I’ve decided to make things a bit easier for you by selecting the 8 best Apple Watch alternatives after considering different preferences and budgets. Let’s dive into the list.
1. Amazfit GTR-3 Pro – Editor’s choice
While the best smartwatches provide you with the latest features and don’t compromise on build quality, they can be ridiculously expensive. If you’ve got around $250 to spend on a smartwatch, and you want every bang for your buck, Amazfit GTR-3 Pro is for you. The watch is directly connected to Alexa, making your user experience much better. You’re also treated to an ultra-HD screen with 331ppi, which is exceptionally high for a smartwatch screen. Other features include 12-day battery life, 5 ATM water resistance, and over 150 sports mode for fitness enthusiasts. Best of all, the watch has a sleek look to it that works in almost every environment and occasion. The watch uses Zepp OS, and several users have reported it as buggy. It will need plenty of improvements if it’s to give competition to Apple or Samsung.
331ppi for crisp visuals Built-in Alexa 12-day battery life Water resistance of 5 ATM Over 150 sports modes
Zepp OS needs improvement
2. Xplora X5 Play – Best smartwatch for kids
It can be difficult handing your kid an expensive smartwatch and expecting them to take proper care of it. That being said, you would also want a watch that could provide all the basic functions. This is where the Xplora X5 Play comes into the fold. This watch comes with a range of useful features such as video and voice calls, messages, GPS and safety tracking, and compatibility with your home Wi-Fi. You can also add an optional SIM card if you feel the need. Despite all these features, the smartwatch isn’t much of a looker. Its design is rather simple, and this may not sit well with some kids who prefer something more stylish. However, this is still the best smartwatch for kids in the market.
SIM is optional GPS tracking available Connects to Wi-Fi
Inelegant design
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 – Best smartwatch for Android users
In the smartwatch game of the big companies, Samsung is the only one giving Apple a run for its money. With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the company provides a good option for Android users. Previously, iterations of Samsung’s smartwatches used the outdated Tizen OS. With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the entire OS experience has been updated with WearOS to give a more holistic experience to users. This shift to the new OS has led Samsung to add nifty new features such as a body composition analysis. This is especially useful for people looking to change how they look and get healthier. In terms of design and build quality, the watch looks similar to previous iterations of Samsung’s smartwatches. However, the company hasn’t compromised on the quality of materials, and this watch can stand a fair amount of drops and scratches. The only caveat of this Apple Watch alternative is that it may not offer as seamless integration for other devices as it does for Samsung.
New OS delivers great new features Decent build quality Good companion wearable for Android users
Integration may not be seamless with devices other than Samsung
4. Wearable4U Garmin Lily – Best smartwatch design
When smartwatches were initially released, the focus was on functionality. Now that the functionality is improved, smartwatches with beautiful designs are in demand. If you’re interested in purchasing a looker of a smartwatch, you could go for the Garmin Lily. This Apple Watch alternative is especially useful for women as it’s got an accurate sensor for menstruation and pregnancy cycles. Other than that, it can measure your energy levels, stress, sleep, Pulse Ox, and heart rate. Coming to the design, this smartwatch hits it out of the park. With an elegant finish that works well in both sporting activities and high-end brunches, you don’t have to worry about changing the look of your smartwatch for a long time. The battery backup of the watch isn’t good, though. If you purchase this watch, be prepared to charge it often.
Beautiful design elements Tracks Pulse Ox, menstruation cycles, energy levels accurately Can be worn for both sports and casual occasions
Battery backup is subpar
5. Polar Grit X Pro – Most durable Apple Watch alternative
People active in outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking often require a durable smartwatch to survive tough conditions. Polar Grit X Pro is perfect for such situations. The watch’s screen is made of sapphire glass, making it almost impossible to break. Moreover, the screen has an always-on option so that you can check all your notifications and track your location when exploring the great outdoors. The watch also provides a superb battery life of 40 hours, with most sensors enabled. This means that even if you’re away for a substantial period of time, your watch will not die on you. The smartwatch is feature-packed. What makes this purchase more worthwhile is the host of data it provides to you. If you’re a professional athlete and want to know the nitty-gritty behind your performance, the data provided by the watch can help you improve. The only issue you might face with this watch is that you can’t upload routes onto the watch itself. You will have to use a third-party app for this.
Excellent build quality Good smartwatch for professional athletes 40-hour battery life
GPS routes can’t be uploaded
6. Amazfit T-Rex Pro – Best for extreme weather conditions
The normal smartwatches you find for everyday use aren’t meant for extreme heat or cold. To handle such damaging weather, you need a heavy-duty smartwatch. This is where the Amazfit T-Rex Pro introduces itself. The first thing that you notice about the watch is its build quality. The watch’s body is sprayed with metal, increasing its durability and tolerance to temperature changes. Moreover, each watch goes through 15 military-grade tests to check its effectiveness. When you’re battling the elements this much, charging your smartwatch is the last thing on your mind. Fortunately, the T-Rex Pro lasts for 18 days on a single full charge. Besides, the smartwatch also measures things like heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen saturation levels, and the weather. It’s also water-resistant up to 100m. The smartwatch has some connectivity issues, however. It would be great if the manufacturers iron out these issues in future updates.
Can work in extremely cold or hot temperatures 18-day battery life Water resistance of 10 ATM
Suffers from connectivity issues
7. Fitbit Sense – Covid-19-ready smartwatch
With the Covid-19 pandemic changing the way we interpret the “normal,” taking care of one’s health has become more important than ever before. If you’re absolutely serious about keeping a lookout on minute changes in your health, you could consider investing in Fitbit Sense. Where it differentiates itself from other smartwatches are the health features. From blood oxygen levels to changes in your skin temperature, the Fitbit Sense helps you accurately track even the smallest of changes. There’s also an EDA Scan app and ECG app for stress and irregular heartbeat monitoring. While these features are essential today, Sense’s GPS seems to lack accuracy. If you love traveling and exploring, I wouldn’t recommend this smartwatch for location tracking.
Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant Built-in GPS, mic, and speaker EDA Scan and ECG apps work well On-skin temperature change can be gauged
GPS isn’t very accurate
8. Amazfit GTS 2 Mini – Best budget smartwatch under $100
Sometimes, you don’t have $200 or $300 to spend on a smartwatch. Instead, you might want a good deal under $100. If that’s the case, have a look at the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini. This Apple Watch alternative comes with Alexa built-in and helps you in your day-to-day work, such as setting alarms and creating shopping lists. Besides, the company claims that the battery lasts up to 14 days on a single charge. The smartwatch offers 5 ATM water resistance and tracks your calories when you’re running laps around the pool. There are over 70 sports modes to test your fitness and understand how your body responds to different activities. You can also get heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level monitoring, sleep, and stress monitoring with this smartwatch. If you’re wondering about the build quality, the watch is light at 19.5g and features a solid 2.5D screen providing a worthwhile display. Surprisingly, the pedometer on the watch may not be the best in its segment. So, if counting your steps is a priority, you might have to look elsewhere.
Under $100 5 ATM water resistance Over 70 sports modes 2.5D screen Blood oxygen saturation and stress monitoring are good at this price point
Pedometer isn’t accurate
The smartwatch industry is bound to get even bigger and better with time. At the moment, however, the industry is providing some great wearables for you to try. I hope you’ve liked this list of the best Apple Watch alternative. How has your experience been with smartwatches? What would be the highest amount you’d spend on a smartwatch and why? Let me know in the comments below! Read more:
How to use Shortcuts on Apple Watch How to make a FaceTime Call on Apple Watch Helpful Apple Watch tips and tricks How to connect a smartwatch (non-Apple) to an iPhone
