Next Best Watch to Apple 2024
Last updated: March 2024
Key Takeaways:
- The Apple Watch is the go-to for iPhone users, but there are numerous alternatives compatible with iOS.
- Features to look for in a smartwatch include design, app availability, cellular connectivity, and battery life.
- Top alternatives include Fitbit Versa 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Amazfit Bip S, Withings Steel HR, TicWatch E2, and Moto 360 3rd Generation.
Introduction:
For iPhone users, the Apple Watch might seem like the only choice for seamless integration. However, the tech world offers a wealth of smartwatches that rival Apple's flagship wearable. These alternatives not only deliver on functionality, from fitness tracking to notifications, but also bring diversity in design and compatibility with iOS, often at a more palatable price point.
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What is the next best thing to an Apple Watch? For those seeking alternatives to the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Versa 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Amazfit Bip S, Withings Steel HR, TicWatch E2, and Moto 360 3rd Generation stand out as top contenders. These smartwatches offer a range of features that cater to different preferences and budgets, while maintaining compatibility with iOS devices. Whether prioritizing health tracking, battery life, or a stylish design, there's a smartwatch to fit your needs without being tethered to the Apple ecosystem.
If you are an iPhone user and you are looking for a smartwatch, then the most perfect choice would naturally be the Apple Watch.
However, that does not mean that the Apple Watch is the only excellent option. True enough, the own wearables of Apple would pair up greatly with iPhones.
Yet, there are still a lot of other nice options if you are looking for a smartwatch that can track your fitness and update you with relevant notifications at a more affordable price line.
Apart from Apple Watches, smartwatches that run the Wear OS of Google also work pretty well with iPhones. However, it is important to note that they will not have a few features that you can only access when connected with an Android device.
However they still look quite stylish and function excellently.
Before purchasing a smartwatch that can be an alternative to Apple Watches, be sure to read this entire article as we will walk you through the best Apple Watch alternatives that you can get right now.
The Features that Every Smartwatch Need to Have
There is no denying that smartwatches have already come a long way ever since they were first launched.
When it comes to smartwatches, Apple Smartwatch is undoubtedly one of the biggest forces that drive the industry.
However, that does not mean that Apple is the only smartwatch you should consider. In fact, there are plenty of choices in the market when it comes to such a type of watch.
To help you with your choice, here are the features that every smartwatch needs to have:
Design
Though manufacturers of smartwatches are constantly improving the design of their timepieces, they are still far from matching the design variety that traditional watches offer.
Right now, most smartwatches in the market look identical, each of them having rectangular or rose dials and metal casing.
Apps
There are a number of app-supporting smartwatches that you can get from several brands, such as Apple, LG, Samsung, and others. Both Google and Apple’s app stores offer new and more developed features.
However, the range of these features is still limited; thus limiting the full potential of smartwatches.
Cellular Connectivity
A number of smartwatches already possess their own independent cellular connectivity. For this reason, they support a SIM card of their own.
However many models still lack this SIM card support feature. So, when choosing a smartwatch, be sure to consider one that has a SIM card feature and cellular connectivity.
Longer battery life
The battery life of most smartwatches has always been their biggest issue. A lot of the most popular smartwatches, like the ones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Asus come with a battery life that lasts for a day or two.
Though there are some smartwatches from companies like Pebble that can last for roughly six to seven days, other popular brands need to follow.
For this reason, see to it that you are checking your chosen smartwatch’s battery life before finally purchasing it.
| The Best Apple Smartwatch Alternatives in the Market | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
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Fitbit Versa 2 |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
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Amazfit Bip S |
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|
Withings Steel HR |
$179.95 |
|
TicWatch E2 |
|
|
Moto 360 3rd Generation |
6 Best Smartwatches for Apple Watch Alternatives
1. Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit Versa 2 - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
The technology used in the Versa 2 is sophisticated enough to measure your heart rate and track your movement. This tracking is done in order to provide you with a “sleep score” based on how deep, light, and REM sleep you had that night.
If you cannot sleep at night, you can ask this smartwatch to measure your sleep cycles and wake you up at the best possible time.
You can also connect this smartwatch to your Android or iOS device. It has a built-in Amazon Alexa, allowing you to ask it about current events and other simple questions, such as about the weather.
You can also use the Fitbit Versa 2 to send messages in particular applications.
In addition, you can receive all the notifications from your phone apps on this smartwatch.
That includes calls, text messages, social media notifications, and news updates. Moreover, its battery life can last up to six days.
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2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
This is a smartwatch that has surpassed Apple in a couple of areas.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3’s wellness features include the tracking of important metrics such as steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep.
Having this smartwatch means getting a much clearer picture of your health.
Apart from that, the Watch 3 has a better health feature -- it can track the amount of oxygen that your blood carries. What is even better is that it can last up to 56 hours.
Moreover, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is compatible with Android and iOS. It can receive all the notifications that come on your phone. You can also use it to send messages and make calls using its in-built microphone.
In addition, this smartwatch works with Samsung’s contactless payment Samsung Pay on Android. This feature, however, is not accessible on Apple.
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3. Amazfit Bip S
Amazfit Bip S - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
The Amazfit Bip S is perfect for people who are looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch.
In terms of wellness features, this smartwatch can track basic health data, such as steps, heart rate, and the activities you had throughout the day.
It has 10 various fitness settings. So, you can do your chosen workout routine and get an accurate assessment of the amount of calories you have burned.
Additionally, the Amazfit Bip S can show you the notifications from your phone on its always-on color display.
It can last for up to 40 days per charge, which is good if you do not want to plug in another gadget each night.
Despite its limitations, the Amazfit Bip S is still a good smartwatch.
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4. Withings Steel HR
Withings Steel HR - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
The Withings Steel HR is perfect for people who do not like bulky smartwatches -- a look that is common in most smartwatches. Despite its size, it still has fitness tracking functions.
The minimalist screen of the Steel HR, which almost looks like a traditional analog watch car track steps, heart rate, and sleep. On the other hand, its battery can last for up to 25 days.
Moreover, this device possesses smart notifications. You will feel a gentle vibration from it whenever you receive a notification.
You can then check your wrist to see what that notification is about. Right there and then, you can decide if you need to pull out your phone from your pocket and deal with a message or a call.
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5. TicWatch E2
TicWatch E2 - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
This smartwatch by TicWath is perfectly functional and solid. However, its major selling point is the fact that it is the least expensive Wear OS device that you can get. The TicWatch E2 allows you to track your steps.
In addition, it provides you with access to Google Fit and Google Assistant.
You can also see your iOS or Android phone’s notifications using this device. It tracks your heart rate and allows you to download apps from Google Play. On top of that, the E2 is 5ATM-level waterproof.
Just like the other smartwatches on this list, the TicWatch E2 has a sleep tracking functionality as well as decent battery life.
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6. Moto 360 3rd Generation
Moto 360 3rd Generation - Best alternatives to Apple Watch
The previous generations of the Moto 360 are great smartwatches, but the 3rd generation released in 2020 is probably the best one.
The Moto 360 3rd Generation has more features and is also stylish. Contrary to the earlier Moto 360 smartwatches, this one is produced by eBuyNow, a Motorola licensee.
In terms of the display, this smartwatch features a classic round watch face, giving it a more traditional analog watch look.
It comes with two interchangeable bands -- a leather and a sports band. For this reason, you can switch up its look to suit your outfit.
The Moto 360 3rd Generation is water-resistant and can access a number of apps. That includes Google Music, Spotify, Viber, Google Play, and more.
Moreover, this smartwatch is an excellent choice for fitness buffs. This is because it has a heart rate monitor and an in-built GPS. You can even use it to access Google Fit.
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Guide to Smart Watches
What is the point of a smart watch?
Smartwatches can track your fitness goals, display incoming calls and notifications, play music, and even make payments via NFC technology. They also allow for quick access to apps, messages, and reminders, and some can even monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns.
Smartwatches are a convenient and interactive way to stay connected and on top of your physical health and daily schedule without having to constantly pull out your phone.
Is there a better smartwatch than the Apple Watch?
Some argue that the Samsung Galaxy Watch offers better battery life and more customization options. Others prefer the fitness-focused features of the Garmin Forerunner or the stylish design of the Fossil Gen 5.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to individual users.
What is the Next Best Thing to an Apple Watch?
Smartwatches are very useful devices. And when it comes to smartwatches, Apple is no doubt the best and most popular one.
However, that does not mean that you will not be able to find an excellent alternative to the said brand.
In fact, there are a lot of feature-rich, gorgeous, user-friendly, and reliable smartwatches out there. These alternatives are especially useful if you are using an Android phone.
But before buying your chosen smartwatch, make sure that you have assessed your needs, requirements, and budget.
This way, it will be easier for you to narrow down the ones with excellent features that fit your budget.
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