Best 2023 Smartwatches for build quality

#1 Garmin fēnix 7X Pro
5.0

Build quality was strongly praised, with reviewers noticing the premium feel and comparing it favorably with lower-end Garmin models.

Pros: GPS accuracy, app ecosystem

Cons: ECG functionality, calorie tracking usefulness

#2 Garmin vivomove Trend
5.0

Build quality received one very positive direct assessment from a gift-focused review.

Pros: activity auto-detection, build quality

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, Bluetooth connectivity

#3 Withings ScanWatch Light
4.8

Build quality is strongly praised, with reviewers highlighting high-quality watch feel, sturdy hardware, Gorilla Glass, and stainless steel.

Pros: comfort, build quality

Cons: call handling, contactless payments

#4 Casio G-Shock GBD-H2000
4.7

Build quality is praised as rugged and tank-like, with reviewers noting the watch looked good after hard outdoor use.

Pros: brightness, charging convenience

Cons: ECG functionality, stress tracking

#5 Withings ScanWatch 2
4.6

Build quality was a consistent strength, with reviewers describing solid construction, premium finishing, and a watch that did not feel cheap.

Pros: Bluetooth connectivity, pairing reliability

Cons: third-party app support, contactless payments

#6 Suunto Vertical
4.6

Build quality was strongly praised, with repeated descriptions of a rugged, premium, sturdy watch.

Pros: battery life, durability

Cons: resume later function, ECG functionality

#7 Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)
4.6

Build quality is praised as rugged, premium, and worthy of the price tier.

Pros: GPS accuracy, charging speed

Cons: ECG functionality, voice assistant quality

#8 Withings ScanWatch Nova
4.6

Build quality came across as premium, with reviewers praising the solid construction, price-appropriate finish, and premium materials.

Pros: battery life, heart rate accuracy

Cons: third-party app support, GPS accuracy

#9 Casio G-Shock DW-H5600
4.6

Build quality is widely praised as rugged and authentically G-Shock, despite one concern about removable shroud behavior.

Pros: durability, outdoor visibility

Cons: app ecosystem, third-party app support

#10 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
4.5

Build quality was described as durable and premium, especially with crystal glass and a lightweight but sturdy body.

Pros: voice assistant quality, music controls

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, cross-platform compatibility

#11 TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Build quality was generally strong, with sturdy hardware and protective design, though one reviewer only found the quality satisfactory.

Pros: contactless payments, battery life

Cons: voice assistant quality, LTE connectivity

#12 Amazfit GTR Mini
4.3

Build quality was praised overall, with reviewers saying quality was better than expected, not flimsy, and premium-looking for the price.

Pros: pairing reliability, workout tracking variety

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#13 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
4.1

Build quality was mostly strong thanks to solid construction, premium feel, and stainless-steel durability, with only limited reservations.

Pros: pairing reliability, outdoor visibility

Cons: ECG functionality, running power support

#14 Amazfit Bip 5
4.1

Build quality ranges from good but fingerprint-prone to sturdy and slim, while other reviews still call out the budget plastic feel.

Pros: comfort, touchscreen responsiveness

Cons: calorie tracking usefulness, onboard music storage

#15 Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4
4.0

Build quality is improved by the aluminum frame and sturdy feel, although one review still felt it was cheap beside premium watches.

Pros: battery life, software smoothness

Cons: contactless payments, recovery insights

#16 Garmin Approach S70
4.0

Build quality is mostly positive, with confidence-inspiring design but one reviewer only calling the quality about right for the price.

Pros: recovery insights, GPS accuracy

Cons: software smoothness, fitness tracking accuracy

#17 Garmin Venu 3
3.7

Build quality is mixed: some reviewers found the watch scratch-free or good-looking from above, while another raised concerns about plastic feel and overall construction.

Pros: health tracking accuracy, software smoothness

Cons: LTE connectivity, mapping and navigation

#18 Garmin Forerunner 265
3.5

Build quality was mixed: plastic felt cheap to one reviewer, while another long-term test found the watch still looked new.

Pros: step counting accuracy, third-party app support

Cons: ECG functionality, LTE connectivity

#19 Garmin Vivoactive 5
2.8

Build quality was mixed to weak; reviewers liked the general shape but criticized plain plastic, imperfect buttons, and non-premium construction.

Pros: fitness tracking accuracy, wellness insights

Cons: software smoothness, ECG functionality

#20 Garmin Forerunner 965
2.8

Build quality was mixed: reviewers liked Garmin durability in general but noted the flatter screen and bezel can be easier to hit or scratch.

Pros: water resistance, workout tracking variety

Cons: LTE connectivity, ECG functionality