Smartwatches such as Fitbit Watches, Apple Watches, Garmin Watches, and Samsung Watches are popular for their ability to monitor health and fitness activities. However, they also offer the convenience of playing podcasts, allowing you to stay entertained while staying active and healthy. The best smartwatch for listening to podcasts is the Apple Watch Series 9. Other smartwatches for podcasts include Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Fossil Gen 5, and Garmin Vivoactive 3.
Top 6 Smartwatches for Podcasts in 2024!
1. Apple Watch Series 9: Overall Smartwatch for Podcasts
Apple Watch Series 9 is currently Apple’s best smartwatch for podcasts as well as audiobooks. This smartwatch comes at a high price because it is a late version and is complete. If you are on a budget consider affordable smartwatch alternatives.
The watch has a crispy and live display that gives a brightness of 1000 nits and is 448 x 368 pixels so you can control podcasts with ease both inside and outside the house.
Although the Apple Watch Series 9 can charge wirelessly, its battery can barely survive a day as it only serves for 18 hours on a complete charge.
Pros
- Charges wireless
- Clear resolution
- Gives a Premium feel
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Goes for a lot of cash
| Display | 1.78” (Sapphire crystal glass), OLED Touchscreen, 1000 nits, 448 x 368 pixels |
| Operating System | WatchOS 7.0 |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Storage & Memory | 64GB & 1GB RAM |
| GPS | Yes, GLONASS, QZSS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Apple Pay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours |
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 comes with all the capabilities you would want in a watch. Although Galaxy Watch 3 doesn’t have an application for audible that is compatible with the Tizen OS there’s a way you can solve the problem and that’s by installing either Poddy or Das Podcast. Either of the apps will let you download podcasts to Galaxy Watch 3 and listen to them offline.
The storing of the app and casts becomes possible with the help of 8GB storage. As you listen to podcasts you can chat with friends or give them a call right from your wrist.
In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 comes with a battery that can stay for about 2 days on a complete charge.
Pros
- Features LTE
- External Speakers
- Lightweight
- It is a premium build
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Poor battery life
| Display | 1.4”, 360 x 360 pixels |
| Operating System | Tizen OS |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS |
| Storage & Memory | 8GB & 1GB RAM |
| GPS | Yes |
| NFC | Samsung Pay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 days |
3. Fossil Gen 5
The Fossil Gen 5 offers multi-sport options, making it a popular choice among consumers. It allows you to store music, audiobooks, and podcasts with its 8GB internal storage. Additionally, it can stream music and podcasts.
The Fossil Gen 5 is compatible with Android and iOS devices and features notification that ensures you never miss a call or text.
However, if you enjoy swimming deep, this may not be the best watch for you as it can only withstand water pressures of up to 30 meters underwater and because of this, it is only great for the shower and shallow pools.
Pros
- Comes with sufficient internal storage
- Good music control
- Touchscreen
- Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
- Smart notifications
Cons
- Battery life is poor
| Display | 1.28”, Touchscreen |
| Operating System | Wear OS |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS |
| Storage & Memory | 8GB & 1GB RAM |
| GPS | Yes |
| NFC | GPay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 30 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
4. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music Verizon
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is another great smartwatch for podcasts with an impressive high-quality AMOLED display and attractive physical design. Its 240 x 240-pixel resolution ensures a clear display of all information.
The watch comes with comfortable straps that do not cause wrist pain. It also features an LTE connection and has more storage space. With 8GB of storage, you can store podcasts, offline music, and audiobooks on Spotify. The 1GB RAM ensures that the watch performs smoothly with no lags.
The LTE feature allows you to stream podcasts without connecting to your phone. You can also use the Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your AirPods or any compatible Bluetooth headsets.
However, note that the battery life of the Vivoactive 3 Music is not as long-lasting. It lasts 20 to 40 hours in smartwatch mode and only 4 hours in GPS mode.
Pros
- Clear resolution.
- Can play podcasts and Spotify music offline.
- It is a waterproof.
Cons
- The battery life is wanting
| Display | 1.2” AMOLED, 240 x 240 pixels |
| Operating System | Garmin OS |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Storage & Memory | 8GB & 1GB RAM |
| GPS | Yes, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Garmin Pay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 20-40 hours (4 hours on GPS) |
5. Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is also one of the best smartwatches for iPhone users who enjoy listening to podcasts. The bands of this watch are removable and comfortable to wear.
Apple Watch 8 is compatible with various music streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and Spotify. You can use these services to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
However, the battery life of the Apple Watch 7 is disappointing, lasting only 18 hours on a complete charge. This means it may not be the best choice for those who like to listen to podcasts for extended periods.
Pros
- The display is a bit bigger
- Charging is fast
- The display is Retina and always-on
- Good for podcasts and music
- Good storage space
- Waterproof
Cons
- The smartwatch is only compatible with Apple devices.
- Has a horrible battery life, and needs improvement.
| Display | 1.9”, Touchscreen |
| Operating System | WatchOS 8.0 (upgrades t0 8.3) |
| Compatibility | iOS only |
| Storage & Memory | 32GB & 1GB RAM |
| GPS | Yes |
| NFC | Apple Pay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours |
6. Fitbit Versa 4 (Best Smartwatch for Controling Podcasts)
Although on 31st March 2023, Fitbit seized supporting Podcasts and music you can still use it to control the Podcasts on your paired phone with the Fitbit Versa 4.
Apart from controlling podcasts, Fitbit Versa 4 will monitor things like calories burned, steps, and sleep.
You also get a chance to connect Versa 4 to Samsung Health to have an idea of how you are faring health-wise.
This is the watch on the list that comes with good battery life. Fitbit Versa 4 can serve for 6+ days on a complete charge.
Pros
- Good water-resistant rating.
- Great battery life.
- Comes at an affordable price
- Supports various apps.
- Compatible with both Androids and iOS devices.
Cons
- Does track swimming
| Display | 1.58”, AMOLED, Touchscreen |
| Operating System | FitbitOS |
| Compatibility | iOS & Android |
| Storage | No |
| GPS | Yes (built-in) |
| NFC | Fitbit Pay (Yes) |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 days |