Looking for a smartwatch that’s suitable for smaller wrists? Here are our favorite small smartwatches.
Smartwatches are ubiquitous. In a short time, they’ve gone from tech novelty to commonplace everyday carry, and for good reason. The leading models are almost as capable as smartphones. They have apps, notifications, GPS, and cellular connectivity. They can also track your heart rate during workouts and have complete waterproof construction.
There’s no argument that wearable tech can add value to daily life. But are there any smart watch for small wrist options out there? We set out to answer this question and review the top picks. Here are our favorite small wrist sized smartwatches in no specific order.
Quick Take
Want the shortlist? Here are The Modest Man’s top two picks.
Apple Watch SE
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Need more options? Read on to see the complete list of small wrist smartwatches.
Criteria for the Best Smartwatch for Small Wrists
Smartwatches are a dime a dozen. So, we had to level the playing field with a few requirements. To make our list of best small wrist smartwatches, they had to meet the following criteria:
- Case diameter (or at least display size) of 40mm or less
- Smart capabilities: At least smart notifications
- Fitness capabilities: At least heart rate and GPS
- Models from reputable tech companies
Now, let’s discuss other smart watch small wrist features.
Small Size and Fit
Fit is everything. Putting a large watch on a small wrist will never look good. A simple rule of thumb for smaller wrists is to stick to a watch size of 40mm or smaller. There are plenty of options in that range for a traditional non-smartwatch, but the selection of wearable tech is narrow. Most smartwatches are big and chunky. This criteria narrowed the field dramatically.
Solid Capabilities
We needed to draw some boundaries around what “smart” means. Heart rate monitoring and GPS cover the minimum for recording workouts or sports. These help track intensity, distances/times, routes, etc. In addition to fitness tracking, a smart watch’s convenience is easily pairing with your smartphone, which allows you to receive notifications on your wrist.
So, heart rate, GPS, and smart notifications are the minimum requirements.
Quality Technology
The last point may be the most important. We’re talking about tech. Although style is a priority, we want products made by companies specializing in tech, not fashion. It may seem dogmatic, but we’re focused on quality and usability first.
Best Apple Watch for Small Wrists
As of the time of publication, Apple Watch has gone through 10 different watch series’, not including their SE or Ultra line. Unfortunately, we’ve also noticed that each time Apple rolls out a new watch, it gets bigger and bigger. The first iterations of the Apple Watch came in a 38mm model. Fast forward to today, and the smallest Apple Watch is the 2nd Generation SE model at 40mm. The higher-end models, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, start at 42mm and 49mm, respectively.
Therefore, based on our aforementioned criteria, the 2nd Generation Apple Watch SE is your best bet.
Apple Watch SE (Gen 2)
Originally, the Apple Watch was the only full-stack flagship smartwatch that offered a smaller size. When Brock initially tested various smart watches, he used a 38mm Series 3 LTE model. (Apple offers their watches in GPS and GPS+LTE models). With text and call ability, the LTE connectivity means your watch can act as a phone on its own. It doesn’t require being within range of your smartphone. This is great for outdoor activities like biking or running when you don’t want to carry your phone.
Apple is now on the Series 10, but the smallest option is 42mm. Though it has a larger case, it is slimmer/thinner than previous models. Either way, the build quality is excellent, and the design is smooth and cool. However, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 measures a smaller 40mm.
My nine-year-old daughter wears an Apple Watch SE Gen 2 with LTE capabilities. Yes, at 40mm, it’s big on her wrist, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s a great option for guys (or gals) married to the brand but looking for a smaller smartwatch option.
After all, the Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches on the market because the whole ecosystem works. Plus, it has a great selection of apps, and you don’t have to be tech-savvy to set it up.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Sleek design
- Tracking accuracy
- Competitively priced with other smartwatches
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Only compatible with Apple devices
- No longer comes in 38mm size
Price in 2024: $279-$329 (depending on size and connectivity option)
Apple Watch SE Versus Apple Watch Series 10
Apple released the Apple Watch Series 10 in September 2024. As with each new iteration, the Series 10 has many new features. The Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch to date and has the largest screen. It has 75% more screen than the Series 3 and 9% more screen than the latest 7, 8 and 9 series models.
The Apple Watch Series 10 also offers new health insights, including sleep apnea notifications. It features new depth and water temperature sensors and is the fastest-charging model. You can obtain 80% battery life in 30 minutes.
However, one of the most significant changes is the size. The Apple Watch Series 10 is 42mm by 36mm and 9.7 mm thick. The aluminum model weighs 30 grams, while the titanium model is slightly heavier at 34.4 grams.
If you’re wondering how the Series 10 and the SE (2nd Gen) compare, here are a few notable differences:
- Price. The SE is roughly $200 cheaper than the Series 10 for the GPS + Cellular model.
- Features. Considering the SE is Apple’s “budget” model, it has considerably fewer features than the Series 10. The 10 has a better display, a newer and faster processor chip, more GB capacity and low-power battery modes.
- Health monitoring. The Series 10 comes with more health monitoring capabilities if you want to monitor your health metrics. These include an ECG app, sleep apnea notifications and wrist temperature sensing functions.
As you can see, Apple equips the Series 10 with more capabilities, but has a price tag to match. Unfortunately, size-wise, it’s not the best option for small wrists. For that reason alone, the Gen 2 SE is the better pick for small-wristed folks.
Best Garmin Watches for Small Wrists
You might better be served with a Garmin watch if you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast. Sure,, they offer customizable smartwatch tech, but you can’t beat their tracking metrics for activities. There are many watches in the Garmin line up, and they span in price range from $112 to $1900 – unfortunately, many of them are large. They have watches up to 51mm! However, if Garmin might be a better match for you, I found a few options for small-wristed folks.
Garmin Instinct 2S Solar
It’s no secret that Garmin smartwatches tend to be a bit big, especially for guys with small wrists. However, the Instinct 2S Solar is a great pick because it contains so many features and is 40mm. It’s rugged-looking and has protection to match.
It features a solar-charged display and is water-rated to 100 meters. To maintain its rugged aesthetic, Garmin tested it to US military 810 standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Training for a Spartan run or Tough Mudder? Like you, the Instinct 2S Solar is up for the challenge.
Pros:
- Features galore! This watch is jam-packed full of features. Most notably, it has solar-powered glass to help extend battery life, navigation, an altimeter, a barometer and a compass. It also has many smart features, such as smart notifications and contactless payment.
- Options. The Instinct 2S Solar has many options in terms of size and color. The smallest size is 40 mm, but you can opt for a solar or non-solar version and 13 different colorways.
Cons:
- Size. We’ve mentioned this before, and we’ll say it again. Ideally, 40mm is the biggest you should go if you have small wrists. Some 40mm watches wear small but this one doesn’t. It’s big and bulky.
- Lack of color screen. Maybe you don’t need a color screen on a rugged watch. That’s fine, but it’s worth mentioning that this one is only black and white.
Price in 2024: $299-$399
Garmin Lily 2
Garmin boasts that the Lily 2 is a “small, stylish smartwatch.” We’d have to agree. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that resembles a dress watch, the Garmin Lily 2 is a great option. While the brand markets it towards women, we’ve always said that there’s nothing wrong with wearing a “women’s” watch. Especially if it provides a stellar fit.
The real draw here is Lily’s motion-activated switch from a patterned lens to a touch screen. When worn at your side, it resembles a classic wristwatch. But with a quick flick of your wrist, it can display health monitoring data, calls, texts, and calendar reminders. All of this information is navigable via the watch’s touchscreen. That’s why I especially like wearing smart casual style office attire with this smart watch.
If you want something sporty, choose the Lily 2 Active model, which comes with a silicone band instead of a classic nylon band.
Pros:
- Size. At almost 36 mm, the Lily 2 is the ideal size for slender wrists. It’s one of the smallest smartwatches on this list.
- Features. It’s a Garmin, so you know it has many features. These include a heart rate monitor, stress tracking, pulse oximeter sensor, move alerts, and, of course, smart notifications.
- Variety. You can pick one of the pre-built Lily’s or create your own. Choose from two cases and five bands. You can also buy additional watch straps to change up your look.
Cons:
- Lack of color screen. Like the Instinct 2S, this Garmin lacks a color display. I understand why there may not be one on an outdoor adventure watch, but it should have one for a dress-style watch.
- Cannot sync to gym equipment. If you’re using the Lily 2 to work out it doesn’t have the capability to sync with gym equipment to track your heart rate and other metrics.
Price in 2024: $249-$299
Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 may not look entirely impressive on its surface. Especially with both price and appearance in the middle range of smartwatches. But thanks to Garmin’s attention to detail in their watches, the Vivosmart 5 is loaded with enough unique features. These features make it an attractive option for health-minded wearers.
The Vivosmart 5 tracks the usual suite of heart rate, sleep, and general activity tracking. However, it also tracks your stress levels by monitoring respiration and hydration. That makes it an effective tool for keeping your total body health on track. Sync it with the Garmin Connect app. You’ll have access to information recorded in real-time and displayed in useful graphs and charts.
Pros:
- Size: It wears more like a bracelet than a watch. So, if you want to double up and wear the Vivosmart 5 with your traditional watch, you can.
- Automatic tracking capabilities: The Vivosmart 5 automatically starts tracking certain activities and has all-day heart rate, SpO2 and stress tracking.
Cons:
- Accuracy. Some reviewers claim its tracking features aren’t always accurate.
- Lacks features. The features are pretty basic. It lacks features like built-in GPS and contactless payment like most smartwatches.
Price in 2024: $149
Garmin Venu 3
The Venu 3 is one of Garmin’s more fashion-forward smartwatches. It’s also the biggest on our list of smart watches for small wrists at 41mm. However, it’s the only Garmin on this list with a microphone and speaker for taking and making calls from your wrist.
The Garmin Venu 3 fully leverages a slate stainless steel bezel and graphite case to create a sleek and sporty look. But behind the Venu 3’s appearance lies a host of smart features, all accessible via the watch’s touch screen. The watch has 25 pre-loaded fitness apps and Apple and Android compatibility. Therefore, it gives you everything you need to stay fit and connected day in and day out.
Pros:
- Battery life. Most reviewers raved about the Venu 3’s battery life. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 14 days.
- Fitness tracking. It’s a Garmin, made for the outdoors and fitness, so its fitness trackers are bar none.
- Style. The Venu 3 is sleek and stylish, and there’s a full-color display.
Cons:
- Price. It’s not the most expensive watch in the Garmin line-up, but it’s undoubtedly expensive when you compare it to something like the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen.
- Limited Apps. The Venu 3 is a serious competitor for the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Unfortunately, at its price point and considering its competition, it lacks app availability.
- Size. Even though it’s the smallest watch in the Garmin lineup with a microphone and speaker, it’s still pretty large, especially for slender wrists.
Price in 2024: $349-$449
Garmin Vivomove Sport
As the more sport-oriented version of Garmin’s Vivosmart, the Vivomove Sport retains the series’ range of case and band options. It does a great job of straddling the line between sporty and fashionable, featuring a traditional analog watch design with a digital twist.
All the usual fitness and health tracking suspects are present here. It also has smart notifications, a calendar view, a handy timer, and a stopwatch function. Are you looking for a traditional watch that seamlessly integrates smart features into a classic look? The Vivomove Sport is your best option.
Pros:
- Variety. Like the Lily 2, the Vivomove Sport is customizable with 4 case options and 21 band options.
- Style. It’s a smartwatch that doesn’t outwardly look like one. Plus, it’s water-rated to 50 meters, so you can certainly swim with it on.
- Price. For the style, features and size (40mm), it’s a pretty nice package for a decent price.
Cons:
- Finicky Screen Display. Some users have reported that the screen isn’t the most responsive to touch.
Price in 2024: $179
The Best Smart Watch for Small Wrists: Other Models
Apple and Garmin aren’t your only options for smartwatches for small wrists. Luckily, plenty of them are on the market, including big brands like Samsung and Google, and others with less popular names. However, all of them are great options.
Google Pixel Watch 3
The last two versions of Google’s Pixel Watch measure 41mm. Luckily, it doesn’t wear large. If you’re looking for the ultimate smartwatch from Google, the Pixel Watch 3 has you covered. It can do almost anything–think of it as your own personal assistant on your wrist. You can control your Pixel camera, have AI screen your calls, control your Google TV and even record your thoughts on the go. Of course, you have to have compatible devices, but if you’re entertaining this watch, you are likely married to the brand.
Aesthetically, it has a sleek display that’s almost space-like. Really, it’s reminiscent of an astronaut’s helmet. It comes in four color options; of course, you can choose your watch face display.
Pros:
- Better display. The Google Pixel Watch 3 has the best display of all iterations of this watch. It’s bright and responsive, making it easier to view and use.
- Battery life. The Watch 3 features a larger battery, which means it has a longer battery life, which can last more than 36 hours in Battery Saver mode.
Cons:
- Subscription features. Some of the advanced features require a subscription to Fitbit Premium. Especially if you want access to workouts. However, the watch comes with 6 months’ worth of Fitbit Premium.
- Price. As one of Apple Watch’s biggest competitors, it’s slightly more expensive.
Price in 2024: $279-$349
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Think of the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE as the equivalent of the Apple Watch SE. It offers everything you need, minus a few fancy features, at a budget price. It features a smaller screen than the Watch7, but only slightly (by .1 inch, to be exact). But most importantly, it does what you need it to – monitor your heart and sleep patterns, track workouts, and it’s stylish.
Like the Apple Watch, you can pick up the Galaxy Watch FE in a Bluetooth/WiFi version or Bluetooth/WiFi + LTE. It also comes in three colors. Oh, and it measures 40mm so it’s wearable on small wrists.
Pros:
- Price. As the budget-friendly sibling of the Samsung Galaxy Watch7, you don’t get all of the features, but it is enough to make the lower price point absolutely worth it.
- Design. Budget-friendly models typically look different or are made with cheaper materials to cut costs. You don’t get that with the Galaxy Watch FE. It looks just like the Galaxy Watch7.
Cons:
- Battery life. The FE has a smaller battery than the Watch7. However, this model also has a smaller display, which should help with battery life. Also, the charge takes a bit longer.
- Fewer health features. One thing you’ll compromise for cost is fewer health features, primarily some of the more intricate sensors and Galaxy AI, which provides wearers with an overall wellness score.
Price in 2024: $159-$249
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is the newest iteration of the Galaxy watch. The brand also makes a Galaxy Watch Ultra, but if you have a slim wrist, you should steer clear of it. The Ultra measures a brawny 47mm—that’s big, even for large wrists. The Watch7 is a handsome watch, especially in the military green colorway.
The Watch7 received significant upgrades from the Watch6. It features a more powerful processor, which results in better efficiency and performance. The Watch7 has a newer and better BioActive sensor for more accurate health monitoring and has improved sleep tracking.
The Galaxy Watch7 comes in 2 case colors and 14 band options. If you prefer an oversized watch look, Samsung also offers it in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm.
Pros:
- Better tracking capabilities: The Watch7 features dual-frequency GPS. This means it can better track your location and distance as you exercise. There’s also less interference if you trek through the concrete jungle or densely tree-populated areas.
- Tracking accuracy. The Watch7 is one of the most accurate Galaxy watches yet. This is important if you want to track your heart rate, sleep or overall health.
Cons:
- Battery life. For this latest iteration, Samsung did not upgrade the battery. Many users of the Galaxy Watch6 complained about the lackluster battery life, so it’s disappointing that Samsung didn’t upgrade here.
Price in 2024: $239-$329
Fitbit Sense 2
Steering away from the bracelet-style Fitbits, the brand created the Fitbit Sense 2. Even better, it’s packed with more features to help you manage your stress, sleep better, and track your activities. Unlike the other Fitbits in Google’s lineup, this one has a speaker and microphone, so you can make Bluetooth calls from your wrist.
Of course, it comes with a slew of other features, including a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, skin temperature sensor, built-in Alexa, and access to Google Wallet and Maps. Plus, it has 50 meters of water resistance and is 40mm. If you’re looking for something simple but packed with features, check out the Sense 2.
Pros:
- Stress management tools. The Fitbit Sense 2 helps you manage your stress through built-in breathing guides and offers an overall stress level score.
- Battery life. If you have difficulty remembering to charge your battery, you don’t have to worry too often with the Fitbit Sense 2. Google claims you can get more than 6 days of battery life out of a full charge.
Cons:
- Inability to control music control. Many people utilize their smartwatches to access their music on the go. Unfortunately, you cannot control your music using the Fitbit Sense 2.
- Lack of third-party apps. You’re limited to Fitbit-based apps, Google Wallet and Google Maps. That’s it. You’ll need to look elsewhere if you want more than the basics.
Price in 2024: $179-$249
Fitbit Luxe
The Fitbit Luxe’s slim design, polished stainless steel case, and multiple band options set it apart from the other picks. It features a five-day battery, daily readiness scores, and numerous connectivity options. The Luxe is just as capable of a smart device as any other smartwatch.
Fitbit primarily markets the Luxe to women through its many colors and band styles. However, the black graphite and stainless steel coloring are also suitable for guys with smaller wrists. I also like the silver stainless steel mesh bracelet paired with the Luxe.
Pros:
- Slim design. One of the best things about the Luxe is the slim design. It’s especially nice for slim wrists or for pairing with your watch. It’s easy to wear the Fitbit Luxe with a classic watch and no one will notice you’re wearing both.
- Great battery life. You can get up to five days worth of battery life out of one charge.
Cons:
- Screen size. It’s natural for a smartwatch or fitness tracker of this size to have a small screen. But, it may be difficult to see for some users.
- Bang for your buck. It’s price is pretty steep, particularly at full price. Especially if you consider you can snag a smart watch with full app and tracking capabilities at a similar price point.
Price in 2024: $119-$199
Fitbit Inspire 3
Reliable, affordable, simple, and slim, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is ideal for anyone in the market for a health tracker who also wants a handful of smartwatch features. Equipped with the Fitbit app, it can track everything from activity levels to sleep quality, food logging, and more.
At under 100 dollars, the Inspire 3 is a great way to get started using a small smartwatch. Its ultra-lightweight silicone band guarantees comfortable and barely noticeable wear. Yes, even if you’re not accustomed to wearing a standard wristwatch.
Pros:
- Price. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the cheapest option on our list of small smartwatches for small wrists. The lower price point makes it accessible for almost everyone.
- SpO2 sensor. At the price point it’s amazing that the Inspire 3 has a SpO2 sensor. It means it can track your blood oxygen saturation. It also has other health tracking capabilities such as accelerometer and an optical heart rate monitor.
Cons:
- Inaccurate readings. Some users report the health tracking is inaccurate at times.
- Subscription required for some features. The Fitbit Premium membership allows you to access health metric trends and a daily readiness score. The membership is $9.99 per month but you get a trial membership with purchase.
Price in 2024: $69-$99
Withings ScanWatch 2 38mm
While many smartwatches offer basic health and fitness tracking, few are as highly certified as the Withings Scanwatch 2. Withings equips the Scanwatch with a clinically validated electrocardiogram and SpO2 sensor, which makes it fully capable of delivering the in-depth health data desired by amateur and professional athletes alike.
Aside from its top-of-the-line functionality, the ScanWatch has one of the widest ranges of styles and colors to choose from. You can choose from six cases and 18 bands to mix and match to produce a staggering number of looks. This personalization makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a more fashion-forward small smartwatch.
Pros:
- Classic “watch” design. Watch enthusiasts who want smart watch capabilities but the aesthetic of a traditional analog watch will love this option. After all, it is a classic watch with a small screen inlaid in the dial.
- Health tracking capabilities. The Withings ScanWatch 2 features a clinically validated ECG with recordings as well as AFib detection.
Cons:
- Screen size. Like mentioned above, Withings inlaid the digital screen in the watch’s dial. Many users report it’s a small display and is hard to read.
- Price. It’s certainly expensive for something with such a small display. But, it also has above-par health tracking capabilities.
Price in 2024: $279-$349
Withings ScanWatch Light
The Withings ScanWatch Light is another small watch with big features. At 37 mm, it is the slightly smaller little sibling of the Scanwatch 2. It features a stainless steel case and crown and Gorilla Glass so it can take a few accidental knocks.
Alongside its good looks, the ScanWatch Light offers a suite of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and sleep quality monitoring. True to Withings’ style, it’s available in any combination of five different cases and 14 unique bands.
Overall, it’s an excellent fit for anyone reluctant to give up their classic wristwatch but still wants smart watch health tracking features.
Pros:
- Comfortable. The ScanWatch Light is one of the few smart watches on this list that wearers have regularly mentioned it’s comfort.
- Battery life. Both Withings options have exceptional battery life. The ScanWatch Light can get up to 30 days on one charge.
Cons:
- Small display. The ScanWatch Light and the ScanWatch 2 both share the same inlaid display. It’s small and hard to read.
- One size option. There’s only one size option for the ScanWatch Light – 37mm. That’s great news for slender wristed men and women. However, if you want options you don’t have them.
Price in 2024: $199-$249
Smart Watch for Small Wrists Comparisons
With so many smartwatches on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your options. We’ll cover a few of the most common comparisons here in the hopes that they will make your shopping experience a little bit easier.
Apple vs Android
The Apple vs Android debate spills over from smartphones to smartwatches. And impassioned Apple vs. Android fans will take to their sides of the aisle quickly. But don’t jump to conclusions so fast. Consider this: You can snag the base Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for about $279 from Apple, which is $120 more than the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE.
In terms of specs, they are similar, with slight differences. It truly comes down to compatibility. The Apple Watch SE integrates seamlessly with your other Apple devices if you’re an Apple user. The same goes for the Galaxy Watch and Android-based devices. Just like with smartphones, this battle comes down to preference. The good news is both offer great smartwatches for small wrists.
Garmin vs The Rest
Truly, the Garmin only makes sense for runners and serious athletes. Compared to the shiny industry leaders of the smartwatch world, Garmin is like a trip back to the year 2000.
Almost everything about it is dated and lackluster (yes, I am talking about those greyscale displays). If you want something with a colored display comparable to Apple, Samsung, or Google, you’ll pay a pretty penny for it.
If you’re looking for an all-around smartwatch, this is not for you. But if you’re training for a marathon, it is for you. After all, there’s a reason you see endurance athletes almost exclusively wearing Garmin watches.
FAQs
We just offered a lot of information in this list of the best small smartwatch for small wrists. If you have more questions, it’s understandable. We’ve rounded up a few of the most common queries regarding the best small smart watches and answered them here.
What Is the Smallest Size Apple Watch?
At the time of publishing, the smallest Apple Watch new on the market is the Apple Watch SE Gen 2. It’s 40mm in size and about the biggest slender wristed folks should wear.
What Size Watch for 6 Inch Wrists Is Best?
Ideally, if you have a wrist circumference of 6” you should stick with a watch case size of 34mm to 38mm.
What Is the Smallest Smart Watch?
The smallest smart watch on our list is the Fitbit Inspire 3 or Fitbit Luxe which measure at 18.6mm in width. Some of the other smallest options include the Garmin Vivosmart 5, Garmin Lily 2, and Withings ScanWatch Light.
Wrapping Up the Conversation About Our Best Smart Watch for Small Wrist Picks
As you can see, you’re not exactly limited when it comes to the best small watches for small wrists. Sure, there are far fewer, comparatively speaking, but most of the leading brands have options.
Depending on your budget and personal preferences, Apple, Samsung, and Google have great models in smaller sizes. They’re refined, good-looking, and high-quality. For the dedicated athlete or outdoorsman looking for a strict sports watch, the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a capable and reasonably sized choice.
Which smartwatch do you prefer? Why? Let us know in the comments below.
