Smartwatches are essential for pilots, whether they are on a flight or in their free time. The tiny gadget on the wrist helps a pilot stay ahead by tracking important data, such as weather alerts, flight timings, and travel patterns.
Other than that, pilots can also measure their health and fitness metrics using a smartwatch (heart rate, blood oxygen, stress rate, and other readings). However, regardless of the benefits, a smartwatch can provide, selecting a watch that provides value is equally important.
So, let’s learn in the following guide all about smartwatches for pilots and:
- See detailed reviews of the 8 best smartwatches with their specs, pros, and cons
- Compare all smartwatches in a grand comparison table
- Consider all factors when looking for a smartwatch in a buying guide
- Answer some of the most frequently asked questions to clear any doubts
Best Smartwatches for Pilots
- Best Smartwatch Overall: Amazfit T-Rex
- Best Smartwatch for Android Devices: Galaxy Watch 4
- Best Smartwatch With Quick Watch Control: Fossil Gen 6
- Best Smartwatch for Long Flights: Garmin Legacy Hero Series
- Best Smartwatch for Rough Weather: SUUNTO 9 Baro
- Best Lightweight Smartwatch: Huawei Watch GT 2
- Best Smartwatch with Always-On Mode: Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Best Smartwatch for Advanced-Level Weather Forecast: Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
Amazfit T-Rex — Best Overall Smartwatch
Specs
- Dimensions: 47.7 x 47.7 x 13.5 mm
- Weight: 58 g
- Display: AMOLED; 1.3 inches
- Resolution: 360 x 360
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 + Anti-fingerprint coating
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in
- Battery Life: 20 days
The Amazfit T-Rex is the game-changer watch for those always in the air, thanks to its 20-day battery life, anti-fingerprint protective display coating, ruggedness, and resistance to harsh external factors.
The first thing to note about Amazfit T-Rex is its robustness, as the watch is designed to endure extreme heat, cold, humidity, and salt spray. Furthermore, its solid craftsmanship results from tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an anti-fingerprint coating.
Moreover, the watch is built to last longer than its competitors, so you can expect up to 20-day use. Various battery modes (Daily Use, Basic Watch, GPS Continuous Working Time) help make the most use of the smartwatch even in hard times.
The watch is also marked with high-precision GPS dual-satellite positioning, which is a must-to-have in a smartwatch for pilots. It also tracks your heart rate all day and has a sleep monitoring system.
Bottom Line
The Amazfit T-Rex is a watch intended for heavy use as it is rugged, comes with 20-day battery life, and is resistant to harsh elements. The watch also has a more accurate GPS navigation, making it suitable for pilots facing rough climatic conditions.
Galaxy Watch 4 — Best Smartwatch for Android Devices
Specs
- Dimensions: 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm; 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm
- Weight: 30g; 26g
- Display: SUPER AMOLED; 1.4 and 1.2 inches
- Resolution: 450 x 450; 396 x 396
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass DX+
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wifi, LTE, NFC
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android
- GPS: Built-in GPS, GLONASS
- Battery Life: 40 hours
Galaxy Watch 4 is a multi-functional, advanced smartwatch equipped with all the necessary features a pilot would need.
It comes in two sizes, each built with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ enclosed in a streamlined Armor Aluminum metal frame. A SUPER AMOLED display also has higher resolution levels, making it easier to read the watch in the dark.
Furthermore, extraordinary sensors such as built-in GPS, GLONASS navigation, heart rate, blood oxygenation, and sleep tracking help pilots check their work and fitness. Technical sensors like a barometer and magnetic field sensors are also added to help pilots during a flight.
An important thing to note about the Galaxy Watch 4 is that, unlike its predecessors, it is compatible with Android devices only.
However, the watch comes with excellent features for pilots, including customizing alarms, Bixby (Samsung’s virtual assistant) to control your watch, and contactless payment.
Bottom Line
The Galaxy Watch 4 is a great smartwatch for pilots with its strong body, advanced functionality, and sharp sensors. However, it is a fantastic pick for pilots with an Android phone as the watch is incompatible with iOS devices.
Fossil Gen 6 — Best Smartwatch With Quick Watch Control
Specs
- Dimensions: * mm; 13 x 42 x 42 mm
- Weight: * g; 37 g
- Display: Color AMOLED; 1.28 inches
- Resolution: 416 x 416
- Glass: Tempered Glass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wifi, NFC
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in GPS
- Battery Life: 24+ hours
Fossil smartwatches are known in the tech industry for their classic design and top-notch functionality. The Fossil Gen 6 is also one of them; it stands proud with its dual-virtual assistants, sharp sensors, and extended battery modes.
You can find Fossil Gen 6 in two sizes, 42 and 44 mm casing; both sizes have a Color AMOLED display with a higher 416 x 416 resolution. Tempered glass is strong and doesn’t break easily, making the watch ideal for pilots.
Furthermore, Fossil Gen 6 users can ask Alexa or Google Assistant to set alarms, show maps, or check their heart rate. Since the watch is compatible with Android and iOS devices (unlike Samsung watches), you can use Alexa or Google Assistant, depending on your phone.
Lastly, if 24+ hours of battery life seems short to those taking long-hour flights, Fossil Gen 6 also comes with extended battery modes (daily mode, extended mode, and time-only mode) to ensure users enjoy a long battery life.
Bottom Line
With Fossil Gen 6, you can add both style and functionality to your routine. However, it is a fantastic pick for pilots who can charge the watch every 20-25 hours since the watch has short battery life.
Garmin Legacy Hero Series — Best Smartwatch for Long Flights
Specs
- Dimensions: 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm; 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm
- Weight: 40.0 g; 50.5 g
- Display: Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP); 1.1 and 1.3 inches
- Resolution: 218 x 218; 260 x 260
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
- Battery Life: up to 8 days
Pilots fly high in the sky, so are they human versions of superheroes? If that’s correct, Garmin’s Legacy Hero Series are the perfect gear for pilots to stay updated with their flights, keep track of their health, and connect with the world.
The Legacy Hero Series comes in two versions: Captain Marvel and First Avengers. Both are equipped with built-in GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO to provide pilots with as accurate navigation as possible.
The watches also feature advanced sensors, including a barometer, thermometer, and gyroscope to help pilots monitor weather, temperature, and aircraft angular motion. Besides, sensors like accelerometers timely alert about heart rate, blood oxygen, and other health metrics.
The only concern is the low resolution, which can be overlooked given other excellent features. Yet, again, Garmin watches excel in battery life as you can expect up to 8 days when using Hero Legacy Series — something that you don’t get with Samsung or Fossil watches.
Bottom Line
Apart from being an outstanding gadget for Marvel freaks, Garmin’s Legacy Hero Series features advanced navigation and atmospheric sensors, premium fitness traction, and long battery life. It is suitable for long and complex flights if the low resolution is not a problem for you.
SUUNTO 9 Baro — Best Smartwatch for Rough Weather
Specs
- Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm
- Weight: 81 g
- Display: Matrix; 1.34 inches
- Resolution: 320 x 300
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
- Battery Life: up to 7-14 days
SUUNTO 9 Baro is a sturdy watch for pilots who often encounter rough weather when flying. The strong body’s ultra-endurance has passed US military standard 810H and can resist tough temperatures, shocks, drops, humidity, freezing rain, sand, and dust.
Such a sturdy body also explains the heavy weight of the watch, which is reinforced by Sapphire crystal glass. Furthermore, the watch has the most advanced navigation systems, featuring built-in GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO.
Another significant hallmark of SUUNTO 9 Baro is the 10 ATM (100 m) water resistance, a feature rarely found in other gadgets. The watch also comes with a digital compass, barometer, and altimeter.
Lastly, the intelligent battery modes allow the watch to last for as long as up to 14 days. Moreover, you can choose between time mode, Ultra battery mode, Endurance battery mode, Training mode, and custom mode.
Bottom Line
SUUNTO 9 Baro is an all-rounder smartwatch for pilots with its sturdy body and premium functionality. It features advanced-level navigation, a higher water resistance, and longer battery life, perfect for pilots flying in rough weather.
Huawei Watch GT 2 — Best Lightweight Smartwatch
Specs
- Dimensions: 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm; 41.8 x 41.8 x 9.4 mm
- Weight: 41 g; 29 g
- Display: AMOLED; 1.39 and 1.2 inches
- Resolution: 454 x 454; 390 x 390
- Glass: *
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in
- Battery Life: 14 days; 7 days
Most watches designed for flights are heavy, but Huawei Watch GT 2 is an exception. It’s a well-performed smartwatch showcasing a strong body, superior specs, and longer battery life, all in a compact design.
The watch is available in two sizes, and both are super lightweight, with the 42 mm weighing just 29g. The crisp display stays visible even in the dark, thanks to the higher pixel resolution embedded in the watch.
Another thing that makes the Huawei Watch GT 2 excellent for pilots is the 3D compass, something we don’t get with GT 2 Pro. The 3D compass shows accurate directions regardless of the position of the watch, so you can keep track of your location even if the watch is tilted.
Furthermore, the watch comes with a barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, and other sensors to help you navigate. The intelligent power-saving technology also helps the watch consume less energy while performing.
Bottom Line
The Huawei Watch GT 2 is a decent smartwatch for pilots who do not prefer much weight on the wrist. The watch is lightweight yet comes with all the necessary features required in a pilot’s smartwatch.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 — Best Smartwatch with Always-On Mode
Specs
- Dimensions: 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm; 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm
- Weight: 50.5 g; 40.0 g
- Display: MIP transflective; 1.3 and 1.1 inches
- Resolution: 260 x 260; 218 x 218
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 8 days
The Vivoactive 4 is another popular Garmin watch that is one of the best smartwatches for pilots. The watch is pretty much the same as the Legacy Series in specs yet differs in functionality.
A significant difference in Vivoactive 4 is marked by its Always-On display, which is unavailable in Legacy Series.
The Always-On display, though using more battery, displays important information such as date, time, and notifications even if the watch is off. Thus, you would be saved from tapping the watch’s screen when in a rush with the Always-On mode.
Like the Legacy Series, the Vivoactive 4 also features a sturdy body and tough glass while keeping a low-resolution profile. The watch has advanced sensors to detect weather and temperature (barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer) and tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep.
Lastly, Vivoactive 4 has three battery modes, as follows:
- Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days
- GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours
- GPS mode without music: Up to 18 hours
Bottom Line
The Vivoactive 4 is another excellent Garmin watch for pilots, featuring the Always-On mode. The watch has almost the same specs as the Legacy Series, so pilots who prefer notification alerts without taping on the screen should go for the Vivoactive 4.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro — Best Smartwatch for Advanced-Level Weather Forecast
Specs
- Dimensions: 46.7 x 46.7 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 52 g
- Display: AMOLED; 1.39 inches
- Resolution: 454 x 454
- Glass: Sapphire glass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- GPS: Built-in
- Battery Life: 2 weeks
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro inherits much from its predecessor, the Huawei Watch GT 2. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it is super-advanced, featuring a stronger display and a faster Bluetooth and GPS range compared to the Watch GT 2.
Like other Huawei smartwatches, GT 2 Pro also inherits a sturdy body and higher resolution, combined with a sapphire glass display. However, it also makes GT 2 Pro weigh and cost more than the GT 2.
The watch is recommended for pilots because of its higher GPS acquisition as it quickly gathers satellite data without waiting for GPS fixes. Furthermore, it has a better Bluetooth range than GT 2 (15 m while GT 2 has a 10 m Bluetooth range).
However, its supported moon phases make the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro an excellent watch for pilots. An advanced version of weather detection, the watch provides data about sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset.
You can also get updates about 8 types of moon phases (new moon, full moon, first-quarter moon, etc.) and tidal movements. Pilots can use all this data to observe the weather up in the air and fly aircraft safely.
Bottom Line
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro has many features beneficial for pilots, including premium weather updates, higher GPS acquisition, and a tough body. It is great for pilots who often get stuck in unexpected weather and prefer detailed insight into climate.
Comparison Table: Best Smartwatches for Pilots
Let’s put these best smartwatches for pilots on the comparison table.
| Products | Amazfit T-Rex  | Galaxy Watch 4  | Fossil Gen 6 | Garmin Legacy Hero Series | SUUNTO 9 Baro | Huawei Watch G T 2 | Garmin Vivoactive 4  | Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro |
| Dimensions | 47.7 x 47.7 x 13.5 mm | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm; 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm | – | 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm; 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm | 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm; 41.8 x 41.8 x 9.4 mm | 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm; 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm | 46.7 x 46.7 x 11.4 mm |
| Weight | 58 g | 30 g; 26 g | – | 40.0 g; 50.5 g | 81 g | 41 g; 29 g | 50.5 g;40.0 g | 52 g |
| Display | AMOLED; 1.3 inches | SUPER AMOLED; 1.4 & 1.2 inches | Color AMOLED; 1.8 inches | Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP); 1.1 & 1.3 inches | Matrix; 1.34 inches | AMOLED; 1.39 & 1.2 inches | MIP transflective; 1.3 & 1.1 inches | AMOLED; 1.39 inches |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 | 450 x 450; 396 x 396 | 416 x 416 | 218 x 218; 260 x 260 | 320 x 300 | 454 x 454; 390 x 390 | 260 x 260;218 x 218 | 454 x 454 |
| Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+Anti-Fingerprint Coating | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ | Tempered Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Sapphire crystal | – | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Sapphire Crystal |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wifi, LTE, NFC | Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC | Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC | Bluetooth |
| NFC | NO | Samsung Pay | Google Pay | Garmin Pay | NO | NO | Garmin Pay | NO |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| GLONASS | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | NO | YES | NO |
| Compass | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Heart Rate Sensor | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Sleep Traction | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 3 ATM | 5 ATM | 10 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Virtual Assistant | NO | Bixby | Alexa, Google Assistant | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Alarms | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Barometer | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 days | Up to 40 hours | Up to 24+ hours | Up to 8 days | Up to 7-14 days | 14 days;7 days | Up to 8 days | Up to 14 days |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smartwatch for Pilots
Every smartwatch has features for various purposes, but pilots should focus on those suitable for their schedules and flights. So, when buying a smartwatch for pilots, you should consider the following features:
Navigation Systems
A built-in GPS is a must-to-have feature in a smartwatch for pilots since it helps accomplish a safe flight. Some smartwatches also come with other advanced navigation systems, such as GLONASS and GALILEO, which increase the chances of a seamless flight.
Barometer
A barometer sensor in a smartwatch would provide altitude information that can help pilots stay updated with the weather. Furthermore, a barometer also gives information about sea-level air pressure and temperature and sends alerts in case of rough weather or storms.
Heart Rate Traction
Flying on an airplane causes an increase in heart rate, which is why it is essential for pilots to keep an eye on their pulse rate. Most smartwatches also send an alert when they detect a sudden rise or drop in the heartbeat.
Compass
A compass is a great tool to track where you are going. Modern smartwatches are equipped with a compass to offer navigation services to pilots, so there is no need to carry a magnetic compass with you.
Sleep Traction
Pilots have a tough schedule, most of the time irregular, too, as flight timings are affected by several factors. This can impact the health of pilots, which is why you should look for sleep traction in your smartwatch.
The sleep traction feature would track your sleep hours, sleeping pace, sleep intensity, and other related metrics to help you get better and healthy sleep.
Alarms
Most smartwatches have a built-in alarm app which is another important feature for pilots. You can manage your alarms to stay alert during your work schedule or set the alarm for a quick power nap.
You can also set reminders in the alarm app and choose if you want the alarm to sound or vibrate at the appointed time.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is a handy feature for pilots who are always in a rush or prefer controlling their watch with voice recognition. Most smartwatches have Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby as their intelligent assistant.
You can set up the assistant and do almost everything by just saying “Hey Google” or “Hi Alexa,” depending on your watch’s supported application. Set the alarm, check your heart rate, ask about the weather, or browse something on the web — a virtual assistant can do it all.
Long Battery Life
Pilots should choose a smartwatch with longer battery life because they spend more of their time flying. You wouldn’t want a watch that dies in the middle of a flight or needs to be charged every few hours.
Note that features like GPS can drain the battery, so you should be careful in selecting a watch that offers a good battery life even after using GPS.
Similarly, look for a watch with various battery modes (some smartwatches are equipped with more than one battery mode to last longer. They do it by disabling a feature or two when running on a specific mode).
Strong Glass and Body
A smartwatch for pilots should have a strong body and tough glass, which is not easy to break. Also, the watch should be shock and pressure resistant to endure accidental drops and collisions.
Water Resistance
Taking off your watch every time you wash your hands would be inconvenient. So, choose a smartwatch with high water resistance since it protects the watch from water splashes. Some smartwatches can also endure showering and interacting with fluids.
A watch’s water resistance is counted in ATM (atmospheric pressure). A watch with 5 ATM water resistance can be submerged into water for 50 meters, which is a decent reading to consider.
Did You Get What You’re Looking For?
Hopefully, now you know some of the best smartwatches for pilots, which are strongly built, include higher navigation, detailed fitness traction, and have long battery life.
Still, the best smartwatch for a pilot among all the options is Amazfit T-Rex. It is super-rugged, resistant to harsh external elements, has a 20-day battery life with various battery modes, and has high-precision GPS dual-satellite positioning.
However, the following are also some of the best options if you are looking for top pilot smartwatches:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GPS drain the smartwatch battery faster?
Continuous GPS can drain the smartwatch battery faster since the watch is constantly collecting data from the satellite. This live network connectivity can result in a significant battery drop. To stay on the safer side, select a smartwatch with various battery modes to last longer.
Should pilots get a smartwatch with NFC?
NFC or contactless payment in your smartwatch is a great feature for quick payment with just a tap. You can get a smartwatch NFC if you prefer paying with your smartwatch, though it is not an essential feature for pilots.
What is a decent smartwatch battery life for pilots?
A decent smartwatch battery life for a pilot depends on your typical flight time. The smartwatch you choose should have a longer battery life than your time in the air because you’d need the watch while flying the aircraft.
What can damage the functionality of my smartwatch?
Accidental drops, hard strikes, soaps/soapy water, chemicals, and exposing your watch to extreme temperatures can damage the functionality of your smartwatch.
