Just five years ago, Apple introduced its most capable smartwatch to the market, and thanks to annual upgrades, the iconic Apple Watch remains the leading choice among the best smartwatches.

Apple's latest model, the Apple Watch Series 5, won the Tom's Guide Award for Best Smartwatch.

In addition to its extensive app library, bright OLED display, and LTE capabilities, Apple's advantage in the wearables ring is how consistently it has improved its health and wellness tools.

In 2018, the Apple Watch Series 4 introduced an FDA-approved EKG that alerts when the heart rate becomes irregular and a fall detection sensor that saved lives by automatically summoning emergency assistance.

And in 2019, the Series 5 added an always-on display and compass for outdoor expeditions, and watchOS 6 software added the Noise app for real-time measurement of ambient sound in decibels and the Cycle Tracking app for managing a physiological calendar welcomed.

When the Apple Watch 6 debuts later this year, it will benefit most from the watchOS 7 update, replacing the Series 5 with a new sensor (rumored to be an SpO2 monitor).

Not that the competition isn't strong. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a close contender, and when the new Galaxy Watch 3 arrives, Apple's title of best smartwatch will surely be challenged; Fitbit's fitness smartwatch is also quite good; and the Galaxy Watch 2 is a good competitor to the Galaxy Watch 3.

But Apple has set the bar for smartwatches incredibly high; it will be hard to find anything the Apple Watch Series 5 can't do, or any other wearable that is better.