(Pocket-lint) - Google's Wear OS is one of the most widely used operating systems for smartwatches.
Known as Android Wear until it was rebadged in 2018, there's been plenty of new features added to help it compete with the likes of Apple, Samsung and Fitbit.
While it doesn't necessarily match up to those rivals in every key area, Google's watch OS is ideal for those who want the basics. It's also available whether the connected handset is an iPhone or Android device, and the amount of smartwatches running from the platform provides buyers with the broadest range of designs to pick from on the market.
In this guide, we'll be detailing the very best watches that use Wear OS by Google. There's something for every budget, from the likes of TicWatch, Tag Heuer, Fossil, Oppo and many more.
Best Wear OS smartwatches to buy today
TicWatch Pro 3
squirrel_widget_3696515
Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 3 steers the company's premier smartwatch line back in the right direction, bolstering a new design and solid performance boosts.
It features Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 under the hood, which helps power the refreshed UI for even longer - expect three days of full use and the option of 45 days in a stripped-back mode.
Our only concern is that it's still not a bonafide watch for exercisers, but, for those who want a stylish, slim Wear OS watch with all the basics, this is definitely one to consider.
Tag Heuer Connected 2020
squirrel_widget_231495
There's no escaping the price tag attached to Tag Heuer's premium smartwatch, but this has always been a line more focused on style over substance.
Wear OS does its best to match the superb build quality and luxury feel of the latest Tag smartwatch, and, thanks to Qualcomm's Wear 3100 processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage, it's a comfortably smooth experience.
If you crave the best-looking smartwatch on the market, this is the pick, but we'd look elsewhere if you just want a better blend of affordability, style and functionality.
Oppo Watch
squirrel_widget_4253564
Oppo's debut smartwatch is a great example of how some companies are starting to take the highlights of Wear OS and mix in the rest themselves.
You get the notifications and apps from Google's software, but Oppo's ColorOS boosts areas like fitness tracking into another dimension. It's a very smooth experience, let down only by the two days of battery life.
For those who want a square-faced smartwatch that's affordable and has a couple of size options, though, this is a really solid device to consider.
Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch
squirrel_widget_167394
The Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is one of the latest models in the company's portfolio, featuring the same internals as the likes of the Puma Smartwatch.
There are plenty of designs available - even if they are all pretty big - and the watch straps are easy to switch for a different look. This is, in many ways, some of the purest Wear OS use you can find, and it's the best it's ever been right here.
Qualcomm's Wear 3100 processor delivers smoother performance than previous Fossil smartwatches, while the battery charging speed is much faster than it was before, and there is also a heart rate monitor and built-in GPS to make it a great all-rounder.
Suunto 7
squirrel_widget_176706
Not every smartwatch in the Wear OS bubble is geared towards casual use, and the Suunto 7 is perhaps the best example of how the software can stretch to meet the needs of seasoned exercisers.
It's not a perfect experience, with some of the routes and guidance in need of a tweak, but the screen and battery life are outstanding. There are offline maps, too, and, perhaps most importantly, the data is accurate.
If you want a Wear OS alternative to Garmin's outdoor watches, this is the closest thing you'll find.
Skagen Falster 3
squirrel_widget_192160
The Skagen Falster 3 is a lovely, sophisticated smartwatch that oozes simplicity in terms of design, making it a great option for those after a subtle smartwatch.
Its battery life isn't brilliant and it has older hardware under its hood, making it a little laggy at times, but the minimalist design is excellent, it's waterproof and it has a good display and software experience.
Plus, even though it's not recommended with all the styles of the Falster 3, the option to take advantage of the onboard GPS and Google Fit is there.
Micheal Kors Access MKGO
squirrel_widget_168154
The Michael Kors Access MKGO is more suited to the active user, compared to the Bradshaw, Runway and Sofie models.
It's heavily branded, which might not be to everyone's taste, but the MKGO has a lightweight and sporty design, a lovely display and those Kors customisable faces we love.
The battery life could be better and the performance could be a little quicker, but the MKGO has a great feature set for a great price, including waterproofing, built-in GPS and Google Pay. It's a great smartwatch for the active Kors fan.
Casio WSD-F21HR
squirrel_widget_193391
If you're into your outdoor activities but don't fancy the likes of Garmin, Casio's been making great rugged Wear OS watches for years now.
This latest model brings heart rate monitoring to the table, which we've been wanting for ages, and gets great battery life alongside an impressive dual-layer screen.
Naturally, it's not one we would recommend for around the office or formal wear, but outdoorsy types will wonder how they ever lived without this tracking beast.
Fossil Sport
squirrel_widget_146304
The Fossil Sport is slightly long in the tooth by now, but it holds up as an excellent starter smartwatch that's colourful, affordable and functional.
Since it was the first watch to install Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip, the performance still matches up to more modern devices.
The array of features is very strong - there's GPS for exercise tracking, heart rate monitoring, NFC for contactless payments, a built-in speaker, and it's available in both 41mm and 43mm styles.
Micheal Kors Bradshaw 2
squirrel_widget_172125
The Michael Kors Bradshaw 2 oozes quality and style, delivers a plethora of features - from waterproofing and built-in GPS to a built-in speaker and configurable watch faces - and offers great overall performance.
The battery life could be better and the design isn't really suitable for any of the fitness features offered, but, for the Michael Kors fan, it is everything you could ask for in a smartwatch.
It perfectly blends traditional Kors style with modern day smarts.
