Apple Watch Alternatives
If you are looking for a smartwatch as an iPhone owner, you will soon buy an Apple Watch. But it is of course possible that the design is not your taste, that you would like to look a little further. There are plenty of alternatives you could consider. More and more watchmakers ensure that their products work with iOS, so that you can also receive notifications, measure your sports activities and sometimes also install apps – although the options are often somewhat more limited. In this overview you will find a number of suggestions of watches that are often slightly cheaper, but do have smart functions.
- Fitbit Sense
- Samsung Watch 3
- Withings Scanwatch
- Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Fossil Gen 5 LTE
- Huawei Watch Fit
Apple Watch Alternatives: What Should You Look For?
When choosing a smartwatch, there are a number of things to look out for. Maybe you’re looking for something with a sportier slant, such as Garmin watches. Or maybe you prefer a classic looking watch with a round case. The range is huge, especially since Fossil started making all kinds of smartwatches for fashion brands such as Michael Kors and Armani. Most watches run on Wear OS, the successor to Android Wear, but there are also watches with their own operating systems from Fitbit and Garmin, for example. Pay attention not only to the hardware (GPS, heart rate monitor, battery life), but also to the capabilities of the software. How well does it work with iOS? Can you also read the data via a website? Does it work with Apple’s HealthKit or Google Fit? And can you export your data if you later want to switch to another brand?
#1 Fitbit Sense
Works with HealthKit: No
Fitbit has a formidable opponent for the Apple Watch with the Sense. The Sense is made of steel, which has a different look than Apple’s aluminum. It’s one of the few Apple Watch alternatives that doesn’t run Google’s Wear OS. We already wrote a review about the Sense, which you can read in the article below.
The Fitbit Sense is waterproof, equipped with a heart rate monitor and GPS. You can track your sleep and the
long battery life of six days very useful. That way you don’t have to charge it every day. You can make an ECG with the Sense, take a moment to rest or measure the oxygen saturation of your blood, just like the Apple Watch. More and more third-party apps are becoming available for Fitbit’s own operating system, but the range is clearly smaller than with the Apple Watch. .
#2 Samsung Watch 3
Works with HealthKit: yes
Do you want a watch that looks a bit more classic? Then the Samsung Watch 3 might be something for you. In terms of tracking features, this smartwatch comes pretty close to the Apple Watch. It is equipped with a heart rate monitor and GPS and measures the oxygen content of your blood. You can also take a dive with peace of mind while wearing your Watch 3. By using Tizen, the watch gives you all the notifications you get on your phone, so you don’t have to miss anything. You can also easily control music from this watch.
#3 Withings Scanwatch
Works with HealthKit: yes
The Withings Scanwatch is a hybrid smartwatch. This means that it is not a full smartwatch, but a classic watch with a smart inside. The Scanwatch has an analog clock with a small round screen that offers some smartwatch functions. The biggest advantage of this is the battery life. Because the Scanwatch does not have a large and energy-guzzling digital screen, the battery lasts no less than 30 days. You would almost forget that you also have to charge it. The smartwatch uses the GPS of your iPhone, which makes it less suitable for runners and cyclists. There is a heart rate monitor and an ECG sensor and it is able to automatically recognize sports when you are busy. The watch is waterproof so you can wear it while swimming. And the watch also comes in handy in bed, because it also contains sleep functions. The Scanwatch is available in two sizes and you can choose from different straps.
Available at Coolblue, among others
#4 Garmin Vivoactive 4
Works with HealthKit: yes
If you are a real sports enthusiast, take a look at the Garmin Vivoactive 4. The focus with this smart watch is on sports and it shows in all the things it can keep track of. You can keep track of all kinds of workouts such as running, cycling and exercises in the gym. The watch can be used specifically for supping, snowboarding or waves. Its extensive track options distinguish the Garmin Vivoactive 4 from the Apple Watch. In addition, the battery also lasts a bit longer, namely up to eight days. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is available in two different sizes and three case colors.
#5 Fossil HR Gen 5
Works with HealthKit: yes
Fossil makes a lot of smartwatches for fashion brands such as Michael Kors, but also has its own models. This beautiful model is the Fossil Gen 5, a large watch with a tough, yet neat appearance. The watch runs on Google’s Wear OS and is, for example, capable of counting your steps, checking your heart rate or keeping track of your running lap. Via the watch you can see when you receive a call or a message. Fossil is not very clear about the battery life, they say it can be used for several days. This is at least better than the battery life of the Apple Watch.
You can choose from two cabinet sizes, equipped in stainless steel. There are a lot of options when it comes to case designs and material for the straps. In this, the Fossil HR Gen 5 is very similar to the Apple Watch
#6 Huawei Watch Fit
Works with HealthKit: yes
It looks very much like an Apple Watch, but no, this is the Huawei Watch Fit Active. This watch needs your iPhone’s GPS to remember your walking or cycling tour, but it does have a battery life of ten days. You can also just dive into the pool with it. It also measures your sleep and your heart rate. The Watch from Huawei knows when you start an activity and automatically starts measuring the statistics. Something that is also reminiscent of the Apple Watch are the dials. The cabinet is available in one size, with a choice of three colours.
Still not convinced? We get it. Perhaps you would rather buy an Apple Watch. Check our overview if you want to know more about prices and models.
