It can be fun to accessorize but sometimes it's a battle to find the perfect blend of function and fashion, like when choosing a smartwatch. The good news is that there are tons of options for women these days. Our favorite is the , which offers premium features while boasting a classic, stylish design. We've rounded up the best picks to help you choose the one that's right for you.
Best Overall: Fossil Gen 5 Julianna
If you were a fan of the Gen 4 smartwatches from Fossil but hoped for improvements, the moment has arrived. The Gen 5 smartwatches — including the gorgeous Julianna — come with a new stylish design, more RAM, and an external speaker. It also does everything you need it to do: activity and heart rate tracking, 3 ATM water resistance (depth of up to 30 meters), Google Pay, Google Assistant, GPS, and notifications. The new Snapdragon Wear 3100 is finally here, too, which helps with battery life. If you were hoping for a major upgrade, you might be disappointed; the Julianna has an estimated 24+ hours of life, which isn't a huge improvement from the previous generation.
However, thanks to the new processor and battery-saving modes, you can get more usage between charges. Extended mode turns off nonessential features, like the always-on display, speaker, Wi-Fi, and touch to wake. Location and NFC are set to "on demand" so those radios are only turned on when apps are using them. Time Only mode gives you a few extra hours when the battery is low by functioning as a watch only. In short, if you plan on taking full advantage of all of the features the Gen 5 offers, you'll need to charge it daily.
Pros:
- Stylish, lightweight design
- External speaker, more storage
- Onboard GPS, NFC, HRM
- Google Assistant
- Mediocre battery life
- Display could be brighter
- Battery saving modes limit functionality
Fossil Gen 5 Julianna
New and improved
Fossil fans will love this new watch that provides activity and heart rate tracking, Google Pay, GPS, and more. It's lightweight and stylish, too.
Best Value: Fossil Gen 4 Venture
For those who don't mind a bit of compromise for a good deal, you'll be interested in hearing about the Fossil Gen 4 Venture smartwatch. While it's still using the outdated Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, lacks an external speaker, and has less storage than the the new Gen 5 models, you're still getting a lot for your money. You can expect up to one day of battery life before you need to charge it agian.
In addition to smartphone notifications and music controls, you'll also receive some of the premium features that are usually only found on on expensive smartwatches, like built-in GPS, Google Pay, plus activity and heart rate tracking. It still comes with a feminine design but it's slightly less flashy than the Julianna. There are multiple color combinations available for the stainless steel band, including rose gold, gold, and silver variants.
Pros:
- Activity and heart rate tracking
- Onboard GPS, NFC, HRM
- Swimproof technology
- Software can be laggy
- Short battery life
- Less storage
Fossil Gen 4 Venture
Incredible value
If you aren't worried about having the latest tech, you'll appreciate the value of the Fossil Gen 4 Venture. For all that it does, the price is unmatched.
Best Timeless Design: Michael Kors Access Runway
Sometimes you're aiming for the best of both worlds: a solid activity tracker with tons of features in the form of a timeless smartwatch that will never go out of style. The Michael Kors Access Runway will check all of these boxes. You'll enjoy an estimated 24 hours of battery life, onboard GPS, activity and heart rate tracking, 3 ATM water resistance, Google Assistant, Google Play, and more. It comes in various colors, including gold, pink, black, silver, and rose gold. The beautiful design might make this watch seem like it's only about looks but that's not the case.
The Access Runway allows you to set customized fitness goals, track calories burned, and map exercise routes. There's a wide selection of activities to choose from, like elliptical, aerobics, boxing, circuit training, and more. The only real con is that iOS users will need to have the Wear OS app running in the background for the smartwatch to stay connected or you won't get notifications. When your phone is connected, you'll be able to accept or reject calls (there's no speaker, so be prepared to use headphones). Android Users can reply to texts but iOS users won't have that luxury.
Pros:
- Various color options
- Google Assistant
- GPS, NFC, HRM
- Customized activity tracking
- Reply to texts; answer calls on Android
- Limited iOS functionality
- Disappointing battery life
- Design isn't ideal for intense workouts
Michael Kors Access Runway
Best of both worlds
Want a stunning smartwatch that's full of impressive features and helpful activity tracking perks? The Michael Kors Access Runway will treat you right.
Best for Basics: Michael Kors Access Sofie
If it's a sparkly timepiece you're after, you'll have met your match with the Michael Kors Access Sofie. While it's definitely more about looks than anything else, it still offers plenty of basic features that might win you over. You'll get an estimated 24 hours of battery life, smartphone notifications, 1 ATM water resistance (can withstand dust and splashes, but not suitable for swimming), personalized watch faces, Google Assistant, and activity tracking with Google Fit. You'll be able to track your steps taken and calories burned for running, walking, and biking.
While you'll be missing out on is GPS, heart rate tracking, and Google Pay, it's not a bad trade off if you're in the market for a dazzling watch like this one with less features. Keep in mind the same concept applies here with accepting and rejecting calls and only Android users can reply to texts. At the end of the day, you can't beat the allure of this shiny wearable that's sure to complement any outfit or occasion. However, considering it's in the same price range as the aforementioned Access Runway, the only reason to go with this model is if you have no use for the features it lacks or you have a strong preference for its more glamorous design.
Pros:
- Gorgeous design
- Google Assistant
- Basic activity tracking
- Limited iOS functionality
- Lacks GPS and NFC
- No heart rate monitor
Michael Kors Access Sofie
Keep it simple
If you're fine with keeping things simple and mostly investing in a smartwatch for the looks and not so much the features, this one is a solid choice.
Best for Fashion: Kate Spade Scallop Smartwatch 2
The Kate Spade Scallop Smartwatch 2 is a major step up from its predecessor. It offers a ton of features that weren't on the table before, including built-in GPS, Google Pay, and heart rate monitoring, not to mention there's an array of fashionable designs to choose from, including black, rose gold, gold, pink, and white. It also comes with 3ATM water resistance. This smartwatch estimates around 24 hours of battery life depending on your usage. Choose the band style you prefer, whether it be silicone, leather, or classic stainless steel.
You'll also be able to use Google Assistant, view notifications at a glance, control your music, customize watch faces, and more. Let's not forget about the basic activity tracking that lets you keep track of your steps taken and calories burned throughout the day while monitoring your heart rate and tracking your route. We're bummed it's still using the old Snapdragon Wear 2100, but it's a small compromise for all that you get. It's a bit on the pricey side, but for those who aren't willing to settle when it comes to fashion, it'll be well worth it.
Pros:
- Activity tracking
- GPS, NFC, HRM
- Music controls
- Great design options
- Different band styles
- Uses Snapdragon 2100
- Short battery life
- A bit pricy
Kate Spade Scallop Smartwatch 2
Fashion at its finest
If you want to make a fashion statement while still having all the functionality you need in a smartwatch, look no further than the Kate Spade Scallop 2.
Best for Sports: Fitbit Versa 2
While the isn't exclusively for women, it can certainly pass as a women's smartwatch. You can make it rugged and durable with the right band when you head outdoors for an intense workout. When the evening time rolls around, switch to an elegant band for a night out on the town. A fitness smartwatch can be feminine if you want it to be! There are many improvements worth noting, especially the increase of battery life from 4 to 5 days this time around.
This smartwatch offers some good upgrades from the original, like adding Amazon Alexa, making Fitbit Pay standard, improving the sleep tracking feature, and more. You can also control your Spotify music with an app on the device, but it won't work for syncing offline playlists. As for Alexa, you won't be able to hear replies to your inquiries without headphones as the watch doesn't have a speaker. You still don't have onboard GPS though, so you'll need to have your phone handy to use connected GPS instead. You'll have some of the same features as before, like female health tracking, 5 ATM water resistnace, 15+ exercise modes, and 24/7 heart rate tracking.
Pros:
- Improved battery life
- Refined sleep tracking
- Fitbit Pay
- Best water resistance option
- Great battery life
- Lacks built-in GPS
- Spotify functionality is limiting
- No speaker for Alexa replies
Fitbit Versa 2
Exercise your heart out
The Fitbit Versa 2 made Fitbit Pay standard, added Amazon Alexa, and improved sleep tracking. It's still an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts, too.
Best for Versatility: Galaxy Watch Active 2
Perhaps the most anticipated release of the year is the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, which offers optional LTE connectivity. Again, this wearable isn't specifically designed for women but there are plenty of color options that can suit anyone. It's compatible with , so you'll be able to wear it casual or dress it up as you please. Your watch will always match your outfit with the My Style color extraction app that lets you take a photo of your outfit so it can generate a selection of watch faces to go with it.
Other new features you can look forward include a faster and more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, advanced accelerometer, improved GPS, and an embedded ECG sensor. As far as activity tracking, the Running Coach feature now provides real-time pace metrics with a rundown of what to expect before you start your workout. Whether you're walking, jogging, or running, the feature coaches you with audio cues through the device speaker or your Bluetooth headphones. You'll also have 5 ATM water resistance with the new edition and a day or two of battery life, which will vary based on the model you choose and your usage.
Pros:
- GPS, NFC, HRM
- Improved sensors
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Questionable battery life
- Can get expensive with LTE
- No major activity tracking updates
Galaxy Watch Active 2
Do it all
If you want a smartwatch that can truly do it all and easily be tailored to suit various occasions, you'll love the new Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Best Slim Design: Skagen Falster 2
There's a lot to say about the Skagen Falster 2, but undoubtedly the first thing you'll notice is the ultra-slim design. The case is just 11 mm thick and when you pair this with a cozy mesh band against your wrist, it's a match made in heaven. In addition to the traditional silver stainless steel, the watch is alaso available in also gold, rose gold, and black, with the option of leather bands, silicone bands, or magnetic mesh. It's compatible with so you can easily find one to match your style.
As for the features, you'll have a good set on your hands. The Skagen Falster 2 provides you with 3 ATM water resistance, heart-rate tracking, Google Assistant, smartphone notifications, activity tracking via Google Fit, Google Pay, built-in GPS and more. Of course, you'll also have the ability to add your favorite third-party apps from the Google Play store. Battery life is estimated to last 24 hours on a single charge, which probably could've been better had it featured the Snapdragon Wear 3100. This missing upgrade also might have helped with the buggy software that tends to lag with some features, like lift to wake. With that said, it's slim and sleek design combined with its feature set might be enough to offset those shortcomings.
Pros:
- GPS, NFC, HRM
- Ultra-slim design
- Crisp, colorful display
- Uses Snapdragon 2100
- Battery life isn't great
- Software can be buggy
Skagen Falster 2
Slim as can be
The Skagen Falster 2 is another example of a second edition done right. You have heart rate tracking, onboard GPS, and Google Pay in a super slim package.
Bottom line
The bottom line is you really can't go wrong with any of these options. It all depends on what you're looking for in a smartwatch. No matter which one you choose, you'll receive a stunning design with a solid feature set. Make sure you think about what you want from your device before you make your final decision. If it's a feminine look you're after, you can choose one of the watches that's specifically designed for women. If you desire a specific set of features, you can just as easily go for one of the watches that works for both men and women that has what you need.
Our personal favorite when it come's to a women's smartwatch is the . The eye-catching design is nice enough on its own but there's a lot under the hood of this smartwatch, too. You'll have everything you need from activity and heart rate tracking to Google Pay to onboard GPS. Don't forget about the additional RAM and external speaker. To put it simply, it's what smartwatch dreams are made of.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Courtney Lynch is a freelance writer at Android Central. She's obsessed with all things health, fitness, and music. At any given time she can be found checking out the latest and greatest gadgets while simultaneously petting her dog and sipping iced coffee.