SuperWatches

Super Smartwatches and Wearables

Buying Guides

Pebble Steel

Pebble Steel

When it comes to getting a smartwatch that is low on price and is easy to read when you are outside then the Pebble Steel may be the right choice. It was first released back in 2015 and offers a good battery life alongside an easy to use control system, making it a choice that you probably will not regret in a hurry. Read on to find out more about the Pebble Steel so that you can decide if it is the one for you.

How Good is the Pebble Steel Design?

When it comes to design, the Pebble Steel looks chic and gives the impression that it is a high-end watch. With a stainless steel, rectangular face and smart leather strap, it would not look out of place coupled with a suit for work. You may notice that it is becoming slightly outdated, but because it is not a large device, it will easily be mistaken for a classic timepiece.

You will find the Pebble Steel very comfortable to have on your wrist, and you won’t need to worry about removing it when you hop in the bath or go for a swim because it is waterproof up to 50m deep. The e-ink screen is easy to read, and even in bright sunlight, you will be able to use it without needing to find a shady spot.

Does the Pebble Steel Come With Many Features?

The Pebble Steel is not able to store more than eight apps on the watch screen at any time, making it a difficult choice when it comes to picking your top picks. However, there is a companion app for your smartphone where you can virtually house further apps and use it to swap the apps you have access to.

The Pebble Steel comes with its own platform and rather than being your typically poor contender against Android, it has a surprising amount of apps for you to choose from. You can personalise the watch face, spend time downloading the apps you want to use on the watch and arrange your virtual app locker with ease.

How Do I Operate the Pebble Steel?

You would be forgiven for trying to tap the screen to use this model, but it is actually powered by using the system of buttons on the sides of the watch. You simply use the buttons to navigate your way through the menu, and surprisingly you will find that you get used to this way of working the watch pretty quickly. There are three buttons on the right side with the middle one being your direct route to the menu and the other two for navigation.

When it comes to charging the device, you simply need to clip the magnetic charging wire to the port that is on the side of the watch and allow it to power back up ready for use; this will take a couple of hours to complete. There is a handy battery gauge that you can access when it is charging, and this will show you when the watch is ready to use again.

Is the Pebble Steel Battery Life Good?

One of the best things about the Pebble Steel is the battery life, with around five days of charge possible before it needs to be powered back up. Most smartwatches don’t have such a long battery life, but the reason that the Pebble Steel does is that it uses an e-paper design and does not have many powerful apps that will be in use during the day.

Because the charging takes a couple of hours to complete, you will need to be organised and consider when you have the time to plug in. However, if you organise it to charge up overnight, then you will not need to worry about how long it takes.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Pebble Steel?

This smartwatch comes with many pros and cons, so it is vital that you take the time to consider what you are looking to get from owning it. To help you weigh up your options, we have listed the pros and cons of owning a Pebble Steel below.

Pros
  • Good, five days worth of battery life even when you use it to access apps throughout the day.
  • Clear e-Ink screen that can be read wherever you are.
  • Able to upgrade the strap to a steel version.
  • Comfy to wear all day long.
  • Wide range of apps on the Pebble Platform.
  • Notifications delivered directly to the watch.
  • You can read your messages on the screen to save taking your phone out as long as you have the messaging app on the watch.
  • Customisable watch screens to choose from.
Cons
  • Button driven power rather than a touchscreen.
  • Expensive for a smartwatch that has been on the market a while.
  • Only eight apps on the watch at any one time.
  • Chunky casing that looks slightly outdated.
  • You have to manually clear notifications from both your phone and watch for them to disappear.
  • The tech that drives the watch is no longer new, which means that this watch is more basic than more modern, cheaper watches.

Is the Pebble Steel Good Value for Money?

When you consider what more modern smartwatches offer you would be forgiven for thinking that the Pebble Steel has had its day. However, looking beyond the low number of apps that you can access, this watch still has a lot to offer. It has a crystal clear screen in all weather, offers waterproof protection and has a battery that will last up to five days without charging.

If you want a simple smartwatch that can double for a smart work watch then the Pebble Steel is not a bad choice. However, the cost attached to getting hold of one may put you off. All in all, we liked it but probably would shop around before committing to buy it.

How do you feel about the Pebble Steel, let us know in the comments if you already have one and love it or hate it..

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The Fitbit Sense VS Fitbit Versa 3

Introduction

Fitbit is about to release three new devices; the Fitbit Inspire 2, Sense and Versa 3. The latter is what we’re going to talk about here, but we’ve covered the Inspire 2 in another article if you’re interested in that.

Now, the Sense and the Versa 3 are quite similar. The designs are uncanny and they share some features. The Sense has more bells and whistles. Like a skin temperature sensor and ECG monitor. The significant difference is that it costs around $100 more for the Sense.

We’ll discuss if the price difference is really worth it in this comparison of the Fitbit Sense versus the Fitbit Versa 3.

Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch with GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, Alexa Built-in,...
Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch with GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, Alexa Built-in,...
  • Run, bike, hike and more phone-free—and see your real-time pace & distance—with built-in GPS....
  • Active Zone Minutes uses your resting heart rate to gauge exercise effort and gives you a buzz when...
  • Better track heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0, Fitbit’s enhanced heart rate technology
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Fitbit Sense VS Fitbit Versa 3 – Price

The Fitbit Sense comes in at $329.95 whereas you’ll be able to get a Versa 3 for $229.95. 

The Sense does come with a six month free trial of Fitbit Premium which is normally $10 a month or $79 for the year. This opens up your world to additional and more in-depth features like sleep scoring, custom workouts and guided meditations and relaxation activities.

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch with Tools for Heart Health, Stress Management &...
Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch with Tools for Heart Health, Stress Management &...
  • EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body's response to stress and a...
  • The Fitbit ECG app has received FDA clearance and will be available in the U.S. in October. The...
  • An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies
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Fitbit Sense VS Fitbit Versa 3 – Design

To look at the devices, there’s little difference. They are identical sizes and have the same display. The Sense has two notches either side of the display, but they’re not for any function. 

You can get the Sense with two types of case: either a gold or graphite stainless steel.

The Versa 3 comes in black or gold aluminium.

You can swap the bands on both models and there are infinite options to suit your taste or mood.

Fitbit Sense VS Fitbit Versa 3 – Health and fitness features

The most significant difference between the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 is the health and fitness features. They share features, like built-in GPS, allowing you to track a run without having your phone about your person. 

They also both have a heart rate sensor, which provides data to the Workout Intensity Map. This indicates when your heart was working the hardest. It’ll monitor your heart rate 24/7 which means it can work out your sleep score too.

The Fitbit Sense has a better offering here. It has an ECG app which will hopefully be FDA approved for activation. This will monitor your heart health for early signs of AFib (atrial fibrillation). This is a condition that makes your heart beat irregularly. In theory, this is a potentially life-saving feature. The Sense will alert you to any extreme heart rate, be it high or low.

You’ll find a skin temperature sensor on the belly of the Sense. This monitors your epidermis temperature through the night. This could help indicate illness, ovulation or pregnancy. Fitbit doesn’t claim any medical certifications for this, but it is useful. 

The Sense also has an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor; which monitors the electricity flowing around the outer skin layer. This information is accessed by placing your palm over the display. The Sense is marketed as a device to help you manage stress and this feature, in particular, is what they’re talking about. The EDA is how you can measure your bodily response to stress. You use the app to access mediation and relaxation activities as a way of mitigating stress.

Fitbit Sense VS Fitbit Versa 3 – Smart features

The Sense and Versa 3 share smartwatch features. This includes Fitbit Pay, phone notifications like calls, texts and calendar appointments, custom watch faces, apps, music storage and control.

Both offer compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Both offer a 6 day battery life (although only 12 hours when you’re in GPS mode).

Which is best?

The biggest deciding factor is the importance you place on health and fitness features.

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with some smart options, the Versa 3 will suit you. At this price point, it competes with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, the Garmin Forerunner 45 and the Apple Watch Series 3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, GPS, Bluetooth) Smart Watch with Advanced Health...
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, GPS, Bluetooth) Smart Watch with Advanced Health...
  • Better insights to reach your fitness goals get more out of every mile thanks to built-in pace...
  • Comfortably sleek the Galaxy Watch Active2 is light enough to wear anywhere comfortably; It comes in...
  • Keep your beat: You can see if your heart rate is where you want it with Galaxy Watch Active2; Get...
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However, if you’re in the market for a smartwatch that will help manage stress as well as your fitness, the Fitbit Sense is a far more holistic device.

Do you have a favourite Fitbit device? Drop us a comment and let us know…

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The New Fitbit Sense Smartwatch

gym machine

The Fitbit Sense – The Watch That Claims It Will Help You To Manage Stress

Introduction

Are you still worried about COVID? Maybe lockdown has been a contributing factor to piling on some extra weight? Fitbit is about to release a new smartwatch called Sense that claims to help manage stress. Revealed on September 1 along with two newer models of the Fitbit Versa and Inspire.

The Fitbit Sense has multiple sensors to track your heart rate, temperature, breathing and even skin reactions. It analyses the data and calculates how your body actually responds to stress. It will provide you with a chance to relax through meditation and breathing exercises. 

All three releases will automatically record your temperature during the night so gives you a baseline and highlight any trends. This can prove useful for spotting potential illness or, if you’re trying to conceive, mark your ovulation.

Should I buy the Fitbit Sense?

Similar to the Apple Watch and Samsung Watch, the Sense will keep an electrocardiogram chronicle of the electrical activity of your heart. (Currently, FDA approval pending, but the tech is in place to be switched on).

Fitbit claim the Sense blows rivals out the water with a brand new feature. The Sense can measure your EDA, electrodermal activity, which is changes in how your skin responds to electrical activity. So, it’ll pick up on stress-induced sweat or heart rate variations. 

Your Fitbit Sense will use all this data to calculate a stress management score, displayed within the Fitbit app. Here, you’ll find helpful tips on how to manage it.

The Fitbit Sense comes in either white or dark grey and costs $329.95. You can pre-order it now and you’ll get delivery at the end of September.

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch with Tools for Heart Health, Stress Management &...
Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch with Tools for Heart Health, Stress Management &...
  • EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body's response to stress and a...
  • The Fitbit ECG app has received FDA clearance and will be available in the U.S. in October. The...
  • An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies
Check Amazon Price

Fitbit Sense Features

To keep you going, let’s have a look at the features in better detail:

EDA Scanning

Monitoring your electrodermal activity means your Sense can determine how your body responds to stress. Knowing this can aid your efforts to manage it.

The Fitbit app comes loaded on the device. Place your palm over the display. This triggers the Sense to detect tiny electrical changes in your sweat levels. The reading will be presented with a guided mindfulness activity within the mobile app and you’ll get some feedback on how your body then responds to the relaxation or meditation.

EKG

Your Sense will monitor the electrical activity of your heart. The app will pick up on atrial fibrillation symptoms. Meaning, an irregular heartbeat might indicate a heart condition and your Sense will tell you this. Again, this requires FDA approval before it can be activated.

Heart health

The Sense has a brand new sensor that will notify you if your heart rate drops or spikes beyond a level that is considered normal. This data can all be found in the Fitbit app and might come in handy during a visit to the doctor.

Temperature

Your device will log your temperature during the night.

Stress management score

Utilising your heart rate and data about your activity levels, the Sense will provide a score between 1 – 100. The higher the number, the less stress.

Six months free Fitbit Premium

You get a free trial when you buy the Sense. Otherwise, the subscription will cost $10 per month. For this, you get a more in-depth breakdown of your biometric inputs. 

The insights and the following advice is personalised based on your data. Also, you get access to a library of workouts, relaxation and meditation tools, activities to encourage better sleep quality and even fitness sessions and games. Around half a million people in the US currently subscribe to Fitbit Premium. Can’t be bad!

The Fitbit Sense – A new watch with advanced tools

Finally, there is no need to be tied to your phone when you’re tracking a workout. This is a first for Fitbit. The Sense has GPS built-in. What’s more, it boasts around 6 days battery life. You can also connect it to Hey Google or Alexa for voice control of your smart devices (note, the Versa 2 only offers compatibility with Alexa).

So there you have it. What do you think? Can the Fitbit Sense rub shoulders with Apple or Samsung?

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Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity

Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity

Many of us still love the look of a standard watch and do not want to have a smartwatch on our wrists. However, some of the smart features that have come to the market over the years would be a welcome addition. So you may be in the position of trying to find a watch that does it all.

Rather than opting for an expensive and modern option, the Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity may be the perfect solution. It offers an eco-friendly design so that you can be safe in the knowledge that your passion for watches will not cause any harm to the planet.

What is the Design Like?

If you are looking for a smartwatch that looks like a standard watch, then the Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity is the watch for you! With a large, metal face, this watch is predominantly black. It also offers models with either blue or green highlights that draw your attention to the hands of the clock face and the minute markers.

This watch looks like a sports watch and offers comfort when it is on your wrist. The strap is made of a green/blue and black polyurethane materials that work to accentuate the watch face design. Ultimately, this watch is big and bold and looks great when it is on your wrist.

Features

The Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity has a control panel for its smart capabilities at the bottom of the watch. However this is a very small section and can be hard to use. You can pair it by pulling out the control to the halfway mark and then turning it. It pairs with iPhone models via Bluetooth but not with Android phones. The main features that come as standard with this model include:

  • A calendar
  • Alarm
  • Light level indicator
  • Time and date phone sync
  • Dual time option
  • Power reserve

There is also an iPhone app that you can use with the watch that is easy to download and use. You can set the watch up from your phone with ease and get to use the features that come with it right away. The app has a range of options for you to use and works well to give you the information you need when you need it.

How Easy is it to Use the Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity?

When it comes to using this model, you will find that it is very simple to use. The reason for the simplicity is because there is very little in terms of smartwatch capability to get used to. So you will probably end up using it as a regular watch.

When you do want to make use of the smart features, you can find them on the companion app. You will certainly be impressed by how easy it is to navigate to get to what you want. The downside is that this watch will not be able to alert you to who is calling or let you control your music, but it still functions well and is a good quality watch. When it comes to notifying you, then you will notice that it comes with a vibration function that alerts you, coupled with the second-hand turning to either 9,10 or 11 so that you know what the alert is for.

How Good is the Battery Life on the Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity?

When it comes to battery, the Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity is solar-powered, meaning that you will never have to worry about recharging it and can wear it 24/7 without any hassle. Offering a watch like this with some smart capabilities and solar power means it is easy to keep up to date without worrying about planning charging time into your schedule. The fact that there is no battery in this watch gives it its Eco name, and it is purely powered by light and nothing else.

Citizen Men's Quartz Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver (Model: BZ1000-54E)
Citizen Men's Quartz Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver (Model: BZ1000-54E)
  • Citizen Eco-Drive. Powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery.
  • 5 year limited manufacturer's warranty.
  • Quartz Movement
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What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity?

As with any new piece of kit, there are some positives and negatives that you need to weigh up before splashing the cash. Take a moment to read through the main pros and cons of this device so that you can feel fully informed.

Pros

  • The time and date sync with your phone so that it is always accurate to your time zone.
  • There is a phone finder alert when you press and hold the two watch buttons down.
  • The watch is good looking and will withstand the test of time.
  • The solar power means that you will never need to plug your watch in again.
  • It is simple to set up, meaning that you can get to using it right away.

Cons

  • It loses connection a lot, and so you will need to resync it at regular intervals.
  • There is no screen from which you can see notifications of messages.
  • The Bluetooth range is limited, and so you will need to have your phone close by at all times to get alerts and stay synced.
  • The inability to differentiate between notifications means you will end up looking at your phone more than ever before.
  • It is a pretty expensive choice for very little in the way of smart features.

The Verdict: Should I Buy a Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity?

If you are looking for a watch that looks like a watch and offers limited smart capability, then the Citizen Ec0-Drive Proximity may be for you. It is stylish and comfortable and will look great on your wrist with its stylish black and green or black and blue options.

However, the lack of smart features means that it will not do for those people who want a watch that does everything! It’s wise to decide precisely what you want from a watch and then seeing if this model would actually work for you. We think it looks great but maybe lacks the substance we were looking for.

Top 10 Smartwatches in 2020 to look out for

Suunto 7 smartwatch - top 10 smartwatches

Introduction 

Top 10 Smartwatches – Something all decent smartwatches have in common is their ability to do tricks. They can search the web by voice command, use GPS to track your location and monitor your health and fitness using various clever built-in sensors.

The chances are you have a modern smartphone. You’ll need one to pair a smartwatch with, but some of the more advanced ones do have the ability to function without being connected. Which is nice for your own freedom.

We’ve listed the top ten best smartwatches out there. We’ve thought about the features, design, specification and price. 

So, let’s dive in.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

This is arguably the most popular smartwatch in the world at this point in 2020.

This watch runs on Tizen OS and is compatible with both iOS and Android. The 3 comes with a 1.2 inch or 1.4 inch 360 x 360 pixel display, lit by AMOLED. 8GB of built-in storage, wireless charging and can go up to 3 days between charges. This new Galaxy watch also offers Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is the brand’s biggest achievement to date. It follows from the 2018 Galaxy Watch and kept most of the original design features, with additional refinements.

The watch has a rotating bezel, making navigation easy. It’s much easier than a lot of alternatives that require you to tap the display. 

The apps you can use are fairly limited in comparison to iOS or WearOS devices. It has some decent Samsung basics, though. Fitness and sports tracking as well as a lot of functionality.

If you’re an iPhone user, the features are again fairly limited but it is nonetheless compatible. Keep reading and pay attention to the Apple Watch next in this selection of top ten smartwatches article.

The Galaxy Watch 3, is, overall, a great all-rounder. If you need a smartwatch that will monitor your fitness as well as deliver smart features to your wrist, this is a great shout.

Check out our review of the best Samsung Galaxy apps to use on your watch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm, GPS, Bluetooth, Unlocked LTE) Smart Watch with Advanced...
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm, GPS, Bluetooth, Unlocked LTE) Smart Watch with Advanced...
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Apple Watch 5

This runs on iOS, of course. It has 32GB built-in storage and the battery life can last between 24 and 36 hours. The Apple Watch 5 charges wirelessly which is cool . 50ATM water-resistance rating which can be used for swimming and light diving. It has Wi-fi, Bluetooth, LTE and NFC connectivity as one might expect.

Apple reins number one on pretty much every list, ever. Especially if you’re already an iPhone user. It works perfectly with iPhones so if you love Apple devices, this is great. 

Being blunt, there’s not a huge jump in features from the Apple Watch 4. The biggest thing is the Always-On display. This is a first. It means you don’t need to tilt your wrist to be shown your stats. Rather, it’ll show the important data perpetually on a dimmed display.

The design is smaller in comparison to the 4. It comes in either 44mm or a smaller 40mm.

Speaking of fitness features, it comes with everything you need. It also has an ECG, accurate GPS, heart rate monitor and much more. If you want the best on the market; the Apple Watch is it.

Read here where we discuss if the Apple Watch Series 5 is worth it.

Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band
  • GPS
  • Always-On Retina display
  • 30% larger screen
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

This watch runs on Tizen OS and is compatible with both iOS and Android. It has a 1.2inch 360 x 360 pixel AMOLED display. It carries 4GB storage inside and the battery lasts about 2 full days. You charge it wirelessly and connectivity is via Bluetooth and Wi-fi. It offers 50m of water-resistance.

Samsung shrunk down a lot of the coolest parts of the Galaxy Watch and made it sportier. It’s lighter, slimmer and more comfortable. It also has a digital rotating bezel.

Not a whole bunch of changes have been made. That’s not a criticism. It is a really great watch for the price. It’s got a 1.2 inch 360 x 360 pixel display that’s really bold and bright. It’s quite a beautiful device to have on your wrist. 

It offers you all the higher-end fitness features you’d want from a Samsung watch. It has 39 sports modes, ECG and heart rate monitor. You can use the accompanying app for sleep and stress monitoring, too. You can use it to look over your blood pressure, but Samsung are yet to release the key to how.

It’s more cost-effective than an Apple Watch and the price has gone up a little over time to keep up with the competition. It’s not cheap but if you compare it to the Galaxy 3 you might prefer this version.

Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, GPS, Bluetooth) Smart Watch with Advanced Health...
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, GPS, Bluetooth) Smart Watch with Advanced Health...
  • Better insights to reach your fitness goals get more out of every mile thanks to built-in pace...
  • Comfortably sleek the Galaxy Watch Active2 is light enough to wear anywhere comfortably; It comes in...
  • Keep your beat you can see if your heart rate is where you want it with Galaxy Watch Active2 Get...
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Fitbit Versa 2

This runs on the Fitbit OS and is compatible with both iOS and Android.A 300 x 300 pixel AMOLED display. The Fitbit Versa 2 had a 2.5GB onboard storage and a battery life of up to five days. It has a proprietary charger. This watch is water-resistant to 5m. It offers Wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity as well as contactless payments. 

The Fitbit Versa 2 is the most recent offering from Fitbit. The brand itself is one of the most famous for fitness trackers. 

The Versa 2 has a lot of upgrades on the original release, including Alexa compatibility and a slightly slimmer case.

If you didn’t like the original version, then the Versa 2 might not please you either. It’s essentially the same device and doesn’t have the bells and whistles like offline Spotify or GPS.

If you’re into simple and sweet trackers, the Versa 2 will tickle your fancy. It’s certainly cost-effective for what you get.

Read our Fitbit Versa 2 review here

Fossil Sport

Running on WearOS and Android and iOS compatible. A 1.2 inch 390 x 390 pixel AMOLED display. 4GB of built-in storage. Two days between charges using a proprietary charger. GPS capability. Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Fossil has done a lot in the wearable world in the past few years. The Fossil Sport is the best offering they have made to date.

This is a great watch with an even better price tag. It’s lightweight, has GPS and feels premium in its design. It also offers around 2 days of battery life. 

Fossil has squeezed in a lot of functionality thanks to the Snapdragon chipset. This is the latest tech from Qualcomm that means you get a smooth user experience compared to more dated Wear OS devices.

Full discloser, it doesn’t offer anything unique. Overall, though, the Fossil Sport is a great watch. Especially so if you’re looking for something that will monitor your fitness but will fit in with most of your day-to-day clothes.

See more about what we think of the Fossil Sport

Fossil Men's Sport Heart Rate Metal and Silicone Touchscreen Smartwatch, Color: Grey,...
Fossil Men's Sport Heart Rate Metal and Silicone Touchscreen Smartwatch, Color: Grey,...
  • Smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google work with iPhone and Android Phones
  • Heart Rate & Activity Tracking using Google Fit; Built-in GPS for distance tracking; Swimproof...
  • This is one smart watch - receive smartphone notifications and app alerts, manage your calendar,...
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Fitbit Versa Lite

Another Fitbit OS, Android and iOS-compatible device. This watch has a 300 x 300 pixel LCD display. It doesn’t offer onboard memory but the battery life does go 4 days between charges. It has a water-resistance of 50m and will connect via Wi-fi and Bluetooth.

This is the second-best in the Fitbit range. Essentially a more price-accessible version of the Versa with a few features trimmed.

The Versa Lite has some decent fitness tracking and a battery that won’t drive you nuts. The case is lightweight and dainty. You can use it for working out and not worry about changing it; it’s subtle enough to fit in with most outfits.

The features you may miss if you’re comparing it to the Versa (or Versa 2) are a lack of Fitbit Pay, GPS and the screen isn’t quite as good. If you’re in the market for a budget fitness tracker with some handy smart features, these things might not bother you.

We love the Fitbit brand. Read our review of the devices you can get your hands on, here.

Fitbit Versa Lite Smartwatch, Charcoal/Silver Aluminum, One Size (S & L Bands...
Fitbit Versa Lite Smartwatch, Charcoal/Silver Aluminum, One Size (S & L Bands...
  • Track your all day activity, 24/7 heart rate, & sleep stages all with a 4 plus day battery life...
  • Use 15 plus exercise modes like run or swim (Fitbit versa is water resistant to 50 meters) to record...
  • Access your favorite apps for sports, weather & more and get called, calendar, text, and app alerts....
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TicWatch E2

Here is a WearOS device compatible with iOS and Android. It boasts a 400 x 400 pixel OLED display. Inside is 4GB memory and the battery will last around 48 hours between charges. It offers Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The TicWatch E2 is one of the more affordable watches we’re discussing. It comes from Mobvoi; a relatively small brand. But, that doesn’t mean this watch hasn’t made ripples.

The E2 has a long battery life, is water-resistant and comes at a cost-effective price. You might not be besotted with the look, it doesn’t scream luxury. You have to consider what you get for what you pay.

Amazingly, it has GPS as well as sleep tracking and a heart rate monitor. The usual fitness features are there, too. You can’t make contactless payments.

Read more about what we think of the TicWatch E2

TicWatch E2, 5ATM Waterproof GPS Smartwatch with 24 Hours Heart Rate Monitor, Wear OS...
TicWatch E2, 5ATM Waterproof GPS Smartwatch with 24 Hours Heart Rate Monitor, Wear OS...
  • Full Function Wear OS Smartwatch - Google Play Store allows you to choose from a wide range of your...
  • Get Connected at a Glance - Stay in the moment with smart ways to receive notifications and see...
  • Swim-ready Water-resistant - Your swimming companion with up to 50 meter underwater waterproof (5...
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Honor Magic Watch 2

Runs on LiteOS and is compatible with both Android and iOS. Either 1.2 inch or 1.39 inch 454 by 454 pixel AMOLED display. 4GB of memory. An impressive 7 day battery life and water-resistance. Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

If you’re an avid fitness enthusiast but you don’t want a full-on sportswatch then the Honor Magic Watch 2 might be for you. It has a hybrid of fitness and smartwatch features.

It’ll give you detailed data and training advice for some activities. It’s perfect for beginners or those with a casual interest in fitness.

It lasts about a week or even two between charges depending on the version you pick. Some have reported disappointment with the lack of features. But it’s important to be realistic about the price and what you expect.

Honor MagicWatch 2 Smart Watch, 1.39' AMOLED 5ATM Waterproof 14 Days Standby Smart...
Honor MagicWatch 2 Smart Watch, 1.39" AMOLED 5ATM Waterproof 14 Days Standby Smart...
  • ⌚【1.39" AMOLED Display】HONOR Magic Watch 2 fitness watch adopting1.39-inch AMOLED display give...
  • ⌚【Super Long Endurance】-- A Breakthrough in Battery Performance for Up to 14 Days. Get more...
  • ⌚【SpO2 Function & Stress Monitoring & Breathing Exercise】HONOR Magic Watch 2 smart watch adds...
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Apple Watch 4

Running on WatchOS with iOS only compatibility. It has a huge 1.78 inch OLED display. A minimum of 16GB onboard storage and the battery will last up to 2 days. Wireless charging and water-resistantance to 50m. The apple watch 4 connects via Wi-fi and Bluetooth and offers contactless payments.

There’s not a lot of difference between the 4 and 5. The 4 has a bigger display than most smartwatches and comes in either 44mm or a smaller 40mm. 

The best part is the ECG that sits with the heart rate tracker. It’ll keep an eye on your heart and tell you if there’s a risk of any issues like atrial fibrillation. This could be potentially life-saving in the long run.

There is a plethora of health and fitness feature and you can use most of your favourite apps. The only drawback is that it can’t be used with Android smartphones.

We compared the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5 here.

Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 40MM) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band...
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 40MM) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band...
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TicWatch Pro

A final Wear OS offering. Compatible with Android iOS. It has a 1.4 inch 400 x 400 pixel display with LCD screen. There is 4GB built-in memory. The battery will last around 48 hours. If you use it in Essential mode you’ll get 5 days out of it. It connects via Bluetooth and Wi-fi.

This is a favourite Wear OS offering. You can use it whether you’re on Android or iOS. It boasts a cool dual-screen feature.

The two displays are layered. The one on top has a transparent LCD display and that’ll show you the time, heart rate and when your battery is dying. 

Beneath that is a full-colour OLED screen. This bit gives you all the Wear OS coolness. You could use it like a regular smartwatch and you’ll get two days use in this mode. Low power mode, though, can last up to a full 30 days. 

Feature-wise, there’s Google Pay and NFC.  You can use the Bluetooth connection to listen to music, too. The price is the best part, offering all these features for a very happy price.

Check out our full review of the TicWatchPro here.

A few other top 10 smartwatches worth mentioning are the new Suunto 7 and of course the Garmin Fenix 6. Both of which come with a slightly higher price tag than most smartwatches in this list.

Garmin 010-02158-01 Fenix 6 Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, features Mapping,...
Garmin 010-02158-01 Fenix 6 Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, features Mapping,...
  • Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3” (18% larger...
  • Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude...
  • Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity...
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Suunto 7, GPS Sport Smartwatch with Wear OS by Google - Black/Lime
Suunto 7, GPS Sport Smartwatch with Wear OS by Google - Black/Lime
  • A versatile smart watch and GPS sports watch in one, combining Suunto’s sports expertise with...
  • Smartwatch features that make everyday life easier: Help from Google Assistant, quick payments with...
  • 70+ sport modes, for running, cycling, swimming, skiing and more; daily steps and calories; connects...
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Garmin Quatix 6x Solar

Garmin Quatix Solar
Garmin Quatix Solar

The Quatix 6x Solar from Garmin is an incredibly capable watch that’s also easy on the eye.

As reviewers, we’re used to seeing things come and go quickly. Every once in awhile, you come across a device that you fall madly in love with. The Quatix is one of those sports watches. It handles every task you can throw at it with quiet confidence. It’s such a comprehensive offering from the fitness-tracking world but it also has some solid smart features thrown in for fun, too.

With a killer 24 days between charges and boosted battery life from solar charging, the Quatix has everything it needs to take the title of ultimate sports watch. It doesn’t come cheap, mind. At over $1,000 it’s on the higher end of the market. Is it worth it? Sorry to spoil the story, but, yes.

Garmin quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch, Comprehensive Boat Connectivity...
Garmin quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch, Comprehensive Boat Connectivity...
  • Provides comprehensive connectivity with compatible Garmin chartplotters and other devices...
  • Rugged, sophisticated design features an always-on 1.3” display, stainless steel bezel, buttons,...
  • Improved sail racing assistance includes virtual starting line, distance to start line, race...
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Built to last

The Garmin Quatix 6x Solar gives off the impression that it’ll go on forever. It has a bezel and strap made of titanium. This means it’s chunky look isn’t actually heavy on the wrist. It’s really light. 

It has an understated appearance. It has a blue and red dial which resembles classic chronographs. If for some reason you don’t want to use the titanium strap you’re given a silicone one in the box too, which is blue. It’s fit is tighter, but it’s comfortable. All in all, it’s good-looking. It feels like you’re wearing something unique. There are no gimmicky design features or plastic bits. A simple and beautiful design. 

Dissimilar to popular alternatives, Garmin has gone for a transflective LCD display. What you miss out on here is bold colours, but you can read the face at all times, even in burning sunlight. You’ll appreciate this if you’re on a weekend boat trip, for example. Conversely, you can use a light button to illuminate the display in times of darkness. This could be on a diving excursion, as the Quatix also offers you 300 m water-resistance (10ATM). 

marine watch - dolphin

Total control

One thing that lets the Quatix down a little is that it doesn’t have a touchscreen. Rather, it offers five buttons. There are two on the right and three to the left. Your first time using it can be quite a demanding process. Three of the five buttons present different menus or shortcuts. Those shortcuts do become second nature to you and then you’ll love the lack of smudges on the screen from fingerprints. You’ll like it even better when, say, you’ve got wet hands and can still use all the functions. A frustration of users with pure touchscreen devices.

You’re offered an abundance of choice over the watch faces. You can even create your own unique face. You can pick the style, colour, hands (if you want them) and what data you want at a quick glance. Heart rate, steps, calories, etc.

It’s like a Swiss Army knife

The Quatix is heavy on features. It’s an all-encompassing sports watch, fitness tracker and smartwatch in one. It matches the Fenix 6 Pro in terms of features. You get preloaded marine and boat options on the Quatix, though. You can track everything you might want from hiking and running (which does include the infamously-accurate GPS system) to cycling, swimming, yoga, swimming and more quirky sports. Kayaking, skiing and bouldering, for example. 

It’ll deliver accurate data for your heart rate, steps, calories and distances. It does more, though. Your temperature and oxygen saturation are monitored through clever sensors.

We haven’t gotten to the marine tech yet. If you have a compatible boat, you can connect the Quatix. This will give you water depth, wind, engine RPM and other bespoke data. Right there on your wrist. If you’re not bowled over by that, how about accessing autopilot controls? Or being able to change your heading, steering or the route? You want more? OK. You can also change the song on your audio system.

This is no ordinary Wear OS device, but you do get the traditional frills. Notifications and calls as well as compatibility with popular music streaming channels like Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. You can store up to 2,000 songs locally and listen to them via Bluetooth headphones. 

We’ll get to the battery life shortly, but with all of the above plus great GPS navigation, you’re easily able to leave your phone at home. 

Looking really hard for a downside is that Garmin Pay isn’t widely available, yet.

It never gives up

Garmin’s official promise is 30 days between charging if using the Quatix in smartwatch mode. You can get 5 additional days with solar charging and also 20 hours when using GPS mode.

Final thoughts

The Garmin Quatix 6x Solar is potentially the best fitness and smart watch for the price. It does everything you might want it to. Especially if you’re into marine activities. At the same time, it looks like a million bucks.

Garmin connoisseurs might resent that you can pick up the Fenix 6S Pro for less, even cheaper if you’re OK with the non-solar version. Neither offer those unique marine features, but you could download them using the Connect app.

Really, if you’re into navigating waves and you need a faithful watch that’ll help you do that, this is a thing of beauty. If you want something that’ll last, too, look no further.