Best Smartwatch: Top smartwatches for style, fitness and connection

A smartwatch is an endmost accessory for your iPhone or Android smartphone. As their popularity grasps consumers all around the world and moves beyond gadget-lovers, the traditional tech manufacturers are now being rivaled by popular fashion brands. The greatly good-looking piece of tech worn on wrists is inducting many iconic trademarks into the smartwatch blaze.

Smartwatches make an amazing best friend of your phone as they’re capable of interacting with your handset wirelessly to display notifications and messages into your wrist. Things that you’d normally need to take your phone out of your pocket can now be seen and responded via a watch. However, that’s not all they can do, on the contrary, they can do way more. Many, if not all, bring with them sensors that record movement and measure pulse rate, because of that, they make fantastic activity trackers, diet planners, and fitness coaches. Most importantly, they can still tell the time.

Smartwatches can also run applications and games as a smartphone does. They host touchscreen displays, can browse the web like any phone and can take voice commands. But still, they’d be rendered almost useless if not associated with any of the best smartphones of 2019.

There is a timepiece for everyone, whether you need an amazing watch that works great with your iPhone, a companion for your Android phone, a smartwatch for fitness, a rugged watch for outdoor activities, a timepiece that will not require daily charging or just something that looks awesome on your wrist, chances are that you’ll be finding what you need right on this listing. Almost every watch listed below comes in two size models, a 42mm and a 46mm edition.

Best smartwatch for iPhone: Apple Watch Series 4

The 4th generation of Apple Watch is the best sports watch Apple has made to date. It is larger, brighter, and better than every previous generation of Apple Watch. The new Apple Watch is sleeker and has its touchscreen panel with rounded corners. It is also faster, the new 64-bit dual-core S4 processor backing this smart wearable is two times faster than the unit implemented on the Gear S3.

The Apple Watch Series 4 packs two heart rate sensors. An improved second-generation optical heart sensor and an electrical heart rate monitor. The two heart sensors monitor your heart rate at all times to deliver reports and warnings on one of the best health apps ever made straight to your iPhone. The watch specializes in detecting irregular heart rhythms that could be symptoms of heart disease. There’s another health-oriented feature that enables this device to detect falls and call the emergency in case you happen to suffer an accident. Other functions include tracking and logging workouts, counting steps, distance, and calories.

Apple added significant improvements to its latest flagship smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 4 is fifty-percent louder, has double the memory (16GB), and its cellular model probably is the best 4G smartwatch of 2019.  Although it is not a diving smartwatch, it has 50-meter water resistance and you may wear it when swimming.

Apple Watch Series 3

There are several smartwatches for iPhone that do well when connected to iOS devices, but few of them can get close to what the third generation of Apple Watch packs in. Both in performance and features, there is no better watch than Apple Watch Series 3 for iPhone. A later and more advanced version of this timepiece supports LTE connectivity. Branded as the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular, this model of the watch sports the innovative eSIM (an embedded SIM card that can move through carriers quickly and doesn’t have to be changed like normal cards. Although, not all carriers support the electronic SIM right now).

The third Apple Watch generation is a phenomenal health and activity tracking wristwatch. The Apple Watch 3 has a much faster dual-core processor than its previous generations and offers a complete health monitoring and fitness coaching pack. The built-in GPS sensor and heart rate monitor (the watch no longer needs an iPhone to sync data with) now track runs, walks, cycles and swimming. The feature-rich fitness and health apps visualize your movement on a map, allow you to share your health achievements and compete with your friends. You can view records of your heart rate when resting or having a physical activity on the app’s database and most importantly, install other apps and games on your Apple Watch 3.

There are little design changes coming with the latest Apple Watch device, probably because the current outlook of the device is outstanding. Runners and Nike fans have a special version of this watch called Apple Watch Nike+ which combines Apple’s activity tracking hardware with Nike’s Run Club app.

Apple Watch 3 is not all about activity tracking. It can make phone calls (with Apple Watch series 3 4G being much better at it), send and receive text messages, run apps, play music on your favorite Bluetooth earbuds, and much more.

Best smartwatch for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch

Despite not being powered by Google’s Wear OS, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch is an unrivaled smartwatch for Android. The new rebuilt Samsung Watch doesn’t look much different from its Gear S predecessors, it continues the multi-functional crown that enables navigation by rotation but it now is a complete waterproof wearable. It can resist the water pressure of 5ATM, equalling the Apple Watch 4 for durability. Unfortunately for Android users, the iOS counterpart has better health-related sensors.

Samsung took great care when developing its flagship wearable to produce a smartly connected product that looks like a classic wristwatch. The Galaxy Watch not only shares patterns with classic watches but also makes a ticking sound similar to them. It has an always-on display to show the time without requiring for buttons to be pressed or the bezel to be rotated by your end. This function is optional.

The Galaxy Watch is an excellent fitness tracking smartwatch. It can track a variety of physical activities and deliver reports regarding heart rate changes and calorie burn for each of them. It has 4GB of built-in memory, supports wireless charging and has the cellular mode with 4G LTE connectivity support, a virtual assistant, and enables contactless payments.

Samsung Gear S3

There’s no better accessory for your Android phone than the Samsung’s best watch in inventory, the Gear S3. Unlike the Apple Watch which won’t be leaving you no other alternative but dumping your Android for an iPhone to unlock its full potentials, you can continue to enjoy everything the Gear S3 packs even in case you decide to get yourself an iPhone. Also, Gear S3 can function with a variety of other Android phones (besides iPhone).

The Samsung Gear S3 design is outstanding, it is made to appear natural on your wrist and sports a classic traditional design. But with a twist. The top-covering bezel is not there just to look good, it has some tech in it. You can rotate the bezel to answer calls, increase and decrease volume, scroll through apps, and you can even scroll through messages and long texts just by turning the bezel. It just can’t get any better than that.

The Samsung watch flagship is a completed activity and health tracking wearable. It measures heart rate, has a variety of workout courses and can track all types of fitness, from running to mountain climbing. All the health and fitness records are stored in your favorite health application for Android, S Health.

There’s no shortage when it comes to connectivity. The Gear S3 smartwatch is a 4G LTE watch, it features an embedded eSIM that connects to the LTE network of your carrier and what’s most thrilling, it gives you access to more than 10,000 downloadable apps and games. According to Samsung, the Gear S3 can go on for up to four days with a single charge. So, that’s it, all you need in a smart wearable device.

Best Android Wear watch: LG Watch Sport

There’s no better way of experiencing the best of Android Wear than getting yourself an LG Watch Sport. It shares a top-notch design feature with Gear S3, but rather than turning the bezel, with the LG Watch Sport you can navigate through apps, menus, and options by turning the crown. Giving a purpose to the crown rather than adding it for fashion purposes is one of the wisest decisions LG took when designing the timepiece.

The activity and health monitoring are covered by Google Fit and the embedded health monitor and GPS sensor. It has a full pack of Google features coming with each device. LG’s Watch Sport supports 4G LTE network as it also equips an embedded eSIM like other top-end watches, has the pre-installed Google Assistant for voice commands, and supports wireless charging.

It lets you download apps from the Play Store, dial and accept phone calls and text messages through your watch even when your phone isn’t with you, and it connects to WiFi. LG Watch Sport remains to be one of the best watches to replace your smartphone, and it even supports a screen lock concerning your privacy.

Best alternative to Apple and Google: Fitbit Ionic

If you happen not to be a fan of neither Apple’s WatchOS or Google’s Android Wear 2.0 user interfaces and still want to have a smart watch, the best alternative at your disposal is offered by the famous manufacturer of fitness and activity trackers, Fitbit. Fitbit OS does not really let you choose among tens of thousands of downloadable apps as its marketplace isn’t that rich yet. However, the Fitbit’s best yet Ionic smartwatch has everything you need to have in a smart wristwatch.

This Fitbit watch works with over than 200 different smartphones, supporting Android, iPhone, and Windows phones. It has a built-in GPS and heart rate tracker for activity and health monitoring and has pre-installed workout coaching and instruction apps. Unfortunately, there’s no 4G LTE coming with this series of the watch. It makes a great alternative to the Apple Watch for whoever that hates the WatchOS but loves the design of Apple watches.

Best smartwatch for sports: Huawei Watch GT

Huawei worked its way out into developing a feature-rich low-cost GPS smartwatch with heart rate monitor and water resistance. Huawei went a strange path with the development of the Watch GT. It isn’t a successor to the Huawei Watch 2, the new Huawei Watch does not have as much tech built into it as its predecessor. Instead of bringing improved chipsets and more sensors, Huawei worked out to develop a GPS smartwatch with a heart rate sensor that is built for durability and longer battery life.

The Watch GT by Huawei features company’s TruSeen 3 heartrate monitoring technology that is powered by self-learning algorithms. It connects to GPS and its battery can last for up to two weeks with a single charge. However, it does not have 4G editions like the Huawei Watch 2 and it will not connect to WiFi either.

Huawei Watch 2

The second generation of Huawei Watch series is a cellular smartwatch that’s made for free spirits. This 4G smartwatch by Huawei makes an amazing workout companion for sportsmen and athletes. The device has a neat and fantastic classic design that’s topped by advanced connectivity supports and the amazing performance provided by Android Wear 2.

The Huawei Watch 2 comes in Classic, Stainless Steel, and Sport styles, the Classic edition has much thicker metal bezels, the Stainless Steel style has a cleaner design and one crown and the Sport version gives it a rugged appearance and has its bezels protected by plastic. All of the models of this Huawei smartwatch share the same features and supports.

Huawei’s Watch 2 has an embedded electronic SIM card that can pair up with the carrier on your phone and lets you use apps, browse the web and respond to messages without the need of a Bluetooth connection with your phone. It has its own GPS and heart rate monitor user’s activity and is also pre-loaded with fitness training and planning apps for a healthier lifestyle. With this wearable device, you can do many of the things until were covered mainly by mobile phones, like phoning your friends, texting, and listening to music. Furthermore, Huawei Watch 2 is not as much expensive as its competitors. It actually is the cheapest 4G smart watch.

Best smart watch for running: Garmin Forerunner 645 Music

Garmin promotes Forerunner 645 Music as a GPS watch for running with music playback. The Forerunner 645 Music is designed to make your exercises enjoyable by allowing you sufficient free memory to store up to 500 different songs. As there’s no headphone jack, you’ll have to listen to them on your favorite Bluetooth headphones. It also resembles in design to the Garmin’s Forerunner 935 (there’s a $50 price cut if you get the Forerunner 935 on Amazon) top-end watch.

This Garmin wristwatch comes with advanced activity tracking features. Sensors related to activity supervising can monitor both indoors and outdoors activities. The watch comes custom profiling for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and many other. A heart rate monitor will provide an estimate of how your body is reacting to your daily tasks, and a GPS map will chart your movement.

Best rugged smartwatch: Casio WSD-F20

Casio WSD-F20 is the best smartwatch for outdoor activities. This connected wristwatch is part of Casio’s Pro Trek line of rugged watches for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s the most durable timepiece you can find, it has been tested to meet military requirements. Casio WSD F20 withstands to scratches, drops, dust, and water. It is a great accessory to take when hiking and monitoring everything you do.

The Pro Trek WSD F20 by Casio is powered by Android Wear, and it does require a mobile phone for detailed heart rate records and some other activity-related features. But as it has a built-in GPS and you can download apps on it, a phone is not necessary if you use it to see your location or when planning trekking routes.

This watch is designed to survive extremes in temperature change, shocks, and pressure. Although it’s built to be tough, there’s a nice elegant outlook coating the timepiece. This watch is a little pricey. However, there’s a cheaper version that costs $150 less than the standard edition, if you want to pay less for a smartwatch of extremes take a look at it on Amazon.

Best hybrid smartwatch: Nokia Steel

Hybrid smartwatches are indeed smart and have tech that doesn’t exist in classic timepieces, but they are not entirely identical to the rest of smartwatches. They are very distinct in truth. Although they can send notifications and alerts to your phone and track your activity, they lack many industry-standard features you’ll most likely be expecting to find in a smart watch. For instance, hybrid watches do not have a touchscreen display. Actually, there is no support for apps, browsing, or listening to music. But what’s great about them is that for as long as you have your phone with you, all your activities will be stored and you’ll not have to bother about running out of battery every day. Nokia Steel will make you forget recharging your watch for eight months, and during whole this period of time you’ll be receiving regular alerts and notifications for any sport you may practice and be coached on how to exercise better. What else could be better?

Unlike smartwatches that have various sensors, touchscreen displays, lights and buttons that will dry the tightly-packed batter quick, the Nokia Steel will preserve it for an extended period of time. As Nokia with its hybrid smartwatch dropped sensors to adapt Connected Movement technology for activity monitoring, and all the records are instantly synchronized with the Nokia Health Mate app on your phone.

The Nokia hybrid watch automatically recognizes sports, rests, sleep, and is also waterproof. It records cycles, walks, runs, swims, and sleep. It’ll also tell how many calories you burn when being physically active or when resting. This is a great choice of a smartwatch for anyone that doesn’t care if their watch has got a touchscreen or not for as long as it looks great and they can forget about charging it.

Best smartwatch for men: Michael Kors Access

Very few smartwatches sport the manly outlook that comes with the Michael Kors Access smartwatch. The fashion brand offers a variety of wearable technologies that maintain the design of classic wristwatches. The Michael Kors Access has impressive classic themes where connectivity and notifications widgets thoroughly blend inside the touchscreen panel.

This smartwatch for men runs Android Wear and is equipped with almost everything other elite smartwatches sport. It can track fitness, download and run applications, display notifications, and many other things. If you don’t want to charge your watch repeatedly, there’s a hybrid edition of this digital watch.

For the ladies, Michael Kors has the special Sofie Pavé edition of this watch.

Best smartwatch for women: Kate Spade Scallop

Scallop by Kate Spade is absolutely the most beautiful smartwatch for women out there. The device is very slim and elegant, and it has the looks to make every girl love it. It comes powered by Android Wear and features plenty of girly widgets that appear on the touchscreen display. Along with elegant themes, some awesome watch faces like the winky eye, the daisy petals plucking out throughout the day, and many more come pre-installed on the device.

Besides looking gorgeous, this watch can connect to iPhone and Android via Bluetooth, monitor your activity and send fitness data directly to your phone, play music, and send notification alerts. What makes this watch even better is its wireless charging support. So, that’s it, go get it, ladies.