Back in the 80’s Michael Knight had a smartwatch… and then we too finally had it!
We all wanted our wristwatches to be cool enough to do more than display just time, and Casio gave us that with their very cool watches. But thankfully, we’re in the era where they do a lot more!
From running apps and monitoring your heart rate to allowing you to check your phone’s notifications, these wearables are pretty much where we dreamed them to be (except for the price!).
Best Smartwatches 2024
The smart watch industry continues to add new tech every year, offering a wealth of useful features for an easier and cooler life. If you’re in the market to buy a smartwatch, here’s a nifty guide to help you pick from the best smartwatches available today.
Nothing CMF Watch Pro
The Nothing CMF Watch Pro has been making waves for its budget-friendly price and solid features, making it the best smartwatch of 2024. Here’s a fun, relatable take on what you can expect from this gadget.
First things first, the Nothing CMF Watch Pro is an absolute steal at just $69. It’s like finding a designer item in a discount bin. The watch sports a 1.96-inch AMOLED display that’s crisp and bright, with dark grey and metallic grey options to suit your style. It’s chunky but lightweight at 47 grams, making it a noticeable yet comfortable addition to your wrist.
Now, let’s talk features. The watch packs in 110 sport tracking modes – yes, you read that right, 110! So whether you’re an inline skating enthusiast or a snowboarding aficionado, this watch has you covered. Fitness tracking includes heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen monitoring. The heart rate monitoring is on by default, and you can manually activate the others.
A standout feature for many will be the Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction. You can make and receive calls directly from the watch when connected to your phone, and it works pretty well. Your voice comes through clearly, and the built-in speaker is surprisingly loud, making conversations easy and clear. Just remember, you’ll need to manually add your contacts to the watch first.
The CMF Watch Pro’s battery life is impressive, boasting up to 13 days on a single charge depending on your usage. With an always-on display and active notifications, you can expect to recharge every five days or so. Charging is done via a magnetic puck, which is a bit finicky but gets the job done in under two hours.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The watch lacks an ambient light sensor, meaning you’ll have to manually adjust the screen brightness, and it has limited watch faces to choose from. The companion app can be a bit buggy, and the Bluetooth connection might randomly drop unless you keep the app active. But, Nothing is rolling out frequent updates, so fingers crossed these issues get ironed out soon.
In a nutshell, the CMF Watch Pro offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a well-designed, feature-packed smartwatch with some minor quirks that you might be willing to overlook for the price.
Now… what we have is nothing, but expensive stuff…
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is boasted to be the ultimate sidekick for your wrist, but is it?
The design is sleek and stylish. It comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and a range of colors, so you can find one that suits your vibe. To check exact specs, please look up their site.
Back to our overview, the screen is big and bright, making it easy to see your stats and notifications without squinting. But let’s talk about the real MVP: the features.
This waterproof smartwatch is like having a personal assistant strapped to your wrist. Google Pay? Check. Health monitoring apps? Double check.
It’s also awesome for tracking workouts and figuring out how your body ticks. The Galaxy Watch 6 has over 100 workout options, so you can find something to suit your mood, whether you’re feeling like a HIIT session or a leisurely stroll. And with the new irregular heart rate notifications and skin temperature monitoring, you can keep an eye on your health without being a total hypochondriac.
It syncs up to Galaxy smartphones without any extra hassle, and the display is like a playground for customisation.
The only downside? The battery life. It could be better. Charging every other day is just weird.
If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, this one is a good option. Oh and its priced around $200…
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a significant upgrade over previous models, offering enhanced health and fitness tracking capabilities.
Some key improvement areas are the health sensors, battery life, and brightness. For full specs, please look it up on the product page.
The new S9 chip enables faster and more precise tracking of workouts, heart rate, and other health metrics compared to older Apple Watch models. It is less prone to losing heart rate tracking during vigorous exercise.
Improved ECG and blood oxygen monitoring – The Series 9 allows users to generate an ECG and monitor their blood oxygen levels right from the wrist.
Enhanced sleep tracking – While still not as detailed as some dedicated sleep trackers, the Series 9 provides better sleep monitoring and insights compared to previous Apple Watches.
Brighter display for outdoor use – The Series 9 display is twice as bright as the Series 8, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. However, the Series 9 still lacks some advanced health features like blood pressure monitoring, and the battery life, while improved, is still limited to around a day and a half with typical use. Horrible!
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 represents a notable step forward in health and fitness tracking capabilities for the Apple Watch lineup.
It is a compelling option for iPhone users looking to upgrade their smartwatch, especially those focused on comprehensive health monitoring. Price? Ah well, its noth of $300.
Fossil Gen 6
Alright, let’s dive into the Fossil Gen 6, but without the techy mumbo jumbo.
The Fossil Gen 6 is like the slick new kid in school, rocking a familiar yet slightly spruced-up design.
It’s got a 1.28-inch AMOLED display that’s as bright and sharp as your best mate’s witty comebacks, although there’s a bit of bezel action that doesn’t quite reach the edge. The case comes in several stylish colours including Black, Smoke, and Rose Gold, and the bands are swappable but only with other 22mm bands.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. This means it’s zippy enough for all your app-hopping needs. You’ll also find the usual suspects in the sensor department: heart rate, SpO2 for blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. However, don’t expect a fitness-tracking powerhouse—Google Fit steps in to fill the gaps.
Battery life? Well, let’s just say it’s not going to win any endurance races. You’re looking at about a day of juice, but the bright side is that it charges like a champ—zero to full in under an hour. This 1 day of juice can quickly increase to 3 easily if you remove all unwanted apps, and not take calls on the smartwatch.
Yes, Fossil Gen 6 is a smartwatch that allows you to answer and make calls directly on your watch when your phone is out of reach, but the consensus is that while the audio quality for calls is good, battery drain is super fast.
For workouts, it’s decent. It’s not the most svelte smart watch. It’s like that friend who’s not the fastest runner but always shows up for the race.
So, if you want a stylish smartwatch that’s a solid all-rounder, the Fossil Gen 6 could be your jam, especially when its for under $200.
TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
Next we have the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.
This smart watch is like the Swiss Army knife of wearables—rugged, durable, and packed with features.
It’s got a sleek, black design that screams “I’m ready for anything,” and it’s built with military-grade materials, so you can take it from the office to the wilderness without a second thought. The case is made of stainless steel, aluminium, and high-strength nylon with fibreglass, making it tough enough to survive your wildest adventures.
The standout feature of the Pro 5 Enduro? Its mind-blowing battery life. In Smart Mode, you get up to 90 hours of power, and if you switch to Essential Mode, it can last a staggering 45 days. Yes, you read that right—days, not hours. This is thanks to its dual display technology.
The top layer is a power-efficient LCD that’s always on, showing you the time, date, and basic fitness stats without sucking the battery dry. Underneath, there’s a full-colour OLED display that’s sharp, vibrant, and perfect for all your app needs.
Under the hood, the Pro 5 Enduro is powered by the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, ensuring it runs smoother than a buttered otter. Apps open instantly, and you can scroll and navigate without any lag. It runs the latest Wear OS, giving you access to all your favourite Google apps and more. Though, a bit of a bummer—Google Assistant isn’t supported yet, but fingers crossed for a future update.
Fitness and health tracking are top-notch on this bad boy. It continuously monitors your heart rate, tracks your blood oxygen levels, and even keeps tabs on your sleep and stress levels.
The TicExercise app offers a smorgasbord of workout modes, from the usual running and cycling to the more exotic like mountaineering and roller skating. And let’s not forget the built-in GPS for those who love their outdoor workouts. Plus, it has a nifty “heart rate backlight” that changes colour based on your current heart rate zone, so you always know how hard you’re working.
Speaking of sleep tracking, it’s pretty solid, but not without quirks. Sometimes it misreads short wake-ups in the night as naps, but setting up a sleep schedule can help. The watch also has a new snore detection feature, which could be handy (or a bit embarrassing).
Now, let’s talk calling features. Yes, the Pro 5 Enduro can handle calls. With its built-in speaker and mic, you can take calls directly from your wrist, making you feel like a secret agent every time you answer the phone.
At $349, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro isn’t cheap, but it offers tremendous value for those who need a durable, feature-packed smartwatch with exceptional battery life. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who hates charging their watch every night, this one’s a winner.
In summary, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro takes everything great about its predecessors and cranks it up a notch, making it one of the best Wear OS watches out there for the active, adventurous type.
OnePlus Watch 2
The OnePlus Watch 2 is here, and it’s making some serious waves in the smartwatch pool. If you’re after a watch that screams “premium” with its build and features but whispers sweet nothings when it comes to the price, this might just be your new wrist buddy. Let’s dive in, shall we?
First off, the design. OnePlus has gone all out with a 47mm case made of stainless steel, giving the watch a substantial, high-quality feel. But heads up, if you have petite wrists, this beast might look more like a dinner plate on you.
It’s got a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 466 x 466 resolution, ensuring you won’t be squinting to check your steps or notifications even in bright sunlight. The screen is covered with sapphire crystal, which sounds fancy and is pretty scratch-resistant, so no need to panic if you accidentally scrape it against your desk.
Under the hood, the OnePlus Watch 2 is powered by a dual-chip setup: the Snapdragon W5 for handling Wear OS tasks and a low-power BES2700BP chip for basic functions like telling the time and tracking your steps. This clever combination means you get the best of both worlds – all the smart features without the usual battery woes. Speaking of which, the battery life here is pretty impressive. With everything turned on, including the always-on display, you can get around three days per charge. If you switch to power-saving mode, you could stretch it to nearly 12 days. Not too shabby!
Fitness enthusiasts, rejoice! The OnePlus Watch 2 tracks over 100 types of exercises and integrates seamlessly with Google Fit, Strava, and other health apps thanks to Wear OS. It also features heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, and even stress monitoring – because who doesn’t want to know exactly how stressed they are while being told to “relax” for the millionth time?
Now, about that calling feature. The OnePlus Watch 2 does handle calls, but there’s a catch. While it supports Bluetooth calling, meaning you can make and take calls directly from the watch when connected to your phone, there’s no LTE version. So, you still need to be within Bluetooth range of your phone for those important chats.
Lastly, the watch supports a robust set of Google services like Calendar, Wallet, Maps, and more, making it a great companion for anyone deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem. Plus, with 32GB of onboard storage, you can store plenty of music for those phone-free jogs.
In summary, the OnePlus Watch 2 packs a punch with its premium build, impressive battery life, comprehensive fitness tracking, and the convenience of Wear OS. Just remember, it’s not the most subtle piece of jewellery, so make sure you’re ready for a statement piece on your wrist. Priced around $300, you better be sure of this investment.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Picture this: you’re on a quest for a sleek, modern smartwatch that’s not just a looker but packs a punch in features too… Its got to be ‘The Google Pixel Watch 2’, the sequel that aims to outshine its predecessor with a blend of style and substance.
First off, the design. Google has kept the elegance of the original Pixel Watch but shaved off some weight, making the Pixel Watch 2 a lighter 31 grams. This sleek beast sports a 41mm aluminum body and a thinner 12.3mm profile, wrapped in a smooth, domed AMOLED display that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch.
It’s available in four snazzy colour combinations, including Polished Silver and Champagne Gold, giving you a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag (but its still just a bit short of $400!)
Under the hood, it’s all about the upgrades. Google’s slapped on a new quad-core processor and Wear OS 4.0, making this watch zippier and smoother in daily use.
The Pixel Watch 2 is now equipped with a multi-path heart rate sensor that’s 40% more accurate than its predecessor, particularly during those intense HIIT workouts. Add in a skin temperature sensor and a continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor borrowed from the Fitbit Sense 2, and you’ve got a comprehensive health tracker strapped to your wrist.
But wait, there’s more! The Google Pixel Watch 2 isn’t just a pretty face with fitness chops. It brings the full suite of Google apps right to your wrist, including Gmail, Calendar, and a much-improved Google Assistant. And yes, it handles calls too. You can accept and reject calls directly from the watch, making it easier to stay connected without constantly fishing out your phone.
Battery life is another area where the Pixel Watch 2 steps up its game (in its own slow way). With a full 24 hours of juice (wow, right?!), it can keep up with your busiest days, and the fast charging means you’re not stuck waiting around when it’s time to power up. It goes from zero to 100% in about 75 minutes (LOL), which is a significant improvement over the original.
The Pixel Watch 2 also comes with new safety features like Safety Check, which can alert your emergency contacts if you don’t respond to a check-in timer. Plus, the automatic workout detection feature is now on par with competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, recognizing your exercise routines and tracking them seamlessly.
In summary, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a solid contender in the smartwatch arena, hence the mention, combining good looks with impressive functionality. It’s a perfect fit for those who want a stylish smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on performance. So, if you’re in the market for a wrist companion that can do it all, the Pixel Watch 2 should definitely be on your radar.
Honourable Mention: Apple Watch SE
When it comes to combining affordability and functionality, the Apple Watch SE is a close second. It’s the 2nd least expensive and smallest smartwatch in our lineup, yet it packs a punch with its upgraded Apple S8 processor and new motion sensor for Crash Detection. Though it may lack some advanced health sensors and an always-on display, this wearable technology still offers excellent app selection, safety features, and fitness tracking capabilities.
Apple has made the Watch SE even more attractive by lowering the price from the first-generation model, making it a steal for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option ($190).
With a vibrant OLED display available in 1.5 inches or 1.7 inches, it’s perfect for those who want a sleek, lightweight device without breaking the bank.
Our Take on Best Smartwatch
We seriously think that Nothing CMF Watch Pro is the best smartwatch for now, but Apple Watch SE is very close in terms of budget friendly.
Final Thoughts on Smartwatches
The smartwatch market in 2024 is brimming with innovation.
Whether you’re an Apple aficionado, a Samsung supporter, or Nothing in between, there’s a perfect smartwatch waiting for you (did you see what we did there?).
These devices are not just about telling time; they’re about enhancing your life, keeping you connected, and helping you stay healthy.
We hope this list has helped you make up your mind when you are out there looking at the best smartwatches available to make your wrist more stylish and high-tech.
Got any favourites? Drop a comment below and let us know which smart watch you’re eyeing this year.
We also welcome your opinion in our comments so tell us what we missed and if you’re an owner of these fine smartwatches then what do you love/hate about them.