Round dial versus square, fitness focus versus other intelligent functions, iOS versus Android compatibility … Whether you are looking for your first or replacing an old one, there are many factors to consider when buying a smartwatch, especially because it will be attached to your wrist almost around the clock when you plan it to use to track your sleep. We’ve grouped five of our favorite smartwatches by function, price, and compatibility to help you decide which one is right for you.
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The Apple Watch Series 5 is the most expensive on our list, but the gold standard for smartwatches. It offers everything we loved about its predecessors, including seamless compatibility with other Apple devices, advanced fitness tracking, and potentially life-saving health features like an integrated ECG and fall detection.
The main disadvantages of the Apple Watch: It is only compatible with the iPhone and has a shorter battery life than most of the competition. Read our Apple Watch Series 5 review.
It’s been almost three years since the Apple Watch Series 3 made its debut, but it continues to hold its own. It may not have the Series 5 display, EKG, or fall detection feature that is always available, but everything else at half the price. And with the update to WatchOS 7 in the fall, Series 3 will also add sleep tracking to its long list of health and fitness features.
A possible disadvantage of Series 3 is that the older watch may no longer receive updates before Series 5 does so. In this year’s WatchOS 7 update, for example, the series 2, 1 and the original Apple Watches were omitted. Read our Apple Watch Series 3 review.
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The Versa 2 is the best Fitbit you can buy if you want to follow more than just steps. With a battery that lasts longer per charge than most other wearables on this list, the Versa 2 also works with Android or iPhone and has Alexa on board. You don’t get a built-in GPS (unlike Fitbit’s newest tracker, Charge 4), so you’ll need to take your phone with you to track route and distance on runs.
However, the biggest strength of the Versa 2 is the Fitbit app, which clearly shows your training details so that you can easily interpret your efforts. Read our Fitbit Versa 2 review.
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There’s no question that the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is Samsung’s most elegant smartwatch yet, with two sizes for more wrists. The combination of touchscreen and touchscreen makes navigating the user interface child’s play. You can also purchase an LTE edition that allows you to take calls on the go without needing your phone nearby. However, battery life can be inconsistent and the ECG is not yet active outside of Korea. Read our Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 review.
If you want to get more for your money, you will hardly find a better deal than the Amazfit Bip S. This $ 70 smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and ticks most of the boxes if it does Features include: permanently on display, built-in GPS, and the best battery life of any device on this list. With a charged GPS and brightness up to 40 weeks, you can charge for up to 40 days (a time that’s still above the rest).
In terms of aesthetics, you may have to make some sacrifices because the case is made of plastic and the screen isn’t as bright or responsive as that of the Galaxy and Apple Watch. Read more about the Amazfit Bip S.
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