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2026 Fitness Watch Picks: Garmin Epix Pro Leads, Apple Watch SE and Budget Options Highlighted

Battery life versus app support emerges as the pivotal trade-off for buyers in early 2026.

Overview

  • Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) is singled out for rugged build and standout endurance, with a reviewer reporting around 21 days per charge without the always‑on display and UK pricing at £369.99 via H Samuel.
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) earns praise for broad workout tracking, sleep respiratory rate readings, and fall/crash detection with Emergency SOS, though a 2023 unit now needs daily charging after noticeable battery degradation.
  • Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is recommended as a value tracker offering accurate step counts, heart‑rate monitoring, reliable battery life, and a 1.6‑inch AMOLED display for straightforward fitness tracking.
  • Amazfit Active is presented as a strong budget choice with roughly 14 days of battery life, water resistance, basic smartwatch features, and an AI training coach, but it lacks robust app availability and did not offer Strava as a downloadable app in testing.
  • The roundup frames wearables as practical tools for New Year fitness and health monitoring across budgets, notes that metrics are not medical diagnoses, and discloses affiliate links influencing the commerce‑style guide.