Watches used to be simple. They just told time, maybe beeped at us, and looked kind of impressive in awkward meetings. Now, smartwatches track our steps, read our messages, and—most importantly for snack-lovers—buy coffee with a quick wrist flick thanks to NFC payments.
NFC, or Near Field Communication, means you can pay without ever digging for your wallet (or realizing you left it at home). Instead of fumbling with cards, we just tap our wrists and hope the barista doesn’t notice the peanut butter from earlier. For a lot of us, that payment trick is the main reason to upgrade our wrist game.
When you’re shopping for a smartwatch with NFC payments, keep a few things in mind. The watch has to work with your phone—and your bank.
Some watches only support certain payment services, or refuse to pair with anything that isn’t the “right” phone brand. Battery life, comfort, and water resistance matter, too. No one wants to recharge every lunch break or worry about a little rain.
We put some of the top smartwatches with NFC payments through their paces to see which ones really deserve a spot on your wrist (and a chunk of your coffee budget).
Best Smartwatches with NFC Payments
We love gadgets that make life easier—especially when we can pay for coffee with just a flick of the wrist. If you’re tired of digging for your wallet, these smartwatches with NFC payments could become your new best friends.
If you want a feature-packed, stylish smartwatch with NFC payments that won’t die after a day, this one’s worth a shot.
Pros
Battery lasts nearly two weeks—seriously, it just keeps going
Tons of health and fitness features without making us feel like robots
Works with both iPhone and Android, so we can still text our group chat no matter the brand
Cons
Some menus take longer to find than our missing socks
Zepp OS app can get picky about syncing
Sleep and body data sometimes feel a bit “Big Brother”
Strapping on the Amazfit Balance felt smooth as butter. It instantly made us feel more tech-savvy (and a little less guilty about skipping leg day).
NFC payments made coffee runs almost too easy—who knew not digging for a wallet could bring so much joy? Throughout daily life, this watch handled exercise, notifications, and random health updates better than we handle Mondays.
The GPS tracking stayed reliable, even during our “I swear I’m jogging” power-walks. We got gentle nudges about heart rate and sleep, which was both helpful and slightly alarming when we saw how little we “recovered” on pizza night.
Charging? We almost forgot how. With nearly 14 days of battery, we actually lost track of the charger. Some of the advanced health data took a while to figure out, and the app dashboard loved to hide the stats we wanted.
Still, for a smartwatch that does payments, calls, and fitness without making us look like a robot, the Amazfit Balance Smart Watch earned a comfortable spot on our wrist (and honestly, in our hearts).
If you want Google Pay on your wrist without draining your wallet, check out the Ticwatch E3.
Pros
Smooth performance keeps our day on track
Handy health features for us and our nosy family
Google Pay NFC finally gets us through checkout lines faster
Cons
Design is a bit plain and chunky—like a smartwatch in sweatpants
Battery life is decent, but don’t forget the charger on weekend trips
Works best with Android, so iPhone users might feel left out
Using the Ticwatch E3 felt like finally remembering all your passwords—it just makes life easier. Google Pay worked every time at the coffee shop (though we still fumbled at the scanner like rookies).
We enjoyed seeing all our daily fitness stats. The built-in GPS nailed our runs—even if our running form didn’t.
Switching between apps was quick, and the watch didn’t freeze up when we got too swipe-happy. We liked keeping an eye on heart rate and sleep, and the “Family Care” feature let us check up on everyone’s steps and maybe get a little competitive.
Essential Mode helped out too; when the watch panicked about low battery, it still told time, so we couldn’t use “dead battery” as an excuse for being late.
The blocky look won’t win any beauty contests, and it’s not the slimmest in the gym, but it handled daily wear and tear like a champ. If you want an affordable Android-compatible smartwatch with Google Pay and strong fitness chops, the Ticwatch E3 gets the job done.
If you want a smartwatch that tries to do it all—and still leaves you scrambling for a charger after lunch—the LOKMAT 4G is ready for the madness.
Pros
Built-in NFC makes paying for snacks suspiciously easy
Rotating camera is a party trick that actually takes decent photos
4G calling lets us leave our phones behind and pretend we’re spies
Cons
Battery life disappears faster than our motivation on Mondays
Interface can be quirky—like, “why did it freeze again?” quirky
It’s not exactly light on the wrist
The bright AMOLED screen caught our eye right away. Our eyes thanked us, but our wrists? Not so much—this thing has some weight.
NFC payments at the coffee shop worked smoothly, and leaving our phone in the car felt like a minor miracle. Scanning the subway, grabbing a drink, it handled tap-to-pay with no drama.
We couldn’t resist that rotating camera. It pulls out and swivels for those tricky angles that make our arms look less awkward.
Having a rotating camera on our wrist made us feel like we were in a low-budget spy movie, and honestly, we enjoyed it.
As the day wore on, our excitement faded—just like the battery. By dinner time, the LOKMAT was out of juice, so we had to admit we might need to dial back our gadget obsession or start carrying a power bank everywhere.
If you’re all about features and want NFC with some extra personality, this watch is a fun pick—just don’t stray too far from an outlet.
If you like fancy screens, loads of features, and want to pay for things with your wrist instead of digging for a wallet, this one’s for you.
Pros
Calls and notifications come through loud and clear
Tons of fitness modes to keep us busy (and honest)
Battery lasts long enough that we don’t have to charge it every night
Cons
The app can be confusing, almost like it wants us to get lost
Step tracking sometimes turns us into accidental marathon champions
Too many options for custom screens—choosing takes longer than the workout
When we slapped the Motast watch on our wrist, we felt like secret agents—answering calls just by raising an arm, seeing texts flood in, and, of course, checking our step count (even if it’s a little too generous).
The big, bright screen made everything look good, whether we were outside or hiding indoors from “bad weather.” Switching watch faces became a hobby; it’s like picking a new mood every day.
Tracking heart rate and sleep with this watch was oddly satisfying. We finally saw how much (or how little) we actually rest at night.
While the activity tracking inspired us to do an extra lap, sometimes it thought our walk to the fridge was a full-on jog. At least it kept our spirits high.
We didn’t have to worry about running out of juice, either. Charging was quick, and the battery lasted longer than some of us last at the gym.
It sits nicely on the wrist, looks sleek enough for any outfit, and lets us avoid pulling out a phone every five minutes. If only the app were as easy to use as the watch itself, we’d be unstoppable.
Looking for a stylish smartwatch with NFC payments and a few surprises? The Jacoosa L70 checks a lot of boxes and doesn’t break the bank.
Pros
Big, sharp screen that’s easy on the eyes
Handle calls and notifications right from the wrist
Tons of sports modes—no more fitness excuses
Cons
App setup can get confusing
Speaker sometimes overshares notifications
Some features need patience (and maybe some coffee)
This Jacoosa smartwatch makes us feel a bit like secret agents. Swipe a payment here, answer a call there, all on a bright 1.85-inch HD display that’s hard to ignore.
We wore it comfortably, whether running or just making it through a Monday. Messages and calls come through loud and clear—sometimes a bit too clear if we’re in a meeting.
With over 120 sports modes, it dares us to try yoga or cycling. Health tracking covers heart rate and sleep, which helps us pretend we’re healthier than we are.
It’s waterproof, so we don’t panic if we forget to take it off for dishes—or when the dog takes “fetch” into the pond.
Setting it up with the app nearly turned into a group project. The speaker really projects, so the whole room knows when Aunt Linda texts.
Not every feature feels intuitive, so we end up reading the manual like it’s a mystery novel.
As a budget pick that covers the basics and throws in NFC payments, we keep reaching for our Jacoosa Smart Watch L70 when it’s time to leave the phone behind and get moving.
This watch tries to do everything, but sometimes reminds us that being “extra” isn’t always a compliment.
Pros
Big, bright display that’s hard to ignore
NFC payments work with a simple tap
Packs in so many features, it’s like wearing a tech department
Cons
Software can get stubborn (and sometimes just takes a break)
Bulky on smaller wrists, leading to awkward sleeve negotiations
Battery life is solid, but charging takes patience
We strapped on the LOKMAT 4G Smartwatch and instantly felt like secret agents—until we got lost in the menu. The large, round display is clear and easy to read, even on the go.
Just be ready for a watch that’s definitely on the chunky side. NFC payments are handy—a quick tap at the coffee shop, and we’re good to go.
This thing’s loaded: GPS, camera, 4G calling, fitness tracking, and its own Android flavor. It sounds great until you’re wrestling with the menus or waiting for a recharge.
We liked the reliable step tracking and snapping a quick wrist selfie, even if the photos aren’t exactly magazine-worthy.
The LOKMAT 4G Android Smartwatch is for anyone who wants a mini phone on their wrist and doesn’t mind a little trial-and-error. If you want pure simplicity, maybe keep looking.
But if you’re a tech lover who enjoys a little challenge, this one could keep you entertained (and sometimes baffled).
If we’re after a fitness smartwatch that can pay for our morning coffee (so we don’t have to dig for change), the Fitbit Versa Special Edition should be on the radar.
Swappable bands let us dress up or down in seconds
Cons
Notification buzz is pretty gentle
App selection lags behind bigger brands
No built-in GPS, so we still need our phone for runs
We loved using Fitbit Pay. It felt futuristic holding the wrist to the reader at checkout, and we enjoyed the freedom from wallets and fumbling for cards.
The woven band looks sharp, so we don’t feel like we’re wearing a plastic toy to dinner.
Tracking heart rate and steps was a breeze, and we didn’t need to charge every night. Sleep tracking is surprisingly useful, though the reality of our sleep habits can sting.
Swapping straps is easy—sometimes we want gym mode, other times we want to look a little fancier.
If you want tons of third-party apps or strong smart notifications, the Versa’s ecosystem feels a bit limited. The alert vibration is gentle enough to miss if you blink.
Without onboard GPS, we still had to take our phones on outdoor runs, which feels a bit old-school.
But for tracking health, handling payments, and looking good without spending a ton, the Fitbit Versa Special Edition is a solid pick for everyday adventures.
If we want to feel a bit futuristic tapping our wrists to pay for groceries and also track our lazy Sunday steps, this watch is a solid pick.
Pros
Sleek, modern look that actually makes us want to wear it
Super easy NFC payments with Google Wallet
Works seamlessly with our favorite Google and Fitbit features
Cons
Battery can run out before we do
Only plays nice with Android, sorry iPhone folks
Tiny screen—watch out if you’ve got big fingers
Honestly, the Google Pixel Watch made us feel cooler while tapping our wrists at checkout. Google Wallet on the watch is fast, so we can sneakily buy snacks without digging for our phone.
It starts to feel natural after a couple tries—almost like magic, just with more beeping.
This watch isn’t just about showing off NFC payments. We got notifications, tracked steps (even when we pretended they were workouts), and felt less guilty on pizza night thanks to Fitbit integration.
The round face actually looks like a real watch, so we blend in at dinner, and the display is bright and clear outdoors.
Our biggest gripe? By dinner, the battery starts begging for a nap, especially if we use LTE or go wild with Google Assistant.
It only works with Android, so iPhone friends are out of luck. And if your fingers are on the larger side, texting on this tiny screen can feel like typing on a postage stamp.
Still, for anyone in the Google family, the Pixel Watch makes us feel a bit more put-together—or at least, less likely to lose a debit card.
If we want a smartwatch that’s practical, reliable, and won’t drain our wallet or patience, this QONBINK model is worth a look.
Pros
Customizable watch face—show off your questionable photos
Call and message features work without making us yell at our wrist
Battery life lasts so long we almost forget where the charger is
Cons
Menu takes some trial and error (the manual is more mystery novel than guide)
Needs its own app for most features—our phone starts to feel left out
Strap isn’t the toughest, especially if we’re a bit rough on gear
Setting up the QONBINK smartwatch feels a bit like wrestling a mildly stubborn pet. There’s some resistance, but eventually it does what we want.
The big, colorful 1.85” display makes checking notifications easy, even outside. We had some fun changing the background photo just to mess with friends in public.
Getting calls and texts on the wrist means fewer panic moments searching for the phone under a pile of snacks or laundry. The call feature is actually clear—no robot voice here.
Battery life surprised us and even survived a week of forgetting to plug it in.
The silicone band is comfy, but don’t expect it to survive a wrestling match. It’s fine for work or jogging, though we might swap it out if we’re feeling extra active.
The health features keep tabs on our questionable sleep schedule and heart rate. The app is needed for almost everything, but it does make tracking easier.
The QONBINK covers the main smartwatch basics at a fraction of big brand prices, keeping us connected and maybe just a little more organized than usual.
If you’re after a handy smartwatch that tracks fitness and handles NFC payments, this one covers most of the essentials. It’s got a few quirks, though, so you’ll want to keep an eye out.
Pros
Paying at the store with just a wrist flick? Way better than fumbling for a wallet.
The battery lasts long enough that you might forget where you put the charger.
It’s so lightweight and comfy—sometimes you forget you’re wearing it, at least until it buzzes.
Cons
The charger sometimes gives up before you do, especially on leg day.
Tap-to-pay only works where Fitbit Pay is accepted, and that’s not everywhere.
Occasionally, the screen just refuses to light up when you need it.
You can finally leave your credit cards at home and count on Fitbit Pay with the Versa Special Edition. The first time you buy a coffee by waving your wrist, you’ll probably grin—it feels a bit like living in the future. Honestly, it’s so convenient that you’ll wish every vending machine caught up.
That woven band really stands out, and it doesn’t irritate your skin, even after a whole day of tracking steps (and ignoring them, if we’re being honest).
The four-day battery life is solid. You can track sleep, workouts, and hit snooze on your alarm about twenty-seven times. Still, NFC payments only work where Fitbit has partners, so you’ll love it in big cities or chain stores, but your favorite local donut shop? Maybe not.
Charging is simple—when it works. My own charger nearly survived the “forget to charge it” test, but then it just quit. So, keep yours somewhere safe and maybe treat it like it’s a bit fragile.
With all these features, a hiccup here and there doesn’t ruin the experience. The watch nudges you off the couch more gently than most friends, and for contactless pays and daily health reminders, it absolutely gets the job done.
Buying Guide
Let’s be honest—choosing a smartwatch feels way trickier than picking a pizza. Extra cheese? Sure, maybe. But with watches, there’s a whole buffet of features to consider.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
NFC Support: No NFC means no tapping to pay. That’s kind of a dealbreaker if you ask me.
Battery Life: Nobody wants a watch that dies faster than your phone during a call with grandma.
Compatibility: Why buy something fancy if it won’t even work with your phone?
Oh, and don’t forget: Water resistance. Spills, rain, and sweaty workouts sneak up on all of us.
Feature
Why It Matters
Display quality
You’ll actually see your notifications
Design
No one wants to wear something ugly
Strap comfort
Wrist rashes? Hard pass
App support
More apps, more fun
Ask yourself—are you after fitness tracking, or just want to pay for coffee with a flick of the wrist? Some watches count your steps, track your sleep, and maybe even notice how much coffee you spill.
And hey, price matters. Let your wallet have a say. Sometimes the cheaper models do the job just fine.
If you’re totally stuck, just match your watch to your socks. Why not? Fashion’s half the fun anyway.
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
