Plain vs. Pricey Smartwatches
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, your budget could play a big role.
Budget-Minded and Basic
Basic smartwatches have a lot in common with fitness trackers and can collect data on your walks and workouts.Ā Unlike trackers, though, inexpensive smartwatches support third-party apps. Which apps? That depends on your watchās operating system. But even bare-bones smartwatch models will notify you of incoming calls, emails, and texts.Ā Basic modelsĀ typically cost between $100 and $250.
Swanky and Sophisticated
In addition to performing all the basic functions youād expect from a smartwatch, more sophisticated watches offer features such as larger and brighter color displays, voice-command capability, and advanced health tracking features like electrocardiogram sensors and the claimed ability to monitor everything from your stress level to your body fat. These models, which often feature stainless steel cases and fancy leather or bracelet-style straps, can cost anywhere from $250 to $800 and up.Ā
Capabilities to Consider
Just like your computer and smartphone, smartwatches run on operating systems with distinct apps. Many Android watches use Googleās Wear OS while Apple Watches run on Appleās Watch OS. And Fitbit smartwatches have their own operating system.Ā
Our testers say there are a variety of issues to consider, from how easy a smartwatch is to recharge to the responsiveness of basic inputs like the ease of interaction (the watchās ability to respond quickly to user inputs) and the accuracy of step counts and heart rate monitoring. Battery life can vary from less than a day to more than a week.
Here are a few important considerations.
ā¢Ā Compatibility:Ā Above all, make sure the smartwatch will be compatible with your existing smartphone. If you have an iPhone, you mayĀ want an Apple Watch, which allows you to use some of the same apps you use on your phone. On the Android side, remember that some smartwatches, likeĀ Samsungās Galaxy Watch4, give you more functionality if youāre using one of the companyās phones.
ā¢Ā Comfort:Ā Your smartwatch should be comfortable to wear, so if the one youāre trying seems large and clunky, keep on shopping. Note that fit actually does make a difference when it comes to getting accurate heart rate readings: A strap thatās floppy or even too tight can throw off the watchās sensors.
ā¢Ā Battery life:Ā This can range from one day to as long as 10 days, depending not only on the watchās battery but also on how you use the watch. Certain appsāGPS is one exampleāare especially power-hungry.
ā¢Ā Water resistance:Ā Most smartwatches are at least somewhat water-resistant, but only certain models can handle a dip in the pool or a deeper dive. Check the specs if this is an important feature to you.
ā¢Ā Charging:Ā Some smartwatches come with convenient wireless chargers. Others come with snap-on docks for charging, while some require a cable that plugs into the watch itself.
Which Watch?
Smartwatch technology is still evolving, so before you commit or overspend, it makes sense to decide which features are important to you.
If you want to save money, for example, you might consider a watch that lacks some sophisticated features like EKG monitoring. And if you really need a device that only monitors your exercise, a fitness tracker might suffice.
If youāreĀ an Android fan, a watch running Googleās Wear OS watch can offer smooth compatibility with your Android phone as well as Googleās digital assistant. Apple aficionados are probably better off with the companyās own smartwatch, but several models by other brands work with iOS, too.
Pairing
You might want to think about a smartwatch as smartphone accessory because most of them connect to your phone via Bluetooth or a WiFi network. Even smartwatches with cellular data connections rely on a connection to your phone.Ā
PHOTO: FOSSIL
Notifications and Alerts
When paired with your smartphone, a smartwatch can notify youāvia vibration, sound, or bothāof incoming calls, texts, instant messages, and social media posts, and can provide other app alerts. Many watches also display messages on their screens.Ā
PHOTO: APPLE, FOSSIL
Messaging and Phone Calls
Most smartwatches let you respond to incoming email, texts, and instant messages. Some offer prepopulated replies, such as āSorry, Iām busy right nowā and āIāll call you back later.ā Others have a mic and a speaker that will allow you to accept, dismiss, and even initiate phone calls. A watch with cellular capability allows you to take and make calls without your smartphone in tow.
PHOTO: APPLE, FOSSIL
Activity Tracking
Most smartwatches can count your steps and monitor your heart rate, while others feature barometers and GPS tracking to help track your outdoor workouts.Ā Many work with fitness apps that keep records of your activity and help you track your calorie intake and calories burned. Some even have sleep tracking functions that can tell you how long you slept at night, along with other detailed data about your slumber.Ā
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Voice Control and Voice Commands
The Apple Watch and some smartwatches that run on Googleās Wear OS have a mic and speaker that allow you to summon a voice asssistant and use spoken commands to send texts, access apps, respond to instant messages, and even search the internet.Ā
PHOTO: FITBIT
Apps
Smartwatches, like other smart devices, can run apps via your phone or right on the watch. These include apps for health and fitness, navigation, weather, social media, and much more. The range of apps varies, depending on the operating system. And developers are adding new apps that can increase the functionality of these devices.Ā
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Pairing
You might want to think about a smartwatch as smartphone accessory because most of them connect to your phone via Bluetooth or a WiFi network. Even smartwatches with cellular data connections rely on a connection to your phone.Ā
PHOTO: FOSSIL
Smartwatch Buying Guide Video
In this video we share some key things to consider when youāre ready to start shopping.
BEST TIME TO BUY: 
