Top 6: Alternatives to Apple Watch

Tags: Selection of the best | Smart

22.1.2026 | 10 MIN

For many users, Apple Watch are synonymous with smartwatches. But not everyone is happy with the price, battery life, or the need to own an iPhone. If you’re looking for a fully featured alternative—whether sport-focused, lifestyle-oriented, or more budget-friendly—here are six standout smartwatches you can confidently choose as an alternative to the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch have long been among the most popular smartwatches on the market. They offer top-tier iPhone integration, a wide range of apps, robust health features, and an elegant design. Yet the very things that make them a great product for Apple fans can be limiting for others. Shorter battery life, higher prices, or a closed ecosystem aren’t for everyone.

Fortunately, Apple Watch aren’t the only choice. The smartwatch market is richer than ever and offers models capable of detailed sports analysis, advanced health tracking, and everyday smart features—often with multiple times the battery life or better compatibility with Android.

In this article, we picked six of the best Apple Watch alternatives that make sense not only on paper but, more importantly, in real-world use. Whether you want a sports replacement, a stylish smartwatch, or something easier on the wallet, here’s what to go for.

Huawei Watch Fit 4 (PRO)

A lot of people call them a copy, and they’re not far off. In fact, it’s simply true. But the Watch Fit 4 (Pro) models don’t hide it. Plenty sets them apart from Apple Watch, but design certainly isn’t one of them. And if we’re being honest, price is what resonates most. It’s almost unbelievably accessible for what these watches can do.

Circling back to design for a moment. Where Huawei took inspiration is obvious; the real question is—does it matter? That depends. Personally, I don’t mind. Why should I? There are still plenty of people who don’t want to—or simply can’t—spend what Apple Watch typically cost. And for them, these watches are exactly the ticket, offering an almost absurdly low price for what they deliver.

Huawei Watch Fit 4 PRO stand out because they:

• use a sapphire crystal on the front
• have a 1.82" display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness
• support ECG
• weigh just 30.4 grams
• offer increased durability (IP6X)
• offer increased water resistance (EN 13319)
• now include a depth gauge alongside a barometer
• offer diving features
• have maps
• even include golf course maps
• feature dual-band GPS
• charge fully in just one hour
• allow phone calls and recording voice memos

The base version without the PRO label lacks:

• a sapphire crystal
• enhanced durability ratings (IP6X and EN 13319)
• a display this bright (just 2,000 nits)
• a depth gauge
• diving features
• dual-band GPS
• a titanium bezel
• a better optical sensor with ECG and skin temperature support

Search all you like—you’ll struggle to find a better-equipped watch in this price bracket with comparable materials and features. The Watch Fit 4 (Pro) have rarely climbed above about $335, and considering they’re often on sale for under about $240, there’s not much to argue about. Another draw is that they also work with Android devices, something you’d never get Apple Watch to work with.

To my eyes, the points above already show there’s a strong resemblance not only in design but also in features and capabilities—but is that really the case? I won’t sugarcoat it. Of course, Apple Watch are still far more refined, with better and more powerful software, tighter integration between the watch and the phone, and, crucially, the ability to install third‑party apps. You can essentially turn the Apple Watch into an iPhone on your wrist. The downside? They typically last only a day or two on a charge.

Huawei leans into that weakness, and the Watch Fit 4 (Pro) can stretch to up to 10 days with typical use. Put both models side by side and you’ll spot the differences. Apple benefits from higher‑grade materials and build quality, better software, and the ability to load up with all sorts of apps.

If you’re curious about specific differences, I’ve also written a piece directly comparing these models.

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Once you factor in the big price gap, you may find that some shortcomings are forgivable in light of the features. And basically, the most important things the vast majority of users rely on are handled excellently by the Huawei Watch Fit 4 (Pro)!

Garmin Venu 4

If you’re after the best city-friendly all-rounder, meet the Garmin Venu 4. And it’s no coincidence this is the model people most often switch to as an alternative to the Apple Watch.

They switch for several reasons, with the key ones being:

• a well-executed AMOLED display
• up to 12 days of battery life
• the ability to make calls, pay, and play music
• an LED flashlight in the case
• elegant design
• two case sizes
• advanced sports features

It’s a superbly equipped balance between urban and sports use. With Venu 4, within phone range you can take calls, read messages, pay at the store, record voice memos, and even control the watch via a voice assistant.

It may look like a city dweller, but only on the surface. This model also has a solid sports foundation. You get dozens of sports activities, advanced Garmin training features including Training Status and Training Readiness, and it can even handle course navigation.

Steel case sides add a touch of elegance for everyday wear, while the case-integrated flashlight brings practical utility in both daily life and sport.

The crisp AMOLED display and up to 12 days of battery life are crowd-pleasers. You can opt for the larger (45 mm) or smaller (41 mm) case, so there’s a good fit for different wrists.

I’d also highlight the loaded sensor suite, which, in addition to the usual suspects, includes the advanced Elevate 5 heart rate sensor with ECG and skin temperature measurement. Venu 4 also gets improved GPS with multi-frequency support and SatIQ.

SatIQ automatically selects signal reception based on your current environment. If the watch needs more signal, it will pull from more satellite systems and on more frequencies. If it doesn’t need that much, it switches to GPS only. In practice, that means you don’t have to fiddle with settings—the watch does it for you. Another advantage is that it strikes a balance between the best possible signal reception and battery life.

Huawei Watch 5

And we’re back in China… well, at Huawei. Why are the Huawei Watch 5 an ideal alternative to Apple Watch? Because they last longer. That was, of course, just a lame joke.

There are plenty of brands offering excellent smartwatches. But only a handful have what Apple dominates in—polished, snappy user experience with a stunning display. And that’s exactly what the Watch 5 deliver, too.

Beyond those strengths, you’ll also appreciate:

• premium materials and build
• a sophisticated AMOLED display
• a spherical sapphire crystal
• eSIM functionality

The Watch 5 are a great example that you can have a powerful watch with a refined display, packed with features, solid battery life, and premium materials.

You can choose classic stainless steel, 904L steel (used by the likes of Rolex), or aerospace titanium. The quite domed crystal is sapphire, and you can pick from two case diameters—42 and 46 mm.

Feature-wise, it’s a showcase of the best Huawei can cram into its watches today. There’s calling within phone range and beyond (thanks to eSIM), notifications, a music player, maps (including golf), and even gesture control.

The battery lasts longer than on Apple Watch, though it depends on whether you use eSIM. If you do, the smaller model lasts up to 3.5 days and up to a week with eSIM off. The larger model reaches up to 4.5 days with eSIM, and a lovely 11 days without. It’s a bit more than Apple’s, and I don’t think you’ll miss anything substantial in terms of performance.

The performance story continues with rich health features. Huawei introduced a big new addition here: the side sensor called X-TAP.

It complements the primary sensor on the underside and helps improve ECG recordings. Beyond that, the watch continuously tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, heart rate variability, and more. By placing a finger on the side sensor, you can take a quick health snapshot in seconds and capture basic health metrics on the fly.

Think an investment in premium materials is unnecessary? A partially premium but more affordable alternative could be the Huawei Watch GT 6 (PRO).

Garmin Venu X1

Want something Apple‑ish, but from Garmin? The closest is the Garmin Venu X1. It’s currently Garmin’s only square watch (setting aside the kids’ Vívofit Junior).

This square model stands out with:

• a two‑inch AMOLED display
• an ultra‑thin case
• a case‑integrated LED flashlight
• topographic maps
• advanced sports features
• calling and payments

Since the only square Garmin, the Venu SQ (2), disappeared from the lineup, anyone switching brands had to accept one thing with this American rival: round watches only.

That didn’t last long—Garmin introduced another square Venu, the Venu X1. In size, display, and shape, it’s not far from the flagship Apple Watch Ultra 3. In one way, though, it differs significantly. It’s much thinner.

It’s just 7.9 mm thick—quite possibly the thinnest smartwatch on the market right now. Thin, yes, but not small. It has a two-inch display that feels almost tablet-like on the wrist. Despite the thinness and large display, it still reaches up to 8‑day battery life.

Garmin crammed quality tech into this skinny body, but not everything made the cut. You’ll find a built‑in flashlight, the watch displays topographic maps, supports advanced sports features, and has the reliable Elevate 5 sensor—unfortunately without ECG, only with skin temperature measurement. Apparently, there wasn’t room for multi‑frequency GPS, so there’s no SatIQ either.

Even so, the Venu X1 strikes a balance between urban and sports use, so it’s fair that you don’t get absolutely everything. In return, you get a relatively groundbreaking (in terms of case construction) watch that won’t look out of place day to day.

These watches don’t lack the essentials; within phone range you can handle calls, record voice memos, or pay at the store. They continuously monitor your lifestyle side—sleep, heart rate, stress, and blood oxygen.

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They also have solid sports chops. You’ll find dozens of sport profiles and advanced features like Training Status, Training Readiness, Endurance Score, and Hill Score.

Amazfit Active 2

Affordable yet loaded—that’s the Amazfit Active 2 in a nutshell. They handle calls, offer AI support, bring advanced sports features topped off with maps—and they come in at a very low price for what they offer.

For a clearance‑sale price, the Active 2 offer:

• calling and a voice assistant
• offline maps
• advanced health and sports tracking
• elegant design
• a large display with 2,000‑nit peak brightness
• the BioTracker 6.0 heart rate sensor
• long battery life up to 10 days
• a truly beautiful, easy‑to‑use Zepp app

Yes, these watches are really inexpensive and do a lot—so what’s the catch? I wouldn’t say they’re directly comparable to Apple Watch. The UI, animations, and overall snappiness aren’t as refined. But as a low‑cost alternative that does plenty, they’re solid.

AI support is a huge value add. With the Zepp Flow assistant, you can ask about anything you’re curious about. It will understand you, but it doesn’t speak Czech yet, so you’ll get answers in English only. Zepp Aura helps with lifestyle aspects—tracking your sleep and other variables to keep you in overall balance. As the name suggests, Zepp Coach helps guide your training.

Still feels a bit cheap to you? The slightly pricier Amazfit Active 2 Premium adds a sapphire crystal, payments, and a leather strap.

You’ll also find the Active 2 in a square version, so design‑wise it’s not far from Apple Watch.

Garmin Fenix 8

Currently among the most fully loaded smartwatches you can get—Garmin Fenix 8.

Premium build, extra‑tough durability, and features stacked to the ceiling. It makes the most sense to compare these to Apple Watch Ultra, because Fenix 8 offer:

• premium materials like sapphire and titanium
• up to 32 days of battery life (51 mm model)
• a choice between AMOLED and MIP display tech
• diving features and water resistance to 40 real meters
• military‑grade durability
• a case‑integrated LED flashlight
• the full Garmin sports feature set
• health monitoring including ECG and skin temperature
• maps
• calling and payments

If those points haven’t convinced you, it’s hard to imagine what would. Fenix is a long‑standing watch icon. You know it, your friends know it, and your grandma might have heard of it too (and at worst, she’ll mix it up with the mythical phoenix).

It’s no wonder this model has resonated with the community for years. Why? Because its qualities earned attention—and, over time, admiration.

Going into detail doesn’t make sense here, because it’s so feature-packed it could fill an entire article. And we wrote one—if you want more details, check out the review:

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Garmin Fenix 8 review – Daddy’s home

In 2025, a tuned-up version arrived as well—the Fenix 8 Pro. The tune-up adds LTE and satellite communication. If you don’t want to depend on your phone, this could be the way to go.

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If you don’t want to make compromises, the Fenix 8 is a superb alternative that lasts markedly longer than Apple Watch, offers advanced sports features, full health monitoring, and all the essential smart features as well.

Which Apple Watch alternative do you find the most interesting?

Photo credits:

• Hodinky 365 photographers