Best 2022 Smartwatches for contactless payments

#1 Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4
5.0

Contactless payments have limited but positive evidence, with Google Pay described as simple to use.

Pros: contactless payments, pairing reliability

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#2 Garmin MARQ Gen 2
4.0

Contactless payments were appreciated for phone-free outings and setup ease, though bank support and PIN friction limited convenience.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: size options, call handling

#3 Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.7

Contactless payments worked well for some reviewers and were convenient, but support varied by bank and territory.

Pros: charging speed, coaching features

Cons: ECG functionality, call handling

#4 Garmin Forerunner 255
3.6

Garmin Pay was useful when supported, but bank compatibility made the contactless payment experience inconsistent.

Pros: durability, cross-platform compatibility

Cons: stress tracking, app ecosystem

#5 Fitbit Versa 4
3.5

Contactless payments were useful when supported, with Google Pay working well in one review, but bank support was limited in another.

Pros: pairing reliability, user interface

Cons: third-party app support, music controls

#6 Garmin Forerunner 255S
3.3

Garmin Pay worked for reviewers, but it was described as less slick or less compelling than rival watch payment systems.

Pros: step counting accuracy, fit

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, charging convenience

#7 Garmin Forerunner 955
3.1

Contactless payments were helpful where supported, but bank availability and regional support were recurring limitations.

Pros: outdoor visibility, charging speed

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#8 Fitbit Sense 2
2.8

Payments are mixed: setup can be easy, but Fitbit Pay bank support was criticized and Google Wallet was discussed as a needed or future improvement.

Pros: pairing reliability, durability

Cons: music controls, Wi-Fi connectivity

#9 Garmin Vivomove Sport
2.0

Contactless payments were a repeated missing perk, with reviewers noting the absence of NFC or mobile payments as a drawback or limitation.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#10 Coros Apex 2
2.0

Contactless payments were a clear missing smartwatch feature in the review evidence.

Pros: resume later function, durability

Cons: watch face quality, call handling

#11 Polar Pacer
1.5

Contactless payments are a clear weakness because the lack of NFC was described as disappointing.

Pros: third-party app support, comfort

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#12 Polar Pacer Pro
1.5

Contactless payments were treated as a missing smartwatch feature.

Pros: workout tracking variety, activity auto-detection

Cons: onboard music storage, blood oxygen tracking

#13 Suunto 9 Peak Pro
1.5

Contactless payments were treated as a missing modern smartwatch feature, with reviewers pointing users elsewhere if they need pay apps.

Pros: step counting accuracy, durability

Cons: voice assistant quality, contactless payments

#14 Polar Ignite 3
1.1

Contactless payments were a repeated complaint, with reviewers consistently noting the lack of NFC or mobile payment support.

Pros: brightness, charging speed

Cons: call handling, third-party app support