Smartwatch accessories

What to buy for your smartwatch

A watch screen on your wrist takes knocks all day — door frames, desk edges, the gym. A screen protector or film costs a fraction of a screen replacement. The other common buy is a spare charger: the original cable stays at the office or gets lost on a trip, while the watch needs charging every few days.

Glass, film or case

• Tempered glass is rigid and feels like the screen itself. Watches with curved edges often use glass with a frame that covers the edge too.
• Protective film is thin and flexible, reaches the edge of a rounded screen and adds no bulk. It stops scratches well but takes knocks less well than glass.
• Protective case (bumper) guards the body. A case with built-in glass covers the screen at the same time.

How to pick the right size

Protection must match your exact model and case size. One Apple Watch series comes in two sizes (for example 41 and 45 mm), and so do Samsung Galaxy Watch and Huawei models — a 40 mm protector will not fit a 44 mm watch. The case size is printed on the back of the watch and on the box. For a charger, check that your watch is in the list of compatible models: Garmin, Fitbit and Amazfit connectors differ from model to model.

Related categories

See also smartwatches, fitness bands, watch straps and chargers.

Frequently asked questions

Does a protector affect the touchscreen? No, a properly applied glass or film does not affect touch response or brightness.

Does an Apple Watch Series 7 protector fit Series 8? With the same case size Series 7 and 8 are interchangeable — that is why compatible series are listed together in the product name.

Does a spare charger charge as fast as the original? The watch sets the charging speed; a compatible cable or dock charges it normally from a decent USB power adapter.

Is a watch in a case still water resistant? The case does not change the watch's water resistance, but take it off and dry it after swimming so no water stays underneath.