Best smartwatch, alternatives to Apple Watch
Apple Watch is amazing, but you might be after an alternative. Here we run down the best rivals to the Watch that work with your iPhone or Android smartphone.
When the Apple Watch launched back in 2015, it made quite a splash in the smartwatch market - and with the latest version, the Apple Watch 3, including cellular connectivity, GPS, improved water-resistance, and a boosted battery life, Apple has a firm hold on the smart watch market.
However, whether you're an iOS or Android (or Windows!) user, you’re probably here because you want to know what else is available to connect to your phone and slap on your wrist.
The Apple Watch is far from the only option and the might be an alternative that will suit your needs better and maybe even save you hundreds of pounds.
Here we take a look at the best alternatives to the Apple Watch – be sure to check the details to see what’s compatible with your smartphone.
If you're not sure you need a full smartwatch, be sure to check out our guide to the best fitness trackers that work with Apple Health instead.
Huawei Watch 2
- RRP: $299
Huawei's second-generation smartwatch has a strong focus on sport and fitness - though that's by no means all it offers.
It features a built-in heart rate monitor, along with an accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, barometer, compass and a capacitive sensor, and offers in-depth stat-tracking and workout advice.
In terms of the normal smart stuff, there's Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optional 4G, and the Watch 2 comes loaded with Android Wear 2, a hugely improved version of the smartwatch OS, along with Google Assistant support.
Finally, it boasts a 1.2in circular AMOLED display with a 390 x 390 resolution, 4GB of storage for music and apps, and is IP68 dust and water resistant.
Fitbit Ionic
- RRP: $299
Fitbit's first proper attempt at a smartwatch is a confident stride into new ground for the company.
If the fitness aspect of the Apple Watch appeals to you, then this is a good alternative.
The notification and app integration isn't as polished as Apple's but for raw fitness tracking it is debatably better, and has built in GPS for less than the Apple Watch.
The Fitbit app is also excellent, presenting a clear accessible path to your data. The draw here is 4 day battery life, GPS and above average fitness tracking. Recommended.
Fossil Q Founder
- RRP: $259
Fossil is one of the few traditional watchmakers that is daring to get into the smartwatch market.
The stainless steel bracelet design gives away this heritage, and its quite chunky, but some will like this – there is a leather strap version available though.
It runs Android Wear, and works with Android and iPhone devices. Its 1GB of RAM is double most of its rivals and helps it zip through the operating system nicely.
However, it has an annoying ‘flat tyre’ effect at the bottom of the screen where the light sensor is.
If you can put up with that small sliver of black, then the Q Founder is a great choice for those that don’t want to be wearing something obviously technological.
Our colleagues at Tech Advisor wrote a review, which you can find here.
Motorola Moto 360 Sport
- RRP: $186
The Motorola Moto 360 Sport is one of the best smartwatches for fitness. You get the some of the regular 360 style in a design which is practical for activities like running.
The GPS tracking is accurate but it's a shame the same can't be said of the heart rate monitor.
A solid effort but hard-ore fitness fans might need something which is more in-depth.
One small niggle is that there’s a black section right at the bottom of the watch face where the screen stops, to allow for a light sensor.
As has been proven by other circular designs, this annoyance isn’t necessary, and stands out when you set a white watch face.