Smartwatches

Smartwatch Buying Guide

A smartwatch is a wrist-worn minicomputer that can notify you—via a wireless connection—of incoming calls, texts, instant messages, and social network updates. But if smartwatches are just an accessory for your smartphone, why give them the time of day?

Well, they can be pretty smart on their own.

• Some models come with their own network connections, so they can perform many advanced tasks without being paired to a nearby phone.
• They often include built-in sensors—including accelerometers, barometers, and heart rate monitors—to track your physical activity.
• Wireless technologies, such as near field communication (NFC), let you use your watch to make mobile payments at the register.

Smartwatch technology is evolving. Models have gone from large and clunky to more sleek and fashion-savvy. And they’re getting slimmer all the time. You can also expect smartwatches to integrate emerging operating systems and app ecosystems that could dramatically enhance their capabilities.

Plain vs. Pricey Smartwatches

Just like your computer and smartphone, smartwatches run on operating systems with distinct and separate apps. Be sure to check to see which ones are available for the smartwatch you’re considering buying.

Many watches run on versions of Google’s Android Wear, while the Apple Watch runs on Apple’s Watch OS and Fitbit smartwatches have their own operating system.

A budget-minded and basic smartwatch.

Budget-Minded and Basic

Basic smartwatches have a lot in common with fitness trackers. The difference is they support third-party apps, though the exact number and variety will depend on which operating system your watch runs on. And just about every smartwatch will notify you of incoming calls, emails, and texts.

Smartwatch Ratings
A sophisticated black smartwatch.

Swanky and Sophisticated

More sophisticated watches do all that the basic models do, plus offer features like full-color touch screens, voice-command capability, activity tracking, GPS, mobile payments at the register, and voice calls. Models can cost anywhere between $250 and $800.

Smartwatch Ratings

Capabilities to Consider

Some smartwatches have quirky shortcomings, such as hard-to-use chargers. A number of them can be paired with only a limited number of mobile devices. Here are a few important considerations:

• Above all, make sure the smartwatch will be compatible with your existing smartphone or other smart device that you plan to pair with it.

• The smartwatch should be comfortable to wear. Some are large and can be clunky. Many newer models are round, and some are less bulky and may be more comfortable.

• Battery life can range from one day to several, depending on how you use the watch, how much power it requires, and the sophistication of the watch technology.

• Water resistance: Most smartwatches are at least somewhat water-resistant. But only certain models can handle a dip in the pool. Check the specs if this is an important feature to you.

• Charging: Some smartwatches come with convenient wireless chargers. Others come with snap-on docks for charging. Still others require a cable that plugs into the watch itself.

Check Our Smartwatch Ratings for More

Which Watch?

Smartwatch technology is relatively new, and features and functions will continue to evolve over time. Before you overcommit or overspend, decide which features are important to you.

If you want to save some money, you can choose a watch that lacks some of the more sophisticated features. And if you really only need a device that monitors your exercise, a fitness tracker might suffice.

If you’re an Android fan, an Android Wear watch offers smooth compatibility with your Android phone as well as Google’s digital assistant. Apple aficionados might gravitate to the company’s own smartwatch, but several models by other brands work with iOS, too.

A person pairing a smartwatch with a smartphone.

Pairing

Most smartwatches are essentially smartphone accessories because they depend on a connection to your smartphone via Bluetooth or a WiFi network. The exceptions are the smartwatches with built-in cellular data connections.  

Someone checking a notification that just popped up on a smartwatch.

Notifications and Alerts

Paired with your smartphone, smartwatches can notify you—via vibration, sound, or both—of incoming calls, texts, instant messages, social media posts, and other app alerts. Many watches also display messages on their screens. 

A person about to take an incoming call via a smartwatch.

Messaging and Phone Calls

Many smartwatches let you respond to incoming email, texts, and messages. Some offer prepopulated replies, such as “Sorry, I'm busy right now” and “I’ll call you back later.” Some let you accept, dismiss, and even initiate phone calls. Some smartwatches let you conduct phone calls—mostly on your paired phone, but a few directly via the watch itself.

 

Someone about to use the activity tracking function of a smartwatch.

Activity Tracking

Many smartwatches measure your steps and movements. Some have built-in heart rate monitors, barometers, and GPS, and many work with fitness apps that keep records of your activity and help you track your calorie intake and calories burned. Some are claimed to measure the length of time you sleep at night and even how restful your sleep was.

A person using the voice-command function on their smartwatch.

Voice Control and Voice Commands

The Apple Watch and smartwatches that run on Android Wear let you use spoken commands to do internet searches, send texts, access watch apps, and more. Some other models also include voice-command capabilities.

A woman browsing all the apps she has on her smartwatch.

Apps

Smartwatches, like other smart devices, can run apps, via your phone or right on the watch. These include apps for health and fitness, navigation, weather, social media, and much more. And developers are coming up with new apps that can increase the functionality of these devices. The range of apps varies, depending on the operating system.

 

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