The popularity of smart watches increases every year. They started out as supplementary devices for your phone, allowing you to read messages and answer calls.
Today, smart watches have become mini smart phones that can operate on their own. Transcending their initial role, they monitor your heartbeat, track your sleeping cycles, and even create an ECG readout of your heart.
With so many smart watches to choose from, it’s not easy to decide which one to buy. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve reviewed the best smart watches currently available. Hopefully, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Comparison Chart
TicWatch E2, 5ATM Waterproof GPS Smartwatch with 24 Hours Heart Rate Monitor, Wear OS by Google, Compatible with Android and iOS
Best Smart Watches Reviews
Apple Watch Series 5
Even though there might be better smart watches overall, if you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch 5 is probably the best model you can buy. This high-end standalone smart watch is also the best one Apple has released to date.
Product Highlights
Upgrading from the previous version, Apple added a couple of bells and whistles to their newest watch. The most interesting addition is the always-on display.
Thanks to this feature, you can forget about having to tap your Apple Watch before checking what time it is. Like with a regular watch, it takes just one glance and that’s it.
Being a smart watch, you can also configure what kind of information you want to have on your always-on display. This includes the battery percentage, weather forecast, exercise parameters, message info, and more. When you’re not using your smart watch, it will dim, but will keep all that essential info just a glance away.
There are also several layouts you can choose from.
Besides the always-on display, Apple added some advanced fitness tracking features, as well as new health options. Thanks to the built-in ECG (electrocardiogram), you can track your heart’s health through an app. And if you have an accident or fall, the smart watch will detect it and inform your friends or family.
The design itself isn’t much different from the previous version. The only difference are two new color finishes – titanium and ceramic.
What I Like
As with any other Apple product, the level of seamless integration with other Apple devices is nothing short of amazing. The always-on display gives you the feeling of wearing a regular watch, but with a twist.
The health features are a welcome addition, further expanding the usefulness of this device.
Another great feature is the built-in compass, which is ideal for hiking and bike riding. When using the Maps app, you can see the exact direction you’re heading in at any moment.
What I Don’t Like
Battery life isn’t something the Apple Watch 5 can boast about. With the battery lasting some 18 hours, you’ll definitely have to charge it every night. That way, you’ll make sure it won’t turn off in the morning or the middle of the day.
And of course there’s the price tag that’s close to $400. For that amount of cash it would be great if you could use it with non-Apple devices as well. Unfortunately, that’s not an option with Apple products.
Pros
- 32GB onboard storage
- Always-on display
- Advanced health features
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Not compatible with non-Apple products
TicWatch E2
Coming from the Chinese manufacturer Mobvoi, this entry-level smart watch comes at a low price and with lots of features.
Product Highlights
When considering the TicWatch E2, there are two things to note: the two-day battery and a built-in GPS. These features alone could move it one tier up.
Unfortunately, it lacks in-depth activity data needed for a more intensive workout plan. Nevertheless, this makes it decent enough for most people who exercise at a regular pace.
With 30% more battery capacity than its predecessor, the TicWatch E2 can last around two days.
If you use GPS and other activity monitoring features for a prolonged period during the day, the battery will drain faster. However, even with a full day of heavy activity and use of all the device’s features, this smart watch will last you the entire day easily.
Even if it runs out of battery, that shouldn’t be a problem since it fully charges from an empty battery in under an hour.
Thanks to the integrated GPS, you don’t need your phone to be able to track the distance you’re covering. Being waterproof, you can even track your swimming sessions. And thanks to the always-on display, all the information you need will be just one glance away.
What I Like
Built-in GPS is a great feature, allowing you to even track various water-related activities. If you’re in range of your phone or connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to access Google Assistant.
With the heart rate sensor and ability to keep track of your sleeping patterns, the TicWatch E2 helps you keep your body healthy.
There’s also 4GB of integrated storage, allowing you to download apps and music. Bluetooth connectivity lets you use a pair of Bluetooth headphones. This is perfect for the gym as you don’t need to carry your smartphone around.
What I Don’t Like
Although the TicWatch E2 has Wi-Fi connectivity, it doesn’t have 4G. So, if you’re going outdoors, you’ll have to bring your phone with you.
Also, the apps that come with this smart watch don’t provide detailed fitness data. Lacking the NFC support, you won’t be able to make contactless payments with your wrist, which is a common thing these days.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good battery life
- Integrated GPS
Cons
- Not detailed enough fitness data
- Design seems outdated
- No NFC for contactless payments
Apple Watch Series 3
Being a 3-year old device, the Apple Watch 3 is still worth considering. Although lacking a couple of options in comparison to the Apple Watch 5, its new low price makes it one of the best smart watches to buy at the moment.
Product Highlights
Lowering the price of Watch 3, Apple openly attacks the best-value position in the ever changing game of smart watches.
There’s a couple of major features that Series 3 lacks when compared to the newer model. These include the always-on display, ECG monitor, and fall detection. That might sound like a deal breaker to some, but if you don’t find these features essential, you can benefit by grabbing this significantly cheaper device.
The Apple Watch 3 comes with an internal storage of 8GB. Although not a massive storage space, it’s decent enough to install a lot of apps and keep your favorite music with you at all times.
One more thing to keep in mind is the upcoming watchOS 7 update. With this, Series 3 will receive the sleep tracking feature, extending its usability even further.
What I Like
For a 3-year old product, the Apple Watch 3 still packs a lot of very useful features. Things such as the heart rate monitor and integrated GPS push it up to compete with more premium devices. Being waterproof makes it ideal for swimming.
Thanks to the watchOS 6 release, it received the same benefits from the update as Apple Watch 5 did. And when you consider the price, buying an Apple Watch 3 seems like a real no-brainer.
What I Don’t Like
Much like the newer model, the Apple Watch 3 could really benefit from a stronger battery. As it stands, this is yet another device you’ll have to charge on a daily basis. And when you use the LTE option to make calls independent of your iPhone, the battery time reduces even more.
Pros
- Price is reasonable
- Compatibility with watchOS 6
- A lot of useful features
- Waterproof
Cons
- Battery lasts a day, tops
- When using the cellular connection, battery drains even faster
- Storage is only 8 GB
Fitbit Versa Lite
This super-affordable smart watch from Fitbit comes with good fitness features and a long-lasting battery. Although this is an entry-level smart watch, the small and lightweight frame makes it a great workout watch.
Product Highlights
First of all, the Fitbit Versa Lite isn’t a standalone smart watch. You can’t insert a SIM card into it and it doesn’t have an integrated GPS, rather a connected GPS.
If you need to track your running or cycling session, you’ll have to bring your phone with you as the watch uses your phone’s GPS to mark your route.
Thanks to the integrated heart rate monitor, you can track your heart’s performance during the workout.
Besides that, the smart watch will also take a couple of measurements throughout the day as well. This monitoring feature is great at keeping track of your heart’s health on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, the Fitbit Versa Lite doesn’t have an in-depth precision tracking for your workouts.
The proprietary apps that come with the watch can’t really measure up to those you get with Apple or Samsung devices. Being an entry-level device, this isn’t really a surprise, since this isn’t something an average person would need.
Regardless, there’s a whole bunch of third-party apps you can install, so you’ll be able to pick and choose the ones you like.
For example, if you ride a bicycle, you can use the popular Strava app to keep track of your daily routes. Thanks to the Android and iOS compatibility, you can use the Fitbit Versa Lite with an array of devices.
What I Like
One thing that stands out with the Fitbit Versa Lite is its lightness. Cramming it with all the apps you need, it becomes a truly versatile device.
Thanks to the water resistance of up to 50m, it’s ideal both for swimming and running on a rainy day. Also, the heart monitoring feature keeps track of your heart’s health all day long.
Finally, the low price and a two-day battery add significant value to Fitbit Versa Lite.
What I Don’t Like
Although waterproof, it lacks any swim tracking features, which is a real shame. The colors are less bright than on the other watches on this list.
Although the screen on the Fitbit Versa Lite isn’t as responsive as on pricier smart watch models, it’s capable enough for daily use. The biggest let down with this smart watch is the lack of music storage. Again, not a big surprise for an entry-level device.
Pros
- Affordable
- Battery lasts up to a few days
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t have GPS
- Can’t access music
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
This mid-tier smart watch from Samsung is a truly capable device. Being a standalone smart watch, Active 2 can replace your smartphone in many areas.
Product Highlights
When buying the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, first you have to choose the size. The watch’s casing comes in 40 and 44mm diameter.
Apart from the size, the only difference is the battery life, since the 44mm version has a slightly larger pack. This can push the Active 2 up to two days of without recharging.
You can also choose the material the casing is made of. There are aluminum and stainless steel versions.
The first one comes with a rubber strap, and is available in silver, black, and pink gold. The stainless steel version feels a bit more premium, as it has a leather strap attached to it. Similar to the aluminum version, it comes in silver, black, and pure gold colors.
The built-in GPS allows you to track your distance without having to connect the watch to your phone.
Thanks to the LTE capability you can pop a SIM card into your smart watch and leave the phone at home. That’s ideal when going out for a run or a ride on your bicycle. And if you want to track your sleep cycles, you can do that as well.
Integration with Twitter and YouTube allows you to read tweets and watch videos. Although the screen is tiny for any serious watching, this feature may prove useful for listening to a YouTube podcast. Finally, it’s worth saying that Active 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
What I Like
Thanks to the integrated GPS and LTE capability, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a true standalone smart watch. Seamless integration with applications significantly increases the usability value of this device. Another welcome feature of the Active 2 watch is the active bezel with haptic feedback. It allows you to scroll through the options by moving your finger around the bezel.
What I Don’t Like
Although there are some improvements over the previous Galaxy Watch Active, the difference probably isn’t worth the upgrade. And then there’s the issue with ECG. Although the watch supports this feature, Samsung still hasn’t activated it for their users. As the things stand at the moment, there’s no official information about the release just yet.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Stylish design
- Packed with features
- LTE enabled
- ECG feature
Cons
- ECG feature not available yet
- Not much value in upgrading from the previous version
Buyers’ Guide
As with anything else, the price is a significant factor when buying a smart watch. Even if you’re willing to pay top dollar, it would be wise to check whether you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Style
The way a smart watch looks doesn’t have any effect on the things it can do. But since this is something you’ll wear on your wrist most of the time, it’s preferable that it looks decent enough at least.
After all, watches are a kind of jewelry. That’s why you should look into the design and color options available for a model you’re planning to buy.
When considering your smart watch’s style, first look at your needs. If you’re into swimming or surfing, getting a watch with a leather band might not be as convenient as having a rubber one.
Of course, you might have more basic exercising needs and just want a smart watch that complements your phone well. And if you spend your time mostly in business environments, a leather band seems to be a more appropriate choice.
Display
One of the most important aspects of a smart watch is the display. First of all, it needs to be bright enough so you can see all the information even in high noon on a sunny day. You won’t have much use for the watch if you can’t read from it while running outside.
Next, it’s preferable for a smart watch to have an always-on display. That way, all the relevant information is just a glance away from you. Not having to tap your watch to light it up is ideal for high-speed activities like riding a bicycle or snowboarding down a mountain slope.
Finally, the sensitivity of the display is something you should also check for yourself, as it depends on personal preference.
Some people just can’t settle for nothing less than a lightning-fast response from their watch. Others might not find that significant at all and would sacrifice it for a more budget-friendly option instead.
Features
Smart watches are much more than a timepiece on your wrist. With heartbeat sensors, integrated GPS, LTE support, and numerous apps, these devices are more akin to a smartphone than a watch. Of course, when choosing a smart watch, it all boils down to what you actually need.
The most demanding scenario is when you wish to leave your phone at home while out exercising. That entails the need for LTE support, so you can make or take calls directly from your wrist.
Next, you need an integrated GPS to keep track of your activity, as well as a sensor that monitors your heart rate. Finally, what’s exercise without listening to your favorite music? For that, you’ll need a smart watch with ample internal storage and ability to reproduce music.
Of course, you mustn’t forget the Bluetooth connectivity for your headphones.
Naturally, there are people who just don’t need that level of integration.
Instead, you might want a smart watch you can use to track your workouts and check the statuses without pulling out your phone. If that’s the case, then you can save yourself a decent amount of money by going for a more basic smart watch model.
Waterproof
When choosing a smart watch you can use for workout, it’s pretty important to check whether it’s waterproof or not. If not, then you won’t be able to use your watch when going for a run on a rainy day. That’s especially true if you want to track your swimming exercises.
Every smart watch on this list has a decent level water resistance. These are not exactly meant for diving trips, but they’ll withstand depths of up to 50m, which is a bit more than 160 ft.
Battery
When it comes to battery life, obviously the longer it can last the better. Since these devices don’t have large screens, the expected use time is measured in days. Some models can last even more than two days, which is pretty great autonomy.
Battery life depends mostly on the battery capacity and the way you use your smart watch.
For example, you can have a smart watch with a battery that lasts three days if you don’t use its LTE and GPS features. Once you activate these, that time significantly decreases. It may even come down to one day instead of three.
Of course, anything that can last from the morning to the evening will also work for you. You have to put your phone on the charger practically every evening anyway. So why not add another device to your routine?
FAQs
What is a Standalone Smart Watch?
The standalone smart watches allow you to insert a SIM card and use them as phone. That way, you don’t need to bring your phone with you, since you’ll be able to make calls and read messages directly from your watch.
What’s great about this feature is that you can ask your provider for an additional SIM card for your phone number. Then you won’t have to constantly switch the SIM card between your phone and smart watch.
What is a “Connected GPS”?
When you encounter the term “connected GPS” that means that the smart watch doesn’t have an internal GPS receiver.
To be able to track your route through an app, you need to carry your phone with you. Your smart watch will then stay connected to the phone, allowing your fitness app to combine the data from the two devices.
Although it’s nice to have a GPS on your smart watch, you won’t need it if you plan to carry your phone with you anyway. If that’s the case, you can save some money by opting for a lower-tier model.
Can I Change the Wrist Band on My Smart Watch?
Whether your smart watch’s wrist band is due for a replacement or you simply want to change the look of it, you can do so. Most smart watches allow you to remove the wrist band on your own and replace it with another one.
Some may even include additional bands so you can suit the style to the occasion.
In fact, there’s a booming market for third-party smartwatch accessories. If you search online, chances are you’ll find all kinds of styles for almost any model imaginable.
If your smartwatch came with a rubber band and you want to wear it for a fancy meeting, simply swap it for a leather one. It’s that easy.
Final Verdict
Although the Apple Watch 5 is a truly great device, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 takes the cake in our search for the best smartwatches. Being more than two times cheaper, it comes packed with tons of useful features and a two-day battery. Thanks to its versatility, you can use it with both Android and iOS devices.
For anyone looking for a budget smartwatch to complement their training routine, look no further than the TicWatch E2. Lacking only LTE connectivity to become a standalone smartwatch, it comes with useful features and internal storage for your music.