A smart watch is the perfect phone accessory. They can tell the time, of course, but the best smartwatches can also display important notifications from your smartphone, track your location with GPS, or even monitor your heart rate to provide information about your health.
And so that you can choose a truly smartwatch that will serve you faithfully for several years, we have compiled a rating of smartwatches in 2019. The benchmarks were parameters such as design, performance, battery life and price.
Which smartwatch is better to buy: basic rules for choosing
While buying a smartwatch is not difficult at all, not all models are made the same. Some come with their own list of exclusive features that other smartwatches lack. Not only that, different smartwatches also use different operating systems.
For example, Android Wear is a common operating system found on smartwatches from companies like Huawei, LG, Asus, and Samsung, but watchOS is only found on the Apple Watch.
The set of options also differs.
- Voice commands. Useful if you want to control the capabilities of your smartwatch without even looking at the screen.
- Support for media playback. The concept is pretty simple: most smartwatches nowadays have Wi-Fi support, which means they can connect to the internet and stream music. And some models also come with NFC or Bluetooth, allowing users to pair their wireless headphones seamlessly.
- Sensors. Another feature that we recommend considering when choosing a smartwatch. We are talking about a heart rate monitor and other similar sensors that can record readings of vital organs, or at least give you useful information.
- Heart rate monitor. For people who like to exercise a lot, having a heart rate sensor is helpful because it can give them information about their beats per minute.
- Pedometer. For weight watchers, sensors are useful to provide information on calories burned, steps taken, or the best training regimen.
- Customization. It's nice to be able to customize your smart watch for yourself. For example, be able to change the look of the dial or choose a different strap. Please note that many models do not have a replacement strap.
Although the price of smartwatches largely depends on the brand, we did not include cheap models from no-names in the list. Problems with their setup and performance can outweigh all the purchase benefits.
- The most famous and respected manufacturers of smartwatches for adults are Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Fossil, Amazfit and Garmin.
- According to reviews about which children's watches are better, models from Smart Baby Watch and "Life Buttons" are leading.
Best inexpensive smartwatches of 2019
3. Honor Band 5
The average price is 2,339 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fitness bracelet
- waterproof
- AMOLED touch screen, 0.95 ″, 120 × 240
- incoming call notification
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- weight: 22.7g
The top smartwatches are opened by the novelty of 2019, compatible with the two most popular operating systems for mobile devices. It has a beautiful design, bright screen and features traditional for most smartwatches:
- incoming call notification;
- SMS, Facebook, Twitter notifications;
- the calendar;
- weather;
- phone search function.
But a special feature of the Honor Band 5 is the ability to measure blood oxygen saturation. When this function is active, you need to tighten the watch strap and do not move your hand for a while. Without wrist contact, it won't work.
This watch is controlled by gestures. The only button on the screen is responsible for turning it on and returning to the dial.
pros: removable strap, waterproof (shower, swimming without diving), monitors sleep quality, has a heart rate monitor, you can change the look of the dial.
Minuses: needs to be charged every day, contactless payment with NFC does not work in Russia.
2. Amazfit Bip
The average price is 3,682 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- body material: plastic
- touch E-Ink-screen, 1.28 ″, 176 × 176
- incoming call notification
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- scratch resistant glass
- weight: 31g
This is not just a smart watch with a standard set of functions (notifications about incoming calls, incoming SMS and messages on Facebook, Twitter), but also a real fitness tracker. A separate menu contains a set of functions that will be useful to a person who is keen on sports:
- heart rate monitor;
- determination of the speed of movement and the distance traveled;
- time spent on it.
Also Amazfit Bip allows you to track the quality and duration of sleep, calories lost during training and physical activity.
pros: light weight, detachable strap, user-friendly interface.
Minuses: Small print on screen.
1. Xiaomi Mi Band 4
The average price is 1,636 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fitness bracelet
- waterproof
- AMOLED touch screen, 0.95 ″
- incoming call notification
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- scratch resistant glass
- weight: 22.1g
When asked which smart watch to choose so that it does not hurt excruciatingly for wasted money, we will answer: "Xiaomi."
- First, in terms of value for money, Mi Band 4 is an almost flawless gadget.
- Secondly, it is very light and hardly felt on the hand.
- Thirdly, it can do everything that more expensive models can: notifies about SMS, calls and messages on Facebook, Twitter.
- Fourth, it is protected from water, so it will not spoil if you bathe in the shower with it or swim (just don't dive).
- Fifth, this smartwatch has a built-in heart rate monitor with the ability to continuously measure the heart rate, monitor your sleep, the number of calories burned and steps taken, as well as the level of physical activity.
But if this is not enough for you, then we note that this model has a replaceable strap and can work in the “smart home” system. And the battery lasts for two days.
pros: you can adjust the brightness of the screen, you can control the player and change the screen saver.
Minuses: small font.
Best kids smartwatches
3. Smart Baby Watch Q50
The average price is 860 rubles.
Characteristics:
- kids smart watch
- waterproof
- body material: plastic
- OLED screen, 0.96 ″
- built-in telephone
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories
A wide range of colors allows you to choose the Q50 for the most picky little owner. This watch has all the functions that parents need to control their child:
- hand sensor;
- SOS button;
- the ability to remotely listen to what is happening around the child;
- notification of leaving the permitted zone;
- movement history.
So if you have never dealt with a smartwatch and want to find an inexpensive model for a child 5-9 years old, Smart Baby Watch Q50 will be the best choice.They are hardly suitable for teenagers, they are too simple and childish in appearance.
pros: inexpensive, works like a regular watch and a phone.
Minuses: completely uninformative instruction, you will have to look for answers to questions on the Runet. Fortunately, there are enough reviews for this children's watch.
2. Disney Life Button Princess Ariel
The average price is 3,499 rubles.
Characteristics:
- kids smart watch
- waterproof
- body material: plastic
- touch screen, 1.44 ″, 240 × 240
- built-in telephone
- compatible with Android, iOS
- camera 0.30 MP
It is not so easy to unequivocally answer the question of which children's smart is better. If you need a watch for a child who has already outgrown a simple smart watch, but is not yet mature enough for adult gadgets, then, perhaps, a model from the Life Button company will be the best option.
She is stylish, can entertain the child with the help of a simple game, and will give parents such necessary control functions as remote listening to the situation around their son or daughter, notification of leaving a safe location and movement history. An SOS button is provided for emergency communication with relatives. A capacious battery will last for a couple of days of work.
pros: beautiful design, there is a phone search function, waterproof against rain and water jets.
Minuses: weak camera.
1. Elari KidPhone 3G
The average price is 5,340 rubles.
Characteristics:
- kids smart watch
- waterproof
- body material: plastic
- touch screen, 1.3 ″, 240 × 240
- built-in telephone
- compatible with Android, iOS
- 2 MP camera, video recording
In appearance and functionality, this model can easily be mistaken for an adult smartwatch. It has a 2MP camera, a pedometer, and even video calling support. But what will really delight users is the voice assistant Alice from Yandex. He will answer the child's question, tell a fairy tale, and entertain with a joke.
And parents will be able to use the watch to find out the history of the child's movements, find out whether he left a safe location and whether he appeared in a specific geofence on time, and get remote access to the camera and microphone.
Despite the shortcomings (and which gadgets do not have them?) Elari KidPhone 3G are still best GPS watch for kids 2019.
pros: there is water protection against splashes and jets of water, a bright touch display, there is an SOS button, you can send sms to everyone in the contact book.
Minuses: overpriced, not very loud microphone, looks massive on the hand of children under 12 years old.
2019 sports smartwatch ranking
3. FOSSIL Sport Smartwatch
The average price is 19,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- body material: aluminum
- touch screen
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
This is perhaps the prettiest sports smartwatch running Wear OS. They are also one of the few on this list to use the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform, which gives it the edge in battery life.
The Sport Smartwatch has useful features such as GPS, heart rate monitor, altimeter, thermometer and NFC, and its light, slim and stylish design is made of aluminum and plastic. Fossil has also added some eye-catching sports watch faces in the hopes of attracting users, if not by functionality, then by the visual of the device.
pros: bright sporty design, splash-proof, sleep and physical activity monitoring.
Minuses: high price.
2. Garmin Vivomove HR Sport
The average price is 13,790 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- OLED touch screen, 0.38 ″, 64 × 128
- incoming call notification
- compatible with Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, OS X
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- weight: 40.8g
Garmin is one of the biggest names in fitness tracking technology, and it has many successful sports smartwatches in its portfolio. We included one of them in the top smartwatches of 2019.
This watch has a wide range of functions for people looking after their health. We list only the main features:
- Stress monitoring and relaxation timer.
- Shows the calculated VO2 max - the body's ability to absorb oxygen from the environment.
- Calculates athletic age.
- Daily display of average daily heart rate.
- Sleep quality assessment.
- Heart rate monitor with continuous heart rate measurement.
pros: work up to 5 days in active mode, water resistance (shower, swimming without diving), there are standard smart watch options - notification of calls, Facebook and Twitter messages and SMS.
Minuses: no NFC, no GPS to track your runs.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
The average price is 11,890 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- body material: aluminum
- Super AMOLED touchscreen, 1.11 ″, 360 × 360
- calls using a phone or tablet
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- scratch resistant glass
- weight: 25g
You don't need to use a Samsung phone to enjoy the benefits of owning this smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch Active provides all the features Android users need.
This model is compact and lightweight with an extremely clear and bright touchscreen display.
The Galaxy Watch Active is equipped with NFC, built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, and offers tracking of sleep, water consumption, calories, physical activity and even stress measurement. Workout mode automatically turns on even when you walk briskly or slowly ride your bike.
And if you mainly wear smartwatches for SMS or social media notifications, the Galaxy Watch Active allows you to quickly respond to them with your voice, built-in keyboard, or one of the many predefined responses.
Finally, the battery life, while not as good as some of the other larger models in the smartwatch ranking, is sufficient for 8 hours of continuous use.
pros: scratch-resistant glass, wireless charging, a huge number of useful functions, waterproof (shower, swimming without diving).
Minuses: Large frames on the screen.
Best smartwatches of 2019 with GPS
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch
The average price is 18,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- body material: st. steel
- Super AMOLED touchscreen, 1.3 ″, 360 × 360
- calls using a phone or tablet
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- scratch resistant glass
- weight: 63g
Even with active use, this watch will last 3-4 days. This is impressive considering that many of the other models in the 2019 smartwatch ranking will only last a day or so on a single charge.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch is equipped with a 1.3 AMOLED screen, which means you get rich colors and great brightness.
It is also worth noting the presence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the ability to make contactless payments via NFC Samsung Pay and answer calls. It's good to see that the company is trying to squeeze a decent amount of useful functionality into such a small gadget.
pros: Always on display, IP68 waterproof, heart rate monitor, heart rate sensor, pedometer and many other features to support a sporty lifestyle.
Minuses: Easily loses connection with smartphone.
2. Honor Watch Magic (leather strap)
The average price is 8,500 rubles.
Characteristics:
- waterproof
- body material: st. steel
- AMOLED touch screen, 1.2 ″, 390 × 390
- incoming call notification
- compatible with Android, iOS
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
If you want a classic looking watch, then the Honor Watch Magic is the best smartwatch of 2019. They look solid and expensive, and in addition to their appearance, they have advanced functionality.
Honor Watch Magic monitors sleep, physical activity and calories, has a heart rate monitor and smart alarm. They also allow you to receive notifications from social networks about incoming calls and received SMS messages.
Separately, it is worth noting a very convenient and informative application "Health", where data on steps taken, heart rate and sleep quality are transmitted.
pros: work up to four days in active mode, comfortable strap, there is a choice of dial type.
Minuses: no microphone and speaker, do not always restore the connection after losing the connection with the phone.
1. Apple Watch Series 3 42mm Aluminum Case with Sport Band
The average price is 19,570 rubles.
Characteristics:
- shockproof, waterproof
- body material: aluminum
- OLED touch screen, 1.65 ″, 312 × 390
- calls using a phone or tablet
- iOS compatibility
- sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity
- sapphire crystal
- weight: 32.3g
These are the best premium smartwatches you can buy in 2019. For your money, you get a device with a large, bright and clear screen, loud speaker and many features.
Apple Watch Series 3 has a variety of fitness features on board, such as heart rate and calorie monitoring. In this case, all monitoring is carried out by the clock in the background, while you go about your business.
With the ability to answer calls, this watch is a great alternative to a headset, especially if you are driving. And the presence of Apple Pay in them allows you to pay for purchases without taking out your smartphone.
If you've forgotten where you left your iPhone, Apple Watch Series 3 will help you find it, even if do not disturb mode is on.
However, it is important to note that they are not compatible with Android smartphones.
pros: water resistant (shower, swimming without diving), thermometer and altimeter and wireless charging.
Minus: this clock stands as good inexpensive smartphone
You may be wondering why we put the third and not the fourth version of Apple Watch at the top of the smartwatch rating. The fact is that the most interesting "feature" of the fourth model - the ECG function in the heart rate tracker - works only for the USA. So is it worth overpaying for something that will not be available to you in Russia?