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It’s difficult to imagine going a day without seeing smartwatches everywhere. They’ve become the norm on peoples’ wrists rather than the exception. Even as a stuffy old man who loves the mechanical romance of metal gears ticking in a traditional timepiece, I can’t deny the electronic magic of smartwatches. They were always going to be the next logical step in our society’s technological advancement.
First came the smartphone, then the tablet, and the integrated smartwatch now rounds out the trifecta. This development shouldn’t have taken anyone by surprise who has watched any single cartoon over the past 60 years. Even the Jetsons, back in 1962, predicted a small square wristwatch with a video screen that could deliver instant communication and entertainment.
Animated prognostication aside, smartwatches are now firmly embedded in our daily lives, and if you don’t already have one, you probably should. They all offer three major benefits to the wearer, though the degree to which different watches do so differs by watch style and model. Every smartwatch on the market today brings with it convenience, fitness benefits, and even safety features. If any of these features sound more important or appealing to you than the others, then the following shopping advice might help you decide which watch is right for you.
Standard smartwatches
One of the styles of smartwatch you’re most likely to see out and about is the everyday smartwatch. These are typically standard relatively evenly-proportioned rectangular-screen watches that are pretty non-descript. Think AppleWatch. I hesitate to call them “plain” because that carries with it a negative connotation. Most standard smartwatches are utilitarian in the best possible sense of the word. They don’t have a lot of visual flourishes because they don’t need them. They’re simple, straightforward, and to the point on the surface. That’s because all the value is actually on the inside of the watch.
Standard smartwatches are built upon the foundation of convenience. For starters, they function as an extension of your cell phone, allowing you to make and receive calls whenever you wish and communicate with people either through headphones with a built-in mic or through the speaker and microphone right on the watch. It’s a communications device first and foremost, and one that makes keeping in touch incredibly quick, easy, and hassle free. While some smartphone models require a Bluetooth connection to your phone in order to make and receive calls, others can have your cellular service connected directly to the watch, removing the need for a separate phone. You can also send and receive texts on these handy little devices.
The interface of most basic everyday smartwatches is designed for the average person to utilize features such as calendars, reminders, alarms, and even internet browsers. Not only do these watches keep you connected to your personal contacts through phone functions, but you can also utilize email and apps like slack and MS teams to stay in touch. You can even keep tabs on your investment in the stock market on this tiny screen. This style of watch is ideal for people who like to switch back and forth between work and personal life as seamlessly as possible. They’re also available at just about every price point, depending on your needs.
Coucur HD Everyday Smartwatch
Itouch Air 4 Smartwatch
Fitness smartwatches
If you want a smartwatch that’s more focused on working out than work, then a fitness watch is probably best for you. Fitness goals can be difficult to plan, let alone achieve. A good fitness smartwatch can help you do both of those tasks. First of all, in addition to most standard features of other smartwatches, most fitness watches also include an integrated health app that connects through your phone. On that app, there is generally always a function where you’re asked to enter your overall fitness goals. The app will then assess how you can best meet those goals via nutrition and exercise.
In addition to making plans for you to achieve your health goals, it helps you track your activities and long-term progress. As for the activity-tracking part of that equation, fitness smartwatches do it all. They can track your steps, mileage, speed, heart rate, lap time, and even your sleep quality. These watches aren’t only for competitive athletes who want to push their limits, but for anyone who’s focused on their health. Most can even detect when you’ve fallen and ask if medical professionals should be contacted.
Bestinn Fitness Tracker Smartwatch
Garmin Forerunner 165 Fitness Smartwatch
Military-style smartwatches
A third, and perhaps lesser-known type of smartwatch that’s gaining in popularity is the military-style smartwatch. These watches typically have most of the features of standard and fitness smartwatches, but they’re all about toughness. These watches can indeed make and receive phone calls and track your fitness goals like the previous two styles, but they can also keep you safe and secure in ways that the others may not.
For starters, many military-style smartwatches have a more rugged and robust build than others. They’re often made from stronger materials than other smartwatches such as thick stainless steel or lightweight titanium. They typically have large bezels that can take more punishment than other watches with no bezel whatsoever.
Additionally, many military-style smartwatches have built-in GPS connectivity. That means that even if you don’t have your phone with you, your watch can be tracked online so loved-ones can know your exact location at any given time. That could be especially helpful if you’ve gone hiking or running and happen to get lost. Many of these watches also have small LED flashlights that can be extremely useful in low light situations. They often have reasonably good water resistance as well so you won’t have to worry about water damage when you happen to get them wet.
Bruboses Water-Resistant Military Sportswatch
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smartwatch
More smartwatch options
Daviko Everyday Smartwatch
Tikland Military 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.
