Choosing the Best Smartwatch of 2023

Smartwatches are convenient tools that are commonly used by everyday people. They have a wide variety of functions, and you can use them for business and entertainment. Because smartwatches are so commonly used, there is a vast array of different smartwatches on the market.

In this smartwatch buying guide, we have compiled a few details to remember when deciding what smartwatch you want to invest in.

Compatibility

One of the first things you should consider when shopping for a smartwatch is what operating system the watch uses and what operating system your phone uses. Not all smartwatches are meant for all phones, and if you do not pair them correctly, it can seriously hamper your smartwatch's effectiveness.

For example, if you are using an iPhone, you should really consider using an Apple Watch. That’s not to say that other smartwatches aren’t compatible with iPhones; there are other options that will work with them.

However, since the Apple Watch was designed specifically for use with the iPhone, it will give you the best performance. Other third-party watches may not be able to run all of the apps your iPhone offers for smartwatches.

There are more options for compatible third-party watches for Android users, though they also have their own smartwatch designed by Google specifically for Android phones. Some of these third-party options are better than others regarding how much they can do and how expensive they are.

Display

The display is another key feature to consider when shopping for a smartwatch. There are two different types of displays commonly used in modern smartwatches, LCD and OLED.

LCD is the most commonly found type of display. They tend to be brighter and have richer color displays than watches that use OLED displays. These are great options for photos and other apps where picture quality is important.

While not as commonly used as LCDs, OLED displays still offer a fantastic display and thin cases. They also have less of an impact on battery life than LCDs do. As a result, OLED screens tend to be found on pricier smartwatches.

Function

This might be the most important thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for your smartwatch. Most smartwatches have a few basic functions, such as alerting you to new calls or text messages, but they are also geared towards different primary functions. For example, some smartwatches are geared toward fitness, while others might have basic fitness tracking but are primarily geared toward using apps.

Some of the most commonly used smartwatches are used for fitness tracking. Whether for tracking a casual gym session or breaking down more professional athletic statistics, there is no shortage of smartwatches that can fit your needs.

It is not uncommon to find that many smartwatches have some degree of fitness tracking, such as heart rate monitoring. However, smartwatches meant for athletic purposes have offerings from speedometers to GPS and much more.

Smartwatches focusing on athletics also tend to have more durable water- and shock-resistant cases. Battery life is another big focus for these watches.

Another primary function for some smartwatch users is using their watch to enhance their phone experience. Typically, when using a smartwatch to supplement your phone, you are using it for things like phone calls and texting to make it a more hands-free experience. When using a smartwatch for this purpose, you will also want to consider what apps it can run.

Fashion and Style

One thing that might be easy to overlook when shopping for a smartwatch is style. There is no shortage of ways to customize your smartwatch, and now that smartwatches are so commonly found, there is something out there for most tastes and styles.

Personally, I love a good watch band. Most smartwatches can change bands, though it is important to remember that if this is important to you, not all smartwatches have this feature. By being able to change watch bands, you can feel like you are sometimes wearing a completely different watch every day. It also allows you to use one watch for casual, formal, or more active occasions.

One very important thing to keep in mind with smartwatch bands is that they are not universal. Some smartwatches need very specific bands to connect to the watch case. An example of this is the Apple Watch. It has unique lugs, the spot where the watch connects to the watch band, which requires a band made specifically for an Apple Watch.

Another aspect of style to consider is how customizable the screen is. Of course, some smartwatches are more customizable than others. For example, some may only offer digital time, but others will allow you to customize almost every aspect of your screen.

For example, some watches allow you to change your watch face to an analog display instead of a digital one. Others offer much more complex analog, or digital watch faces as well. There are also some, like the popular Fitbit, where most models are not geared toward fashion or style and do not allow you to change the display at all.

Choosing The Right Smartwatch

With all of the options available today, shopping for a smartwatch can become overwhelming. However, going into the process with an idea of what you are looking for will make the whole process much more manageable.

Remember that you want to make sure you are shopping for smartwatches that will be compatible enough with your phone for your purposes. While some smartwatches are designed for specific phones, plenty of third-party watches will work to varying degrees of success with different phones.

Keep your primary function in mind. For example, if you are a serious athlete, make sure you are looking for smartwatches that are a little tougher and can support the apps you need. On the other hand, if you primarily use your smartwatch for communication, ensure you are looking for a smartwatch with plenty of hands-free options.

If style is more important to you, keep an eye out for watches that are more customizable than others. With all the options available today, there is a smartwatch for everyone!