Best Smart Watches / Fitness Trackers

What is a smart watch?

Apple and Samsung smart watches are some of the most recognisable and sought-after devices. A smart watch can replicate the experience of using a smartphone but with the added convenience of wearing it on your wrist. You can use a smart watch to do anything from texting a friend to using Google Pay. No more fumbling in your wallet to find your credit card!

Smart watches are customisable, and from screen shape to sensors there are many options to choose from. You can even change the colour of your bands to your liking. But if you're looking for a classic design that will suit any activity or outfit a black model is always a safe choice. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, there are also plenty of bright and colourful options like bright pink and fluro yellow.

What does a smart watch do?

A smart watch can keep you both entertained and organised. Install apps like Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop with friends and family through social media notifications. To plan your week, schedule tasks and events in the Calendar app. For those constantly on the go, you can choose a smart watch with a Voice Assistant, so you can schedule without needing to touch the screen. With many smart watches offering Bluetooth connectivity, say goodbye to getting caught up in a tangled mess of headphones while jogging. Simply pair your wireless headphones to your smart watch and use the Bluetooth connection to play tunes using Spotify.

If you're especially prone to misplacing your phone, you can even choose a smart watch that connects to WiFi instead of Bluetooth, so you don't need your phone close by to connect to the web.

Fitness trackers

The fitness tracker can be a great distraction-free way to exercise. Features like the voice coach can help you stay motivated through those last brutal sit-ups during a solo workout session, while the step tracker can take the pressure off having to keep count yourself.

Fitness trackers are designed to help you kick your fitness goals, so they usually focus on features to help with fitness. They're often used to keep track of health and workouts and can often track your calories input and output and monitor your heart rate.

Fitness trackers are usually designed to be thinner and less bulky, which may make them more comfortable during exercise. This is so they don't irritate you during exercise and you can wear them to bed without a problem. Some bands are so comfortable that you might forget you're even wearing one! This is especially helpful when using your fitness tracker for sleep tracking. The Fitbit Versa 2 works as a wearable sleep tracker, letting you track how many minutes of REM (deep sleep) you have. At only 38 grams, it is light and comfortable to sleep in.

So what's the difference between a smart watch and fitness tracker?

Fitness trackers and smart watches have many features that cross over. Both can be waterproof, and a smart watch such as a Garmin smart watch can help you transition seamlessly from the athletics field to swimming pool. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a prime amphibious example. Plus many fitness trackers and smart watches have Bluetooth connectivity and can send messages in case you are running home late from practice.

The smart watch makes a great everyday accessory with a wide variety of styles and designs. If you don't need the extra modern conveniences of a smart watch such as making digital payments or calls, then a fitness tracker tends to be a cheaper alternative to a smart watch. But if you are looking for a phone and fitness tracker rolled into one, the smart watch is your best bet!

To get more info on the right smart watch or fitness tracker for you, scroll down to browse through reviews and to start experimenting with the filters on the left to customise your selection.