The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones are some great, high-end devices that have a lot to offer on their own. If you pair those with the right smartwatch, you can enhance how you experience them.
And while there are many options on the market, not all of them are perfectly compatible with Galaxy phones, and frankly, some of the compatible ones aren’t that great.
If you’re looking for the best smartwatches for Samsung Galaxy S9, here are the top-notch choices that you’ll find on the market.
Best Smartwatches for S9 at a Glance:
- Samsung Galaxy Active 2 – Best Overall Smartwatch for S9
- Samsung Galaxy Watch – Best for Fitness-Focused Users
- Samsung Gear S3 – Best for Durability
- Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music – Best for Onboard Music
- TicWatch E2 – Best Budget Smartwatch for S9
- Fossil Gen 5 – Best Wear-OS Smartwatch for S9
- Fitbit Versa 2 – Best Design
Our Top Picks
| Smartwatch | Display Size | Water-Resistance | GPS | Battery Life |
| Samsung Galaxy Active 2 | 1.2 or 1.4-in. | 5 ATM | Available | 2 days |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | 1.2 or 1.3-in. | 5 ATM | Available | 3-4 days |
| Samsung Gear S3 | 1.3-in. | 5 ATM | Available | 3-4 days |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music | 1.2-in. | 5 ATM | Available | 7 days |
| TicWatch E2 | 1.4-in. | 5 ATM | Available | 1 day |
| Fossil Gen 5 | 1.28-in. | 3 ATM | Available | 1-2 days |
| Fitbit Versa 2 | 1.4-in. | 5 ATM | Phone-connected | 5 days |
The 7 Best Smartwatches for Samsung Galaxy S9
1. Samsung Galaxy Active 2 – Best Overall
The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 comes with plenty of health and fitness features, provides more comfort, and has a better design than its predecessors. It’s available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
It has a digital rotating bezel that makes its navigations easier and more seamless. Moreover, it combines a traditional look and a sporty one with a minimalist design.
But that doesn’t mean it’s any less amazing than its competitors. It flaunts an AMOLED display that’s 1.2” or 1.4” in size, depending on the model you purchase. Whichever model you choose, though, you’ll be getting a 360 x 360-pixel resolution screen.
Not only that, but the Galaxy Active 2 is waterproof up to 5 ATM and is equipped with an ECG heart-rate monitor that keeps tabs on your heart’s health and wellbeing.
There’s even a 4G LTE model available, besides the Bluetooth/WiFi-only model, that allows you to leave your phone behind and receive all your messages and calls right on your wrist.
Finally, despite all efforts to fix its battery life, it’s still pretty short-lived at around 2 days on a single charge.
Pros:
- Easy navigation with the digital rotating bezel
- Comes in two sizes
- LTE connectivity
- Attractive minimalist design
Cons:
- 2-day battery life
- Thick bezel
Bottom Line
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 adds some minor updates to the original model. These include a bigger display, ECG, a digital rotating bezel, and an LTE model.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch – Best for Fitness-Focused Users
The Samsung Galaxy Watch comes in two sizes, either a 1.8 x 1.9 x 0.5-inches one that weighs 2.2 ounces with a 1.3-inch display, or a 1.6 x 1.7 x 0.5-inches one that weighs 1.7 ounces with a 1.2-inch display.
Both sizes, however, flaunt the same sleek design with super AMOLED screens of 360 x 360-pixel resolution.
Moreover, its screen is treated by Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ to make them solid and resist shocks and scratches, so you can enjoy the full-color display that is easy to use and read for a long time.
It resists water up to 5 ATM (165 feet) which means you can wear it in the rain, in the pool, or the shower.
It comes with six basic types of activities to track, but that number can be extended to 39+, besides the standard automatic heart rate tracking. This means that you can jump from one exercise to the next without having to worry about setting up your watch.
Not only that, but it also logs the calories you’ve burned and floors you’ve climbed throughout the day. The built-in altimeter with the GPS services lets you know where you are and where you’re going.
With the four stages of sleep measurement tool, you will be provided with a detailed log of how long you’ve spent in each stage and the overall quality of your sleep. The guided breathing sessions are a plus, as they can detect changes in stress levels and provide you with the relaxation needed to reduce high levels of stress.
Moreover, there’s a “My Day” face watch is an excellent advantage for the Samsung Galaxy Watch. With one glance, you’d be able to get a summary of all that you have to do in the next 10 hours, so you’re always ready and never miss out on any plans.
The watch also gives you a diverse set of apps to use, including Glympse, Strava, Uber, and Spotify. It also enables you to make online payments and purchases as it has the NFC Samsung Pay feature.
With the exclusive IoT function, you’ll get to turn your Samsung Galaxy Watch into a home automation hub.
This means you can control your devices and appliances through your watch, and you can program them to function according to your sleep patterns and daily activities. This includes TVs, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and more devices.
The watch provides you with 3-4 days of functionality (depending on which model you get), which isn’t the longest battery life, but which is satisfactory for the functions it delivers.
Pros:
- Internet of things feature
- Summarized schedule on the “My Day” face
- Versatile tracking functions
Cons:
- Battery life is quite short
Bottom Line
Even though it isn’t the most affordable watch on the list, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is the most upgraded and has superior technologies and features to any other option.
3. Samsung Gear S3 – Best for Durability
You can choose between either of the Gear S3 models: The Frontier or the Classic. Depending on what style you like to roll with. Both of them are about the same size (1.8 x 1.9 x 0.5-inches), but the Classic is 0.1 ounces lighter in weight at 2 ounces.
Both watches have animated 1.3-inch super AMOLED circular displays with a 360 x 360-pixel resolution with a 16-million color full array. They’re also treated with a protective, hardened Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ coat that minimizes scratches and shocks on impact.
Moreover, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has a rugged look that suits its durable and dependable functioning. Its buttons are big and textured, while its dimensions are 1.8 x 1.9 x 0.5-inches and it weighs about 2.1 ounces. Its 22-millimeter strap can be replaced by any regular 22mm one.
Its 1.3-inch circular Super AMOLED display has a 360 x 360-pixel resolution (278ppi). Moreover, it’s protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ that it’s treated with, which hardens it to resist shocks and scratches.
It operates on Tizen Operating System, which performs well and more seamlessly than Android. Its newer upgrades also extend the Android Apps it’s compatible with, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. Combined with the rotational bezel control, twin buttons, and touchscreen, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is fully integrated.
What’s more, it’s IP68 rated, which means that it’s dust-proof and water-resistant. It has a built-in gyro, accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor, optical heart sensor, and GPS services. This means an extensive and detailed logging of your fitness activities and an enhanced functioning of the S Health app.
It has a 3 to 4-day battery life which is charged with the WPC inductive wireless charging.
Its connectivity is comprehensive with LTE/3G, Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi b/g/n, NFC, MST, and GPS with GLONASS options. It also has a built-in speakerphone to allow you to make voice calls if you want. The watch also enables you to make online payments via Samsung Pay.
Pros:
- The display is always on
- The interface is easy to use
- Rotating bezel
- Shock, water, and dust resistant
Cons:
- Lack of app-variety
- Activity tracking could use some improvements
Bottom Line
The runner-up to the Samsung Galaxy Watch has to be the Gear S3 Frontier. Its performance is quick and reliable while it’s durable and has a great design. The app choices aren’t many, but it’s the right choice for a buyer on a medium-budget who wants a solid smartwatch.
4. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music – Best for Onboard Music
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a pretty solid choice with a sleek and more compact design with the removal of the bezel.
It weighs only 1.3 ounces and measures 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.5-inches. It flaunts a 1.2” display with a 240 x 240-pixel resolution on which you can read various info like pace and mileage.
The Vivoactive 3 Music gives you detailed stats including ones about your heart rate, and even a notification when it falls below or rises above a specified target zone.
Moreover, it also stores your heart rate zones and has %HR max technology to determine the heart rate and workout intensity that are the most optimum to burn your fats efficiently.
Besides those, it’s equipped with a VO2 max feature that detects the maximum amount of oxygen that you can burn during intense activity.
It also has a sleep tracking feature that you can easily set to your usual sleep hours on the Garmin Connect app. Through the app, you can check how much you spent in each sleep stage (deep, light, or REM).
What’s more, it employs a smart sensor called Move IQ which is able to recognize different activities, including swimming and elliptical training when done for at least 10 minutes.
Not only is it water-resistant up to 5 ATM, but it also comes with swim-tracking features with metrics such as distance, stroke count, pace, and lengths as well as pre-loaded swim profiles.
As for smart features, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music enables you to respond to or reject phone calls with a text.
It also comes with Garmin Pay, so you can make online payments.
On smartwatch mode, it can last up 7 days. But if you’re going to use it on GPS mode, it only lasts around 5 hours.
Pros:
- Onboard music storage
- Enhanced WiFi capabilities
- All-glass face provides the user with more space
Cons:
- A little more expensive
- Battery life is short
Bottom Line
As the name implies, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music comes with onboard music storage. But not only that, it has plenty of health, fitness, and smart features to offer, which qualifies it to be the best smartwatch for Samsung S9.
5. TicWatch E2 – Best Budget Smartwatch for S9
The TicWatch E2 is a budget-friendly smartwatch that is a pretty decent choice for a basic smartwatch for Samsung S9.
While it doesn’t integrate much innovation, it does come with pretty solid specs and features. For one, it’s equipped with a 400 x 400-pixel resolution 1.4” OLED display, which surpasses all expectations for a smartwatch of its price level.
To navigate its menus, all you have to do is press the buttons. A rotating bezel would have made a smoother navigation option, but the buttons aren’t too bad.
However, it does have a bit of a bulky design with a 13mm case. This thickness does provide it with good water-resistance, though, as it can endure up to 5 ATM.
Moreover, it’s equipped with the 2100 snapdragon version and a reliable battery that will enable it to function throughout your day.
Its functions include step-tracking, calories burned, heart-rate readings, and different types of activity. However, it’s worth mentioning that its sensors aren’t the most accurate.
The TicWatch E2 comes with Google pay, so you can make online NFC payments. Its built-in GPS allows you to track your location at any given time, and also explains its relatively short-lived battery life.
Pros:
- Great value
- Nice display
- Decent fitness-tracking features
Cons:
- Smart functions are limited
- Battery life isn’t the best
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a good all-round smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank, the TicWatch E2 is a pretty solid option. While its features aren’t the best or most numerous, it combines some great fitness and smart ones.
6. Fossil Gen 5 – Best Wear-OS Smartwatch for S9
The Fossil Gen 5 is one of the best WearOS smartwatches on the market today. The 1.28’’ AMOLED screen on the Fossil Gen 5 comes in a stylish and round design and a 416 x 416-pixel resolution. It comes in two sizes to choose from to suit both men and women, as well as interchangeable straps with any other Fossil watch.
Running on Wear OS, it is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S9 and allows you to download a huge range of third-party apps on the watch.
Packed with many features, it is water-resistant to 3ATM (about 100 feet) underwater. It also comes with a GPS, and tracks your heart beating through the heart rate sensor to give you accurate data throughout the day.
It has one of the biggest storages on a smartwatch, with 8GB of internal memory and 1GB of RAM, thanks to the help of the Snapdragon 3100 processor the Gen 5 is remarkably fast and smooth in operation.
The battery lasts only 30 hours, but you are given the option to extend the battery life up to a few days by customizing the battery settings and turning off non-critical functions.
With a built-in speaker to deliver audible alerts and a built-in microphone to make calls, send texts and give voice commands to the watch.
Pros:
- Extra RAM
- Lightweight
- Built-in speaker
- Customizable battery modes
- Great connectivity options
- Lightweight and smooth design
- Comes in two sizes and designs for men and women
- Google Pay
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- No offline Spotify playback
- Hard to read in direct sunlight
Bottom line
Fossil Gen 5 utilizes its huge storage capabilities to give you a smooth experience, with many useful features and support of third-party apps to make the most out of it, all with a stylish classical round design. It can easily be considered the best smartwatch for Samsung S9.
7. Fitbit Versa 2 – Best Design
The Versa 2 is the best smartwatch for S9 if you want a wearable that looks dashing and has decent performance. It comes with a 1.4” always-on display, Amazon Alexa, and voice replies alongside the Quick Replies feature.
You’ll get the basic step-counting, calories burned, floors climbed, and heart-rate monitoring. In addition, it comes with Multisport tracking and SmartTrack to automatically detect and log various types of activity.
Not only that, but it also comes with swim-tracking features and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM. So, your activity-tracking has a much wider range.
Its tracking even covers inactivity as it comes with sleep-tracking features, including stages and a sleep score.
If you’re a female user, you’ll love the female health-tracking capabilities that the watch has to offer.
Like the Vivoactive 3 Music, it comes with onboard music storage and an online payment capability.
Finally, for all what is has to offer, the Versa 2 comes at a pretty affordable price, so it gives you amazing value for your money.
Pros:
- Great always-on AMOLED display
- 5-day battery life
- Female-health tracking
- Sleep tracking with smart wake
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
- Fitbit OS is a little hard to adapt to for some users
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that’s pretty focused on fitness-tracking and has a sleek design with a pretty cool display, you should opt for the Versa 2. However, if you’re looking for built-in GPS and in-depth activity-tracking or plenty of smart features, you should pass on it.
How to Pick a Smartwatch for Galaxy S9
When you’re shopping for the best smartwatch for Samsung S9, you just have to look for a great smartwatch that’s compatible with the phone.
The safest bet would be a smartwatch that runs on Android software. However, you’re not limited to those.
1. Compatibility
Before you go for a certain smartwatch, you should make sure that it’s compatible with your Galaxy S9. You can easily check this on the page of the product’s specs.
Naturally, Android smartwatches would be the most compatible, but so are WearOS ones. iOS watches -the Apple Watch Series- aren’t quite the best option if you’re rolling with a Samsung Galaxy S9.
2. Design and Display
How your smartwatch looks, the material of its strap, and the kind of display it employs are all factors worth considering when it comes to picking your wearable.
You should consider whether the strap is swappable, how easy it is to fasten or take off, and how slim the design is.
Moreover, it’s better if you opt for a smartwatch that comes with a nice AMOLED display to get more vivid colors and consequently make tracking your progress a more enjoyable process.
You could go for an option with a traditional watch design like the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Fossil Gen 5.
It’s important to realize that the brighter and better the display is, the shorter your watch’s battery life is likely to be, however.
3. Smart Features
Since you’re looking for a smartwatch and not a fitness-tracker, you’re probably a little concerned with the technology that’s integrated into your wearable.
The basics to look for would be delivering your call, email, and text message notifications as well as app notifications such as Facebook and Twitter.
Some options, however, give you a higher degree of customizations where you can use the app on your phone to select the notifications you receive, as is the case with the Samsung Gear S3.
Options like the Samsung Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and TicWatch E2 give you the ability to make online payments using NFC technology.
Finally, a few options offer LTE models that enable you to leave your phone behind as you can conduct full calls right from your wrist.
4. Fitness and Health Features
Just because you’re opting for a smartwatch doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider the fitness and health features that it has to offer as well. It depends on how in-depth you want your fitness and activity stats to be though.
Most smartwatches come with step-counting and heart-rate monitoring. Some also come with GPS location-tracking and sleep-tracking.
If you’re concerned with the fitness-tracking features that your watch has to offer, I’d recommend the Samsung Galaxy Active 2 or the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music.
5. Battery Life and Charging
On average, modern smartwatches last between a day and three days on a single charge.
Generally, the more features there are on your smartwatch, whether smart or fitness ones, the less its battery life would be.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Compatible are Samsung Watches with Other Phones?
Samsung Watches definitely pair well with Android devices, however, they may not be able to provide the full features with non-Android phones. They could also lag or suffer in terms of performance and smoothness of operation.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Compatible with Many Phones?
Yes, it’s compatible with plenty of phones. This includes the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10, Galaxy J5, J6, and J7.
How Compatible are Apple Watches with Samsung Phones?
The shortest answer is no. Most of the time, they won’t connect or pair through Bluetooth.
However, you could play around with the gadgets and get them to work in a sort of tandem. For example, if you can pair them through LTE.
Does the Galaxy Watch Pair Well with the Samsung S9?
Definitely. Since they both run on the same operating system, they’re highly compatible and the Samsung Galaxy S9 brings out all the great features on the Galaxy Watch.
Is the Galaxy Active 2 a better option than the Galaxy Watch?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 boasts a much more attractive display with a sleeker design, comes with many features, and even comes at a more affordable price than the Galaxy Watch. However, if you’re looking for better fitness-tracking, you should opt for the Galaxy Watch.
Final Thoughts
Of course, the options I’ve picked out are the best smartwatches for Samsung Galaxy S9 in general, but some of them do a better job when it comes to combining several factors.
For one, the Samsung Galaxy Active 2 has a sleek design, solid features, and comes at a reasonable price.
However, if you’re looking for an option that packs plenty of fitness-tracking features and a decent battery life, you should opt for the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
The TicWatch E2 would be a great option for anyone who’s looking for the best smartwatch for S9 but doesn’t have much money to spare.
Finally, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is another great choice, especially if you’re the kind of person that particularly enjoys music. It combines well between smart and fitness features and comes with onboard music.
