Because all smartwatches can perform cool tricks, you’ll need this best smartwatch buyer’s guide to help you sort through the good from the bad. Whether you need fitness tracking, a voice assistant, or a dependable GPS, it all depends on your needs. These devices operate best when connected to a smartphone, although some smartwatches can do so on their own, which is very convenient. From Garmin to Fitbit to, of course, Apple, we’ve looked at the top smartwatches in 2022. This best smartwatch buyer’s guide will cover Wear OS, Tizen, and Watch OS smartwatches.
Consider criteria such as pricing, design, battery life, and features that are crucial to you. Then take a look at the alternatives we’ve mentioned and decide which one is ideal for you.
Additional Reading: What Smartwatches Are Compatible With Motorola Smartphones?
Apple Watch 7
Most such lists continue to place the Apple Watch at the top, and it is without a doubt the greatest wristwatch for iPhone owners. It’s higher on the list than the Apple Watch SE because, well, it does more! Naturally, the Apple Watch 7 is compatible with all Apple goods. You can profit from having an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone or even a Mac. You can, for example, unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch! The Series 7 isn’t that dissimilar from the previous iteration, the Series 6. It’s available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) and charges 33 percent faster. Aside from that, it’s essentially the same device.
The Apple Watch will always be one of the best alternatives if you want the bells and whistles of a fitness watch with comprehensive data as well as excellent smartwatch functions.
Pros
- Customizable to the max
- Compatible with all Apple products.
Cons
- There isn’t a single upgrading feature or design that stands out.
- The duration of battery life still needs to be improved.
Apple Watch SE
In 2021, the Apple Watch SE was the second-best smartwatch available. Why? It’s similar to an Apple Series 6 Lite in appearance. Another outstanding option for iPhone users. Don’t worry, if you prefer Android, we’ll get there eventually.For the most part, the Apple Watch SE does what the Apple Watch 6 does. It also costs a lot less. The SE has a top-of-the-line specification, an iconic look, and a slew of features that you won’t find on most competitors. The battery life isn’t amazing, but that’s to be expected from Apple. There’s no always-on display, and ECG and blood oxygen monitoring aren’t available. You may still use Apple Pay, which is water-resistant to 50 meters and equipped with all the necessary motion sensors.
Advantages
- Iconic design
- Apple Watch is available at a fantastic price.
Disadvantages
- ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and an always-on display are all missing.
- Poor battery life (as is always the case with Apple products).
Additional Reading: Which Is The Best Non Bluetooth Fitness Tracker
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the greatest smartwatch you can acquire right now if you’re an Android user. It does not, however, work with iPhones. It’s the Galaxy Watch 3’s successor, of course. There are now two alternative designs available: classic and regular. Although the classic Watch 4 retains much of the original design, the ordinary Watch 4 is far more sophisticated.The revolving bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4 classic is a unique feature. As a result, getting about the watch is a breeze, especially as compared to utilizing the display, which is standard on most smartwatches. A digital bezel is featured on the Galaxy Watch 4 (not the classic).There are lots of apps to choose from, though not as many as Apple or Google (Watch OS and Wear OS, respectively). However, you do get all of the essentials, including some good exercise, health, and Fitness monitoring.
If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch is the way to go. Overall, if you want something that looks fantastic and offers a slew of health and smartphone features, the Galaxy Watch 4 is the genuine deal for Android users.
Pros
- Premium appearance and feel
- The rotating bezel is a one-of-a-kind feature.
Cons
- Battery life could be improved; but, it is costly.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Samsung incorporated the best features of the original Galaxy Watch into the Galaxy Watch Active 2, which is sportier, lighter, smaller, and more comfortable. The rotating bezel and an LTE version are both carryovers from the predecessor. Here’s a comparison of the Active 2 and the Galaxy 3.Apart from that, not much has changed in general. It’s a fantastic watch at an affordable price. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 has a 1.2-inch 360 x 360 resolution display. On the wrist, it’s bright and bold, but it’s subtle.As you’d expect from a Tizen device, it’s jam-packed with top-of-the-line fitness capabilities. 39 sports modes, an ECG, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and a health app are all included. It does have the ability to track your blood pressure, but this is still pending approval, so you’ll have to wait. More information about how blood pressure smartwatches work may be found here.It’s now unquestionably more affordable than the Apple Watch 6.
It’s now unquestionably more affordable than the Apple Watch 6. Although there was an expected price rise from the original, it remains a fantastic bargain when compared to the other smartwatches on this list.
Pros
- Premium high-end design
Cons:
- Rotating digital bezel
- For the price increase, there are only a few new features.
- iPhone users have limited capabilities.
Further Reading: Best Smartwatch For OnePlus
Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is the company’s newest product, and it’s a monster. It’s packed with the latest technology, allowing you to track your fitness like never before. The Sense has a temperature gauge (which is unusual; even the Apple Watch 6 doesn’t have one), an SP02 counter, a heart rate monitor, and stress management features. The battery is excellent; it lasts up to 6 days, so you won’t have to worry about charging it every day as you would with an Apple or Samsung device.
What’s more generous is the 6-month free trial of the Fitbit Premium that comes with the watch, allowing you to try out all of the advanced features like guided meditations and more in-depth data before deciding whether or not to pay for it. The Fitbit Sense is purportedly being used to evaluate blood pressure monitoring.
Pros
- Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Fitness watch with smart features
Cons
- Because of the position of the side button,
- it is frequently triggered accidently by your wrist.
- Sleep monitoring isn’t ideal
Fitbit Versa 3
Don’t worry if you don’t want anything from Apple or Samsung and the Sense is out of your price range. The Fitbit Versa 3 may be an excellent option for you. It’s a smartwatch-enabled fitness tracker that’s one of the best on the market. Built-in GPS, a stylish appearance, and excellent navigation are all included. It’s primarily aimed at fitness, as are all Fitbit watches, so don’t get it if you’re more interested in features. If you’re more accustomed with fitness trackers, though, this is a cost-effective, comfy, and dependable option.
Pros
- Given the price, having built-in GPS is a fantastic bonus.
- Lightweight and pleasant to wear
Cons
- It can be difficult to press the side button.
- Spotify isn’t available offline.
Fitbit Versa Lite
The Versa Lite is the third Fitbit smartwatch on this list of the best smartwatches. This is a less expensive version of the popular Fitbit Versa, with less features.The Fitbit Versa Lite comes with a lot of fitness functions and a long battery life. Because the device is small and light, you can leave it on all the time and not notice it. When comparing the Lite to the original Versa, Versa 2 and 3, the Lite lacks built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, and a screen that isn’t quite as good. You can’t go wrong with this well-known fitness tracker brand if you’re on a budget.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- There’s no built-in GPS, and there’s no on-screen workout.
- Garmin Fenix 7 Solar
Garmin Fenix 7
We couldn’t put together a list of the top smartwatches without including Garmin. The Fenix 7 Solar boasts a 1.2-inch display, which is significantly larger than any other Fenix model. This will house small solar panels that will draw energy from the sun. When it comes to fitness tracking, Garmin means business. Advanced heart rate monitoring, altitude tracking, sleep tracking, and advanced training assistance are all included. There are also VO2 Max estimates, pacing suggestions, and over 200 sport modes to choose from.
Pros
- GPS built-in
- Garmin Pay has preloaded maps that may be used offline.
- Up to 336 hours of battery life
- Bluetooth and Wifi smart notifications on your wrist
- Military-grade water, shock, and temperature resistance
Cons
- Expensive in comparison to other options (but worth it)
TicWatch Pro 3
The TicWatch Pro 3 is a fantastic Wear OS watch that can be used with an iPhone or Android handset and deserves to be included in any list of the top smartwatches. It offers a long battery life and a number of useful functions. A Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset is included within. Apps load and operate swiftly and smoothly because to the 1GB of RAM. Smartwatches aren’t known for their long battery life, but this one sticks out. This device can last up to a month before it needs to be recharged. Naturally, this varies, and you’ll get the best results by using it in ‘Essential Mode.’ The price is lower than the majority of the other brands on the list, which is a plus considering the battery life.
Pros
- Up to 30 days of battery life in Essential Mode Latest and fastest chipset
Cons
- For some people, the interface is difficult to use.
- Sleep tracking isn’t as precise as some of the other options on the list.
Additional Reading: Which is better: Fitbit Charge 5 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 4?
Conclusion
We hope you found this information helpful! We’ve put together what we believe to be the greatest smartwatch buyer’s guide, but we’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re considering purchasing one of the watches we’ve discussed, don’t forget to read the individual reviews
