Top 5 Smartwatches for Messaging: Stay Connected on the Go

A smartwatch can do a lot—track your health, set training schedules, enable contactless payments, and show notifications. However, not every smartwatch supports messaging. Here, we list five smartwatches you can use to message.

1. Apple Watch (Series 8)

The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches today, if not the most popular. It’s renowned for its wide range of capabilities, including the ability to message.

Messaging with Your Apple Watch

With the Apple Watch, you can reply to WhatsApp messages. First, enable notifications for WhatsApp messages.

When you receive a notification, tap it to reply with these standard messages:

• I’m on my way.
• What’s up?
• Hello!
• OK
• Sure!
• No problem

Since typing long messages on an Apple Watch isn’t always convenient, you can use the voice message feature. Speak your message, and the watch converts it to text for the recipient. You can also use any available emojis.

Wi-Fi or LTE

It’s crucial to know you need a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection to send and receive messages. A smartwatch with mobile network capability is always pricier. For the Apple Watch (Series 8), the minimum cost is £619.00.

Third-Party App

To use WhatsApp fully, you can install a third-party app.

In this case, that’s ‘Watchchat 2: Chat on Watch’. With Watchchat 2, you can:

• Open all WhatsApp chats
• Listen to and send voice memos
• Watch videos
• Start a new chat
• Use a QWERTY keyboard
• Customise your standard messages

Other Interesting Features

Apple has developed a special algorithm for crash detection, using motion, a barometer, and the iPhone microphone to detect unique patterns indicating a car accident.

The Series 8 Apple Watch includes a wrist temperature sensor to predict ovulation in women.

The Apple Watch (Series 8) is available from £499.00

Explore our wide range of straps for the Apple Watch.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Series

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, with its sporty design, succeeds the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Alongside the Apple Watch, it competes at the top for popularity.

Messaging with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The Galaxy Watch 5 lets you reply to WhatsApp messages. Ensure notifications for WhatsApp are enabled on your smartwatch.

Upon receiving a message, use smart replies or Bixby to respond, requiring a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection.

Smart replies mirror the Apple Watch’s standard messages. With Bixby, you can dictate a voice message converted to text. You can also customise smart replies and add new ones via your smartwatch.

Unlike the Apple Watch, no third-party app is needed for messaging.

Durability of the Galaxy Watch 5

The Galaxy Watch 5 lasts longer with a more powerful battery than its predecessor, lasting about 3 days on a full charge. It also supports Wireless Fast Charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes.

Calling with the Galaxy Watch 5

Calling is easy with this smartwatch. Bixby, your virtual assistant, simplifies it further. Learn more on our blog about calling with your smartwatch.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is available from £299.00. Planning to buy or already own one? Check out our wide range of Galaxy Watch 5 straps.

3. Garmin Vivoactive 3

For an active lifestyle, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is ideal. It tracks outdoor activities with GPS and supports contactless payments, keeping you connected with loved ones.

Stay Connected with the Garmin Vivoactive 3

Pair the smartwatch with your phone to receive SMS, WhatsApp, and social media messages. You can reply with customisable standard messages, staying reachable anywhere. This reply feature is Android-only and requires a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection.

Garmin Connect

Beyond messaging, the Vivoactive 3 syncs activities to an online fitness community via Garmin Connect. It’s great for storing health and fitness stats, challenging others to running goals, and encouraging with likes and comments.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music

For music lovers, the Vivoactive 3 Music stores up to 500 songs. Sync music for offline streaming apps and listen via Bluetooth headphones.

The Garmin Vivoactive is available from £184.99. Interested? Explore our wide range of Garmin watch straps.

4. Huawei Watch GT 3 Series

With the Huawei Watch GT 3, monitor your health, view notifications, and answer calls, keeping your phone in your pocket. It also handles incoming messages, acting as a phone extension.

Quick Replies with the Huawei Watch GT 3

The Huawei smartwatch proves its phone-extension role by allowing quick replies to WhatsApp messages with standard messages. However, you can’t customise these or open photos/videos. Your phone must be nearby for notifications and replies.

Backtrack Feature

The Huawei Watch GT 3 includes a Backtrack feature, using offline GPS navigation to guide you back if lost—ideal for running in new areas. It supports over 100 sport modes, from swimming to skiing.

Stylish Design

The Huawei Watch comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, both supporting messaging. The 3D curved glass offers a sleek look. Pair it with refined Huawei Watch straps from our wide range to match your style.

The Huawei Watch GT 3 is available from £189.00.

5. Fitbit Charge 5

The Fitbit Charge 5 is the ideal sports and fitness watch, tracking health stats with a sporty, stylish design. It’s an affordable choice, previously named one of the best smartwatches of 2022.

Messaging During Workouts with Your Smartwatch

The Fitbit Charge 5 receives call, message, and app notifications when your phone is nearby. You can message with an Android device using quick replies and emojis.

Long Battery Life

Longer battery life means less charging, more use. Duration depends on usage, but a full charge lasts 7 days, making the Charge 5’s battery highly durable.

Contactless Payments

The Fitbit Charge 5 supports contactless payments with Fitbit Pay, depending on your card and bank.

Beyond its long battery and payment features, the Charge 5 offers more. Read our Fitbit Charge 5 review.

The Fitbit Charge 5 is available from £124.99.

Quick Replies with Your Smartwatch

It’s handy to reply quickly to messages on your smartwatch, now an extension of your smartphone. With this feature, you can instantly see notifications and select standard replies, which you can customise in some cases.

This is useful for running, working out, or at the office when you don’t want to pull out your phone constantly.

Conclusion

To message on your smartwatch, you typically need your smartphone nearby and a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection. When buying, ensure it supports mobile data if you won’t often use Wi-Fi.

For the most advanced options, the Apple Watch (Series 8) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are great choices. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a cheaper alternative. The Huawei Watch GT 3 is solid but limited with other apps due to its Harmony OS. For a sporty, budget-friendly option, go for the Fitbit Charge 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you message on WhatsApp with your smartwatch?

Yes, it’s possible. You can reply with quick standard messages and emojis. For advanced features like viewing photos or videos, a third-party app is required.

Can I message without a mobile network?

Yes, via Wi-Fi. However, your smartphone must be nearby for most smartwatches to receive notifications.

Can you message if your phone isn’t near your smartwatch?

Yes, if your smartwatch is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Not all support mobile data, so check before purchasing.