2023’s top 3 smartwatches under $400

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The justification for purchasing a smartwatch wasn’t evident just a few years ago. Features were more constrained and the market wasn’t as saturated as it is now. There are many elevated options available in the wearable market today, but a few major competitors, including the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Versa, have pushed yourself to the front of the pack with their clever features. If you’re reading this guide, you’ve probably already made the decision that it’s time to replace whatever is on your wrist, whether it be a dated smartwatch or a conventional watch. Irrespective of which group you fit into, there are a lot of things you need think about before choosing the best smartwatch to buy, and we’ll help you sort through them.

How to choose a smartwatch?

Compatibility

While Wear OS devices are compatible with both iOS and Android phones, Apple Watches are only compatible with iPhones. Although you’ll need to install a companion software, smartwatches made by Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and other manufacturers are also compatible with Android and iOS.

Also, the kind and quantity of third-party apps you can use will be limited by the smartwatch OS. Nonetheless, the most of these aren’t particularly helpful, making this aspect somewhat insignificant.

Price

The top smartwatches often range in price from $300 to $400. These more expensive watches include enhanced communications, music, and fitness functions in comparison to more affordable smartwatches, which range in price from $100 to $250. Additionally, they frequently come with extras like NFC, inbuilt GPS tracking, and audio storage, which are typically absent from budget devices.

Athletes who are serious about their sport should only consider buying one of the specialised fitness watches made by some businesses, which can easily cost more than $500. Although they can cost a fortune, we wouldn’t recommend any of the high-end smartwatches from manufacturers like TAG Heuer or Hublot. These gadgets can cost over $1,000, yet typically you’re only getting the brand name and a pointlessly expensive selection of construction materials for that money.

Life of battery

One of our main issues with smartwatch battery life still exists, however there is recently some optimism. Apple Watches and the majority of Wear OS devices should last for two full days. If you’re prepared to disable all but the time display, watches powered by the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset allow extended battery modes that claim up to five days of battery life on a charge.

The next-generation Wear 4100 and 4100+ processors from Snapdragon were introduced in 2020, but as of now, only a small number of devices — some of which aren’t even available yet — are using them. Other models, which often have fewer functions and screens of inferior resolution, can operate for five to seven days. Certain fitness watches, however, can operate for weeks on a single charge.

Now, some smartwatches now offer quicker charging. For instance, Apple claims the Series 7 can charge fully in 75 minutes and go from 0 to 80% power in just 45 minutes. Even faster is the OnePlus Watch, which charges from 0% to 43% in just 10 minutes. (Keep in mind that this ended up being one of the device’s few positive aspects.)

Communication

Your wrist receives phone, text, and app notifications from any smartwatch worth considering. Call and text alerts go without saying, but if they’re important to you, think about a watch with LTE. Although they cost more than their WiFi-only counterparts, smartwatches with data connectivity may send and receive text messages as well as make and receive phone calls even when your device is not nearby. Receiving app alerts on your wrist allows you to quickly assess whether you really need to check your phone right away by looking down at the watch face.

Fitness monitoring

A significant factor in why people choose smartwatches is activity tracking. With the ability to track your exercises, steps, calories burned, and heart rate, an all-purpose watch should also serve as a fitness tracker.

A built-in GPS is a common component of smartwatch fitness features and is useful for tracking distance during runs and bike rides. Swimmers will need something waterproof, and fortunately, the majority of multipurpose gadgets can now endure at least a little dip in the pool. More advanced functions, including heart-rate-variance tracking, recovery time prediction, integrated maps, and other features, are typically available on some smartwatches from manufacturers like Garmin that are more fitness-focused than others.

The ability to measure your health on a smartwatch has improved over time. Both Apple and Fitbit devices can measure ECGs and determine blood oxygen levels. Yet the likelihood that a wristwatch offers these kinds of comprehensive health tracking features decreases as price goes down; if gathering that kind of data is crucial to you, you’ll have to pay for the privilege.

Music

Not only can your watch track your morning runs, it can also play music for you to listen to as you work out. With the ability to keep music locally on many smartwatches, you can pair wireless earbuds and listen to music without carrying about your phone. On-watch audio controls are typically present on devices without onboard music storage, allowing you to manage playback without pulling out your phone. Also, if your watch supports LTE, you can stream music to your associated headphones directly from the watch without the need for local storing.

Constant-on displays

Today’s top smartwatches typically offer an always-on display. Some of them have it turned on by default, while others let you turn it on with customised settings. With this clever function, you can see the time and any other information you’ve programmed the watch to display on its watchface without having to lift your wrist. The battery life of your device will undoubtedly be affected, but happily, the majority of always-on options reduce the display’s brightness so that it isn’t used excessively.

Lesser devices won’t have this capability; instead, to save battery life, their screens will automatically switch off, and you’ll have to deliberately check your watch to turn them back on.

NFC
As many smartwatches contain NFC, you can make purchases without a wallet. You can pay for a cup of coffee on your way home from a run by holding your smartwatch up to an NFC scanner after recording your credit or debit card information. Remember that various timepieces utilise various payment methods: Apple Watches, Wear OS devices, Samsung devices, and so forth all support Apple Pay. Wear OS devices also support Google Pay.

One of the most widely used NFC payment methods is Apple Pay, which supports numerous banks and credit cards in 72 different countries. Samsung and Google Pay only operate in a smaller number of areas. Something to keep in mind is that NFC payment functionality for both Samsung and Google’s systems differs by device.

Best overall: Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 8 is packed with new and improved features that make it an even more compelling choice for iPhone users. Here are some highlights of what you can expect from the Apple Watch Series 8:

1. New Design: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to feature a new design with a larger display area and slimmer bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The overall design is expected to be sleek and modern, with a focus on improved durability.
2. Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to come with advanced health and fitness tracking features, including an improved heart rate monitor, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, and even a body temperature sensor. These features will provide users with more insights into their overall health and well-being.
3. Enhanced Workout Features: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to offer enhanced workout features, including new workout types, improved GPS tracking, and better tracking for water-based activities like swimming. This will make it an ideal companion for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
4. Longer Battery Life: The Apple Watch Series 8 is rumored to come with improved battery life, allowing users to use it for longer periods without having to recharge frequently. This will be especially beneficial for those who use the Apple Watch for sleep tracking or long outdoor activities.
5. More Connectivity Options: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to offer more connectivity options, including support for satellite communication for emergency situations, allowing users to stay connected even in remote areas without cellular coverage.
6. Enhanced Siri Integration: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to feature enhanced Siri integration, allowing users to interact with Siri more seamlessly using voice commands. This will make it easier to perform tasks and get information without having to use the touchscreen.
7. Advanced WatchOS: The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to come with the latest version of WatchOS, Apple’s operating system for the Apple Watch, which will bring new features and improvements to the overall user experience.

So, the Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to be a top-notch smartwatch with advanced health and fitness tracking features, improved design, longer battery life, and enhanced connectivity options. It will likely continue to be the go-to choice for iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with their iPhone and offers a wide range of features to enhance their daily life.

Best budget: Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a popular and affordable smartwatch that offers a range of health and fitness tracking features without breaking the bank. Here are some reasons why the Fitbit Versa 2 is considered one of the best budget smartwatches:

1. Health and Fitness Tracking: The Fitbit Versa 2 comes with a variety of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking, and more. It also offers guided breathing exercises and personalized on-screen workouts to help users improve their well-being.
2. Long Battery Life: The Fitbit Versa 2 has a long battery life of up to 5+ days, depending on usage, which means users won’t have to worry about frequent charging.
3. Smartwatch Features: The Fitbit Versa 2 also includes smartwatch features such as smartphone notifications, music control, and access to popular apps like weather, timer, and calendar. It also has built-in Amazon Alexa for voice commands and control.
4. Water Resistance: The Fitbit Versa 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming and other water-based activities.
5. Sleep Tracking: The Fitbit Versa 2 is well-known for its robust sleep tracking capabilities, including tracking sleep stages, sleep score, and providing insights on sleep quality, which can help users improve their sleep habits.
6. Affordable Price: Compared to other smartwatches in the market, the Fitbit Versa 2 is relatively affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget or looking for a cost-effective smartwatch.
7. Fitbit Ecosystem: Fitbit has a well-established ecosystem that includes a user-friendly app, a large community of users, and access to Fitbit’s health and fitness ecosystem, including challenges, achievements, and social features that can help users stay motivated and engaged in their fitness journey.

Hence, the Fitbit Versa 2 offers a range of health and fitness tracking features, smartwatch functionality, and a budget-friendly price, making it a top choice for those who want a capable smartwatch without breaking the bank.

Best for Android users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is considered one of the best smartwatches for Android users, offering a wide range of features and seamless integration with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Here are some reasons why the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a top choice for Android users:

1. Compatibility with Android Devices: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and other Android devices, providing robust compatibility and integration. Users can receive notifications, reply to messages, control music, and more directly from the watch, making it a seamless extension of their Android device.
2. Health and Fitness Tracking: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking, and stress tracking. It also includes built-in GPS for accurate outdoor tracking, as well as advanced workout tracking modes for a variety of activities.
3. Advanced Smartwatch Features: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 includes advanced smartwatch features, such as NFC for contactless payments (Samsung Pay), onboard music storage, customizable watch faces, and access to popular apps like weather, calendar, and more.
4. Tizen OS: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 runs on Samsung’s own Tizen operating system, which offers a smooth and user-friendly interface, customizable watch faces, and a wide range of apps from the Galaxy Store.
5. Stylish Design and Build Quality: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 features a stylish design with a high-quality build, including options for different watch faces, bands, and materials, allowing users to personalize their smartwatch to their style preferences.
6. Long Battery Life: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers good battery life, lasting up to several days depending on usage, which means users won’t have to worry about frequent charging.
7. Water Resistance: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming and other water-based activities.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers a wide range of features, seamless integration with Android devices, and a stylish design, making it an excellent choice for Android users who want a premium smartwatch that works seamlessly with their Samsung Galaxy smartphone and offers advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities.