Garmin Venu SQ – Is It the Best Smartwatch?

Let’s start with the Garmin Venu SQ, which was rated best in test by the Dutch Consumers' Association. On December 8, 2020, they compared 46 different smartwatches from various brands, testing them on fitness tracking, features, battery life, and ease of use. The Garmin Venu SQ came out on top with an impressive overall score of 8.4 (100% independent test results).

✔️ Excellent display visibility in both low light and bright sunlight.

✔️ Around six days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

✔️ Known as a sports watch with extensive tracking — steps, hydration, calories, breathing, heart rate, and even sleep analysis.

✔️ Women-specific tracking for menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

✔️ Lightweight square case, comfortable even during sleep.

✔️ Built-in GPS so you can leave your phone at home.

✔️ Available with or without music storage — store Spotify or Deezer playlists directly on the watch (premium subscription required).

❌ No barometer or altimeter — can’t track floors climbed.

❌ Lacks advanced training features like Training Load, Recovery, PacePro, ClimbPro, and audio coaching.

Did you know you can swap out the Garmin Venu SQ watch band? Explore our Garmin Venu bands collection for every style and occasion!

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Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users. The design hasn’t changed much since Series 4 and 5, but it has gained some new features — though not revolutionary ones.

✔️ Now available in striking dark blue and red.

✔️ Finally includes sleep tracking.

✔️ Blood oxygen monitoring.

✔️ Always-on display.

✔️ Seamless iPhone integration.

✔️ Tracks workouts anywhere — in the water, at the gym, or outdoors.

❌ Minimal changes compared to Series 4 and 5.

❌ Short battery life.

❌ Siri can be activated too easily.

If you love sports, check out our Apple Watch Series 6 sport bands, and don’t forget a strap for work, parties, or formal events!

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Samsung has been a strong player in the smartwatch market. Following the popular Galaxy Watch, they launched the Galaxy Watch Active 2 — a sportier model focused on quality over gimmicks. It’s perfect for athletes but also for those who value style, as its design closely resembles a traditional watch. A great choice, especially for Android users!

✔️ Strong battery life.

✔️ Smooth performance with Tizen OS.

✔️ Accurate heart rate and GPS tracking.

✔️ Can call both saved and unsaved numbers.

❌ Step counter isn’t always accurate.

❌ Limited sports coaching features.

❌ Small YouTube player makes videos impractical.

If you make calls all day and hate reaching for your phone, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is ideal. Pair it with one of our Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 bands for a custom look.

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Fitbit Versa 3

After the popular Versa 2, the Fitbit Versa 3 is another crowd favorite. Fitbit listened to users and added the most requested feature — built-in GPS. Now you can track pace and distance during walks, rides, and hikes without your phone.

✔️ Up to six days of battery life.

✔️ Built-in GPS.

✔️ Comfortable to wear all day.

✔️ Advanced sleep tracking.

✔️ Phone notifications on your wrist — reply using the built-in mic.

✔️ Continuous heart rate and activity tracking.

❌ Less suitable for advanced athletes — fewer heart rate zones than Garmin or Polar.

❌ No custom training plans.

❌ Can be slow at times.

❌ Requires Fitbit Premium for full feature access.

❌ No offline Spotify support.

❌ Side button is awkwardly placed and unresponsive.

Going for the Fitbit Versa 3? Keep it fresh by swapping straps. Explore our Fitbit Versa 3 bands for a new look anytime.