Buying Guides

New Smartwatches To Watch In 2020

December 10, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

The demand for smartwatches is growing year on year. Big name brands worldwide are introducing their latest devices to the market, and competition is becoming intense as every manufacturer is working flat out to have the latest tech on their products.

If you’re buying a smartwatch in 2020 you’re going to need to know which smartwatches are the ones you should be watching, so here is a rundown of the brands and models which are set to dominate this competitive market next year.

Is The Apple Watch The Best Smartwatch?

When many people think about smartwatches, the first one that springs to mind is the Apple Watch. Arguably, this brand is synonymous with the word “smartwatch”, and currently the Apple Watch Series remains the top-selling brand worldwide. At the present time there are four versions of the Apple watch which have already been released, and it’s likely that the next-generation Series 5 watch will be released at some point in 2020.

The Series 5 is set to include the app store for the first time as well as a range of cutting-edge features and different watch faces. There are rumours that the screen will have a new shape and that there will be impressive new fitness features such as face metrics. Even better, the new Apple Watch is said to feature a larger battery as well as an inverse system for sleep tracking – both of these could help cement Apple’s place at the top of the market leaderboard for another year.

How Does The Samsung Galaxy Watch Compare With The Apple Watch?

The previous Samsung Galaxy watch was released in 2018, but rumour has it that 2020 will see the arrival of a new and upgraded version. At the moment there have been very few leaks about what can be expected from the new model, however it’s likely that there will be some significant improvements over the original.

Since the 2018 version was quite bulky, it’s probable that the new version will have a slimmer design. It’s also possible that the OS will be improved along with the assistant, which will hopefully be brought up to a level comparable with Apple’s Siri. It’s also likely that the battery supplied with the new Galaxy watch will be bigger and more powerful, but all this will come a hefty price tag.

Will The Garmin Fenix 6 Be Worth The Cost?

Famous for its accurate GPS systems, Garmin produces some of the very best fitness tracking equipment available. Garmin smartwatches are perfect for anyone who lives an active lifestyle thanks to very effective sports and activity tracking. Garmin’s Fenix smartwatch series has proved to be very popular due to its great features including its preloaded maps and its music storage capacity.

Garmin is likely to introduce its latest model, the Fenix 6, to the market in 2020. Most probably, the new model will have an even more stylish and slim design, and it will almost certainly boast even more impressive features. There are rumours that its GPS will be even better, and that there will be new sensors, ECG functionality, NFC, Easy Payment and the capacity to download music to the device offline.

Can Fitbit’s Latest Smartwatch Compete?

Fitbit is a company which is known only for its fitness trackers and smartwatches. This sets it apart from other brands like Samsung and Apple, which produce a wide range of other tech devices. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that Fitbit’s devices can’t compete in the marketplace.

The Versa was, arguably, the best device from the entire Fitbit range, offering a host of downloadable fitness apps which work well with the many sensors integrated into the watch. 2020 is likely to see a new version of the Fitbit Versa, the Versa 2, which will be an even better and more upgraded version of this device.

Google buys Fitbit - will google pixel watch come out?

Is Google Going To Release A Smartwatch?

Rumours have abounded for years about the release of the Google Pixel Watch, and 2020 looks like it could finally be the year when this device hits the market! As yet, nothing has been confirmed by the manufacturer about its specifications, but it goes without saying that the hardware will be of the highest quality. It may also come with integrated LTE and Wi-Fi, and rumours suggest that it could come with as much as 1 GB of RAM.

Will Microsoft Be Releasing Its Own Smartwatch?

Everyone knows the Microsoft brand, but it’s a name that’s most commonly associated with PCs and laptops. Previously, when the manufacturer tried to move into the mobile device sector it didn’t have much success. Nevertheless, the gossip is that Microsoft is looking to release a smartwatch of its own, powered by the Windows OS. We’re waiting with bated breath to find out whether this will happen, and if so, what can be expected of this exciting and innovative new device.

The current rumours have suggested it could feature a body made from oxynitride aluminium and a square-shaped design. The battery is rumoured to be long-lasting and it may have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Currently, the prototype of this watch is being tested, so it’s very likely that 2020 will see the arrival of Microsoft’s first smartwatch.

These are just some of the smartwatches to keep your eye on in 2020. Whether you’re planning to buy one for yourself or for someone special, one of these innovative new devices is sure to fit the bill.

Samsung Gear S3 vs Apple Watch 3 – Which comes out best?

December 9, 2019 By Joanne Jeffries Leave a Comment

With the launch of the Samsung Gear S3, Samsung pulled out all of the stops. Priced at around £145 but perhaps less aesthetically pleasing than some other watches out there, it appears on the face of it to be a much better-equipped watch for the people that want to do more than just wear something snazzy. The Gear 3 is a lot larger and thicker than other watches, which is maybe one downfall for the offering. Some also think it fairly similar to the Apple Watch Series 3 in terms of features, but the Apple watch series 3 is slightly more expensive at around £195, which is quite a big difference. So, let’s take a closer look at what they do and how they compare.

It’s all in the face.

The Samsung Gear S3 is certainly very similar to other models that have been released with the rounded face. The rotating bezel adds a bit of size to the watch, unlike the Apple Watch Series 3, which has a kind of rounded square shaped face which is also nice to look at and soft edges. The Gear S3 has a rubber flexible band whereas the Apple watch series 3 has a wide range of band choices giving you the option to pick what kind of fastening you prefer. Furthermore, they offer a Velcro band which is quite a nice touch. Both watches are certainly built very nicely.

Furthermore, the rotating bezel on the Samsung Gear S3 adds a very nice touch to the watch as it is easy to use. You rotate the bezel to navigate your way around the watch and it is a lot more precise, as when using the bezel, you do not accidentally tap on a different app or notification.

Features

The Samsung Gear S3 is a watch with wireless charging, which is a very useful feature. However the Apple Watch Series 3 does not have that feature yet. The Gear S3 is on at all times by default and when you flick your wrist it wakes up, however the Apple watch has a timer on it. This turns the screen off when there has been a period of inactivity so you have to click the side crown to wake it up.

When using the Samsung Gear S3 you use the rotating bezel to select where you want to go. The top button sends you back to the previous screen, secondly the bottom button sends you back to the home screen. On the Gear S3 you are limited to what apps are available and you will also find that a lot of the apps are Samsung stocked apps. There are some available to download but, again, this is very limited. The Apple watch has a lot more choice when it comes to apps.

In terms of battery life, the S3 charges at approximately the same speed as the Apple Watch. However the battery life is much longer than with the Apple alternative. Consequently, this can be a big bonus to those who wish to sleep track, as with the Apple Watch it often becomes necessary to charge the device overnight, which can mean you miss out on what could be essential tracking for some people.

Extra Features

Many fitness watches certainly boast their ability to go underwater. However, the Samsung Gear S3 claims to only withstand 1.4 metres as opposed to the Apple watch, which claims to be able to withstand up to 50 metres. So this enables you to swim with the watch on. The Samsung Gear S3 has a feature that, should you get it wet, allows you to select the ‘Eject water’ option and releases water from parts of the watch, such as the speakers.

In addition, the Samsung Gear S3 comes with a nice and neat wireless charger which is a bonus, whereas the Apple watch doesn’t. This is certainly a little disappointing as a wireless charger would be very useful for some.

You also have the Samsung Pay feature on the Gear S3 which works better than the Apple Pay as the Samsung Gear S3 does not require NFC. Therefore, you only need to look out for the contactless sign and you are able to use Samsung Pay. This is quite a big advantage, contactless payments are becoming an increasingly popular choice due to being more convenient, and not many people carry their wallets around anymore.

Fitness features

Down to what the real use of the watches are supposed to be all about, and that is tracking your health and fitness. With built in GPS and heart rate monitor, both watches are certainly great for tracking your activity. Although the Apple watch has the advantage of the swim tracker, Samsung keeps up with their accurate automatic tracking and stats-packed activity monitoring so youou are able to share your location with your friends and compete with your activity stats.

Some people find that Apple Watches inability – or unwillingness – to co-operate with its competitors when it comes to staying connected a little frustrating. Often, this leads to them having to download third party apps they don’t particularly want to be able to challenge people on other platforms other than iOS. This can take up more room than they may be comfortable with on the watch. With Samsung being an Android-focussed company, it is much easier to compete with other users of Android devices, whether these are Samsung products or other Android competitors.

Pros of the Gear S3

Very aesthetically pleasing watch
4G LTE option
Good battery life
Rotating bezel makes navigating around the watch easier
Comfortable
Wireless charging

Cons

Somewhat heavier
Not able to swim whilst wearing the watch
Larger and bulkier to wear

	Samsung Galaxy S3	Apple Watch Series 3
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, LTE	LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, NFC
Display	Super AMOLED	Second Gen.OLED Retina
Colour screen	Yes	Yes
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, Heart rate , barometer	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate
Size	46mm	38.6mm x 33.3mm
Weight	63g	28.7g
Battery life claim	2 Days	1/2Days
Waterproof	Up to1.4metres	Up to 50 metres

Summary

In conclusion, both the Apple Watch 3 and Samsung Gear have some excellent features and we are sure either one of these can provide you with the features you need. The Samsung has an edge if you are looking for superior battery life however the Apple watch is a lighter design with a much better option for swimming. So, if you have enjoyed this article, please leave us a comment and share with your friends.

Polar Fitness Watches – Polar Vantage V Titan

December 3, 2019 By Jacquelyn Ellis Leave a Comment

For the avid trainer, or the individual who loves to push limits and surpass expectations, the Polar Vantage V Titan could be your best companion. Sporting an exceptionally sleek and light form, it’s one of the best fitness watches out there. The Polar isn’t just spectacular because of its good looks – it has cool features and extended battery life, too.

When Polar watches were first launched, they faced a lot of criticism as they lagged behind the opposition with poor smartphone connectivity. So Polar went back to the drawing board and when the updated versions hit the market, they were much improved. The Finnish-made Vantage V Titan can now be compared to the output of Garmin or Suunto. Let’s find out more below.

Features

The Polar Vantage V Titan Fitness Watch (available on Amazon for $418.99) shows how much detail can be put into a smartwatch to ensure optimal performance. It features a responsive touch screen, improved optical heart rate sensors including an innovative extra sensor that identifies when the watch makes contact with the skin.

This fitness watch delivers comprehensive and precise data for heart tracking. This helps the individual trainer find the right heart rate monitoring for their sport. It also makes it easier for the watch to keep track of biometric data on the go, which can be updated to the Polar Flow to monitor progress.

Polar also worked on the connectivity of the Vantage V Titan to online communities like Strava or Training Peaks for workout planning. The Polar Vantage V use of a “Training Load Pro” feature can help athletes, and fitness enthusiasts check body strain.

The Running index helps to track those everyday jogs and early morning runs, keeping you informed of progress, while the smart calories monitor is as accurate as it can get.

The box contains a manual, charger, smartwatch and essential chest strap.

Design

The Vantage V Titan trumps the older models in its design, with its light weight and comfortable fit. It may be a bit bigger than some rivals, but it sports a slim, sleek body. The body and bezel are made of stainless steel, topped with gorilla glass for extra-durability and screen protection. There’s also a premium titanium model with a polymer back available as well.

The strap, which is soft on the hands, is flexible and sturdy, but is a bit fiddly to secure. The watch has five buttons around the side, which serve as physical control buttons and navigation is boosted by a good touch screen. However, customisation and personalisation is a bit basic compared with Garmin’s, for instance.

Fitness Tracking

The Vantage V Titan’s strength is in its tracking abilities, particularly when using the chest strap, but still is very good. Connectivity with iPhone or Android smartphones via Bluetooth is much better than previous models.

The watch now features smartphone notifications. You’ll be able to see who is calling your phone, as well as text messages and basic notifications, and you can cancel calls too.

Main advantages
– Great metrics for runners
– Supports a wide range of sports
– Comfortable fit
– Brushed steel watch with gorilla 3 glass
– Up to 40 hours of training with GPS
– Up to 30m waterproof
– Hydrophobic coating on the glass makes view in water much clearer

Main disadvantages
– Wrist Based HR gives inconsistent results
– Lacks customisation options
– Does not support music or payment
– Offers very basic notification support

Summary

Overall, the Vantage V Titan is an especially good fitness tracker for runners as it excels in calculating body metrics. The GPS is fast and efficient, with a return routing feature that helps runners track their way back when training in unfamiliar areas. It’s a great way to track progress, not only for running, but also swimming, biking, hiking, and long haul activities such as training for triathlons.

Best Android Watches for 2019

December 2, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

There’s certainly no shortage of Android smartwatches on the market at the moment. These wearables have really hit the mainstream and are proving popular with buyers. However, if you’re planning on purchasing one this year you’re going to need to know which one is the best for you.

Not everyone has the same needs when it comes to choosing a smartwatch. If you’re a serious athlete, you’ll have very different requirements to someone who simply wants to track their sleep and receive notifications. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the best Android watches for 2019 so you can make a well-informed purchasing decision. There’s sure to be one that’s right for you.

Is The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 The Best Android Smartwatch?

Firstly, of all the Android smartwatches on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is arguably the best. Optimized for use with Samsung smartphones, it runs equally well on all other Android devices too and boasts all the fitness features you could possibly want. Lightweight and compact, it offers an impressively long battery life and ensures a great all-round wearables experience.

The touch display is vivid and sharp while also being fun to use and simple to navigate. This device uses the Tizen operating system and, while there isn’t an enormous range of apps to choose from, you’ll find all of the most popular ones like Strava and Spotify.

When it comes to activity tracking, the Active 2 won’t disappoint. It has inbuilt GPS as well as automatic workout tracking, sleep tracking, caffeine, food and water consumption tracking and an improved Running Coach feature.

If you’re only really wearing a smartwatch to receive notifications, the Active 2 still delivers thanks to its outstanding support for the Android notification system. Furthermore, you can reply using the inbuilt keyboard, with a quick response or by using your voice.

Pros:

Well-designed and compact
Long 3-day battery life
Water resistance to 5 ATM
Automated fitness tracking
Inbuilt NFC and GPS

Cons:

The support for third party apps is limited
The Tizen operating system takes some time to understand

The Mobvoi TicWatch E2 – Best Value Watch For The Money

If you’re looking for an Android smartwatch which won’t break the bank, but which can compete with the major contenders, the Mobvoi Ticwatch E2 is a great choice. With its large 1.4”display and stylish good looks, this device offers a long battery life, excellent touch response, an inbuilt heartrate monitor, automated workout detection and waterproofing, consequently it’s a serious player in the Android wearables field. This device runs on the Wear OS which offers notification support as well as Google Assistant. In addition, the TicMotion layer automatically detects your workouts, even monitoring your swimming performance and providing stroke analysis.

Pros:

Robust construction
Waterproofed
Automated workout detection
Outstanding notification support
Inbuilt GPS

Cons:

Bulky design

Skagen Falster 2 – A Super-Stylish Watch Design

If you want a smartwatch that looks just like a regular watch but with great functionality built in, the Skagen Falster 2 is the one for you. Its simply design is paired with a high-quality strap while the 3-button layout and rotating crown makes scrolling through the Wear OS a breeze with no need for a touch screen. The body is made from stainless steel while there’s a choice of straps in silicone, metal or leather in a choice of colours. It’s also water-resistant and comes with inbuilt NFC, heartrate monitor and GPS.

Pros:

Classic, attractive design
Easy to use digital crown
Inbuilt heartrate tracker, NFC and GPS
Water-resistant

Cons:

Short battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music – A Great Watch For Runners

If you’re a serious athlete who needs excellent fitness tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is certainly what you need. It might not be the top performing smartwatch on the market, but it can certainly track your swims, bike rides and runs with great accuracy and it’ll even receive phone notifications.

The battery life is impressive while the screen can easily be seen even in direct sunlight so it’s great for outdoor wear. As an added bonus, it offers music storage as well as the ability to stream from Deezer or Spotify, and its sleep tracking, heartrate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, recovery advisor and advanced workout capture certainly make this a popular choice among athletes.

Pros:

Inbuilt workout guidance and tracking
Long battery life
Easy to read transflective display
Comfortable to wear
Music streaming functionality

Cons:

Limited smartwatch features

The Fitbit Versa 2 – Top Watch For Casual Athletes

Fitbit is no longer only about fitness tracking. For example, The Versa 2 comes with a host of smartwatch functions including useful apps and a long battery life to ensure great value for money combined with excellent functionality. The design is modern and sleek while the speedy processor ensures smooth performance. Furthermore, Android users are able to dictate their replies to notifications through the inbuilt microphone and the Alexa inbuilt support gives you quick answers to your queries. The Fitbit syncs seamlessly with Android phones while the Fitbit social network makes it easy to get active thanks to weekly challenges and pre-made adventures.

Pros:

Attractive design
Long battery life
Good smartwatch features
Choice of colours
Inbuilt Alexa support

Cons:

Limited choice of apps

Which Smartwatch Is For Me In 2019?

To sum up, if you’re looking for the perfect smartwatch for you in 2019, any of the models on this list could be a great choice. Whether you’re looking for excellent fitness tracking functionality, plenty of modern style or great all-round capabilities, one of these devices is sure to be perfect for you.

Lastly, if you’re an Android smartphone user, you’re going to benefit from choosing an Android smartwatch to pair with it. With these models from the top manufacturers and brands in the industry, you’re certainly assured excellent fitness tracking, notification support and plenty of other fantastic features that help you to get more done.

Best Fitness Trackers To Buy On Black Friday

November 27, 2019 By Superwatches Leave a Comment

With all the Black Friday deals rolling out, it can get overwhelming fast. After all, there are innumerable options and some enticing discounts attached. However, the goal is not to find the most discounted item; instead the focus should remain on getting the most bang for your buck.

When it comes to fitness trackers, not all provide the same utility and what is best for you, might not be so for others. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best fitness trackers according to some commonly sought out categories:

Best All-rounder: Fitbit Versa 2

Features

24/7 Heart Rate Tracking Monitors Sleep Displays smartphone notifications Customize with appsIn-built Music controls with Spotify6 Day Battery Life

Water Resistant and Swimming Tracker Bluetooth GPS Personalized RemindersLightweight design FitPay

Having more of a smartwatch look, the Fitbit Versa 2 provides some well-stacked features as a fitness tracker. It can track your heart rate while jogging, swimming, weightlifting, or even as you go about your day. Attending to calls, texts and emails is also an added bonus within a fitness tracker allowing you to extend its use to your life while reducing distractions as you workout.

There are some limitations, however. While there is built-in Spotify functionality for the music lovers, it is limited in comparison to other trackers on the market. The band is not a full-function GPS smartwatch, however. Its GPS function is only available when connected with your phone through Bluetooth.

All in all, as an overall multi-purpose smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a definite contender for its functionality, design and price.

Pros

Smartwatch design in a sleek and compact construction
Amoled display
Long battery life
Alexa functionality available
Water resistant
Tracks various physical activities and sleep
Comes with Always-On mode

Cons

Does not come with in-built GPS
Heart rate is not tracked through an ECG
Limited Spotify functionality

Best Budget Tracker: Amazfit BIP Smartwatch

Features

30-day battery life with quick chargeOptical Heart Rate Monitoring4-Activity modes and Sleep Tracking Built-in GPSReceive alerts from texts, calls and emailsModern smartwatch design

IP68 Water resistance

Among the budget fitness trackers available on the market, the Amazfit BIP smartwatch stands out due to its sheer superiority above the rest. While most fitness trackers boast 2-4 days of battery life, BIP delivers up to 30 days of battery life in a single 2.5 hour charge. This alone provide utility for avid users who are in need of some simple tracking.

Amazfit provides 4 physical activity modes to choose from–namely outdoor running, treadmill, cycling and walking. It will track your steps, calories and distance while also tracking your heart rate. While you cannot reply or use third-party apps, the basic functionality still allows you to receive alerts from your phone.

Pros

Great Price
Long Battery Life
Always On Screen
Durable Construction
Basic Smartphone Functionality Available
In-Built GPS

Cons

No Mic or Speaker
Music Integration Not Available
Limited Activity Options

Best Activity Tracker: Fitbit Charge 3

Features

Sleek, Non-Intrusive Design Heart Rate Monitoring Fitness and Sleep Tracking 7-Day Battery Life Smartphone Notification Alerts ActivatedWater Resistant for Tracking Swim Session

Simple, Straight Forward UI DesignFitPay Available as an Add OnProvides Reminders to MoveTracks Up To 15 Different Activities

Fitbit designed the Charge Series as their traditional take on a fitness tracker. While it does provide some smartphone integration functionalities, the tracker stands out with the range of activities it can monitor. From running to swimming to yoga, you’ll most likely be covered by the modes available; however, there is the standard heart rate monitoring in case you like to stick with the basics.

GPS is available through bluetooth connectivity, but it does not have the feature built-in like many others do. The construction is lightweight and durable while the interface is seamless. Therefore if you’re looking for a tracker to monitor your every move, this might be the one for you.

Pros

Water Resistant (Up to 50M)
Automatic Exercise Recognition and 15 Mode Options
Sleep Tracking and Guided Breathing Based on Heart Rate
Provides Reminders to Move
Discreet, Yet Fashionable Layout
Long Lasting Battery Life

Cons

No Built-In GPS
Heart Rate Calculator Can Be More Accurate

Best For Tracking Calories Burned: Garmin Vivofit 3

Features

Automatic Activity Detection with MoveIQ1 Year Battery Life LCD with Backlit DisplayCalculates steps, calories, distances, intensity and sleep qualityProvides Reminders to MoveWaterproof

Garmin Vivofit 3 exemplifies the less is more mantra. As compared to the current line-up, it has no altimeter, GPS or heart rate tracking, however its use lies in the absence of those features. You can connect a separate heart rate monitor to calculate your intensity and calories burned which provides a far more accurate calculation than typical wrist trackers.

You’ll benefit from the analytics within the Garmin app while the tracker itself possesses a straightforward overview. This band is preferred for individuals with an intermediate fitness level who need accurate data, but are able to perform their own analytics.

Pros

Made for Comfort
Tracks basic activities and metrics required
No-frill UI Design
Waterproof
Long Battery Life

Cons

Design looks cheap
LCD provides a dim display
Slow to register live-activity
Battery will need to be replaced after a year

Best GPS: Samsung Gear Sport

Features

Physical and Nutrition Goal TrackingHeart Rate MonitorWater Resistant Receive Notifications From Your Phone Through Bluetooth Pairing Samsung Pay EnabledSpotify Compatible

Touch and Audio Controls Available Quick View InterfaceDurable BuildIn-Built GPS

Samsung Gear Sport provides many of the features available in other trackers, but it does come with a built-in GPS and bluetooth system. This allows users to drop off their phones at home and go for a run without any distractions. That said, it does considerably drain the battery so you might want to conserve the battery when you’re not using the GPS. Additionally, it might not be suitable for hikers given the limited power.

While it does not provide much in terms of activity categorization, its waterproof functionality provides a decent incentive for runners and swimmers. Additionally, users can also utilize their Spotify Premium to help them listen to music on the go. Overall, if you need a decent integrated GPS tracker, Samsung Gear Sport has you covered.

Pros

Clean UI Design
Embedded Bluetooth and GPS functions
Water Resistant
Sleep Monitoring Available
Great for Swimmers and Runners
Comes With Widgets For Easy Customization

Cons

No Speaker
Battery Drains Quickly From GPS Use
Limited Activity Tracking

Conclusion

Look past the hype this Black Friday and choose the tech which delivers what you need. Remember to keep your fitness level, activities and goals in mind when making the decision. For example, if you want to track your blood pressure, any ordinary heart rate tracker will not suffice and you should explore your options. This will ultimately help you snag the right tracker for your lifestyle.

Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users

November 25, 2019 By Emma Morris Leave a Comment

Many people assume that the Apple Watch is the best match for an iPhone, but that isn’t always the case. We look at some of the best to smartwatches to team with your Apple hardware.

What is a Smartwatch?

In simple terms, a smartwatch is a watch that has many extra features and incorporates technology with telling the time. Common features of smartwatches include receiving notifications, being able to answer calls, read and send text messages and listen to music.

Apple Watch Series 4

If you already have an iPhone then you’ll know how easy Apple products are to use. The Apple Watch and iPhone are great companions because they have been designed to work together.

The Series 4 Apple Watch comes with all the features you’d expect – sending and receiving text messages, reading emails, making calls, streaming music, excellent health tracking software, fall detection and GPS. The number of features makes the starting price of £349 ($448) more bearable!

Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 does everything the Series 4 can do, and then some! The health tracking is improved to allow for an ECG app to accurately monitor your heart and there’s a compass so you know in which direction you are facing.

Safety features such as international emergency calling and emergency SOS will give you peace of mind and the always-on retina display means that you can see your watch display at any time, without having to tap or move your wrist. Starting at £399 ($510) for the WiFi and GPS enabled version, and from £499 ($639)for the cellular option with 32gb of storage, it’s good, but expensive.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Samsung is a potent rival of Apple, as this Galaxy Watch Active 2 proves.

The features on offer on this device are similar to that of the Apple Watch but the look is very different. The round watch face gives a more traditional watch appearance but it is robust and comes with all the necessary software to effectively track your exercise and keep you active.

The rotating dial makes scrolling through apps easy and comfortable, but a major downside of this watch is that it only comes with 4gb of storage. This will be enough to hold songs for your playlists but it doesn’t give you a lot of scope for adding apps and utilising the software to its full capability.

With prices starting at £269 ($345) for Bluetooth and £399 ($510) for the 4G option it definitely shouldn’t be ignored.

Fossil Sport

Fossil isn’t one of the big-name brands but the company has been designing watches for over 30 years. This model is great for people who want a watch to help them out with their fitness regime.

The lightweight design is perfect for wearing to the gym, for a swim or playing sports, and the sporty strap is an excellent choice for the sports-minded target audience. At £219 this is an excellent smartwatch to pair with your iPhone if you are looking for an exercise companion.

TicWatch Pro

This tough and durable smartwatch is another excellent fitness companion and with the price starting from £214 ($274) it is definitely worth considering pairing with your iPhone.

The Wear OS by Google provides a lot of features to the watch including Spotify, Messenger, Google Play, Google Pay, and many more. It has a very sleek design and dual-screen technology which means there is one screen on top of another with tech ensuring you only see one at a time.

It also features an ‘essential’ mode to keep your battery usage down. This may be a newer brand to the market but it’s certainly one to look out for.

Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbit dominated the health and fitness market for some time until the Apple and Samsung smartwatches came along, forcing the company to up its game and add more features.

Fitbit rose to the challenge and this Versa 2 is an excellent alternative to an Apple Watch. Starting from £199 ($255) it is much more affordable than its counterparts and comes with a range of features including heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring and of course the fitness tracking that the brand is famous for.

It also comes complete with Spotify and Alexa. It pairs perfectly with the iPhone and is water-resistant to 50m so you can exercise wherever you like.

Summary

When it comes to finding the right smartwatch for your iPhone it is logical to pair it with the Apple Watch , particularly as no other smartwatch comes with as many features. But with Apple’s high price tags, it’s good to know that there are cheaper alternatives that will work effectively with your iPhone.

You just need to decide what you want from your watch and what your budget is but many on this list would be a great addition to your wrist!