Which smartwatch is right for me? Buying guide & key features

A smartwatch is so much more than just a stylish accessory on your wrist—it's a versatile companion that can enrich your everyday life. These smart watches, which have been taking the market by storm for several years, offer a wealth of features ranging from fitness tracking and health monitoring to convenient notifications and useful apps.

Whether you want to keep track of your exercise, increase your productivity, or simply stay up to date – a smartwatch can do all this and much more. In the following sections, you'll learn which features are particularly useful and which smartwatch best suits your needs.

What makes smartwatches so practical? Smartwatches are particularly practical because they combine numerous functions in a compact case. They offer fitness tracking, health monitoring, notifications, and communication options right on your wrist. This allows you to keep track of your activities and health data without constantly having to pull out your smartphone. They also allow you to control music, navigation, and contactless payments.

Which functions are important in a smartwatch?

With the sheer number of features modern smartwatches now offer, it's easy to get lost. That's why we've compiled an overview for you. Just take a look at our table and learn more about the individual features below.

function	Example models	Application examples	Useful information
Fitness tracking	Apple Watch Series 8, Fitbit Versa 3, Garmin Forerunner 945	Pedometer, calorie consumption, training recording	Helps track fitness goals and health data
Heart rate measurement	Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, Apple Watch SE, Polar Vantage V2	Heart rate monitoring during training	Important health monitoring, detects irregularities
Sleep monitoring	Fitbit Sense, Withings Steel HR, Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro	Analysis of sleep cycles, improvement of sleep quality	Promotes better sleep through targeted recommendations
GPS navigation	Garmin Fenix ​​6, Suunto 9 Baro, Apple Watch Ultra	Route planning, navigation while running or hiking	Ideal for outdoor activities and accurate location tracking
Notifications	Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Apple Watch Series 7, Fossil Gen 6	View messages, calls, and app notifications	Stay informed without having to take out your smartphone
Music playback	Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Garmin Venu 2	Play or control music directly from the watch	Perfect for workouts or activities without a smartphone
Contactless payment	Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Fitbit Versa 3	Paying in store without a wallet or card	Secure and convenient, supported by services like Apple Pay and Google Pay
Voice control	Apple Watch Series 8 (Siri), Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (Bixby), Garmin Venu 2 (Amazon Alexa)	Voice commands for messages, calls and smart home control	Increases user-friendliness and comfort
Water resistance	Garmin Swim 2, Apple Watch Series 8, Fitbit Charge 5	Swimming, diving, water sports	Protects the watch from water and allows use in the sea or swimming pool

What are the basic features every smartwatch should offer?

Every smartwatch should offer basic features like notifications, fitness tracking, and music playback. These are now absolute standards.

• Notifications: Notifications allow you to receive calls, messages, and app notifications right on your wrist, keeping you informed without having to constantly pull out your smartphone.

• Fitness tracking: Fitness tracking is essential for monitoring your daily activities, from the number of steps taken to calories burned and distance traveled.

• Music playback: A smartwatch with music playback offers the freedom to play or control your favorite music directly from the watch, which is especially useful when exercising or on the go.

Popular models such as the Apple Watch Series 8, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Fitbit Versa 3 implement these basic functions particularly well , making everyday life easier.

What advanced features can smartwatches offer?

Smartwatches can also offer advanced features like mobile payments , GPS tracking , and comprehensive app integration. Most modern models also offer these features. However, if you're on a tight budget, you may have to forgo some of them:

• Mobile payments: Mobile payments allow you to pay quickly and securely without taking out your wallet or card.
• GPS tracking: GPS tracking is especially useful for athletes who want to accurately track their running or cycling routes.

Models like the Apple Watch Series 8, the Garmin Fenix ​​6, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stand out for these advanced features . For example, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers seamless app integration and mobile payments with Apple Pay, while the Garmin Fenix ​​6, with its precise GPS tracking and rugged design, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 also combines a variety of these features.

How can smartwatches actually improve my everyday life?

Thanks to these and other features, smartwatches can make your everyday life much easier . Practical apps with functions that previously required multiple devices are now literally on your wrist.

When exercising, features like heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking help you monitor and improve your performance. Studies show that smartwatches motivate users to achieve their fitness goals. Athletes, for example, will find the Garmin Forerunner 945 an ideal companion, offering comprehensive fitness tracking and navigation features. For versatile use, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is an excellent choice, combining a wide range of features for everyday life, work, and sports.

For leisure, the music playback offered by most smartwatches allows you to play your favorite music directly from the watch. Business travelers might benefit from the Apple Watch Series 8, which offers seamless integration with work apps and Apple Pay .

Smartwatch vs. fitness tracker: What's the difference?

Although smartwatches and fitness trackers appear very similar at first glance, they focus on different things. Fitness trackers are significantly more limited in their functionality, but they also cost less. We'll explain the differences – first in a clear table, then in detail.

feature	Smartwatches	fitness tracker
Main function	Versatile use: communication, apps, fitness	Focus on fitness tracking and health
Display	Larger, often color display	Smaller, often monochrome display
Notifications	Full notifications for calls, messages and apps	Basic notifications
Apps	Support for a variety of apps	Limited app integration
GPS	Integrated GPS on many models	GPS often only in higher-end models
Music playback	Ability to play and control music	Rarely, often no music playback
Battery life	Shorter, usually 1-2 days	Longer, often several days to weeks
Price	Higher, often several hundred euros	Cheaper, often under one hundred euros
Target group	Broader target group: professionals, technology enthusiasts, athletes	Primarily aimed at fitness enthusiasts
Examples	Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5	Fitbit Charge 5, Garmin Vivosmart 4

When is a smartwatch the right choice?

A smartwatch is the right choice if you want more than just fitness tracking. It offers advantages in situations where communication, app integration, and advanced features are required. Business people benefit from notifications and calendar functions without having to constantly use their smartphone.

Athletes who want detailed GPS tracking and music control during their workouts will find a smartwatch the ideal companion. Smartwatches also prove useful in everyday life, as they enable mobile payments and are equipped with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. For example, you can track your route while jogging, receive messages, and control music, all directly from your wrist.

When is a fitness tracker sufficient?

A fitness tracker is sufficient if you primarily want to monitor your health and fitness data. Fitness trackers offer basic functions such as step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and calorie consumption . They are often cheaper and have a longer battery life than smartwatches. Fitness trackers are therefore ideal for people who want to keep track of their daily activities and stay motivated.

Popular models like the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Garmin Vivosmart 4 are aimed at fitness enthusiasts seeking simple and effective monitoring features . Unlike smartwatches, which also offer notifications, GPS navigation, and app integration, fitness trackers focus on the essentials.

What are the main differences between smartwatches and fitness trackers?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers differ in terms of functionality and price. The price difference is justified by the additional features and greater complexity of smartwatches. For someone looking for a versatile device that also serves as a communication and organizational tool , a smartwatch is the better choice.

However, if you primarily want to monitor your fitness without spending a lot of money, a fitness tracker is a suitable and efficient device.

Which smartwatches are best for different needs?

As you already know, some smartwatches are better suited to specific needs . We'll introduce you to a few models that might be just right for you.

Which smartwatches are currently on the market?

In recent years, the market has been virtually flooded with new smartwatch models . After major brands like Apple and Samsung enjoyed great success with their models, many smaller manufacturers followed suit with their own variations and ideas.

Three of the best models are definitely the Apple Watch Series 8, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Garmin Fenix ​​6:

feature	Apple Watch Series 8	Samsung Galaxy Watch 5	Garmin Fenix ​​6
design	Elegant, modern design	Modern design	Robust, outdoor-ready design
Display	Retina display, Always-On	AMOLED display, Always-On	MIP display
Operating system	watchOS	Wear OS	Garmin OS
compatibility	iOS	Android	Android, iOS
Fitness tracking	Comprehensive, including ECG and blood oxygen	Comprehensive, including sleep and heart rate measurement	Precise GPS, comprehensive outdoor features
GPS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 40 hours	Up to 14 days
Water resistance	50 meters	50 meters	100 meters
Price	Middle segment (from approx. 350 euros)	Middle segment (from approx. 200 euros)	Upper segment (from approx. 400 euros)
Recommended users	iPhone users, health-conscious people	Android users, fitness enthusiasts	Outdoor enthusiasts, athletes

Which smartwatches are particularly suitable for athletes?

Smartwatches for sports impress with robust designs, water resistance, and special fitness features . We present three of our favorite models in the table below:

feature	Practs GOLIATH 7 PRO	Polar Vantage V2	Suunto 9 Baro
design	Robust but stylish design	Sporty and light	Robust, outdoor-ready design
Water resistance	30 meters	100 meters	100 meters
GPS	Yes, precise GPS tracking	Yes, precise GPS tracking	Yes, precise GPS tracking
Battery life	Up to 15 days	Up to 7 days	Up to 120 hours
Fitness features	Extensive training functions	Extensive training functions	Extensive training functions
Heart rate measurement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Special features	Shatter-proof AMOLED display, phone finder function	Recovery Pro, Running Power	FusedTrack for accurate GPS tracking
Price	Lower segment (from approx. 130 euros)	Middle segment (from approx. 350 euros)	Middle segment (from approx. 300 euros)
Recommended users	Outdoor enthusiasts, athletes	Athletes with intensive training sessions	Long-distance athletes, outdoor enthusiasts

Which smartwatches offer the best value for money?

You've probably asked yourself before: "What can a smartwatch do for a small price?" If you're interested in smartwatches but don't want to break the bank , we have a few tips for smartwatches with particularly good value for money. Sometimes older or cheaper models will do the trick, as they also perform well in smartwatch comparisons:

feature	Fitbit Versa 3	Samsung Galaxy Watch 4	Garmin Forerunner 55
design	Modern and light	Modern and sporty	Light and sporty
Water resistance	50 meters	50 meters	50 meters
GPS	Yes, integrated	Yes, integrated	Yes, integrated
Battery life	Up to 6 days	Up to 40 hours	Up to 14 days
Fitness features	Comprehensive fitness tracking	Comprehensive fitness and health tracking	Running and training functions
Heart rate measurement	Yes	Yes	Yes
Special features	Sleep tracking, stress management	Diverse apps, body analysis	Running coach, training plans
Price	Low segment (from approx. 150 euros)	Low segment (from approx. 140 euros)	Low segment (from approx. 150 euros)
Recommended users	Fitness enthusiasts, budget-conscious	Fitness-conscious, tech-savvy	Runners, budget-conscious

How do I find the perfect smartwatch for me?

If you want to find the perfect smartwatch for you , you should first understand exactly what you're looking for. Only then should you explore the now quite broad smartwatch market.

What factors should you consider when buying a smartwatch?

When buying a smartwatch, consider the following factors:

• Price: First, set a price range. The price is ultimately crucial to ensuring the watch fits your budget.
• Features: Features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and notifications are essential for everyday use and sports.
• Compatibility: Compatibility with your smartphone is also important, as not all smartwatches work with all operating systems.
• Design: Design plays a big role, as the watch should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

How do you determine your budget and your needs?

Setting a realistic budget for a smartwatch purchase starts with analyzing your financial options and priorities. Consider how much you're willing to spend on additional features. Identify your needs and usage scenarios: Do you primarily need the smartwatch for fitness tracking, or do you value comprehensive app integration and notifications?

For a limited budget of around €200, models like the Fitbit Versa 3 are ideal, offering basic fitness and health features. In the mid-price range of €300 to €400, you'll find models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, which offer more features and a more premium design. For a higher budget of over €500, you can choose models like the Garmin Fenix ​​6, which offer extensive outdoor and fitness features. You'll find more models in our overview table:

Price category	Price range	Example models	Main features
Cheap	Up to 200 euros	Fitbit Versa 3, Garmin Forerunner 55, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4	Basic fitness tracking, GPS, heart rate monitoring
Medium	200 - 400 euros	Fitbit Sense, Apple Watch Series 8	Advanced fitness and health features, longer battery life
High-priced	Over 400 euros	Garmin Fenix ​​6	Comprehensive features, robust design, GPS, ECG, blood oxygen measurement

Where can you buy smartwatches?

Most people buy smartwatches online or directly from electronics stores . The latter offer the great advantage of personalized service, while the former often offer more affordable prices. When purchasing, pay attention to the return policy, warranty conditions, and customer service to ensure you're well-protected in case of any issues.

Well-known and trustworthy retailers like Amazon, MediaMarkt, and Saturn are recommended, as they offer secure and easy purchasing and comprehensive customer service. Also, keep an eye out for special offers and discounts to find the best value.

Conclusion: Is a smartwatch a useful companion in everyday life?

Smartwatches are now available in models primarily aimed at athletes , but also in versions that are interesting for other users with a variety of hobbies. Know exactly what you're looking for, compare prices, and ultimately choose a retailer. Which smartwatch is best ultimately depends on you.

Smart watches can make your everyday life much easier . Smartwatch features like seamless integration with your smartphone, music and calendar apps, and other applications are sure to be used every day—and you'll never want to be without your smartwatch again.

At Happystrapy, you will find not only this smartwatch buying guide but also suitable watch straps for smartwatches from brands such as Samsung, Huawei, and Garmin.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about smartwatches

Which smartwatch is best for beginners?

The Apple Watch SE and the Fitbit Versa 3 are ideal for beginners. Both offer a user-friendly interface, basic fitness tracking features, and notifications. They are affordable and easy to set up.

How long does a smartwatch’s battery last?

Battery life varies by model. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 8 last around 18 hours, while models like the Garmin Venu can last from two to eleven days. Using GPS and apps can reduce battery life.

Can I use a smartwatch with any smartphone?

Not all smartwatches are compatible with every smartphone. Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while many other models, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch or Fitbit, are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Check compatibility before purchasing to avoid any unpleasant surprises.