Best Smartwatches with Speaker and Microphone
Smartwatches have evolved far beyond simply counting steps and sending notifications. Today, many models include built-in speakers and microphones, allowing you to take calls, use voice assistants, listen to audio, and interact hands-free. Whether you want convenience during workouts, quick calls on the go, or seamless integration with your smartphone, these features can make a big difference.
This guide examines the top smartwatches with speakers and microphones in the USA (priced in USD), highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and comparative advantages.
Why Choose a Smartwatch with Speaker and Microphone?
1. Hands-Free Calls
One of the most significant advantages of having a smartwatch with both a speaker and a microphone is the ability to answer or make calls directly from your wrist. Whether you’re cooking, driving, or walking, you don’t need to grab your phone to stay connected. This makes them especially useful for people who want to remain reachable without carrying their phone everywhere.
2. Voice Assistants
Smartwatches equipped with microphones allow you to interact with voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby. This means you can set reminders, check the weather, send messages, or control smart home devices without needing to touch your phone. The integration can be a game-changer for multitaskers who need quick access to information or controls on the go.
3. Music and Podcasts
With built-in speakers, you can play music or podcasts directly from your watch—handy when you don’t have your phone nearby. Most smartwatches also allow you to connect Bluetooth earbuds for improved sound quality, but the speaker is ideal for casual listening or when you need background music. Some watches even allow offline storage of playlists, so you can leave your phone at home while working out.
4. Fitness and Safety Features
Many smartwatches now go beyond fitness tracking by offering emergency call features, SOS alerts, and fall detection using their microphones and speakers. For example, if you fall or face an urgent situation, the watch can call emergency services or notify selected contacts. Combined with features like heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking, these functions make smartwatches not just convenient but also potentially life-saving.
5. Convenience
Perhaps the most significant benefit is overall convenience. A smartwatch with a speaker and microphone means you can handle quick interactions without fumbling for your phone. Whether you’re at the gym, jogging outdoors, driving, or even in a meeting where pulling out your phone feels disruptive, your watch keeps you connected discreetly and efficiently.
Top Smartwatches with Speaker and Microphone
1. Apple Watch Series 9
- Price: From $399
- Best For: iPhone users who want seamless integration
- Key Features:
- Advanced health monitoring (ECG, blood oxygen, heart rate)
- Siri with on-device processing
- Crystal-clear speaker and dual microphones
- Emergency SOS and fall detection
- Wide app ecosystem
Pros: Best performance and ecosystem, excellent call quality
Cons: Only compatible with iPhone, expensive
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- Price: From $299
- Best For: Android users (especially Samsung phones)
- Key Features:
- LTE or Bluetooth versions
- Google Assistant and Bixby support
- Clear speaker and noise-cancelling microphone
- Advanced sleep and heart health tracking
- Works with Google apps (Maps, YouTube Music)
Pros: Great for Android users, long battery life (up to 40 hours)
Cons: Limited features with the iPhone
3. Google Pixel Watch 2
- Price: From $349
- Best For: Google ecosystem users
- Key Features:
- Google Assistant integration
- Built-in microphone and speaker for calls
- Fitbit fitness tracking included
- 24-hour battery with fast charging
- Sleek, compact design
Pros: Perfect for Google services, accurate fitness tracking
Cons: Smaller battery than Samsung or Garmin
4. Garmin Venu 3
- Price: From $449
- Best For: Fitness-focused users who still want calling features
- Key Features:
- Speaker and microphone for calls and a voice assistant
- Advanced workout analytics and recovery tracking
- Garmin Coach training plans
- Sleep coaching and body battery metrics
Pros: Long battery life, excellent for athletes
Cons: More expensive, fewer apps than Apple/Google watches
5. Fitbit Versa 4
- Price: From $229
- Best For: Budget-friendly fitness tracking with call support
- Key Features:
- Bluetooth calls with built-in speaker and mic
- Google Assistant and Alexa support
- 6-day battery life
- Fitness and sleep tracking with Fitbit Premium
- Lightweight and comfortable design
Pros: Affordable, strong battery life
Cons: No LTE option, fewer advanced apps
Comparison Table: Best Smartwatches with Speaker and Microphone
|
Smartwatch |
Price (USD) |
Battery Life |
Voice Assistant |
Best For |
|
Apple Watch Series 9 |
$399+ |
18 hours |
Siri |
iPhone users |
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
$299+ |
Up to 40 hours |
Google Assistant/Bixby |
Android users |
|
Google Pixel Watch 2 |
$349+ |
24 hours |
Google Assistant |
Google ecosystem users |
|
Garmin Venu 3 |
$449+ |
Up to 14 days |
Voice Assistant |
Fitness enthusiasts |
|
Fitbit Versa 4 |
$229+ |
Up to 6 days |
Alexa/Google Assistant |
Budget-conscious buyers |
How to Choose the Right Smartwatch with Speaker and Microphone
When selecting the best smartwatch for your needs, it’s essential to consider more than just the design or price. Here are the main factors to consider:
1. Compatibility
Not all smartwatches work with all phones.
- Apple Watch only works with iPhones, making it the best choice for iOS users, but it is entirely incompatible with Android.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit work with Android, and most also pair with iPhones. Still, some features (such as replying to messages or using certain apps) may be limited on iOS.
- Before buying, always confirm whether the smartwatch offers full functionality with your phone type.
2. Battery Life
Battery performance can vary widely depending on the brand and usage:
- Garmin Venu 3 and similar Garmin models are known for exceptional battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
- Fitbit devices typically last between 5 and 6 days on a single charge.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch generally last 1–2 days, while
- Apple Watch usually requires daily charging (around 18–24 hours per charge).
If you dislike frequent charging, Garmin or Fitbit may be better suited.
3. Budget
Price points range from entry-level to premium:
- Fitbit Versa 4: Budget-friendly option, great for fitness tracking with calling features.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Mid-range pricing with strong all-around performance.
- Apple Watch Series 9, Google Pixel Watch 2, and Garmin Venu 3: Premium-priced models, offering more advanced sensors, apps, and build quality.
4. Usage Needs
Think carefully about how you’ll actually use the smartwatch:
- If fitness and health tracking are your top priority, Garmin and Fitbit excel with longer battery life and advanced health metrics.
- If you want innovative features, apps, and communication tools, Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch offer the richest ecosystems.
- If you want a balance of fitness and innovative features, the Google Pixel Watch sits in the middle with Fitbit-powered tracking and full Google apps.
5. Voice Assistant Preference
Different brands offer different voice assistants, which can shape your experience:
- Apple Watch: Siri
- Samsung Galaxy Watch: Google Assistant and Bixby
- Google Pixel Watch: Google Assistant
- Fitbit: Alexa (some models also support Google Assistant)
- Garmin: Supports voice assistants when paired with your smartphone
Select the one that integrates best with your existing smart devices or ecosystem (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa).
FAQs
1. Can I make calls without a phone using these smartwatches?
Yes, but only if you choose LTE-enabled models, such as the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. Bluetooth-only models require your phone to be nearby.
2. Do all smartwatches work with both iPhone and Android?
No. Apple Watch only works with iPhone. Samsung, Google, Garmin, and Fitbit work with both, but features are limited on iOS.
3. Are smartwatch speakers good enough for music playback?
They work for quick listening, but for better quality, pair with Bluetooth headphones.
4. Which smartwatch has the best microphone for calls?
Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are widely praised for their clear microphone quality.
5. Do smartwatches with speakers drain battery faster?
Yes, using speakers for calls or audio reduces battery life, but most watches balance this with power-saving features.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
The best smartwatch with a speaker and a microphone really comes down to your smartphone type, ecosystem, and lifestyle needs. Here’s how to decide:
1. iPhone Users – Apple Watch Series 9
If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner. Its integration with iOS is seamless, from making and receiving calls and sending texts to controlling apps and syncing health data with Apple Health. Features like Siri, fall detection, and advanced health sensors make it more than just a smartwatch—it’s a companion for both productivity and wellness. While it requires daily charging, its performance and user experience are unmatched for Apple users.
2. Android Users – Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
For Android users, especially those with Samsung phones, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers the best combination of features, value, and battery life. It supports both Google Assistant and Bixby, handles calls smoothly, and integrates well with Google services. With up to 40 hours of battery life and robust health tracking, it strikes a balance between being a powerful smartwatch and a fitness tracker.
3. Google Fans – Pixel Watch 2
If you’re deep in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 2 is your ideal choice. It works seamlessly with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and YouTube Music, all of which are controlled via Google Assistant. It also offers Fitbit-powered health and fitness tracking, making it a hybrid device that covers both productivity and wellness. Although its battery life is shorter than that of some competitors, its integration with Google services makes it a strong option.
4. Fitness Lovers – Garmin Venu 3
For those who prioritize fitness and outdoor training, the Garmin Venu 3 is a standout option. While many smartwatches include fitness tracking, Garmin’s reputation for accuracy and depth is unmatched. The Venu 3 not only tracks workouts, sleep, and recovery but also allows calls and voice commands through its built-in mic and speaker. With up to 14 days of battery life, it’s designed for athletes and active lifestyles that don’t want daily charging.
5. Budget-Conscious Buyers – Fitbit Versa 4
If affordability is a key consideration, the Fitbit Versa 4 offers excellent value for money. It supports calls via Bluetooth, integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, and covers the essentials in fitness and health tracking. With up to 6 days of battery life, it’s a solid entry-level option for those who want smartwatch convenience without the premium price tag. While it lacks LTE and some advanced apps, it delivers strong performance for everyday users.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of which model you choose, having a smartwatch with a speaker and microphone brings a new level of convenience to your daily life. From taking calls hands-free to using voice assistants, streaming audio, or sending emergency alerts, these devices make staying connected easier and more efficient. Whether you’re aiming for high-end features, fitness accuracy, or simple affordability, there’s a smartwatch tailored to fit your needs.
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