Smartwatches share many features with smartphones, but are smaller and easier to carry. Learn about the top smartwatches available in 2021.
Smartwatches are a great companion to your smartphone. There are many benefits to owning a smartwatch, especially since the technology is constantly evolving, greatly increasing the capabilities of smartwatches. Beyond telling time, you can use your watch as a GPS device, fitness tracker and even a translator. You can also download games, music and even videos for your watch. Newer models also double at digital cameras. There are also models you can use to make or receive calls.
While many of these features are available from your phone, a watch is much easier to carry with you. Because the watch is attached to your wrist, you do not have to worry about forgetting it somewhere or having it stolen. A watch is also easier to access, especially if you are discretely trying to access your data. With so many brands to choose from, it can be hard to pick the right smartwatch. To make the most out of your watch, make sure it is compatible with your smartphone, so you can easily share data between devices. Listed below are 10 of the top smartwatches to consider for 2021.
Apple Watch Series 6
As of writing, the series 6 costs between $350 to $400. However, the series 7 is set to release by the end of 2021. When a new model releases, the previous one typically experiences significant price drops, so you may be able to find a better price in a few months. The battery duration is the same from series 5, lasting for roughly 18 hours. The charge time is significantly improved, taking less than two hours to fully charge.
Because it is an Apple product, it is compatible with the majority of iOS-based apps. A few extra apps are included on the base model. A highly requested feature after the 2020 quarantine was an automatic hand-washing timer. There are also a variety of fitness apps, and you can get even more programs through Apple Fitness Plus.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Galaxy watch 4 costs between $250 to $275, making it one of the more affordable smartwatches on the market. It was built with a slimmer design than other galaxy watches. It also comes standard with multiple watch faces. Another feature of the Galaxy watch is the 3-in-1 health sensor, allowing you to record your heart rate, observe ECGs and get information about your general body composition during workouts.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Vivoactive 4 has a wider price range, costing anywhere from $200 to $350. Despite advertising itself as a fitness smartwatch, it has a number of useful features outside of exercise. It has one of the best two-button navigation systems, and automatically includes built-in music storage. You can also connect your Spotify account directly to your smartwatch. When you exercise, there are on-screen animations for yoga and Pilates workouts.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE
Fossil is an older smartwatch, which means it is significantly less expensive than other brands, costing around $200. Despite being an older model, it still features an impressive amount of RAM, leading to faster performance than some of the newest smartwatches. It also has several battery customization settings, to get the most out of your battery life. While it is still compatible with most apps as of writing, the older OS will eventually cause compatibility issues.
Honor Magic Watch 2
Honor is one of the smaller smartwatches, making it a good choice if you want something to discreet. It is also reasonably priced, typically costing between $175 to $200. The best feature of Honor is the strong battery life. Without charging, you can actively use the watch for nearly two weeks before the battery dies. Honor does not have as many video features as other smartwatches.
TicWatch Pro 3
TicWatch was built with performance in mind. It is also compatible with both Apple and Android phones. It features 1 GB of ram, and has enough battery life to last for three days without charging. You can also set it to Essential mode to conserve battery life and go even longer without charging. Some users are critical of the interface and general appearance of the watch. Despite being one of the most powerful smartwatches, it only costs between $250 to $300.
Fitbit Versa 3
If you are into fitness, it is hard to find a better smartwatch than a Fitbit. There are many Fitbit variants to choose from, but Versa 3 is considered top of the line. It has an impressive battery life, features custom training programs and has options to track your sleeping habits. It typically costs between $200 to $245. The Versa 3 was also the first Fitbit to feature GPS tracking by default.
Apple Watch SE
If you do not want the mainline of Apple watches, consider buying the SE. The SE is not as powerful as the main Apple smartwatch, but it features a larger screen and more app compatibility. It also has better family options compared to the main series. It does not include an ECG monitor by default, but you can get one added, along with other display options, by purchasing a higher end model. The base SE costs around $250 to $280.
LG GizmoPal 2
GizmoPal 2 does not have as many features as other smartwatches because it was built for children. The strongest feature of GizmoPal is the GPS, which allows you to keep track of your children. It has limited phone options, making it easier for younger children to figure out how to call home if they need assistance. The watch was designed with a smaller screen to discourage children from using it solely as a toy.
Amazfit Bip S
If you are on the fence about buying a smartwatch and want to test one out first, consider getting an Amazfit. It is one of the most basic smartwatches, but it still includes GPS tracking and compatibility with both Android and Apple products. It is not as stylish as other smartwatches. It features an impressive battery life, lasting for about a week even with heavy use. The biggest draw of the Amazfit is the low price, typically costing around $70 to $100.