Despite the fact that smart watches have been around for a very long time, to this day, many users underestimate this segment of gadgets, not knowing what benefits they can bring to our daily lives. Before moving directly to our subjective rating of the best smartwatches of 2021, I would like to note what tasks such gadgets can perform in general:
- Biometric sensors: allow you to track activity, including heart rate, pressure and other body parameters useful in sports;
- Receiving incoming calls: You can communicate hands-free without being distracted from your business. In addition, smart watches can collect data from instant messaging, SMS, display letters received by e-mail;
- Event Notifications: Modern devices allow you to set reminders for important and upcoming events. By the way, all the main functions, including a calculator or a voice recorder, activate prose compared to a smartphone;
- GPS: using smart watches, you can set up and coordinate the route without resorting to the use of third-party devices;
- Listening to music: you can change songs, change the volume without taking the source out of your pocket.
In addition to these options, many gadgets allow you to track the location of your smartphone, control the camera, and much more.
Good but inexpensive smart watch
If you are looking for a cheap model, it goes without saying that you need to choose lesser-known brands that are willing to offer good functionality and quality parts to stand out from the competition. This is logical. The only exceptions are a few Chinese brands known throughout the world. We’ll also take a look at them in this section of our best budget smartwatches.
IWO W26
Our top 20 smartwatches are opened by the multifunctional device from the IWO W26 series, which attracts with its chic design and light weight of about 50 grams. The practical gadget looks like the flagship Apple Watch 5, and the design is also based on zinc alloy. At the same time, the gadget is considered universal and is suitable for both men and women. Only a simple silicone strap confuses, but this is compensated by a rather large dial. As you can imagine from the price, the 1.75-inch screen is based on TFT technology. The display is protected by 2.5D curved glass.
Advantages:
- elegant design;
- basic functionality;
- light;
- big screen.
Flaws:
- balance screen;
- cheap strap.
ZTE Watch Live
A model from the ZTE Watch Live series with a heart rate monitor and a good battery adds to the list of budget smartwatches. The advantages of the device include support for a waterproof IP-67 case, the weight of which does not exceed 40 grams. On the front is a modest 1.3-inch TFT screen with a pixel density of 261 PPI. A standard set of functions is provided: there are notifications, vibration is implemented. The advantages of the gadget include counting steps and control over energy consumption. The device is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which ensures good battery life. There are several straps to choose from, including silicone and rubber.
Advantages:
- light;
- moisture protection;
- screen quality;
- image clarity.
Flaws:
- the quality of the silicone strap.
Xiaomi Amazfit Bip S
Of course, this is another budget smartwatch model that has good performance for its price. Amazfit Bip S managed to fall in love with many representatives of the beautiful part of the population. The device weighs only 31 grams and can provide the user with self-employment for 40 days, which is an unexpected indicator. Good performance and stable performance can be obtained from a lively and precise chip. It is worth adding that the product received a PPG Biotracker sensor and GPS from Sony. The products are quite expensive and well-known, despite the loyal cost of smartwatches. This is definitely a good model. The only thing he doesn’t like is the simple TFT screen, which looks less bright than the competition.
Advantages:
- compact size;
- elegant design;
- Sony GPS;
- good power.
Flaws:
Smart Watch X22 Pro
If you are looking for a good smart watch with a blood pressure monitor holder, we suggest you pay attention to the rather popular Smart Watch X22 Pro series model, which includes a 1.75-inch TFT display. Smart watches are paired with phones via Bluetooth v 5.2. You can receive sound alerts via SMS and calls. The case received an excellent speaker and accelerometer. Another feature of this device is wireless charging. The housing attracts with its high quality and ergonomic design. There are no complaints about the strap and the reputation of the manufacturer.
Advantages:
- there is a tonometer;
- small screen;
- good brand;
- strap quality;
- wireless charger.
Flaws:
Xiaomi Smart Watch RT
The best budget smartwatch of 2021 is a model from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi, the Smart Watch RT series. This is a relatively inexpensive device that incorporates many flagship parameters. Most notable in particular is the modest 1.28-inch OLED display with a resolution of 240 by 240 pixels. The body of the gadget complies with the IP-68 protection standard, it is mostly metal. According to the reviews, you can understand that the smart watch has a high-quality heart rate monitor and a very convenient alarm clock. At the same time, the model stands out with its elegant appearance, comfortable strap and good sound notification.
Advantages:
- big screen;
- speaker quality;
- smart watch;
- interesting design.
Flaws:
- for the price it’s hard to find.
The best smartwatches for price and quality
This category includes models of the middle price category (starter and high). We tried to collect good new and affordable once premium models of past generations for men and women. Such solutions are distinguished by a large set of options, stable software operation and interesting sensors, which we will talk about in each separate review of smart watches this year.
Xiaomi Amazfit GTR
The Amazfit GTR model completes our rating of smartwatches with a fairly durable ceramic and metal case. Despite the affordable cost, the gadget can withstand moisture protection up to 5 ATM and a clean AMOLED screen with durable glass from the Corning Gorilla 3 series. At the same time, the device supports up to 12 sports modes. The design simultaneously embodies the classics and suggests an attitude towards the premium segment. It is worth saying that the model, according to the manufacturer, is capable of providing a battery life of up to 30 days with moderate use. Of course, there is an optical BioTrackerTM PPG sensor for heart rate monitoring.
Advantages:
- heart rate sensor;
- battery life;
- affordable cost;
- GPS support.
Flaws:
- hard to find for this amount.
HUAWEI Watch GT
it is definitely a good smart watch for sports men and casual users. The model differs from many analogues in its excellent balance of power and design. The hardware part is responsible for 4 gigabytes of RAM, which indicates fast tasks, a good level of performance under the Android Wear series operating system. On the front, you can find a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 400 x 400 pixels. As you understand, the body is quite massive, but in a large hand the gadget looks very serious. It should be added that the device received protection against moisture and dust according to the IP-67 standard.
Advantages:
- good performance;
- blank screen;
- Android Wear operating system;
- water protection.
Flaws:
- large building.
Garmin Vivomove 3
Garmin also offered a really worthy high quality product. The Vivomove 3 series hybrid smartwatch model features a hidden touch screen, elegant design, good performance and many interesting options. If you are looking for an exquisite gift, this model will certainly justify the interests of many representatives of the male half of humanity. The fact is that a very convenient sending of smart notifications has been implemented, there are not as many gadgets as competitors have, you can easily set up fitness by tracking many parameters to check your well-being. It is possible to record the results of walking and running thanks to the presence of GPS. Battery life can be up to 5 days. The Garmin Connect branded app is constantly being refined and developed – it is very convenient for communicating on social networks using fitness modes.
Advantages:
- stress monitoring;
- good battery;
- elegant design;
- hydration analysis;
- proprietary software.
Flaws:
HONOR MagicWatch 2
If you are looking for a durable and high quality smartwatch, we recommend that you consider the Honor MagicWatch 2, which is made from durable 316L series steel. In addition, the device boasts an AMOLED display with a large amount of information. By the way, the company has taken care of the availability of customizable dials. According to the developer, the battery life, even with heavy use, can reach at least a week. Good performance is provided by the Kirin A1 model. There are 15 workout modes, you can set goals. Many users enjoy having two satellite navigation systems at the same time, which allows them to get the most accurate speed data. There is an altimeter to measure altitude.
Advantages:
- quality of steel in the case;
- good screen;
- accurate measurements;
- sports modes;
- elegant design.
Flaws:
- a little more expensive.
Apple Watch Series 3
The best value-for-money smartwatch of 2021, according to our editors, is the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular capability. As a result, users can surf the Internet and answer calls without taking their iPhone out of their bag. The high performance of the gadget is due to the support of the powerful Apple S3 series processor (2-core chip). It should be added that the developers took care of the availability of “smart” Bluetooth. Another innovation is an increase in the number of barometric altimeter modes. Battery life can reach 18 hours.
Advantages:
- fast bluetooth;
- powerful processor;
- number of modes;
- appearance;
- compact size.
Flaws:
The best kids smart watch
When buying a smartwatch for kids, users tend to pay attention to two useful options. In particular, on the stopwatch removal sensor, which indicates that the child is holding a gadget with which you can track his position (thanks to GPS). Another useful option for such devices is a special cell for installing a separate SIM card so that the child can always be in touch. At the same time, the segment is only developing, so there are not so many functional devices. We tried to find the most useful and effective, taking into account the financial capabilities of different buyers.
ELARI KidPhone Fresh
This model is a convenient children’s smart watch with GPS, affordable price and simple design. At the same time, ELARI KidPhone Fresh is easy to use and has a high protection class – IP-67 standard. Therefore, the smartwatch case is waterproof. Despite the affordable cost, the model allows you to make audio calls, control the noise around. Finding out the whereabouts of a girl or boy is extremely easy thanks to GPS and GLONASS support. Especially for emergency cases, there is a separate SOS button, after which a call is automatically made to the parents’ phone.
Advantages:
- emergency call;
- waterproof case;
- elegant design;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- simple screen
GEOZON LITE
If you don’t know which smart watch to choose for a child with GLONASS support and an affordable price, you might like the GEOZON LITE model. The device has an elegant rectangular body. The gadget has good GPS, supports LBS. The screen uses a modest panel on a TFT-matrix with a resolution of 128 by 128 pixels, but given the functionality and price, you should not find fault with this. I am glad that the sensors on the 1.44-inch screen work perfectly. Another feature of the device is the patented ELLP technology, which allows you to accurately determine the position of the baby in seconds.
Advantages:
- ELLP technology;
- good strap;
- resistant body;
- compact size;
- GLONASS system.
Flaws:
- screen features.
Smart Baby Watch KT07
Last year, Wonlex also introduced a good waterproof smartwatch with GPG. To date, the Smart Baby Watch KT07 series is difficult to find competitors in design, practicality and protection class. The device has a good 1.3-inch IPS display. In addition, magnetic charging is implemented. I must say that the device does not have a Russified menu. Perhaps this is where the shortcomings end. The model supports GSM: it works with such operators as MTS, BEELINE and MEGAFON. Battery life can be up to 72 hours. This is probably due to the presence of an energy-efficient chip and a capacious 690 mAh battery. The SIM card port is on the side. You can add up to 10 numbers to the phone book.
Advantages:
- comfortable case;
- light;
- support for mobile operators;
- big battery.
Flaws:
- non-Russian menu.
Tiroki Q900
If you’re looking for a premium model, you should try the Tiroki Q900, which is great for phones with multiple operating systems, including Android and iOS. Of course, this device supports GPS tracker. There is an excellent application (download for free) – SeTracker. The model is equipped with MTK2503D processor. The design is based on a bright 1.3-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. A significant advantage of this gadget is the Russian language in the menu, good geolocation. There is a microphone, support for data transmission via 4G LTE. Features of the model include a microphone, speaker and pedometer.
Advantages:
- 4G LTE support;
- integrated GPS;
- elegant design;
- excellent resolution;
- durable strap.
Flaws:
- not low price.
Xiaomi Amazfit GTS
In our opinion, the best kids smartwatch of 2021 is the Amazfit GTS with a red-pink case and a good level of protection. This device is made in a compact and ergonomic design, although the screen diagonal reaches 1.69 inches. The display is made using AMOLED technology and has a resolution of 348 by 440 pixels, which is an excellent indicator for this price category. Despite the presence of lightweight plastic and aluminum, the case can withstand 5 atmospheres, so the smartwatch can be used without problems during water sports. In the mode of work of average intensity, the battery life can reach 14 days.
Advantages:
- good screen;
- quality price;
- elegant design;
- light;
- protected cover.
Flaws:
The best premium smartwatches
This category includes brands that make the best-selling and most popular premium smartwatches. As you can imagine, their products are more expensive. At the same time, there is no gender in the list – presented gadgets can be used by both men and women. We also didn’t differentiate between fitness watches and regular smart devices. We were interested in such parameters as demand, functionality and technical component. As you understand, such gadgets have the largest number of modern technologies and options that the leading electronics manufacturers in the world have managed to create and implement.
Garmin Vivoactive 4S
We start our review of premium smartwatches with the Garmin Vivoactive 4S series product, with a striking design and a wide range of trackable parameters. The manufacturer claims that this model allows you to monitor your health 24 hours a day. At the same time, the product attracts with a simple download of music that can be listened to without connecting a smartphone. The functionality of the device supports more than 20 pre-installed sports programs. The accumulator allows to use the equipment 7 days. It is worth noting the quality of the Pulse Ox1 sensor, which can measure the level of oxygen saturation in the blood.
Advantages:
- Garmin Connect app
- excellent Pulse Ox1 sensor;
- many modes of operation;
- stress monitoring;
- There is a heart rate monitor.
Flaws:
- a little more expensive.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Considering a functional smart watch with NFC at an adequate price, let’s say, I would like to draw your attention to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. Recently, a South Korean gadget manufacturer has a more advanced version of the device, but the specified model is still in demand. First, because with the release of new electronics in different segments, the cost of devices of previous generations decreases. Secondly, the Galaxy Watch Active series is quite functional – there is GPS, a heart rate monitor, a pedometer and much more. It is worth noting that the case has a nice AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360 by 360 pixels. The case is rated IP-68 and complies with military standard MIL-STD-810G.
Advantages:
- blank screen;
- quality of protection;
- the price of money;
- NFC support;
- functional model.
Flaws:
- not a new model.
Huawei Watch GT2
Given the high power of the Huawei Watch GT 2 smartwatch and the balance of using its own Kirin A1 processor, we couldn’t help mentioning the product in our current list of gadgets. This is a good solution for sports fans due to the abundance of sports modes and the speed of command processing. At the same time, the chip provides low power consumption. It is worth noting that the battery life of this gadget can reach up to 2 weeks with moderate use. In training mode with activated GPS, the device can work for 30 hours without recharging. It is worth noting a good and clear AMOLED screen with a wide viewing angle, covered with high-quality 3D glass.
Advantages:
- classic style;
- good glass;
- blank screen;
- battery life;
- powerful chip.
Flaws:
- not low price.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Among the relatively new premium smartwatches, it is difficult to ignore the presentation of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, which received a Super AMOLED matrix with a new generation of durable protective glass: Gorilla Glass DX. The screen used has a resolution of 1.4 inches and is built on a Super AMOLED matrix. The case can withstand a pressure of 5 atmospheres, so the watch can be safely used at least for swimming in the pool. The gadget is based on the operating system Tizen 5.5. The watch has 1 gigabyte of RAM and 8 GB of ROM. Communications include Bluetooth 5.0, an NFC module, and Wi-Fi b / g / n. In addition, there is GLONASS, support for GPS, Galileo and Beidou. The battery capacity is 340 mAh, which is enough for several days of active use. Magnetic connector included. The smartwatch can be charged from a smartphone using wireless charging, apparently reversible.
Advantages:
- enlarged screen;
- large battery;
- modern communications;
- many modalities;
- protection class.
Flaws:
Apple Watch Series 5
According to our editors, the best smartwatch of 2021 is the Apple Watch Series 5. This is a premium gadget designed primarily for athletes and active users. The device is equipped with an advanced Retina display, the face of which is viewed 24/7, and the screen brightness level is amazing – 1000 cd / m². As you know, it is extremely difficult to find fault with the clarity of the LTPO OLED matrix. This is literally a pleasure to watch. The new Cycle Tracker app lets you log your menstrual cycle data with just a tap. At the same time, the number of parameters that can be monitored during fitness deserves special attention. If you have problems with motivation, this is definitely what you need. Another plus is support for the Apple Music library, which includes tens of millions of songs. The dual-core S5 processor guarantees high performance. Implemented support for Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n, 2.4 GHz) and the modern Bluetooth 5.0 standard. The case is protected: the model can withstand immersion in water up to 50 meters.
Advantages:
- the number of controlled parameters;
- modern communication standards;
- stunning screen;
- elegant design;
- protection class.
Flaws:
- not underpriced.
How to choose a good smart watch?
By getting a detailed understanding of the range of products that the leaders offer today, it may become easier for you to understand how to choose, for example, a smart watch for yourself, a child or another person as a gift. At the same time, we are well aware that this will not be enough for each of our readers to have something to their liking, so we want to summarize by discussing important technical parameters, functions and other nuances that are found in modern gadgets.
Let’s start with the simplest aspects: the design and the strap. The first parameter is a matter of taste, so we will not dwell on it. As for the straps, there are different types: plastic, leather, stainless steel, silicone and leatherette. At the same time, the vast majority of modern devices support the ability to change the strap.
Additional functions of smart watches. Even cheap smartwatches can sync with smartphones – that’s a fact. As far as sensors go, sport modes vary by segment, manufacturer, and cost. There are too many options, so let’s not get too carried away with this (see the models in the rating, compare). In this section, I would like to dwell on some interesting and relevant options that some well-known manufacturers offer today:
- Diet monitoring is a useful option for people who are dieting or exercising professionally. Essentially, this option represents your personal trainer;
- Smart home control: many modern gadgets allow you to control smart TVs, smart locks, etc. Such solutions, as a rule, are perfectly integrated into different ecosystems;
- Vehicle Synchronization: Some car manufacturers, including Hyundai, offer to control some of the functions of their modern vehicles with smartwatches. For example, you can lock the doors, set the interior temperature, etc.
Smartwatch on which operating system is better? Android Wear is a Google product used in LG, Huawei, Asus models. Such solutions, as you know, perfectly interact with smartphones based on the Android operating system, of which there are a lot. The system provides optimization of the shape of the dial;
Tizen – At one time, various companies, including Intel, were developing this system, and each managed to achieve good results. This is confirmed by the functioning of the Samsung operating system due to its good functionality and ease of use;
WatchOS is an Apple product and is only suitable for syncing with iPhone. This indicates a narrow scope, but good stabilization and efficiency when using products of this brand. Which smart watch to choose for sports? For sports, one of the important parameters is the protection of the case from moisture. This parameter is denoted in the description by the characters IP-XX, where x is a specific number. Today the most popular are IP-67 and IP-68 – maximum protection against moisture and dust. At the same time, many inventions retain not only a high level of water resistance, but also the ability to work at depth, which creates an additional burden due to pressure. Which watch has the best battery life? Battery life. It must be said right away that the battery life of a smart watch depends not only on the battery capacity, but also on the size and type of the screen. In active mode, 48 hours or more is considered normal. In standby mode, modern gadgets can work for several weeks. As you understand, there can be no specific figures, as evidenced by the above data. It can only be noted that monochrome displays consume less power than more advanced alternatives.
Smart dial. As practice shows, this parameter is rarely given due attention and in vain. Yes, it’s a matter of taste. However, the flexibility in customizing the appearance depends on how quickly the model gets bored. The more things sold, the more opportunities to change the dial in accordance with the style of clothing, for example, or mood. You can find many stores, including Google Play, where you can download new panel design options, if such an opportunity is provided by the operating system and gadget capabilities. At the same time, keep in mind that when choosing a smart watch, you see only the basic set, which includes, for example, an analog version with an arrow, electronics and a mix. Another important point is the ability to turn on the backlight in the active mode (good energy saving).
Screen type. It would be foolish to deny that the ease of use of such electronics also depends on the size of the screen. Today, it no longer makes sense to choose smartwatches with a display size of less than 1.5 inches. As for the technology, it should be noted here that the AMOLED matrices used in Samsung, in particular, guarantee a higher level of color reproduction than IPS. In addition, this technology attracts with a large viewing angle, a good level of brightness. At the same time, although modern IPS matrices are actually inferior, they are difficult to notice with the “naked eye”, so it is not always rational to focus only on this parameter in favor of a particular gadget. It is much more important to find a balance in terms of size, as a display that is too large will weigh down the design.
What is the best smartwatch to buy in 2021?
Therefore, before buying such equipment, you should pay attention to the operating system installed in the smartphone, take into account the main tasks that you set for the gadget. The second role is played by stylistic design. We have divided the list by genre, but you should understand that almost all top models come in different designs. If you do not know which smart watch to buy, also pay attention to the reviews and other ratings of our colleagues. Regarding our opinion:
- Best cheap smartwatches – Xiaomi Smart Watch RT
- Convenient smart watch for children – Tiroki Q900;
- Best smartwatch for sports – Apple Watch Series 5
- A good watch model for the price and quality: HONOR MagicWatch 2;
- High quality smart watch – Apple Watch Series 5.
The ad is subjective and we really rely on your feedback. Share your thoughts, dear friends.