Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Smartwatch in 2024

Smartwatches serve many roles: fitness companions, health monitors, fashion accessories, and productivity tools. Picking the right one requires an honest assessment of what you want it to do and how you’ll use it daily. This guide provides a straightforward checklist to help you pick the best wearable for your needs.

Step 1: Define your primary use case

Ask yourself: is this watch mainly for notifications and convenience, or do you need advanced fitness and health tracking? Examples of primary use cases include:

• Everyday companion (notifications, calls, calendar)
• Fitness tracker (running, gym workouts, cycling)
• Health monitoring (ECG, SpO2, AFib detection)
• Style and occasional functionality (fashion-forward watches)

Step 2: Consider ecosystem and compatibility

Apple Watch requires iPhone for full features; Wear OS and Samsung watches integrate best with Android. Choose a watch that works smoothly with your phone and apps. If you use specific services (Spotify, Strava, Apple Fitness+), check for watch app support.

Step 3: Evaluate sensors and accuracy

For accurate training and health insights, examine the sensor suite: GPS quality, optical heart rate sensors, barometer for elevation, and support for external accessories (chest straps, power meters). If you need clinically validated metrics, look for devices with published validation studies.

Step 4: Battery life — realistic expectations

If you charge nightly and use the watch for notifications and light fitness, most modern smartwatches suffice. If you plan multi‑hour GPS workouts or multi‑day trips without charging options, prioritize watches with extended battery modes or sports‑focused devices.

Step 5: Software and app ecosystem

A rich app ecosystem and regular updates are vital. Consider how long the manufacturer supports software updates — a watch that receives 4–5 years of updates offers better long‑term value.

Step 6: Build quality and comfort

Since a watch is worn constantly, comfort matters. Try on different sizes if possible. Materials (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium) affect weight and price. Consider strap options and warranty/repair policies as well.

Step 7: Price and value

Set a budget but be pragmatic. Midrange watches often offer the best balance of features and value. If advanced sports or medical features matter, be prepared to spend more.

Step 8: Future proofing

Look for watches that support common standards (Bluetooth LE, ANT+, multiprotocol GNSS) and have decent internal storage for apps and music. Consider whether the vendor has a roadmap for updates and third‑party app support.

Checklist before you buy

• Does it pair fully with your phone type?
• Does the battery life match your usage?
• Do the sensors cover your needs?
• Is the app ecosystem sufficient?
• Are replacement straps and accessories readily available?

Final advice

Buy the watch that solves your primary pain points rather than chasing the headline specs. If possible, test one in a store or borrow from a friend for a real‑world trial. A good smartwatch should make life easier — not add another device to manage.

By Sarah Mitchell • 2024-08-30