Smartwatches & fitness bands

A watch that counts more than the time

A smartwatch tracks heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen and workouts, and puts notifications on your wrist. A fitness band measures the same for half the money — a narrower case and a simpler screen, but weeks of battery. A strap is the cheapest way to make one watch suit both the office and the running track — quick-release straps change in seconds.

Watch or ring

A smart ring measures the same things — heart rate, sleep, recovery — without a screen and on days of battery. It gives you no notifications, calls or GPS: if you want a phone-free run, stay with a watch.

How to choose a watch

Start with compatibility: not every watch does the same on Android and iPhone. Then battery — sports watches last weeks, AMOLED smartwatches days. Athletes want built-in GPS and 5 ATM water resistance for swimming; everyday users want screen brightness in sunlight and calls from the wrist. Case size: 40–42 mm for slim wrists, 45–47 mm for larger ones.

What to add

A charger or power bank for travel and headphones for training. The phone itself is in phones and tablets.

FAQ

Smartwatch or sports watch? A smartwatch is about notifications and apps, a sports watch about accurate GPS tracks and long battery life; the line is blurred and flagships do both.

Does any strap fit? Check width (18/20/22 mm) and the attachment — a standard quick-release strap fits most round watches, while Apple and Samsung use their own fittings.