Apple Watch Alternatives

Although the Apple Watch is highly regarded and popular, it's not for everyone. There are many other options available for those who don't want the Apple Watch's design or think that it's a little overpriced. They also offer robust functionality and stylish designs. What should you look out for in an Apple Watch Alternative? You might want to consider several factors, considering the versatility of Apple Watch's current lineup.

It would help if you considered an alternative watch with GPS and accurate step tracking. Also, a wearable with SpO2 monitoring or VO2 max data is a good option. These features are not necessary for gym companions, but they might benefit devices that track multiple sports. The majority of the devices listed below will cover your needs in this regard.

If you are looking for a smartwatch that is both simple and has a lot of functionality, the Apple Watch might be your best choice. A Wear OS 3 watch, which is outside Apple's walls, will provide you with the app support that you desire, but it won't be as powerful as an Android smartphone.

There are many things to think about, so we've listed a few of our top picks-

1. Moto 360, third generation

The popular Moto 360's third generation adds more options and features to make it a timeless, stylish wearable. This version, unlike the earlier Moto 360 versions, is manufactured by Motorola-licensed eBuyNow. It retails at around $300.

This display has a round watch face that gives it a more timepiece-like look. You can change the look of your wearable by adding a leather or sports band. It is water-resistant and compatible with many apps, including Spotify, Google Music, and Google Pay.

The Moto 360 is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts. It features a heart monitor and a built-in GPS. You can also access the Google Fit app to help you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. You can even use the Calm app to help with meditation. The Moto 360 (previously Android Wear) is a Wear device that can be used with both Apple and Android smartphones.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Samsung offers a variety of excellent wearables, including the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch Active2, as well as the original Galaxy Watch. But the Galaxy Watch 3 has a striking design with a full range of amazing features. The rotating bezel is back, making it easy to scroll through apps. This version's circular AMOLED display makes it stunning in direct sunlight.

The Galaxy Watch 3 has unique features such as a running coach, an FDA-approved ECG sensor, fitness app sync, sleep tracking, and a monitor for blood oxygen levels. You can create widgets and make calls from your wrist. There are 80,000 watch faces to choose from and 40 complications. Watch 3's base model is available in Mystic Siver or Mystic Bronze and starts at $399. The Mystic Black and Mystic Silver models are slightly more expensive at $429. The Watch 3 runs Tizen OS and can be used with both iPhones and Android phones.

3. Willful Smart Watch

Willful's SmartWatch 2020 is a great option for those who don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch. Although it doesn't come with all the bells or whistles of more expensive smartwatches, the Willful Smart Watch (2020) offers amazing battery life, sleek design, simple syncing, and excellent fitness-tracking capabilities for less than $30.

You can send messages through Messenger, Twitter, or WhatsApp. Enjoy a water-resistant, battery-saving experience and fitness-tracking features like heart rate monitoring, distance counting, step counting, and calorie counting. The Willful SmartWatch 2020 works with both Android and iPhones.

4. Fitbit Sense

The Fitbit Sense costs just over $300 but is a worthy option if you don't want an Apple Watch. It is of good quality and has some amazing features which set it apart from other watches. This Fitbit device will provide all the functionality of a fitness device. It also has onboard GPS and step counting, so your phone won't be dragged around while you run or hike. Although the Fitbit Sense can be used with both iPhones or Android phones, some functionality may be limited if it is paired with an iPhone.

5. Umidigi Uwatch GT

The Umidigi Uwatch GT is an Apple Watch alternative that costs less than $ 50 and is a great alternative for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. The smartwatch is 5 ATM waterproof, so you can swim up to 50 m and remain underwater for 10 minutes. The smartwatch also features a 10- to-15 day battery life, continuous heart monitor, Google Fit integration, and many cool designs. The UWatch GT can be used with both Android and iPhone mobiles.

6. The Michael Kors Access Gen 5

The Michael Kors Access Gen 5 Bradshaw series smartwatch looks great. It has a sleek and elegant design that makes it look like a good wristwatch. There are many options for these watches, including bright pink, rose gold, and pave tri-tone. The 1.7-inch AMOLED screen makes it stand out. With its wear underpinnings, you can access Google Pay, Google Assistant, and many other features.

Although there are some basic fitness tracking features, it is not the smartwatch for getting sweaty. There are still fun features, such as breathing exercises and goal-setting. Prices for the Gen 5 Bradshaw series vary depending on color and style. They range from $200-$400. The Wear device is compatible with both Android and iPhone phones.

7. TicWatch E2

The TicWatch E2 smartwatch is functional and sturdy. But its biggest selling point is the fact that it can be purchased for as low as $160. The TicWatch is 5ATM waterproof and can track your steps. It also allows you to access google assistant and google fit along with showing you notifications. You can download apps from the Google Play Store to enjoy heart rate sensors, sleep tracking, and decent battery life. The TicWatch E2 Wear device can be used with both Androids and iPhones.

8. Withings Steel HR

The Withings Steel HR smartwatch hybrid is for those who don't like traditional watches but still want to track their fitness. The Withings Steel HR hybrid smartwatch features a sleek analog display, step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. It also has a 25-day battery.

Smart notifications are sent to your device, and you will be notified by a gentle push. You can check your wrist to determine the alert and if you should pull out your phone to respond to a call or message. The Withings Steel HR hybrid smartwatch is available for purchase at $180. It can be used with either an iPhone or an Android smartphone. Overall, it is a good alternative to Apple watches.

9. Garmin Forerunner 255

There's no doubt that it's clear that the Garmin Forerunner 255 is designed to be a runner's watch first and a smartwatch second. This is true for a lot of the top Garmin smartwatches. However, this doesn't mean that it's not an acceptable option to replace an Apple Watch. Indeed, a case could be made to the effect that the Forerunner 255 is the most desirable Apple Watch alternative.

Given how well-known this Apple Watch is in terms of fitness and health tracking, it comes as no shock that Apple is the leader in this area. However, Forerunner 255 offers quite an amount more, since it doesn't require the same.

One reason is that the Forerunner 255 doesn't use a touchscreen display. Instead, it uses buttons for navigation through the menus. It may appear as a compromise, but when you're in the middle of a long run or exercise, the buttons are more reliable if you've got sweaty fingers and sweaty hands. Garmin includes several features into the Forerunner software 255, including numerous measurements and training tools which can be seen in a single glance.

Battery life is yet another convincing argument in favor of almost any other smartwatch listed on this list. When employed as a regular watch, Garmin claims you'll be capable of running for as long as 14 days from just one charge. Resident running enthusiast Michael Hicks found this in his test to be pretty accurate because the Forerunner 255 sped up to 46% after "one week where I didn't track any workouts and enabled always-on SpO2 tracking for the final three days."

10. Skagen Falster Gen 6

It's not for all people, but if you think of an item like the Apple Watch, you might imagine a sleek design for an electronic watch. This is a typical pattern of thought within the industry of smartwatches overall, and there aren't many Android smartwatches that can compete with the Apple Watch. This is, if you exclude Skagen's Falster Gen 6.

The Falster Gen 6 looks more like a conventional round watch, compared to the other alternatives available. It is built on a cylindrical chassis, making it "look thicker" than the Fossil Gen 6, but both models measure 11.5 mm at their widest point. Falster Gen 6 is also one of those watches which look stunning on the wrist of anyone and is a great partner for your time at the gym or a night out in the city.

In terms of performance, the Gen 6 suffers from the same issues similar to those of the TicWatch Pro 3 and other smartwatches before 2022. Its Snapdragon Wear 4100+ is adequate, but it lacks the punch we'd prefer. It's because it's operating Wear OS 2, and is yet to get the update to Wear OS 3. This is expected to change shortly, but in the meantime, you'll not be able to enjoy the features that Google's wearable OS offers.

11. Amazfit GTS 3

There are smartwatches and hybrid smartwatches and there are RTOS wearables. Utilizing the RTOS (real-time operating system), Amazfit's range of wearables is more advantageous over its competitors. Instead of having to utilize an operating system that's either not compatible or could drastically decrease battery time, RTOS provides the necessary information.

The Amazfit GTS 3, is the most advanced wearable device to date. It has a vivid 1.75-inch AMOLED screen, making use of Bluetooth 5.1 LE to connect, and comes with all the health-related sensors that you'd want. This includes heart rate monitors and SpO2 sensors on the device, monitoring of sleep, and many more.

However, another advantage of the use of RTOS along with GTS 3 is the improved battery endurance. Amazfit claims that the GTS 3 will last for as long as 12 days on one recharge, and research matches with their claim. Naturally, you'll be a bit more prone to battery longevity when exercising frequently. However, it's much better than what Apple Watches offer.

One characteristic that many owners of smartwatches love is their capacity to incorporate a digital assistant. For instance, the Apple Watch has Siri, Samsung utilizes either Bixby or Google Assistant, and the Pixel Watch will rely on Assistant. However, Amazfit unexpectedly added the on-device Amazon Alexa support, which is fantastic for users in the Alexa ecosystem. Our review discovered that Alexa "never delayed or did not take too long to give an answer or finish the task," regardless of whether it was used offline or online.

We have been impressed by the improvements Amazfit has made in the years; one major reason we recommend this GTS 3 is its price. With a price of just $180, GTS 3 is priced much less than the most expensive Apple Watch while providing users with many of the same features with a superior appearance.

12. Fitbit versa 3

Versa 3 was somewhat overshadowed by the Fitbit Sense, the company's flagship product, but it is one of the top available alternatives. One significant design tweak that changes the way it is used includes the latest latch system that is used for straps and bands. It is no longer necessary to mess with the latch that was in use before. With straps that are new, they simply snap in and out with ease.

Fitbit has taken a lot of features from Versa 2 and applied it to this, however, it includes key features that set it apart in key ways. The built-in GPS is a major one, as it means that you don't need to carry your smartphone with you whenever you're trying to keep track of distance or follow a particular route. The Fitbit app also comes with the latest PurePulse 2.0 heart rate monitor to provide more precise readings and better overall information collection when looking through it later on in the application. Additionally, there's the SpO2 sensor to measure blood oxygen levels and the capability to monitor menstrual cycles.

Certain features of Sense do cross over here, specifically in the area of phone calls and the latest built-in speaker, but it's more of a continuation of what Versa 2 first offered. There's Alexa as well. Google Assistant is a new feature. Fitbit continues to get more applications to use its platform. But it's still a struggle. While a handful of them work well, there are still places to improve. However, Fitbit Pay has grown quickly since its launch, and the NFC sensor inside the device allows users to avoid having the phone at the time of purchase.