Gone are the days when smartwatches were designed solely with men in mind. Early models often featured bulky designs, limited color options, and oversized displays—hardly ideal for those seeking a more feminine aesthetic. Fortunately, the market has evolved, offering sleeker builds, diverse color palettes, and features tailored specifically to women’s health.
From menstrual cycle tracking to fertility insights, today’s wearables provide more than just step counts. After a decade of reviewing smartwatches and fitness trackers—including recent tests of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Garmin Lily 2, and more—here are my top picks for women who want both style and substance.
How We Tested
Each device was evaluated by women’s tech expert Britta O’Boyle, who reassessed female-focused features like cycle tracking, symptom logging, and health insights. Comfort, wearability, and design were also key factors, alongside core wellness and smart capabilities.
Oura Ring (Gen 3/4)
Breaking away from traditional wrist-worn devices, the Oura Ring emerged as a standout. With nearly 60% of its user base being women—a rarity in consumer tech—this discreet titanium ring excels in health monitoring without sacrificing style. Available in silver, black, gold, and rose gold, it blends seamlessly into everyday wear.
The Oura app delivers detailed insights via intuitive, color-coded cards, tracking everything from sleep and stress to heart rate and body temperature. Its integration with Natural Cycles offers fertility tracking, while the new Fertility Insights feature leverages temperature data to predict ovulation. Though activity tracking could improve, the Oura Ring remains a top choice for those prioritizing subtlety and comprehensive health metrics.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple’s 10th-anniversary model brings slimmer cases (down by 1mm) and larger displays (42mm and 46mm), enhancing comfort without compromising functionality. The Gold titanium and Rose Gold aluminum options cater to feminine tastes, with straps like the Milanese Loop adding elegance.
Health features shine with wrist temperature sensing for cycle tracking and pregnancy monitoring via watchOS 11. Sleep apnea detection and the new Vitals app—which flags potential health deviations—round out its robust toolkit. While a readiness score and dedicated stress tracking would be welcome, the Series 10 excels as a versatile, user-friendly option.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Despite its chunkier build, the Galaxy Watch 7 surprises with a vibrant display and fluid interface. The distinctive green color and versatile straps (including a sleek Milanese option) balance sportiness and polish.
AI-driven features like the Energy Score—calculated from sleep, activity, and heart rate data—provide daily wellness guidance. Cycle tracking is easily accessible on-device, and stress/BP monitoring adds depth. Faster charging and iPhone compatibility would elevate it further, but for Android users, it’s a powerhouse.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google’s pebble-shaped third iteration leans into simplicity with Fitbit’s stellar sleep and stress tracking. The Matte Black and Champagne Gold variants (paired with interchangeable straps) offer understated elegance.
Fitbit integration delivers clear health insights, including a Daily Readiness Score and cardio load metrics. However, the lack of third-party app integration (e.g., Natural Cycles) is a missed opportunity. iPhone support remains absent, but for Pixel owners, it’s a strong contender.
Garmin Venu 3S
Garmin’s sporty yet softer Venu 3S stands out with week-long battery life and cycle-based exercise/nutrition tips. The 41mm Soft Gold model pairs well with neutral straps, though third-party options may better suit formal settings.
Features like Body Battery—tracking energy depletion throughout the day—and pregnancy tracking cater to active lifestyles. While not as fashion-forward as others, its durability and advanced metrics make it ideal for fitness-focused users.
The Verdict
For discreet, feature-rich tracking, the Oura Ring takes the crown. If a traditional smartwatch is preferred, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers the best blend of style and innovation, while the Garmin Venu 3S leads in battery life and athletic insights. Ultimately, women now have more choices than ever—each designed to fit their lives, not just their wrists.
