Are you looking to get a smartwatch? Let’s be honest, it can be a little confusing. There are so many things to consider: do you want one that looks like a traditional watch or something more futuristic?
How much do you want to spend? What features do you need? So, to solve all these confusions, we’ve compiled our top 4 picks for the best smartwatches of 2022!
Buying Guide to Smartwatches
1. Compatibility
When choosing a smartwatch, you need to consider whether it is compatible with your smartphone. Most smartwatches on the market are designed to work with either Android or iOS devices, but not both. If you have an iPhone, you’ll want to choose a watch that works with Apple’s ecosystem. The same goes for Android users. There are also some watches that support both platforms, but they’re less common and tend to be more expensive.
2. Battery life
Another important consideration when choosing a smartwatch is battery life. Some models can last for days on a single charge while others only last for a few hours before needing to be recharged again. If you plan on using your watch regularly throughout the day, then battery life will be an important factor in your decision-making process.
3. Communication
Some smartwatches come with LTE support, which means they can connect to the internet without being tethered to your smartphone. This is handy if you want to be able to use features like email and social media on your watch, but it will drain the battery more quickly. Wi-Fi only models are more common and usually have better battery life since they’re not constantly searching for a cellular connection.
4. Fitness tracking
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness tracker, then there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- First, check to see if the watch has built-in GPS so you can track your runs or bike rides without carrying your phone with you.
- Second, pay attention to the type of sensors included as this will determine what kinds of activities the watch is capable of tracking (heart rate, steps taken, etc.).
- Finally, consider how well the companion app works and whether it’s something you’ll actually use on a regular basis.
5. Price
Smartwatches can range in price from around $100 to over $1,000. Obviously, the more features a watch has, the higher the price tag will be.
But even within each category (budget, mid-range, premium), there is a wide variety of prices. So it’s important to decide what features are most important to you and then find a model that fits your budget.
Our Top 4 Picks
- Best Overall: Apple Watch
- Best Budget: Fitbit Versa 2
- Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
- Best Stylish: Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch
1. Best Overall: Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches on the market, and for good reason. It’s a great choice for fitness enthusiasts as well as beginners, thanks to its wide range of features and easy-to-use interface. And with the latest model – the Apple Watch Series 8 – it’s better than ever before.
One of the best things about the Apple Watch is its health tracking capabilities. It can detect car crashes and conduct ECG tests, plus it now has blood oxygen monitoring too. This makes it an invaluable tool for keeping tabs on your health and wellbeing. NFC support also means that you can use your watch to make contactless payments wherever you see the relevant symbol – very handy!
If you want a more accurate GPS tracker and other advanced tracking features then you might want to consider upgrading to the new Apple Watch Ultra. However, if budget is a concern then don’t worry – the SE model offers all of the core functionality of an Apple Watch but at a more affordable price point.
Features
- Water and dust resistant (IP67 rated)
- Sturdy and premium
- Accurate fitness tracking with ECG and SpO2 sensors
- Wi-Fi and LTE support
- Completely blends in the Apple ecosystem
2. Best Budget: Fitbit Versa 2
The Fitbit Versa 2 is one of the best budget smartwatch options on the market. It comes in at just $150, and offers great features for that price.
The watch has excellent exercise tracking abilities, along with sleep tracking, water resistance, connected GPS, blood oxygen tracking, and more. The watch can last up to 6 full days on a single charge, and also has in-built support for Amazon Alexa voice commands.
So, if you don’t want to spend whooping amounts on a smartwatch, then the Versa 2 could be your best bet. Also, its highly capable of becoming your daily driver for a smartwatch!
Features
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Sleep monitoring and SpO2 sensing capabilities
- 6+ Days of battery life on a single charge
- Highly affordable
- Premium built and design
3. Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the best smartwatches for the typical Android user. It comes with a more durable screen that is refined and curved, uses Wear OS, and is considered to be one of the best in health and fitness tracking.
The device also comes with a sleep coaching feature which guides you towards better rest. However, if you want an even more premium option, consider going for the Watch 5 Pro. Its costs a tad more but it features a 45mm titanium case, a more durable screen and a larger battery.
It also supports the GPX route format for turn-by-turn directions. Note that all watches are completely water and dust resistant and are highly capable devices when compared to other smartwatches on the market today.
Features
- Completely water and dust resistant
- Sensibly prices unlike Apple
- GPX route support
- Advanced sleep coaching features
- Extremely durable and features the latest Wear OS
4. Best Stylish: Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch
The Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a style statement. The entire construction of the watch is made from stainless steel, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look. It’s also compatible with both Android and iPhones, so you can use your favorite apps on your wrist.
Plus, the AMOLED display ensures that you always have a clear view of the time and date. But that’s not all; the Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch comes packed with sensors such as an accelerometer, altimeter, ambient light sensor, compass, gyroscope, off-body IR sensor, PPG heart rate sensor and SPO2 sensor. These allow you to track your fitness progress and monitor your health metrics easily.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and GPS tracking features are built into the watch so you can stay connected even when you’re on the go. And if you’re worried about getting caught in the rain or accidentally dropping your watch in water, don’t be –the Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch is completely water resistant up to 3 ATM (30 meters).
Features
- AMOLED display
- 3 ATM water resistance
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Comes with a slew of tracking capabilities
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to look any further than this list to find the best smartwatch of 2022. We’ve taken a look at all of the most popular models and narrowed it down to just four—and we think you’ll be surprised by our top pick!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and check out each smartwatch on our list, then get ready to make your next purchase!
