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Smart wearables buying guide
Smart wearables are handy gadgets like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings that do way more than you might think. They can track your steps, monitor your sleep, send messages, and even control your music – all from your wrist or finger. Whether you're into fitness or just love staying connected, there's a device to fit your lifestyle.
Smart watches
From tracking your workouts and counting steps to making contactless payments and taking calls, a smartwatch packs loads of clever features into one stylish little gadget. It’s like having your phone, a fitness coach, and a personal assistant all on your wrist.
Fitness trackers
A fitness tracker is your go-to gadget for keeping tabs on your health. It tracks everything from your workouts to your sleep, all without breaking your focus with loads of notifications. It’s a simple, fuss-free way to stay on top of your fitness goals.
Smart rings
A smart ring is a subtle way to stay on top of your goals, quietly collecting your health data and sending it straight to your phone. It’s smart, simple, and fits right into your routine.
Whats the difference between a smart watch and a fitness tracker?
If you're all about looking after your health, a fitness tracker is a great pick since it’ll keep tabs on things like steps, heart rate and sleep. A smartwatch has some health tracking features too, as well as letting you take calls, send messages, check your calendar, and even use apps without you having to fish out your phone every time.
Things to consider before buying a smart wearable
What do you want to monitor?
Is it just your heart rate you want to track, or are you after something a bit more in-depth? Some models can track sleep patterns, recovery stats, and even blood pressure levels. Whatever your health goals, there’s a wearable out there with the right features to match.
Battery life?
The longer the battery lasts, the less time you’ll spend charging. That means more time tracking what really matters – your stats, of course.
Design?
When choosing wearable tech, think about what you want it to look like. There're tons of sizes, colours, and types to suit every taste.
Compatibility?
Some models are made for iOS, others for Android, and most connect via Bluetooth. So, it’s worth checking compatibility before you buy. You don’t want to miss out on any features!
Smart watches
A smartwatch is like your phone’s sidekick, right on your wrist. It shows your notifications, lets you take calls, and keeps track of your health goals, like steps, workouts and heart rate, all in one sleek little package.
Key features
Battery life
Most smartwatches give you around 1 to 2 days of battery life, so you’ll get plenty of time to track your day before it needs a quick top-up.
Design
Smartwatches don’t just do the clever stuff – they look good doing it. With sleek designs that often mimic traditional watches, plus changeable straps and customisable screens, you can switch up the style to match your mood or outfit.
Notifications
Thanks to their digital screens, smartwatches can do way more than just tell the time. You can read messages, take calls, and even tap to pay.
Fitness and health
Smartwatches go much further than just counting your steps. From tracking your heart rate and sleep to measuring blood oxygen and even blood pressure, they give you a full picture of your health.
Cost
Smartwatches come in all shapes, sizes and prices. You’ll find options starting from around £60, going all the way up to £600, depending on the brand, features, and design. So, whether you're after something simple or packed with tech, there’s a model to match your budget.
Fitness trackers
A fitness tracker helps you stay on top of your health and activities by keeping an eye on things like steps, sleep quality, and even the type and intensity of your workouts. It’s a great way to set goals, track progress, and stay motivated.
Key features
Battery life
Fitness trackers usually have a longer battery life than smartwatches, since they focus purely on health and activity tracking. Most can keep going for around 7 days on a single charge, though it varies depending on the model.
Design
Fitness trackers are small and discreet, so they’re easy to wear without drawing attention. They might not have all the smartwatch features, but they still do a great job of keeping up with your health goals.
Notifications
Some fitness trackers send notifications, show messages, and even alert you to incoming calls. So, if you want a bit of extra functionality without getting an all-singing, all-dancing smartwatch, there are options out there.
Fitness and health
Most fitness trackers focus on the essentials, like steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep. They have all the key info you need to stay on top of your health goals without any extra fuss.
Cost
Fitness trackers usually sit in the £80 to £150 range, depending on the brand and the features you’re after. So, whether you want something simple or packed with extras, there are options to fit your budget
Smart rings
Smart rings are small but mighty. They slip onto your finger and quietly track your health, from heart rate and sleep to body temperature, all without the bulk of a smartwatch. Discreet, comfy, and packed with clever sensors, they’re a stylish way to stay on top of your wellbeing.
Key features
The right fit
Smart rings come in different sizes, so it’s important to get the right fit – not too tight, not too loose. That way, you can wear it comfortably all day without a second thought.
Design
Smart rings come in a range of colours, so you can pick one that suits your style. Whether you’re into something sleek and subtle or bold and eye-catching, there’s a look to match your vibe.
Battery life
Batteries usually last 5 to 7 days, so you can count on consistent tracking without having to recharge all the time.
Durability
Smart rings are often made from tough materials like titanium or aluminium to help resist scratches and everyday wear. That means you can wear yours with confidence, knowing it’s designed to handle whatever your day throws at it.
Cost
Smart rings usually sit in the £300 to £500 range, depending on the model and the tech packed inside. But if you're after cutting-edge features and a sleek design, expect to pay a bit more for the latest and greatest.
- What is the best smart wearable for fitness tracking?
The best smart wearables for fitness tracking include Fitbits for full-featured health insights, Apple Watches for seamless iPhone integration, Samsung Galaxy Watches for premium tracking and coaching on Android, and stylish RingConn smart rings – all great picks depending on your style, budget and fitness goals.
- Whats the difference between a smart watch and a fitness tracker?
If you're focused on your health, both fitness trackers and smartwatches offer great features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. But smartwatches go a step further, they combine those health tools with the ability to take calls, send messages, check your calendar, and use apps, all from your wrist.
- Are smartwatches and fitness trackers compatible with iPhone and Android?
Battery life on smart wearables varies depending on the type and features. Fitness trackers, like Fitbits, can last up to 10 days, smartwatches, such as Apple Watches, usually need charging every 1 to 2 days, and smart rings often last around 5 to 7 days – so it really depends on how much tech is packed in and how often you use it.
- How long does the battery last on smart wearables?
Battery life on smart wearables varies depending on the type and features. Fitness trackers, like Fitbits, can last up to 10 days, smartwatches, such as Apple Watches, usually need charging every 1 to 2 days, and smart rings often last around 5 to 7 days – so it really depends on how much tech is packed in and how often you use it.
- Can I swim or shower with a smart wearable?
It depends on the model, but lots of smart wearables are water-resistant, so you can swim or shower with them. Devices like Fitbits and Samsung Galaxy Watches are swim-friendly, while others might only handle splashes or rain. Always check the water resistance rating before diving in.
- Do smartwatches or fitness trackers require a subscription?
Some smartwatches and fitness trackers offer full features without a subscription, but others, like Fitbit Premium or the Oura Ring, unlock extra insights and coaching with a monthly fee, so it depends on the brand and model. Always check the details on the product page to see what’s included.
- What features should I look for in a smart wearable?
When choosing a smart wearable, look for features that match your lifestyle, like heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, GPS, step counting, and water resistance. If you want more, some models offer stress tracking, ECG, smart notifications, and even voice assistants. It's also worth considering the battery life, comfort, and phone compatibility before you buy.
- Are smart wearables safe and secure to use?
Smart wearables are generally safe and secure to use, with most brands using encrypted data and privacy controls to protect your personal info. Just make sure to keep your device updated and check the app settings to manage what’s shared and stored.
