Sports watches haven’t quite taken the place of the archetypal quartz or digital. In fact, a happy middle ground seems to have been reached between the two, so that sports and smartwatches can now frequently look like formal variants. But as athleisure and loungewear become the norm, and with more people choosing a more casual or personal wardrobe, you can expect futuristic and sporty smart watches to take centre stage. They’re not exactly cheap, but then neither is a standard quartz wristwatch or – for that matter – a decent pair of sneakers. With a range of features, apps and cellular and internet connectivity, the time really has come for these beauties. Here are the best ones.
Apple Watch Series 5
Perhaps overtaking the Rolex Oyster as the world’s most famous timepiece. You get a whole lot of watch and a whole lot more from this Apple model. Despite the reputation, the Series 5 is easy on the eye and easy to use. With Always-on mode, a bright display, optional cellular connectivity, heart rate sensor and built-in GPS, it does pretty much everything you’d expect, and does it well. And with loads of different wristbands, colours and casings to choose from, and with different face sizes, there really is an Apple Watch suited to your personal style and needs.
Garmin Venu Smartwatch
Challenging and – perhaps – bettering the Apple Watch in many departments, the Venu is a more sports-centred watch with a great touch-screen display and holistic design qualities. With up to five- days battery life, it will monitor many aspects of your health and fitness, and you’re able to download your Spotify playlist for the gym or track too. Additional access to multiple sports apps makes this watch that never gets tired of ensuring you get tired, and then get up in the morning ready for more.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Smartwatch
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active2 smartwatch is the best Apple Watch alternative for Android smartphone users. It has an eye-catching design, impeccable ergonomics, intuitive user interface with awesome haptic controls, reasonable price, and a powerful set of fitness- and sleep-tracking features. The product's heart-rate-tracking capabilities will get even better in the coming months. Samsung will bring ECG capabilities, as well as AFib detection to the product via a firmware update.
Polar Ignite Fitness-Tracking Watch
The reasonably priced Polar Ignite is packed with a ton of features geared toward workout addicts. The fitness-tracking timepiece has a built-in GPS, customizable profiles for various sports, as well as the ability to precisely measure the strain your body endures during every training session. The Ignite can also keep track of your sleep and recovery patterns.
Fossil Collider HR Hybrid Smartwatch
The Fossil Collider HR is a great option for fashion-conscious buyers, looking to keep track on their basic activity and sleep patterns. At a quick glance, the hybrid smartwatch looks like a classic chronograph timepiece with mechanical hands and a three-button layout. However, with a built-in always-on e-ink display and a heart rate sensor, the hybrid smartwatch is as feature-packed as it is elegant.
Withings Move Activity Tracking Watch
Priced just a tad north of $50, the Withings Move offers a robust set of fitness- and sleep-tracking features, a fully waterproof body with an elegant design, and fantastic battery life (the timepiece can last up to 18 months between battery replacements). A review editor from Wired praised the gadget for being "remarkably affordable."
