Smartwatches have become essential gadgets for fitness tracking, notifications, and even mobile payments. But one of the biggest pain points for users is battery life. No one wants to charge their watch every night, especially when traveling or during long workouts. To help you find the best option, we’ve tested and compared the battery life of top smartwatch models to determine which ones last the longest.
Why Smartwatch Battery Life Matters
Battery life is a critical factor when choosing a smartwatch. A longer-lasting battery means fewer interruptions, whether you’re tracking a marathon, traveling, or just don’t want the hassle of daily charging. Some watches last days, while others stretch into weeks—or even months—on a single charge. Here’s why battery performance should be a priority:
- Convenience: Fewer charges mean less downtime.
- Fitness Tracking: Long battery life ensures continuous activity monitoring.
- Travel-Friendly: No need to carry chargers on short trips.
- Emergency Use: A watch with a long-lasting battery can be a reliable backup.
Top Smartwatches with the Best Battery Life
We tested several leading smartwatches to see how they stack up in real-world usage. Here are the top performers:
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar
The Garmin Fenix 7X Solar is a beast when it comes to battery life. With solar charging support, it can last up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and up to 122 hours in GPS mode. This makes it ideal for hikers, ultramarathoners, and outdoor enthusiasts who need extended usage without frequent recharging.
Amazfit T-Rex 2
For budget-conscious buyers, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 offers impressive longevity, lasting up to 24 days on a single charge. It’s rugged, durable, and packed with fitness features, making it a great choice for adventurers who don’t want to compromise on battery life.
Apple Watch Ultra
While most Apple Watches require daily charging, the Apple Watch Ultra breaks the mold with up to 36 hours of battery life. Though it doesn’t match Garmin’s endurance, it’s a significant improvement over other Apple models and is perfect for iPhone users who want premium features without constant charging.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro delivers up to 80 hours of battery life, making it one of the best Android-compatible options. Its large battery and optimized software ensure reliable performance for multi-day use, especially for fitness tracking and sleep monitoring.
Withings ScanWatch
If you prefer a hybrid smartwatch, the Withings ScanWatch offers an incredible 30-day battery life. It combines traditional watch aesthetics with smart features like heart rate monitoring and SpO2 tracking, making it ideal for those who want minimal charging.
Factors Affecting Smartwatch Battery Life
Not all smartwatches are created equal, and several factors influence how long a battery lasts. Here’s what to consider:
- Display Type: AMOLED screens consume more power than transflective LCDs.
- Usage Patterns: GPS, calls, and notifications drain the battery faster.
- Battery Capacity: Larger batteries last longer but may increase weight.
- Software Optimization: Efficient OS design can extend battery life.
- Charging Technology: Solar or fast-charging support can reduce downtime.
How to Extend Your Smartwatch Battery Life
Even the best smartwatches can benefit from power-saving tweaks. Here are some tips to maximize battery longevity:
- Lower Screen Brightness: Reducing brightness can save significant power.
- Disable Always-On Display: Only activate the screen when needed.
- Limit Notifications: Fewer alerts mean less battery drain.
- Turn Off Unused Features: Disable GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth when not in use.
- Use Power-Saving Modes: Many watches offer battery-optimized profiles.
Conclusion
When choosing a smartwatch, battery life should be a top consideration. The Garmin Fenix 7X Solar leads the pack for extreme endurance, while the Amazfit T-Rex 2 offers great value. Apple and Samsung users have solid options with the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, respectively. For a hybrid approach, the Withings ScanWatch excels with a month-long battery. By understanding your needs and optimizing usage, you can find a smartwatch that keeps up with your lifestyle without constant recharging.