Imagine how cool it would be if you could have a smartphone that's super compact and (almost) just as powerful. That's just smartwatches, a brilliant niche that's slowly, but surely taking the tech world by storm. It makes perfect sense too, because not only do you get to stay connected, you can also track fitness goals and manage your daily goals as well.
Compatibility is pretty versatile too now, with options for both Android and iOS users. And these watches have even gone as far as making wireless payments with the tap of a wrist. Now, that... is definitely something. However, there's a lot of options out on the market, and we're here to help you navigate through 'em all. Check them out below.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm]
Best High-End Smartwatch $799 at Best BuySamsung Galaxy Watch 6
Best Mid-Range Smartwatch $300 at Best BuyAmazfit Bip 3
Best Smartwatch Under $100 $55 at WalmartFitbit Sense 2
Best Fitbit $250 at WalmartFossil Gen 6
Best Stainless Steel Smartwatch See at Amazon- See More
Garmin Venu 3
Best Smartwatch For Battery Life $450 at Best Buy
Best Smartwatches
Best High-End SmartwatchApple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm]
If you got the big bucks.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. With its rugged titanium case, bright display, and Blue Ocean Band, it's designed to be extremely durable. Other notable features of this watch include cellular connectivity, advanced health tracking, and a battery life that keeps up with your adventures.
- Aerospace-grade titanium case enhances durability and longevity.
- Impressive 36-hour battery life.
- Always-On Retina display with up to 3,000 nits brightness.
- Limited to one 49mm size, not suitable for all wrists.
- No international roaming support with GPS + Cellular model.
If you're big on the whole adventure thing and don't mind shelling out some big ones, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a formidable choice for sure. Why, you ask? For starters, you get a nice, robust titanium body that's super durable, a sapphire crystal display protector for keeping the screen safe, and a dynamic ever-on display capable of hitting a whopping 3,000 nits, making it a brilliant choice for both outdoor and indoor use.
Powered by the latest S9 chip, it comes with a whole bunch of features, one of them being a unique double-tap gesture that allows easy control of the watch with a light tap of your finger. The software experience, courtesy of watchOS 10, is delightfully intuitive. Plus, the revamped functions of the side button and digital crown, along with broader and more informative watch faces play a huge role in amping up the user experience.
Now, frequent use won't be a problem at all, since the battery can last between two and three days without a hitch. Coming to the statistical tracking part, we gotta say, it’s exceptional, with reliable GPS, comprehensive metrics, and an effortless integration process with Apple Health. And oh, did we mention that it's made from recycled materials? A win for sustainability if there ever was one. At around $800, it might seem a bit steep, but the premium materials, unrivaled technology, and feature-rich set that cater to all types of athletes, definitely make it a good purchase.
Best Mid-Range SmartwatchSamsung Galaxy Watch 6
If you want to be reasonable about the price
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm is a feature-packed smartwatch that elevates your wellness journey. With advanced sleep coaching, personalized HR zones, and a BIA sensor for body composition insights, it's a great pick at a reasonable price.
Pros & Cons- Larger, brighter display improves visibility in sunlight.
- Faster processor and more RAM for smoother performance.
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including personalized insights.
- Some features limited to pairing with Samsung phones.
- Battery life slightly decreased compared to Galaxy Watch 5.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a real powerhouse on your wrist. It takes everything we enjoyed about its predecessor, the Watch 5, and then amplifies it. The display, for instance, is not only larger but also notably brighter, making sure you never miss a notification even when you're soaking up the sun. And who doesn't love the return of the Classic model's rotating bezel?
Coming to the internal stuff, the Watch 6 boasts a souped-up processor and more RAM, creating an environment for incredibly quick performance and almost instantaneous app launches. The Galaxy Watch 6's health and fitness tracking capabilities are its claim to fame - and rightfully so. The BIA sensor will give you in-depth insight into your body composition, and the sleep coaching feature can help you vastly improve rest and recovery periods.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows with the Galaxy Watch 6. The battery life seems to have taken a bit of a hit compared to the Galaxy Watch 5, and as usual, some features are exclusive to pairing with Samsung phones. Bottom line, it's for sure an investment Android users looking for a high-quality wearable should seriously consider.
Speaking of Androids and Samsung, you should totally give our best gaming phones roundup a little look in case you're looking for something to go with the smartwatches.
Best Smartwatch Under $100Amazfit Bip 3
Keeping it on the DL.
The Amazfit Bip 3 is a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn't skimp on features. With a vibrant 1.69" display, 14-day battery life, and over 60 sports modes, it's a reliable companion for health and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Pros & Cons- Built-in GPS for accurate outdoor activity tracking.
- Large 1.69" display with decent outdoor visibility.
- Impressive 14-day battery life for extended use.
- Heart rate and SpO2 tracking require manual activation .
- Plastic build and strap feel cheap and flims.
On the hunt for a smartwatch that delivers a decent performance without hammering your wallet? The Amazfit Bip 3 could be just your jam. We start off with a striking 1.69" display screen that, surprisingly enough, holds its own in sunlight. Suspenses are boring, so let's take a loook at its showstopper feature first - the jaw-dropping 14-day battery life. Yep, you heard it right. Two weeks of usage without having to scramble for a charger.
Again, for all you fitness buffs out there, the integrated GPS for precise outdoor activity tracking and a broad selection of sports modes have got you covered. It also has somewhat decent heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring - although you might need to kick these features on manually. And the plastic body and strap might not scream luxe, but they do ensure the device remains lightweight and comfy for all-day use.
Where does the Bip 3 stumble then? Well, the absence of a speaker or microphone, to begin with. Can't field calls or summon your trusty voice assistant directly from the watch, sorry! Plus, the companion app Zepp, while practical, definitely could do with a slicker interface and some advanced analytics. But even with those minor rough patches, the Amazfit Bip 3 nails it when it comes to offering an impressive feature set at a value-for-money price, making it a solid contender.
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Posts Best FitbitFitbit Sense 2
For the health nuts.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an advanced smartwatch that helps you manage stress, sleep better, and stay on top of your health. With features like an ECG app, SpO2 monitoring, 24/7 heart rate tracking, and built-in GPS, it's a comprehensive tool for wellness.
Pros & Cons- Advanced stress management with cEDA sensor and mood logging.
- Impressive 6+ day battery life for extended use.
- Comprehensive health tracking including ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature.
- Lacks third-party app support and music functionality.
- Occasional sluggish performance when swiping between screens or apps.
When it comes to blending smartwatch features with fitness trackers, Fitbit does a lot of things right, and we see a lot of that in the Sense 2. This upgraded model builds off the successful foundation of its predecessor, packing a punch with its expanded range of monitoring features. A unique highlight of this wrist accessory is the cEDA sensor. It notes electrodermal activity to aid in understanding stress management. Add to this mood logging and breathing exercise guides, and you've got a powerful partner for a balanced living experience.
Moving on to health tracking, the Sense 2 covers all bases with its ECG app, SpO2 monitoring, and skin temperature sensors, all contributing to a complete snapshot of your overall health condition. The bright, always-on display and its lightweight build make for easy reading of your statistics and comfortable all-day wear. With a battery life extending over six days post charging, power performance is certainly commendable.
However, it's important to note that music functionality and third-party app support can be a bit lacking, which may not sit well with some users. Also, we found that certain features, notably Google Maps and Wallet, weren't available at the product release, although future updates could possibly rectify this. All in all, a solid choice if you want to keep things fitness-oriented.
Best Stainless Steel SmartwatchFossil Gen 6
Fashion and function.
The Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch is a stylish and feature-packed wearable. With Alexa built-in, fitness tracking, GPS, a speaker, and smartphone notifications, it keeps you connected, always.
Pros & Cons- Improved performance with Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor.
- Fast charging gets watch to 80% in 30 minutes.
- Sleek stainless steel case and customizable watch faces.
- Lacks advanced health features compared to other smartwatches.
- No cellular option for standalone functionality without phone.
The Fossil Gen 6 strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. Coming to the finer details, it features a robust stainless steel case coupled with highly personalized watch faces, giving it a premium persona. Plus, armed with the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor, the user experience is as smooth as butter with quick-fire performance and seamless navigation.
What stands out is the integration of Amazon's Alexa. She's at your disposal to control your smart home tech, keep your reminders updated, or cater to your inquiries-all under the command of your voice. And then you have your basic SpO2 monitoring, heart rate tracking, and GPS-based outdoor activity tracking, all of which are pretty precise. Another really cool thing here is the fast-charging, which lets you power up to 80 percent in just half an hour.
On the downside, the Fossil Gen 6's battery capacity is a bit limiting, barely making it through an entire day on medium usage. It also lacks the more advanced health features that rivals Apple Watch or Fitbit Sense offer. Also, don't expect any cellular options, you'll need your phone around for full-scale utility. In case you're looking for ways to keep your battery charged in general, here's some really cool power banks we found.
Best Smartwatch For Battery LifeGarmin Venu 3
Lasts for days.
The Garmin Venu 3 is a sleek and powerful smartwatch with a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Featuring a durable 45mm black case with a slate stainless steel bezel and comfortable silicone band, it's perfect for all-day wear and fitness tracking.
Pros & Cons- Vibrant AMOLED display with always-on mode and adjustable brightness.
- Improved battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
- Extensive fitness tracking, including built-in GPS and sports apps.
- Expensive compared to other smartwatches with similar features.
- Limited third-party app support compared to Apple or Samsung.
First impressions last, and with the Garmin Venu 3 smartwatch, it certainly makes a memorable one. We get a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED screen, which does a great job at animating your watch faces and metrics with better colors and profound blacks. The always-on mode means your time and stats are just a swift glance away, while the adaptable brightness ensures clear visibility, even under harsh lighting.
Battery life is the name of the game, giving you up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, minimizing charging downtime, and creating more space to chase your goals (sounding a little too close to an infomercial, there).
The chic smartwatch also comes equipped with Garmin Pay and integrated music storage. These features pull double duty, adding a layer of convenience to your workouts and running errands. But let's not ignore the elephant in the room; the Venu 3 does come with a premium price tag and its support for third-party apps is somewhat limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a smartwatch?
Basically, just focus on features that match your requirements. If fitness tracking is your thing, look for a model with a heart rate sensor, GPS, and workout tracking abilities. Go for a water-resistant model if you intend to wear it while swimming or in generally wet locations. Or if you want to make direct purchases, look for mobile payment support like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Lastly, check for compatibility with your smartphone's OS as well.
Are smartwatches compatible with third-party apps?
A lot of the smartwatches out there support third-party apps, which can significantly expand the device's scope beyond the pre-installed apps. It goes without saying that the availability (and variety) of third-party apps depends on your smartwatch's OS.
Are smartwatches waterproof?
Water resistance varies widely across different smartwatches. Some models offer splash-resistance, ideal for basic exposure to water such as handwashing or rain. Some models provide higher resistance ratings like IP68 or 5ATM, allowing for submersion to certain depths and durations. So really, it depends on the specific model you're going for
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