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5 Smartwatches, 30 Miles, 1 Winner. Which Is the Most Accurate? | All Things Mobile

Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, Garmin Venu or the $80 underdog? It was a tight race, but one watch ultimately pulled ahead. Read more about it on CNET.com I Ran 30 Miles With 5 Smartwatches. Here’s the One You Can Actually Trust Best Android Smartwatch for 2026 You can find the products mentioned in…

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Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, Garmin Venu or the $80 underdog? It was a tight race, but one watch ultimately pulled ahead.

Read more about it on CNET.com
I Ran 30 Miles With 5 Smartwatches. Here’s the One You Can Actually Trust
Best Android Smartwatch for 2026

You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below
Apple Watch Series 11
Garmin Venu® 4, 45mm
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch 46mm
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
*Cnet may get commission on this offer.

00:00 Intro: Which Smartwatch is Most Accurate?
00:51 Let’s meet our five contenders
01:13 Test Time: Steps count
01:55 Test Results
02:11 Test for distance
02:29 Test distance result
02:55 Heart rate
03:15 Quick science lesson
03:39 Heart rate test explained
04:04 Heart rate test results
04:28 Second-by-second metrics
05:40  Which watch tracked my heart rate the closest?
06:33 Final thoughts

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#AllThingsMobile #applewatch #smartgadgets #smartwatch #garmin #samsung #apple #google #amazfit #fitbit #wearables #sportswatches

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77 Comments

77 Comments

  1. @CNET

    April 13, 2026 at 10:05 am

    Read more about it on CNET.com
    I Ran 30 Miles With 5 Smartwatches. Here’s the One You Can Actually Trust
    Best Android Smartwatch for 2026

  2. @BobMcBurger1

    April 13, 2026 at 10:43 am

    Not even using the Apple Watch Ultra.

  3. @kalleeshwarelumalai3437

    April 13, 2026 at 10:53 am

    Next time you can include the sleep monitoring

  4. @sarid246

    April 13, 2026 at 11:03 am

    As usual Apple always does a better job

  5. @lifesgoodie

    April 13, 2026 at 11:04 am

    Super stuff

  6. @aki2065

    April 13, 2026 at 11:18 am

    If you have used Samsung smartwatches long enough, then these test results were not so shocking after all. In fact, Galaxy smartwatches have been known for showing inaccurate walking and running distances, VO2 Max, and the worst of all, battery life.

  7. @nuyou21

    April 13, 2026 at 11:24 am

    Poor Samsung and Google 🤭😂

  8. @jerdorr

    April 13, 2026 at 11:31 am

    Amazfit ( esp my Max ) make WearOS irrelevant

  9. @videobiker9131

    April 13, 2026 at 12:24 pm

    Great job!! I got my first Apple watch after I found out I had a heart condition ( a bad one but still). I lost one for about six or eight months and by the time I found that I couldn’t remember the password and so I’m gonna try and reset the password but if I can’t, I’ll just get the Apple Watch 11.

  10. @KasunGamage

    April 13, 2026 at 12:24 pm

    I left Apple and other smartwatches for Garmin a long time ago. My Garmin Fenix 8 has been doing a great job for me for years now. Previous i had forerunner..love it..garmin all the way..

  11. @yaakovc2601

    April 13, 2026 at 12:44 pm

    Galaxy watch just got blood pressure compare with BP cuff

  12. @HarlemGreatest

    April 13, 2026 at 12:50 pm

    I trust cnet as much as I trust a total stranger taking my 10 year old daughter to the store for candy

  13. @emka9537

    April 13, 2026 at 2:41 pm

    Apple watch isn’t smartwatch only wearos watches is smartwatch. Calling a Garmin, Apple , amazfit smartwatch is so misleading and wrong

  14. @atehrani

    April 13, 2026 at 2:43 pm

    If you want accurate HR monitoring get a chest strap. Smart watches will have some error due to their sensors and how snug they fit on your wrist.

  15. @jonathanleach3914

    April 13, 2026 at 2:49 pm

    Very good. I appreciate the amount of work that went into making this film. Many thanks.

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 13, 2026 at 6:36 pm

      Than you so much for the positive feedback 🙏🏼

  16. @AnthonyGale

    April 13, 2026 at 3:25 pm

    I wish the pixel 4 came closer to apple.

  17. @QMaverick1

    April 13, 2026 at 3:54 pm

    I’d be interested in how other variables impact the accuracy of the readings. For example, you’re a sample size of one person . . . but we all have different sized wrists, veins, etc. In other words, would the Pixel or Samsung watch have worked better on someone else?

    This is by no means a complaint! I loved the video–I’d just love to see a follow-up with similar testing across multiple people of multiple body-shapes, ethnicities, etc. That may be a little too . . . big, but I’m extremely curious!

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 13, 2026 at 8:20 pm

      There are sooooo many variables! Even the weather impacted HR results… I imagine because of differences in blood flow at different temps.

  18. @mstreich

    April 13, 2026 at 4:06 pm

    So the Samsung was off by 10% for walking distance? That seems high. 2:30

  19. @SpelledWithPH

    April 13, 2026 at 4:50 pm

    This was a great video! I love how you approached it like a science project — actually measuring your distance, heartbeat, and steps with accurate tools really made it stand out as genuinely informative. Bravo!

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 13, 2026 at 6:35 pm

      Appreciate the feedback 🙏🏼! That was exactly the approach I was going for, glad it came across.

  20. @CorneliusJermaineHightower-k9b

    April 13, 2026 at 5:19 pm

    The problem with Samsung watches is the chipset period it’s good and way better then past version, but it’s not where it should be let Qualcomm handle all mobile devices not just for Samsung’s but all android devices which at this rate is just Samsungand Pixel products 😅. And that’s their problem, everything she said, is right on the money. Apple has a really good chip. That’s why it tracks so well.

  21. @anthonyvallejo1537

    April 13, 2026 at 7:05 pm

    Best video!!!

  22. @johnmckay428

    April 13, 2026 at 7:24 pm

    outstanding, thanks

  23. @nuraprilia9694

    April 13, 2026 at 7:29 pm

    Where is the drop test?

  24. @CoinOpTV

    April 13, 2026 at 8:09 pm

    I jumped ship from the Apple Watch last year to Garmin Venu 4 – really enjoy the new watch and battery life — price isn’t cheap but feels like something that is going to last a handful of years.

    • @GrayHomeVideo

      April 14, 2026 at 12:53 pm

      It well might. Garmin Venu 2S since July 2022, still works flawlessly, still get 7 days battery life with 35% to spare, so I could push it to 8 days if I needed to, but 7 days is convenient to remember. I’m saving towards the Venu 4 and figure I’ll catch it on a sale eventually.

  25. @JoeyFigueroa83

    April 13, 2026 at 8:12 pm

    6:45 What about Apple Watch Ultra users?

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 13, 2026 at 8:18 pm

      Same sensor on both! In theory will have similar outcome.

  26. @joaoroman9583

    April 14, 2026 at 1:11 am

    Amazfit has good watches why use a 80 dollar one against other brands flagships?

  27. @Kameleonic

    April 14, 2026 at 1:30 am

    The Quantified Scientist (his channel name) has been doing this for longer with greater detail.

  28. @harshsingh6950

    April 14, 2026 at 4:02 am

    Good watches are good but please do not create monopoly or duopoly, it may harm in a long term

  29. @HokgiartoSaliem

    April 14, 2026 at 6:04 am

    Yes about the data. I still don’t know how to watch my health data from Huawei Band 6 in my Windows 11 25H2 PC.

  30. @GWillWin

    April 14, 2026 at 7:54 am

    As a 70+ year old man I have heard/read enough stories about these watches saving lives that I wear mine all the time. Being in the apple ecosphere I chose the Apple Watch but no matter what you choose there is enough evidence out there now that says get one of these . It could save your life.

  31. @vikasverma3809

    April 14, 2026 at 7:57 am

    Hi, I wish you also included MiBand from Xiaomi. In most of your previous videos on this comparison topic, you’ve done so. I missed that this time. Thank-you.

  32. @lonelessness84

    April 14, 2026 at 8:01 am

    Heart rate accuracy during workout is not important because it can be resolved with a chest strap.

    • @Andrej-cp9dp

      April 15, 2026 at 8:02 am

      It is important because Im not spending another 100 for a chest strap

    • @lonelessness84

      April 15, 2026 at 8:28 am

      @Andrej-cp9dp You can’t see the whole picture. If you want maximum accuracy with zero inconsistency, you need to use an external sensor anyway. So the accuracy of wrist-based heart rate (OHR) isn’t that important.

      If you’re only looking at overall averages, almost all smartwatches provide similar results — similar average heart rate, similar calorie estimates, etc. A ±5% heart rate error won’t stop you from being Usain Bolt or turn you into a world-class athlete. The overall outcome of your workout will be essentially the same whether you wear an Apple Watch or a Garmin.

      Apple Watch has been the worst watch that I’ve ever used in my entire life by the way, and it’s not that accurate at all. I tried it many times in my strength workouts, also had Huawei Watch GT 6 and Garmin Venu 3.

  33. @dejinotdope

    April 14, 2026 at 8:14 am

    Do Smart Rings next please 🙏🏾

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 14, 2026 at 4:47 pm

      Yes! This one would be good!

  34. @TheNaiv69

    April 14, 2026 at 9:48 am

    I know these watches are mainly for health and fitness but id love a review or deepdive into their other functions

    • @CNET

      April 15, 2026 at 6:21 am

      Appreciate feedback, Noted for vids ahead 🙌

  35. @mirskibeauty

    April 14, 2026 at 10:26 am

    Its so weird that samsung strugless so mutch with the heart rate tracking even huawei has better heart rate tracking than samsung!

  36. @ASKARN1ZH4M

    April 14, 2026 at 10:45 am

    Sonny Cassio ? 🤔🤳📱

  37. @steveradford5460

    April 14, 2026 at 12:25 pm

    I have a Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and GPS function is poor standard / badly designed, therefore distance is highly inaccurate. I wear the watch face side up, not covered and typically ride in open areas, no urban canyon or foliage cover. When cycling. I also use Wahoo Roam 3 with dual band GNSS and wheel speed odometer. On a typical 30 mile bike ride (measured on Wahoo Roam 3) the Galaxy Watch will typically measure over 50 miles. I know the Wahoo is accurate since I can overlay tracked ride on a map. When I check GW7, I can see that the GPS location dithers a long way off the mapped route. Never buying Samsung again!!!

  38. @rickyf

    April 14, 2026 at 2:39 pm

    I currently wear an Apple watch Ultra 3 and a Garmin Forerunner 970. The Apple watch is not as good measuring steps, distance, or heart rate compared to the Garmin. I used to wear a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra V8 before the Apple watch and it too was not as accurate as my Garmin. I have tested all three in heart rate against my Polar HRM chest strap.

    • @vanessahandorellana

      April 14, 2026 at 4:46 pm

      I wonder if Venu and Forerunner have different sensors 🧐

    • @rickyf

      April 14, 2026 at 5:54 pm

      @vanessahandorellanaSimple answer is the sensors are probably identical.

      Gemini says:

      The Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Garmin Venu 4 (the latest model in the Venu series) share the same core biometric sensor technology, but differ significantly in their **GPS capabilities** and **build materials**. Both watches utilize the **Elevate Gen 5** optical heart rate sensor, which supports advanced health metrics like **ECG** and blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking.
      While their internal health sensors are identical, the Forerunner 970 includes a **multi-band GPS** system and **SatIQ technology**, which provides superior location accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests or city canyons. In contrast, models like the Venu X1 typically utilize **single-band GPS**.
      ### Key Differences in Usage
      * **Forerunner 970:** Best for **professional athletes** who require **Running Economy** and **Running Tolerance** metrics. Its titanium build and **Sapphire lens** are designed for high-intensity durability.
      * **Venu 4:** Aimed at **wellness and lifestyle** users. It offers unique features like **Sleep Alignment** and **Health Status** reports, which focus on lifestyle habits rather than just training load.
      If your primary goal is high-intensity training with the most accurate tracking for outdoor runs, the **Forerunner 970** is the better choice. However, if you want a refined design for daily wear with excellent health monitoring, the **Venu 4** provides similar data at a lower price point.

    • @rickyf

      April 14, 2026 at 5:55 pm

      I should add that watch bands are not identical which may impact the quality of the sensors’ readings.

  39. @clementlumumba4824

    April 14, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    Before even watching i can already tell you Samsung Watch 8 is gonna loose 😂😂😂.

  40. @Tech_explainde

    April 14, 2026 at 5:05 pm

    Huawei watch 5 is the best in the market now, when it comes to heart rate

    • @Andrej-cp9dp

      April 15, 2026 at 8:03 am

      Source: trust me bro

    • @seepranavg

      April 17, 2026 at 1:04 pm

      @Andrej-cp9dp what’s the issue with that? Wish it was tested as well.

    • @Andrej-cp9dp

      April 17, 2026 at 2:39 pm

      @seepranavg Deifinitely not best watch in the market,maybe in a budget segment

  41. @g_runner444

    April 14, 2026 at 6:06 pm

    Great video, I’m currently using an older Garmin (35), but I’m thinking of purchasing the Corros Pace 4, would like to see that one. I’m a runner so for me it would be to either stay with a Garmin or move to the Corros. Thank you.

  42. @jayperez97

    April 14, 2026 at 10:28 pm

    I love the dedication to make this video

  43. @Aesthetic_Al

    April 15, 2026 at 12:15 am

    Great video. I’m curious what was the difficult part in converting the file from garmin? 4:55

  44. @tn_59_raider

    April 15, 2026 at 7:43 am

    Use huawei watch

  45. @iamajayvaghela

    April 15, 2026 at 8:49 am

    Test apple watch 11 series vs whoop band. Which one is more accurate?

  46. @auslandermercury972

    April 15, 2026 at 9:40 am

    Nice! I was hoping this would confirm my own findings. I actually switched from using the Polar H10 to my Apple Watch a few years ago, because I wanted a daily tracker, but not before I did about a week’s worth of workouts using both, to make sure the switch was worth it, and I found pretty much the same results. The Apple Watch kept up with the Polar H10 pretty perfectly. I love it, and I’m happy you found the same 😍 YES! 😁 ⌚️

  47. @monrush

    April 15, 2026 at 9:55 am

    It’s a shame you can’t use the Huawei watches and fitness trackers.

    • @seepranavg

      April 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm

      i was about to say this.

    • @wyw201

      April 17, 2026 at 4:35 pm

      If you have one let us know of the results

  48. @Hady_2424

    April 15, 2026 at 11:50 am

    good vid but you missed sleep tracking

  49. @sd30001

    April 15, 2026 at 11:58 am

    Missed the Coros Pace 4! The athletes watch!

    • @Underground-Musik

      April 16, 2026 at 5:32 am

      Thats because that watch is simply bad.

    • @sd30001

      April 16, 2026 at 7:16 am

      @Underground-Musik Lol. You do know the world champions that use it, don’t you? Jakob Ingebrigtsen for starters.

  50. @donnyekaputra1991

    April 15, 2026 at 12:11 pm

    Smartwatch etc is really stupid

  51. @krollpeter

    April 15, 2026 at 1:26 pm

    The Amazfit is not a good buy. For a cheap watch, consider the Huawei Watch Fit 4 – if it is allowed for sales in your country. The Galaxy is constant disappointing for its price. The Garmin is overpriced, but for good analysis and training tips it is an excellent watch. No other presents it’s data and findings so well.

  52. @AJHall-y4z

    April 15, 2026 at 2:18 pm

    Curious to know if you have ever tested the 21 and 14 days power reserve Huawei GT 6 pro or the Huawei GT Runner 2 watch and if so, how do you rate Huawei against these brands. Thanks

  53. @todd5

    April 15, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    Why did you not do a Garmin Fenix, it is the top of the line watch which would be more comparable to an Apple Watch, each watch has their niche’s, for me Garmin, living in Colorado, mountains, mountain biking skiing, etc is the best watch there is – that and the battery last for TWO weeks – Apple 1 day – these are pretty important features. I get the test is specific to biometrics, but the Fenix is the one that should have been tested here.

    • @desert-fax-only

      April 17, 2026 at 9:29 pm

      The Garmin watch tested was already the most expensive of the lot. I used to be a Garmin fan having used them since the first-gen Forerunner, but the utility of a smart watch converted me over.

    • @desert-fax-only

      April 17, 2026 at 9:29 pm

      The Garmin watch tested was already the most expensive of the lot. I used to be a Garmin fan having used them since the first-gen Forerunner, but the utility and better engineering of a smart watch converted me over.

  54. @jouzef3878

    April 16, 2026 at 6:13 am

    What about Huawei watch gt 6pro

  55. @BrunoOliveira-rl9cu

    April 16, 2026 at 6:22 pm

    Apple Watch is the best smartwatch in the world garmin is good for who cannot have one like android users

  56. @LuisH2744

    April 17, 2026 at 11:47 am

    🙄🙄

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