Here's how to buy
BEST SMARTWATCHES
Introducing the wearable technology revolution! Smartwatches have taken over the world, striking just the right balance between fitness tracker and smartphone. The right smartwatch can help you reduce your overall screen time by streamlining key information you need, so even if you don't think you need yet another screen, it's worth reconsidering.
Many smartwatches are designed to add functionality to specific smartphones — so they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Smartwatches are mostly designed to work with Android-based devices, and Apple Watches work best with iOS-based devices. However, many smartwatches (including Garmin's extensive product line) are agnostic and can be used on any mobile device.
The best way to track key health metrics, communicate conveniently with friends, and extend the battery life of your smartphone is by redirecting important notifications to your wrist with a smartwatch.
Apple Watches run Apple Watch OS and tie into iPhones, while Android Wear watches connect to Android smartphones. Smartwatches run their own operating systems, so interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
SMARTWATCHES VS. FITNESS TRACKERS
Smartwatches and fitness trackers were once distinct product categories, but as time has passed, those lines have blurred. Fitness trackers can now receive smartphone notifications and interact with smartphone apps, and most smartwatches now include fitness-tracking functionality by default.
Is there a difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker? It's kind of. Smartwatches can run apps from your phone, including fitness apps. With them, you can take fitness to the next level if you're addicted to a workout app, but since they're also running other apps, they usually last a day or two. Another way to put it is that smartwatches extend your smartphone's experience to your wrist. It's good for functionality, but it's not so good for battery life.
However, fitness trackers aim to keep you fit as their primary objective. Fitness trackers are more affordable and often include basic smartphone connectivity, so you can receive mobile notifications, but they rarely include features like LTE mobile internet access. When compared to smartwatches, fitness trackers can sometimes last up to a week on one charge, which is no small feat.
EXPERT TIP
Watch out for health concerns that your smartwatch detects--it could be an early warning sign for something serious. Consult your physician to find out more.
Several consumers want a smartwatch they can use almost immediately, so we evaluate how easy it is to set up a smartwatch.
To test a smartwatch, we look at how comfortable the strap is, how clearly the time is displayed, and how durable the material is.
Testing involves assessing how easily a smartwatch can connect to a smartphone and receive notifications as well as how well apps work on it.
To determine how versatile a watch is, we look at its customization options.
Various fitness-tracking features, including step counting, GPS functionality, and exercise recognition, are discussed.
Several brands offer smartwatches in different styles and designs. To gain a clear understanding of the options available, we evaluate the options within each brand.
In some smartwatches, you can pay for items with your watch. When this feature is available, we evaluate the watch's overall performance.
The health stats monitored by a smartwatch, such as sleep, heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood oxygen, are examined during testing.
In order to determine how often consumers would have to charge smartwatches, we evaluate how long their batteries last.
The price of a smartwatch can range anywhere from $100 to $400. We research all price points to find the best options for every budget.
Next
KEY FEATURES
In the past, the only thing that mattered on a watch was whether it could tell time. Nowadays, it's a bit more complicated. Here's what you should consider when comparing watches.
App support
A smartwatch should be compatible with your smartphone and your existing apps before you buy it. It takes a smartphone to unlock the most useful functionality of a smartwatch. Smartwatches are semi-functional on their own. If you have an iPhone, you'll benefit the most from an Apple Watch. If you've got an Android phone, you'll want to check out smartwatches that run Android Wear.
EXPERT TIP
You can unlock your iPhone with any Apple Watch series 3 or higher. This is especially useful if you're wearing a mask and FaceID isn't recognizing you.
Notifications
If you want a basic smartwatch, get one that allows notifications, like a Fitbit. That way, you will be able to receive important text messages. Some smartwatches don't support apps, but they will receive notifications from your smartphone.
Fitness tracking
Smartwatches with fitness-tracking features are ideal for people who are physically active. Before you buy a smartwatch, consider your fitness goals and make sure it can support them. Some have GPS capability so you can track run or bike rides, while others have simply a step counter.
Health Monitoring
These days, smartwatches can provide you with a variety of health data. Some models can even monitor blood oxygen levels and ECG information, giving you an idea of when you should seek medical attention. You may want to consult your health care provider about what health monitoring features are most beneficial to you if you have specific health concerns.
Battery life
If your watch doesn't work during a busy day, you'll be frustrated, so it's important to choose one with a long-lasting battery. Read user reviews to find out how long a model can last in real life.
SMARTWATCH PRICES
Inexpensive
You can find entry-level smartwatches between $100 and $199 that perform basic tasks like notifications and counting steps, but do not come with advanced features like app support. This price range offers decent options for you to try out smartwatches to see if you like them. However, if you plan to be a smartwatch power user one day, you may want to consider more expensive options.
Mid-range
In the $200 to $399 range, you can find the best smartwatches: those with current-generation processors and programs that integrate well with your smartphone. Smartwatches typically come in 38mm and 42mm sizes; larger models tend to cost more.
EXPERT TIP
Smartwatches are normally made in standard sizes, but you can customize the watchband to make it more comfortable if you don't like the one it comes with.
Expensive
You can use smartwatches that cost more than $400 without a smartphone because they usually include wireless cellular functionality. Moderate smartwatch upgrades (such as premium watchbands) can push the price up over $400, so keep an eye out for optional options. This includes top choices like the Apple Watch Series 6, which may be worth investing in.
TIPS
Find out the manufacturer's typical product cycle before purchasing a specific smartwatch to make sure there won't be a new version soon. A smartwatch is similar to a smartphone in that iterations come out every few years with innovations and improvements that are well worth the wait. The smart move is sometimes to wait for the next generation if there are some killer features you're looking for. Retailers liquidate their current stock before releasing a new version. If you know about product release cycles, you will be able to find the best deal.
Invest in an extra charging cable if your smartwatch requires one. You should always keep a spare cable at your desk or in your bag, just in case you need to charge your smartwatch on the go. Some smartwatches use their own charging cable interface, so they cannot be charged with standard micro-USB cables.
In case of an accident, insure your smartwatch. There are many manufacturers and retailers who offer smartwatch product insurance, referred to as performance plans. With most electronics, performance plans aren't worth it — but for smartwatches, they're essential. Play it safe and get some peace of mind with an insurance plan. (Just make sure it covers accidental damage.) Smartwatches have glass screens that are easy to crack or scratch, along with hundreds of sensors.
It's always possible to switch to a more traditional watch face if you don't like the busy watch face that comes with most smartwatches. For example, some people prefer a face that resembles an old-school analog watch.
FAQ
Q. If my smartwatch isn't connected to my smartphone, can I make a phone call?
A. Smartwatch can act as a microphone and speaker for calls from your smartphone if it is designed to always be connected to your smartphone. Several high-end smartwatches have their own mobile data plans that allow them to make phone calls and connect to the internet on their own.
Q. Is it possible to customize a smartwatch?
A. Smartwatches have built-in screens, which means you can choose from multiple available digital watch faces. On Android Wear smartwatches, you can choose from hundreds of available options (including user-submitted designs). If you want to change the appearance of your smartwatch, you can always buy a third-party watchband. You can choose a watch face from a curated collection of designs on Apple Watches.
Q. What does it mean when a smartwatch says it supports mobile payments?
A. In some smartphones, you can store your bank account or credit card information and use your phone to pay. If a smartwatch supports mobile payments, it means that if it's connected to a smartphone that can make mobile payments, it can interface with the payment system — i.e., do the actual paying — with just the watch (so you don't need your phone).