9 Best Smartwatches That Can Call Without Phone

Today, I’ll be reviewing the 9 best smartwatches that can call without a phone.
With so many options to consider like size, features, price, and quality, I felt there was a need for some clarity.
Using them, you may answer calls directly from your smartwatch without having to worry about losing your phone.
Smartwatches that can make calls without a phone go by a variety of names.
Some refer to them as ‘standalone smartwatches‘, while others refer to them as ‘cellular-enabled smartwatches’. ‘4G LTE smartwatch’ is another popular moniker for them.
Top 9 Smartwatches That Can Call Without Phone Compared
The following table shows our top picks with the estimated price range and our final rating. There is also a link placed on each option so it will be easier for you to find the product (Amazon links).
The table is ranked from the most affordable product first to the most premium choice at the bottom.
Name | Price | Rating |
Garmin Vivoactive 3 | $199.99 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
TicWatch Pro 4G | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
Fitbit Versa 3 | $189.98 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Garmin Venu | $119.99 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Fossil Gen 5 | $259.98 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | $212.36 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | $239.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Apple Watch Series 6 | $204.95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Apple Watch SE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Choosing a Good Smartwatch With Calling Feature
There’s no denying that we’re living in the smartwatch era, but the main question is: how to choose the perfect smartwatch that can make calls without a phone?
The next few lines might help sort out your thoughts on this matter:
- Needless to say, it should be call and text capable.
- It should be comfortable and easy to wear as you might be using it for long periods of time.
- Should be compatible with android and/or iPhone as per your requirement.
- Should have a good display that is vision friendly and clutter-free.
- Should match the budget. Make sure you are not going way out of your reach to buy it.
My #1 Pick
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and, 50,000 plus watch faces-with military-grade durability and water resistance
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHND: Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get notifications via Bluetooth connectivity. No ANT plus
- You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone
- BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: The Galaxy Watch3’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a day on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone with Wireless Power Share
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to skip right to the crux of this article, then here you go: my No.1 pick for the best smartwatch that can make calls without a phone is Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.
This is a watch that comes in variable sizes and different communication modes (LTE and Bluetooth) which make the Galaxy Watch 3 very adaptable.
Excellent speech-to-text functioning with a top-of-the-line fitness tracker from Samsung, all bundled up in a nice sleek and very easy-to-use design.
1. Apple Watch Series 6
Price Range: $
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 3.5/5
Key Features:
- Heartbeat monitor
- Sleep tracker
- Blood oxygen level monitoring
- ECG app
- Fitness tracking
- Smart notifications
Apple Watch Series 6 not only receives all incoming calls, texts, and email notifications, but it also allows you to reply to texts and receive calls.
You can also go for the Apple Watch 6 cellular variant, which allows you to accomplish all of this without the need for a smartphone connection, effectively turning it into a standalone smartwatch.
The Apple Watch Series 6 includes new sensors that detect blood oxygen levels as well as an ECG app that can monitor your heart rhythm at any time, allowing you to stay healthy.
Not to mention its heart rate monitoring, which monitors your heart rate 24/7.
During the night, you can track your sleeping zones, such as light, deep, and REM cycles, to see how much sleep you actually got.
Pros | Cons |
Amazing design and display | Average battery life |
Easy Texting | |
Detailed health monitoring |
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS Model lets you call, text, and get directions from your wrist, while leaving your phone in your pocket. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC to suit all of your possible needs.
- ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the display never sleeps. All you need to do is glance to find the time or your workout metrics right there where you want them.
- ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It’s a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide data for doctors and peace of mind for you wherever may be during the day.
- WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training.the list goes on. You me it, Apple Watch measures it. Set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when you’re done, and track how you’re trending over time in the Activity app on your iPhone.
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Fossil Gen 5
Price Range: $
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 3/5
Key features:
- Smart notifications
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Activity tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Swimproof
You can take your style to the next level with the Fossil Gen 5. This smartwatch, which can be customized in terms of both appearance and features, is a strong contender for your wrist.
Fossil Gen 5 ensures you have both style and tiny smartphone capabilities with a 1.28-inch AMOLED display and superb resolution.
The Fossil Gen 5 has the capacity to transmit and receive all incoming calls, text messages, email, and social app notifications on the wrist.
This smartwatch that can call without a phone, can help you achieve your fitness goals because it has a built-in GPS for measuring distance and activity, making it ideal for runners.
You can check your step count and calories burned during the day with Google Fit, and this tracker is also perfect for wearing during swimming sessions and rainy days with its water-resistance of 30 meters.
Pros | Cons |
Slick design | Doesn’t have built-in sports modes |
Easy interface | |
Very light in weight | |
Customizable faces and bands |
- Smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google work with iPhone and Android Phones. Case size: 44mm; Band size: 22mm; interchangeable with all Fossil 22mm bands
- Battery: 24 Hr plus multi day extended mode Varies based on usage and after updates install. USB cable with magnetic charger snaps to rings on watch caseback and spins 360 degrees for ease of use. Charge up to 80% in under an hour
- Health and fitness: Heart Rate and Activity Tracking using Google Fit; Built-in GPS for distance tracking; Swimproof design 3ATM; New wellness enhancements allow you to track sleep history, monitor your restfulness and set sleep goals
- Lifestyle: This smart watch has always on display with thousands of watch faces to personalize your look and always see the time. Hundreds of apps from assistant to fitness, payments, music, social, news, games, stop watches, and more. With a swimproof design and charging in less than an hour, it’s perfect for all your activities.
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Price Range: $$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 3.5/5
Key features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Fitness tracking
- Swimproof
- Samsung Pay
- Google assistant
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is an Android smartwatch with texting and calling capabilities.
With so many watch faces to choose from, no matter what your likes and preferences are, you’re bound to discover one that speaks to you.
It is available in two different styles: Bluetooth and LTE.
If you are at a meeting or working out, you may use its speech-to-text tool, which will give you the required output without you having to type it all out, or you can use its built-in answers.
The Bluetooth version allows you to make and receive calls as well as receive all of your smartphone’s notifications, including social media and email.
Additionally, if you require two-way communication without the use of a smartphone, the LTE version is available as well.
The Samsung Watch Galaxy 3 will automatically track your workouts or exercises, eliminating the need for you to do so manually.
Furthermore, as it features built-in GPS, tracking for live locations and keeping an eye on your running, cycling, and related outdoor activities will not be neglected.
Pros | Cons |
Beautiful design and is lightweight in general | Average battery life |
Rugged watch with 50m water-resistance | |
Comprehensive fitness tracking | |
Built-in run coaching |
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and, 50,000 plus watch faces-with military-grade durability and water resistance
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHND: Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get notifications via Bluetooth connectivity. No ANT plus
- You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone
- BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: The Galaxy Watch3’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a day on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone with Wireless Power Share
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Apple Watch SE
Price Range: $
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 4/5
Key features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Fitness tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Swimproof
The New Apple Watch SE is more than just a watch; it’s your ideal partner.
Monitor your fitness, keep track of your progress, and never miss another chance to communicate with your friends and family because, guess what, you may now converse or text without having to carry your phone around with you.
It is available in two styles: GPS and GPS + Cellular, as well as two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
It will receive all incoming calls, texts, and email notifications, as well as notifications from all social media apps.
But the big news here is that you can get the cellular version of this watch for virtually the same price as the Series 6 GPS-only version.
Not only is it a texting smartwatch, but it also ensures you have all the tools you need to monitor your heart rate around the clock, manage your sleep, and call for help in an emergency or crisis with an SOS emergency call.
Pros | Cons |
The processor is 2x faster than Series 3 | Doesn’t have an ECG app |
Same display as Series 6 | Battery life is average |
Standalone smartwatch |
- WHY APPLE WATCH SE — It has essential features to keep you connected, active, and healthy. SE is 2x faster and has a 30% larger display than Series 3. And safety features like fall detection and Emergency SOS can get you help when you need it.
- EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in a range of sizes and colors, with dozens of bands to choose from. Change up your look by switching your band or by customizing your watch face in millions of ways.
- SIMPLY COMPATIBLE — It works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services. Listen to music with your AirPods. Unlock your Mac automatically. Find your devices with a tap. Pay and send money with Apple Pay. Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or later with the latest iOS version.
- GREAT DURABILITY — Swimproof and built to be tough. Take it on a hike, hit the gym, or catch some waves without worry.
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Garmin Venu
Price Range: $$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 3.5/5
Key features:
- Smart notifications
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- GPS
- Music player
- Garmin Pay
- Fitness tracking
The Garmin Venu is a stunning device that has much more than a nice look. Its features and functions make it ideal for you to go out and explore.
The Garmin Venu has a 1.2-inch transflective screen with a brilliant AMOLED display that is suitable for messaging.
You may easily reply to texts or notifications after pairing this watch with your smartphone through Bluetooth, but this option is only available for Android users.
If you’re an iPhone user, this feature will not work for you. You will also receive all call, text, and email notifications, in addition to texting.
This Garmin Venu knows everything from how long you sleep each night to your energy levels and breathing, in addition to your heart rate.
This allows you to make smarter living selections while generating life hacks that are tailored to your body’s demands.
Pros | Cons |
Complete health monitoring | Battery life in GPS mode could have been better |
Menstrual cycle tracking for women | |
20+ preloaded GPS sports modes | |
Can track swimming sessions |
- Fits wrists with a circumference of 125-190 millimeter.GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours.Supported Application:GPS. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- See everything clearly on a bright color display that includes an always-on mode, perfect for quick glances
- Health is important to you, so monitor everything from your Body Battery energy levels, respiration, hydration and stress to sleep, your menstrual cycle, estimated heart rate and more
- Find new ways to keep moving with more than 20 preloaded sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, mindful breathing, swimming, golf and many more
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Price Range: $$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 3/5
Key features:
- Smart notifications
- Heart rate tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Built-in GPS
- Swimproof
- Fitness tracking
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the ideal way to keep in shape no matter where you are. Accurate sensors for pacing and distance will undoubtedly assist you in achieving your objectives faster than ever before.
After connecting with a compatible smartphone, you can make calls, respond to texts, and check social media notifications straight from your wrist. Both speech-to-text and built-in answers can be used for this.
You may even change the contents of these messages to whatever you like, making it easy to respond with a single swipe.
This device includes a heart rate sensor that determines if your reading is where you want it.
It also has a sleep tracker that analyses whether you’re getting enough sleep, a relaxing app, and stress management software, ideal for people trying to lessen their anxiety.
Pros | Cons |
Stylish design | Less number of built-in sports modes |
Large clear display | |
Keeps tab on your health | |
Comes in 3 different styles and sizes |
- LTE unlocked (carrier agnostic) - With LTE connectivity, you can leave your phone behind
- Better insights to reach your fitness goals get more out of every mile thanks to built-in pace coaching on the Galaxy Watch Active2. Its advanced sensors keep your pace to help you better achieve your run goals.
- Comfortably sleek the Galaxy Watch Active2 is light enough to wear anywhere comfortably. It comes in aluminum casing and with a variety of faces, bands and finishes so it goes with anything.
- Keep your beat. You can see if your heart rate is where you want it with Galaxy Watch Active2. Get automatically alerted if your watch detects a high or a low heart rate. This device and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. TicWatch Pro 4G
Price Range: $$$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key features:
- Heart rate tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Smart notifications
- 5-satellites positioning system
- Sport modes
- Good tracking features
You will never have to worry about missing an important call again with the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 4G LTE Cellular Smartwatch.
It features a built-in SIM card and antenna, allowing it to function independently of your phone.
Without synchronizing with your smartphone, you’ll be able to send texts and make calls directly from your wrist.
The TicWatch Pro 4G wristwatch has all of the functions that a modern smartwatch should have, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, NFC payments, and more.
The battery life on this smartwatch is likewise amazing, lasting up to 30 days on a single charge.
The Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 4G has multiple battery modes, with the smart mode (full features) lasting up to 2 days and the essential mode (for fitness-focused functions only) lasting up to 30 days, which is rather impressive.
Pros | Cons |
Dual-layer display | Less number of built-in sport modes |
Lightweight | |
Pay and Play from your watch directly | |
Good battery life |
- Upgraded Premium Design- Stylish and functional design with knurled stainless-steel bezel, Corning? Gorilla? 3 anti-finger print cover glass and water resistant speaker. US Military Standard 810G certified durability. Lightweight Silicone strap.
- Long Battery Life- Dual-layered ALOMED/LCD screens and two display mode options, Smart Mode will get you 2 days battery life, up to 5 days if Auto Switch to Essential Mode (LCD display only) is turned on. Up to 18 hours of battery life on cellular usage.
- Cellular Connectivity for Verizon Phone Plan Users- Instant calls and texts, cloud sync notifications, music streaming, remote smart home controls, emergency SOS auto-dial. Customers can activate the 4G/LTE feature via My Verizon app and Verizon website.
- Swim-ready Fitness Companion- IP68 waterproof and pool swimming suitable, 6 smart sports modes, GPS built-in. TicPulse technology empowers 24hr heart rate monitoring with abnormal heart rate warning. TicMotion technology proactively detects your motion and tracks running, fast walking and swimming activities.
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Garmin Vívoactive 3
Price Range: $$$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 4/5
Key features:
- Built-in GPS + GLONASS
- Smart notifications
- Heart rate tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Customizable watch faces
- Swimproof
- Good battery life
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a beautiful smartwatch with the ideal combination of fitness and connection features. It has a lot of fantastic and unique features, making it a good option for you.
Want to stay in touch no matter what situation you are in? Don’t worry, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is here to save the day.
After connecting with a compatible smartphone, it will quickly get all incoming calls, text, and email notifications, as well as social media alerts.
You can respond to the messages the old-fashioned way, but only if your watch is connected to your phone at that moment.
With Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology, this powerful sports watch gives you the capabilities to track and improve your fitness over time.
You may examine different heart rate zones and measure your heart rate at any time of day.
It has a battery life of 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode, which is adequate in my opinion.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight | Complaints about the accuracy of the HR monitor in different workouts |
Simple design and display | |
Tracking is on point |
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch (available for supported cards from participating banks)
- Personalize your watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps and widgets from our Connect IQ store
- More than 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more
- Monitor your fitness level with VO2 max and fitness made estimates, plus keep an eye on how you handle stress
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Fitbit Versa 3
Price Range: $$$
Best Sports Lounge Rating: 4/5
Key features:
- Heart rate tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Blood oxygen level monitoring
- Fitness tracking
- Music player
- Swimproof
The Fitbit Versa 3 is an excellent fitness smartwatch for daily use. It provides a variety of features and a high level of innovation without being large and cumbersome at the same time.
Incoming calls, text messages, and other social app notifications will all be received by the Fitbit Versa 3. After connecting them to a compatible smartphone, you can respond to texts immediately from your wrist.
No matter what kind of activity you’re performing, the Fitbit Versa 3 with PurePulse 2.0 technology is designed to keep your exercise time optimized and heart rate precisely tracked.
Before going to bed, you can check your nighttime blood oxygen levels on the screen, as well as gain detailed insights into your sleeping cycles, such as light, deep, and REM zones.
Pros | Cons |
Large display, lightweight in general | No high or low heart rate alerts |
Built-in microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calling | |
Detailed health monitoring |
- Receive a Daily Readiness Score that reveals if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on recovery (requires Fitbit Premium membership. Premium content recommendations are not available in all locales and may be in English only).Water resistance depth:50 meters
- Run, bike, hike and more phone-free—and see your real-time pace & distance—with built-in GPS. Then check out your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app
- Active Zone Minutes uses your resting heart rate to gauge exercise effort and gives you a buzz when you step up the intensity so you can make the most of your workouts. Fitbit Versa 3 is water resistant to 50 meters
- Better track heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0, Fitbit’s enhanced heart rate technology
Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
There is no perfect choice for a smartwatch that can call without a phone. All smartwatches will have their pros and cons.
Don’t hesitate to take your time to browse and research before going in for the kill! I just hope that this article helped in easing that process for you.