Best 2022 Smartwatches for button controls

#1 Fitbit Versa 4
4.6

The physical button was widely praised as a major usability improvement over the Versa 3's capacitive or squeeze-style controls.

Pros: pairing reliability, user interface

Cons: third-party app support, music controls

#2 Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4
4.5

Button controls are mostly praised for mechanical feel and easier navigation, though one reviewer disliked accidental crown/button triggers.

Pros: contactless payments, pairing reliability

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#3 Garmin Forerunner 955
4.5

Button controls were a major strength, especially during workouts, gloves, movement, and wet conditions.

Pros: outdoor visibility, charging speed

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#4 Fitbit Sense 2
4.5

The physical button is one of the clearest upgrades, repeatedly described as easier, more reliable, and more functional than the previous haptic or capacitive control, with one reviewer finding it...

Pros: pairing reliability, durability

Cons: music controls, Wi-Fi connectivity

#5 Polar Pacer Pro
4.3

Button controls were mostly a strength because they were grippy, responsive, and useful during workouts, though a few reviewers needed adjustment or hit the wrong button.

Pros: workout tracking variety, activity auto-detection

Cons: onboard music storage, blood oxygen tracking

#6 Garmin MARQ Gen 2
4.3

Button controls were repeatedly praised as intuitive, sturdy, tactile, polished, and useful alongside the touchscreen.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: size options, call handling

#7 Garmin Forerunner 255
4.3

Button controls were polarizing but mostly positive: many liked reliability during workouts, while some found the buttons numerous or squishy.

Pros: durability, cross-platform compatibility

Cons: stress tracking, app ecosystem

#8 Garmin Forerunner 255S
4.3

Button controls were mostly praised for workouts, water use, and avoiding accidental touches, though the button-only approach may not suit touchscreen-first users.

Pros: step counting accuracy, fit

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, charging convenience

#9 Coros Apex 2
4.1

Button controls were generally strong, with praise for buttons, haptics, lockout, and the larger dial, though one reviewer found the crown fiddly during runs.

Pros: resume later function, durability

Cons: watch face quality, call handling

#10 Polar Pacer
4.0

Button controls are usually well-liked for sports use, but one reviewer felt the buttons were less clickable than the Pacer Pro.

Pros: third-party app support, comfort

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#11 Suunto 9 Peak Pro
3.9

Button controls were usually praised for tactile clicks and simple navigation, though some reviewers wanted more buttons or found them hard with gloves.

Pros: step counting accuracy, durability

Cons: voice assistant quality, contactless payments

#12 Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

Button controls were mixed: one reviewer found the system simple and workable, while another thought the two-button setup felt clunky.

Pros: charging speed, coaching features

Cons: ECG functionality, call handling

#13 Garmin Vivomove Sport
2.0

Lack of side buttons hurt navigation for reviewers who wanted physical controls on a small touchscreen device.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#14 Polar Ignite 3
1.8

Button controls were largely criticized because one button felt stiff, limiting, or awkward for workouts, rain, sweat, or quick control.

Pros: brightness, charging speed

Cons: call handling, third-party app support