Sending and receiving text messages is a standard feature found in most smartwatches. This can be done using the built-in messaging app or by installing a third-party messaging app. To use this feature, you need to pair your smartwatch with your smartphone using Bluetooth and configure the watch to access your messaging app. After the setup is complete, you can compose and receive text messages using the watch’s touchscreen or voice commands.
6 Best smartwatches for texting on the market in 2023: Our Top Picks
| Best Text Messaging | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2 |
| Best Elevation Tracker Smart Watch | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Best Smart Watch for Android | Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen |
| Best Activity & Fitness Tracker | LG Watch Urbane Wearable Smart Watch |
| Best For Active Lifestyles | Ticwatch E most comfortable Smartwatch-Shadow |
| other | Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch |
It’s important to note that certain smartwatches may have limitations when it comes to messaging, such as only allowing users to view incoming messages without the ability to respond. The extent to which you can use a smartwatch for texting will also vary depending on the specific watch model and its features, as well as the messaging app being used.
1.SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2
Pros
- Intuitive heart rate sensor
- Long battery life
- Wireless Qi charging
Cons
- Clunky interface and app management
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch for Android users that supports text and talk with wireless Qi charging and decent multi-day battery life makes this a smart choice.
For this guide, we’re only considering Android-based smartwatches for Android phones that fully support texting. While most Android smartwatches can be paired with an iPhone, the iPhone doesn’t adequately support texting through an Android smartwatch. Therefore, the best smartwatch for Android users is undoubtedly from Samsung. Our top pick is the Galaxy Active 2, which provides a hands-free alternative to using your Android phone and boasts a multi-day battery life. Moreover, if you have a Samsung phone, you can charge your watch wirelessly using the Qi charging feature by simply placing it on top of your phone.
The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 offers a talk-to-text feature that supports sending and receiving calls and texts. Additionally, you’ll have full access to managing your emails and calendar events, and you can make contactless payments using the Samsung Pay app. For those who rely on voice assistants, Samsung’s proprietary Bixby assistant is always available to assist you. The smartwatch also features fitness tracking with an automatic detector that recognizes the type of activity you’re engaged in and tracks it accordingly. The watch tracks standard health metrics such as heart rate, step count, calories burned, and sleep quality. Additionally, it offers value-added features like a stress tracker and access to the Calm app to help you manage your day-to-day stress. However, some users complained that the interface was clunky, and the app management feature was not user-friendly. In such cases, it may be better to opt for a hybrid smartwatch that offers an on-screen display for more than just fitness metrics.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best smartwatch you can text on with an iPhone thanks to its native OS support, a 50-meter water resistance, and the ability to put this watch on a separate mobile line.
Pros
- Supports Wi-Fi and cellular use
- Sleep tracking and fitness tracking
- Wireless Qi charging
Cons
- Poor battery life depending on usage
If you’re an Apple iPhone user looking for a smartwatch that supports texting seamlessly, we strongly recommend the Apple Watch. Through our research, we have found that it’s the only watch that doesn’t require a complicated workaround for sending texts. The Apple Watch is designed to be a hands-free iPhone replacement, and it’s the only smartwatch that allows you to text from your wrist with an iPhone. The latest version, the Series 6 Apple Watch, is packed with features that enable you to leave your iPhone behind, including the ability to put your watch on a separate line on your phone plan. This makes it easy to access smart features without having your iPhone nearby. Although we have given it an Honorable Mention award in this guide, it’s the top pick for iPhone users who want to send texts from their wrist.
In addition to phone and text support, the Apple Watch Series 6 boasts an always-on retina display that’s 30% larger than the Series 3. It also features enhanced health and fitness tracking for sleep, continuous heart rate monitoring, ECG readings, and blood oxygen levels, which can all be tracked through Apple Health on your watch or iPhone. You can use the Apple Pay app for contactless payment, and the watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. The only downside to the Apple Watch is its battery life, which is one of the worst among smartwatches. Although the brand claims an 18-hour battery life, it depends on how frequently you use the smart features such as phone, text, and streaming media content. If battery life is a concern, you may want to consider the best rugged smartwatch with Max Battery GPS Mode, which can run up to 145 hours on solar charging or 70 hours without solar.
Also read:The best smartwatches for calls and texts 2022
The Moto 360 smartwatch offers premium health tracking and notification capabilities at an affordable price. Using the latest Android Wear software, you can reply to emails and text messages by dictating them to your watch with highly accurate voice control. While typing is also an option with downloadable keyboard apps, it may be challenging depending on your finger size.
In addition to the impressive voice function, the Moto 360 boasts a sleek metal casing and a borderless screen, as well as a heart rate monitor and pedometer for fitness tracking. Although the battery life is limited to a day or two, the stylish design and budget-friendly price make it a compelling choice.
4.LG Watch Urbane Wearable Smart Watch
The LG Watch Urbane is an elegant smartwatch that stands out for its classic design. If you prefer a traditional timepiece, this watch combines the latest technology and allows you to control your digital life from your wrist without constantly checking your phone.
Thanks to the improved voice recognition system, you can use “OK Google” commands to reply to messages that are pushed to your watch. Alternatively, you can use a keyboard app to type out your messages on the large OLED screen. The stainless steel body and leather strap give the Urbane a premium look and feel.
This smartwatch is ideal for those who want to replace their phone or reduce their screen time. With a high-capacity battery, the Urbane can last longer than many other smartwatches on the market. Overall, the LG Watch Urbane is a great option for anyone who values both style and functionality in their wearable device.
5.Ticwatch E most comfortable Smartwatch-Shadow
The Ticwatch brand may not be on your radar, but it has quietly produced one of the most popular smartwatches that allows for messaging. The Ticwatch E2 has garnered hundreds of 4-star reviews on Amazon and is definitely worth considering.
This smartwatch boasts a plethora of sensors, including built-in GPS, a large circular screen, Google Play apps, and voice recognition. The latter feature enables you to respond to messages and emails, as well as make phone calls to your contacts, all with the convenience of hands-free control. And the best part? It comes at a price well below $200.
It’s no surprise that this watch has become so popular, as it offers many of the same features as more expensive smartwatches while maintaining an attractive design. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, the Ticwatch E2 should be at the top of your list.
6.Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
The Fitbit Versa 2 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and also offers excellent texting functionality. Android users can take advantage of customizable text templates or utilize the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant’s text-to-voice feature to reply to messages. The smartwatch features a large, clear display, and while the processor specifications are not listed, reviewers have reported that it operates smoothly and quickly.
- Compatibility: Android, iPhone (with texting limitations)
- Water-resistance rating: Up to 50 meters
- Battery life: 6 days
In addition to its texting capabilities, the Fitbit Versa 2 is designed for fitness enthusiasts with the ability to track over 15 exercises and connect to your phone’s GPS for real-time pace and distance tracking. With an always-on display and an impressive six-day battery life, this smartwatch is a great option for those who want to stay active without having to constantly charge their device. However, it’s worth noting that if you don’t have an Android phone, you’ll be limited to only viewing texts and won’t be able to reply without using your phone.
How We Decided
When you narrow down your smartwatch search to ones that support texting, the field instantly becomes less cluttered. To create our guide for the best smartwatch for texting, we focused on the following key features — OS compatibility, text support, functionality, and battery life. Because texting is a function that separates Android and Apple devices, you’ll find that we narrowed down our criteria significantly so that only Apple Watches were promoted for iPhone users and all Tizen (Samsung) and Wear OS-backed watches were targeted for Android users. And you’ll note that text support for smartwatches is usually limited to talk to text features where a voice assistant or a specific program must be accessed to dictate messages for transcription to your watch.
Aside from texting, most smartwatches that support full-text functionality also support making and receiving phone calls. Likewise, you’ll usually have access to email, managing calendars, streaming media, and making contactless payments. But you’ll also want to pay attention to the battery life. Unlike traditional fitness smartwatches with limited smart support, these watches are promoted as hands-free companions that untether you from your smartphone. So, battery life tends to be greatly reduced and your experience may vary depending on how frequently you rely on smart features like texting, phone calls, and streaming media which all drain power faster. And a common issue we found was that many brands had watches that fell far short of their promoted battery range. Still, you’ll find a range from just 18 hours to as much as two weeks.
Best Smartwatches for Texting Buyers Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
OS Compatibility
The OS or operating system compatibility is crucial for a smartwatch that supports texting. This is especially true for iPhone users. While most smartwatches that support texting can seamlessly work with an Android phone whether they run on Wear OS, Tizen for Samsung, or an alternate platform, they usually don’t work as well with the iPhone. And this means that the best bet for finding a smartwatch that supports texting if you’re an iPhone owner is to get an Apple Watch. Also, note that the Apple Watch only works with Apple devices such as the iPad and iPhone and cannot pair with an Android device.
Text Support
Most smartwatches have screens that are too small to support actual typing. Instead, you’ll have the option of talk to type or talk to text which converts your spoken words into text that can be sent to contacts. Also note, that we’re focusing on watches that support true text messaging, not just quick template replies. Quick reply text messaging functions are common from many third-party brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and AmazFit. However, it is possible to find a few Wear OS supported third party watches that allow for Android users to access talk to text support.
Functionality
More than likely, if you’re shopping for a watch that supports texting, you’re also going to have access to more robust smart features like making and receiving calls, contactless payments, streaming media, and additional apps both proprietary to the watchmaker and from third-party developers. But you also might want to consider what fitness and health tracking or music controls are available through the watch. And in some cases, you can find features like Apple’s Hand Off which allows you to open an app on an iPhone or iPad and seamlessly continue using it on the Apple Watch.
Battery Life
Being able to send and receive texts is considered a smart feature. And typically, the more smart features a watch supports, the lower the battery life range tends to be. In some cases, you can find watches like the Apple Watch that can’t survive 24 hours without being recharged whereas other smart-heavy watches can last at least 24 to 48 hours depending on total usage. They all have their pros and cons, but if having enough time with the battery life is crucial for you, then pay close attention to the battery spec. You can also learn about additional features that can help save battery, or you can avoid the “always-on display” feature. You can turn off the calling features when you’re sure you don’t need them in the moment.
5 Advantages of Smartwatches
1. Smartwatches Support Healthy Living
Did you know that pedometers aren’t the only wearables that can track health? Smartwatches like Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy, Apple, Garmin, etc. can also track health details such as calories burned, sleep, stress, blood pressure, heart rate, level of oxygen in the blood, and skin temperature among others.
Some of the physical activities smartwatches can monitor include running, swimming, weight lighting, cycling, walking, etc.
Smartwatches then analyze the activities then provide reports. For in-depth results, you will need to log into the companion app.
2. With a Smartwatch you Look Fashionable
If you are the type who person who wants to look trendy then you may want to add a smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series or Fitbit Series because they are designed to look stylish, fashionable, and blend with any outfit (casual or official wear).
A smartwatch will make you look good while on the streets, on a date, at school, or at a business meeting.
3. Get Notifications and Never Miss Calls
With a high-end smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series, 7 users are able to get notifications like emails, incoming calls, texts, reminders, etc.
You can receive calls and respond to calls right from the smartwatch without retrieving your smartphone from the pocket or briefcase.
Smartwatches that can provide real-time notices are best for people who are always busy/on the move and who don’t find missed calls a big deal – a smartwatch provides you with quick access to notifications.
4. Smartwatches are Convenient
There are smartwatches that come with the Near-Field Communication (NFC) feature which enables users to make payments contactless/cashless.
For that users don’t have to carry their credit cards or wallets. A number of smartwatches will also be able to send texts and pick up or make calls as if the smartphone is anywhere near thanks to the LTE cellular feature.
5. Entertain through Music and Videos
There are smartwatches that come with local storage that let you store music files. You will also be able to stream from popular music platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and Deezer.
No matter what you are up to (cycling, walking, running, on a treadmill, or jogging) a smartwatch keeps you entertained.
All you need to do is connect to a headset like Airpods. A smartwatch like Garmin is good with Airpods. Most of these smartwatches are high-end and will cost a lot of money.
Disadvantages of Smartwatches
1. They Come at a High Price
Most quality smartwatches come at expensive prices that only a few people can afford. The watches are priced from $100 all the way to $1000+.
Only a few smartwatches are below the $100 in which most of them are for kids and don’t offer a lot of exciting features. Fortunately, we have an article that lists some cheap smartwatches you can get for less than $100.
2. Battery Life is Limited
Poor battery life is a common con on most smartwatches. Most smartwatches can be used for a day or two after 2 to 3 hours of complete charging.
Worst of all there are others that don’t last even a day when features like the GPS and Music are used. So to at least reach a day with such a smartwatch you will need to disable the GPS mode or not use the music.
You will also need to ensure the watch has sufficient when you want to keep track of your sleep or else you will find a dead phone the next day you wake up.
3. Display is too small for People with Big Fingers
Smartwatches clutter everything on the small display. People blessed with bigger fingers will find it difficult to tap on options.
Selecting the right button when opening apps may require additional effort. In addition, some people strain to watch guided workouts or fun videos on the display because it is too tiny for videos, the experience you get can’t compare to the one you get on a tablet, PC, or smartphone.
As for now Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch Series 4 are the smartwatch models that come with much bigger screen sizes.
Apple Watch Series 4 and Galaxy Watch are available in two various sizes 40mm and 44mm while Samsung Galaxy Watch is available in 42mm and 46mm.
4. Some Smartwatches Depend on Smartphones
A smartwatch (the secondary device) that doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi networks or doesn’t have an LTE cellular connection is supposed to be within a range of 300 feet of the smartphone (the primary device).
The range we are talking about is the Bluetooth range. In other words, you will always need to have your phone in your pocket or purse.
You will still need your phone even if the smartwatch have can operate without a phone nearby. And the reason for that there are functions that a smartphone has that a smartwatch doesn’t have.
5. Some Smartwatches have Irreplaceable Bands
There are a number of smartwatches that come with wrist straps that cannot be replaced. They therefore cannot be customized too much a day’s look and will need so much care for the bands to serve for long.
Can you text on a smartwatch?
Yes, most smartwatches have the ability to send and receive text messages. Some smartwatches even have their own cellular connection, which allows them to send and receive texts without the need to be connected to a smartphone. In general, however, most smartwatches are designed to be used with a smartphone, so you will need to have your smartphone with you in order to send and receive text messages on your smartwatch.
To do this, you will need to download a messaging app on your smartwatch, and then connect your smartwatch to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Once your smartwatch is connected to your smartphone, you should be able to send and receive texts directly from your smartwatch.
What Android watch can you text on?
Any Android smartwatch that has the ability to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth can be used to send and receive text messages. Some popular Android smartwatches that have this capability include the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the LG Watch Sport, and the Fossil Q Explorist.
To use your Android smartwatch to send and receive texts, you will need to have a messaging app installed on your smartwatch, and then connect your smartwatch to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Once your smartwatch is connected to your smartphone, you should be able to send and receive texts directly from your smartwatch.
What smartwatch can you text on with an iPhone?
There are many smartwatches that are compatible with iPhones and can be used to send and receive text messages. Some popular smartwatches that are compatible with iPhones include the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, and the Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch. To use your smartwatch to send and receive texts with an iPhone, you will need to have a messaging app installed on your smartwatch, and then connect your smartwatch to your iPhone using Bluetooth.
Once your smartwatch is connected to your iPhone, you should be able to send and receive texts directly from your smartwatch. Keep in mind that some smartwatches may require you to use a specific messaging app in order to send and receive texts, so be sure to check the documentation for your specific smartwatch to determine which app you need to use.
Can you text from a Fitbit?
Most Fitbit devices do not have the ability to send and receive text messages. Fitbit devices are primarily designed for fitness tracking and do not have cellular connectivity or a built-in keyboard, which are necessary for sending and receiving text messages.
However, some Fitbit devices, such as the Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Versa, do have the ability to receive notifications from your smartphone, including text messages. If you have one of these Fitbit devices, you can set it up to receive notifications from your smartphone and then view the notifications on your Fitbit device. However, you will not be able to send or reply to text messages directly from your Fitbit device.
Keywords in this article: Best Text Messaging Smart Watches