Pixel Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 9: The Best Android Smartwatch?
Google's and Samsung's 2026 smartwatches compared: price, health features, phone compatibility and the subscription catch, so you can pick the right one.
If you have an Android phone, these are the two smartwatches to consider. The short answer: own a Samsung Galaxy phone? Get the Galaxy Watch 9. Own any other Android phone, especially a Pixel? Get the 
Pixel Watch 5.
Neither works with iPhones. iPhone owners should look at which Apple Watch to buy.
Prices
US launch prices (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi models):
| Small | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Watch 5 | $399.99 (41mm) | $429.99 (45mm) |
| Galaxy Watch 9 | $379.99 (40mm) | $409.99 (44mm) |
Both went up from last year's starting price of $349. Retailers discount them regularly. In October, the Pixel Watch 5 was spotted for around $350.
Health features
Each watch has exclusives:
Galaxy Watch 9
- FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, which is a genuinely useful health screening feature
- Detailed sleep and body composition tracking through Samsung Health
Pixel Watch 5
- Loss of Pulse Detection, which can call emergency services if your heart appears to stop
- Google's new Breathing Emergency Detection
- Strong Fitbit-based fitness tracking
The subscription catch
Google's AI-powered coaching and some advanced insights sit behind Google Health Premium, about $10 a month or $100 a year. The watch works fine without it, but it's worth knowing before you buy. Samsung's core health features don't need a subscription.
Phone compatibility
- Pixel Watch 5: works with most phones running Android 12 or newer.
- Galaxy Watch 9: works with Android phones, but some Samsung Health features, like ECG and blood pressure through the Health Monitor app, need a Samsung Galaxy phone.
Which should you buy?
| You have... | Buy |
|---|---|
| A Samsung Galaxy phone | Galaxy Watch 9 |
| A Pixel phone | Pixel Watch 5 |
| Another Android phone | Pixel Watch 5 (broader feature support) |
| Concerns about sleep apnea | Galaxy Watch 9 |
| A tight budget | Galaxy Watch 9 (slightly cheaper) |
Tips
- Try the size on. Both come in two sizes, and comfort decides whether you wear it every day.
- LTE models cost more and add a monthly carrier fee. Most people don't need them.
- Battery: both need charging roughly every day or two. Plan for it.
Matching earbuds? See AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds4 Pro. Picking the phone too? Read the best Android phones of 2026.
