The best Google Pixel Watch 2 alternatives

Since the arrival of the first Google Pixel Watch, we’ve eagerly awaited the company’s follow-up device. Now that the Google Pixel Watch 2 is here, it still may not be the right device for you. Whether your phone is incompatible or you are looking for something different, the smartwatch landscape is saturated with powerful options. Browse our round-up of the best Google Pixel Watch 2 alternatives to see what the market offers.

Buying the right Google Pixel Watch 2 alternative for your needs

The Google Pixel Watch 2 should look familiar to anyone with the original model. It also has a lot in common with popular devices from competing brands. To ensure you invest in the right smartwatches or fitness trackers for your needs, start by determining what you want most from your wearable. Are you looking for a gym companion or an extension of your smartphone? Do you value apps, battery life, activity modes, or health sensors?

Apple Watches and Wear OS devices both pack robust app stores. An option from Garmin will likely provide the best experience for fitness-focused users less concerned with smart features. Meanwhile, battery life significantly influences users’ experiences and varies greatly from device to device. Despite being a Fitbit device, the Pixel Watch 2 doesn’t offer as much battery life as other options from the company’s stable. If you’re committed to the Fitbit ecosystem, the Charge 6 will last longer but sacrifices smart features.

The best Google Pixel Watch 2 alternatives

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: The Galaxy Watch 6 is arguably the best Wear OS smartwatch available. Although similar in specs and looks to last year’s model, the newest Galaxy Watch improves battery life and performance.
• Apple Watch Series 9: For anyone within the iOS ecosystem, the Apple Watch continues to reign. The Series 9 is the best Pixel Watch 2 alternative for iPhone users.
• Garmin Venu 3: Easily Garmin’s best smartwatch, the Venu 3 packs many of the company’s top health and fitness tracking tools, providing a well-rounded option for active shoppers.
• Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Mobvoi’s latest Pro model also offers a solid Wear OS experience, plus the company’s unique battery-saving dual display.
• Fitbit Charge 6: For a band-style fitness tracker with reliable sleep tracking and ECG capabilities, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a loaded device at a more affordable price.
• Withings ScanWatch 2: The Withings ScanWatch 2 is the best medically approved hybrid device with a dedicated health focus and an attractive build.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: The best Wear OS Pixel Watch 2 alternative

Taking the Pixel Watch 2 off the table, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best Wear OS device available. The company’s base model 2023 features a 20% larger display than last year and a twice as bright display. The series also tweaks battery life and offers a few performance improvements. Most importantly, it runs the same Google Wear OS 4 found on the Pixel Watch 2. So, in addition to health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 6 packs Google’s top tools, including Google Maps, Google Home, and the Google Play Store.

Though we consider the sporty base model a great pick for active users, the pricier Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($429 at Amazon) brings back Samsung’s fan-favorite rotating bezel. The feature gives the device a more traditional impression and streamlines on-device navigation.  

Apple Watch Series 9: The best Pixel Watch 2 alternative for iOS users

The Apple Watch Series 9 is hands down the best smartwatch for iOS users. Like its predecessor, the watch boasts unmatched third-party app support, seamless iPhone integration, and a full health and fitness tracking tool suite. The new model also packs a powerful processor for even more impressive computing. This enables new features like the Double Tap gesture control. Using Double Tap, Series 9 users can complete simple actions with two taps of their fingers and thumbs.

Additionally, the Series 9 features Apple’s latest watchOS 10 software with a revamped user interface, including reintroducing stackable widgets. The new OS also packs upgraded tools for cyclists, updates to the mindfulness app, and outdoor time tracking based on the device’s ambient light sensor. In general, the Cupertino-based ecosystem continues to expand its offering on both the health and fitness fronts. The Pixel Watch 2 is incompatible with iPhones, so the Apple Watch Series 9 is a no-brainer for those shoppers.

Garmin Venu 3: The Pixel Watch 2 alternative from Garmin

For a highly reliable gym companion with some handy smart features, the Garmin Venu 3 is the company’s best smartwatch yet. It doesn’t offer the same third-party app experience as the options above but provides on-wrist phone calls and voice assistant support. It also taps into many of Garmin’s top training tools, including brand-new automatic nap detection, Body Battery, Daily Summary, and Recovery stats. Plus, we found GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring on the Venu 3 accurate during our review period. Significantly, the Venu 3’s multi-week battery life also makes the device stand out more than the Pixel Watch 2. 

Since its launch, the Venu 3 has also received support for Garmin’s ECG app, previously only found on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. The new model features an upgraded heart rate sensor that is now FDA-approved for ECG readings, making the device a powerful health companion.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: Another solid Wear OS option

Back within the Wear OS family, the TicWatch Pro 5 also has much to offer prospective users. The newest Mobvoi watch offers significant internal upgrades and a very useful rotating digital crown, similar to Apple’s wearables. The device’s build also offers performance-level durability specs, so it’s a solid pick for adventuring outdoors.

In addition to updated Google software, the TicWatch Pro 5 boasts Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chipset, improved battery specs, fast charging capabilities, and various health and activity tracking tools. We’re particularly large fans of the device’s customizable dual display that helps save battery life even further. Mobvoi even integrated heart rate zones into the secondary display for more functionality during workouts.

Fitbit Charge 6: The best tracker-style Pixel Watch 2 alternative

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the best band-style tracker for a smaller form factor. The Charge line has always been among the most popular Fitbit devices, and the newest model has even more on board. In addition to heart-rate tracking, sleep tracking, GPS, and SpO2 tracking, the Charge 6 features Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music Controls. In other words, it’s a relatively smart device, considering it’s not technically a smartwatch.

We love that the tracker offers AFib monitoring, an ECG sensor, and an EDA sensor for advanced health monitoring. It also supports over 40 exercise routines and can sync with popular gym equipment such as a Peloton bike. It may not boast a full-size AMOLED display like other options, but the colorful display has plenty of room for onscreen stats and details.

Withings ScanWatch 2: The best hybrid smartwatch Pixel Watch 2 alternative

Not everyone shopping for a smartwatch wants a sporty aesthetic. Enter the Withings ScanWatch 2. This health-focused hybrid watch offers key tech housed in a traditional watch case. With real ticking hands and a miniature display, the watch covertly packs powerful health monitoring tools, including an ECG for atrial fibrillation detection and SpO2 tracking.

The ScanWatch 2 also adds a temperature sensor to track users’ baseline fluctuations for detailed sleep and cycle tracking. These advanced health features keep the watch on par with some top smartwatches, including the Pixel Watch 2. On the fitness front, it offers automatic workout detection for more than 40 activities. Meanwhile, due to its minimal display, the ScanWatch 2 offers 30 days of battery life between charges.

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