Choosing the right smartwatch can be a challenging decision due to the multitude of options available. Apple Inc, with its high price tag, dominates the market share. Recently, Apple decided to halt the sale of its popular Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions following a patent infringement claim by the medical technology company Masimo. The claim pertained to a blood oxygen sensor capable of reading pulse. Despite Apple's repeated denials, affected Apple Watches will no longer be available for online purchase starting Thursday and will be withdrawn from retail stores on Christmas Eve. To assist you in making an informed decision, here are some outstanding smartwatch brands.
1.Fitbit Smart watches
Fitbit Variant | Price |
$150 - $170 | |
$350 | |
$250 | |
$100 | |
$80 |
Fitbit Charge 6
Crafted to seamlessly integrate into your daily routines, the Charge 6 boasts numerous novel features that elevate health and fitness tracking compared to its predecessors. Easily monitor your real-time heart rate during workouts with a quick glance at your Fitbit or take control of your Google Music playback without reaching for your phone. Heading out for a run? No need for your phone; the Charge 6 is equipped with built-in GPS to track your location and offer directions if needed. For fitness enthusiasts keen on heart rate tracking, the Active Zone Minutes feature indicates the time spent in various heart rate zones. With integrated blood oxygen and skin temperature tracking, you gain valuable insights into potential wellness changes, such as those linked to illness or menstrual cycles, helping you determine whether your body is primed for exercise or requires rest.
Pros | Cons |
Deeper Google integration | Fitbit Premium subscription required for advanced features |
Heart rate zone insights | Music Premium subscription required for YouTube Music controls |
SpO2 and skin temperature tracking | |
6-months free of Fitbit Premium subscription |
Google Pixel Watch 2
The newest addition to Google's smartwatch lineup, the Google Pixel Watch 2, seamlessly combines the best features from Google and Fitbit. Diverging from Fitbit's traditional rectangular design, the circular display imparts a sophisticated watch-first aesthetic. Although the Google Pixel Watch 2 may seem similar to its predecessor at first glance, notable improvements include a shift to 100% recycled aluminum from stainless steel, enhanced metric sensors, and improved battery life—a previous concern highlighted by ZDNET's smartwatch reviewer Matt Miller in his initial Google Pixel Watch review. It's important to note that for features like making calls, receiving texts, or streaming music independently of your phone, opting for the 4G LTE model, priced $50 higher, is necessary.
Pros | Cons |
Advanced safety feature | Android compatibility only |
Pay Hands Free | High Price |
6-months free of Fitbit Premium subscription | Need 4G LTE to go offline |
Built-in Alexa | No advanced sports metrics |
Fitbit Sense 2
For those grappling with stress and sleep-related challenges, the Fitbit Sense 2 emerges as the optimal Fitbit choice. This smartwatch dedicated to health and fitness employs continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) measurement alongside metrics like heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin temperature to identify moments of potential stress. Once stress patterns are recognized in your daily routine, the Fitbit offers mindfulness and breathing sessions to facilitate relaxation and reflection.
Furthermore, the Sense 2 assists in uncovering the causes of restless nights and provides strategies to enhance sleep quality. Monitoring blood oxygen levels, body temperature shifts, and issuing heart rhythm notifications for irregular activities contribute to a holistic understanding of your wellness. The device's expansive display allows for tracking various metrics such as calories burned, distance, steps, heart rate, weather, and more.
Pros | Cons |
Larger display | Calls, texts, and music are unavailable offline |
Built-in smart features such as Alexa, Google Maps, and Google Wallet | Subscription required for advanced features |
Sleep and stress tracker |
Fitbit Luxe
If you have a penchant for stylish wearables, the Fitbit Luxe presents an array of chic bracelet options without compromising on essential tracking features. Its slender and minimalist design seamlessly complements any attire, ensuring you can keep your health tracker on even in more formal settings.
Equipped with the Fitbit Luxe, you can effectively manage stress through guided breathing sessions and gain valuable insights and recommendations to improve your sleep. The Health Metrics dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of vital body statistics, allowing you to stay informed about changing trends in your health. Metrics such as breathing rate, heart rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen serve as indicators to identify early signs of illness or the need for adequate rest.
Pros | Cons |
Various jewelry-like band options | Very small display |
Long lasting battery life | Not equipped with standalone GPS |
Budget friendly without compromising rich features | No Google integrations |
Fitbit Ace 3
Fitbit Ace 3 is an excellent option for parents seeking a smartwatch for their children to promote healthy habits. With its water-resistant construction and robust design, kids can confidently wear the Fitbit Ace during swim lessons, water-based activities, or regular play. Additionally, the remarkable eight-day battery life ensures that children can wear the device for a full week without the need for frequent recharging.
2.Garmin Smart Watch
Variant | Price |
$400 | |
$700 | |
$450 | |
$300 | |
$800 | |
$350 |
Garmin, a high-end brand, offers the option to customize your own watch, contributing to its higher cost. Garmin's GPS sports watches are designed to enhance your health and well-being by gathering data from your daily activities. The Garmin Connect ecosystem is utilized to analyze and present this data in meaningful ways. Notably, Garmin has enhanced its reputation for providing ongoing support to earlier models by incorporating the latest software features. Simultaneously, the brand continues to introduce new watches with innovative features.
The most affordable watch under the Garmin brand is the Instinct which comes with good features and sturdy look. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, a GPS watch designed for outdoor use, features ABC sensors for trail navigation and a trackback routing feature for easy return. It offers multi-band and multi-frequency support, built to endure the elements with a rugged design. The solar charging capability allows extended use during outdoor adventures without constant recharging. Garmin has enhanced the Instinct 2X's software, adding support for activities like golf, surfing, and obstacle course racing, resulting in an enjoyable user experience during testing.
3.Fossil
Variant | Price |
$129 | |
$129 | |
$129 |
In recent years, WearOS watches have faced challenges in establishing themselves as a true top-tier competitor to Apple products. The Fossil Gen 6 aims to change this narrative by providing WearOS enthusiasts with enhanced performance and a sophisticated display. Fossil builds upon previous models by boosting processing efficiency and refining existing health sensors. Known for their stylish and budget-friendly designs, Fossil watches are particularly popular among younger consumers due to their affordability and attractive fashionable aesthetics.
4. Polar
Variants | Price |
$369.99 | |
$599.95 | |
$229.99 |
Ignite 3
The Polar Ignite, akin to the Vantage family's little sibling, shares the nine-LED sensor setup and innovative features such as Serene and Nightly Recharge. Notably, these features were initially introduced in the Ignite and later extended to the Vantage models.
Despite a reasonably sized screen, several features displayed on the Vantage models' watches are now accessible through the Polar Flow app with the Ignite. Functions like Training Load Pro and Training Benefit are still available, but synchronization with your phone is required to access them.
Vantage
The Polar Vantage strikes a harmonious blend of style and functionality, offering a plethora of features for both sports and casual use without breaking the bank. While not a significant investment, it is likely to serve users effectively for several years.
However, if you require a hardcore running watch, the Vantage may appear somewhat fashion-oriented. Polar aims to attract smartwatch users with specific color variants, yet beneath its stylish exterior lies a versatile multisport watch designed to enhance performance in various sports.
Pacer
The Polar Pacer Pro stands out as one of the top Polar watches, particularly if you prefer non-touchscreen functionality. It offers better value for money compared to the flagship Vantage V2, featuring a brighter and more readable screen in daylight. While the user interface may feel somewhat dated, and there are more affordable watches with additional features, the Pacer Pro serves as a reliable mid-range multisport watch, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking such functionality.
For an affordable, stylish, and feature-rich smartwatch and fitness tracker, I recommend choosing Fitbit, a brand acquired by Google. Fitbit combines budget-friendly options with a sleek design, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile device that seamlessly integrates with their fitness and lifestyle needs.
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