In today’s fast-moving world of health tech, a men’s smartwatch has become more than just a fancy accessory — it’s an essential tool for taking control of your fitness, performance, and recovery.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your wellness journey, the right smartwatch can give you data-driven insights, keep you accountable, and ultimately help you hit your goals faster and smarter.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which smartwatch is the best fit for your lifestyle.
That bolstering shop window isn’t going to shrink anytime soon, either. Rumours are already swirling of some big releases from tech heavy-hitters this year.
A September launch is looking likely for the Apple Watch SE 3, while Series 11 and Ultra 3 models are also reportedly in the works.
Add new releases from Garmin, Google, Huawei, Samsung, and more to the mix, and you’ve got a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-style recipe for information overload.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know — from fitness tracking features and battery life to design and recovery insights — so you can confidently choose the men’s smartwatch that’ll elevate your performance and help you train like a pro.
And once you’re ready to make your pick, be sure to check out the full lineup of smartwatches at O2 — complete with flexible payment plans, customisable tariffs, and top-tier tech.
Why Every Fitness-Focused Man Needs a Smartwatch
Before we dive into the specs and comparisons, let’s talk about why smartwatches have become so integral to health and fitness.
Real-Time Health Monitoring
From tracking your heart rate to monitoring your blood oxygen levels, modern smartwatches provide constant feedback on your body’s performance. This helps you train smarter, not harder, test your limits, and hit those red zones.
Data-Driven Workouts
Gone are the days of guessing your calories burned or distance covered — and you can forget bulky arm straps that holster your phone.
A men’s smartwatch syncs with fitness apps and GPS systems to deliver accurate workout data — so you can measure progress and fine-tune your training, on the go.
Recovery and Sleep Insights
Performance isn’t just about how hard you work; it’s also about how well you recover. The best smartwatches track sleep stages, measure HRV (heart rate variability), and suggest optimal recovery times.
If you’re a prolific snorer, a men’s smartwatch may also help uncover long-standing conditions that have been holding you back — and keeping your partner awake at night — like sleep apnoea.
Stay Connected Without Distraction
Smartwatches allow you to stay in touch while you train — receiving calls, messages, and app notifications directly on your wrist. This level of connectivity is a game-changer for long runs or multi-hour workouts when your phone is safely tucked out of site.
Key Features to Look for in a Men’s Smartwatch
Not all smartwatches are created equal, and the right one for you depends on your goals, preferences, and day-to-day needs.
Here are the top features you should consider when shopping for a fitness-first men’s smartwatch.
1) Fitness and Workout Tracking
At the very heart of a fitness smartwatch is its ability to track physical activity. Look for options with:
- Multi-sport tracking (running, cycling, HIIT, etc.)
- Swimproof design capable of going to the required depths
- Automatic workout detection
- VO2 max estimates
- Heart rate zone training
- Step and calorie counting
Some top-tier smartwatches — such as the Apple Watch Series 10 — even provide coaching features, rep counting, and workout suggestions based on your recent activity.
Predictive features like detecting burnout through training load could also help you avoid injury in the long run.
2) Advanced Recovery Metrics
The ever-evolving nature of the men’s smartwatch market means you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model without a heart rate sensor. Resting heart rate and 24/7 monitoring are almost entry-level requirements these days.
But if squeezing every available drop out of recovery is important to you, then consider the latest drops from brands like Apple and Samsung, which now include ECG — an electrical picture on how your heart is beating.
The Apple Watch Series 10 will give you the ECG App functionality, along with more advanced sleep insights, whereas the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) will not.
That’s not to say the SE doesn’t have its upsides. It’s still a solid starter men’s smartwatch capable of running the latest watchOS software.
You’ll still get ticker-related data like irregular heart rhythm notifications, alongside core fitness and wellness monitoring. But it all depends of what you deem as non-negotiables.
Away from the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is also making big strides in bite-sized recovery breakdowns. Its Galaxy AI tech bundles all of your health data into an easy-to-digest daily Energy Score.
If you’re someone who values simplicity, this might be something to consider.
3) Battery Life
If you’re constantly charging your men’s smartwatch, you’re less likely to wear it — and consistency is key when it comes to fitness data.
Apple and Samsung Galaxy smartwatches tend to last for 1-2 days away from the charger — not a huge deal considering fast-charging features.
However, performance watches like Garmin can go up to 7–21 days depending on usage, though not all products offer cellular network coverage. It’s the classic case of apples and oranges.
Choose a model that fits your lifestyle. If you don’t mind daily charging and want a sleek display, go for style. If you’re outdoorsy or on-the-go for long periods, opt for longevity.
4) GPS and Mapping
For runners, cyclists, and hikers, built-in GPS is essential. It tracks your routes, pace, elevation, and more — all without needing to carry your phone.
High-end watches also offer turn-by-turn navigation, mapping, and offline route downloads. This is especially helpful for trail running or exploring new areas.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch7 are both equipped with dual-frequency GPS — in Layman’s terms, more consistent tracklogs and accurate positioning when the device is in challenging environments.
This isn’t a standard across the men’s smartwatch market, so it’s one to bear in mind if you like to channel your inner Christopher Columbus.
5) Water Resistance and Durability
There’s swimming lengths in the pool, and then there’s full-blown deep-sea diving — don’t expect every men’s smartwatch to cover off both.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, for example, can transform into a fully capable dive computer with an app called Oceanic+. It’s got a water resistance rating of 100m, is scuba-certified to depths of 40 meters, and can hack the strain of high-speed water sports.
Most men’s smartwatches are water-resistant these days, but not all of them will perform to the level of Apple’s Ultra 2. It’s always best to thoroughly check the specifications before doing anything that slots into the extreme bracket.
You’ll also want to think about the banding, too. Other general wear-and-tear factors to consider are rugged casing and scratch-resistant glass (like Gorilla Glass or sapphire).
These watches are made to endure tough sessions — and still look good at the gym or the office.
6) Connectivity and App Integration
Your smartwatch should seamlessly sync with the platforms you already use, such as:
- Apple Health or Google Fit
- Strava
- MyFitnessPal
- Runna
- Spotify
The best men’s smartwatch will fit effortlessly into your current ecosystem, whether that’s iOS, Android, or a specific fitness app.
Whether you want your smartwatch to work away from your phone is also one to ponder. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung offer LTE versions that need a separate data plan.
Networks like O2 have plenty of plans for smartwatches on adaptable tariffs, offering far greater utility than your standard fitness tracker.
Our Top Three Men’s Smartwatches for Performance and Recovery in 2025
Need a starting point? Here are our top three options on the market today — each with its own strengths, depending on your goals.
1) Apple Watch Series 10
Best for: Day-to-day users and iPhone owners
Highlights:
- Bigger display with more screen area (42mm and 46mm options)
- Thinner and lighter design
- Edge-to-edge displays, brighter than ever when viewed at an angle
- Titanium and aluminium finishes
- Fast charging (80% in 30 minutes)
- Advanced training insights
- Sleep apnoea detection
- Huge app store
- Improved speaker
- Water temperature sensor
Battery: 18–36 hours
If you’re already deep in the Apple sphere, this is the ultimate all-rounder. It tracks almost every metric imaginable and integrates seamlessly with your iPhone and favourite apps. It’s been hailed by many as the best men’s smartwatch on the market today.
2) Galaxy Watch7
Best for: Outdoor adventurers and android users
Highlights:
- Galaxy AI insights
- Health data compiled into a simple Energy Score
- Suggested replies to messages
- Tailored wellness tips
- Body composition, ECG, and blood pressure metrics
- One-click rubber strap
- 1.3″ display with up to 2,000nits of brightness
- Samsung wallet
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Scratch and drop resistant
Battery: 22-24 hours
Now powered by Galaxy AI insights and the new Exynos processor, this men’s smartwatch helps you squeeze the most out of every datapoint — all while holding its own in tough conditions and guiding you through those long-haul hikes.
3) Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
Best for: First-time men’s smartwatch users with iPhones
Highlights:
- Water-resistant and swim-proof
- GPS
- Tracks sleep stages with Sleep app
- Heart rate monitoring
- Mental health logging and insights
- Cellular connectivity for texts and calls
- Supports a range of workout types and motivating metrics
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
If you’re easing into the world of smartwatches, this is still a strong choice. It’s not as advanced as Apple’s Series 10, and it doesn’t pack all the latest features — but if you’re after daily insights without the faff, the SE holds its ground as a solid entry point.
Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re torn between a full smartwatch and a more basic fitness tracker like the Fitbit Charge 6 or WHOOP 5.0, here’s the difference:
- Smartwatches offer notifications, app support, music control, and general smart features alongside fitness tracking.
- Fitness trackers focus almost exclusively on health stats and battery life, often with fewer distractions.
For maximum performance and recovery insights — and the ability to use it outside the gym — a men’s smartwatch offers better versatility.
Tips For Buying a Men’s Smartwatch That Suits You
Before you part ways with your cash, here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
1) What’s My Main Goal?
- Weight loss? Focus on calorie tracking and cardio.
- Performance training? Look at VO2 max and recovery.
- Mental health? Prioritise stress tracking and sleep analysis.
2) What’s My Budget?
Prices range from £100 to over £500. Think about the features you’ll actually use daily.
3) Do I Want Something Stylish or Rugged?
Many smartwatches are now designed to look as good in a meeting as they do on a run — but some are still purpose-built for performance, not aesthetics. Choose one you wont feel the need to take off as you switch between your alter egos.
4) What’s My Phone Ecosystem?
Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Google and Samsung watches are best with Androids. Make sure it’s compatible with your daily tech.
Final Thoughts: The Best Investment in Your Fitness in 2025
A great men’s smartwatch is more than just a timepiece — it’s your coach, accountability partner, sleep tracker, health monitor, and potential lifesaver all in one.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, managing stress, or simply staying consistent with your goals, the right wearable can make all the difference.
Ready to find your perfect match? Explore the best smartwatches for men available right now at O2 — with models to suit every goal, budget, and lifestyle.
Because peak performance doesn’t just happen — it’s tracked.
