For many high school and college students, smartwatches aren’t just trendy accessories—they’re tools that can help you stay active and on top of everything from assignments to after-school activities. With features that support time management, wellbeing, and even physical fitness, the right smartwatch can become a digital companion in and out of the classroom. This back-to-school smartwatch buying guide talks about everything students (and parents) need to know to pick the best smartwatch for students in 2025. From managing assignments to tracking health and even following school policies, we’ve got it covered.
Why a smartwatch matters for students
From course work to navigating campus life, student life is hectic. A smartwatch can help you stay organized, connected, and active. Here’s a breakdown of the core benefits a smartwatch can bring to your day-to-day.
Managing time and schedules
Smartwatches help students take control of their schedules by keeping important alerts just a wrist-tap away. Set daily alarms to wake up on time, schedule reminders for upcoming tests or project deadlines, and get nudges when it’s time to head to your next class or club meeting. Most smartwatches also sync with your smartphone calendar, so you’ll never lose track of your day.
Plus, most smartwatches let you check your schedule with a glance. No more digging through your backpack for your phone or planner during a busy day.
Health tracking
Smartwatches can help students build healthier routines. They track steps, active minutes, and standing time—encouraging movement throughout long school days. Many also include mindfulness apps or guided breathing tools that help manage stress between classes or during exam season.
And for the student athletes out there? You’ll love how some smartwatches log workouts and help set fitness goals tailored to your needs.
Staying connected—with less distraction
Instead of constantly pulling out your phone, smartwatches allow you to check messages, calls, or emails quickly and discreetly. You’ll stay in the loop with friends and family while limiting distractions from endless scrolling or app-hopping. It’s all about smarter screen time.
For younger students, many smartwatches for kids offer parental controls to help manage screen time and reduce distractions during school hours. Parents can limit access to apps, contacts, and notifications, helping kids stay focused during school hours. While advanced health features may be limited, these watches still support healthy routines and time management.
Choose a watch that works with your phone
The most seamless smartwatch experience comes from pairing within the same ecosystem. Check whether the smartwatch you like works well with your phone.
Apple Watch Series
Designed exclusively for iPhones, the Apple Watch Series include the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 10. iPhone users will get full access to features like iMessage, Apple Pay, Siri, and deep integration with Apple Health and Fitness.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series is best paired with Android devices, especially Samsung Galaxy phones. You’ll get the most out of features like Samsung Health and tighter integration with Galaxy apps and settings.
Google Pixel Watch
Made for Android users, especially those who use Google services heavily, Google Pixel Watch works great with Android phones, providing access to Google Calendar, Google Assistant, and Fitbit-powered health tracking.
Fitbit
Known for their health-first focus, Fitbit smartwatches (like Versa 4 and Sense 2) work with both Android and iOS. That said, some features—like voice assistants or quick replies—work better with Android.
Garmin
Garmin is the go-to for students who are serious about fitness and sports. Models like the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or Forerunner 55 offer deep fitness tracking and GPS features and work with both Android and iOS. However, they’re not as strong on third-party apps and smart features.
Not all features work across platforms. For example, Apple Watch won’t work with Android, while Fitbit and Garmin have limited notification interaction when paired with iPhones. Messaging, app syncing, and voice assistant use are often restricted when crossing ecosystems, so it’s smart to double-check compatibility before you buy.
Battery life: Power that lasts through the day
Battery life matters—especially for students who rely on their smartwatch to get through early mornings, long classes, and late-night study sessions. No one wants their watch dying halfway through the day. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch SE typically last 18 hours, which means daily charging is a must. Samsung and Google models offer roughly 20 to 48 hours depending on usage. On the other hand, fitness-focused watches like Garmin and Fitbit models can stretch battery life up to a full week.
Tips for getting more from your battery
- Use power-saving mode: Use power-saving mode to turn off non-essential features, helping you squeeze out extra hours when you’re low on juice.
- Dim the screen brightness: A lower brightness level reduces power drain and is also easier on your eyes during late-night cram sessions.
- Turn off background sensors: Features, like GPS and Wi-Fi, are battery hogs. Only keep them on when you actually need directions or syncing.
- Close apps running in the background: Just like on your phone, apps you’re not using can still eat up power. Periodically closing them keeps your watch running longer.
Health and fitness tracking
Student life can be mentally and physically demanding. Smartwatches provide helpful insights into your health and wellness—turning your goals into manageable, trackable habits.
Heart rate monitoring and activity tracking
Most smartwatches come with built-in heart rate sensors that monitor your pulse 24/7. This isn’t just for athletes—it’s useful for tracking stress levels and staying active between long lectures. Devices like the Apple Watch SE and Galaxy Watch6 use visual rings or activity widgets to encourage you to move, stand, and complete daily goals. You can also view your trends over time and adjust your activity levels accordingly, which can be especially helpful during exam season when sitting for long periods is common.
Sleep tracking and recovery
Sleep plays a big role in memory retention and academic performance. Smartwatches with sleep tracking can reveal how much deep, light, and REM sleep you’re getting. Devices like the Fitbit Sense 2 or Pixel Watch 2 offer detailed sleep scores and even provide bedtime reminders or suggestions for improving your rest. Students can use this data to see how late-night study sessions or screen time affect their sleep quality.
Advanced wellness sensors
High-end models offer even more data. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic feature ECG apps to check for irregular heart rhythms, while SpO2 sensors monitor your blood oxygen levels—useful for students who train in sports or live at higher altitudes. Stress tracking features, like those on the Fitbit Sense 2, provide breathing exercises and mindfulness tools to help you decompress during a hectic day.
Durability and water resistance
Smartwatches go wherever students go—so they need to be tough enough to handle real life. From gym class to rainy walks between lectures, this section helps you know what to look for in a rugged, reliable watch.
Get the smartwatch with IP and ATM ratings
IP and ATM ratings tell you how resistant a device is to water and dust. Look for watches rated IP68 (dust-tight and waterproof up to 1.5m for 30 minutes) or 5ATM (waterproof up to 50m, good for swimming). These are key for students who live in rainy areas, are involved in sports, or simply forget to take off their watch during a shower.
Choose a watch that can keep up with active lifestyles
If you’re a student who bikes to school, plays varsity sports, or tends to be hard on your gear, durability should be a top priority. Devices like the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Apple Watch Ultra are built to withstand knocks and drops. Look for reinforced cases, Gorilla Glass displays, and sweat-resistant bands. You want a smartwatch that doesn’t flinch at a little chaos.
Productivity and connectivity features
Focus on features that can help you stay on top of your course work, stay in touch with family and friends, and save time.
Syncing calendars and reminders
Many smartwatches sync with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook to keep your day on track. You can get buzzes on your wrist for upcoming lectures, study groups, or work shifts. Some models allow colour-coding and offer checklist widgets—handy for managing deadlines without opening your phone.
Managing notifications
Smartwatches let you receive messages, emails, and app alerts—but the key is filtering them. Prioritize apps like Gmail, Teams, or Messenger, and mute or limit everything else. Features like Focus Mode on Apple or Modes and Routines on Samsung let you tailor alerts for class, study time, or weekends.
Using voice assistants to save time
Whether you need to set a 20-minute study timer or add ‘buy ink cartridges’ to your shopping list, voice assistants are a huge time saver. Siri or Google Assistant respond to simple voice commands—no phone digging required. Great for multitasking during lunch breaks or while walking to class.
School policies to consider
Some schools have rules about using smartwatches during class or exams. Be sure to check your school policies before buying. In some cases, wearables are banned during tests or are required to be on silent mode during class.
Setting up discreet usage
Even when smartwatches are allowed, subtlety is key. Here are three simple ways to keep things classroom-friendly:
- Turn off sound: This ensures notifications don’t disrupt class or draw attention.
- Disable screen wake on wrist raise: Prevents your screen from lighting up every time you move.
- Activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ during class hours: Limits distractions and helps you focus when it matters most.
Customization and style
Your smartwatch should match your vibe, not just your wardrobe. Fortunately, most models make it easy to change how your device looks and functions.
Swap out bands from stainless steel band for a formal event to silicone for gym class. Watch faces are also highly customizable: choose a sleek digital layout for exams or a fun animated face for weekend outings. You can even set up widgets or complications that match your daily routine, like weather updates, calendar alerts, or heart rate stats.
Future-proofing your smartwatch
To future-proof your investment, prioritize key factors. Here’s what to look for if you want your tech to grow with you:
- Software support: Brands like Apple and Samsung provide several years of updates, so your watch stays secure and functional longer.
- Storage and speed: More storage means more room for apps, playlists, and documents. A fast processor ensures smoother multitasking.
- Modular or expandable features: Watches with optional LTE models, third-party app support, or interchangeable bands adapt to your lifestyle over time.
Whether you’re upgrading next year or using it through college, investing in a well-supported, high-performing watch pays off.
Get a smartwatch that supports your student life
The best smartwatch for students is one that supports your lifestyle, health, and academic goals. The right wearable can make all the difference. When looking for a smartwatch for high school students, prioritize safety, health, and simplicity. Look for models that offer easy-to-use fitness tracking, solid parental controls, and stylish but subtle designs. Brands like Fitbit and Apple offer great starter models with long battery life and just enough features to keep students engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
A smartwatch for college students supports productivity. Choose one with advanced features like voice assistants, detailed health tracking, and strong third-party app support. Samsung, Google, and Apple all offer high-performing models that can manage busy academic schedules while supporting personal wellness and social life.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Shop smartwatches and other wearable technology at Best Buy Canada to gear up for your best school year yet.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
