Like all high-tech products, smartwatches are complex devices. They’re essentially miniature computers made ultra-portable—portable enough to strap to your wrist. These days, even most entry-level models under $150 offer decent health and fitness tracking features, while flagship models from the likes of Suunto and Garmin provide near-medical-grade metrics, including heart rate tracking, blood oxygen levels, recovery data, and more, that are perfect for giving high-level athletes a competitive edge.
Whatever features you’re looking for, there’s a smartwatch model that’s right for you. Here are the most important considerations when shopping for the best smartwatches.
Compatibility
Above all else, you’ll want to be sure that any smartwatch you’re considering is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system. Some only play nice with Apple’s iOS, some with Android, and others work with both. Smartwatches running Google’s Wear OS are a great compromise because they tend to work (mostly) well with both operating systems. One thing to note is that while Wear OS does technically work with iOS, some features may be disabled, unavailable, or just buggy.
Size
Most smartwatches are available in a variety of face sizes. A larger face allows you to see more data and stats on the display at one time, but going too large could make for an uncomfortable watch. To find the best watch size for you, start with your wrist measurement. In general, if your wrist is between 14cm – 18cm, you’ll most likely want a small to medium-sized watch face with a diameter of 38mm, 40mm, or 42mm. If your wrist measures 18cm or larger, consider a larger watch face of at least 44mm.
Comfort
Most users are buying a smartwatch with the intention of wearing it all day and possibly to track their sleep at night, too. So, you’ll want to be sure that the band and overall design are comfortable. Of course, the only way to know for sure is to test it out yourself. That’s why it’s important to shop etailers (like Amazon and Walmart) that provide free shipping and even free return shipping on most products. This is essentially a free in-home trial.
Smartwatch bands are available in a wide range of materials. Sportier models are typically synthetic, like silicon, as it’s grippy, rugged, and waterproof. But they can look a little cheap. If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, keep an eye on stainless steel or leather options. Just know that these may not be as durable or last as long as silicon.
Battery Life
We recommend shopping only for watches with a minimum 24-hour battery life. That way, you can charge yours overnight (assuming you’re not planning to track your sleep). Having to charge your smartwatch in the middle of the day, every day gets old. Plus, most mid-range and all premium smartwatches offer at least 24 hours of battery life or a low-power mode that provides days of extended battery life.
Durability and Water-Resistance
Most smartwatches—especially the best smartwatch models—on the market are durable enough for all-day wear. If you’re particularly tough on your gear or are planning on hardcore workouts, though, you may want to consider a multisport watch with a hardened Gorilla Glass screen.
Many smart watches also offer some form of water resistance (e.g., the ability to survive splashes or quick submersion). However, not all are fully waterproof (built for snorkeling, diving, and extended submersion underwater). Check the manufacturer’s specs to confirm just how water-resistant (or not) your potential smartwatch is. You don’t want to find out the hard way after a costly mistake.
