It would not be wrong to say that a smartwatch has now become an item of utility and perhaps necessity rather than just a luxury as it was earlier touted to be. It only helps that smartwatches are not much more accessible to everyone as they have been getting more and more affordable providing value for money.
The modern-day smartwatches come loaded with exceptional features and functionalities that make your lives so much easier. They are indeed a standalone wearable technological marvel. As a fitness tracker for counting your reps and calorie burnout in a gym session, measuring the distance covered in a run or on a bike, counting laps in a pool, or tracking your heart rate, a smartwatch allows you to do it all and much more. Not to mention the high loaded functionalities which enable the user to run applications, view notifications, answer phone calls, and do pretty much everything a smartphone can do but in a much cooler and convenient manner.
With the plethora of options to choose from, buying a smartwatch can be quite overwhelming and confusing. We have put together our list of top 10 smartwatches right now to help you buy a smartwatch the ‘smart’ way.
1) Apple watch series 5 GPS
Apple has always been a leader in UI and aesthetic appeal. With Apple watch series 5 GPS, Apple has set out to establish complete domination in the wearable space.
Features, specs, and functions:
The always-on screen and built-in compass are the two unique features that stand out in the Apple watch series 5 GPS.
To preserve a longer-lasting battery life Apple uses a new type of LTPO OLED screen which consumes less energy.
It comes in variants of two sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm respectively. Its battery life is reported to be in between 16- 18 hours, 12-14 hours in case of heavy use which includes using the workout app, playing music, and phone calls.
It is heavily packed in futures with heart rate monitor, GPS, Noise-level meter, raise wrist to speak to Siri, and all in all, it adds extended functionality to every apple product that you own.
2) Samsung galaxy watch
Known as the best smartwatch for Android users, the Samsung galaxy watch comes packed with features and is a major player in the smartwatch industry.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes with a fully round display, rotating bezel, and is truly a smart looking watch with its metal look and fantastic design.
With the heart rate monitor and in-built GPS, the ability to automatically record it in Samsung’s S Health fitness app, integration with several third-party apps, like Strava, MyFitnessPal, and RunKeeper Samsung galaxy watch is indeed the most comprehensive smartwatch for Android users.
It also boasts of an altimeter, barometer, and speedometer for even better fitness-focused tracking.
The only downside compared to the Apple watch series 5 GPS is that this one is not suitable to wear while swimming, although it tries to make up for that with its IP68 water resistance.
All in all, this is hands down the best watch for android users out there.
3) Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Regarded as one of the best watches for Android users, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a powerful device with a gorgeous design.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes in 40 mm and 44 mm screen size variants. Its battery life ranges from 24-60 hours depending on the usage. It has built-in GPS, is swim-proof, and has a heart rate monitor as well. These features make it an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts who want to track their runs and swimming laps.
It is compatible with iOS as well as Android. It however works best with Galaxy phones.
4) Apple watch series 3
A more affordable option for iPhone users compared to the Apple watch series 5 is the Apple watch series 3 which starts at $199.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes in two size variants including the 38 mm and 42 mm respectively. Its battery life is reported to be between 18-24 hours. It has built-in GPS and a heart rate monitor as well. Since it is also swim-proof all in all these features make it an exceptional fitness tracker for iPhone users. Not a lot of features are lost compared to the Apple watch series 5 and it is a great option for iPhone users on a budget or for those for whom fitness-centric functionalities are important.
5) Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Versa, a genius engineering marvel that is a culmination of a smartwatch and a fitness tracker in one device.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It’s square + circle face perhaps is symbolic with the Fitbit Versa being an amalgamation of a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. It finds the safe middle ground for both the target audiences.
It doesn’t boast of an OLED display unlike other watches in this segment but that does give it a much higher battery life in retrospect. That too, a solid four-day plus battery life.
It consists of a built-in heart rate monitor but does not have a GPS which can potentially be a deal-breaker. It however can be a great option if you are looking for a waterproof watch that can track basic exercise stats, sleep details, and view notifications. The Fitbit smartphone app provides support for more than 700 different third-party software integration.
6) Fossil Hybrid HR
Fossil Hybrid HR has garnered a lot of attention and praise owing to its compatibility with the iPhone. It is a complete package and boasts of impressive battery life, aesthetic appeal, loaded with functionalities, and a rare combination of style with substance.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
Staying true to its class, Fossil Hybrid HR is a sleek, classic looking watch with its own proprietary operating system. It has a classic metal body with an analogue look and a sharp 1.28in digital e-ink display.
The features are plentiful including and not limited to smartphone notifications, fitness tracking, and a heart rate monitor.
It has a built-in altimeter, gyroscope, and accelerometer for the fitness enthusiasts out there. It also provides 3ATM water-resistance however it’s not recommended to be used while swimming.
The biggest downside is its lack of a touchscreen. The navigation and functions are to be performed with its side buttons. But in their defense, this being a hybrid watch in the first place it’s only fair that it won’t be a fully functional proper smartwatch.
7) Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is regarded as the best watch for fitness enthusiasts. Garmin has built this upon its predecessor Vivoactive 3 and added to its features creating the two variants Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4S.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes in screen sizes of 40 mm and 45 mm respectively. Its battery life is extremely impressive and is rated to be up to 7 days for Vivoactive 4S and 8 days for Vivoactive 4. It has built-in GPS, heart rate monitor and it is swim-proof, thus making it a go-to watch for fitness enthusiasts and runners, triathletes.
It has built-in music storage along with Spotify support. It also boasts of a new pulse ox sensor that can effectively measure blood oxygen levels. It is compatible with iOS and Android.
8) Amazfit BiP
Amazfit BiP is regarded as one of the most affordable and value for money smartwatches in the market.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes in a single size only with a 1.28-inch display. Its battery life is rated to be up to an insane 45 days. Since this is more of a fitness tracker than a complete high-end smartwatch, features like responding to notifications from the watch itself are not supported. There are a limited number of watches faces and the graphics are low resolution.
It has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor but it is not swimming proof. It is extremely cost-effective for someone who is looking to get an entry-level smartwatch under 100$.
9) Fossil Gen 5
Fossil Gen 5 is a stylish, classic, and sophisticated looking timepiece with impressive fitness tracking capabilities.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It comes in a 44mm screen size with a classic stainless-steel frame which makes it one of the best Wear OS watches. Its battery life is rated to be 18 hours. It also has an extended battery mode as part of its multiple customizable battery modes.
It has built-in GPS; heart rate monitor and it is also swim-proof. Thus, an excellent choice for fitness buffs. It has its own limitations compared to the Apple and Samsung smartwatches, however, it is an excellent choice with style and substance.
10) Fitbit ionic
Considered as the Fitbit’s flagship model, the Fitbit ionic is primarily a fitness-centric smartwatch but loaded with extra features albeit with a slightly chunky build.
Features, specs, and functionalities:
It has an aluminum body with 3 buttons for navigation and a screen size of 350 by 284. It has a built-in GPS and a highly accurate heart rate monitor. It also boasts a SpO2 sensor in-built making it a great buy for fitness enthusiasts. The Spo2 sensor helps monitor the oxygen level in your blood. It is a great choice for runners and cyclists who want to track their workouts and indulge in heart rate-based coaching.
