Do you know How to choose a smartwatch? Well, 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!
How to choose a smartwatch for men
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.
Tag Heuer Connected Modular
Despite the price tag, opinion 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 fully waterproof.
- Ambient Light Sensor, Date, Chronograph , Alarm, GPS, Accelerometer, Timer, Microphone, Gyroscope...
- 1GB Main Memory with 8GB Storage Memory
- Bluetooth BLE 4.1 - WLAN 2.4 GHz 802.11 B/G/N Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 6
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 6 has a better battery, a fast S6 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.
- GPS model lets you take calls and reply to texts from your wrist
- Measure your blood oxygen with an all-new sensor and app
- Check your heart rhythm with the ECG app
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.
- Automatic fitness tracking: Walk, run, cycle, even hop on the elliptical—the Galaxy Fit...
- Full color amoled display: The always-on, full-color display gives you real-time info at a glance....
- Made with a swim-ready design and military-grade durability to protect it against bumps, dust,...
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 Scallop Hybrid Smartwatch
Coming in various colours from black to pink or gold and rose gold. This 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.
- 40mm Case Diameter. 18mm strap
- Track your steps, sleep and other habits, set personal goals, count down to life's merriest moments...
- Analog-quartz Movement.MATERIAL stainless steel with vanchetta strap
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.
- Heart rate tracking, smartphone notifications, NFC payments, GPS, rapid charging, touchscreen...
- Rapid charger included; estimated 24 hour battery life, based on usage; imported; swimproof
- Case size: 41mm; Band size: 18mm
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
As with most Samsung products, the Galaxy Watch 3 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 up to 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 the health monitoring and it has a long-lasting battery to boot.
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and,...
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHND: Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get...
- You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung...
Fitness Trackers
Fitbit is the market leader here – it’s name has almost become the generic term for 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.
- Run, bike, hike and more phone-free and see your real-time pace & distance with built-in GPS. Then...
- 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.Operating...
Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS
We know Garmin is known for sports capability. And this watch has automatic uploads to Garmin Connect with live tracking, audio prompts, internet and social media connection.
Also, activity tracking includes distance, pace, time, heart rate and much more.
Finally, with an optical heart rate sensor and excellent GPS, charts of progress and history of activity, it’s lightweight, with a large, hi-res screen. In short, this is a good unisex option.
- GPS running smartwatch with music advanced training features
- Sync with music streaming services, such as Spotify, to easily store and play your favorite songs...
- Evaluates your current training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it; Offers...
Polar Vantage V Multisport
Here we have a premium, high spec watch with an impressive 40 hours of battery life, round screen face with dial and touch screen, the Vantage’s wireless magnetic charging aid completes the package.
There are four skin sensors on the reverse of the watch which work as a heart rate sensor, so there is no need for a chest strap.
- ULTRA-LONG BATTERY LIFE: The Polar Vantage V Multisport Watch has up to 40 hours of training...
- POLAR PRECISION PRIME HEART RATE: Polar’s heart rate monitor watches redefine the gold...
- ADVANCED RUNNING POWER: Accelerate the effectiveness and precision of your training with...
Designer/Luxury
Got money to burn? The price range of smart watches 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.
- SMART HAS NEVER BEEN SO BEAUTIFUL: Movado Connect 2. 0 smartwatch, powered with Wear OS by Google ,...
- QUALITY MATERIALS, ICONIC STYLE: Features a 42 mm stainless steel case with ceramic case back and...
- SMART MODULE: Powered with Wear OS by Google , Displays phone calls, appointments, emails, apps,...
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!
- Ambient Light Sensor, Date, Chronograph , Alarm, GPS, Accelerometer, Timer, Microphone, Gyroscope...
- 1GB Main Memory with 8GB Storage Memory
- Bluetooth BLE 4.1 - WLAN 2.4 GHz 802.11 B/G/N Connectivity
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.
- Swim-friendly kids activity tracker with Star Wars theme
- Kid-tough adjustable band, Features a customizable color screen and 1+ year battery life; no...
- Syncs with free mobile app, which includes chore management and schedule alert tools for parents....
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.
- Stylish, kid-friendly design; secure, splash proof wristband is perfectly sized for kids’ wrists
- Take quality videos, pictures and selfies, customize them with funny filters and make them into...
- Monster Detector game creates an AR experience where you capture monsters in the real world; motion...
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 ow 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.
Last Updated on February 5, 2021
Very well explained about the smartwatches, very informative