Make your life easier by getting a smartwatch that can text.
Not only does it inform you about incoming calls and text messages on the paired smartphone, but it enables you to respond to them straight from your wrist.
One good thing about wearing a smartwatch that can text is that phone dependency is significantly reduced as it allows for 2-way communication.
Various watch brands offer these wearable text-machines; however, not all provide the same high-quality features.
Therefore, to help you choose the right one, we compiled a list of the best smartwatches that can text.
Read ahead for our comprehensive guide and reviews.
See Our Best Smartwatches For Texting
# | PREVIEW | Product | |
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1 |
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2
Best Overall
2Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch
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3
Best For Low Budgets
3Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen. Smartwatch
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4
Best For Higher Budgets
4Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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1. Ticwatch – E Shadow Most Comfortable Smartwatch
- Compatible with iOS, Android and Google Assistant
- Built-in GPS
- Can track your fitness through your preferred fitness apps
- Heart rate monitor
If you’re looking for an intelligent smartwatch, this Ticwatch E model could be the answer. Looking first at the design, this is a typical smartwatch with a chunky case, large OLED display and a silicone strap.
But we suspect it’s the features not the appearance that will win you over, as this watch is compatible with iOS, Android and Google Assistant, opening up a wealth of applications for you to choose from.
You can track your exercise using your favourite fitness apps, and there’s a heart rate monitor to see how your body performs during your workouts.
Built-in GPS allows you to both navigate and track your route on runs and cycles, and you can listen to Google Play music as you go.
Syncing this device with your smartphone will also mean you can receive notifications on your wrist, but some of the best features – such as the ability to answer a call from the watch – are only available to Android users.
This watch is competitively priced, too, so we think it’s a great all-rounder.
Specifications
Pros
- Large OLED display
- Can sync to your smartphone to receive notifications
- Variety of customised face designs available through the Google Play store
- Touchscreen operation
Cons
- Some features (such as answering calls from your wrist) are only available for Android users
- Some users report screen burn (screen discoloration) issues
2. Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch
- GPS/Glonass tracker
- Text-messaging
- Pedometer
- 4GB storage
- Heart rate monitor
- Fitness tracker
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- iOS and Android compatible
The Gear Sport is the latest in the line of industry-leading sportswear technology by Samsung. It has been reviewed to display reliability and durability on several levels.
With multiple texting options, a high water resistance rating, and credible health and fitness trackers, this latest Samsung text watch will provide functionality for years!
Staying in touch with your family and friends is convenient with the Gear Sport. It will allow you to reply using speech-to-text, a conventional keyboard, or instant smart replies that you can customize as per your preferences.
We like the fact the watch is iOS and Android compatible, giving both OS users a chance to get their hands on this fantastic text message watch.
In addition to that, it offers an impressive 5ATM water-resistance rating that can withstand brief splashes of rainwater, swimming, and underwater activities.
This smartwatch is also exceptional at tracking sports and health data with useful high-end features like heart rate monitors, speed monitors, and calorie count.
Specifications
Pros
- Several texting features
- Full-keyboard
- Water-resistant up to 5ATM
- Accurate GPS and health tracking
- Long battery life
Cons
- Customers said that a speaker would have been a welcomed addition to this smartwatch
3. Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen. Smartwatch
- Fitness tracker
- Send voice messages
- Android wear
- Gorilla glass 3
- 4GB storage
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Heat rate monitor
- Accelerometer
- Light sensor
Most people know Motorola for its epic 2000-era phones. However, they were also one of the first few tech companies to venture into the smartwatch industry.
Their latest smartwatch, Moto 360, is attracting all headlines with its classic and unique design, soft touch and feel, and convenient texting, making it one of the best smartwatches you can text on!
It has all the features of a high-end smartwatch, such as health trackers, fitness trackers, and notification abilities. Furthermore, Motorola has priced all these premium features at a reasonably lower price tag.
With this smartwatch, you can write and reply to your emails and text messages through voice.
The latest Android software in this text watch features a precise voice control system that allows for seamless dictation.
The only drawback of this stunning watch is the battery that lasts two days, but it still proves to be value for money because of the price and features.
Specifications
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 0.5m
- Send text messages via voice control
- Classic design
- Supports health apps, notes, and maps
- Quick-release straps for ease
Cons
- Some users stated that it has lower battery life as opposed to other comparable models
4. Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch
- Built-in GPS
- Activity tracking
- Heart rate tracking
- Magnetic charger snaps
The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is powered by Wear OS and compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones.
This smartwatch pairs seamlessly with all android devices like the Pixel, Samsung, etc. It features a long battery life, providing a full day’s use in multi-day extended mode, and takes an hour for a full charge.
You can track your activity and heart rate using Google Fit, and the built-in GPS lets you map out your running routes and distance.
And if you go for a swim, do it without having to take off this swim-proof smartwatch!
Furthermore, you can customize it using several different watch faces and widgets whenever you want to switch things up.
This Fossil model allows you to stay connected 24/7 and provides you with hundreds of different fitness, entertainment, and payment apps to use.
Lastly, it’s great for travel as it features automatic time zone detection and calendar syncing. Useful features for when you’re on the move internationally.
Specifications
Pros
- Fast charging
- Long Battery life
- Excellent connectivity
- Trendy design
Cons
- Some users felt that the screen is not as bright as they expected
- Buttons seem to be smaller for people with big fingers
5. LG Watch Urbane Wearable Smart Watch
- P-OLED Display
- Gorilla Glass 3
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 4GB storage
- Alarm
- Notifications
- Bluetooth connectivity
- PPG sensor
- Stainless steel case
- Leather band
The Watch Urbane is one of the best-looking smartwatches you can text on, particularly if you like classical timepieces.
This latest model by LG unites traditional design with contemporary technology and provides a smartwatch that will make you forget your smartphone exists.
With its OK Google commands, texting is made a lot easier; you can reply and control all your messages on the watch.
The watch also has an enhanced accuracy voice recognition software that will recognize every word, no matter how lightly spoken.
Using the conventional keyboard app to text is also an option, which won’t be challenging because this gadget comes with a slightly larger screen than most other models on the market.
Moreover, it has a stainless steel casing and a leather band that provides this text watch a premium luxury feel. Plus, you can experience a variety of apps in vibrant colors with its OLED screen.
The watch has a decent 1-meter water-resistance rating and a battery life that can easily last two days.
Specifications
Pros
- Classic design
- Comfortable to wear
- Water-resistant up to 1 meter
Cons
- Not compatible with iOS
6. icWatch Pro 3 GPS Smart Watch
- Google Assistant
- Extended battery
- Advanced Fitness and health tracking
- Sleep tracking
- Built-in speaker and microphone
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in altimeter
Ticwatch has displayed some fantastic smartwatch engineering in recent times, which has resulted in the Pro 3. Its one of the most popular text message watches available today due to its innovative features and irritation-free wear.
This model offers a convenient and easy two-way calling and texting feature that makes communication seamless.
It comes with multiple texting options, which means you can reply to a message through dictation, instant pre-written smart replies, or via keyboard.
Google Assistant offers accurate text-to-speech capabilities on this device.
Apart from texting, the watch has health and fitness trackers that help you remain active and healthy by tracking your steps and monitoring your heart rate.
In addition to that, it has an IP68 water-resistance rating that can handle swimming and other water-specific activities.
Lastly, this text watch has an extended battery life that can last between 3 to 45 days, depending on use. You won’t find such impressive battery life on other comparable models.
Specifications
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 1.5 meters
- Long battery life
- Fast performance
- Impressive design
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
Cons
- Some users complained about the band being a bit restrictive
7. Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Sofie Smartwatch
- View and Respond to texts
- Stainless steel case and band
- Heart rate tracking
- Fitness tracker
- Reminders
- GPS tracker
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Touchscreen
This Michael Kors smartwatch comes in an exquisite design that provides reliable, waterproof, and luxurious performance. It will make you stand out among the vast majority of other Android wear users.
Like other Android OS smartwatches that make two-way communication easy, this one also delivers notifications from text messages, WhatsApp, emails, and calls right to your smartwatch. You can respond to them via voice, smart replies, or through a keyboard.
This model is waterproof up to 30 meters to withstand brief splashes of water; however, it’s unsuitable for swimming, bathing, and any activity that requires submersion.
In addition to that, it has a built-in GPS that allows you to track your steps, location, and activities. With its health monitoring feature, you can monitor your heart rate closely.
Specifications
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 30 meters
- Fashionable design
- Offers customized faces
- Impressive build quality
- Smooth operation
Cons
- The battery life is not as good as other comparable models
Text Message Watch Buying Guide
What Smartwatch Can You Text On?
There are many different Android and iOS smartwatches available on the market, but not all of them let you text.
However, some do!
A collection of great smartwatches you can text on includes Samsung Gear Sport, Motorola Moto 360, Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle, LG Watch Urbane, TicWatch Pro 3, Willful, and Michael Kors Access Gen 4.
These are some of the best smartwatches for texting, with several other high-end features to explore.
Smartwatch Messaging
Smartwatches usually only let you read notifications without giving you the facility to reply.
In contrast, others allow you only to read text messages.
Today, we’re discussing a type that will do both those things and let you reply from the watch in whatever manner you find suitable.
For example, a useful smartwatch will let you respond to your text via voice recognition software, instant smart replies such as “I’ll call you back later,” or through a full keyboard.
Phone Calls Ability
When connected with your smartphones, smartwatches notify you of incoming texts, social media posts, instant messages, and calls.
However, some allow you to receive phone calls through your connected smartphones, while a few others let you dial calls directly from the smartwatch itself.
Operating System
The first thing to consider before making a purchase is whether the smartwatch you’re planning to buy is compatible with your smartphone.
That’s important because you’ll have to pair them first to gain access to your apps, calls, messages, and media.
Here are the two operating systems to decide between:
Android
Android Wear or Wear OS is Google’s operating system for smartwatches.
It works seamlessly on all android smartphones. Although it allows iPhone users to connect, it doesn’t give them unlimited connectivity.
Therefore, if you have an Android smartphone, an Android smartwatch for texting is the best choice!
iOS
If you’re an iPhone owner looking for the best smartwatches you can text on, choose an iOS smartwatch because they are compatible together and provide access to a reliable Apple ecosystem.
These smartwatches are simple to use and offer industry-leading performance coupled with a trademark look and appeal.
As mentioned, all iPhones are compatible with Android smartphones; however, with limited functionality.
Important Features
Heart Rate Monitor
Almost all smartwatches for texting have a convenient heart monitoring feature. With this capability, users can monitor their heart rate to improve athletic performance or manage stress levels.
Water Resistance
As these watches are highly dependable, there will be a time you’ll forget to remove them before going into the pool or when washing hands.
Therefore, you should always go for a water-resistant smartwatch for texting. You’ll find smartwatches with IP67, IP68, 3ATM, and 5ATM ratings. Choose according to your preferences.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant is an integral part of Android watches you can text on.
It helps you dictate instant replies to your texts and allows you to simultaneously initiate a training workout, check weather updates, and much more, the same as pixel smartwatches.
All you have to do is press the Assistant button or say “OK Google,” and that’s all!
Battery Life Length
A text watch‘s battery life primarily depends on how frequently it will be used, how large its internal battery is, and how many features it supports.
You certainly don’t want your smartwatch battery to die, as that will ultimately defeat its purpose. You should ensure to check how long the battery life of the product is before purchasing.
Typically, smartwatches for texting have a battery life that can last anywhere from half-day to 50 days and more.
Activity and Sleep Tracking
An average text watch comes with fitness tracking features that allow you to monitor your movements, steps, and other activities.
This feature also helps you keep an eye on how many calories you have burned and the calories intake. So if you’re a fitness buff, buy a smartwatch for texting that has fitness tracking features.
In addition to that, some smartwatches also offer a sleep tracking feature that measures sleep quality and provides data to help improve your slumber habits.
Our Verdict
Due to their immense features, many smartwatches serve as a replacement or an extension to the smartphone.
Wearable tech has gained the tremendous capability to keep you connected with your family and friends via text messaging and calling.
All the products we reviewed are some of the best smartwatches that can text, offering multiple options to respond: speech-to-text, full keyboard, or pre-set messages.
Although our team has positively reviewed every product, our top pick is the Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch.
It has exceptional features that allow you to respond to messages in three different ways, and comes equipped with a GPS tracker, fitness and health trackers, 4GB storage, water-resistance, and a long battery life – to name a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a smartwatch, you can get messages using your mobile service or phone number.
Here are a few steps to get text messages on a smartwatch:
- Open settings app on the smartphone
- Tap connectivity and search for cellular
- Ensure you have cellular service for the smartwatch and smartphone, a SIM card (unless it’s an LTE backed model), and a messaging app such as Messenger from AT&T, etc.
That’s it! Now, you can easily send and receive messages through the accompanying messaging apps.