Wristwatches are no longer timepieces. They have evolved to become fitness monitors and a whole lot more. Smartwatches are wristwatches connected to smartphones, and notify the user of incoming calls, email messages, and notifications from applications. In many respects it is a wearable mini-computer. Aside from being a fashionable timepiece, smartwatches are great for fitness monitoring, making them multipurpose wristwatches. Smartwatches come in different types and styles, and at different prices. With so many on the market right now, it is confusing. Use this quick guide to narrow down the choices and help you select the smartwatch that offers you the most features with the lowest price.
How to Choose the Right Smartwatch
Since there are so many makes and models of smartwatches, you should ask a series of questions first. For example, does the smartwatch you are considering purchasing integrate with your smartphone? They should be compatible otherwise you could be missing out on certain features and functions on your watch. Another good question is to determine why you want a smartwatch. Do you want it for fitness monitoring, primarily? If so, look at smartwatches that offer a heart rate sensor as well as GPS for those morning jogs. Do you want the ability to check email or make phone calls from your watch? Knowing what you want from the smartwatch helps you to eliminate those not meeting your goals.
Top Ten Most Popular Smartwatches
- APPLE WATCH SERIES 3: For many Apple lovers, the series 3 is the perfect smartwatch for them. This is especially true for those who want fewer features, but still want the durability and style. The price is friendly, comes with iOS, and is embedded in a beautiful aluminum casing making it light on the wrist and attractive. Works best with iPhones. Expect to pay around $200.
- Fossil Sport: This powerful smartphone is one of the best on the market and offers a myriad of styles and colors. They are as stylish as their processing speed is fast. Also, if lightweight is something you fancy in your smartwatches, then this is your go-to smartwatch. Works well with Android phones, has a GPS and heart rate sensor, chip enabled so you can purchase or pay using your watch, and is water resistant. Expect to pay between $100-$300 dollars depending on the features you select.
- Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Touchscreen Smartwatch: Another great watch by Fossil, then Gen 5 for women works with Chrome OS, which means the app choices are extraordinary. Beside the fitness features, it also offers a touchscreen. You can also check your mail, receive notifications from social media, make calls, and wireless sync to both Android or iPhone. If you have been looking for a watch that can do it all, this is the one. Expect to pay around $300.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: This watch comes with fitness management that is easy to use and suited for everyone. Super long battery life (up to five days), is water resistant, wireless Qi charging. Does not come with Wi-Fi or integration features but they can be purchased separately if you want them. This is primarily a fitness watch. Pricing starts at $125.
- Huawei watch GT2e: The battery life is awesome, lasting up to 14 days after being fully charged. Runners love the clear screen, the LED display, and the water-resistant qualities. It also has a dedicated sleep tracker you can use at night. Works well with Android, but not iPhone. Pricing starts at $125.
- Fitbit Versa 2: Fitbit has been on the market longer than the others, with new innovations coming along about every year. The Versa 2 offers incredible features for those wanting a wearable computer. It is Alexa compatible too. It offers a fitness tracker, which you can disable if you like. If you want a watch that is capable in all areas, but not break the bank, then this is the one for you. Expect to pay around $200 for this one.
- Fitbit Inspire HR: This health and fitness smartwatch comes with a strong battery life. A truly competent fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire HR has one of the more elegant designs for a smartwatch as it is thin and does not feature a large clunky face. Works with both iPhone and Android, offers numerous fitness features, heart monitor and GPS. This smartwatch is not a mini-computer, but rather dedicated to health and fitness. Expect to pay around $100.
- Garmin Vivoactive 3: If you are a fishing or boating enthusiast then the Garmin name is one you are very familiar with. Now Garmin has come out with their own activewear smartwatch. The faceplate on this watch is larger than most, making it easy to see in intense sunlight. It is water resistant, holds a good charge for up to five days, and is rugged. It was developed primarily for outdoor and fitness consumers in mind, so its basic package offers heart rate monitor, steps taken, calories burned, GPS and so forth. It is a basic fitness watch that allows you to download additional apps so you can customize your smartwatch with the features you desire. Works with Android phones. Expect to pay between $150-$300 dollars.
- Misfit Vapor: Comes with LED display that makes the display beautiful on the eye and easy to navigate. It is user friendly and highly durable, water resistant and is usable both as a fitness tracker and as a small wearable computer. Works best with Android phones and features a touchscreen display, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and has a small data storage feature (4gb). Surprisingly affordable pricing starts at $80.
- Amazfit Bip Smartwatch: If you are looking for a fitness watch that is affordable, then look no further than the Amazfit Bip Smartwatch. This is a lightweight touchscreen watch offering sleep-monitoring, GPS, and heart-rate tracking qualities. The watch works with both iPhone and Androids, is water resistant and has an excellent battery life. Expect to pay around $70.