TL;DR
WIRED tested a range of wearables and recommends the Apple Watch Series 11 for iPhone users and the Google Pixel Watch 4 for Android owners. The roundup covers battery and health upgrades, repairability, strap materials and chemical concerns, and trade-offs between smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings.
What happened
WIRED published an updated guide to the top smartwatches for 2026 after hands-on testing. The review names the Apple Watch Series 11 as the top pick for iPhone users, noting a full 24-hour battery life and new hypertension notification capability that is FDA-cleared after a 14-day calibration period. Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is the recommendation for Android phones; reviewers highlighted its repairable design with parts available through iFixit, a domed display, Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 performance, and a fast-charging dock. The story also expands on differences among smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings—trade-offs between app access and battery life—and flags a December 2024 study finding high concentrations of a PFAS compound in some fluoroelastomer straps, advising consumers to avoid that material if concerned. The guide includes price points, specs, and notes about software features and accessory compatibility.
Why it matters
- Platform choice affects features and integrations—Apple Watch Series 11 is best for iPhone owners while Pixel Watch 4 is recommended for Android users.
- Battery and health upgrades change everyday use—longer runtimes and new health alerts can make a smartwatch more practical for continuous wear.
- Repairability can extend device life; Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be serviced with replacement parts available.
- Strap materials may carry chemical risks—buyers should check band composition to avoid fluoroelastomer if concerned about PFAS exposure.
Key facts
- Apple Watch Series 11 is WIRED’s top pick for iPhone users and lists at around $390–$399.
- Series 11 delivers roughly 24 hours of battery life and adds hypertension notifications that require 14 days of wear to begin alerts; that feature is FDA-cleared.
- Some Series 11 features, including hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, can be enabled on the older Series 10 via a software update.
- Google Pixel Watch 4 is WIRED’s pick for Android users; it uses the Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 chipset and runs a refreshed Material 3 interface.
- Pixel Watch 4 is Google’s first repairable watch, with battery and display parts planned to be available through iFixit.
- Pixel Watch 4 offers satellite messaging on cellular models, a domed display, and fast charging that can exceed 50% in about 15 minutes on the included dock charger.
- A December 2024 study found high concentrations of a PFAS compound (perfluorohexanoic acid) in many fluoroelastomer smartwatch bands from multiple brands; alternatives include silicone, metal, or leather straps.
- Smartwatches generally offer rich app access and notifications but typically run a day or two between charges; fitness trackers trade app breadth for longer battery life and focused health tracking.
- Smart rings offer the longest battery life among the three device types but provide the fewest functions; some ecosystems allow rings and watches to work together to share tracking duties.
What to watch next
- Availability and pricing of replacement parts for repairable smartwatches beyond Pixel Watch 4: not confirmed in the source
- Whether more manufacturers will adopt repairable designs or standardized chargers: not confirmed in the source
- Regulatory or industry responses to PFAS findings in smartwatch bands and potential material changes: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Wear OS: Google’s operating system for smartwatches and other wearable devices, enabling apps, notifications, and integrations with Android.
- PFAS: A class of persistent chemicals often called 'forever chemicals'; some types have been linked to health concerns and can appear in consumer products.
- ECG (electrocardiogram): A health feature available on some smartwatches that records electrical activity of the heart to detect certain irregularities.
- Repairability: A product design attribute that makes it easier to replace or service components like batteries and displays, potentially extending device lifespan.
Reader FAQ
Which smartwatch is best for iPhone users?
WIRED recommends the Apple Watch Series 11 as the top choice for iPhone owners.
Which smartwatch is best for Android users?
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is WIRED’s top pick for Android phones.
Are any smartwatch straps linked to chemical concerns?
A December 2024 study found high concentrations of a PFAS compound in many fluoroelastomer straps; the article advises avoiding that material if worried.
Can older Apple Watches get the new Series 11 features?
Some Series 11 features, such as hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, can be delivered to the older Series 10 via a software update.
Are smartwatches easy to repair?
Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be repairable with parts available through iFixit; broader repairability varies by manufacturer.
JULIAN CHOKKATTU GEAR JAN 15, 2026 8:30 AM The Best Smartwatches These WIRED-tested wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected. 2 SAVE THIS STORY All products…
Sources
- 11 Best Smartwatches (2026): Apple, Wear OS, Hybrid & Kids’ Watches
- Best Smartwatches 2026 – Forbes Vetted
- The Best Smartwatches We've Tested for 2026
- Best Apple Watch for 2026
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