking: Garmin reference, advanced tracking, training plans, VO2 max, recovery, recommendations. Very complete. Connected functions (speaker/microphone for calls/messages, notifications, music control, Garmin Pay payment).
• See product : Here

Weaknesses:

• High price (€399), a significant investment.
• Few applications available on the Garmin store (not all music streaming services).
• Minimalist design less robust than ultra-sports watches.

5. Amazfit T-Rex 3

Strengths:

• Extreme robustness: military certification, resists temperatures (-30/+70°C), shocks, 100m waterproof. Huge battery life (up to 27 days). 700 mAh battery.
• Comprehensive sports tracking: +170 modes, precise tracking (running, climbing, swimming), detailed analyses to optimize performance.
• Free maps and advanced GPS: real-time mapping (downloadable maps), dual-band GPS (6 satellite systems), very precise in the city and forest.
• See product : Here

Weaknesses:

• Massive design (48.5mm case), imposing on small wrists. Plastic construction perceived as less premium.
• Contactless payment (Zepp Pay via NFC) not very compatible with banks in France currently.
• Less connected: no speaker (no calls), poorly stocked application store (unknown apps).

Choosing a smartwatch requires clearly identifying your priorities. Whether it’s sports, health, connectivity or style, there is a suitable model. This guide and this top 5 aim to clarify your decision in 2025. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of each option in relation to your needs.