When we talk about smartwatches, especially Android-compatible ones, it’s easy to get laser-focused on Samsung and Google. The Pixel Watch has cemented itself as a showcase for Wear OS, while Galaxy Watches are the go-to choice if you have a Samsung phone.
There’s nothing wrong with Google and Samsung’s wearables; the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 are both extremely good. But neither one is the 2026 smartwatch that’s impressed me the most.