What You Need to Know Before Buying a Smart Watch

If you're looking for the best smartwatch of 2024, you know that it's not going to be a straightforward affair. With advancements in battery technology and a wide variety of designs, there are now an array of options when it comes to smart watches. From everyday wearables for casual use to specialized watches designed specifically for fitness, running, outdoor exploration, fashion, music and more. So whatever your specific needs or interests may be, chances are you'll find the perfect smartwatch for you!

Smartwatches have become much more accessible to the public in recent years, not only offering excellent value for the money spent but available at a fraction of the cost of offerings from big name companies like Apple and Samsung. Although there are many cheaper alternatives which have surfaced over the last few years, it is possible to find good quality smartwatch solutions for under €50. It is important to keep in mind that, as with all technology, there will be trade-offs depending on budget, so be sure to research thoroughly before making any purchase decisions.

Having difficulty deciding which smart watch is right for you? We understand the numerous options can be confusing! To make it easier, ask yourself a few questions and check out the features available on smart watches.

How to Choose a Smartwatch - Main things to consider:

How much are you willing to spend?

When deciding which tracker to buy, a good place to start is by setting a budget that fits within your financial capabilities and will help narrow down your options.

What will you be using the smartwatch for?

It's important to know what type of watch you are looking for as there are numerous types of smartwatches on the market today. Depending on your needs, you can find a watch that is designed for specific tasks such as fitness tracking and health monitoring, notifications and messages, reminders and alarms, entertainment, tracking activity, and much more.

What kind of smart phone do you have?

Smartwatches are gadgets that work alongside your smartphone to provide you with notifications, track your activity and more. In order for them to work, you need to pair your watch with your phone, although compatibility between models may vary.

Battery Life

When it comes to choosing an activity tracker, battery life is a key consideration. The battery life of smartwatches can vary greatly, so it's important to check the specs carefully before making a purchase.

Smart Watch Cost

Let's look at this first. Smartwatches are a must-have tech accessory for modern and active people. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to pick one that's right for you. At the top end of the price spectrum are premium models from major brands like Apple and Samsung. Especially popular is the Apple Watch Series 6, offering battery life that's much better than previous versions, plus integration with other Apple services. On the Android side, there's also the great Samsung Galaxy Watch.

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, you can find some great bargains. Take this smart watch for example. At only a fraction of the price of some of the bigger brands, it is still packed with lots of good features. It also comes with a free app to help you track all the vital statistics.

Smartwatch Features

All Round Watches

Are you looking for a smartwatch that does it all? Then the 'All Rounder' is the perfect choice for you! It has features such as tracking your activity, music controls, and phone notifications. If you're in need of an everyday watch that will serve multiple purposes, there are a few we'd recommend:

  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
  • Garmin Venu 2
  • Fossil Gen 5E

Focus on Fitness

Sporting features like a heart-rate monitor, GPS, and activity tracking, 'The Fitness Enthusiast' smartwatch is the perfect companion for your fitness needs. It also boasts long battery life and other features that can be included depending on your budget. Here are some excellent choices:

  • Garmin Fenix Pro 6
  • Garmin Forerunner 935
  • Fitbit Sense
  • Fitbit Charge 5

Outdoor / Adventure Watches

Whether you're a hiker, runner, climber, or all of the above, an activity tracker can help take your outdoor experience to the next level. These smartwatches are designed to withstand tough terrain and weather conditions while delivering powerful features such as GPS tracking, mapping, compass navigation, and weather alerts. All this packed into one lightweight package - it's no wonder more and more adventurers are turning to activity trackers! Here are some of the best:

  • Garmin Tactix Delta
  • Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical
  • Amazfit T-Rex Pro Military

Smart Watches Built For Music

If music is important to you, consider purchasing a smartwatch that supports Spotify integration. These watches allow users to access and listen to music on the go through their Bluetooth headphones or built-in speakers! I personally cannot live without this handy feature, and that's why I now have it integrated in my Garmin smartwatch. Here are a few first class choices:

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
  • Garmin Venu 2 Smartwatch
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Compatibility With Your Smart Phone

Smartwatches have gained immense popularity in recent years, however you'll need to pair it with a compatible smartphone for certain features to work.

Generally, Android and Apple phones are well-suited to each other, but there are some combinations that may not be suitable. For example, an Apple Watch will not be able to pair with an Android phone. Additionally, without access to an iPhone, setting up your standalone LTE Apple Watch will also be impossible. Google Wear OS and Samsung Tizen products are both compatible with both iPhones and Android devices, yet they do not guarantee a 100% compatibility rate with the iPhone.

On the other hand, Samsung and Garmin smartwatches run smoothly on both iPhones and Android phones. 

Battery Life

Smartwatches have seen big improvements in their battery life capacities over the past few years, with some models reaching weeks between charges thanks to the use of solar energy.

It is important to take into account features such as GPS when looking for a smartwatch since these will naturally drain power more quickly than others. Generally, a 24 hour battery life minimum should be expected from modern smartwatches and this is something all good models should offer.

However, the latest Apple Watch has some of the best features available but unfortunately also has one of the shortest battery lives on offer. So it will really depend on the individual and their needs.