Time for a New Smartwatch

Smartwatches have gained traction in recent years as more people seek new ways to stay connected. Believe it or not, tech-integrated timepieces are now outselling traditional watches in the U.S. From heart rate monitors to multimedia functions, today’s wearable devices do much more than tell time.

Feel ready to upgrade your traditional watch with fitness tracking, new payment methods and smartphone notifications? Find the best fit for you with our list of top smartwatches available for iOS and Android users.

Apple Watch 5 

With the growing demand of wearable technology, Apple continues to outdo itself with each and every smartwatch release. At its annual hardware event last month, Apple announced the release of many highly anticipated products, including the new Apple Watch 5. The fifth generation of Apple’s smartwatch is the first to have a built-in compass and always-on display technology. Now active users can access the watch without having to touch the screen first. The Series 5 also includes a more sophisticated processor, a larger display, an enhanced accelerometer, drop detection, Bluetooth 5.0 and an electrical heart sensor, which lets users take an ECG.

For shoppers with a budget, the release of the Series 5 means a cut in costs for older models like the Apple Watch Series 3.

Key Features:

• Always-on display.
• LTE/4G options.
• Fitness tracker.
• Heart rate monitor and ECG.
• Apple Pay.
• Works with iPhones only.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 

Known for its GPS systems, Garmin also makes some of the best smartwatches on the market. While the newer Vivoactive 4 model was upgraded with more features and a better battery life, at just $150 the Vivoactive 3 is an amazing deal for new smartwatch users.

Key Features:

• Garmin Pay.
• Smart notifications.
• Health and fitness trackers.
• Built-in GPS.
• Custom workout programs.
• Seven-day battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 

To compete with the likes of the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 made new changes to its features, including improved insights to help you reach your fitness goals. The Active 2 is a top smartwatch option for Android users as it requires many of the Samsung phone apps to work.

Built on circles, the interface offers a rotating bezel to make scrolling through the software easier. Designed to help you learn more so you can achieve more, the Active 2 is the clear favorite for users with Samsung phones.

Key Features:

• Android and iOS compatibility.
• Offline Spotify.
• High-end design.
• Rotating digital bezel.
• Wireless charging.
• Heart rate and ECG sensor.

Fitbit Versa 2 

As fitness trackers continue to gain popularity, Fitbit has been one of the top choice for those looking to get healthier and stay connected with wearable technology. The Versa 2 introduces a variety of new upgrades from the original Versa, including always-on display and OLED screen, a smaller body and a built-in Amazon Alexa. Users will also have the option to join Fitbit Premium, the company’s subscription-based health and fitness service.

The Fitbit Versa 2 proves less is more. With a side button for easier navigation, you’re only a press away from the apps you need. Furthermore, the lightweight device is also light on your wallet. The standard Versa 2 starts at $199.95 and is available in black, pink and silver. The Versa 2 Special Edition models come with a woven strap and 90 days of Fitbit Premium.

Key Features:

• Works with Android & iOS.
• Amazon Alexa built-in.
• Sleep/swim tracking.
• Fitbit Pay.
• 24/7 activity tracking.
• 6 Day battery life.

Huawei Watch GT 2 

Delivering an exceptional user experience and unrivaled battery life, the classy Huawei Watch GT 2 is a fitness watch that pushes the boundaries of what is expected from wearable devices. The second-generation model works with Android and iOS and comes in two sizes, 46mm and 42mm, each with its own polished design and an incredible two-week battery life. The Watch G2 is a complete upgrade with enhanced fitness tracking and a speaker for Bluetooth calling and music playback.

Seeing as you can’t download apps or make payments, it functions more as a sports watch than a smartwatch. The Watch GT 2 improved its software with 15 sports workout modes and the new 5ATM water resistant feature, which allows you to monitor your heart rate as you swim. Huawei also refined its TruRelax and TruSleep functionalities, allowing users to analyze sleep patterns and monitor blood pressure.

Key Features:

• Stylish, comfortable design.
• 15 sports tracking modes.
• 24/7 activity tracking.
• Speaker and microphone.
• Waterproof up to 50 meters.
• Two weeks battery life.

Amazfit Bip

For less than $100, the Amazfit Bip is the most affordable luxury smartwatch on the market. It offers smartphone notifications, always-on display, a built-in heart rate monitor, GPS and fitness tracking features. The budget-friendly watch has a lengthy battery that lasts up to 30 days on a 2.5 hour charge. From tracking sleep quality to workout effectiveness, the health and fitness trackers provide a wide range of abilities like other industry-leading smartwatches.

Key Features:

• Always-on display.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Built-in GPS.
• Smart Notifications.
• Works with Android and iOS.
• 30 Day battery life.

Fossil Gen 5  

Fossil offers good options for those with a sports or fashion focus. The Gen 5 is the newest and comes in two stylish models, the Carlyle and Julianna. While pricey for some, the Gen 5’s design and innovative software makes it worth considering.

Key Features:

• Stylish and lightweight.
• Waterproof up to 30 meters.
• Microphone and speaker.
• Heart rate monitor.
• Wear OS software.

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 

Designed for kids ages 4-9, this smartwatch makes it easier for kids to stay active. The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 encourages children to explore their creativity and take tons of pictures and videos with two built-in cameras. Kids will love all the features of the smartwatch, including action challenges and games to provide entertainment on-the-go.

Key Features:

• Two cameras.
• 11 touchscreen activities.
• Educational software.
• 55 digital and analog watch faces.
• Splash and sweat proof.

Are you thinking of upgrading to a smartwatch? Tell us in the comments.