Best smartwatch 2015: Apple, Pebble, Samsung, Sony, LG
We help you choose the right smartwatch for your needs
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Best smartwatch
Sony SmartWatch 3
The Sony SmartWatch 3 is the envy of its rivals thanks to its built-in GPS connectivity, which means you can leave your smartphone at home when you go for a run. The sports styling make it perfect for a weekend jog, and while the screen is a little dull compared to some of its rivals, the latest Android Wear update means it can pair with wireless headphones for beats on the go. The Steel edition, announced at CES, adds a touch of class to the smartwatch that we at Wareable (well, almost all of us) agree offers the most bang for your smartwatch buck.
Must-read: Sony SmartWatch 3 review
From $249, sony.com | Amazon
Whether you find the Apple Watch the complete example of fashion blending with tech, or a square boxy abomination is down to taste. But for our money, it's one of the best looking smartwatches made to date and, coming in two sizes, is one of the most unisex as well. The build quality is superb, and the footprint of both the 38mm and 42mm watch is much smaller than you'd expect. What Apple has achieved is genuine wearability, and despite its flaws (poor sports features and the lack of GPS), the Apple Watch could be the first wearable that's actually a pleasure to wear.
Wareable rating: Apple Watch review
From $349, apple.com |
The Omate Racer is a stepping-stone to full-featured devices powered by Apple, Google and co. It simply tells the time and keep you updated with what's going using real-time notifications. It's not a polished device by any stretch but it's a decent option for anyone looking to dip their toe in the warming waters of wearable tech. Don't expect any frills and you won't be disappointed. This was a hard one to pick because, while the Racer doesn't pull up any trees - it does do the job for $129. However, shop around and you can also get the original Moto 360, as well as the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live for not much more.Read this now: Omate Racer review
$129, omate.com
Arguably the first modern smartwatch, the original Pebble is still going strong two years after its launch. But for Pebblers looking to upgrade, look no further than the now-shipping Pebble Time. Everything that made the original brilliant remains; that affordable price, an impressive seven day battery life and both iPhone and Android compatibility. There's some serious upgrades to both the software and hardware, the most notable of which being the new colour e-paper screen and the revamped Timeline OS.
Wareable verdict: Pebble Time review
$199, getpebble.com | Amazon
The world had only just caught its breath from the record breaking Pebble Time launch when the Steel version was announced. The Pebble Time Steel is thicker than its plastic brethren, making it feel much more regular watch than geek accessory. That extra 1mm isn't a bad thing though - it means room for a larger battery, which should keep the Steel going for 10 days.
Get the big picture: Pebble Time Steel review
$299, getpebble.com
Before the Garmin Vivoactive, the perfect fitness device for the truly active person was a pipe dream. Arguably Garmin's first smartwatch, the Vivoactive promises full notifications on the wrist and a dizzying array of sports tracking for a relatively low price. With running, cycling, swimming, golf and a whole lot more all on board, Garmin has blended an incredible set of fitness features with top notch notifications, to create the first truly every day sports wearable. Sadly, the dated design and questionable screen tech call into doubt whether anyone would want to wear the device every day, and that's a crying shame.
Full verdict: Garmin Vivoactive review
$249.99, buy.garmin.com | Amazon
There's no missing the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model you're wearing; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It's a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece. Unlike the more premium-looking Urbane LTE, with its classic watch shape and extra physical buttons, the regular Urbane looks much more fashion and feminine. It's pretty pricey though. If you really want to go all out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe features a 23-karat gold watchcase and handcrafted alligator leather strap. It's $1,200 mind.
Check out: Full LG Watch Urbane review
$349, lg.com | Amazon
The Samsung Gear S doesn't get everything right, and its main USP of being able to operate without your smartphone using its own SIM card is way off the mark. However, there's no doubt that its 2-inch AMOLED display is the best you'll find. It runs Tizen, Samsung's own OS, and there are over 1,000 apps available in a vibrant app store and boasts GPS connectivity.
Controversial verdict: Samsung Gear S review
$299, samsung.com | Amazon
If you're after the full smartwatch smarts but want the traditional touch, this might well be the answer. Montblanc's new e-Strap, featured on three different classic watches in the range so far, has an OLED screen built right into the strap. This connects via Bluetooth to your phone to display calls, text and notifications. A fair compromise? We think so.
From $3,140, montblanc.com
Must-read: Sony SmartWatch 3 review
From $249, sony.com | Amazon
Best for iOS
Apple Watch
Whether you find the Apple Watch the complete example of fashion blending with tech, or a square boxy abomination is down to taste. But for our money, it's one of the best looking smartwatches made to date and, coming in two sizes, is one of the most unisex as well. The build quality is superb, and the footprint of both the 38mm and 42mm watch is much smaller than you'd expect. What Apple has achieved is genuine wearability, and despite its flaws (poor sports features and the lack of GPS), the Apple Watch could be the first wearable that's actually a pleasure to wear.
Wareable rating: Apple Watch review
From $349, apple.com |
Best for budget
Omate Racer
The Omate Racer is a stepping-stone to full-featured devices powered by Apple, Google and co. It simply tells the time and keep you updated with what's going using real-time notifications. It's not a polished device by any stretch but it's a decent option for anyone looking to dip their toe in the warming waters of wearable tech. Don't expect any frills and you won't be disappointed. This was a hard one to pick because, while the Racer doesn't pull up any trees - it does do the job for $129. However, shop around and you can also get the original Moto 360, as well as the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live for not much more.Read this now: Omate Racer review
$129, omate.com
Best for tech nerds
Pebble Time
Arguably the first modern smartwatch, the original Pebble is still going strong two years after its launch. But for Pebblers looking to upgrade, look no further than the now-shipping Pebble Time. Everything that made the original brilliant remains; that affordable price, an impressive seven day battery life and both iPhone and Android compatibility. There's some serious upgrades to both the software and hardware, the most notable of which being the new colour e-paper screen and the revamped Timeline OS.
Wareable verdict: Pebble Time review
$199, getpebble.com | Amazon
Best for battery life
Pebble Time Steel
The world had only just caught its breath from the record breaking Pebble Time launch when the Steel version was announced. The Pebble Time Steel is thicker than its plastic brethren, making it feel much more regular watch than geek accessory. That extra 1mm isn't a bad thing though - it means room for a larger battery, which should keep the Steel going for 10 days.
Get the big picture: Pebble Time Steel review
$299, getpebble.com
Best for sports
Garmin Vivoactive
Before the Garmin Vivoactive, the perfect fitness device for the truly active person was a pipe dream. Arguably Garmin's first smartwatch, the Vivoactive promises full notifications on the wrist and a dizzying array of sports tracking for a relatively low price. With running, cycling, swimming, golf and a whole lot more all on board, Garmin has blended an incredible set of fitness features with top notch notifications, to create the first truly every day sports wearable. Sadly, the dated design and questionable screen tech call into doubt whether anyone would want to wear the device every day, and that's a crying shame.
Full verdict: Garmin Vivoactive review
$249.99, buy.garmin.com | Amazon
Best for style
LG Watch Urbane
There's no missing the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model you're wearing; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It's a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece. Unlike the more premium-looking Urbane LTE, with its classic watch shape and extra physical buttons, the regular Urbane looks much more fashion and feminine. It's pretty pricey though. If you really want to go all out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe features a 23-karat gold watchcase and handcrafted alligator leather strap. It's $1,200 mind.
Check out: Full LG Watch Urbane review
$349, lg.com | Amazon
Best for display
Samsung Gear S
The Samsung Gear S doesn't get everything right, and its main USP of being able to operate without your smartphone using its own SIM card is way off the mark. However, there's no doubt that its 2-inch AMOLED display is the best you'll find. It runs Tizen, Samsung's own OS, and there are over 1,000 apps available in a vibrant app store and boasts GPS connectivity.
Controversial verdict: Samsung Gear S review
$299, samsung.com | Amazon
Best for traditionalists
Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap
If you're after the full smartwatch smarts but want the traditional touch, this might well be the answer. Montblanc's new e-Strap, featured on three different classic watches in the range so far, has an OLED screen built right into the strap. This connects via Bluetooth to your phone to display calls, text and notifications. A fair compromise? We think so.
From $3,140, montblanc.com
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