If you are on the hunt for the best Dexcom G7 compatible watches, this guide is for you. The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system represents a leap forward in diabetes management, offering an intuitive and seamless approach to monitoring glucose levels. Its advanced sensors provide real-time glucose data, allowing users to track fluctuations and trends throughout the day without the need for traditional fingersticks. By syncing with popular smartwatches, the Dexcom G7 further enhances the user experience, delivering glucose alerts and updates directly to users’ wrists. This setup is particularly helpful for those with busy or active lifestyles, as it enables immediate, hands-free access to critical health data.
Currently, the Dexcom G7 offers compatibility with devices like the Apple Watch and select Android-compatible watches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch series. For Apple Watch users, the “Direct-to-Watch” feature enables direct data transfer to the watch, bypassing the need for a smartphone altogether and providing even faster glucose updates. This integration ensures that users receive real-time alerts on potential high or low blood glucose levels, empowering them to make informed health decisions on the go.
We will explore the best Dexcom G7-compatible watches, covering key features, compatibility details, and the benefits of using these devices to support health management for those living with diabetes.
1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Best Option)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Key Specifications
Pros
- Bright, large display
- Handy action button
Cons
- Battery life, though better, still lacks
- Ultra Wideband limited to iPhone 15 and 16
The best Dexcom G7 compatible watch, Direct to Watch is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an impressive feat of engineering, standing out as the ultimate smartwatch, primarily thanks to its stunning Retina Display OLED. The screen on this watch is incredibly vibrant, reaching a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, making it easily visible in bright sunlight or underwater. This is one of the most powerful displays ever seen on a wearable device, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or even extreme sports.
At first glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is noticeably larger and bulkier compared to the standard Apple Watch models. Its rugged, durable titanium case exudes strength and durability, designed for those who need a watch that can withstand harsh conditions. Inside, the Ultra 2 is powered by the S9 processor, which makes the device faster and more responsive than its predecessor. This upgrade enables the much-lauded Double Tap gesture, allowing users to interact with the watch using just a tap of their fingers—a feature that’s also present in the Apple Watch Series 9.
While the overall design of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains nearly identical to the first Ultra, the enhancements are more noticeable in practical use. The improved processor, combined with features like an accurate and powerful GPS, makes the Ultra 2 a fantastic choice for adventurers. With watchOS 10’s enhanced hiking waypoints, navigation has never been smoother, and outdoor explorers will appreciate the depth and precision of this system. Moreover, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 doubles as a full-fledged dive computer through the Oceanic Plus app, adding another layer of versatility for those who enjoy underwater sports. It can dive deeper than any other Apple Watch model, reinforcing its rugged, outdoor-centric design.
Though its battery life surpasses the standard Apple Watch models, it still falls short of expectations for some users, especially those accustomed to wearables that last for days on end without a charge. Nevertheless, the Ultra 2 offers a significant improvement over the regular Apple Watch in this department.
Despite the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10, the Ultra 2 maintains its title as the best smartwatch Apple has ever made. Its impressive battery life, coupled with a robust design, ensures it remains a top choice for those seeking the best in wearable tech. However, like its predecessor, it still relies heavily on the iPhone for full functionality, which may limit its appeal to non-Apple users. And while it’s undoubtedly one of the most capable smartwatches available, it does come at a premium price, which could be a barrier for some.
Technically speaking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels in almost every category: it has the biggest and brightest screen, the ability to dive the deepest underwater, and a case built from ultra-hard titanium. Whether you’re hiking, diving, or just navigating your everyday life, the Ultra 2 is the best smartwatch from a technical standpoint, even when considering the newer Apple Watch Series 10.
2. Apple Watch SE 2
Apple Watch SE 2 Key Specifications
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good battery life for the price
- Offers updated features compared to older, budget Apple Watches
Cons
- Lacks always-on display and ECG
- Nylon back
The Apple Watch SE 2 is widely regarded as the ideal choice for many Apple Watch users due to its more affordable price point, especially when compared to higher-end models like the Apple Watch Series 10. Despite being more budget-friendly, it still delivers a substantial array of features, maintaining a high standard of performance for everyday use.
One of the standout aspects of the Apple Watch SE 2 is that it shares the same powerful chipset as the Apple Watch Series 8. This ensures that it offers fast and efficient performance, making it capable of handling tasks like tracking workouts, responding to notifications, and running apps smoothly. It provides the core experience that many users look for in an Apple Watch, without the higher price tag associated with more advanced models.
However, the SE 2 does omit certain premium features found in the Series 8 and beyond. Most notably, it lacks an always-on display, which means the screen stays off until you raise your wrist or tap it. It also doesn’t include ECG (electrocardiogram) or blood oxygen monitoring, which are features geared toward more advanced health tracking and are found in the Series 8. It’s worth noting that the newer Series 9 and Series 10 no longer offer blood oxygen tracking either, which somewhat reduces the impact of this missing feature in the SE 2. Additionally, the Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t support the Double Tap feature introduced in the Series 9, which allows for easy control of the watch using just a tapping motion with your fingers.
Despite these omissions, the Apple Watch SE 2 is far from limited. It still boasts a wide range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, sleep tracking, and workout detection. It also includes critical safety features, such as fall detection and the potentially life-saving Car Crash Detection, which can alert emergency services if you’re involved in a severe accident.
On the hardware side, the SE 2 is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and offers excellent battery life for a fully-featured smartwatch. This balance of performance, comfort, and price makes it an attractive option for those who want a capable smartwatch without paying for advanced features they might not need.
3. Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 10 Key Specifications
OS: WatchOS 11 | Compatibility: iOS ” | Display: 1.9″ OLED | Processor: Apple S10 | Onboard storage: 64GB | Battery: 18 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: IP6X | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE
Pros
- Larger, brighter display
- Slimmer and lighter design
- Faster charging
- New sleep apnea tracking
Cons
- No blood oxygen sensing
The Apple Watch Series 10, while marketed as having an “all-new” design, doesn’t stray too far from the familiar look that Apple Watch users have come to know. However, Apple has made some subtle yet significant upgrades that improve the overall experience. For starters, the watch is now thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable for extended wear. The display size is another notable improvement—the 46-mm model offers a larger screen than even the 49-mm Apple Watch Ultra 2, providing more real estate for navigation and interacting with apps.
Charging has been slightly optimized, making the Series 10 charge faster than previous models, which is always a welcome improvement. The most groundbreaking addition, though, is the inclusion of a US FDA–cleared sleep apnea tracking feature. For those who struggle with sleep disorders, this could be a game-changer, offering a level of health monitoring that few wearables can match.
Style-wise, the Series 10 debuts a new jet-black finish, a sleek option that even Batman might approve of. But beyond aesthetics, the watch shines with its robust suite of health features, including fall detection and the ability to take electrocardiograms (ECGs), making it a reliable health companion. Its integration with third-party apps remains unrivaled, turning the device into more than just a fitness tracker—it’s practically a tiny, powerful extension of your iPhone.
Yet, as with any tech upgrade, there’s the question of whether it’s necessary. If you own a Series 6 or later, you’re likely already benefiting from many of the core features brought by WatchOS 11. One glaring omission from the Series 10 is blood oxygen sensing, which remains unavailable due to ongoing litigation. Additionally, Apple hasn’t tackled one of the biggest complaints about its smartwatches—the 18-hour battery life, which has remained frustratingly low for several generations.
While the Series 10 is arguably the best smartwatch available right now, it might not compel existing users to upgrade immediately, especially if they are satisfied with their current model. However, if you’re in the market for accessories to spice up the look, be sure to check out Apple’s guide to the Best Apple Watch Accessories, where you can find a variety of straps to customize your new watch.
4. Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8 Key Specifications
Sizes: 41mm, 45mm | GPS: Yes | Swim proof: Yes | Sleep tracking: Yes | Heart rate monitor: Yes | SpO2 monitor: Yes | Battery life: 18 hours | Compatibility: iOS
Pros
- Outstanding display
- Durable design
- Enhanced crash detection
- Effective sleep tracking
Cons
- Similar to Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 8 represents a modest evolution from its predecessor, the Series 7, but introduces several noteworthy features that enhance its functionality. A standout addition is the skin temperature sensor, which significantly aids in cycle and fertility tracking, along with improving sleep tracking. This feature makes it especially valuable for individuals who menstruate or are interested in monitoring their reproductive health.
Another significant upgrade is the introduction of low power mode, allowing the Series 8 to extend its battery life up to 36 hours. This enhancement is particularly useful for users who rely on their watch for extended periods without the need for frequent charging.
The crash detection feature is another exciting addition. Utilizing enhanced motion sensors, this feature provides immediate assistance in emergency situations, adding a layer of safety for users during their daily activities.
In terms of design, the Series 8 retains the familiar aesthetic seen in the Series 4, 5, and 6, which many users appreciate. Interestingly, Apple has also reduced the price compared to previous models, making it a more accessible option.
Despite being a minor upgrade from the Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 stands out as one of the best smartwatches on the market. With its comprehensive health tracking capabilities and the integration of watchOS 9, it excels as both a health monitor and a communication tool. Whether you’re using it for fitness, managing calls, or accessing the latest Apple Watch apps, the Series 8 is an excellent choice, especially for those within the Apple ecosystem. If you own an iPhone, this smartwatch is undoubtedly a top contender for your wrist.
5. Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra Key Specifications
Sizes: 49mm | GPS: Yes | Swim proof: Yes | Sleep tracking: Yes | Heart rate monitor: Yes | SpO2 monitor: Yes | Battery life: 36 hours | Compatibility: iOS
Pros
- Action button added
- Emergency siren feature
- Excellent battery life
- Dual-frequency GPS
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
Let’s start with its design, which is both bold and practical. The Apple Watch Ultra is a massive smartwatch, thanks to its 49mm flat display. That extra screen space has made a huge difference in my everyday use. Whether you are checking notifications, navigating with maps, or enjoying the customizable complications on the watch face, everything is much easier to see. For workouts, We especially appreciate the extra metric visibility — at a glance, you can check my progress or heart rate, which adds to the experience of tracking my fitness. However, the size can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to sleep tracking.
The Action Button is one of the most exciting new additions to the Ultra. This extra customizable button lets you quickly launch a preset tool or function with just a single press, and we find it incredibly useful. Some mostly use it to start my workouts or activate the flashlight, which, surprisingly, has become one of the features many rely on regularly. However, we do wish the Action Button had even more customization options, like opening any third-party app directly without needing to set up a Shortcut.
From a safety perspective, the Apple Watch Ultra really shines. The siren feature offers great peace of mind, especially since I often walk alone at night. While I haven’t needed to use it yet, just knowing it’s there makes me feel more secure.
When it comes to battery life, this is where the Apple Watch Ultra truly delivers. With LTE enabled, the battery lasts about 36 hours, which is reasonable given the level of connectivity. Before enabling LTE, I could go almost two full days between charges. This is a huge improvement compared to the daily charging routine I was used to with previous Apple Watches. I expected to use low-power mode more often, but with charging options always nearby, I haven’t found the need.
That said, the price of the Apple Watch Ultra is still a bit hard to swallow. It’s not cheap, and while it’s packed with features, many of them are overkill for the average user. For people who want a more basic experience, the Apple Watch Series 8 or even the Apple Watch SE might be a more cost-effective option. However, if you want a smartwatch that can almost replace your phone and is tough enough for just about any situation, the Ultra is a strong contender.
Wrapping Up
The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system offers a game-changing solution for those managing diabetes, with its advanced sensors providing real-time glucose data without the need for traditional fingersticks. By integrating seamlessly with popular smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, the Dexcom G7 elevates the user experience, offering immediate, hands-free access to critical health information. The “Direct-to-Watch” feature for Apple Watch users stands out, enabling direct glucose data transmission to the watch, eliminating the need for a smartphone and ensuring faster, more reliable updates. This integration not only improves convenience but also enhances diabetes management, empowering users to take immediate action based on their glucose levels. With the Dexcom G7, users can stay in control of their health, even while on the go, making it an invaluable tool for those looking for a smarter way to manage their diabetes.
