How to choose a smartwatch?

Do you know how to choose a smartwatch?

Choosing the perfect smartwatch is not as simple as it used to be. Besides a huge choice of colours, styles and materials, the technology in smartwatches is evolving all the time.

A smartwatch is usually a considered purchase. So, this article is aimed at helping you through the decision-making process. Highlighting some of the key things you should ask yourself before buying.

Smartwatches have been around since the early 1980s, so there are a lot out there. Common features now include biometrics, calling, calculator, translations, games, GPS and music players.  As such, they’re generally classified as wearable computes.

Apple launched its first Apple Watch in 2015, this really changed the game! In fact, it was significant because it was more than a watch, it was also a fashion accessory. 

And the market has exploded since then, which is why we have created a definitive guide to help you know how to choose a smartwatch!

Choosing the perfect smartwatch

Choosing the perfect smartwatch is not as simple as it used to be. Besides a huge choice of colours, styles and materials, the technology in smartwatches is evolving all the time.

A smartwatch is usually a considered purchase. So, this article is aimed at helping you through the decision-making process. Highlighting some of the key things you should ask yourself before buying.

Is the smartwatch compatible with my phone?
This is the most important question to ask. If you buy a smartwatch that doesn’t talk to your phone, then you’ve wasted your money.

There are Android and iOS (Apple)-specific smartwatches and some Windows-compatible models, too. Generally, smartwatches aren’t exclusively one or the other but tend to have more features for Android users, such as replying to messages, for example.

If you’re an Apple user, you’re naturally going to be considering the Apple Watch (See the latest apple model comparison here). Apple products, on the whole, don’t tend to play well with others. However, Android is more inclusive when it comes to connecting with other brands.

What software is best?

WearOS (or Android Wear), is Google’s creation. You can benefit from Google Fit, Google Pay, Maps and Music from either Spotify or YouTube.

Tizen OS gives Android users even more. Seen on Android devices, it’s Linux-based and while it isn’t as elitist as Apple, it was created for Samsung products. You’ll see Tizen OS on the likes of the Galaxy Watch Active 2.

watchOS is exclusive to Apple users and allows the use of services like Siri, which allows you to dictate text, open apps and control smart devices in much the same way as on your iPhone. The watchOS supports more of the third-party apps that you’ve come to love on your phone, but WearOS seems to offer more convenient voice commands. Neither is better than the other, it comes down to brand preference.

How much should a smartwatch cost?

The most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. There are some fantastic budget smartwatches like the offering from NuBand with Tag Huer’s offerings at the other end of the price spectrum. As a rule of thumb, a budget smartwatch will set you back between $70 and 100 (or GBP).

Mid-range devices, like those from Fossil, can be full of features at a reasonable cost. You’ll find these devices for between $100 and-200.

At the top, designer label end of the market – such as Apple’s Watches – expect to pay $200 to $500 at the top end.

What about a hybrid smartwatch?

Are you certain you want a full smartwatch? Are you aware of hybrid smartwatches? You can have all the style of a traditional timepiece but with a few hidden smart features. Hybrid smartwatches are for those who aren’t looking for the bells and whistles of the analytical and interactive power of a smartwatch but would like to know what’s going on on their phone.

Check out our guide to the best hybrid smartwatches.

What features do I need?

After compatibility and cost, this is where you need to dig into what you actually want your smartwatch to do. The features on offer are as different as the designs and it helps to ask yourself what your main priority is.

Fitness tracking

Not all fitness trackers are smartwatches and vice versa. If you’re looking for something that’ll monitor your health, there are devices geared toward fitness like Fitbits. You want to look for features like a heart rate monitor, GPS (to analyse your running routes), sleep rhythms, steps and calories burned. You’d also probably want it to be waterproof to swim in.

Within the fitness tracking world, there is also a lot of variety. If you’re a triathlon runner who’s serious about analytics, you’d benefit from the Garmin Fenix 7. However, if you’re a more casual runner the Fitbit Versa 3 might be more aligned with your needs. Check out the latest comparison of Fitbit models.

Smart features

If you’re into gadgets and tech you might want to be able to use your device for contactless payments, to receive notifications for calls, texts and social media and respond to them without picking up your phone. Maybe you want to make a video call? A smartwatch can be like a personal assistant on your wrist. In fact, a smartwatch can offer Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility.

Battery life

You’ll need to consider battery life too, as this can vary enormously.

The battery life of most colour-display smartwatches is typically one to two days (and occasionally less than one day), so you’ll need to think about how often you’ll be able to charge your watch.

If you use a watch as a phone, you’ll notice that its battery life will be significantly reduced. 18 hours of mixed-use on a single battery is what the Apple Watch can expect to last for.

Wireless charging is available on the majority of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. You can use a charging puck instead of plugging your smartphone straight into a wall outlet.

Design

Style-wise, fitness trackers have to be durable so you’ll find chunkier more rugged styles. Smartwatches tend to have more freedom in the design as you’re more likely to treat them delicately. Hybrid watches can be a beautiful-looking middle ground.

Make sure the clasp or buckle on the watch band is simple to use and quick to replace.

The largest section of this market is geared towards men.  From multi-use, sports-style watches to higher-end, sleeker and more refined options, here are three of the most popular with widely differing price tags.

OK, so now you know what to look for. Let’s look at how to choose a smartwatch for men.

Tag Heuer Connected Modular

Despite the price tag, opinions and reviews on this model are very average.  It is a solid piece of kit but heavy at 62.5g and really very bulky at 13.7mm thick.  Not very pretty so many are obviously paying for the brand. 

It is very customisable, though.  As it has changeable straps and bezel finish options of diamond, aluminium, titanium or ceramic. More, it comes with a full metal case, clear resolution and everything needed to track activity, sleep and it is fully waterproof. 

Apple Watch Series 7

There is no doubt that the Apple Watch has led the way in changing this market. And this latest version is no disappointment.

In short, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a better battery, a fast S7 processor and 18 hours of battery life. More, it has all the usual fitness and health features plus the addition of blood oxygen monitoring.

Apart from all the features, it looks good – stylish, fashionable, and powerful. A real want to wear item. 

Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant to buy the Apple Watch 7

Product	Supplier
Apple Watch 7	Amazon	View offer
Apple Watch 7	eBay	View offer
Apple Watch 7	Apple	View offer
Apple Watch 7	Target	View offer

Samsung Galaxy Fit

This is a good all-rounder that has sold well. As a competitor to early Fitbits, this has water resistance up to 50m, simple display, calorie tracking, and an activity tracker for sleep, activity and workouts.  As such, the Galaxy Fit is a great multi-purpose watch for under $100.

How to choose a smartwatch for women

Women are spoilt for choice with the range of Smartwatches available. You get style and individuality.

Kate Spade Scallop2 Hybrid Smartwatch

Coming in various colours from black to pink or gold and rose gold. The Kate Spade Scallop 2 hybrid smartwatch watch comes with different straps and other accessories. More, this watch is feminine in every detail with its fabulous design by Fossil. As well as optional watch faces, it has the ability to make contactless payments, play music, track activities, and a large screen. 

Michael Kors’ Access Runway

This watch uses the Wear OS system, with features such as dial and touch screen functionality, countdown controls, social links, contactless payments, and water resistance. Unlike the other watches featured here, the Michael Kors’ Acces Runway one is very much geared towards formal wear and isn’t so suitable for the gym. Finally, it’s a strong unisex option, more feminine colours are available and there are suitable options for men also. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

As with most Samsung products, the Galaxy Watch 4 delivers. Importantly, it’s able to connect with the current data plan on a phone and have access to all levels of phone calls, data, messages, internet, music and activity tracking. 

The activity tracker enables full monitoring of over 40 different exercises, it has water resistance up to 50m, calorie tracking, detailed and in-depth sleep monitoring, contactless payments and wireless charging. More, the fitness tracking is advanced, as is health monitoring and it has a long-lasting battery to boot.

Product	Supplier
Galaxy Watch 4	Amazon	Check Price
Galaxy Watch 4	eBay	Check Price
Watch 4 Classic	eBay	Check Price
Galaxy Watch 4	Target	Check Price

Fitness Trackers

Fitbit is the market leader here – its name has almost become the generic term for all fitness trackers – but there are plenty of others coming up on the rails.

Fitbit Versa 3

This watch has the classic Fitbit style, with nothing to make it stand out from the crowd, but with all the functions you probably need. The Versa 3 tracks heart rate, fitness and sleep, and has apps, with access to the internet and social media.

Boasting up to 50m water resistance and six-day battery life, it also has onscreen workouts, the ability to store and play music, and the ability to make contactless payments. Finally, the Versa 3 has Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility. 

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

Adding a microphone to the Garmin Venu 2 wristwatch, one of the finest in its class for 2021, allows you to make and receive phone calls right from your wrist, as well as use your phone’s voice assistant. Even if you’re not working out, this all-purpose wristwatch has a lot to offer thanks to the addition of this smartwatch’s fitness tracker.

Other than that, this is an amazing sportswatch with the same features as previously, however, there is only one case size this time. That and the absence of wireless charging are minor gripes, but if you’re looking for a smartwatch that you can wear 24 hours a day, we heartily suggest the Venu 2 Plus.

Merchant	Watch
Amazon	Garmin Venu 2	View Offer
Ebay	Garmin Venu 2	View Offer
Target	Garmin Venu 2	View Offer
Best Buy	Garmin Venu 2	View Offer

Polar Vantage V2

When it comes to tracking your workouts, you need a watch that can keep up with you. If that is the case, you’ll want to wear a Garmin or Polar watch. Not to mention the Apple Watch and all of the Fibits, but these heavyweights are the best of the best in the sportswatch industry.

The Vantage V2 from Polar is a fantastic sportswatch if you’re a runner or cyclist who spends a lot of time outside. In addition, the V2 provides measurements and insights for those that care about that sort of thing.

You may download a route to your watch before you go. FuelWise is a smart assistant that you don’t get with Garmin. To set up reminders to drink water or eat, you may utilise this feature to monitor your heart rate while you’re exercising.

It’s all wrapped up in a package that’s competitively priced.

Designer/Luxury

Got money to burn? The price range of smartwatches seems to have no limit.  We’ve chosen three of the finest luxury smartwatches.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Black

This watch is aimed at global travellers. Because it shows upcoming flights, has a city guide application, 24-hour clock showing the weather and temperature. 

It comes in a stainless steel case with a black finish. Also, it runs on Wear OS and is compatible with both Android and iPhone. Finally, it has a 22-hour battery life and is water-resistant to 30 metres. So, not bad for around $2,000.

Movado Connect 2.0

The sleek Connect 2.0 mirrors the style of Movados analogue watches. This one shows the classic signature Museum Dial with a large metallic dot at 12 o’clock. 

Also, it runs on Wear OS, giving access to phone calls, email, messages, social media, internet and activity tracking. 

TAG Heuer Connected Modular

Made from white gold and no less than 589 diamonds this beautiful Connected Modular comes with an eye-watering price tag.

Using Wear OS and benefiting from 25 hours of battery life, it has all the standard features you’d expect and more – so it’s the gold and diamonds that you’re paying for!

Kids

Smartwatches are great for kids, too.

Garmin Vivo Fit Jr.2

This model costs under $40 and has a selection of different wrist bands which can be attached to suit all tastes. In fact, the main selection includes Disney Princess, Minnie Mouse, Star Wars, Spiderman and Avengers.

It’s an activity tracker with many unique features. For example, it tracks sleep, steps and activity to make sure kids get their required 60 minutes of daily activity in per day.

More, it motivates kids to achieve their goals by giving access to games on the watch. Additionally, it’s water-resistant and swim-friendly making it the perfect all-rounder.  Finally, it’s handy for parents who can set chores on the associated smart application, set rewards and monitor progress.

VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch DX2

This is a Dual Camera Smart Watch with lots of unique features.  It has been designed with creative and independent play in mind, with the express need to develop hand-eye coordination. 

Suitable for ages 4+

The main features include a motion sensor, pedometer, voice recorder, games, learning applications, camera and more.  A pretty good deal at $43.99 or less and the best of the bunch.

Apple Watch SE

If you’ve got the money to spend then the Apple Watch SE is a superb choice for kids. Mostly thanks to the great fitness and health tracking but also for the option to connect the family using Family Set Up which allows you to keep your kids safe, inside and outside of the home.

You should check out our article on Apple Watches for Kids, here.

Conclusion

We hope this guide on how to choose a smartwatch has been informative as we appreciate it is a minefield of information out there. So, do your research, match the features which suit your lifestyle best and explore.  There really is a smartwatch out there to suit you.