6 Best Smartwatches With LTE to Get in 2021

LTE connectivity is the technology that allows you to use your smartwatch independently from a smartphone. That’s one of the main reasons we outline our favorite 6 best smartwatches with LTE that you can get in 2021!

In this list, you find everything from smartwatches for Android and Apple devices to great picks for workouts and more.

So, without any further ado, let us get right into it!

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In a hurry?

Not interested in all the details? Here is all you need to know about our top picks as quick as possible:

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: All-around a great watch that works with most carriers and both Android and iOS devices. Generally hard to go wrong with it if you are willing to spend a premium
2. Apple Watch Series 6: The ideal pick for iPhone users since it’s made to integrate with iPhones and works flawlessly with them. Just keep in mind that this is the most pricey watch on this list
3. Garmin vivoactive 3 Music Verizon: Currently the only Garmin watch with LTE. This is the only watch with ANT+ connectivity on this list, but, unfortunately, it’s locked to Verizon’s network
4. TicWatch Pro 4G LTE: A nice pick for those who want something that’s not just feature-rich – but also stylish. It’s also worth pointing out that this is the only watch here that uses Google’s WearOS
5. Samsung Galaxy Active 2: Very similar to the Galaxy Watch 3 with the difference that it uses a different, more lightweight, and compact build. It’s the best value you can get on this list with the only downside that it offers 4 gigabytes of internal storage instead of 8
6. Fossil Gen 5 LTE: Probably the best WearOS LTE smartwatch that you can get right now. It naturally comes with support for Google’s Assistant, but, unfortunately, only Verizon’s network is supported

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Best Overall LTE Smartwatch

One of the main reasons why we picked the Galaxy Watch 3 as the best watch with LTE is its versatility for all types of users from workout junkies, health-conscious fans, to music afficinados. 

Plus, unlike many other watches on this list, Samsung’s Galaxy 3 LTE works with a lot of mobile phone carriers!

• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, and Wi-Fi.
• Battery: A couple of days with normal use. Supports wireless charging.
• Region/Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, USC, Vodafone, Orange, Telenet, MEO, LMT, Bite LV/LT, Telia, Elisa, DNA, CKH, Telenor, Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, Q2, A1, Optus, Spark, Singtel, StarHub, AIS, DTAC, TRUE, and more!

You can use it with both Android and iOS devices.

And to throw in something extra, this is also one of the very few smartwatches out there that supports Spotify offline!

And of course, you get all of the basic stuff plus plenty of other features. Things like sleep tracking, stress tracking, heart-rate monitoring, 3rd party apps, plenty of customization options, workout modes, and more. 

In addition to all that, you also get Bixby and the option of using the watch independently from a phone – mostly thanks to the features that allow you to answer calls and texts. And obviously thanks to both LTE and Wi-Fi as well. 

As you probably already noticed on our spec sheet, there is also support for plenty of eSIM carriers out there.

You can use the Galaxy Watch 3 in most regions and with most carriers. The chances are your current cellular service company is on that list, but check the full list before buying this Galaxy 3 watch – just to be safe. 

Now, the average battery life of 1-2 days is not the best not the worst of this bunch. And with both LTE and AOD (Always On Display) enabled along with some other power-hungry features, you may barely be able to get a full day of usage. 

All things considered, that’s a small price to pay for having such an all-around great smartwatch. 

Pros: 

• Works with most eSIMs out there
• Compatible with both Android and iOS
• Spotify offline and Bixby are both welcome additions

Cons: 

• A bit pricey

Want to learn more about the Galaxy 3? Check these in-depth articles:

• Top 5 Ways to Increase Battery Life on Galaxy Watch 3
• 19 tips and tricks for your new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

2. Apple Watch Series 6: Best LTE Smartwatch for iPhone Owners

Apple is known for creating a superb, closed ecosystem for their devices.

Everything integrates and works so well together, and the situation is no different for the Apple Watch Series 6 in combination with other Apple devices.

If you have an iPhone as your daily driver, this smartwatch should be your first choice! And like the Samsung Galaxy 3, you get a lot of carrier choices to support your watch.

• Compatibility: iPhone devices
• Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, U1 chip, and Wi-Fi
• Battery: One full day (About 18 hours, to be more precise)
• Region/Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vodafone, Orange, Telenet, Telia, Elisa, Telenor, Swisscom, Sunrise, A1, Optus, Spark, Singtel, StarHub, AIS, DTAC, TRUE, and more

The Apple Watch Series 6 is pretty much on par with Samsung’s offering – except it integrates better with iPhones, including Apple only services like iMessage, iCloud, and Apple Pay.

When it comes to eSIM compatibility, some of the less popular carriers are not supported. But almost all of the popular ones are covered. Don’t forget to check the full list before buying. 

In terms of features, you can once again expect to get everything from the very basics up to some options that are exclusive to premium watches. We are talking about things such as built-in GPS, Apple Fitness+, Apple’s U1 chip, blood oxygen monitoring, and seamless syncing with your phone, the Apple Health app, and iCloud. 

Once again, the biggest and possibly the only real downside of the Apple Watch Series 6 is its battery life.

You can generally get a full day with it – but we wouldn’t bet on anything more than that. Especially if you like leaving all the features enabled. 

Pros: 

• Works particularly well with iPhones.
• Premium features like the built-in GPS and Apple’s U1 chip are always a welcome addition (Especially at this price point.)
• Tons of styling options.

Cons: 

• Mediocre battery life at best.
• Only works with iPhones (And while there are hacks to make it partially compatible with Android, you can always just use a watch that’s natively compatible instead.)
• Expensive.

Want to learn more about Apple’s Series 6 watch? Take a look at these articles:

• How does Apple Watch Series 6 Blood Oxygen (SpO2) monitoring compare with others
• User guide to Apple Watch Series 6 Always-on-Display feature and screen brightness

3. Garmin vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon Connected): Best LTE Watch for Serious Athletes

Garmin makes some of the best smartwatches for athletes out there. But, unfortunately, none of them come with LTE support. Except for the vivoactive 3 Music Verizon. As the name suggests, this one is locked to Verizon’s network – but it’s better than nothing. 

• Compatibility: Android, iOS, and ANT+ sensors
• Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and ANT+
• Battery: Up to 4 hours in LTE mode and up to 5 days without it
• Region/Carriers: Verizon

First things first, one of the main reasons why we recommend Garmin’s watches for serious athletes is due to the fact that they are using ANT+ adapters. 

If you want to learn more about ANT+, check out this article.

But to put it as simply as possible, unlike Bluetooth, ANT+ allows you to connect your watch with multiple ANT+-powered sensors at once.

So, instead of getting an ANT+ heart-rate monitoring device for a supported bike, you could theoretically use your Garmin watch instead. 

Apart from all the basic features, such as heart-rate monitoring and step tracking, Garmin watches also offer a few features that are exclusive to Garmin.

One of the most popular ones is Garmin Pay. It’s worth keeping in mind that Garmin Pay doesn’t work with all banks and regions like other payment methods. 

There are some downsides to getting this LTE version over other Garmin watches, though.

Not only because it only works with Verizon’s network – but also due to its very short battery life that makes it tough to use.

However, if you want a Garmin LTE watch, this is the one. 

Pros: 

• ANT+ connectivity is a big plus if you are using other ANT+ sensors
• Very cheap compared to its competitors
• Works with both Android and iOS as well as with ANT+ sensors

Cons: 

• Unacceptable battery life when LTE is enabled
• Only works with Verizon’s network

Want to learn more about Garmin’s watches? Check out these articles:

• Garmin Enduro VS Fenix: What’s the Best for Runners?
• Fitbit Ace 3 VS Garmin vivofit jr. 3: what’s the best activity tracker for your kids?

4. TicWatch Pro 4G LTE: Classic Style

Out of most smartwatches out there, the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE leans closer to the traditional look of a watch that we all know and love. 

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, LTE, GPS, and NFC
• Battery: Up to 18 hours with LTE enabled/up to 5 days on smartwatch mode
• Region/Carriers: Verizon

That aside, one of the things that set this watch apart from the competition is its dual-screen setup. You get one normal AMOLED display for everyday use and another, low-power LCD display for when the watch is sitting idle. 

That, in combination with its essential mode can give you up to 5 days of battery life. And while that’s one of the best scores on this list, don’t forget that leaving everything enabled and using LTE will have you struggling just to get a full day. 

It’s also worth keeping in mind that this watch comes with WearOS – the Google and Android watch firmware for smartwatches. And thus, there is really an endless supply of apps to choose from. 

Needless to say, att this price point, you get all the basic features that can be found in smartwatches and GPS and NFC connectivity. 

If there’s one downside, that’s definitely the fact that the watch only works with Verizon’s network. 

Pros: 

• Comes with a somewhat unique style among smartwatches
• WearOS may feel a bit more familiar for Android users
• The dual display is a nice idea for getting more battery life

Cons: 

• Only works with Verizon

Want to learn more about TicWatch Pro’s watch? Take a look at these articles:

• Which TicWatch is the Best for you (2021)
• Fossil Gen 5 VS TicWatch Pro 4G: Which WearOS Watch is the Best?

5. Samsung Galaxy Active 2: Best Value

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 is no doubt one of the best-selling smartwatches – and for a good reason. Or several good reasons, to be more accurate.

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, LTE, GPS, and NFC
• Battery: Up to 18 hours with LTE enabled/up to 5 days on smartwatch mode
• Region/Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, USC, Vodafone, Orange, LMT, Bite, Telia, Elisa, DNA, Telenor, Swisscom, Sunrise, Optus, Spark, Singtel, StarHub, AIS, DTAC, and more

First things first, this watch comes in at less than $280 while being able to compete with our most expensive picks. The value that it offers is nothing to laugh at. 

As its name suggests, the Active 2 is mostly designed for active people. That’s why it’s smaller, more lightweight, and maybe not as fancy as most of our picks. But whether that’s a good thing or not comes down to personal preference. 

Thanks to the TizenOS, you can get Spotify offline just like you can with the Galaxy Watch 3. Plus, the Active 2 now supports blood pressure monitoring–a unique feature at this price point.

But it’s worth keeping in mind that you only have half as much memory (4 gigabytes instead of 8). And while that’s not a deal-breaker by any means, it’s’ definitely worth keeping in mind for those who have a long playlist to download. 

Other than that, unlike our two previous picks, the Galaxy Active 2’s eSIM is unlocked.

So, you should be able to use it with any supported carrier that offers eSIMs. Don’t forget to check the full list here. 

Overall, if you want a full-fledged, lightweight smartwatch with LTE, it’s hard to go wrong with this one and we can’t think of any serious downsides. Except, of course, the mediocre battery life, which unfortunately applies to every watch with LTE connectivity. 

Pros: 

• Superb value
• Works with plenty of carriers
• More lightweight and smaller than your average LTE watch

Cons: 

• Maybe not as stylish as other premium watches (But that’s mostly a matter of personal preference)
• Only has half as much memory as the Galaxy Watch 3

Want to learn more about Samsung’s Galaxy Active 2 watch health features? Take a look at this article.

• Samsung Health introduces Blood Pressure Monitoring for Galaxy Watch Active 2 users.

6. Fossil Gen 5 LTE: Best WearOS LTE Smartwatch

Fossil makes some of the most stylish smartwatches we’ve ever seen, and the Fossil Gen 5 LTE is not an exception. Not only it looks great, but it may also be the best WearOS smartwatch that is out there at the moment. 

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and LTE
• Battery: One day with everything up to a week with everything disabled
• Region/Carriers: Verizon

Since we are talking about a WearOS watch, you can expect to get Google’s voice assistant, tons of 3rd party apps, Google Pay, and a user interface that’s somewhat similar to Android. After all, WearOS is basically a version of Android for watches. 

And you also get built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and you can obviously also make phone calls thanks to LTE and the built-in speaker. So, this is all-around a full-fledged, fancy smartwatch. 

The extended battery options are also a welcome addition for sure. If you don’t need to rely on LTE, Bluetooth, and smart features, you can use Time Only Mode to use Fossil as a casual watch and go up to a week without charging it. But, of course, you only get one day if everything is enabled. 

The only big downside is that the watch only works with Verizon’s network when it comes to LTE.

But if you absolutely must have it, don’t forget that there is always the option of getting the non-LTE version – but you just won’t be able to leave the phone behind. 

Pros: 

• Plenty of styling options to choose from
• Google Pay and Google’s Assistant are both welcome additions
• 8 gigabytes of storage for not a whole lot of money (compared to other options)

Cons: 

• LTE connectivity only works with Verizon

Want to learn more about Fossil’s Gen 5 smartwatch? Take a look at these articles:

• Fossil Gen 5 VS TicWatch Pro 4G: Which WearOS Watch is the Best?
• 9 tips to improve Battery Performance on your Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch

FAQ

Is LTE on Smartwatch Worth it? 

It’s definitely a nice option to have. Many people love going for a run or a walk without having to carry their phones with them.

An LTE watch is one of the few things that can make this possible. 

What does LTE Mean on Smart Watches? 

LTE on a smart watch means that your watch can connect to a cellular network just like a phone does.

If you also have a microphone and speaker/Bluetooth headphones, not only you can browse the internet on the go, but you also have the option of making phone calls and answering messages. 

Do I Need a SIM Card? 

No. Smartwatches with LTE use eSIMs – meaning that you go through activation and authentication digitally without the need for a physical SIM card.

The exact process of activating an eSIM may differ from watch to watch, so, refer to your manual. 

Can you Still Text on Apple Watch Without Cellular? 

Yes. If you are connected to your iPhone you can text on the Apple Watch even if it doesn’t have a cellular connection as it uses the phone’s network.

Alternatively, you can also use Wi-Fi. 

Can I Use a Smartwatch Without the Phone

Yes. LTE smartwatches with built-in GPS are almost fully independent from smartphones.

But non-LTE watches without built-in GPS are basically crippled without a nearby mobile phone that provides most of the functionality for them (App notifications, GPS tracking, etc). 

Wrapping Up

These are our top picks for now. Which one do you prefer and why? Feel free to let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section down below!

Also, if you liked this article, feel free to stick around for more as we regularly post on anything that has to do with wellbeing, fitness, smartwatches, gadgets, fitness accessories, and everything that has to do with tech as well. 

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