smartwatch Archives - Watch Ideas

January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Apple Watch vs Fossil Smartwatch: Which Brand is Smarter?

So between Apple Watch vs Fossil Smartwatch, which brand offers the smarter wearable tech?

If you’re going to ask me, Apple edges out Fossil for the better implementation of the smart features. Plus, app integration and selection were simply better with the watch OS 7, Apple’s smartwatch operating system.

However, it could easily go the other way.

For this brand head-to-head, we highlighted the best watches from both brands to help you decide where to spend your money.

Short Introduction to the Apple Watch

Apple Watch is a product by, of course, Apple and is one of the first major products that was launched in the Tim Cook era. Although Apple has kept mum about the sales of their wearable tech, according to Asymco analyst Horace Dediu, the company has sold over 46 million Apple Watches thus far – making the watch the most successful wearable device in history.

Incidentally, the success of the Apple Watch has also made Apple the most successful watch manufacturer in the world, even topping Rolex recently.

Apple Watch Top Contenders

We have taken a look at some of the best smartwatches that Apple has to offer and have taken the liberty to handpick the company’s best ones that suit a number of specific needs and all should be worth your money.

Overall Best: Apple Watch Series 7 with GPS

The Apple Watch Series 7 with GPS + Cellular is a feature-packed smartwatch and it also happens to be the option if you’re buying your first Apple-branded smartwatch. As of this writing, the Apple Watch lineup consists of three major versions: Series 1, Series 3, and Series 6, with GPS+Cellular.

So why get the GPS version only instead of the GPS+Cellular model?

Well, the very simplest answer that I can give is the price. The Series 7 with GPS is certainly the most affordable entry point to the Apple Watch ecosystem without missing out on the majority of the key features.

Design has always been a major strength of Apple products and the Apple Watch Series 7 is no exception. The design of the watch is very functional. The colorful square display is very bright and I had no trouble making out the text whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

The watch also features the watchOS 9 which is the best version of it yet. I especially love the fact that navigating the interface is now very similar to how the iPhone works. Siri also works better which means that you now have a true hands-free / eyes-free experience.

The watch also features longer battery life and faster performance which are always a good thing. It has plenty of great features to get in your day-to-day life. Overall, it’s an excellent smartwatch that offers great value.

For the Sports-Oriented: Apple Watch Nike+

Apple is the behemoth of the tech industry. Nike is one of the biggest sports brands in the world. Combine both of them and you have a product that might just be larger than the sum of its parts.

If you’re planning to use a smartwatch to help you with your fitness goals, the Apple Watch Nike+ might just be for you.

One of the first things I love about the watch is the accuracy of the GPS. The Nike+ records the distance, pace, and routes with great accuracy. Even when using treadmills, the distance calculation is quite accurate. The heart rate monitor also offers comparable accuracy to chest strap heart rate monitors.

Apple does love its proprietary apps, so for the Nike+, you have the Nike+ Run Club app. The app is very straightforward to use and offers plenty of features for recording your activities. However, you don’t have to settle with the Nike+ Run Club app since the watch also supports other well-known fitness apps like RunKeeper, MapMyRun, and MyFitnessPal.

In terms of comfort, I’m happy to report that the watch is comfortable on the wrist. I’ve experienced no irritation while wearing the watch during a workout. The band is also outfitted with numerous holes for ventilation.

Overall, the Nike+ is a great, user-friendly smartwatch that works well as an accurate fitness tracker.

For the Budget-Conscious: Apple Watch Series 1

If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to the Series 3, the Apple Watch Series 1 is definitely a solid option.

The Series 1 name is rather confusing since this model is actually newer than the original Apple Watch which is referred to as “Series 0” which was released in 2015. The Series 1 debuted in 2016 along with the now-discontinued Series 2.

The 38mm is about 10% lower in price than the 42mm. The Series 1 will save you less than a hundred dollars but still afford you some pretty good smartwatch features. Despite lacking major features like a GPS, the Series 1 can still track your runs and be used for your workouts without needing your phone.

The Apple Watch Series 1 is also compatible with the watchOS 4 which features improved heart rate tracking features, smarter Siri, and many other enhancements.

For a cheaper price, expect to miss out on some major features and improvements such as GPS, waterproofing, brighter display, faster performance, better battery life, and more.

As long as you’re not a hardcore runner or swimmer, the Series 1 has what you need at a far more affordable price.

Short Introduction to the Fossil Smartwatch

Fossil is a very popular American fashion designer and manufacturing company that is known for its designer watches, wallets, handbags, fragrances, and more.

Not planning to be outdone by Apple, Google has released its own smartwatch operating system which is dubbed Android Wear. When it comes to wearable Google-based watches, Fossil is definitely one of the front liners.

On top of offering full-blown smartwatches, Fossil somehow has managed to stick with their roots by making hybrid smartwatches.

Fossil Smartwatch Top Contenders

Same with Apple’s lineup, we have taken a look at some of the best models that Fossil has to offer in the smartwatch race.

Best Overall: Fossil Q Gen 6 Carlyle

The Fossil Gen 6 Carlyle should be an easy recommendation if you want a smartwatch with a fashionable flair.

In my opinion, the Gen 6 lineup is among the best designed and best-looking smartwatches at the moment. It’s also available in many different materials, color options, finishes, and band styles, so you can find a timepiece that matches your own personal style. Plus, the straps are swappable which gives you more customization options.

The watch can track steps, distance, and calories burned. However, it’s only making an estimate so it’s not the most accurate tracker out there since it lacks GPS and a heart rate monitor.

Like most smartwatches, the Gen 6 can display notifications and touchscreen functions for calls, texts, app updates, and emails. It’s also powered by Wear OS, so it’s compatible whether you have an Android or iOS smartphone.

Overall, the Fossil Gen 6 looks and feels just like a regular watch but with some smart thrown in the mix.

If You Want a Regular-Looking Smartwatch: Fossil Grant Hybrid Smartwatch

The Fossil Grant Hybrid Smartwatch is described, “looks like a watch, acts like a smartwatch” which is fairly accurate.

It’s basically an analog watch with smart features.

The Fossil Grant is simply leagues ahead of its competitors when it comes to design and build. It has a gorgeous watch face that’s a real head-turner. I also particularly enjoy the 44m metal frame which feels just about right on my wrist.

The smart features come in a simplistic form of LED lights and a vibration motor. The watch can be synced with your Android smartphone or iPhone and you can get notifications via the Grant. The LED lights can be used to notify you of things like when certain hashtags are used or when a certain app sends a notification.

The Grant is equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer which can track things like steps taken, calories burned, and distance covered. Just don’t expect fancy tracking features like elevation, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking.

The Fossil Grant Hybrid Smartwatch is easily the best-looking hybrid smartwatch that you can get in the market. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s offered at a great price point.

For the Fitness Enthusiast: Fossil Q Control Gen 3

The Fossil Q Control Gen 3 Smartwatch is the go-to option for hardcore runners and fitness enthusiasts.

While many people would consider the Q Control to be dull and bland, I think the design is good and can work as a watch that fits in any situation. I really enjoy the clean and almost futuristic look of the watch which can be worn whether you are playing sports or attending a suit event.

As mentioned, the Q Control excels in in-depth activity and performance tracking – thanks to its heart rate sensor. It comes pre-loaded with the Google Fit app so you can track your heart rate, steps, and a variety of workouts. The 5ATM water resistance rating means that you can take this watch for a swim.

Overall, the Q Control looks great and works well as a sports watch. However, it does come with a hefty price tag.

The Verdict

So Apple Watch vs Fossil Smartwatch, which do I prefer?

As I’ve mentioned, I have more affinity towards the Apple smartwatches since I’m already knee-deep into Apple’s ecosystem. Plus, most of the “smart” features just work better with Apple’s watches. Tracking and app integration were simply better experiences with my Apple watch.

However, Fossil’s smartwatches have fared well during our comparison.

Fossil watches generally work better with the Android OS, so if you’re already using an Android device, I highly recommend giving Fossil’s offering a look. Plus, they’re great watches if you want a wearable tech that doesn’t look like a “smartwatch”.

January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Best Outdoor Smartwatch: Durable Smartwatch for Outdoor Adventures

After intense research and testing of different smartwatches, the Garmin Epix, Topo stands as the best outdoor smartwatch. The reason is that it has a sturdy built that can withstand rough terrain.

Users can also swim with this smartwatch as it has water-resistant of 50 meters. Furthermore, it lasts longer than most smartwatches as it’s made of durable materials.

Finally, it comes with many great features that will help outdoor enthusiasts; these include GPS, Glonass, expanded internal memory, activities analysis, barometer, and altimeter.

Best Outdoor Smartwatch

An outdoor smartwatch serves as an ideal item for hikers, swimmers, construction workers, and camping. These smartwatches can withstand extreme conditions and wet terrain. They even guide users through areas without Google Map access.

Although outdoor watches are rugged, it’s best to purchase a model that looks classy. It should also offer accurate readings because these are essential for various outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

However, with our list of the best outdoor smartwatch, you’ll surely find one that will suit your needs.

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus comes with enough features and high performance which makes it stand out as a great contender in our list. It also has a classy look which makes that can complement one’s outfit.

Triple Navigation System

The Fenix 5 Plus supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo which helps during travel on rough terrain. With these features, it’s virtually impossible for the user to become lost at any location. It also allows easy discovery of exciting places such as cafes, stores, and campsites.

Durable Materials

This smartwatch comes in various options with bezels made from either stainless steel or titanium. It also has a display face covered with thick glass or sapphire lens with a bracelet of silicone, leather, or stainless steel. With these materials, the Fenix 5 can withstand wear and tear common with outdoor activities.

Water Resistance

With a 10 ATM rating, this adds more to its durability. For this reason, this Garmin Fenix can withstand hours of rain and swimming.

Long Battery Life

When in Ultra Tac mode, the Fenix 5 offers a battery life of 42 hours. This impressive feature especially when there is no access to a power source during your trip.

Opinion and Drawback

The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a great smartwatch however it has some issues. First, it does not sync smoothly with iPhones. It also does not allow users to customize the activity screen or even back it up online.

Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN – Best Outdoor Smartwatch for Construction Workers

The Casio G-shock Rangeman can withstand harsh conditions while providing valuable information on the go. Unlike most smartwatches in the market, it does not feature a touch screen.

Solar Charging

The Casio Rangeman supports solar charging which comes in handy especially in remote areas. A single full charge offers 33 hours of battery life even if the GPS is activated. Also if the battery level drops, it can be recovered through solar charging.

Tough Bracelets

The strap on this Casio G-shock is ideal for any outdoor activity. It has a sturdy built strap made of resin and it can stay comfortable on the wrist. Also, the resin strap will last longer since it does not crack like leather or rubber.

GPS Functions

The product displays your current location after collecting data from satellites. Users can also use this data to create routes via a G-SHOCK app.

Readable Display

It has a crisp and straightforward display, and you easily can read the information from any angle. The Casio Rangeman also offers details about longitude, latitude, temperature, and altitude.

Automatic Sync

When the watch is connected via Bluetooth, it syncs with either internet time servers or GPS signals. This provides accurate data that is needed to plan your hiking trips.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Users might find this product pretty bulky on the wrist. It also has weak alarm and notifications features as it does not support vibrating alerts.

Suunto Traverse Alpha – Best Outdoor Smartwatch for Military

The Sunnto Traverse Alpha stands as a trendy and rugged smartwatch that can withstand tough terrains and elements. It also comes with features that will help outdoor enthusiasts when hiking, camping, and carrying out other outdoor activities.

Rugged Build

A rugged stainless steel case houses the inner workings of the Suunto Traverse Alpha. It also has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and a nylon bracelet. With these materials, the Traverse Alpha can endure long periods of use during outdoor activities.

Crisp Display

The watch face offers wearers the option to use either a 12-hour clock or a 24-hour military watch. In basic mode, the Traverse Alpha shows the date at the top, the time at the center with a sunrise/sunset counter at the bottom. Campers, hunters and hikers will find the counter appealing as it indicates the best time to set up camp.

Durable Band

The Traverse Alpha is available in two wristband options the nylon textile and silicone. Although these materials might not be popular with some users, they can withstand wear and tear than leather or steel. However, the silicone option handles water better.

Opinion and Drawbacks

As Suunto designs a watch for the military, it’s no surprise that the Traverse Alpha also has more features for outdoor use. However, it does not change time zones automatically while its GPS activation is slow. The Suunto Traverse Alpha barometer readings are inaccurate because the sensors touch one’s skin. The synthetic bracelet could also feel itchy on your skin.

Suunto Core Altimeter Watch All Black

Another great product from the finest brand, this Suunto Core Altimeter offers more features than regular smartwatches. First, it combines elegance with the traditional ruggedness associated with Suunto watches.

Storm Alarm

It features a barometer that offers a Storm Alarm. This option can notify users of approaching storms after sensing a drop in air pressure. On a hiking trip, this feature helps the wearer to locate a good camping site or find shelter before a storm begins.

Smart Altimeter

With the altimeter, you can record distances climbed or descended. It even measures elevations as high as 30000 ft. This option helps to track the exact location on a topographical map.

Compass Mode

The Suunto watch has a compass mode that converts the timepiece into a digital compass. It also allows users to set and lock the compass on a specific route.

Sleek Design

Unlike most outdoor watches, the Suunto Core Altimeter watch is not bulky or heavy on the wrist. This feature comes in handy as it won’t make your arms ache during climbs.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Although the Altimeter Watch has excellent features, it has a few downsides. Its dials get stuck after some time thereby requiring manual pulling. Sometimes it offers a poor display, unreliable readings. Another downturn is its battery life; it does not last long even after a full charge.

Garmin Epix, TOPO – Best Outdoor Smartwatch for Hiking and Swimming

This product stands as the first Garmin timepiece to include GPS and sport watch features. Although it has a bulky look, it stands as a good fit for camping, hiking trip, and other outdoors activities

Robust Materials

Complete with its rugged look, the Garmin Epix GPS watch is made with materials that can endure years of rough use. First, the watch is protected by a scratch-resistant crystal lens. Secondly, it has a body covered with a PVD coating. Finally, its case can withstand water damage at 50m thus making the watch an excellent fit for swimming.

Vibration Alert

Unlike most smartwatches, the Epix Smartwatch offers notifications from a connected smartphone. These notifications are followed by vibrating alerts that notify when there is a call or message.

Dedicated App

The Garmin Epix GPS comes with an app-the Garmin Connect. With the app, you can view your heart rate, steps covered and calories burned. It even lets you share your activity log on social media. To access this app, you should connect your phone to the watch via Bluetooth or USB.

Impressive Touch-screen

The Gamin Epix features a 1.4-inch screen that is easy to use or navigate. Using this screen under bright sunlight is ideal since it offers 205 × 148 pixels. The display is also a visible color chroma that allows easy reading of the screen under low light.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Since the Garmin Epix is bulky, its dials touch the back of the hand especially when you bend your wrist. It comes with low-quality software, and it sometimes offers inaccurate readings.

Apple Watch Series 4

Last on our list of the best outdoor smartwatch is the Apple Watch Series 4. Although this smartwatch includes features of a sports watch, it’s also an ideal accessory for outdoor tasks.

Water Resistance

Since it can withstand water damage at 50m, users can use it in the rain or when swimming in a pool or open water. The watch can also count the strokes made during a swim. It also features a third app that will allow the user to monitor their swimming strokes.

Outdoor Features

The watch supports GPS which guides the user during treks. Apart from that, it features an altimeter that will allow mountain climbers to measure their height above sea level.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Looking at its price, the Apple Watch Series 4 is an excellent product to work with. However, its bands feel uncomfortable on the wrist. Also, the watch requires constant charging because the battery does not last long. Finally, it interferes with the frequency of some electronic devices such as pacemakers.

What Makes a Good Smartwatch for Outdoors?

Important features

There are many important features to consider in a smartwatch for the outdoors. First, if you love to engage in activities like hiking and camping; it’s best to consider a smartwatch with GPS and GLONASS. These features will help keep track of your exact location. For Mountain climbers, it’s best to get an outdoor smartwatch that allows you to measure your altitude, receive messages, calls, and other notifications.

Other important features for outdoors include Barometer, altimeter, and compass as this updates you on incoming storms and prevailing weather.

Water Resistance

It’s certain that at some point that outdoor enthusiasts might carry out activities in wet terrain. Hence, there is a need to get a smartwatch that can withstand this problem. For this reason, this makes water resistance stands as a great factor to consider when buying outdoor smartwatches. This feature offers the watch more protection and makes it last longer when used in wet conditions including rain.

Durability

Since nobody wants a watch that will last for a short period, therefore the sturdiness and strength of the watch are essential. For a smartwatch to last longer, it has to be made of high-quality materials that can withstand tough site conditions, falls, and element impact.

Our Final Word for the Best Outdoor Smartwatch

Finally, we’ve provided great insight into outdoor smartwatches and some of the most durable models. However, it’s best to know your needs before buying one.

At outdoors, there are rough times whereby the environment and weather conditions could become pretty harsh that one of our recommended best outdoor smartwatches can come in handy.

But before you make your final decision, it’s best to choose according to your specific needs, the style that’s will fit your regular outfit. Also, consider your budget and the features that will help you more in your preferred outdoor activities.

January 24, 2023January 25, 2023

Best Fitbit for Nurses: Top Wearable for Healthcare Professionals

Nurses are some of the most hardworking healthcare professionals. Nurses have a lot on their plates while they are doing their job. They have to count pulse and respiration, do charting, med times, and the list goes on. Plus, nurses walk a lot and can take around 11,000 steps on a regular 12-hour shift.

Therefore, investing in a good quality wearable should be in the best interest of all nurses. A smartwatch with the right set of features can make all the difference to the average nurse.

As a fitness enthusiast myself, I have always been partial to Fitbit products. So I took the liberty of testing several Fitbit trackers and smartwatches that will come in handy for our dedicated healthcare providers.

So for today, we have made a list of the best Fitbit for nurses. If you are a nurse who’s looking for a good smartwatch for work, this list is a good place to start your search.

Best Fitbit for Nurses	Key Features	Our Rating
Fitbit Charge 2	PurePulse, Simplified heart rate zones, OLED display, Splash proof, Connected GPS during run mode, Sync stats wirelessly & automatically, Silent vibrating alarm	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Versa	Track all-day activity, 24/7 heart rate, sleep stages, 15+ exercise modes like Run or Swim, Smartphone app notifications, SmartTrack, Anodized aluminum watch body, Water-resistant to 50 meters	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Alta HR	Continuous heart rate, Sleep stages powered by PurePulse heart rate, Step tracking, Calories burned, Active minutes, 7 days of battery life	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Inspire HR	24/7 heart rate, Track calorie burn, Resting heart rate, Track all-day activity, Automatically track sleep, Get more insights into your light, deep & REM sleep stages, 5 days of battery	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Blaze	PurePulse Heart Rate, Connected GPS, SmartTrack, Multi-Sport, Workout Goals + Summaries, Auto Sleep, Silent Alarms, Up to 5 days battery life	★ ★ ★ ½
Fitbit Ionic	Dynamic personalized workouts, Step-by-step coaching, built-in GPS/GLONASS, Built-in NFC chip,	★ ★ ★ ½

Best Fitbit for Nurses

1. Fitbit Charge 2

The Fitbit Charge 2 is probably the most popular model from Fitbit’s line of activity trackers. The original Charge was already good on its own but the Charge 2 is way better.

Good-Looking, Multisport Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 2 is not a full-featured smartwatch per se but it’s certainly not lacking in terms of features.

First, the beautiful OLED displays the call, text & calendar notifications and they’re perfectly readable regardless of lighting conditions. This is, of course, important for nurses to check the time or a text message at a glance. It has the PurePulse feature that provides accurate and continuous heart rate tracking and measure calories burned.

For nurses who are always on their feet, the built-in activity tracker will track your steps, stairs climbed, distance covered, and active minutes. The tracker will also shed light on the quality of your sleep. There’s also a vibrating alarm that will gently wake you up once it’s time to hit your shift.

Serious fitness enthusiasts and athletes can unlock the potential of this wearable by downloading the Fitbit app. With the app, you’ll get access to even more advanced metrics to help you stay on top of your fitness goals.

The Fitbit Charge 2 is highly recommended for nurses for its excellent tracking features and lightweight profile. The Fitbit Charge 3 is also a good consideration since it’s the updated version but personally, the Charge 2 is good enough and cheaper.

2. Fitbit Versa

Making a case for a smartwatch to people is not easy. On top of commanding a high price tag, most smartwatches don’t fair well in the looks department. The Fitbit Versa is the result when the company went back to the drawing board and designed a watch that most people would want to wear.

Best Fitbit, Design-Wise

It’s easy to mistake the Versa for an Apple Watch. At a glance, it’s obvious that Fitbit took a few design cues from Apple’s wearable but you’ll be happy to know that it’s available for only a fraction of the price.

Don’t get us wrong, the Versa still pretty much looks like a smartwatch. However, I’m more compelled to wear the Versa outside, not just inside the gym. It’s a good thing that there are Versa replacement straps available so it’s easier to match the style that you’re going for.

As for the features, you can expect the standard ones like all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate, & sleep stages, and more. It also comes with 15+ exercise modes like Run or Swim and syncs with your smartphone for more advanced metrics. The watch is also available in Versa Lite Edition if you simply want the basic tracking features.

Healthcare workers will love this smartwatch for its sleek design (you can wear it to work no problem), on-point tracking, and tech-savvy features. Overall, the Versa is a true bang for your buck smartwatch.

3. Fitbit Alta HR

Fitbit skyrocketed in popularity due to their lightweight activity trackers. The company solidifies its reputation for lightweight wearables with the Fitbit Alta HR.

Lightweight But Not Light in Features

The Fitbit Alta HR is an update to the classic Fitbit Alta. The Alta HR is basically the original Alta with a heart rate sensor.

One of the highlights of the Alta HR is its stylish design. It’s a sleek and stylish wearable and looks more like an elegant piece of jewelry than an activity tracker. This is especially the case if you opt for the rose gold or metal band.

Nurses will appreciate the 3-axis accelerometer that accurately tracks your daily steps. It also utilizes this information to track the distance you have covered and stairs climbed. The screen displays your active minutes and calories burned and with the HR sensor, the displayed metrics are even more accurate and in-depth.

The SmartTrack feature will automatically activate once you start an activity. Unfortunately, there’s no way to manually start an activity like with other Fitbit trackers. It’s also worth noting that there’s no timer displayed when initiating an activity.

It’s one of the best Fitbit for nurses because it’s incredibly lightweight and accurate. Plus, the band is customizable so you can match it with your uniform.

4. Fitbit Inspire HR

If you have never tried an activity/fitness tracker before, the Fitbit Inspire HR is a solid entry-level option. It may not the most innovative Fitbit out there, it’s a tracker that’s worth looking into for the price alone.

A Great Fitbit for Beginners

Looking at the Inspire HR, it certainly looks familiar. That’s right, it looks pretty similar to the Alta. However, in my opinion, the Inspire HR comes out on top in terms of design. It’s a sleek and lightweight band that feels great on the wrist.

The features are about as basic as you can get with the Inspire HR. The tracker comes with an auto-detect feature that triggers as you begin an activity like running or walking. Since it comes with an HR sensor, nurses can easily check for vitals on the fly.

It’s a good thing that the Inspire HR works with the excellent Fitbit app. With the app, it’s easy to keep track of your activities and see more advanced stats that will help you achieve your fitness goals. As you might expect from a Fitbit, the Inspire HR offers excellent sleep tracking.

We recommend the Fitbit Inspire HR to nurses who want to track their vitals and fitness goals 24/7 but are not too keen to break the bank. The 5-day battery life means that you can wear it for a week’s worth of shifts without charging.

5. Fitbit Blaze

The Fitbit Blaze is actually the brand’s first crack at a fitness smartwatch that you can wear daily. It’s a solid choice for a fitness tracker but not so much for a smartwatch.

An Upgrade to Your Fitness Tracker

The Fitness Blaze is actually made up of two parts. First, you have the band that’s connected to a stainless steel frame. The rest of the Blaze is contained in a black rectangle that you can snap into the frame. While this may seem like a novel idea at the time, this design choice seems to be more like a gimmick than a practical feature.

The Blaze comes with a host of tracking features which is where its strengths lie. You have the PurePulse HR feature that provides continuous monitoring with simplified zones. The SmartTrack feature is also a standout as it automatically detects if you’re about to start an activity.

As for the design, Fitbit sure tried to make the Blaze look attractive. However, I can imagine that many people won’t be able to get past its angular look and sharp corners. I must admit that I wasn’t too wild about the design. However, the design did grow on me.

However, the Blaze does offer a chronograph face which is perfect for nurses. The stopwatch and digital seconds are also great additions for healthcare providers, especially with regards to taking vitals

With that said, the Blaze isn’t all that different than a regular Fitbit activity tracker. However, it’s certainly one of the best Fitbit for nurses and healthcare professionals.

6. Fitbit Ionic

The Fitbit Ionic was labeled as the “first real smartwatch” by Fitbit. The Blaze did not measure up to everyone’s expectations so the Ionic is designed to be the upgrade.

Next-Gen Tracker With Last-Gen Looks

Let’s first start with my major gripe about the Ionic. The Ionic has a watch face that only Fitbit could love. It’s almost as if it’s Fitbit’s 80’s vision of a modern smartwatch. It features the same angular look as the Blaze which I’m not too fond of.

Fortunately, Fitbit really knows their stuff when it comes to fitness. As per usual, the Ionic comes with a suite of fitness-tracking features, and it’s even better than the Blaze. The Ionic features include continuous HR monitoring, guided workouts, GPS, swim tracking, run-detect feature, and more. Sleep tracking is also superior in the Ionic.

Fitbit also excels in providing excellent battery life to their trackers, and the Ionic is no exception. And unlike the Blaze, the Ionic has access to built-in apps and you can download more if you like.

The ability to install apps is perhaps the best feature for nurses. For instance, you can download an app like Waterlogged to keep track of your fluid intake. The NFC technology is also a godsend for grabbing a quick snack from Walgreens or even better if your hospital accepts NFC payments.

It’s not the best-looking smartwatch out there but it’s no slouch when it comes to features.

The Best Wearable for Hardworking Nurses

That wraps up our list of the best Fitbit for nurses.

Fitbit is a leading brand in activity tracker and for good reason. We’re hoping that this guide has helped you find the right activity tracker to help you tackle those challenging shifts.

January 24, 2023January 25, 2023

Best Smartwatch under $50: Budget Friendly Smartwatches for Men, women and Teens

In a quest to find the best smartwatch under $50, we have spent hours testing a large selection of models. After rigorous research and testing, we choose the Pebble Steel Smartwatch Black Matte has our best pick.

We recommend this smartwatch because it supports thousands of apps and its battery can last up to 5-6 days on a single charge. It comes with health and fitness features. Also, with this device on your wrist, you can control your music, pick your calls, and get message notifications while on the go.

Smartwatch is a wearable gadget which comes with great essential feature such as health and fitness stats as well as notifications for smartphones. It also allows users to perform routine functions without their smartphone like making calls and sending messages.

Since a smartwatch has such features, it’s fair to think it will be expensive. However, due to the large number of smartwatches in the market, you can find a nifty and budget-friendly model for less than $50.

But since many brands have smartwatches within this price range, choosing a great smartwatch might be pretty difficult. In this article, we will reveal to you the best smartwatch under $50 thus making your purchase a lot easier.

Pebble Steel Smartwatch Black Matte – Top Pick for the Best Smartwatch Under $50

First, on our review for the Best smartwatch under $50 is the Pebble Steel Smartwatch Black Matte. This beautiful product features a design that stands out in various ways from most smartwatches in the market. For instance, the design does not have the regular “techy” look of a smartwatch; instead, it goes for a trendy and classic look.

This smartwatch also allows users to customize its features via its dedicated app store. Compared to smartwatches from other brands, the Pebble Watch has a durable Gorilla screen display with low brightness and moderate resolution.

The smartwatch allows users to receive notifications from their connected smartphones. It even gives users the chance to select the type of notifications you would like to receive.

Also, users can easily view all notifications in chronological order. Using this watch you can manage your online music libraries such as iTunes, Spotify, and Pandora. This makes it easy for you to listen to music on the go without taking a phone out of your pocket.

As mentioned earlier, it has a dedicated app store with a large selection of apps. With these apps, you can change the face of the watch and monitor your health and fitness stats. Surprisingly, with a single charge, its battery can last for up to 5-7 days.

This Smartwatch also has numerous straps with which you can change its look.

Possible Drawbacks

Although the Pebble watch has excellent features, it has a few issues. For instance, the screen is not as durable as it tears up within a few months of use. Next, the screen does not display in different colors but only black and white.

DZ09 Bluetooth Smart Watch

The DZ09 Bluetooth Smart Watch comes with a design and features similar to many smartwatches in the market today. With its simple display, people of all ages can access its functions. It also comes at a price that can make one of the best smartwatches under $50.

This product includes a wide selection of apps including a sound recorder, calendar, web browser, and a music player. With its inbuilt camera, users can take quick selfies while an onboard sleep monitor and pedometer offers fitness stats smoothly.

User can make calls on this device by connecting it to your smartphone or inserting a GSM 2G/2.5G network Sim card. The smart mode also allows users to reply to emails and text messages on the go.

Possible Drawbacks

Although it has less battery life than other models, it can last for most parts of the day. However, this is no surprise as the DZ09 Bluetooth smartwatch costs less than most models from other brands. Also, the watch does not have a stopwatch feature however the feature can be accessed by using the one in its Pedometer app.

321OU Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch

321OU Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch is another product which stands as possibly the best smartwatch under $50 in 2019. It has a great list of features and specifications that make it deserve this title.

It consists of a design that makes it comfortable to wear while sporting a soft strap for your wrist. Also, you do not need to take off the watch before a shower as it is water-resistant. However, it cannot be used with hot water or during a swim.

It also supports dual modes – the Bluetooth and SIM card modes. The first model allows the user to connect to the smartphone via Bluetooth to make calls, send messages e.tc while the SIM card model will enable you to perform similar functions including playing music directly from your smartwatch.

The device supports a wide range of fitness apps including a pedometer, calorie counter, sleep monitor, and exercise mileage counter. It even includes an 0.3MP camera for quick photos. You can use the watch with most smartphones as it supports both Android and iOS devices.

Possible Drawbacks

Although it has excellent features, it has a few issues. First, the smartwatch does not connect smoothly to iOS devices. Next, it is not easy to set up. Finally, most of the apps featured on this device require a fee before use.

Lintelek Fitness Tracker Smart Watch

Unlike most products on this list, the Lintelek Fitness Tracker Smartwatch supports 14 sports modes. These modes enable you to get the best out of most physical activities thus making the product a unique item for your workouts. With features as these, this smartwatch comes as a great option especially when you are shopping for the best smartwatch under $50.

Under the rain, the fitness tracker watch works well as it is water-resistant. It even has a standby time of 5-7 days on a single charge. Another great thing about this watch is that it does not need a USB charger.

With its round the clock heart monitor, you can have accurate results about your health while the sleep quality analysis option helps you observe your sleep pattern. Also, the smartwatch has silent alarms that will wake the user without disturbing others.

With this fitness watch, you can connect to your smartphone to get calls and message notifications. On the screen, users can also view caller ID and the messages.

Creating an activity route with this smartwatch is possible as it supports GPS features. These features help map out routes quickly. You can also use its onboard pedometer to measure various fitness stats including heart pace, calories burned, distance traveled and steps taken.

Possible Drawbacks

It has high sensitivity and the pedometer does not count steps accurately. Finally, Lintelek ‘s has a short battery life compared to other models on our list.

Sazooy Bluetooth Smart Watch

Last on this list is the Sazooy Bluetooth smartwatch which has a slim and sleek look. It also comes with other great features that are amazing for a product at a budget price.

The watch doubles as an Andriod phone when you insert a GSM 2G/2.5G sim card. This means you can make calls and send text messages as you would on a regular phone. With a TF card, you can use the installed web browser and social media apps.

The Bluetooth function allows user’s to connect to their smartphone. Also, with this feature users can view images, play music, and use some apps from the phone to the watch.

It features a fitness tracker, pedometer, sedentary reminder, and a sleep monitor to help you keep fit and stay healthy. Also, it comes with a small camera that allows you to capture simple photos. Its tracker also has a sound recorder and calculator.

Possible Drawbacks

Although the Sazooy Bluetooth Smart Watch works with all devices, it performs poorly when paired with an iPhone. Also, the smartwatch is not durable and does not support changeable straps.

What to Look Out For When Buying the Best Smartwatch Under $50

Before you shop for a smartwatch, you need to consider some factors. Usually, these factors are features that will help a user get the best from such a product. Now let’s see what to look out for before you buy a smartwatch.

Compatibility with Your Smartphone

One of the things you should check is your phone’s compatibility with the smartwatch. Most smartwatches work with both Andriod and iOS devices; however, they might not access their full functions.

Style of Watch

The style of the watch also determines the type of item you want. However, many watches have either a techy or analog look. Some have changeable straps while others have a fixed bracelet.

Apps the Watch Supports

Before you buy a smartwatch, ensure it comes with apps that you need. After all, it makes no sense, if you’re a fitness nut and you end up buying a smartwatch that only offers push notification.

Battery Life of the Smartwatch

The battery life of a smartwatch determines how long it can be used on a single charge. If you can plug in your watch to a power source without effort, then any model will serve well. However, if it can stay for days without charging your smartwatch or you are always on the road, you should choose a model with longer battery life.

Final Word

Recently, smartwatches cost more than most people could afford. But now there is a wide selection of stylish and practical smartwatches for under $50. This gives you many options to choose from.

The great thing about this device is that it can compete with the flagship watches from high-end brands. For instance, the new wave of budget smartwatches has the functions of a typical smartphone in a small package. They also help users keep fit and stay healthy at the same time.

Although all watches featured on our list have their cons, they work well with most devices. They also do a great job monitoring our health. Hence, if you want to look for a gift that serves numerous functions and makes you look trendy at a friendly budget, consider getting one of the best smartwatches under $50.

January 23, 2023January 24, 2023

Best Smartwatch For Cycling

We’ve taken the time to research the best smartwatch for cycling and have discovered four smartwatches that would highly benefit your next cycling session. All of our selections factor in apps, sturdiness, and other qualities that make them beneficial to frequent bikers.

As for the number one slot, we’re choosing the Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch.

Keeping fit is more than just doing your daily stretches, cardio, and strength training. As a cyclist, you want to keep pushing the limits and exceeding your latest record. To do so, you might find it beneficial to use a smartwatch to track your exercises. Hence why we’ve developed a list of the best smartwatches for cycling.

Fitness smartwatches only use to be useful for tracking steps and functioned similarly to a pedometer. However, with new advancements, they can accurately track tire movements and provide feedback on your biking session. So, whether you’re using the smartwatch as a competitive cyclist or just a quick ride around the block, these best smartwatches for cycling can help.

Although, we do recommend buying a budget-friendly smartwatch if you’re just looking for basic features.

Top Pick: Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch

The Fitbit Surge is your classic smartwatch from the Fitbit brand, except made for those who want to train smarter. It’s packed with multiple tools to help you set goals and learn how to push yourself farther with your workouts. Plus, the slim yet durable design is simplistic but keeps the watch intact throughout your workout.

Fitness Tracking Pro

The watch features up to date applications that can rival most other fitness trackers. You’ll be provided GPS Tracking which lists your distance, split times, and even your pace. This can be helpful if you’re using it for multiple activities.

Besides that, it features All-Day Activity, enabling you to track total steps, distance, and calories burned. The PurePulse Heart Rate Monitor is suitable for those tracking heart rate and needs to stay in specific zones. Lastly, the SmartTrack enables you to use it with multi-sports and records all your activity.

On Display Notifications

Being always in the know with our busy lives is what makes technology so great. With the display screen, you’ll be able to get consistent updates for calls, texts, and even music. Control your soundtrack while you’re cycling and switch it up with just a flick of the finger.

On top of that, you’ll be able to monitor your sleep patterns, set the alarm, and manage any notifications on the screen from your phone. Overall, it’s an excellent system if you want full control from your wrist.

Ultra Slim Design

Lastly, the design is slim enough where it doesn’t clog up your screen or expect you to wear a heavy wristwatch. Instead, it’s lightweight, durable, and features a breathable black strap. However, if you get the urge to change it up, you can purchase your own strap and wear that one instead.

What Do We Think?

We believe that this is genuinely the best smartwatch for cycling. It provides you with multiple monitoring systems that help track all your activities throughout the day, which most others can’t do. Plus, the small and slim design looks sleek and modern. Add the fact that you can have full control over your phone and other notifications while you’re cycling, and you’ve got yourself a useful smartwatch.

Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive HR

The Garmin Viviactive HR is our second best smartwatch for cycling. It’s been designed with a beautiful slim screen that’s high resolution and features a multitude of fitness tracking applications. Unlike others, the longer battery life and smartphone pairing make this one of the best for those on the go.

Heart Monitoring System

A healthy heart is the key to being physically fit, which is why the Vivoactive HR comes with a GPS Smartwatch featuring an elevated heart rate monitor.

By measuring the pulse on your wrist, the smartwatch will accurately display the numbers tracked without the need to use a chest strap.

Extensive Battery Life

The one major problem with smartwatches is that they tend to have short battery life and need to be recharged. While others may last one to two days, this one features an 8-day battery life if using the tracking mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.

Overall, it depends on what applications and features you’re going to use to determine if the battery life is worth it or not.

Built-in Sports Apps

The smartwatch comes built with specific sports apps to help you log and track your session. As the main feature, the GPS enabled cycling app enables you to track times, distance traveled, speed and calories.

Besides this, it comes with an accelerometer, GPS, golf course apps, and step tracking. As you can see, it’s best for those looking for an all-around system.

What Do We Think?

Overall, it’s an excellent smartwatch which enables you to keep track of multiple sports. However, if you’re using it for cycling, it may be a bit overwhelming.

The long battery life is a useful feature, but the fact that you can drain it quickly using other apps makes it mediocre. Either way, we find that it’s best suited for those switching up their workout routine.

Best Heart Rate Monitor: Polar A370

If you’re searching for an all-around fitness smartwatch, then you can’t go wrong with the Polar A370. It’s a 24/7 fitness watch that includes multiple features and apps to help track your overall health. That being said, if you’re trying to monitor other aspects of your life instead of just your cycling, this is the perfect fit.

Multiple Fitness & Health Trackers

Similar to other smartwatches, the Polar features multiple trackers to help your fitness journey. It includes a continuous heart rate monitor that produces a whole day worth of information.

Plus, you can use the information provided to tailor calorie-burning activities. Besides this, there’s a Sleep Plus app which can help you track sleep and give you better insights into your sleeping habits.

Personal Workout Guider

If you need a little nudge to reach your fitness goals, then you will find the workout guidance tools useful. With the unique tracking system, the watch calculates data it collects from other activities, and your heart rate to help build a better workout plan.

Anyone looking for guidance and feedback will genuinely appreciate this aspect, as it can help you meet your goals faster.

Reliable GPS Tracker

However, we want to take a look at one of the possible benefits that are also a downfall. The GPS navigation is amazingly accurate and provides you useful information for tracking speed, routes, and distances.

But, you will need to have your phone with you at all times. While this isn’t a problem for most of us, the downside is that if your phone dies or loses internet connection, then you won’t be able to access any of these features.

What Do We Think?

The Polar gives you more accurate results and tracking than any other on our list, but it’s not our best listed because it has short battery life, must be paired with your phone, and lacks on other features you may find in other fitness smartwatches.

However, it’s perfect for bikers because of the large easy to read display, the accurate tracking, and allows you to pair it with 3rd party services.

Best for Daily Activity Monitoring: Apple Watch Series 4

Our last pick is the Apple Watch Series 4, which is by far one of the best for all around daily activities. For those who find themselves always on the go, the Apple Watch is the perfect smartwatch to help them stay connected, track fitness, and improve their cycling.

New Improvements

The design has since then been upgraded from the previous model. It comes with a large display, electrical heart sensors, and a newly redesigned digital crown which provides haptic feedback. These are excellent features for those looking to monitor their heart rate and keep within specific ranges.

Proactive Health Monitor

There’s an ECG located under the smartwatches backside. This eliminates the use of chest straps or other types of heart monitoring systems. You’ll be given notifications if your heart rate is irregular, out of its reasonable bounds, or fall detection or SOS.

Ultimate Workout Partner & Activity Tracker

The ultimate workout partner is perfect for those who want to improve themselves with others. If you’re in a group, you can sync together and get notifications every time someone is closing in on you.

Besides this, you can also see up to five metrics in front of you, giving you the upper hand.

What Do We Think?

Out of all the best watch for cycling, we’d say that this is the least to please you. While it does have, it’s pros and cons, and it can’t be used for cycling.

Why? Because it’s more of a monitor daily activity fitness watch. It doesn’t feature many other useful apps or tools that could help you with your cycling session.

Our Verdict On The Best Smartwatch For Cycling

As we come to the final push of the article we should ask, is there best smartwatch for cycling? The truth is, any of the ones that we’ve listed have been useful for bikers. However, some come with extra features that you’d find helpful for other aspects throughout your day.

That being said, you should take the time to narrow the four options down to find one that would work with your daily life. If you tend to cycle once every few days, then you may not want something as accurate like the Garmin. However, if you want an all day watch, the other three listed are exactly what you’re looking for.

As a regular cyclist, you should consider as well the best heart rate monitoring for cycling as one of the basic tools for continues improvement.

Either way, being a cyclist is impressive and enables you to breathe fresh air while being outdoors passing by the scenery. Having a GPS map out your route and record your progress around town can help you adjust your workout to your liking. Overall, that’s why we believe the Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch is the best smartwatch for cycling.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Best Smartwatch For 10 Year Old

After researching and comparing a range of the best smartwatch for 10 year old, TickTalk 3 is my favorite. It features colorful designs, fun activities, and durable materials that are attractive to the younger audience.

Quite different from a couple of decades ago, today’s kids are growing up surrounded by smart gadgets, computers, and tablets. Technology becomes an integral part of their life, right from their tender age.

Other times, the smartwatch serves as a bit of fun for them. Also, these wearables help to stay in touch and track your child’s location in real-time. But you will need to opt for one that gears towards young-users.

To make sure our selection of wrist-based gadgets for kids are the cream of the crop, we explored the price, durability, functionality, practicality, and feature. In addition, we scoured reviews from both online customers and experts. But let’s begin with our top choice – TickTalk 3

TickTalk 3 – Best Smartwatch for 10 year old

First of all, getting a durable touch-screen device that covers all the bases for a 10 year old can earn you a big hug. The TickTalk 3 is one of the latest generations of smartwatches from TickTalk and the first kid’s watch to make smooth video calls in the US. The newly upgraded 4G/LTE connectivity makes the TickTalk twice as fast as the previous models. Because of this, location detection and network reception are remarkable.

It seems to have everything. Some attractive features comprise of the Wi-Fi calling, video and voice calling, smart messaging, 4G/LTE connectivity, and Live GPS tracking. Others include Long battery life, IP67 waterproof, stopwatch, alarms, calendar, and the SOS button.

Benefits/Drawbacks – TickTalk 3

Lots of features – Right? But still, the watch is intuitive and easy to use. All in a nice looking design, simple interface with user-friendly apps and lots of other functions. Let’s talk about a hand-pick of the features.

Location detector

The results from three positioning system – Wi-Fi, GPS, and LBS technologies provide you with the accurate location of your kids at any time. Using LBS, you can track your kid’s exact location from 100ft to 20-miles. With GPS capabilities of 10 to 100ft and geofences set up, the location tracking stands solved. What’s more, if you have more children, you can locate multiple devices on the same map.

Video and Voice calls

For a kid’s smartwatch that combines two-way voice and video call capability into a simple device, go for the TicTalk 3. To make it better, the 2-way video calling gives a clear display of the caller in an 800×480 dpi resolution. Better than other smartwatches that require connection to a mobile phone for full function, the TickTalk 3 works like a standalone. You get to add your preferred line and face chat with your child anywhere.

Waterproof

Most kids hate to take their watches off even after bedtime. The TickTalk 3 features an excellent IP67 water resistance rating, which allows them to shower and bath with their watch. Also, a durable polycarbonate shell wraps the watch module to keep it resistant to shock.

No Games

Eradicating the fun of games from a ten year Old’s gadget can look like a lifelong punishment. For one of the best smartwatch for 10 year old, TickTalk 3 comes a slight limitation, which is no games! But entirely, the watch is high-quality and reliable. If you can make do with this limitation, then this is for you.

VTech Kidizoom DX2 – Top Gaming Smartwatch for 10 year old

Another watch on our list of best smartwatch for 10 year old is Vtech Kidizoom DX2 developed by VTech Electronics North America. A company recognized as a world leader in electronic learning toys. Also reputable as the largest producer of innovative educational products for kids of all ages.

For a smart device that is easy to set up and use the VTech Kidizoom DX2 is worth considering. It comes with functions to prepare children for more advanced technology in the future.

Benefits/Drawbacks – VTech Kidizoom DX2

The VTech Kidizoom DX2 is the perfect fun machine. The available features will only keep your 10 year olds wanting for more. Check them out.

Fancy Design

The Vtech Kidizoom DX2 is one of the best-looking smartwatches for kids. It has a square case with an elegant metal edging. On the side, there are two mechanical control buttons. One controls the camera. For comfortable wear on the child’s wrist, the gadget has an elastic silicone bracelet. The clasp fixes the smartwatch secured in place. It is a multifunctional device designed in two standard versions – pink and blue.

Double Camera with Video Recording

Better than other competitions, the Vtech Kidizoom DX comes with two cameras. One camera in front and the other on top of the gadget to allow the kids to take pictures and videos. There is a micro-USB cable for the children to upload their captures onto a computer or laptop. They also get opportunities to exploit and develop their creative skills with a variety of effects and filters.

Built-in Games

Now to the most attractive feature of the gadget – games! The VTech Kidizoom DX2 has a huge number of games to suit every taste. From children’s active games with a motion sensor to count the number of steps per day, jumps or dance to logical or puzzle games. They also get to download game collections from their computer. Additionally, with 55 available layouts, the kids can customize the theme of the watch screen on their own.

No GPS or Waterproof Ability

There are other useful features like the alarm clock, stopwatch, timer, calculator, and calendar. But unfortunately, the VTech Kidizoom DX2 doesn’t have GPS. So it can’t act as a location tracking device. What’s more, it is splash and sweat proof, but absolutely not a swimming watch. Submerging the gadget in water can damage it. Still, this takes nothing from its style.

Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 – Top Activity Checker Smartwatch for 10 year old

Garmin specializes in making smartwatches and fitness bracelets. Most of their products are for adults, but they also have a vast range of models for children. The motive behind this invention is to encourage activeness among children. Likewise, to help them see the task from their parents as enjoyable and carry it out in a playful way.

These 10 year olds need to wear the watch for a long time to enjoy its features. The company released its first-generation series between 2016 and 2017. It had a few limitations which resulted in the introduction of the updated Vivofit Jr 2.

Benefits/Drawbacks – Vivofit Jr 2

Compared to the previous version, the Vivofit Jr 2 has several updates and new features to compete and make a top choice on the list of the best smartwatch for 10 year old.

Classy build-up

At 10 years old, most kids find it hard to stay away from their animation characters. Luckily, the company’s collaboration with Marvel, Disney, and LucasFilms gives Garmin access to their signature themes. Such as Minnie Mouse, Captain America, Star war’s BB-8 droid and several other characters which they like. The new Vivofit Jr 2 version waterproof and it comes with an active color screen.

Easy to operate

By default, the display simply shows the time. There is a button below the screen for the date display. With each next click, you can check through other things like the number of steps completed, the number of the completed task, the minutes of activities, coins, and stars earned per day. Everything about the controls and setup is made very simple. Setting up the smartwatch is also without complications. Once you already have the Garmin Connect account, the whole setup process takes less than 10 minutes.

Activity monitoring and Competitive tasks

For proper monitoring of your child, there is an application where you can view all their activities. Like the number of steps taken, active hours, and duration of sleep. The mobile app gives you options to assign daily tasks for the kids remotely. Including homework, washing the dishes, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their room. If you want, you can also create your own task for them.

To give the child motivation, developed the task looks like a mini-game with timing. After completion, they gain access to the next level of play. Also, there’s the ability to compete with other children in quests where all contestants can see who wins.

Too few functions

The Vivofit Jr. 2 is a beneficial and beautiful device with very high-quality, but despite its attractions, there are a few drawbacks. It lacks some features you would expect on a regular fitness bracelet. Such as the pulse sensor, SOS buttons, GPS and calls or messages ability.

Regardless of these misses, it is a spectacular watch designed to keep kids active around the house. Through the gadget, you can monitor your kids’ activities and organize their tasks. But if you need a tracker or a communication device, then this one is unlikely to suit you. You may prefer the TickTalk 3 or VTech Kidizoom DX2.

Conclusion

Of course, the smartwatch is a great way to stay connected to your children. The making of these specially designed watches is with the kids in mind. Hopefully, these reviews have helped you decide on the best smartwatch for your 10 year old. Do not forget that the gadgets you get for them influence their growth. This is why considering the types of features on their devices is too important to ignore.

Not only for kids smartwatches are used by hikers, construction workers, nurses and several other occupations. You may like to check out Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Best Chinese Smartwatch: Budget Friendly Smartwatch with Superior Quality

Having tested various smartwatches for durability and looking at their designs, and features, we concluded that the Amazfit Bip stands as the best Chinese smartwatch. This smartwatch offers an incredible battery life, a durable body, water resistance, and a wide selection of downloadable display faces. Besides, it costs lesser than top-tier watches.

Best Chinese Smartwatch

Are you looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that comes with exceptional features, design, and quality materials? Then you should consider a Chinese smartwatch. Chinese made watches are better alternatives to famous brands like Apple and Samsung.

Most times, when we hear the word “Chinese,” we think of a cheap watch with low-quality. Although Chinese smartwatches might be cheap, some are of superior quality and packed with great features.

The Huawei and Amazfit are some of those Chinese companies that stand as a great rival to most popular smartwatch brands. They might not be well-known, but their smartwatches are durable, good-looking, and comes with impressive features.

For instance, they offer support on all platforms, including Andriod 4.3 and iOS 7.0. Furthermore, they feature Bluetooth 4.0, which enables the user to make or receive calls on directly from the smartwatch. They also allow users to read text messages and notifications, directly from it, especially when connected to your smartphone.

There are also other Chinese smartwatches in the market, but choosing the ideal one might be difficult. However, we have done the hard work and picked the best Chinese smartwatches suitable for you.

Huawei Watch 2 Classic Smartwatch

The Watch 2 classic is an improved version of the Huawei watch 1. This Huawei smartwatch offers elegance and great features at a price that can fit your low-budget.

Durability

The watch 2 classic has a stainless steel body while a sturdy ceramic bezel surrounds its display face. With such materials, the watch can handle knocks and shocks that come with regular use.

Design and Features

On the Watch Classic 2 lies a 1.3 inch AMOLED display. This screen is covered with Gorilla Glass that can resist shocks, scratches, and cracks. Since the watch uses an AMOLED screen, it is readable in bright light and saves power.

Furthermore, the smartwatch has a traditional 22mm watch strap. Leather graces the top of the strap while it has water-resistant silicon that covers the part that touches your wrist. However, if you want you to change the bracelet, there are other options to choose from.

The Watch Classic 2 has a 420mAh battery that provides 36-48 hours of battery life. The best part is that it charges quicker than most models.

Opinion and Drawbacks

If you want a Chinese smartwatch with better features, it’s best to check out the Huawei Watch 2 Classic.

However, the watch has a weak pin that breaks after some time. This smartwatch also has a look that you might consider unattractive, and it feels bulky on the wrist.

Overall, the watch stands out when compared to similar products in the market as it can operate in harmony with your smartphone and independently.

Finow Smart Watch X5

Here comes one of the most popular Chinese smartwatches made from durable materials. Finow X5 comes with features that will be of great benefit to users. It has a display screen that is easy to read, and the watch also supports all kinds of apps.

Durability

One thing that stands out about these watches is their durability. With a bezel made from stainless steel, it can withstand light impact from elements like stone and snow, etc.

It has a sturdy leather wristband which adds to the watch’s durability and beauty. With this in mind, rest assured that it will last longer and spice up your outfit.

Another big plus is that buyers will also get two-pieces of the tempered glass screen protector as an added package.

Design and features

The Finow X5 has 1.4’’ OLED round display that allows users to operate the smartwatch efficiently. It offers more flexibility and smooth operation as it comes with an inbuilt 2GB RAM. Finow X5 also comes with 16GB ROM that gives more freedom to store things like videos, music, documents, and other important files.

If you’re looking for a smartwatch to use solo without connecting to your smartphone, this is a perfect choice for you. The reason is that it has a Nano-SIM slot to put in your SIM. With this, users can receive and make calls, send messages, and get notifications directly from the device. Furthermore, without the use of mobile data, you can turn ON its WI-FI module to surf the internet.

Thanks to its GPS function, the Finow X5 can be used to keep track of your location. Fitness trainers will also consider this smartwatch very useful as it can count heart rates, calories, and other modes.

Opinion and Drawbacks

One of its downsides is the battery life of the watch. On a single full charge, it can only last for 6 hours. Not the biggest drawback but charging a device more often can be pretty annoying. However, with its fantastic design, great features, and screen resolution, this is a great smartwatch to own.

Amazfit Bip Smartwatch by Huami

The Amazfit Bip is an ideal fitness smartwatch which comes at an affordable price. It offers an always-on screen, extended battery life, and even works with Andriod and iOS devices.

Durability

Built with polycarbonate and matte plastic, the Amazfit Bip can withstand wear and tear regularly. It also has IP68 water and dust rating, which means Amazfit Bip can resist dusty and wet conditions.

Design and Features

The smartwatch weighs 5.1 grams and has a portable case. It’s well-designed to fit any wrist size. It also has a soft silicone strap which lasts longer than leather or metal bracelets.

A sturdy sheet of 2.5D Gorilla Glass covers the “always on” display which offers 176 x 176 resolutions. The watch even provides a massive selection of watch faces which you can download and change quickly.

One of the great features of the Amazfit Bip is its battery life. The watch has a 190mAh cell that can last for 45 days with activity and sleep monitoring. However, if you activate the GPS and the heart rate monitor, the watch will last for a minimum of 14 days.

Opinion and Drawbacks

The Amazfit bit standout when it comes to durability and elegance, but its Bluetooth connectivity disables more often when connected to devices. Another downside is that sometimes, the GPS and calorie counter does not give accurate information.

Overall, the Amazfit Bip watch is one of the affordable smartwatches that offer both GPS and heart rate monitoring functions. It also supports a wide range of apps on either IOS or Andriod devices.

Mobvoi Ticwatch 2

The Ticwatch 2 is an innovative and affordable smartwatch that comes with great features that make it a worthy investment. Its beauty will also spice up your outfit anytime and any day.

Durability

This smartwatch comes in two variants – the Onyx and Oak. Both models have case backs of stainless steel that can endure regular use. Although they are water-resistant, they cannot withstand showers or swimming.

Design and Features

The Ticwatch 2 has a rounded shape with an ideal screen. It also has a 1.4-inch pixel OLED display. Its bracelets are either of stainless steel (Onyx) or leather (Oak) material.

On a full charge, the Ticwatch 2’s battery can last for a day. However, if you deactivate the GPS feature, the battery can last for more than 24 hours. The battery can be charged wirelessly via its “TiCharge” features using the dock included in the box.

Like most devices on this list, the Ticwatch works with devices that run on Andriod 4.3+ or iOS 8.0+. It also has 4GB of internal storage for your music files, document, and videos.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Ticwatch 2 battery performs poorly while the display goes blank after a short period. Some units also have software problems and non-existent updates.

Amazfit A1612B PACE Smartwatch

Amazfit PACE deservedly ranked as a great contender in our list of the best Chinese smartwatch due to its great battery life, internal storage, and superior quality. With this said, there is no doubt this is a perfect choice for anyone in need of a low-priced smartwatch.

Durability

The smartwatch has an elegant display screen protected with gorilla glass. Also, its certification for IP67 water-resistance also adds to its durability as it protects the smartwatch from splashes and dust. With this in mind, users can use it for short dives.

Design and Features

Amazfit is one of the most popular brands known for its fantastic design and no doubt the A1612B PACE is no exception. For one, it has a 320×300 screen resolution for easy reading and control. It also comes with an interchangeable strap that allows the watch to stay secure to the wrist.

Combined with its aesthetic design and sturdy construction, the smartwatch comes with great features for daily use. The Amazfit pace features a Bluetooth 4.1 that you can use to connect to your smartphone. Hence, you can receive notifications of incoming calls, messages, and emails directly from the device.

Thanks to its 280mAH battery, it can run for up to 5 days of regular use. This smartwatch also has large internal storage that can be used to store up more files, including music, video, and documents.

One exciting part is that it comes with GPS and GLONASS function for accurate location tracking and outdoor navigation. Another big plus is its sensor features, which include heart rate monitor, gyroscope, and brightness sensor.

Opinion and drawbacks

Despite the Amazfit PACE feature a Bluetooth 4.1, It loses connection with smartphones more often. Also, for those that use the latest Android version smartphone, this isn’t an option for you. The reason is that it isn’t compatible with android 8.0 or later versions. But one thing for sure it can complement your outfit and works great for fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring.

Garmin vívomove Hybrid Smartwatch: Best Smartwatch Made in Taiwan

This elegant hybrid watch works great for activity tracking. Garmin Vivomove HR does not feature GPS, but it has a great design, heart rate monitor, and impressive battery life.

Durability

The Garmin Vivomove offers water resistance at a maximum distance of 50 meters. Also, to add to its durability, it has a body of hardened stainless steel and glass.

Design and Features

The Garmin Vivomove weighs 40.8g which makes it a comfortable wrist wearable. It also looks less bulky than most watches from other brands.

Its watch case has a bezel built with brushed steel and plastic. Also, the smartwatch has a replaceable 20mm thin rubber strap that can fit any wrist size. Since the bracelet is made from rubber, it can handle the moisture from the skin.

If you enable the smartphone notifications, the Vivomove’s rechargeable battery can last for five days. But when the notifications are deactivated, the watch offers a battery life of two weeks.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Its elegant design will impress buyers looking for the best smartwatch made in Taiwan. However, it has some flaws on the touch screen part and fitness tracking feature.

For instance, the screen responds slower than the displays found on other devices. Furthermore, it’s pretty difficult to read the display in sunlight. Besides, the fitness tracker offers inaccurate readings, while the watch is not an excellent option for outdoor workouts.

Amazfit Stratos Multisport Smartwatch: Best Chinese Smartwatch for Sports

Amazfit Stratos is a smartwatch that has sport watch functions. Combined with other features, it stands as one of the best Chinese smartwatches for short dives and outdoors.

Durability

The watch is sturdy and can withstand most activities, including swimming. The reason is that it has a fiberglass case, ceramic bezel, and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass.

Design and Features

Although the watch looks bulky, it weighs a decent 70 grams. On the back panel lies a heart rate sensor and charging port.

The Amazfit Stratos has a 1.34 inch LCD touchscreen that can be read in direct sunlight, while its backlight helps for dark environments.

When in basic mode, the watch can last for 35 hours on a single charge but runs for 5 hours in GPS mode. You can easily recharge the battery with a dock charger that comes with the watch.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Although the Stratos works well, it has some issues. First, it disconnects more often when it is 10ft away from a paired device. Next, the touch screen responds slowly. Finally, the battery drains faster than expected.

Overall, most fitness watches don’t come cheap, but the Amazfit Stratos watch has Bluetooth, GPS, and activity tracking at a lesser price.

NUHIWIY Waterproof SmartWatch

We can’t end the list of the best Chinese smartwatch without adding this slim smartwatch. The NUHIWIY smartwatch comes at a price below $50, making it pretty affordable for those on a low budget. The NUHIWIY is a lightweight smartwatch with remarkable fitness tracking features.

Durability

From its wristband, buckle, to the watch body, this smartwatch is made of high-quality materials. It has a sturdy stainless steel buckle that can withstand knocks or heavy impact.

In addition to its durability, it is a high level IP67 waterproofed smartwatch. With this said, it is resistant to dust, sprays, and splashes of water in all directions.

Design

At first glance, this smartwatch is pretty slim and has a lightweight body made from durable materials. Due to Its compact design, it does not bump into things easily when used for sport and fitness activities.

With impressive fitness and activity tracking features, it can help to count steps, heart rates, and calories. This smartwatch will also be your best buddy during the day and at bedtime as it can monitor your blood pressure and sleep as well.

It has a bright 0.96” OLED screen display for easy reading and control. The NUHIWIY offers impressive connectivity as it comes with Bluetooth LE 4.0. With this feature, when connected to your smartphone, you can receive incoming calls and information content from the smartwatch.

The NUHIWIY smartwatch works perfectly with IOS and Andriod. With 90mAh battery, it can run for up to 3-7 days on regular use. The best part is that on standby mode you will enjoy 15 days of battery life.

Unlike other smartwatches on the list, the NUHIWIY supports 10-languages; hence, whether you’re an English speaker, Japanese, German, or French speaker this a perfect watch for you.

It offers 12 months of warranty to protect buyers against manufacturers defect, shipping, and usage damages.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Users might find it challenging to use due to its small screen size. Another downside is that it does not come with GPS features. Hence, it is not a perfect choice for those in need of a smartwatch for navigation purposes. Overall, this smartwatch is of great use for fitness training, and it will also help to keep check of your health.

Final Word on the Best Chinese Smartwatch

Chinese also produce smartwatches that can rival many popular brands in terms of quality, design, and features.

Most Chinese smartwatch might be underrated, but our list of smartwatches is of superior quality, and they come with impressive features.

We hope that with our sincere list of the best smartwatch you will find it pretty easy to get the right one. However, if you want a smartwatch that will spice up your outfit, then we recommend the Garmin vívomove HR. But If you desire durability more than elegance, then Amazfit Bip will be the perfect choice for you.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Best Military Smartwatch: For Durability and Tactical Use

Based on our review of most of the best military smartwatch options you can find in the market, Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is our top choice for a full-featured military smartwatch. Besides the durable aesthetic build-up, the impressive features also show enough evidence of class and style.

Frankly, the smartwatch is undeniably the way of the future. It has come as a new breed of gadgets, extending from fancy high-tech watches to fitness trackers. Similar to smartphones, there seems to be a type for people with interests of all kinds. Our focus for this review is on smartwatches built from the military perspective.

Not only for military personals – it’s built for those of us who appreciate the features of the smartwatch while also requiring the rugged military nature in a watch. Durability can be quite expensive. But still, there’s some budget-friendly smartwatch with superior quality.

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus – Best Military Smartwatch

Our top choice is a Garmin product. The Fenix 5 Plus smartwatch comes with extra military features placing it above every other military smartwatch. Such as thermometer, altimeter, barometer, rechargeable battery, advanced GPS, Wi-Fi, calorie and step counter, Chroma display, 100-meter water resistance, and a lot more.

For a military smartwatch equipped with these much features, it’s easy for Garmin Fenix to top any list. The sleek style with a rugged twist brings the classiness a bit closer than its other tough counterparts. The Garmin Fenix has a lot to offer both military folks and outdoorsy adrenaline junkies. Honestly, it’s like strapping a mini-computer to your wrist.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

We like to see the Garmin Fenix as the watch you wear on a suit for a day job and also for a weekend on the mountains. Check out the features.

Great Design

Compared to the previous version of the Fenix 5 smartwatch, the refreshed Fenix 5 Plus rocks the spotlight on military smartwatches. Although, it retains both the classical look and toughness as the predecessor; the key upgrades come in terms of the hardware and software properties.

The Fenix comes in a variety of colors with personalized options making the design suitable for both men and women. Even with the efficiency of the Fenix watch, the display is quite small. That’s not still a problem since it only makes smartwatch comfortable on female’s wrists as well as men.

Impressive Features

The biggest turn up of the Fenix 5 Plus remains the features. It’s got almost everything including the rugged outdoorsy orient waterproof quality, optical heart rate monitor, great battery life and decent display. With the Plus version, there’s the bonus of a Galileo app, Garmin pay, color topographical maps, and better navigation performance.

Complete with workout stats and activity profiles, you will hardly want this bad boy off your writ. The GPS and satellite reception, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, and 3-axis compass keeps you in contact with your team at all times.

Quite Pricey

There is no escape from the fact the military smartwatches make the most versatile timepieces. So whether you’re a swimmer or a runner, it’s water-resistant and lightweight and can also make the list as one of the best outdoor smartwatch models on the market. But beware, the Garmin Fenix smartwatch may be a little bit too pricey though.

As a refreshed version of the Garmin Fenix 5 smartwatch, the Fenix 5 brings everything to your wrist. Including impressive features and outstanding quality. Asides from its expensive effect, the smartwatch presents a clear difference with its attractiveness and ability to fit all outfits. If you still think it’s too costly, you can check out our list of the best military watches under 200.

Other Picks

After our review of most of the highest-rated military smartwatches, Garmin Fenix 5 Plus might be your best choice for a full-featured military smartwatch. It’s still fair if this timepiece doesn’t precisely meet all your needs yet. There are also other interesting military smartwatches that we’ll like to discuss like Garmin Instinct and Casio Pro-Trek.

Garmin Instinct – Most Durable Military Smartwatch

According to the U.S military standards, the construct of the Garmin Instinct identifies one of the most durable smartwatches around. If you want something close to an indestructible piece, get this one. It’s shock, heat, and water resistance up to 100 meters. Available in three colors with lots of specs, it’s our top choice for the most durable military smartwatch.

Just like the previous Garmin on our list, the Instinct features GPA, GLONASS, and Galileo. Supported by the constantly working multiple global satellite systems, you never have to worry about losing your way. Plus, this military-grade piece has more to offer, including a barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass, and a TracBack assist to help you retrace your steps.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Instinct

With excellent visibility on both sunny and rainy days, responsive menus, recessed buttons, don’t expect too many flaws from the Instinct. Continue reading to see other features

Ruggedly Built

The pretty robust and military-like look of the Garmin Instinct seems to be a spec on its own. In terms of software, it offers excellent users experience, as well as being suitable for outdoor sports. If you want a Military G-shock version of a smartwatch, look no further than this Garmin product. It’s built to be comfortable in a lightweight design. Able to withstand the harshest environments, the watch is perfect for running, biking, hiking, hunting, and other exercising adventures.

Standard Military Functions

As a standard military smartwatch, it features an accurate altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, and a functioning GPS. Some additions are the TracBcak assist, elevation profile, easy access minimaps, distance to destination display, and a built-in magnetic compass. Plus, you can only find this much qualities on a few models of smartwatch.

The 16-hour battery life and 14-day battery in standby mode relieve you from having to need a charger all the time. You can stay active anywhere and at any time with preloaded activities to monitor your heart rate and stress level.

Missing features

The watch represents an all-round improvement of smartwatches. But as expected, it comes with a few downsides. The Garmin Instinct does not have music storage, colored topographic maps, and connect IQ to install apps and new watch themes. Also, it’s not the best to track fitness, and the battery life seems to be unreliable when GPS is enabled. Although even with these missing feature, this Garmin piece remains one of the best military smartwatch you can find.

Casio Pro Trek Resin GPS – Best GPS Military Smartwatch

As expected, all watches have their most appealing qualities. For the Casio Pro Trek, it’s the best military smartwatch when it comes to GPS connectivity. Although it’s not as rugged as the Garmins mentioned above, it’s still a very reliable piece. Don’t get me wrong; the Casio Pro Trek is also durable and tactical. It accomplishes the perfect balance between functionality and toughness. The Casio Pro Trek will likely be the next generation of tactical Smartwatch.

With this, you can expect a long list of attractive functions, including an android compatible GPS connectivity device, dual-layer LCD, MIL-STD 810g compliance durability. Plus, activity trackers and 25 hours of battery life at maximum utilization. What else do you want from a smartwatch?

Benefits / Drawbacks – Casio Pro Trek Resin

Rated perfect for navigation and extreme tactical functions, the Casio Pro Trek is a titan on the wrist. Like the others, let’s talk about some features.

Quality in a Sleek Design

There could be better-looking watches, but the Casio Pro Trek Resin is arguably the best looking military smartwatch. It comes in two color versions – orange and black. Compared to its predecessors, it’s more robust and ruggedly designed.

More than just a time-reminder, the monochrome display shows atmospheric pressure or altitude, compass bearing, and more. Providing useful information on outdoor activities at a glance and befitting the Casio Pro Trek Resin as an effective military gear. Map reading requires analysis in finer details. Fortunately, this Casio smartwatch employs an organic EL view in a dual-layer – both monochrome and color display.

Remarkable GPS connectivity

With the addition of the new smart technologies and GPS functionality, the Casio Pro Trek Resin is a significant improvement on the Casio brand. You can record the paths you moved whole hiking, cycling, trekking, and kayaking and so on.

No matter where you are, the smartwatch keeps you connected to the google maps with both GPS and GLONASS compatibility. It adopts a low-power GPS and a full-color map display of both online and offline downloadable maps from Mapbox – a platform used by Pinterest and Strava. These functions make the Casio Pro Trek Resin a handy device for mapping locations.

Not-So-Impressive with Water Resistivity

When it comes to preference, every true gadget enthusiast always requires the highest performing watch, packed with every needed function. The Casio Pro Trek Resin brags as the latest tech smartwatch, owning all the features you will expect. Except for its waterproof quality, that can only survive to 50 meters. This wrist companion can withstand rain, but don’t even think about scuba diving with it.

Final words on the Best Military Smartwatch

As with anything, it’s almost impossible to decide for everyone. We can only give our view on the best military smartwatch while you make your choice – well, you’ll get there eventually! But when you consider factors like durability, brand, altimeter and barometer, stopwatch, wireless connectivity, and compass reading, then you will narrow down your research to any of these products.

If none of the listed smartwatches suits you, have a look at our review on the best military watch options which includes mainly the durable but traditional wearable watches.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Best Smartwatch For Tweens

We’ve researched for hours on end to give you a short list of the best smartwatch for tweens. In this day and age, it’s almost impossible to go anywhere without a smartwatch. They are convenient, durable, and give you access to apps, texts, and other essential information during the day.

If you’re a parent on the fence about buying a smartwatch for their tween, then we may be able to give you some insight. So far, the best smartwatch for tweens is the Amazfit Bip.

As a parent, you want to give your kids the best, but a smartwatch can be a huge responsibility that your child may not be ready for. An excellent method to test run their responsibility without entirely investing in an expensive smartwatch is to get them a tween smartwatch.

These devices work very similarly to your traditional smartwatch and provide the same features, but come at a much more reasonable price point. However, the main differences stem from the fact that these are lightweight, more durable, and don’t always need to be paired with an iPhone.

Alternatively, you can also choose from the best Chinese smartwatches if you’re looking for standard budget friendly smartwatches.

Amazfit Bip

The Amazfit Bip is one of the best smartwatch for tweens. The design is similar to your everyday smartwatch but is built to be durable and long lasting. It’s the perfect companion to keep your tween active and informed with multiple boostable features that set it apart from others. Some of these include 30-day battery life, a GPS locator, and dust and water resistance.

Durable & Convenient Bezel Design

The smartwatch has a lightweight design clocking in at 32g which makes it comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. As a tween, fashion is also important, which is why the Bip comes in four trendy colors; Onyx Black, White Cloud, Kokoda Green, and Cinnabar Red.

Another positive which makes it ideal for tweens is that it features IP68 water resistance and has an anti-dust screen. This keeps it safe and clean, even though school events, activities, and hangout sessions. Besides this, the screen features a 1.28” display that’s transflective and includes built-in illumination, enabling your tween to read it in most lighting conditions.

Wide Variety of Apps & Fitness Modes

For quick access, there are four different sports modes which can help you track your activities in real time. Get instant feedback with heart rate monitoring, auto activity tracking, and set daily goals using the Mi-Fit App. If your tween is in sports, training, or includes active hobbies, the Mi-Fit app will come in handy.

Includes Smart Features

A smartwatch isn’t useful unless it gives you constant access to connect to other people and the online world. The Bip goes beyond fitness tracking and also connects you with smart features that can help you manage your day. Use the weather report to check up on future weather conditioning, receiving smart notifications, and track sleep quality.

Don’t think that the Bip skipped out on any other basic features. It still includes an alarm clock, timers, a stopwatch and more.

What Do We Think?

Overall, the Amazfit Bip includes many features that would satisfy your tweens hunger for a real smartwatch. In fact, the device is a smartwatch but does tend to fall short on accuracy.

If you or your tween is relying on it for the basic features, then they will be pleased with its fast performance. However, the fitness tracker isn’t as accurate as you’d find in a fitness smartwatch. Instead, you may want to alternatively look into the best smartwatch for cycling for more accurate fitness trackers.

Pebble 2+

The Pebble 2+ is another excellent device that provides your tween with a whole host of basic features. Some features include a heart rate monitor, automatic step and sleep tracker, built-in microphone, and up to 7 days of battery life.

Unique Monitoring System

Keeping active and healthy is a part of any tweens daily life. The Pebble 2+ includes heart rate monitoring that connects to the Pebble Health app and enables you to check your progress. This is an excellent feature for active tweens trying to compete in sports competitions or extracurricular activities.

Track total steps walked, calories burned, and tailor your fitness goals so that you can keep on track. Plus, the Pebble Health app can also track the quality of sleep and help estimate recovery time after each workout.

Superior Voice Dictation & Multi-app Connectivity

Another benefit to the Pebble is the built-in microphone which comes with voice dictation. Be able to use the device to answer calls and chat. The program also allows you to reply to messages via voice commands automatically and enables you to record reminders with a breeze.

The Pebble watch face display is designed to be easily readable with just one glance that way, you’re not distracted and can focus on other tasks – perfect for students. It helps dismiss other distractions and enables you to stay in the know.

Lastly, the watch includes over 10,000 various apps which range from games, health, and fitness, social media, etc. For tweens, you’ll have plenty of access to all your favorites.

Durable Bezel Design

Giving a smartwatch to a tween can cause some panic because most smartwatches can become easily damaged. The Pebble 2+ focuses on providing a durable exterior that can last throughout your tweens everyday life.

The smartwatch can take a quick dunk in the water and is water-resistant up to 30 meters. This allows your tween to take it to the pool, in the shower, or even in the rain. To help keep your tween informed, the battery also lasts up to seven days with one charge, useful for those who forget to plug their watches or phones in.

What Do We Think?

The Pebble is one of the most efficient smartwatches for tweens we’ve seen on the market. It comes with all the features your tween would love, but also includes a durable display and exterior, perfect for keeping up with their active lives. The only big downside we’ve found is that the backlight display isn’t exactly the best, which can hinder its use.

Fitbit Versa Smartwatch

Our last top pick for the best smartwatch for tweens is the Fitbit Versa Smartwatch. It includes all of the core fitness apps but also provides smart features such as sleep tracking, heart rate monitors, notifications, and a 4-day long battery lifespan. Plus, there are multiple colors available which provides style and makes it a fashionable choice for tweens.

Activity Tracker & App Support

For an active tween, being able to track their daily activity is a huge plus. The heart rate monitor, sleep cycle tracker, and four-day battery life comes in handy. The Fitbit includes more than 15 different exercise modes which enable your tween to use it to track their daily or extracurricular activities.

If you’re worried about their whereabouts or want to know they are safe, the GPS tracker can be paired with your iPhone and gives real-time pacing and distance reports.

Plus, the smartwatch includes access to all sorts of apps, including sports, weather, calendar, and more.

Automatic Notification Updates

Get instant updates sent from your phone to your smartwatch instantly. The Fitbit includes calls, texts, and notifications paired directly to your smart devices. What’s even better is that it can sync with Mac OS X 10.6 and up and also be paired with iPad 3 gen and up. Lastly, it can also be connected to Windows 10 devices, which provides you with plenty of options if your tween doesn’t own a phone.

Slim Watch Case Design

The Fitbit is iconic for its slim yet durable design. Overall, the watch and wristband is lightweight, breathable, and is comfortable enough to wear all day. The anodized aluminum body provides extreme durability, which makes the exterior water-resistant up to 50 meters.

What Do We Think?

The Fitbit is an iconic choice for most active users, but tweens can benefit from the sturdy design and comfortable wearability. Overall, we’d say that this is the best smartwatch for tweens because of the versatility, app choices, and thin exterior, which makes it perfect for activities.

Although, there are still a few major drawbacks. User reviews have stated that the iPhone sync drops connection at times and needs to be paired again. Besides this, battery life tends to fade over time, but this is common with lower-grade devices.

Our Verdict For the Best Smartwatch For Tweens

Purchasing a smartwatch for your tween can be a daunting task because they’re not only going to be picky about what you give them but also want something that works well.

Other features to keep an eye out for are dust repellant, water-resistance, and pairing to other devices. The dust repellant helps prevent dirt, grime, and muck from seeping into the device and ruining it when your tween is being active, and the water-resistance helps for outdoor activities.

Overall, we still believe that the best smartwatch for tweens out of the three is the Amazfit Bip. Why? First off, the price point isn’t as expensive as other brands, but it’s not cheap enough where the company is skipping out on quality.

Secondly, the device is very durable, which is excellent for keeping up with tweens’ everyday activities. Lastly, it includes access to apps, keeps your tween updates, and comes in multiple colors, styles, and includes an adjustable band.

If you don’t like any of the recommendations, we suggest you check out the best outdoor smartwatch or the best smartwatch for cycling. Either of those two articles will provide you with just as durable watches, although they may be more expensive.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Best Tactical Smartwatch: Tactical Timepieces Just Got a Lot Smarter

What makes a smartwatch “tactical”? Does it need to have tactical features? Does it need to be stealthy?

In reality, there is no single true definition that makes a smartwatch tactical. There are many timepieces that are used by professionals in the tactical field. These watches are rugged, reliable, highly legible, and have the right set of features.

If you are in the market for the best tactical smartwatch, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we round up some of the best tactical smartwatches that you can get for your money.

Best Tactical Smartwatches	Key Features	Our Rating
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, Water repellent nylon strap, Location-based moon Phase calendar, Automatic shot detection technology, Compatible with Suunto Movescount App, GPS & GLONASS via SIRFStarV chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Fenix 5X	Full-color TOPO U.S. mapping, Routable cycling maps, Training Status and Training Effect readouts, PVD-coated stainless steel bezel, Advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception, Chroma Display with LED backlighting, Advanced Running Dynamics	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Suunto Core All Black Military	Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Weather Trend graph, Storm alarm, Sunrise and sunset times, 100 feet water resistance, Rotating bezel, Replaceable straps, Digital thermometer	★ ★ ★ ★
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier	Innovative rotating steel bezel, Text, call and get notifications, Samsung Pay enabled, Military-grade performance, Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, Wireless charger, Built-in S Health app	★ ★ ★ ★
TicWatch Pro	2-30 days of battery life on a single charge, AMOLED display, Google Assistant, Power saving FSTN LCD display, GPS tracker, heart-rate monitor, step counter, Google Pay enabled	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F20A		★ ★ ★ ½

Best Tactical Smartwatch

1. Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Suunto Traverse Alpha has been getting a lot of love among outdoor lovers and for good reason. While many of its features are focused on outdoor adventures, it’s a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch that will serve you well in the field.

A Dynamic, Outdoor Tactical Smartwatch

The Suunto Traverse Alpha is one of our top picks as the best tactical smartwatch due to its ruggedness and reliability. The Traverse Alpha is housed composite case with a fixed knurled steel bezel. On top of that, the watch is protected by sapphire crystal lens and comes with a water-resistant nylon wrist strap.

This combination of features adds up to a very durable watch that can withstand even the harshest of elements. Whether you’re rock climbing or serving in law enforcement, this watch’s durability will not fail you.

This smartwatch comes with GPS and GLONASS technology, navigation becomes a non-issue. You can even set built-in shortcuts for saving your current position as a point of interest or POI. The watch itself is very easy to use and it’s made even more intuitive if you download the Movescount app.

The look of the watch just screams “tactical” with its woodland aesthetic. The display offers two options: black-on-white or white-on-black contrasts. The display is not in your face and you can even set it to show in red backlight so it works with night vision goggles.

It’s seriously one of the best tactical, outdoor smartwatches that money can buy.

2. Garmin Fenix 5X

If you are a tactical professional who’s looking for a top-of-the-line navigation smartwatch, the Garmin Fenix 5X is certainly worth the look. After all, it’s from a company that’s synonymous with stellar GPS navigation systems.

Hefty and Handsome

As mentioned, the Garmin Fenix 5X is a top-tier navigation companion. This multisport GPS watch comes with all sorts of advanced navigation features such as full-color TOPO U.S. mapping, routable cycling maps, and many others.

The GPS and GLONASS sensors work exceptionally well which is no surprise since this watch is a Garmin product after all. Even when you’re in the most challenging tactical environment, the GPS along with features like the 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter should come in handy.

Aside from offering excellent navigation features, the Fenix 5X is also a top-notch training companion. If you are obsessed with tracking your performance stats, the Fenix 5X is a no-brainer as it offers some of the most advanced performance metrics I’ve seen.

The enhanced readouts for Training Status and Training Effect will allow you to see the benefits of your workout. There’s the feature called VO2 max estimator that just pumps out the stats such as running speed, heart rate variability, beats per minute, and more. You can even access more data if you have a compatible heart rate chest strap such as the HRM-Run.

It’s perhaps the most expensive tactical / fitness smartwatch on this list but it really is worth the investment.

3. Suunto Core All Black Military

Blacked out watches are ideal for the men and women in the tactical field. The Suunto Core All Black Military is a blacked-out watch that provides the much-needed stealthiness along with features that many won’t mind having.

Tactical Look, Fit, and Feel

The Suunto Core All Black Military watch is the best tactical smartwatch mainly because of its looks. One look at the watch and you know that it’s a timepiece for tactical applications. However, it is stylish enough that you won’t mind wearing it on a daily basis.

The all-black finish does a great job of tying the design elements altogether.

The Suunto Core All Black Military is not just a good-looking watch, it’s also a great outdoor companion with the relevant bells and whistles. For starters, it’s an ABC watch which means that it comes with an altimeter (for determining current elevation), barometer (weather forecast), and a compass. There’s also sunrise and sunset times for over 400 locations.

When it comes to ruggedness, the Suunto Core All Black Military won’t disappoint. The rotating bezel is made from knurled anodized aluminum but unfortunately, it’s not very good at warding off scratches. However, the scratches do add a bit of personality to the watch but that’s just me.

The watch feels solid but never clunky. In fact, the Suunto Core All Black Military is a lightweight watch and feels good on the wrist.

The Core All Black Military is yet another Suunto classic.

4. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Samsung is known for its excellent electronic products but not exactly for their smartwatches. This is why the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier was such a nice surprise for me.

Tactical Smartwatch for Android Users

There are actually two Gear S3 models – the Classic and the Frontier. Since we are rounding up the best tactical smartwatch we went with the Frontier model which features a sportier design.

The watch comes with a silicone strap which is more ideal for more rugged applications. It’s easy to slip on and offers just the right amount of comfort which is good if you’re wearing the watch for hours. However, the strap is a dirt magnet. If you’re not a fan of the strap, you can replace it with any 22mm watch band.

The best thing about the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is the innovative rotating bezel. Rotating the bezel makes a satisfying sound that I can’t get enough of. The bezel is used for navigating the UI which is nothing short of amazing. Quickly scrolling through the menus is just a delightful experience.

The Gear S3 Frontier is also packed with useful features. The built-in GPS should come in handy for tracking your activity and staying on top of your training. When paired with your smartphone, the watch can nearly eliminate the need for having a mobile device. You can read texts, emails, alerts, and even make hands-free calls.

The Gear S3 Frontier is a bit on the expensive side but it’s certainly a better tactical timepiece than the Samsung Galaxy Watch.

5. TicWatch Pro

There’s a good chance that you haven’t heard of Mobvoi or Ticwatch products before. Mobvoi is a Chinese company and is responsible for our next tactical smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro.

Battery Life That Impresses

Don’t let the fact that the TicWatch Pro is a Chinese-made smartwatch deter you from checking it out.

For starters, the TicWatch Pro is actually a high-end offering by Mobvoi. It features a fairly high-end design (which frankly looks like the Gear S3 Frontier) and a revolutionary dual-screen technology. The top-layer display looks more like a traditional watch screen but doesn’t look that high-end.

The second layer, on the other hand, is an OLED smart screen that looks more premium. The OLED screen looks brighter and more impactful. From this screen, you’ll be able to access most of the Wear OS features like GPS tracker, step counter, heart-rate monitor, apps, and more.

But what makes the TicWatch Pro a good tactical smartwatch is its impressive battery life. The watch features two modes of operation: Smart and Essential modes. The Essential Mode basically turns your watch into a low-tech timepiece that can give you as many as 30 days of battery life.

The TicWatch Pro will just keep on ticking even when you’re out in the field for extended periods of time.

6. Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F20A

Casio actually has a smartwatch offering and it’s a pretty good one. The Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F20A features the signature Casio toughness and it just got smarter.

Casio Toughness With Military Standards

The Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F20A is one of the toughest smartwatches that you can get. Whether it’s outdoors or the city, it’s a lifestyle wearable that delivers the goods.

To start, the Pro-Trek WSD-F20A is a big watch with a width of 53mm. On smaller wrists, the watch might be too heavy and uncomfortable. Despite the size, the watch is surprisingly comfortable. It doesn’t get itchy or sweaty even after wearing it for hours.

The Pro-Trek WSD-F20A’s design is a winner in my book. The bold design really fits the outdoor lifestyle. There’s the standard black version if you’re looking for something more “stealthy.”

The watch also features two screens and one is a beautiful OLED display. It runs on Wear OS which can be quite buggy but it gets the job done. However, the battery life is slightly disappointing which can last for only 6 to 8 hours on a single charge.

The watch is marketed as an outdoor timepiece but it’s a good option for tactical applications. Unfortunately, the price tag is a bit on the expensive side.

Tactical Watches Just Got Smarter

That wraps up our roundup of the best tactical smartwatch. Hopefully, this buyer’s guide has helped you find a watch that best fits your tactical needs.