Smartwatches are starting to become more and more mainstream, so we understand if it's hard for you to decide which one is the right device for you. There is currently a huge variety of devices on the market, and plenty more are on the way. Some have been around for a while now, and others are the new kids on the block — but don't worry — we're here to help you sort out which smartwatch is the right one for you.
Coming off IFA in Berlin, we've already seen a handful of new additions in the smartwatch space. The Samsung Gear S, Asus Zenwatch and LG G Watch R are just a few of the big ones we'll be seeing soon. Android Wear is taking off, and with the release of the Moto 360, many people are finally getting their first taste of Google's wearable platform.
Of course we can't leave out the newly announced Apple Watch — a device that we've been hearing about for months and will finally hit the streets early next year. As you'd expect, the Apple Watch is a gorgeous device that features all kinds of new technology like a Digital Crown for navigation and a retina display. The Apple Watch will be available in three different styles (assumingly across three different price points) early next year, and we can't wait to get our hands on one.
We've tried our best to include all the latest relevant watches here in this list, meaning the ones we think are actually worth your consideration. Of course there may be a few rogue devices that we missed (if so be sure to let us know) and also some that we intentionally left off — like the Kreyos Meteor. Most of the devices here work with either Android or iOS (or both) but we've tried to include some that work with BlackBerry and Windows Phone as well, mostly via unoffical third-party apps. Many Android Wear devices should start to play nice with BlackBerry OS 10.3 too.
We started off by listing out some of the criteria of what goes into a good smartwatch. Keep in mind here that we're not really picking an overall winner (we'll get to that down the road) but rather listing out the options so you can make a better, more informed decision when choosing the right smartwatch for you. The list here runs by pricing, so if you're favorite device is later in the list that's why. We've listed out the price, release date, and most important specs for each watch, along with some of the highlights of each device. So go ahead and dive in to see what the current options are for your new favorite smartwatch!
The Criteria
Platforms
First and foremost you need to know with which phone platforms a smartwatch will work — if the watch you want won't work with your phone (Android, iPhone, Windows Phone or BlackBerry), it won't do you any good. The devices here are all across the board when it comes to supported platforms. None officially support all of the major platforms (Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry) but some work with the help of an unofficial, third-party app. Also, a few watches on the list can serve as standalone devices using their own SIM card too. So for those, you may not even need to worry about what phone you are using. When you look at the Samsung Gear devices (Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo & Gear Fit) you fall into an even more specific boat — you'll need to have one of the handful of supported Samsung devices to use one of these watches.
Long story short — make sure you check out which platforms are supported for the smartwatch you're interested in.
Price
Once you know a watch works with your phone of choice, the biggest point for most people will be price. Unlike a phone, a smartwatch is a complimentary accessory, so many people aren't looking to spend a lot on one. Unfortunately as smartwatches have gotten more advanced, so have their price tags. You can however still find some great watches without having to break your budget. Most of the current batch of devices have set prices, though from time to time you can find some on discount — especially around major holidays or when a new model is on the way.
There are a slew of new devices set to arrive in the next few months as well. That means that newer watches will likely be carrying hefty price tags (think $250 and up) but you also might see some older devices get a price drop. Just because a device has a lower price, doesn't mean it's a bad buy either. The original Pebble is still one of our favorite devices and it's priced $50-100 less than some other new devices.
Screen
When it comes to displays on smartwatches, you'll find everything from LCD to e-paper to retina to super AMOLED — but what does it all mean? Some watches are black & white, some are full color, some simply have a small LCD screen. Some are boring, others are bold & bright. Some you can view in direct sunlight, others you can't. You'll need to decide what's important to you — do you want to see your email notifications in full color, or will black & white suffice? Will you be using your smartwatch outside a lot? How big or small do you want your screen?
When talking phones or tablets, screen size and resolution is a big selling point. But on your smartwatch you don't really have to worry about how good things will look since you're mostly reading notifications rather than watching videos, browsing the web, or viewing photos. All of them get the job done — and while some may look prettier than others — it comes down to your own preference. Devices like Pebble have an e-paper display that show notifications plain and simple. Android Wear devices have bright, colorful displays that show off rich notifications, contact photos, and menus. MetaWatch has as anti-glare, monochrome display.
The special exception here is the phone in a watch devices like the Neptune Pine and Omate Truesmart. These are essentially full-featured Android devices on your wrist rather than just notification devices, so you may want to look further into display specs if you're considering one of these devices. On a smaller screen you'll have a hard time viewing web pages, reading text, and even typing in some cases, where a larger screen will give you more real-estate for performing common tasks.
Hardware
As the smartwatch world progresses, so do the technologies that power them. Smartwatches don't need a whole lot under the hood to work well, so hardware specs shouldn't be the biggest selling point when comparing devices. Whereas phones need big processors and lots of RAM to work well, smartwatches just need to work. The exception again is the phone watches that run a full operating system. They won't have the major specs of the top phone models, but they'll still be sporting more internal horsepower than a simple companion watch.
For the most part you can pretty much ignore the specs on most of these devices (for now at least) unless you're looking at something like the Omate TrueSmart or Neptune Pine. For a device like a Pebble, MetaWatch or even Gear S to work well, they don't need a whole lot under the hood. Even most Android Wear devices (G Watch, Moto 360) have more than enough power to work without a hitch. As smartwatches advance and get packed with more and more technology inside, this may change though — but for now it's not a huge concern.
Software
Software on smartwatches is extremely diverse. On many watches, the software isn't of any importances as the devices simply relay notifications from your phone. On others, such as Android Wear devices, you'll be doing much more than just reading alerts on your wrist. The good news is that across the board (for now), Android Wear is the same on all devices. So no matter if you're using a Moto 360, G Watch or Gear Live, you'll have the same software experience.
All of the devices here relay notifications from your phone in one way or another. Some, like Android Wear and Pebble, give full notifications on your watch (so you can read your email and other messages on your device). Others simply notify you that you have a message — but you still need to read it on your phone. Most newer devices give you the full experience however. Just keep in mind that when differentiating between Android Wear devices, the software is mostly all the same, even though the watch hardware itself may not be.
Most of the devices also have smartphone companion apps that do the majority of the heavy lifting and let you choose which apps send alerts, what watch face to display, and things like quiet times or other settings. Many have official apps for Android and iOS, while some have unofficial offerings for BlackBerry and Windows Phone. So be sure to make sure that there is an app available for your watch and your platform before you make a purchase.
Battery
Quite possibly the most important factor when choosing a smartwatch, battery life varies almost as much as the watches themselves. While many people are used to charging their phones and/or tablets daily, they aren't expecting the same from their smartwatches. A handful of current devices fall into the "charge every night" category, but most good smartwatches will last you at least 2 or 3 days on a single charge — if not more. When choosing a smartwatch, make sure you know what the expected battery life is to prevent any big surprises down the road.
Battery life will only get better as watches progress. Even new devices that may not have great battery life now can be improved with some simple software updates. So just pay attention and know what you're getting ahead of time — you don't want to buy a watch thinking it will last for 3 days, only to find you need to charge it every night.
Under $100
MetaWatch FRAME - $99
Release Date: 2012
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: FreeRTOS
Dimensions: 51 × 38 × 13 mm
Screen: 96 x 96 pixel sunlight-readable, Reflective mirror display
Touchscreen: no
Processor: 16-Bit Ultra-Low-Power Microcontroller
Memory: 256kb flash / 8kb or 16kb serial RAM
Weight: 81g
Battery: 5-7 days
Sensors: 3-axis MEMS accelerometer, Ambient light sensor
Other: water resistant
The MetaWatch Frame is one of the older smartwatches on our list, but it's still popular with smartwatch fans. the low-power device sports a black & white pixel display that shows off notifications from a paired Android or iOS device. The stainless steel face and leather band of the Frame give it a great style for business users, while not being too flashy for casual users.
The MetaWatch allows for various watch face combinations, where users can arrange tiles that show off time, calendar appointments, weather, stock quotes and more. Using the companion app, users can tweak settings on the device and choose which notifications to receive. The Frame uses yet another awkward charger, a clip that attaches to the watch to charge it via microUSB.
Buy MetaWatch Frame at Amazon
MetaWatch STRATA - $79
Release Date: November 2012
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: FreeRTOS
Dimensions: 44 × 44 × 13 mm
Screen: 96 x 96 pixel sunlight-readable, Reflective mirror display
Touchscreen: no
Processor: 16-Bit Ultra-Low-Power Microcontroller
Memory: 256kb flash / 8kb or 16kb serial RAM
Weight: 59g
Battery: 5-7 days
Sensors: 3-axis MEMS accelerometer, Ambient light sensor
Other: water resistant
The MetaWatch Strata is a less expensive version of the Frame, with all of the same features. The Strata is available in a variety of colors, and has a simpler more plastic design than that of the Frame. It's made to be more durable and has an anti-glare screen, making it easier to read outdoors. It's also water resistant up to 5 ATM.
Again, the companion app does all of the heavy lifting. Change settings, pick & customize watch faces, choose alerts — it's all here. The software can be a bit temperamental at times, but it does get the job done. The Strata has the same issue as the Frame in that it uses a clunky clip charger for doing its business.
Buy MetaWatch Strata at Amazon
Under $200
Pebble - $150
Release Date: January 23, 2013
Supported Platforms: iPhone / Android / BlackBerry (unofficial) / Windows Phone (unofficial)
Operating System: Pebble OS
Screen: 36 × 36 × 11.5 mm
Display: LCD / e-paper, 1.26-inch, 168 x 144, 176 ppi
Touchscreen: No
Processor: 120MHz Cortex M3
Memory: 1MB
Weight: 38g
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer battery
Sensors: ambient light, 3-axis accelerometer, magnetometer
Other: 5 ATM water resistance
The Pebble doesn't have the fanciest look about it, but it's understated enough to go unnoticed. It's polycarbonate all around with a simple silicone strap (which you can swap for any 22mm watch band). Buttons flank the sides of the e-paper display, with a magnetic charging connector resting on the left side. This connector keeps the Pebble waterproof, which is a awesome feature to have in a smartwatch.
From your iPhone or Android device you can get any notification you want pushed to your Pebble. From email to SMS to Facebook to Instagram — they're all here. Your Pebble connects to your phone over Bluetooth to the Pebble companion app. Inside the app you can change up your watch faces and apps, browse new ones and tweak a few settings. The Pebble App Store has plenty of faces & apps available as well, all free.
Buy Pebble at Amazon
Sony Smartwatch 2 - $140
Release Date: September 2013
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: 42 x 9 x 41 mm
Screen: Transflective LCD 1.6-inch, 220 x 176 pixels
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 180MHz
Memory: not specified
Weight: 122.5 g
Battery: 2-3 days
Sensors: light, accelerometer
Other: IP57 dust and water resistant
When looking at the Sony Smartwatch 2, you get a picture of what a smartwatch should look like. It has a basic, square design with a single button on the side. It's mostly black with a bit of silver trim, and even though it's a bit dated now, it still holds up to todays standards. We love that it charges over a standard microUSB connection and doesn't have any funky connectors to go along with it, plus it's IP57 dust and water resistant.
When it comes to software on the Sony Smartwatch 2, things are a bit all over. You have to install separate companion apps to go along with the services for which you want notifications — Gmail, Facebook, Whatsapp, etc. It's not as easy as other devices when it comes to choosing what alerts to send to your watch, and it takes a bit more work to get setup. That being said, many Sony owners praise the reliability and battery life, despite some of these issues. An Android Wear Smartwatch 3 is on the way soon, so you may want to hold off on picking one of these up just yet.
Buy Sony Smartwatch 2 at Amazon
LG G Watch - $179
Release Date: July 3, 2014
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95 mm
Screen: 1.65" IPS LCD
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Memory: 4 GB storage / 512 MB RAM
Weight: 63g
Battery: 400 mAh
Sensors: 9 Axis (Accelerometer/Compass/Gyro)
Other: changeable strap, IP67 water and dust resistant
When it comes to design, the LG G Watch is really as bare-bones as you can get. Out of the box it has a plain black face with a plain black strap — it's just really plain. The white version is a bit less plain, but only because it mixes some gold trim in with the otherwise plain white face and strap. The good thing about the design is that the G Watch feels very solid overall. It's not cheap at all, and it feels like a watch. It certainly won't be winning any design awards. It charges via a magnetic charging cradle via contacts on the back of the device. Turning it on requires placing it on said charger, and navigating around is done by swiping or voice command.
The LG G Watch runs Google's Android Wear platform. Like Pebble, Android Wear mainly just shows you notifications, however you can integrate a bunch of apps to do all sorts of things like changing up the watch face, display your boarding pass, control your Hue lights and track your runs.
Here you'll find your notifications for nearly any alert that hits your phone — emails, SMS, Facebook, Instagram, calendar reminders, alarms — you name it. You'll also see plenty of Google Now notifications for things like weather, travel times and sports scores. Notifications are rich, fun, and full of color. For each one you'll see a corresponding app icon or contact photo. Swiping through each you can read the full message, some of which have additional actions like replying or opening the app on your phone.
Buy LG G Watch at Amazon
Samsung Gear Live - $199
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: 37.9 x 56.4 x 8.9 mm
Screen: 1.63" 320 x 320 SuperAMOLED (278 ppi)
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 1.2 GHz
Memory: 4 GB storage / 512 MB RAM
Weight: 59g
Battery: 300 mAh
Sensors: Accelerometer, Digital compass, Gyroscope, Heart rate monitor
Other: IP67 water and dust resistant
The Gear Live has a striking resemblance to the Gear 2, with a few subtle differences. It has a bit more style than that of the LG G Watch, though it trades off for things like a smaller battery and a less-friendly watch strap (you can change it but nothing looks as good as the stock band). The Gear Live isn't too heavy and looks really good on your wrist. The screen is bold and bright and shows off Android Wear in all its glory.
The Samsung Gear Live runs Android Wear — meaning you'll get the same functionality as other Android Wear devices like the LG G Watch. You can connect the Gear Live to your Android device and relay notifications for everything from email to SMS to Twitter. Everything here is gesture-based so you won't find any rogue buttons or cameras, though you do have another awkward charging cradle to fumble around with — not our favorite feature.
Buy Samsung Gear Live at Amazon
Samsung Gear 2 Neo - $199
Release Date: April 11 ,2014
Supported Platforms: Android (Samsung devices)
Operating System: Tizen
Dimensions: 36.9 x 58.4 x 10 mm
Screen: sAMOLED, 1.63-inch, 320 x 320 Pixel
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: dual-core
Memory: 4 GB storage / 512 MB RAM
Weight: 55g
Battery: 300mAh Li-ion
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, HR Sensor
Other: IR Remote Control, S Voice, WatchON
We can't dive too much further into the Gear 2 Neo than the Gear 2 because they're essentially the same device. The only difference is that the Gear 2 Neo doesn't have a camera. Everything else remains the same — from the styling to the screen to the processor to the sensors. Choosing the Gear 2 Neo over the Gear 2 will net you a lack of a camera but also a hefty price drop.
Buy Samsung Gear 2 Neo at Amazon
Samsung Gear Fit - $149
Release Date: April 11, 2014
Supported Platforms: Android (Samsung devices)
Operating System: Tizen
Dimensions: 0.92" x 2.26" x 0.47"
Screen: Curved Super AMOLED, 1.84-inch, 128 x 432 pixel
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 160Mhz
Memory: 4 GB storage
Weight: 27g
Battery: 210mAh Li-ion
Sensors:HR Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor
Other:
The Samsung Gear Fit has many things in line with the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, though it has different hardware and some slight differences in software. It's more fitness band than watch, but the curved super AMOLED screen is actually one of our favorites. A single power button sits slimly on the side for powering on and off, gestures taking over the Tizen-powered fit for the rest of the navigation. On the back is a heart-rate sensor that works well some of the time, but not great most of the time. At just 27g the Fit is a light device too, which is great for an active lifestyle.
Again you'll find Tizen at the core, able to run all of those Samsung apps as you see fit. Gear Manager powers it all and does so fairly well, though it's all still a bit clunky at times.
Buy Samsung Gear Fit at Amazon
Martian Notifier - $129
Release Date: June 2014
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.7 mm
Screen: 96 x 16 pixel graphic OLED display
Touchscreen: no
Processor: n/a
Memory: n/a
Weight: 52g
Battery: lithium polymer rechargeable battery
Sensors: 3-Axis Accelerometer
Other: RGB LED light, "Light Touch" Vibrating Motor
The newest of the Martian fleet, the Notifier lives up to its name — it's all about notifications. Like the other watches in the Martian lineup, the Notifier builds a small OLED screen into the mechanical watch face, giving you the best of both worlds. It's a great compromise for those classic watch lovers who aren't ready to go all-in with a more futuristic smartwatch.
When it comes to notifications, the Notifier connects to your Android or iOS device and relays nearly anything you throw at it. What's cool here is that you can create all kinds of custom vibration patterns so you'll know which alert is coming in without ever having to look at your wrist. Add in a phone finder, camera shutter, and silent alarms and the Notifier is a great bang for your buck.
Buy Martian Notifier at Amazon
COGITO - $180
Release Date: February 2014
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.61 x 2.05 inches
Screen: monochrome, 22 x 56
Touchscreen: no
Processor: n/a
Memory: n/a
Weight: 80g
Battery: button cell, non-rechargable
Sensors: accelerometer
Other: 10ATM Water Resistance
The COGITO is one of the nicest looking smartwatches on the market today, but the feature set is a bit lacking when it compares to other new devices. The modern mechanical watch comes in a variety of colors, backed with a monochrome screen for displaying alerts for specific notifications.
The COGITO is more of a "notifier watch" than a smartwatch, as it won't give you full notifications for all of your alerts. You'll be able to see that you have an email, SMS, phone call, etc. but you won't be able to go much beyond without picking up your phone. It's simple in procedure, but doesn't compare to more robust devices that offer full notifications.
Buy COGITO at Amazon
Asus Zenwatch - €199
Release Date: n/a
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: 50.6 x 39.8 x 7.9-9.4mm
Screen: AMOLED 1.63", 320x320, 278ppi
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Memory: 4GB storage / 512MB RAM
Weight: n/a
Battery: Polymer 1.4Wh
Sensors: 9 Axis Sensor, Bio sensor
Other: water resistant
The Asus Zenwatch is another offering in the Android Wear space, so it really just comes down to hardware and design. The Zenwatch is very stylish, with square face and included brown leather band (which can be changed at your will). There is plenty of processing power to keep things going, and it's water resistant to boot.
Android Wear does its thing here, carrying over notifications from a paired Android device. See alerts for Google Now, weather, sports scores, email, SMS, phone calls — you name it. Upcoming updates will be bringing even more features to Android Wear, so you can expect things to keep getting better.
Under $300
Martian Passport - $235
Release Date: September 2013
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: 39 x 37 x 13.34 mm
Screen: 96 x 16 pixel graphic OLED display
Touchscreen: no
Processor: n/a
Memory: n/a
Weight: 70.9g
Battery: Lithium polymer
Sensors: 3-Axis Accelerometer
Other: speakerphone, RGB LED light, "Light Touch" Vibrating Motor
Martian watches are arguably some of the best looking smartwatches on the market, and the Passport is no exception. While it doesn't feature a full-sized screen like most other smartwatches, it does offer a great mix of both a mechanical watch and a smartwatch. Under the movement the Passport is sporting a small OLED display that shows off notifications from your Android or iOS device.
The Martian software can be a bit buggy at times, but once you get it running it works well for the most part. The app lets you relay your most important notifications for things like phone calls, email, and SMS, displaying them in text on the watch itself. The Passport also features a microphone and speaker, so you can make and receive phone calls right on the watch.
Buy Martian Passport at Amazon
Omate Truesmart - $299
Release Date: August 2013 (Kickstarter)
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android 4.2 / Omate UI 1.0
Dimensions: 45 × 45 × 14 mm
Screen: 240 × 240 pixel 1.54" TFT
Touchscreen: yes
Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 – 1.0 or 1.3 GHz
Memory: 4 GB or 8 GB storage / 512 MB or 1024 MB RAM
Weight: 100g
Battery: 600 mAH li-ion battery
Sensors: magnetometer, three-axis accelerometer, GPS
Other: IP67 certified waterproof and dust proof
The Omate TrueSmart is one of the first "phone on your wrist" smartwatches. A product of Kickstarter, the TrueSmart runs Android totally apart from your phone, unlike most of the other devices on our list. The watch takes its own SIM card and can be used as a standalone device to make calls, browse the web, send email & text messages — nearly anything you can do on a standard Android device.
That in mind, it's hard to do much of anything on such a small screen. Browsing and navigating around is tough enough, but trying to type or make any fine movements is a real hassle on the TrueSmart. There are a variety of keyboards tailored to this kind of experience, but they still don't help out all that much in the long run. There's an app store on the device as well for getting apps onto the watch. If you're a true geek looking for more than just a "smart" watch, the TrueSmart definitely has tons of room to play.
Buy Omate TrueSmart
Martian Victory - $299
Release Date: October 2013
Supported Platforms: Android / iPhone
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 14.6 mm
Screen: 96 x 16 pixel graphic OLED display
Touchscreen: no
Processor: n/a
Memory: n/a
Weight: 85g
Battery: Lithium polymer
Sensors: 3-Axis Accelerometer
Other: speakerphone, RGB LED light, "Light Touch" Vibrating Motor
The Martian Victory is essentially what you'll find in the Passport, with a bit of a more upscale design. It's a good bit heavier which is great for luxury watch fans, but it still sports the same features that you'll find in other Martian devices. Under the mechanical face sits a small OLED display for notifications, side buttons control the smart components of the watch.
With a built-in microphone and speaker you can make and receive phone calls, and using the Martian app lets you send along notifications for SMS, email, social networks and the like. A standard microUSB charge will keep the Victory running for a few days with standard use.
Buy Martian Victory at Amazon
Qualcomm Toq - $230
Release Date: December 2, 2013
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Qualcomm OS
Dimensions: 43.3 x 47.6 x 9.96 mm
Screen: 1.55-inch, 222ppi, Mirasol
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 200MHz Cortex M3
Memory: 2 GB storage
Weight: 72.3g
Battery: 240 mAh, Li-Polymer
Sensors: 3-Axis Digital Accelerometer
Other: Wireless charging
The Qualcomm Toq is more of an intended developer device than a mainstream consumer device, but many Android users have given it a good home. It runs on Qualcomm's own OS and shows off a Mirasol display — which is perhaps its biggest feature. It has a very nice, slim design, though the band itself is extremely clunky and at times unmanageable. It also has to be cut to size (yes, physically cut) so once you do, there's no going back.
Using the companion Toq app on your Android device, you can relay notifications for nearly all of the apps on your phone. They come through in full-color and many are actionable, like replying to SMS message with voice control. There are also newly built-in fitness tracking features to help keep you motivated. The battery stretches out for a good 2-3 days of solid use, but the wireless charging dock is perhaps the most cumbersome of all, and definitely not our favorite.
Buy Qualcomm Toq at Amazon
Pebble Steel - $250
Release Date: March 2014
Supported Platforms: iPhone / Android / BlackBerry (unofficial) / Windows Phone (unofficial)
Operating System: Pebble OS
Dimensions: 36.8 x 39 x 10.25 mm
Screen: LCD / e-paper, 1.26-inch, 144x168 pixels
Touchscreen: No
Processor: 120MHz Cortex M3
Memory: 1MB
Weight: 56g
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer battery
Sensors: ambient light, 3-axis accelerometer, magnetometer
Other: 5 ATM water resistance
The Pebble Steel is a much more refined version of the original Pebble. The Steel has a more high-end look, opting for a steel casing rather than the polycarbonate of the original model. It has the same basic features as its older brother — an e-paper display, buttons and charging connector on the sides. The Pebble Steel is sporting a proprietary strap connection, meaning you'll have to use Pebble's own metal or leather bands, or opt for an adapter to use your own.
The Pebble app connects you with your Android or iPhone (third party apps handle BlackBerry & Windows Phone) and allows you to get any notification you want pushed to your watch. The Pebble app offers loads of free apps and watch faces for your device, and you can load up to 8 at one time. Any extras will be stored in your Pebble locker for easy access.
Buy Pebble Steel at Amazon
Samsung Gear 2 - $299
Release Date: April 11, 2014
Supported Platforms: Android (Samsung devices)
Operating System: Tizen
Dimensions: 36.9 x 58.4 x 10 mm
Screen: sAMOLED, 1.63-inch, 320 x 320 pixel
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: dual-core
Memory: 4 GB storage / 512 MB RAM
Weight: 68g
Battery: 300mAh Li-ion
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, HR Sensor
Other: 2.0 MP camera, Auto Focus, HD Recording (720P)
The Samsung Gear 2 offers a revamped version of the original Galaxy Gear, and is much less clunky than the previous model. The Gear 2 features a slimmer, more styled face and is sporting a single button on the front face, with the camera resting on the opposite end. On the back is the charging connected (which is awkward at best) and a heart-rate monitor. The band can be changed out if you wish, but anything other than stock just doesn't look right.
The Gear 2 is not running Android Wear, rather it opts for Tizen, though as a user it doesn't really mean much. You can connect to a handful of Samsung devices and relay your notifications using the Gear Manager software. Things with the Gear 2 are still a bit clunky at times, though everything does work well once you get up and running. The Gear 2 is one of the only devices to have a camera as well, so if that's your thing then this should be on the list to consider.
Buy Gear 2 at Amazon
MetaWatch M1 - $250
Release Date: September 2014
Supported Platforms: Android / iOS
Operating System: n/a
Dimensions: n/a
Screen: 128 x 128 Memory pixel LCD
Touchscreen: No
Processor: n/a
Memory: 63kb RAM
Weight: 303 grams
Battery: 5-7 days
Sensors: n/a
Other: water resistant to 3 ATM
MetaWatch moves more into the fashion accessory space with their M1. Where the Strata and Frame were nice looking, functional devices, MetaWatch really goes big with the M1. Here they're making it more about the look than the features, though it still pulls big on both counts. Available in all kinds of colors from plan black to a blue/gold mix, the M1 is truly a high-profile watch.
Sony Smartwatch 3 - €229
Release Date: n/a
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: n/a
Screen: 1.6" Transflective Display, 320 x 320 pixel
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: Quad ARM A7, 1.2 Gh
Memory: 512MB RAM
Weight: 45g
Battery: 420mAh
Sensors: accelerometer
Other: IP68 rated
The Sony Smartwatch 3 was announced at IFA 2014. It will be the first of Sony's devices to run Android Wear, joining the growing lineup of Android Wear devices from big companies. Compatible with Android devices running 4.3 and later, the Sony SW3 will come in a variety of variants. It is IP68 rated and will sport an interchangeable wrist band.
Moto 360 - $250
Release Date: September 5, 2014
Supported Platforms: Android 4.3+
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: 46mm x 11.5mm
Screen: 1.56-inch 320x290 Backlit LCD
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: TI OMAP 3
Memory: 4GB internal storage / 512MB RAM
Weight: 49g (leather band model)
Battery: 320mAh
Sensors: pedometer, optical heart rate monitor
Other: IP67 water resistant, dual microphones, single button
The Moto 360 is one of the most anticipated Android Wear devices on the planet, and for good reason. Where smartwatch predecessors like MetaWatch, Pebble, and G Watch sported square faces, the Moto 360 set out to be one of the first smartwatches (and Android Wear devices) with a round face. Doing so provides more of a usable surface than a square device, while giving that classic watch look in a futuristic device.
The Moto 360 runs Android Wear, and really the only difference you'll see is that notifications look much cooler on a round display rather than a square. You can pull alerts from your Android device for phone calls, SMS, email, weather, travel alerts, sports scores, and more — all setup using the Android Wear companion app. Not too many settings to play with above and beyond app notifications, but Android Wear is evolving every day, so there will always be more to look forward too.
Samsung Gear S - €299 (estimated)
Release Date: October 2014 (estimated)
Supported Platforms: Android (Samsung devices)
Operating System: Tizen
Dimensions: 39.9 x 58.1 x 12.5
Screen: 2.0-inch Super AMOLED (360 x 480)
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: Dual-core 1.0 GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM / 4GB Internal Memory
Weight: n/a
Battery: 300mAh
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, HRM, Ambient Light, UV, Barometer
Other: 2G & 3G bands for standalone use, IP67 certified dust and water resistant
The Samsung Gear S has a big 2-inch curved screen that some may say is almost too big for a smartwatch like this. It's running Tizen — just like the Gear 2 and Fit — but in the end that won't really matter. It's not Android Wear, but it does have the ability to be used as a standalone device. It's sporting 2G and 3G bands and can take its own SIM card, so you can use it without the assistance of a companion phone.
The Gear S works in the same manner as other Samsung devices — send messages, get notifications, install some apps. It's for a unique set of users who want a different device, or those that need the ability to use it on its own (we're not quite sure who those people are yet).
LG G Watch R - $250 (estimated)
Release Date: Late 2014 (estimated)
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android Wear
Dimensions: n/a
Screen: 1.3-inch P-OLED Display (320 x 320)
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Memory: 4GB internal / 512MB RAM
Weight: n/a
Battery: 410mAh
Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro/ Accelerometer/ Compass), Barometer, PPG
Other:
While LG was one of the first Android Wear devices to hit the streets, Motorola took the crown of having the first round Android Wear device. Not to be outdone, LG announced the G Watch R — a new smartwatch with a round face. What's great about the G Watch R is that you could easily confuse it with a classic round watch, and that may make it extra appealing for some prospective owners.
Android Wear takes the stage on the G Watch R as well, brining in all of your notifications from your Android phone. Phone calls, email, social networks — they're all here. A few extra things to play around with though the Android Wear app let you change up settings to your liking as well. More and more apps are arriving for Android Wear too, so there is no slowing down at this point — only more good things to come.
Over $300
Neptune Pine - $349
Release Date: November 2014
Supported Platforms: Android
Operating System: Android 4.1
Dimensions: 66.0 x 53.5 x 14.2 mm
Screen: 2.4-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, 320x240 QVGA
Touchscreen: yes
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.2GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A5
Memory: 16 or 32 GB / 512 MB RAM
Weight: 60.8 g (handset) / 35.4 g (watchband)
Battery: 810mAh
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Pedometer, Digital compass
Other: 5MP rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, LED flash (Front & Rear), speaker & microphone
The Neptune Pine falls into the same boat as the Omate TrueSmart — it's Android on your wrist. The glaring difference here is that the Pine is actually usable since it has a much bigger screen. That also means it's much bigger on your wrist — to the point that you may not want to wear it out all the time. The Pine takes its own SIM card and runs just like a standard Android device — browse the web, make phone calls, send emails & texts. There are also both front and back cameras for things like Skype or Instagram, which might be a bit over the top if you are using it in conduction with your smartphone.
One hiccup with the Pine is that you need to side load apps onto the device — there is currently no app store or any other way to go about it. The process isn't all that hard, but some users may be too overwhelmed to want to do it. Most of the apps you need come pre-installed however, so you can do things like browse the web, send an email, make a call or even play Angry Birds right out of the box. Again, it's more of a toy for geeks than the average consumer as it goes above and beyond a typical smartwatch.
Apple Watch - $349
Release Date: Available 2015
Supported Platforms: iPhone
Operating System: iOS
Dimensions: n/a
Screen: Retina display with sapphire glass
Touchscreen: Yes
Processor: S1 Si chip
Memory: n/a
Weight: n/a
Battery: n/a
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate sensor
Other: Digital Crown navigation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
A wearable from Apple has been on the watch list for months and months now, and you'll soon be able to get your hands on one. At their annual event, Apple not only announced a new round of iPhones, but also the Apple Watch — aka the much-anticipated iWatch. Apple Watch will be available in early 2015, so there is still a bit of waiting if you're looking to pick one up. Apple Watch will be available in three versions — Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition — with pricing starting at $349. These watches won't be cheap, but if you're all-in with Apple it should serve as an excellent companion to your iPhone.
Apple brings along some great features for the Apple Watch with things like a Digital Crown for navigation, Force Touch for feedback, and a magnetic charging adapter. With the Apple Watch you'll be able to see notifications for all of your alerts, and also use Siri, get directions, and listen to music. You can communicate with other Apple Watch users thanks to Digital Touch — allowing you to send quick drawings, notes, or even your heartbeat. Apple Watch also sports plenty of fitness tracking features, making it a true all-in-one device for iPhone users. It's definitely a device to consider, even if you have to wait a few more months to get one.
Which smartwatch is for you?
So which watch is the one for you? After knowing your platform, you really just need to decide what's important for you in a smartwatch. Will you want to make phone calls or send messages? Do you want a full touchscreen or will buttons do the trick? Color or monochrome display? Long battery life? These are just some of the factors you need to weigh when choosing a device. The fact of the matter is that — much like with your smartphone — someone will always try to get you to choose something else, and there will always be newer (but not necessarily better) devices to come along at some point. So if you're going to buy a watch right now get the one that best suits your needs.
What smartwatch is the best smartwatch for you? Why? Sound off in the comments and let us know!**