Criteria to consider when buying a smartwatch

Smartwatches facilitate connectivity without needing to constantly pull out your phone. The best smartwatches should combine useful features with fashionable design and comfortable straps that make wearing them enjoyable. The devices in this buying guide will meet that criteria.

Criteria to Consider

The best smartwatches do more than just display time and notifications. They are increasingly becoming essential for monitoring daily activities, managing health, and even enhancing your safety. While there are many features to look for, the article has noted some points when selecting the best smartwatches for this list.

1. Compatibility

Clearly, the smartwatch must be compatible with iOS or Android. If you exclusively use one of these operating systems, the choice will be much easier. However, smartwatches that support both systems are more desirable.

2. Comfort

No one wants a smartwatch that scratches or becomes uncomfortable after just a few hours of wear. Silicone straps are becoming more popular, although the perfect watch should have a variety of straps available to ensure you can choose one that meets your needs.

3. Battery Life

Just like phones, smartwatches need long-lasting battery life. Naturally, battery life varies depending on how you use it. However, it should last at least 12 hours to ensure it doesn't need recharging during the day. Choosing a smartwatch with fast-charging capability is also a good idea.

4. Features

Each smartwatch comes with a different set of features, but some of the most important features to look for include:

• Seamless syncing of notifications and contacts
• Health tracking, such as heart rate
• Basic fitness tracking, such as step counting
• Waterproof
• Music control
• Diverse applications
• Scratch-resistant glass
• GPS
• User-friendly app

5. Customization capability

While not as important as some other criteria, having options to choose different straps and watch faces is great. After all, if you’re going to wear something on your wrist all the time, it should align with your personality.

What is the best smartwatch?

1. Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 excels over similar Android models, mainly due to its built-in safety features and carbon-neutral design. Of course, it easily becomes one of the best smartwatches because of its multitude of features and seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Its ultra-bright screen is ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, it tracks physical, health, and sleep data, giving you a clear overview of your progress. It can even indicate whether your heart rhythm is regular. Other benefits include many options for straps and entirely customizable watch faces.

2. Best Overall Value: Amazfit GTR 4 Limited Edition

The Amazfit GTR 4 Limited Edition is the perfect blend of price and features, being a premium version of the GTR 4. It also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days. No need to choose between iOS and Android as this smartwatch is compatible with both, including older iOS devices.

Though Amazon Alexa is built-in, it also supports other voice assistants. This watch contains all essential features: GPS, sports/fitness tracking, health monitoring, and streaming or storing music directly on the watch.

3. Best for Calls: CMF By Nothing Watch Pro Smartwatch

If making calls on your watch is important to you, try the CMF By Nothing Watch Pro Smartwatch. It features Bluetooth calling and active noise cancellation, a unique feature for smartwatches. And at under $100, it’s also one of the best affordable smartwatches.

It’s compatible with both iOS and Android and offers health tracking, physical activity tracking (limited activities), and multi-system GPS. Of course, it comes with its app to help users manage everything. However, it doesn't offer many customization options.

4. Most Durable: Garmin Instinct 2

For outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, you need a durable smartwatch. The Garmin Instinct 2 is designed for outdoor activities and can withstand extreme temperatures and, of course, water (up to 100 meters). It even uses Corning Gorilla Glass to resist scratching.

While it can receive notifications and make calls, Garmin primarily focuses on outdoor activities. Heart rate monitoring, stress levels, and activity tracking for some activities are available. However, its standout feature is GPS, with 3 global GPS systems. It even has TracBack to help retrace your steps when hiking.

5. Best Android Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

For Android users, the best smartwatch is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. Essentially, it's the Apple Watch for Android users. The slim bezel design offers more area for viewing notifications, checking stats, etc. Additionally, the easy band switching feature allows for easy daily change if desired.

Enhanced fitness tracking for over 90 exercises, sleep tracking, health monitoring, irregular heart rate detection, etc., allow users to closely monitor their goals and overall health. It also seamlessly connects to other Galaxy devices and works well with non-Samsung Android devices.