Mashable Names Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5 Top 2026 Smartwatches Under $400
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Oct 17
Mashable Names Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5 Top 2026 Smartwatches Under $400
3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Oct 17
Summary
Mashable’s 2026 smartwatch picks put Apple Watch Series 12 atop iPhone options and Google Pixel Watch 5 first for most Android users, framing the latest flagship cycle as strong across both ecosystems.
Series 12 won on Apple’s new S11 chip, upgraded heart-sensor array, longer workout battery life and faster charging, while Mashable said it delivers the same core chip-and-sensor package as the pricier Ultra 4.
Pixel Watch 5 beat other Android rivals with a faster processor, doubled storage, improved GPS, faster charging and new health features including blood-pressure and insulin-resistance trend monitoring, plus deeper Gemini integration.
Price remained a key theme: most recommended models sit between $250 and $400, but Mashable also highlighted Apple Watch SE 3 at $249 and Nothing’s CMF Watch 3 Pro at $99 as standout budget buys.
The rankings come after recent launches from Apple, Google, Samsung and Garmin, with Google still set to unveil the Fitbit Edge later this month as competition broadens across watches, rings and sleep trackers.