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Wirecutter's new top Android pick: the same slim, bright design as the Pixel Watch 4 with a faster chip, better GPS and very fast charging. It's a minor upgrade that costs more, several new health features weren't available at launch (Breathing Emergency Detection is still awaiting FDA clearance in the US), and the best coaching needs a subscription.
Subscription: Optional: Google Health Premium ($10/mo or $100/yr) is needed for the AI Health Coach, in-depth sleep tracking and stress metrics (Wirecutter)
Common Google Pixel Watch 5 problems
- Minor upgrade that costs more
Wirecutter says it isn't a major step up from the Pixel Watch 4, with the same hardware, and costs $50 more. Tom's Guide lists the price increase, same design and display and same battery rating as cons, and sees no reason for Pixel Watch 4 owners to upgrade.
- Headline health features not ready at launch
Wirecutter says Health Guardian reports weren't due until September, Breathing Emergency isn't available in the US while FDA clearance is pending, and Workout Builder wasn't out yet. Tom's Guide also lists Breathing Emergency Detection's US absence as a con.
- Coaching behind a paywall, and AI hiccups
Wirecutter says Health Coach, in-depth sleep tracking and stress metrics need Google Health Premium. Tom's Guide found the paid Coach fixated on an old conversation, Gemini stumped by some requests, no e-bike mode, and recovery advice weaker than Garmin's.
What owners like
- Long battery and fast charging
Wirecutter got about 27 hours with the always-on display and a full charge in 38 minutes. Tom's Guide averaged 48 hours on the 45 mm model (rated 40), though that's less than the Pixel Watch 4's 60.
- More accurate GPS
On two Seattle walks, Tom's Guide found its distance slightly closer to Strava than an Apple Watch Ultra 3's, with much better climb data than the Pixel Watch 4.
- Slim, comfortable and easy to understand
Wirecutter says the slim case is comfortable overnight, the 3,000-nit screen is easy to read in sunlight, and the Google Health app makes sense of your data better than Samsung's. The display and battery can be replaced.
Source: Wirecutter (Android guide)
- You own a Pixel Watch 4
- You use an iPhone
- You don't want to pay for Google Health Premium
- Android owners replacing an older watch
- Runners and hikers in cities or forests (improved GPS)
- Fast top-ups (full charge in under an hour)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick, best Android smartwatch (updated 2026-08-21). The flaws are features not available yet, useful features behind a subscription, and a $50 higher price for the same hardware.
- Tom's Guide (Pixel Watch 5 review): The best Google smartwatch ever and the leader in on-wrist safety, but a fairly minor upgrade over the Pixel Watch 4 at a higher price (value 3/5).