Wearing a smartwatch is more than just a fashion statement. It can also help you reach your fitness, sleep, and nutrition goals. The fact that you can view calendar events and social media posts without looking at your phone also proves that smartwatches are more than just a showpiece. As the holiday season fast approaches, there will be deals from retailers around the world offering the latest smartwatches at their highest prices. What should you look for and how do you know which watch is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
SummaryApple Watch Series 5Garmin Vivomove HRSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2Fitbit Versa 2Amazfit BeepConclusion
For the minimalist who wants a smartwatch without the smartwatch look, Garmin's Vivomove HR is the answer. Featuring an analog face that says "classic style". there is nothing classic about this watch. That said, this isn't the watch for anyone who wants to download dozens of apps or leave their phone at home. Instead, this smartwatch works well with iOS and Android, allowing minimal notifications that don't get in the way. Want to check the weather, control your music or reject a call? You can do all of this from the watch's digital display, but once you complete any of these tasks, the digital display disappears. As with most Garmin smartwatches, it still keeps track of your health with a host of fitness-focused features.
Anyone who swears by Samsung and/or Android devices would be hard-pressed not to give the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 a hard look this holiday season. Running on the company's own Tizen software, it still syncs with Android and iOS devices, although the former is much more feature-rich. With "active" in the name, it's no surprise that this watch is all about fitness. Capable of tracking activities like swimming, biking, and running, it is possible to track dozens of other exercise categories. Like the Apple Watch, the Active has its own health app. This application will introduce information about your health data to help you set new goals. There is one more thing. Leave your wallet at home, as Samsung Pay is available on the watch right out of the box.
Google's acquisition notwithstanding, Fitbit's Versa 2 is a fantastic smartwatch that works with both Android and iOS smartphones. A popular option thanks to its affordability, the Versa 2 is not lacking in features. For anyone who wants to get in shape or just wants a little extra help staying in shape, the Versa is every fitness enthusiast's dream. Everything from your sleeping habits to your runs can be tracked. Each tracked activity will then help you set new fitness goals.
Want to get the news as soon as you wake up? Just ask Alexa, which is already built into the Versa 2. The ability to check the weather or set an alarm via voice commands is also available. With its own app store, installing Spotify or Pandora is just a few taps away. The fact that it has all of these features and lasts even more than a week without charge is only one reason to consider the Versa 2 a stocking stuffer.
For anyone on a budget this holiday season, the Amazfit Bip will help you get all the smartwatch benefits without the higher price tag. The Apple Watch-like design won't fool anyone, but it doesn't have to. This watch charts its own course and for good reason. Those reasons start with a mind-boggling thirty-day battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge. An IP68 rating means you can train in the sun or rain without worry and will never need to take it off at the gym. There's no shortage of available notification types on the always-on display. A heart rate monitor provides basic fitness tracking, as does built-in GPS for accurate tracking of runs, swims, or bike rides.
Although a smartwatch still isn't for everyone, millions of people swear by it. To be fair, the days of analog watches are not over. However, as smartwatch prices drop during the holidays, this cements their place in the future. If you see a great deal on a smartwatch this holiday season, don't hesitate to buy one.
