

Some, as we've mentioned, are packed with sensors and technology for specific activities such as running, swimming or exploring the great outdoors. The best let you easily view and respond to notifications, dictate text or email responses, or send 'smart' replies, and most should at the very least handle the basics of fitness and activity tracking.Ī smartwatch will also allow you to see more details of your exercise or smart notifications at a glance without taking your phone out, by virtue of having a bigger screen than a fitness tracker. The biggest strength of smartwatches is their ability to link together notifications from your smartphone – such as texts, calls, emails, directions, calendar appointments and social media messages – with comfort and style. In short: go for a smartwatch if you like the idea of a miniature smartphone on your wrist, or you're looking for special sports-tracking features.

More advanced devices support particular types of exercise or sports, such as running, cycling, swimming or golf. On a basic level, a fitness or activity tracker can give you an insight into your day-to-day activity, tracking your steps, calories or sleep. We’ve found fitness trackers and smartwatches that are expensive but inaccurate, uncomfortable and/or awkward to use. Price is by no means an indicator of performance, though. You'll generally need to spend at least £50 for a Best Buy fitness tracker, but a couple of decent trackers are available for between £30 and £70, or you might be able to nab one for even less in the sales.Īnd you'll generally need to spend at least £100 for a Best Buy smartwatch, but there are a couple that are often available for around £65-70 and some that are available for between £120 and £150. Some watches have a range of design options available, such as a choice of leather, woven or metal straps, or limited-edition versions endorsed by celebrities. Other things affecting price are the design and material.

Spending more usually means you get more features, such as multi-sport tracking or 4G to make calls without your phone. Smartwatches range from around £12 for a watch you might buy from a discount site such as Groupon, up to more than £600. You can buy a fitness tracker for as little as £20, or you could pay more than £200 for a premium model. Once you’ve decided which device you want, browse our fitness tracker and smartwatch reviews to find the wearable that’s right for your needs and budget. Still not sure which type of wearable is for you? Scroll down to the 'features' tab at the bottom of your screen to explore more.
