Finding the right smartwatch when you’re serious about fitness can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options claiming to be the best, but most are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores what women actually need from their wearable tech. Whether you’re training for a marathon, lifting weights, doing yoga, or just trying to move more throughout the day, the right watch should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle—looking good on your wrist while delivering accurate health and fitness data that helps you reach your goals.
After testing dozens of wearables over the past year, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best smartwatches for fitness-focused women in 2024. These picks balance accuracy, comfort, battery life, and smart features in ways that actually matter for female users.
Before diving into our top picks, it’s worth understanding the features that truly matter when you’re choosing a fitness-focused wearable. Not all features are created equal, and some marketing claims don’t hold up to real-world use.
The foundation of any fitness smartwatch is its ability to accurately measure what matters most. Heart rate tracking has become standard across most devices, but the accuracy varies significantly—especially during high-intensity interval training or activities with lots of wrist movement. Look for devices with optical heart rate sensors that use multiple LEDs and photodiodes for better accuracy.
Beyond basic heart rate, consider what additional health metrics matter to you. Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring became mainstream during the pandemic and remains useful for understanding how well your body recovers during sleep. Skin temperature tracking is a newer feature that some women find helpful for cycle prediction and understanding hormonal fluctuations. Electrocardiogram (ECG) capability is available on several devices and can detect irregular heart rhythms.
GPS tracking is essential if you run, cycle, or do outdoor workouts. Some watches have built-in GPS, while others rely on your phone’s GPS. Built-in GPS is more convenient and typically more accurate, especially when you’re not carrying your phone.
This is where many fitness watches fall short for women. A watch that’s too large feels clunky and looks awkward on smaller wrists. Many manufacturers now offer smaller case sizes specifically designed for women, typically around 40-42mm compared to the standard 44-46mm men’s sizes.
Weight matters more than you might think if you plan to wear your watch 24/7. A watch that feels heavy during sleep tracking can disrupt your rest, which defeats part of the purpose of a fitness wearable. Look for lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium rather than stainless steel if weight is a concern.
Band comfort and replaceability are practical considerations. Silicone bands are great for workouts but can feel sweaty in daily wear. Quick-release mechanisms that let you swap bands easily mean you can dress up your watch for work or a night out without carrying a second timepiece.
Battery life varies dramatically across smartwatches. If you want continuous health tracking including sleep, you’ll need a device that can last at least 3-4 days between charges. GPS-intensive activities drain batteries quickly, so if you’re a runner planning long sessions, consider that factor.
Some watches offer solar charging, which can extend battery life significantly for outdoor enthusiasts. Others have efficient processor designs that squeeze more life from smaller batteries. Consider your charging setup—whether you have easy access to power throughout your day and whether you travel frequently.
While fitness is the focus, your smartwatch still needs to handle everyday tasks. Notification support, mobile payments, music storage, and voice assistants add convenience. The question is how much you value these features versus pure fitness functionality. Some women prefer a minimalist approach that focuses solely on health tracking, while others want a full smartwatch experience.
App ecosystems matter too. If you’re already invested in Apple’s, Google’s, or Fitbit’s ecosystem, sticking with that brand typically provides the smoothest experience. Cross-platform compatibility has improved, but some features work best within their native platforms.
Based on extensive testing across multiple categories including accuracy, comfort, battery life, and features, here are our top picks for fitness-focused women this year.
The Apple Watch Series 9 remains the best overall smartwatch for most women, and its fitness capabilities are genuinely impressive. The 41mm case size works well for smaller wrists, and the latest generation brings the S9 chip that enables on-device Siri processing and a brighter always-on display.
Fitness features include the comprehensive Workout app with support for dozens of activity types, from running and cycling to swimming, yoga, and dance. The device automatically detects workouts and reminds you to move, helping build consistent habits. Health tracking covers heart rate, SpO2, ECG, and sleep stages, though sleep tracking still requires charging during the night if you want the full picture.
The Apple Watch excels at integration. If you use an iPhone, notifications, Apple Pay, music control, and Siri work seamlessly. The third-party app ecosystem means you can find specialized apps for pretty much any fitness interest. Battery life runs about 1.5-2 days with always-on display enabled, which means nightly charging for sleep tracking.
What sets the Apple Watch apart for women is the Apple Fitness+ service, which offers guided workouts specifically designed for women and includes modifications for different fitness levels. The menstrual tracking features have become more sophisticated over the years, integrating with health data to provide cycle predictions and fertility insights.
The Fitbit Sense 2 takes health tracking to another level, making it ideal for women who want deep insights into their physical well-being. This is Fitbit’s premium offering with their most advanced sensors, including continuous heart rate tracking, SpO2, skin temperature variation, and electrodermal activity (EDA) for stress management.
The 40mm case is compact and comfortable, suitable for all-day wear including sleep. The AMOLED display is crisp and easy to read in various lighting conditions. Battery life reaches 6+ days with typical use, making it one of the longer-lasting options for those who want comprehensive sleep tracking without daily charging.
Fitness features include GPS tracking via your phone, automatic exercise recognition, and Fitbit’s active zone minutes that encourage you to stay in optimal heart rate zones. The Health Metrics dashboard brings together all your biometric data in one place, though some users find the interface overwhelming.
Where the Sense 2 truly excels is stress management and recovery tracking. The cEDA sensor detects subtle electrical changes in your skin that correlate with stress responses, and the guided breathing exercises are genuinely helpful. For women navigating hormonal fluctuations or high-stress lifestyles, these features provide real value.
One consideration: Fitbit’s future within Google remains somewhat uncertain following the acquisition, though the app and devices continue functioning normally for now.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a serious running watch that happens to come in a size that works well for women. With a 46mm case (the smaller 42mm S version is also available), it’s not tiny, but the lightweight design and comfortable silicone band make it wearable throughout the day.
This is a GPS powerhouse. The multi-band GPS acquires satellite signals quickly and maintains accuracy even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or forests. For runners, cyclists, and swimmers who need precise distance and pace data, this is as good as it gets without going pro-level.
Training features go far beyond basic tracking. Garmin’s Body Battery measures your energy levels based on sleep, stress, and activity data. Recovery time suggestions tell you how long to rest between hard workouts. Training readiness scores help you decide whether to push hard or take an easy day. These insights help prevent overtraining and injury.
Battery life is exceptional—about 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode. Women who forget to charge their devices regularly will appreciate this. The display is a vibrant AMOLED that improves visibility over older Garmin models.
The trade-off is that smart features beyond fitness are limited. You get notifications and safety features, but no mobile payments, music storage is limited, and the app ecosystem isn’t as robust as Apple or Fitbit.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 brings excellent fitness tracking to the Android ecosystem with a design that works well for women. The 40mm version hits the sweet spot for wrist size, and the ceramic back feels comfortable against the skin.
Health tracking includes all the essentials: heart rate, SpO2, body composition analysis (measuring body water, muscle mass, and fat percentage), and sleep tracking. Samsung’s sleep tracking has improved significantly and now provides detailed sleep scores and coaching. The BioActive sensor combines optical heart rate, electrical heart, and bioelectrical impedance analysis for comprehensive body metrics.
GPS works well for outdoor activities, though you’ll need to carry your phone for accurate distance tracking on some models. The rotating bezel on the classic version provides intuitive navigation, though the modern bezel-less design still functions well.
One standout feature for women is Samsung’s menstrual cycle tracking, which integrates with the Samsung Health app to provide predictions, symptom logging, and fertility windows. Combined with sleep and stress data, you get a more complete picture of how your cycle affects your daily life.
Battery life runs about 1.5-2 days, requiring nightly charging if you want sleep tracking. This is about average for full-featured smartwatches but behind some fitness-first devices.
The Whoop 4.0 takes a fundamentally different approach than traditional smartwatches. It’s a fitness-focused wearable that prioritizes strain and recovery data over notifications and apps. The small, lightweight band worn on your upper arm (or as a ring) is nearly invisible under clothing.
This device excels at measuring your body’s response to exercise and daily stress. The Strain Coach feature tells you when you’ve reached optimal training load and when you’re pushing too hard or not enough. Recovery scores based on heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep quality help you plan your training intensity.
For women, Whoop’s cycle tracking integration is excellent. The app allows detailed menstrual logging and can show how your cycle affects your recovery and performance. Many users find this data transformative for understanding why they feel stronger some weeks than others.
The trade-off is clear: there’s no display, no notifications, no GPS, and no mobile payments. This is purely a health and fitness tracker. You need to carry your phone for GPS during runs and check the app for all data. The battery lasts about 5 days, requiring a separate charging pack that magnetically attaches to the band.
Whoop operates on a subscription model ($239 per year), which concerns some users but provides ongoing access to their coaching features and detailed analytics.
The Amazfit GTR 4 offers remarkable value, delivering features that rival watches costing twice as much at a fraction of the price. This is the best budget option for women who want serious fitness tracking without breaking the bank.
The 46mm case is larger than ideal for small wrists, but the lightweight design and comfortable fit make it wearable. The battery life is exceptional—about 14 days with typical use and up to 24 days in basic mode. This is the watch to choose if you hate charging.
GPS performance surprised us in testing. The dual-band GPS proved accurate even in challenging conditions, rivaling Garmin’s more expensive models. Sports modes cover over 150 activities, from running and swimming to rowing and skiing.
Health tracking includes heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep. The Zepp app provides detailed analysis and integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit. While the app isn’t as polished as competitors, it offers impressive depth for free.
The GTR 4 receives notifications, controls music, and provides weather updates. Mobile payments aren’t supported, but that’s expected at this price point.
The Oura Ring Gen3 isn’t a smartwatch in the traditional sense—it’s a ring. But don’t let the small size fool you; this device provides some of the most sophisticated health tracking available, making it perfect for women who find traditional watches uncomfortable or unfashionable.
Sleep tracking is where Oura shines. The ring measures sleep stages, restlessness, heart rate variability, and temperature trends with impressive accuracy. The Readiness Score each morning tells you how recovered your body is based on all these factors combined. This is invaluable for women whose bodies fluctuate with menstrual cycles and hormonal changes.
The ring tracks activity throughout the day, measuring steps, calories, and exercise automatically. You can log workouts manually for more detail. The companion app provides insights and trends over time, helping you understand patterns in your health.
The third generation brings improved sensors, better sleep detection, and the ability to track heart rate during workouts. Daytime heart rate monitoring shows your resting heart rate and HRV throughout the day, useful for understanding stress and recovery.
Battery lasts about 4-7 days depending on use, and the charging case makes topping up easy. The main limitation is no GPS, no display, and no notifications—this is purely a health tracker.
The Polar Vantage V3 is a professional-level multisport watch with features that serious athletes will appreciate. While the 47mm case is substantial, women with larger wrists or those who prioritize performance over aesthetics may find this delivers the most comprehensive training insights available.
The V3 includes optical heart rate, ECG capability, blood oxygen saturation, and skin temperature tracking. Polar’s accuracy in heart rate monitoring has consistently ranked among the best in independent testing, which matters when you’re training based on zones.
Training features are extensive. Recovery Pro assesses your readiness based on multiple factors and provides personalized guidance. The Training Load Pro feature breaks down how your workouts impact different energy systems. Sleep Plus Stages provides detailed sleep analysis.
The battery lasts about 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 40 hours in continuous GPS mode—the best in this list for GPS-intensive use. This is the watch for ultra-endurance athletes who need multi-hour tracking without anxiety about battery life.
Smart features are present but secondary—notifications, weather, and timer functions work, but the focus remains firmly on training optimization rather than everyday convenience.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most rugged and capable smartwatch, designed for extreme sports but refined enough for daily wear. If you want the absolute best Apple Watch experience with maximum battery life, this delivers.
The 49mm case is large but proportionally designed, and many women with active lifestyles appreciate the additional screen real estate. The titanium case balances durability with weight, and the bands are designed to stay secure during intense activity.
Battery life reaches about 2-3 days with typical use—significant improvement over the regular Apple Watch. This enables sleep tracking without nightly charging, which many users find transformative for understanding their rest patterns.
Fitness features include precision GPS, depth gauge for diving, temperature sensing, and dual speakers for better audio during workouts. The Action button can be customized for starting workouts, marking segments, or other functions.
The Ultra 2 includes all the same health tracking features as Series 9, plus some additional sensors. It’s essentially the ultimate Apple Watch for women who want everything in one device and don’t mind the larger size.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 proves that effective fitness tracking doesn’t require spending hundreds of dollars. This slim, lightweight band delivers the essential health insights most women need at an accessible price point.
At just $99, you get continuous heart rate tracking, sleep stages, SpO2 monitoring, and activity tracking. The device automatically recognizes workouts and tracks them without manual setup. Active Zone Minutes encourage you to reach target heart rate ranges throughout the day.
The battery lasts about 10 days—significantly longer than full smartwatches. This means you can wear it continuously for sleep tracking without interruption, and charging becomes a rare occurrence rather than a daily ritual.
The compact design (the band is about 14mm wide) fits comfortably on smaller wrists. The OLED display is monochrome but readable, showing time, stats, and notifications.
What you don’t get is built-in GPS (it uses your phone), NFC for payments, or app support. But if your priority is health tracking without the complexity and cost of a full smartwatch, the Inspire 3 delivers excellent value.
Each smartwatch in this guide underwent at least two weeks of real-world testing. We evaluated accuracy by comparing readings against medical-grade equipment and other trusted wearables. GPS accuracy was tested across multiple runs in different environments.
Comfort was assessed through all-day wear including overnight sleep tracking. We noted any skin irritation, weight concerns, and how well each device stayed secure during exercise.
Battery testing involved using each device as our primary tracker with typical features enabled, measuring how long before we needed to charge. We also tested GPS-intensive scenarios to understand real-world battery drain.
Smart features were evaluated on an iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23, testing notification accuracy, mobile payments, and app integration. The companion apps were rated on usability, data presentation, and cross-platform functionality.
Finding the best smartwatch for fitness as a woman ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and ecosystem. The Apple Watch Series 9 remains the best overall choice for most women, delivering comprehensive fitness tracking, an excellent app ecosystem, and smart features that work seamlessly with iPhones. The smaller 41mm case fits comfortably on smaller wrists, and the health insights are detailed without being overwhelming.
If health tracking and recovery insights matter more than smart features, the Fitbit Sense 2 or Whoop 4.0 provide deeper biometric analysis. Garmin’s Forerunner 265 is the runner’s choice with exceptional GPS accuracy and training features that help prevent overtraining.
Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate the Amazfit GTR 4 and Fitbit Inspire 3, which deliver core fitness tracking at significantly lower price points. Women who find watches uncomfortable should consider the Oura Ring, which provides sophisticated health tracking in a package that’s barely noticeable.
Whatever you choose, the best fitness smartwatch is one you’ll actually wear consistently. The data only helps if you’re tracking regularly, so consider comfort and battery life as heavily as features when making your decision.
Which smartwatch has the best battery life for women who forget to charge?
The Amazfit GTR 4 offers the best battery life at about 14 days with typical use, making it ideal for those who dislike daily charging. The Garmin Forerunner 265 also excels at about 13 days, while the Oura Ring lasts 4-7 days between charges.
Are smaller smartwatch sizes available for women with small wrists?
Yes, several options come in women’s-specific or smaller sizes. The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in 41mm, the Fitbit Sense 2 is 40mm, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has a 40mm variant. Band lengths vary between models too, so check specifications for the best fit.
Can these smartwatches track menstrual cycles?
Most of these devices offer menstrual cycle tracking. Apple Watch integrates with the Health app, Samsung Galaxy Watch has built-in cycle tracking, Fitbit devices track periods and predict cycles, and Whoop has detailed cycle logging. The Oura Ring also supports temperature-based cycle tracking.
Do I need a subscription to use these fitness watches?
Most work without subscriptions. Fitbit and Apple devices work fully without paid plans. Whoop requires a $239 annual subscription for continued use. Garmin offers free basic features with optional premium subscriptions for advanced training insights.
Which smartwatch is best for running and cardio training?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 offers the best GPS accuracy and training features for serious runners. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also performs excellently with great battery life. For casual runners, the Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 provide sufficient GPS tracking.
Can I track sleep with these smartwatches?
All the watches on this list offer sleep tracking, though quality varies. The Oura Ring and Fitbit Sense 2 provide the most detailed sleep analysis. Apple Watch can track sleep but requires nightly charging if you want full data. The Inspire 3 and Amazfit GTR 4 offer solid sleep tracking with minimal charging interruption.
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