Along with features, functions, and design, battery life is a key factor when choosing a smartwatch. No one wants to see a low-battery alert halfway through a hike or before a full day of errands. That’s why we’re diving into smartwatches that go the distance, literally.
In this guide, we’ll explore why battery life matters, what affects it, and which smartwatch models stand out in 2025 for endurance. If you’re looking for a long-lasting smartwatch, you’re in the right place.
Why battery life is a dealbreaker in a smartwatch
Battery life isn’t just a throwaway spec. It’s crucial to how you use the smartwatch. The longer your watch lasts, the more you know you can rely on it. This is especially so in moments when recharging isn’t an option. Anyone who owns a smartwatch and works out has likely delayed a workout or run at least once to charge their smartwatch so they can track it. For some, having a smartwatch that can last more than a day is also crucial for tracking both awake activities and sleep overnight.
Convenience of fewer charges
A smartwatch with extended battery life means fewer interruptions in your daily routine. You can not only rely on it to track all your daily activities and steps, as well as receive important notifications, but also sleep. Not having to take it off constantly to charge is a major win.
Essential for travel, outdoor, fitness
For travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fitness buffs, a smartwatch that lasts several days (or even weeks) is a game-changer. You can track multi-day hikes, travel across time zones, or go on weekend getaways without packing a charger.
What affects smartwatch battery life?
Battery performance varies not just by model, but by how the watch is used. You can learn about reasons your smartwatch battery may be draining quickly in our dedicated article, but here’s a summary of some of the likely culprits:
Display technology (AMOLED vs LCD)
AMOLED screens offer deep blacks and vibrant colours but tend to consume more power than LCDs, especially with bright visuals or high refresh rates. Smartwatches with low-power display options, like the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, tend to last longer.
Always-on screen settings
Always-on displays are convenient but drain battery faster. Turning this off can significantly extend your watch’s life, especially on models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
GPS and health tracking frequency
The more frequent the tracking (heart rate, GPS, SpO2), the more power your smartwatch uses. Some smartwatches continuously track things like heart rate and SpO2 in the background, which uses up a lot of battery power. When you use GPS for a run, cycle, or hike, it will also eat up battery power faster, Some models can optimize this by reducing tracking frequency or switching to low-power GPS modes when needed.
Processor efficiency and battery optimization
Newer processors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and OnePlus integrate software optimizations to squeeze more life out of every charge.
Which smartwatch has the best battery life? (Top picks)
If you’re shopping for the best long battery smartwatch, these are the top contenders of 2025 that stand out for their endurance, performance, and everyday functionality.
Garmin Enduro 3 – Up to 34 days of battery
Designed for endurance athletes and long-distance explorers, the Garmin Enduro 3 is a beast when it comes to battery life. With up to 34 days in smartwatch mode and up to 110 hours in GPS mode, it’s built for those who spend more time off-grid than on.
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar – Unlimited battery with sunlight
The Instinct 3 Solar harnesses the power of the sun to keep going forever, literally. With the right amount of solar exposure, it can technically deliver unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. It’s rugged, reliable, and ideal for adventurers who love the outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro – Best Galaxy Watch with 3-day battery
While not the longest-lasting smartwatch overall, when it comes to the Galaxy line, the Watch5 Pro actually has the most efficient battery in the standard model line, affording up to 3 days battery under mixed usage. You’ll make some feature concessions since it’s an older model, but it still has some life left. If battery life is your primary concern, you’ll get the best bang for your battery buck with this one.
Fitbit Sense 2 – 6+ days for health and fitness tracking
The Fitbit Sense 2 delivers over 6 days of battery life on a single charge, even with 24/7 heart rate and stress monitoring. It’s one of the best smartwatches for fitness tracking with long battery backup, making it perfect for wellness-focused users.
Pixel Watch 3 – ~24 hours, with emphasis on Pixel ecosystem
While it only offers around 24 hours of battery life, the Pixel Watch 3 can extend that to up to 36 hours with the Battery Saver Mode, making it the longest-lasting Pixel Watch in the line. Most importantly, it’s the best smartwatch for integrating beautifully with the Google Pixel ecosystem. If seamless app use, Google Assistant, and fitness insights are more important than longevity, it’s a strong contender to consider even if it doesn’t last as long as others.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Up to 36 hours on a single charge
With a rugged build and up to 36 hours of battery (or 72 in low power mode), the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for adventure and high performance. It’s the top choice for Apple users who want more freedom between charges. Battery life isn’t as good as other models, but it’s the best you’ll find in an Apple Watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – Up to 48 hours on a single charge
As the most ultra-durable smartwatch in Samsung’s line, the Galaxy Watch Ultra will last for up to two days in standard exercise mode, but you can extend that to up to 100 hours or four days by leveraging the power saver mode. Built for adventurers, this watch has the same size battery as the Watch5 Pro, making it one of the best Samsung Galaxy watches for battery life.
OnePlus Watch 3 – Up to 5 days using a dual-chip system
The OnePlus Watch 3, like the previous-generation OnePlus Watch 2, uses a dual-chip system whereby one handles background tasks and the other keeps more intensive apps, like working tracking and GPS, going as needed. This helps with battery efficiency, so you not only get up to 5 days in regular mode but also up to 16 days in power saver mode (up to 3 days with heavy use). Plus, it charges blazingly fast so you’ll rarely ever find yourself in the red.
How to choose the right battery-first smartwatch for you
Now that you’ve seen the top long-lasting models, here’s how to narrow down your options based on your lifestyle.
Prioritize by features (health tracking, ruggedness, smart apps)
Do you need advanced health tracking? Or are you more focused on rugged durability and GPS? For example, choose Garmin for outdoor ruggedness and GPS, Fitbit for wellness and sleep tracking, or Samsung/Apple for smart features.
Consider device weight and size
Endurance models like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Enduro 3 tend to be bulkier. Make sure the size is comfortable for all-day wear.
Match battery life to your lifestyle needs
If you’re someone who charges devices nightly, a watch with a one-day battery life might be fine. You might discover that it becomes routine over time as you charge on the night stand overnight (perhaps using a smart ring to track sleep instead?) in the morning once you sit down at your office, or even in the evening while you catch up on the nightly news. But if you travel, camp, do activities that require frequent GPS, or hate daily charging, go for something that can last at least a few days per charge. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a model with solar charging as a back-up might be the best option.
Tips to maximize your smartwatch battery life
Even the best smartwatch for endurance can last longer with the right settings. Here’s how to extend battery life across any model:
Adjust settings and turn off unnecessary features
Disable Wi-Fi when not needed, reduce screen brightness, and limit notification frequency to conserve power.
Use low-power modes when possible
Most smartwatches have a power-saving or battery saver mode. Use it during travel, sleep, or low-activity times to stretch usage.
Find your perfect long-lasting smartwatch today
If battery life tops your priority list, there are more options than ever from which to choose. From solar-powered rugged designs like you’ll find in the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar to multi-day premium wearables like the Fitbit Sense 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, the market has something for every lifestyle.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Smartwatch | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Garmin Enduro 3 | Up to 34 days |
| Garmin Instinct 3 Solar | Unlimited (with solar) |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Up to 36 hours (72 in low power) |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | 6+ days |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro | Up to 3 days |
| Pixel Watch 3 | ~24 hours (36 hours in low power) |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Up to 2 Days (4 days in low power) |
| OnePlus Watch 3 | Up to 5 Days (16 Days in low power, 3 days with heavy use) |
Ready to upgrade your wrist game?
Explore the latest smartwatches that match your lifestyle, including ones that can last all day, and then some, before they need recharging. You’ll find a wide range of long-lasting options when you shop smartwatches at Best Buy.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
