Smartwatches are the ultimate accessory for your phone. These gadgets are not only for telling time, but they also make notifications a lot more accessible, taking them right to your wrist. Plus, you’ll also be able to do things just as track your fitness and pay for your morning coffee with just a tap.
Smartwatch models in 2019 are varied and they can do many different things, including voice-activated internet searches, track your location with GPS, and even monitor your overall health. They can be paired with your phone if you want, but you can use them independently as well.
Another great thing about smartwatches is that they look incredible. If you ever thought these were pointless geek accessories, you might want to think again. Today we bring you the top 10 best options and they’re all well-made, powerful and incredibly practical.
Before we get started, you should know that to craft our reviews, we take into account factors such as design, battery life, features, price, specs, and other important qualities. We also compare them to their competitors so they can have a worthy spot on the top 10 list.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch: Sporty With Style
The Samsung Galaxy Watch works with Tizen OS, it’s compatible with both Android and iOS, and it has a Dual-core 1.15GHz processor. The display is 1.2” or 1.3” 360 x 360, the band sizes are 20 or 22 mm, it can connect with Bluetooth, LTE and Wi-Fi, IP rating is 50 meters, and the onboard storage is 4 GB.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 4 days on a single charge. The rotating bezel is super useful, but the drawbacks include annoying charging method and the Bixby is not awesome.
Nonetheless, this is, at the moment, the best smartwatch money can buy. Samsung has really stepped up their game with this Samsung Watch, particularly when you consider that the battery life lasts up to 4 days even if you use it extensively. When you compare it to other watches, which only last up to a day on a single charge, this fact is even more impressive.
Another highlight of this Samsung Watch is that the rotating bezel makes it super easy to navigate the Tizen OS and the interface is one of the most user-friendly ones we’ve encouraged during our reviews. The apps available for this OS are a bit limited, but you will still have access to the basics. Samsung has designed a smartwatch that’s great for fitness and sporting, with an attractive design and lots of functionality to enjoy.
Buy "Samsung Galaxy Watch" on Amazon2. Apple Watch 4: Best Apple Watch on the Market
The Apple Watch 4 works with watchOS 5, it’s compatible only with iOS devices, it has an Apple S4 processor, a 1.78” OLED display and onboard storage of 16 GB. The band sizes vary, the battery lasts up to 2 days maximum, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and it can connect with Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth, and NFC.
One of the most impressive factors about this smartwatch is that the display is quite large, which is nice, and it’s super lightweight. The biggest drawbacks are that the battery is not great and the price is still quite steep.
The Apple Watch 4 is the first time Apple updates the design of their smartwatch and it’s one of the best things they have done. For this reason, it’s our second favorite today. The bigger screen does it for us, and you can choose between 40 and 44 mm. The wider display combined with all the tech you’d expect from Apple makes this smartwatch quite a winner.
The speaker also got better and louder, it’s still super lightweight, and if you already had an Apple Watch, you’ll still be able to use your old straps with this model. Another exciting upgrade is the ECG feature now integrated with the heart rate tracker, which will be able to rest your heart and see if there’s a risk of atrial fibrillation. This way you’ll be able to look for help early and prevent health issues.
The latest watchOS 5 comes with tons of fitness features and the latest apps as well, so you’ll be able to use them right off the bat. The Apple Watch 4 is the best smartwatch to use with an iPhone, and even though this upgrade won’t be relevant for everyone, for some it could be life-changing.
You should know the Apple Watch 5 is expected to come up in September this year, so you might want to hold off and see what this further upgrade has to offer. However, the Apple Watch 4 is an amazing option.
Buy "Apple Watch 4" on Amazon3. Fossil Sport: A Big Attempt at Smartwatches
The Fossil Sport smartwatch is compatible with both iOS and Android, it comes with a Quad-core 1.2GHz, an AMOLED display of 1.2-inch 390 x 390, onboard storage of 4 GB, IP68 rating, connectivity via Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, plus a battery duration of up to 2 days.
The Fossil Sport has a lightweight design that you’ll thoroughly enjoy and it’s also quite powerful. The only issues are that GPS can be slow and it doesn’t have as many high-end features.
Overall, this is the best smartwatch the company has created so far. They have developed a lot of expertise in wearable tech in the last few years, and it shows with this lovely gadget.
So far, this is the least expensive smartwatch on the list, but it’s still a top-end option. The design is premium and lightweight, it features GPS, and the battery is not great, but it’s decent, lasting up to 2 days on a single charge.
It also works with a Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, which is the latest Qualcomm has to offer. It provides a smooth experience, and it will be a definite upgrade if you’re using old Wear OS smartwatches.
The Fossil Sport smartwatch doesn’t have unique features to offer, but it’s a great smartwatch for you, especially if you want to upgrade from a Wear OS smartwatch to something that looks modern and functions just right for a price you can afford.
Buy "Fossil Sport" on Amazon4. Fitbit Versa: Smaller and Cheaper Version of the Fitbit Ionic
The Fitbit Versa runs on Fitbit OS, it’s compatible with iOS and Android, it works with a Dual-core 1.0GHz processor, the onboard storage is 2.5 GB, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, it can connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the battery can last up to 4 days.
The design of the Fitbit Versa is lightweight and it’s an inexpensive device. However, it can feel a bit childish when compared to other smartwatches and it has no GPS.
Fitbit is actually one of the biggest companies in the fitness tracking technology market, but they didn’t start working on smartwatches until late 2017. They have released only two smartwatches until now, and you’ll find them both on this list.
The favorite is the Fitbit Versa because it’s a bit smaller than the Fitbit Ionic and it comes with Fitbit Pay so you can make contactless payments with your smartwatch. Plus, it has 2.5 GB of storage for music and incredible battery life you’ll appreciate a lot.
One of the major drawbacks is that it doesn’t include GPS for tracking runs and the design doesn’t have that premium feel you’ll find in other options on this list. However, we really enjoy the Fitbit Versa and it’s quite affordable, This makes it that much better for people on a budget who still want quality and value for their money.
Buy "Fitbit Versa" on Amazon5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active: Cheap Yet Similar to Our #1 Choice
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active runs on Tizen OS, it’s compatible with iOS and Android, it works with a Dual-core 1.15GHz processor, it has a 1.1” 360 x 360 super AMOLED display, the onboard storage is of 4 GB, band size is 20 mm, it features 50 meter IP rating, it can connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the battery lasts around 2 days.
This smartwatch is attractive because of its high-end design and competitive price, but it lacks a rotating bezel and no LTE variant.
We’ve already discussed the Samsung Galaxy Watch earlier on this list, but what if you want a smaller version? Well, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active would be the perfect choice for you in that case because it’s slimmer, lighter and more comfortable to carry, which means it’s perfect for exercising and is sport appropriate.
The display is bright and beautiful, and it’s a lot easier to strap around your wrist because it’s quite petite. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks the high-end fitness features you would expect from a brand as Samsung. After all, it runs on Tizen, and even though it lacks an LTE option and a rotating bezel, the product still offers a lot of value for your money.
The price is also attractive. It’s not an inexpensive smartwatch, but it’s more affordable than the Samsung Watch on our #1 spot. We actually recommend going for the Samsung Galaxy Watch for the complete experience, but if you want to save a few bucks and still enjoy the Samsung smartwatch experience, this is a great choice.
Buy "Samsung Galaxy Watch Active" on Amazon6. TicWatch E2: A Complete Yet Unknown Smartwatch
The TicWatch E2 runs on Wear OS, it’s compatible with iOS and Android, it works on Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, the onboard storage is of 4 GB, the display is 1.39” 400 x 400 OLED, it has IP67 IP rating, it can connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1, and the battery will last around 2 days.
This smartwatch is super affordable and has a decent enough battery, but the design is quite bland and it doesn’t feature NFC for payments.
This is one of the most inexpensive smartwatches on the list and even though it comes from a small brand known as Mobvoi, it has made a big splash in the smartwatch industry.
The TicWatch E2 is waterproof, the battery life is decent, and it’s incredibly affordable, especially when compared to other items on the list. The design is not breathtaking, though, and it doesn’t look premium, but considering how much it costs and what it has to offer, we feel like you can easily overlook this.
The watch features a built-in GPS, accurate heart rate sensor you can trust, and sleep tracking as well. All the basic fitness features you need are present, but you won’t be able to do contactless payments, so keep this in mind if that’s an important feature for you.
Buy "TicWatch E2" on Amazon7. Apple Watch 3: 2017’s Best Smartwatch for Less Money
The Apple Watch 3 runs on watchOS 5, it’s compatible only with iOS, it features a 1.53” OLED display, an S2 dual-core processor, onboard storage of 8 GB (non-LTE) or 17 GB (LTE), IPX7 IP rating, connectivity via Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth, and a battery that lasts up to 18 hours.
The Apple Watch 3 offers incredible fitness tracking and the non-LTE version offers a lot of value. On the other hand, the LTE version is unnecessary and the battery’s just to short to track your sleep, so that’s an issue.
Back in 2017, this was the best smartwatch around and even though the number one spot was taken, it still a worthwhile option to look into. The frame is the same as the Apple Watch 2, sure, but the big differences are within. Plus, it’s a lot more inexpensive, which adds to its attractiveness.
We like the non-LTE version more than the LTE version because we feel the latter is quite an unnecessary expense and it drains the battery a lot faster. The non-LTE version costs less, it’s a bit faster and it has a longer battery life than the Apple Watch 2.
It’s water-resistant, it features GPS, and you can upgrade to watchOS 5, which is a big plus. If you want an Apple smartwatch but you can’t afford the last series, this is not a bad compromise. You’ll be able to use it to swim and you don’t have to worry about getting it wet during exercising or practicing sports, it has a nice design, and with the upgrade to watchOS 5, you can do a lot with it.
Buy "Apple Watch 3" on Amazon8. TicWatch Pro: A Smartwatch With Two Screens
The TicWatch Pro runs on Wear OS, it’s compatible with iOS and Android, it features a 1.4” 400 x 400 OLED display with LCD screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, onboard storage of 4 GB, IP68 IP rating, connectivity through Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth 4.1, and battery duration of up to 2 days or 5 days if used on Essential Mode.
This smartwatch introduced innovative screen tech and it has a high-end design, but the apps are limited and it has no LTE features. However, this is one of our favorite smartwatches of Wear OS. You can use it with your iPhone or Android device, and even though you may not know TicWatch, it’s still worth your while.
The TicWatch Pro features two displays which are layered one on top of the other. On the top there’s an LCD display for time, heart rate and battery. And on the bottom, there’s the OLED screen, which will feature all the Wear OS benefits you need.
The battery on the TicWatch Pro is also impressive. It lasts 2 days, and even running low on battery you’ll be able to see the time and use other features. Plus, if you keep it on low battery mode, it can last up to 30 days, which is amazing.
This smartwatch features NFC for Google Pay, GPS, Bluetooth, and the best Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset, which makes the smartwatch fast and responsive. All this for a great price, so it’s definitely a choice to consider.
Buy "TicWatch Pro" on Amazon9. Fitbit Ionic: A Big Smartwatch Move
The Fitbit Ionic runs on Fitbit OS, it’s compatible with iOS and Android, it works with a Dual-core 1.0GHz processor, it has an onboard storage of 2.5 GB, the band sized are large, it has a TBC 1000 nits display, the battery can last up to three days, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and it can connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The display is quite bright and it features many fitness options that you’ll find quite useful. However, the interface is slow and you will miss many apps.
The Fitbit Ionic was Fitbit’s first move into the smartwatch industry from their fitness bands and it’s great for fitness because you can track many different things. From weight lifting to swimming, plus there are dedicated bodyweight coaching sessions and you will be able to use Fitbit Pay to purchase things on the go.
When it first hit the market, the Fitbit Ionic was quite expensive, but because the price has dropped, it has become a good recommendation. If you love Fitbit and you want a device to do more than your fitness band, this is a good transition to make. It’s not comparable to most of the options on the top, but it definitely has value to a specific kind of user. Someone who just wants to keep track of their fitness thoroughly and don’t need more than that from their smartwatch device.
Buy "Fitbit Ionic" on Amazon10. Misfit Vapor 2: From Fitness Experts to You
The Misfit Vapor 2 is compatible with iOS and Android, it has a 1.2 inch or 1.4 inch display with 360 X 360 AMOLED, it runs on a Dual-core 1.0GHz processor, the onboard storage has 4 GB, the band sizes are 20 mm, the battery lasts around a day, and it can connect via Bluetooth, WI-FI, and GPS.
This smartwatch option is affordable and it includes NFC for Google Pay. However, it feels very flimsy, especially when compared to other devices, and it doesn’t have an LTE option.
The Misfit Vapor 2 is the company’s second attempt at creating a smartwatch and it’s much better than their first product. The watch is good looking and it’s not expensive, at least not more expensive than Wear OS smartwatches.
It also offers many fitness features, it has a built-in GPS, NFC for Google Pay, and a variety of features that will make it great for you. It’s not particularly premium or high-end, but if you simply want a smartwatch for fitness features and don’t need anything fancy, this one will do the trick.
The value is proportionate to price, and even though it can seem flimsy, it’s perfect for the casual users who don’t need many features or particularly long battery life. It’s also worth noticing that the smartwatch can be slow, but it definitely gets the job done and it can accommodate basic needs quite nicely and without many issues.
Buy "Misfit Vapor 2" on AmazonFinal Words
The smartwatch industry is ever-growing and we expect many updates and new devices this year. What there’s already on the market is incredible and they can make your life a little easier and your fitness journey a bit more practical.
If you care about your health and are looking to create better habits around it, a smartwatch is a must. Plus, it allows you to do more than that by providing access to apps, allowing you to make payments and so much more.
Smartwatch design is also exciting and right now we have many great-looking smartwatches that are elegant and sleek; some of them you’ll find on this list. Whether you go for a high-end option or a more budget-friendly one, the truth is you won’t be disappointed with any of the options on this list.
We’ve chosen the best of the best and you’ll find that each of them offers great value for your money, which is the purpose of this list. You don’t have to comb through hundreds of options to find the best one, we’ve done that for you and you can refer to our list whenever you need. And keep an eye out for new smartwatches!