ZDNET’s 2026 process for testing and evaluating smartwatches

ZDNET outlines how it tests smartwatches in 2026, describing the procedures used to evaluate features such as health tracking, GPS, sensors, companion-app support and advanced functions. Most watches ZDNET evaluates are purchased after public release and are worn continuously for at least a couple of weeks to test battery life, health and wellness tracking, GPS accuracy, heart rate sensor reliability and design.

The reviewers say they maintain relationships with many brands to ask technical questions, test a handful of third-party apps, and note that app experiences will vary for users. The outlet says price and battery life are less significant for recommendations, and instead bases recommendations on five factors (in order): core functionality and performance; build quality and durability; health and wellness; applications; and advanced features.

ZDNET emphasizes core functions such as reliably showing the time, complications on watch faces, notification triage and improved voice-to-text, while also noting performance depends on body geometry, band fit, the connected smartphone and cellular reception; reviewers test watches with their large-size wrists and phones.

ZDNET highlights recent health and advanced features in the space: Apple’s continued health work and upcoming watchOS 11 features, Google’s Fitbit Premium with AI coaching powered by Gemini, and Samsung’s AI coaching, and it says Apple’s basic Apple Health experience is in need of a major overhaul.

Key Topics

Tech, Smartwatches, Apple, Google, Samsung, Garmin