10 Versatile Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers Worth a Closer Look

Depending on what you are looking for in a wearable, there’s a current-generation device out there for you. Here’s a look at 10 wearables that deliver high-quality features.

The Polar M600 is one of the newer devices in this roundup. The wearable, which also doubles as a “GPS sports watch,” is powered by Android Wear and allows users to simultaneously check the time, get their heart rate on a run and keep track of where they are with an integrated navigation system. The M600, which is currently available for preorder for $330, also provides users with feedback on their physical activity and tells them how many calories they’ve burned.

Unlike so many other devices in this roundup, the Pebble Core doesn’t come with a screen or attach to a user’s wrist. Instead, the tiny clip-on wearable pairs with Pebble Time watches and gives users access to Spotify streaming, run-tracking and even Amazon Alexa, without even requiring users to have their phones with them. The Pebble Core is set to ship in January for $99.

The Huawei Watch is a device that attempts to make Android Wear look like it belongs in a standard watch. The device, which starts at $399, comes with the customer’s choice of a band as well as access to a wide array of Google Android applications and watch faces. In addition to its time-telling, the smartwatch features a built-in speaker to take and make calls, along with a fitness feature that tracks user movements throughout the day.

Garmin is perhaps best known for its mapping technology, but the company’s making great strides in wearables. That’s on full display with its $220 Vivosmart HR+. The wearable has GPS tracking to keep track of users while they run or walk, and can be used while swimming. Users will also find heart rate monitoring, calorie tracking and a range of smart notifications that will tell them when they receive a call, text or email. The HR+ pairs with compatible devices via Bluetooth.

Like the Huawei Watch, the $450 Samsung Gear S2 Classic Platinum is designed to bridge the gap between smartwatches and traditional watches. To achieve that goal, the device comes with a circular screen and support for several different wristbands. On the technical side, users will find support for Bluetooth so the device can connect to an Android handset, as well as WiFi support for accessing notifications and other data on the go. On the fitness side, the wearable comes bundled with the S Health app to track steps and check heart rates, and also offers access to many third-party fitness apps.

The Jawbone Up Move is similar to the Pebble Core in that it doesn’t necessarily need to be worn around the wrist. Instead, the device can be clipped on to a pocket or on your pants’ waistband to track all kinds of activity, including distance traveled, traveling speeds and calories burned. It doesn’t have a screen, though, so data will have to be accessed from a connected mobile device. The Up Move costs just $50.

Fitbit finds its way into this roundup with help from the Blaze, one of its most popular smartwatches. The wearable, which has a starting price of $200, comes with a color touch screen that displays time, notifications, workout metrics and more. It’s designed for active people who want to track their exercise routines.

The LG Watch Urbane Second Edition is fully capable of connecting to LTE networks. That means the device can be worn without requiring users to carry around a connected smartphone and still get messages, track their fitness and even make calls from the watch, thanks to its built-in microphone. The Watch Urbane runs on Android Wear, providing it access to a slew of apps and watch faces. The device, which connects to both AT&T and Verizon networks, starts at $200.

Samsung makes a second appearance in this roundup, thanks to its popular Gear Fit2. The wearable, which is slimmer than many other similar models, comes with a rectangular screen and is designed to fit snugly around a user’s wrist. It tracks fitness levels, monitors heart rates and can even handle dunks in water. For a limited time, Samsung has priced this model at $150, which is $30 off its usual retail price.

The Apple Watch is the world’s most popular smartwatch, so it deserves a spot in the list of appealing wearables. The device, which launched last year, comes with a heart-rate sensor, the ability for users to change watch faces with ease and access to a multitude of third-party apps ranging from games to health. It also comes in three models, the Apple Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition, and connects to an iPhone. It can display notifications, make calls and more. The cheapest Apple Watch Sport starts at $299. But be aware that several reports suggest a new version of the device could launch in the next several months.