TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Everyone has their favorite accessory that they almost never leave home without. For some it’s their most comfortable baseball cap, while for others it might be their favorite luxury watch. Others, however, may prefer their accessories to be a bit more utilitarian. That’s where a tactical smartwatch can fill the gap. While any standard fitness tracker or smartwatch can manage the basic tasks of communications, application browsing, and health management, a tactical smartwatch offers another level of usefulness. That’s because these techie timepieces don’t just offer the basic features, but a few extras like an LED flashlight or built-in earbuds, which you don’t typically find on your average wearable tech.
Before shopping for a tactical smartwatch, it’s important that you know what actually makes any watch smart. These are digital timepieces that have a few common functions. For starters, they typically connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, giving them access to all of your communications features. This includes phone calls and text messages, among other things. Additionally, they give you the ability to use any number of applications that you might otherwise use on the phone, thereby allowing you to use them without ever taking the phone out of your pocket. Finally, smartwatches usually have health tracking capabilities to keep an eye on your fitness goals.
What is a tactical smartwatch?
Tactical smartwatches offer all the aforementioned functionality but with an extra layer of durability and a few optional special features. For starters, the most obvious difference between a standard smartwatch and one with a tactical design has to do with the watch case itself. While most basic smartwatches are generally an unprotected screen with a strap attached, tactical models usually have a protective built-in bezel surrounding the screen. These bezels are most often made from a thick resin or fiber-reinforced polymer. They protect the watch against impact trauma without the need for an extra case. They also sometimes add extra water resistance to the watch.
Another benefit that tactical smartwatches offer is extended battery life. While most standard smartwatch batteries will last an average of one to two days before needing a recharge, most tactical watches have a low-battery mode that can push the battery life all the way to a full 30 or sometimes even 50 days. That’s a purposeful feature because tactical smartwatches are often designed with military or other field use in mind. If you don’t have a way to conveniently charge your watch at all times, you still want the ability to use it.
Finally, many tactical smartwatches have unexpected extras that you’ll virtually never find on any standard smartwatch models. One of the most common is a mini LED flashlight. This comes in more handy than you might realize. Whether you’re trying to put a key in your front door with no lighting or you dropped your wallet at a nighttime concert, having a built-in flashlight on your watch is incredibly helpful. Other tactical watch optional special features include built-in earbuds, GPS tracking, and freezing temperature resistance.
Atheewon 30-Day Tactical Smartwatch
The Atheewon 30-Day Tactical Smartwatch is the perfect example of a great deal on a rugged and utilitarian watch. It has a durable structured case design, water resistance, and even a full 30-day standby battery life. It also takes less than 2 hours to fully charge and lasts 10 days when in regular use mode. Add to that all the standard smartwatch features you get, and this could be the smartest $15 you’ve ever spent.
More military-style smartwatches
If the above isn’t your style, then there are plenty more tactical smartwatches available from Amazon and Walmart. The two online retail giants have an impressive stable of these products for you to peruse, so take your time and see what they have that piques your interest.
Atevix Tactical Smartwatch with Built-In Earbuds
Limige Tactical Smartwatch with LED Flashlight
Bruboses Rugged Tactical Smartwatch
Hwagol Tactical Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker
Taofedo Rugged Tactical and Sports Smartwatch
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.
