Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Which smartwatch wins?

While I can’t imagine too many people are stuck in a pickle choosing between the new Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 3 — then again, both are on our best smartwatch list — it’s still fun to compare the pros and cons of these two major flagship products.

New for 2024, the Apple Watch 10 launched in early September while the Pixel Watch 3 made its debut in late August, just weeks earlier. 

The former starts at $399 and the latter at $349. Beyond that, the Apple Watch 10 and Pixel Watch 3 look fairly similar to their respective predecessors, which is to say, the Apple Watch remains a rectangle and the Pixel Watch is still a circle.

However, there are notable differences between the two, particularly when it comes to price, wearability, health tech and battery life. 

With no horse in the race, here’s how I see the new Pixel Watch 3, one of the best smartwatches for Android, stacks up against the Apple Watch 10, the best Apple Watch in 2024.

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Specs compared

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Price

The Apple Watch 10 starts at $399 for the smaller 42mm model and increases to $499 for the cellular version. Meanwhile, the smaller 41mm Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 and jumps to $449 for cellular.

On to the big boys: The larger 46mm Apple Watch 10 starts at $429 and vaults to $529 for LTE, while the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 starts at $399 and leaps to $499 for LTE.  

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Build quality and design

Screen shape aside, the Apple Watch 10 and Pixel Watch 3 offer similar designs, build qualities and user interfaces. You get two physical controls along the side of the case on either model, including a button and a digital crown. Both are water-resistant down to 50 meters and each boasts a maximum screen brightness of 2,000 nits for easy viewing in bright sunlight. 

However, the Apple Watch Series 10 models have larger displays than their Pixel Watch 3 counterparts. The 42mm Series 10 has a 1.6-inch screen compared to a 1.27-inch display on the 41mm Pixel Watch 3. The 46mm Apple Watch 10 has a 1.8-inch screen compared to 1.46 inches for the 45mm Pixel Watch. The new Apple Watches also have a less noticeable bezel than the latest Pixel Watches.

With even more screen real estate than even the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Apple Watch 10 in 46mm secures a 'W' for Apple in this category. 

Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm)

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Wearability and comfort

Apple put its flagship wearable line on a strict diet, shaving 1mm off the case thickness and several grams off the weight. Still, the Apple Watch 10 models weigh only about a gram less than their Pixel Watch 3 alternatives. 

All four models wear comfortably. However, the Pixel Watch 3 feels a tad chunkier on the wrist due to its 2.6mm thicker case. 

Winner: Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Health features

This has been a big year for smartwatch wellness tech and safety features. Seemingly every major wearable announcement in 2024 included an emphasis on new and improved training and holistic tools, from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to the Garmin Forerunner 165. And the latest Apple and Pixel watches are no exception. 

A heart rate, ECG and body temperature sensors come standard on both models, as do GPS and motion sensors, including gyroscopes and accelerometers. 

The new standout health feature on the Pixel Watch 3 is a first-of-its-kind Loss of Pulse Detection tool. Unfortunately, I have yet to test it because the technology is still awaiting approval in the U.S.

Apple similarly launched the Apple Watch 10 with a shiny new health feature that wasn't quite ready for showtime. The difference is, that Apple's new sleep apnea detection tool just got that authorization.

On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 10 devices sold in the U.S. won't include a blood oxygen sensor due to Apple's legal dispute with Masimo, while the Pixel Watch 3 comes with a SpO2 onboard in all markets.

Winner: Draw

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Fitness tools

To help you better reach your workout goals, without overexerting your body, Apple introduced a new Traning Load metric while Google added a similar Target Load metric, borrowed from Fitbit.

For daily insights into wellness, the Google Watch also borrows Fitbit's Readiness score, a metric that ranges from one to 100 and takes into account recent rest and exercise. Apple doesn't have a score like this but does give users fairly detailed sleep insights, including breakdowns of time spent in various sleep cycles, just like the Pixel Watch 3.

The latest Google Watch also features a new Cardio Load metric to measure how hard a user's heart is working during a workout. Apple, meanwhile borrowed the water temperature and depth gauge sensors from the Ultra series and brought them to Series 10 devices, something swimmers and snorkelers can surely appreciate.

Apple's watchOS 11 software also introduces a new Vitals app where users can monitor their health data; the Pixel Watch 3 offers something similar in the form of the Fitbit Today app.

Lastly, both new smartwatches boast advanced insights into form for runners.

Winner: Draw

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Smart features

The Apple Watch 10 and Pixel Watch 3 are each jam-packed with useful smart tech and tools. For the Apple Watch, the latest watchOS 11 software unlocks Apple's Check In safety tool, a handy Translation app, the ability to pause Activity Rings and more. 

These upgrades join some of my other favorite Apple Watch features like the double tap gesture and the useful HomeKit app for controlling smart appliances like smart bulbs, security cameras and more.

The Pixel Watch 3 can also be used to monitor home security but you'll need a compatible Nest cam device. Like the Apple Watch 10, the Pixel Watch 3 has an onboard Ultra-wideband (UWB) chip allowing users to lock and unlock other tech from their wrists. 

Google partnered with BMW/Mini for the device's launch, turning the Pixel Watch 3 into a digital key for compatible vehicles (those with support for BMW Digital Key Plus). The watch also doubles as a Google TV remote. 

You can now download and save offline maps for future viewing with either smartwatch, something I dig as an avid hiker. Beyond that, you'll find plenty of powerful first-party apps onboard with load more third-party apps available for download from either's respective app store. 

Winner: Draw

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Battery life

Whether you choose the 42mm or 46mm Apple Watch Series 10, you're looking at an average of 18 hours of battery life per charge. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3, meanwhile, lasts for closer to 24 hours while the 45mm Pixel Watch goes for an impressive 48 hours before needing a sip of electricity. 

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3

Apple Watch 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Which one is better?

It has long felt like Google was playing catchup to Apple in the realm of smartwatches. Until now. The Pixel Watch 3 is a worthy Android alternative to the Apple Watch 10. It also costs a little less.

Ultimately, this one is too close to call. While the Apple Watch 10 is thinner and a little lighter than the Pixel Watch 3, the latest Google wearable lasts significantly longer (in 45mm) than its Apple equivalent. 

Both offer time-tested designs, outstanding wellness tools, bright and easy-to-view displays, just enough physical controls and enormous libraries of third-party apps. 

More from Tom's Guide

• What the Apple Watch 10 launch tell us about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and SE 3
• I biked 9 miles wearing the Pixel Watch 3 vs. Galaxy Watch 7 — and the results surprised me
• Apple’s best tool for world travelers is now on your Apple Watch — here’s how to use it