Which smartwatch is right for me? Five questions and answers

Choosing the smartwatch that suits you best is something worth taking time for. A smartwatch is often quite an investment, so you want to be sure that you will enjoy your new purchase for a long time. That is why we have listed five important questions about smartwatches for you.

1. What type are you?

Are you a real gadget freak who always uses the latest apps first and cannot wait for the latest generation of smartphones to be released? Or is technology something that makes your life easier, but not the most important thing?

That is the first question to ask yourself when considering purchasing a smartwatch. Do you love to use all available technology to the limits? Then go for an extensive (display) smartwatch that works independently of your smartphone. You can find this type of smartphone at Samsung, Garmin or the latest generation of Fossil smartwatches. For example the Samsung Galaxy, Garmin Fenix 6 or the Fossil Garrett.

▴ Fossil FTW6036 Gen 5 touchscreen smartwatch

2. How smart do you want to be?

Do want to use smart functions to the max or are do you see them as an useful extra? Then take a look at hybrid or connected smartwatches that combine the benefits of smart with the functions of a regular watch. For example, the hybrid smartwatches from Fossil or Festina or Bluetooth connected watches from Casio.

Do you want to use the smartwatch for specific functions, for example for sports? Then the choice for a specifically sports-oriented smartwatch makes sense. For example, a simple activity tracker from Calypso or one of the advanced connected sports watches from the G-Shock G-Squad range.

▴ Lotus Smartime 50013/4 with sports functionalities

Use the compare function on our site to see which functions are available on your favourite watch.

3. Which style suits you?

Do you have a casual style or do you dress more professionally? Do you mainly use your smartwatch for sports or do you wear it all day? There is a smartwatch available for every style. For example, the Swiss connected watches from Jaguar or the ultra-sporty Vivo-Active from Garmin. Or are you perhaps a fashionista who goes for a stylish Michael Kors smartwatch?

▴ Michael Kors MKT 5089 Bradshaw touchscreen smartwatch

▴ Casio Edifice EQB-1000D-1AER connected

4. What does it cost?

We already sell activity trackers from £ 35. How much a smartwatch costs depends on the software, hardware and materials used. If you have answered the above questions and you know what your budget is, you can make a choice.

Go to our smartwatch page and click on the price range to select the smartwatches available.

5. What else should I pay attention to?

"Every advantage has its disadvantage" ; A complete touchscreen smartwatch is extremely handy, but it drains power and often has to be charged. A simple activity tracker may be advantageous in that respect, but also offers little functionality. That is why we have finally listed some advantages and disadvantages of the different types of smartwatches for you, so that you can make an even better choice.

Smartwatch type	Advantages	Pay attention to
Touchscreen smartwatch A mini-smartphone for your wrist	Works independently of your phone. Most complete in terms of functions.	Uses a lot of power. Needs to be charged more often. Higher price. Usually quite large and thick. Not always easy to operate. Pay attention to compatibility with your phone and available software updates.
Hybrid smartwatch Combined smartwatch and traditional watch with real hands.	Looks like a traditional watch. More efficient use of energy. The best of smart and connected combined.	Many differences between brands and specifications. Pay attention to compatibility with your phone and available updates.
Connected watch Traditional watch with smart functions that are controlled via your smartphone	Is a traditional watch with extras. Watch functions work independently of your phone. The app on your phone is always up to date.	Smart functions (usually) don't work without a connection to your phone. Big differences in price and quality.
Activity tracker Simple connected watch with limited functions	Does what it is intended for. Easy to operate. Affordable. Works independently of your phone.	Minimal functionality.