What Is a Smartwatch?

Asmartwatchis a unit you wear on your wrist.

It typically offers features youd see on your phone and often pairs with that unit.

Sony SmartWatch

Sony

Many different brands and types of smartwatches are available, and phone compatibility often affects your options.

you could also often make calls or reply to text messages through it.

Smartwatches typically measure health information like heart rate, which also makes them similar tofitness trackers.

Three Apple Watches in a row. Starting on the left is the Apple Watch SE (gen 2), Apple Watch Series 9 in the middle, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the right.

Apple, Inc.

As with most technology, smartwatches are available with a range of prices, features, and styles.

Here are the five key things it’s crucial that you think about before you buy a smartwatch.

How Much Should a Smartwatch Cost?

Galaxy Watch 6

Samsung

Thats why its so important to think about what you need from your watch.

That way, you might decide how much you might (or are able to) invest.

Is your Phone Compatible with Your Smartwatch?

Whatever smartwatch you buy, it needs to work with your phone.

Simply put, it makes it much easier if the two devices play nicely.

Some Android-based watches will work with your iPhone, but often, not all features will work perfectly.

How Do You Plan on Using Your Smartwatch?

What are your intentions behind buying a smartwatch?

Are you tempted by just having new tech, or do you have a specific goal in mind?

Its important to focus on what you want or need most.

Fitness-minded watches are generally the ideal option if you plan on running a marathon soon, for instance.

Apple, Inc.

Whats Your Personal Style?

Unlike your phone, your smartwatch is a more pivotal part of your aesthetic.

Its effectively a form of jewelry, so its always going to be on show.

Thats why its important to find one that suits your personal style.

Many smartwatches let you swap out the watch strap, but not all.

When it comes to the bezel of the watch, whatever you pick, youre stuck with.

Besides color, you also want to consider size.

If you have a small wrist, certain smartwatches can dwarf that and be uncomfortable to wear.

ensure you measure things up carefully so that it looks good on your wrist.

Ideally, take the time to try before you buy.

How Much Do You Want to Customize your Smartwatch?

Related to the style of the watch, some smartwatches are more easily customizable than others.

Besides some having fixed watch straps, you also need to consider the software side of things.

Look into available watch faces to ensure you get one that will be usefulor at least appealingto you.

Not all smartwatches allow you to swap out or add more apps, however.

In some cases, you may be fine with having a basic selection of apps to choose from.

Who Should Buy a Smartwatch?

A few different groups of people benefit most from a smartwatch.

Samsung

What Should I Do After I Buy a Smartwatch?

Once youve bought your smartwatch, its time to make it your own.

Heres a quick overview of what to do after youve paired it to your phone.