With the next generation of technology rapidly controlling the wrists of regular citizens, here is a list that will help you find the perfect watch for your next purchase.
But first, what is a Smartwatch?
It's a piece of technology that wraps around your wrist/arm and delivers fun & helpful features like texts, calls, weather alerts, heart rate monitoring, health tracking (steps, heartbeat, food and water tracking, and can remind you to get up and move, you lazy Netflix binging baboon), make payments (Apple & Android Pay), GPS, and media controller functionality. The purpose of the watch is to make your life easier by allowing you to use your phone less, but still stay on top of your messages and other infinite notifications. It is essentially designed to make your hectic life even easier without ever touching your phone.
1. Apple Watch
This is Apple’s first new product since the death of Steve Jobs and it is everything you’d expect from Apple – sleek, elegant, simple design, and of course expensive. The price ranges from $350 up to Apple's $17,000 edition.
Apple says it is their most personal device yet with features that allow you to send your heartbeat to another Apple Watch user, custom and personalized watch faces, and sending taps (like a physical Facebook poke). While the watch app store is still limited, yet constantly growing, the Apple Watch is the most successful smartwatch to date.
The watch itself comes in three different forms:
- Sport, for those who take on active and adventurous lives every day and do not want to ruin their wristbands while getting updates on their fitness. Enjoy the comfort of fluoroelastomer (rubberish) bands of the Apple Sport that resist water, dirt, grime, and anything else you hit it with.
- Watch, the basic everyday edition that enhances any look with selective sleek wristbands which range from leather loops to stainless steel links.
- Edition, the initial starting price is rather steep at $10,000, but is coated in 18-Karat yellow or rose gold. This version of the Apple watch not only shows off your wealth, but your appreciation for fashion as well.
The Apple Watch bands are interchangeable so you will be able to buy different straps later on. (Only works with iOS.)
2. Pebble Time
The newest edition to the Pebble family is a watch that won’t break the bank at $199, but still provides the instantaneous notifications and convenience you desire. The e-ink screen isn’t the best or brightest and it resembles an old 8-bit video game, but it gets the job done. The watch OS (operating system) received a much-needed facelift and now comes in color and is optimized to last you a full week without breaking a sweat.
This watch fits well with kids, those on a tight budget, those looking for retro/nostalgic tech, and the simple folks want their notifications at a glance without fancy-schmancy gold plated metal hardware. The watch is still not available for wholesale and only shipping out to pre-orders right now, but you can keep up with Pebble news here. (Works with Android & iOS.)
3. Withings Activité
The most surprising smartwatch is the Activité. Designed to look like an ordinary wristwatch, the Activité sports much more under the hood. At $450 this watch is the stylish crossover of a designer watch and smart watch, and the best part is you don’t have to charge it every night. Withings claims it will last for eight months, the way a watch should be. The Swiss made watch is completely controlled by your iPhone; from setting an alarm so it wakes you up by buzzing, setting the time, and viewing your health report.
Everything about this watch is aesthetically charming and is perfect those who aren’t convinced they need another computer resting upon their wrist. If you want the classic look and feel of a watch and are not bothered by still having to use your phone for notifications, then the Activité is for you. (Currently only works on iOS - Android coming soon.)
4. fitbit Surge
With fitbit, fitness comes first, and the Surge is no exception. It takes everything a little bit further just like your work. It is for those looking to push themselves every day or your all-around athletic junky. Surge has the ability to track your run with the built-in GPS and allows you to view the path once you are finished on your phone/computer. It has a non-stop heart rate monitor, so you don't miss a beat. It also has automatic sleep monitoring to track how well and how much sleep you get every night.
This fitbit won’t interfere with your workout filled lifestyle because it also displays calls and texts while only having to be charged once a week. This device certainly pushes you to improve your daily routine with workout and distance goals every day. This ultimate fitness watch comes in three sizes (small, large, X-large) and three colors (black, blue, tangerine) for the price of $250. (Works on Android & iOS.)
5. Moto 360
The 360 was one of the first Android Wear watches and it is one of the few that bestows a circular face, hence the 360. It is definitely one of Android’s best smartwatches, but has a big downside, literally. No seriously, it is a large device, and it sadly only comes in one size. Dubbed the hockey puck, the 360 won’t go unnoticed by you or anybody paired with decent eyesight. However, Android Wear syncs near flawlessly with your Android smartphone enabling the vast power of Google on the back of your wrist. It has a very simple user interface navigable by anyone, and true custom watch themes that allow your watch to look like something out of Star Trek.
The Moto 360 by Motorola is one of the best smartwatches available, and is looking at a highly anticipated refresh rumored due this Summer, perhaps 360^2 or the Moto 720? If you do not mind the bulk or plastic, and enjoy the capability that Google/Google Now offers, order this wrist accessory right away at $149, unless you are waiting on the second generation. (Only works on Android.)
If none suit your fancy, check out more options below:
- Asus ZenWatch
- Garmin VívoActive
- Jawbone UP4
- Sony SmartWatch 3
- Microsoft Band
- Samsung Gear
- LG G Watch
