7 minutes reading
By Sports Experts
Smartwatches are no longer reserved for tech enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy running, hiking, or simply want to live a more active lifestyle, a smartwatch can transform your daily routine. With so many smartwatch models on the market, making an informed choice can seem complicated. By clearly understanding your needs and the available features, you will be able to find the watch that suits you perfectly.
Explore how to choose the best smartwatch (Fitbit, Google, and Garmin) according to your sports and health goals.
A smartwatch is much more than just a gadget ! Here’s why more and more people are making it a part of their daily routine:
Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or already have an established routine, a smartwatch or fitness tracker allows you to better understand your performance. You will be able to track your heart rate, the number of calories burned, the duration, and the intensity of your efforts. Thanks to this concrete data, you will be able to adjust your workout sessions and stay motivated day after day.
It's essential for sports like swimming, running, cycling, trail running and cross-country skiing. Thanks to its integrated GPS, a smartwatch accurately records distance, average speed, as well as minimum and maximum speeds. These data allow you to analyze your various routes and improve your performance.
Smartwatches are not just for serious athletes, quite the opposite. They also help you maintain your health every day with features such as step tracking, stress management, sleep tracking, and movement reminders.
Some smartwatches, like the models offered by Fitbit, Google, and Garmin, allow you to make and receive calls directly from your wrist without having to take out your phone. You'll stay connected easily!
Need a motivational boost ? Many smartwatches allow you to store playlists and stream music directly to your Bluetooth headphones.
It’s important to properly assess your sports profile and choose the type of watch accordingly. There are two types of smartwatches: activity monitors and training watches.
If you want to get in shape or stay active by walking to work, climbing stairs, or engaging in recreational sports, an activity monitor is the best option for you!
Very easy to use, activity monitors are discreet and designed to be worn at all times, like a regular watch. These monitors display the date and time, track the number of steps you take each day, and estimate the number of calories you burn. Some models also monitor your heart rate and sleep.
A training watch is the best choice if you have specific goals and want to target your training zone. The best smartwatch for training is equipped with an integrated GPS. Thanks to the built-in GPS, some models offer a variety of sports modes to categorize your workouts, such as running, mountain biking, ski touring, and trail running. The advanced features of training watches allow you to quantify all your training sessions by precisely calculating your average and maximum speed as well as the distance covered.
Once you have determined which type of watch best suits your profile, there is no right or wrong choice. You can make your choice based on the appearance of the watch, its price, or your personal usage preferences.
Do you want to significantly improve at your sport ? Or are you simply curious to know all the data about your performance ? By connecting your Garmin smartwatch to the Garmin Connect app, you will be able to analyze the graphs of your journey!
According to your lifestyle, sports habits, or daily needs, certain features will be more useful than others. Here’s what to keep in mind to choose a model that will truly accompany you, day after day.
Some models need to be recharged every night, while others last several days, even weeks. If you train often or go on adventures, a long-lasting battery will make all the difference.
Do you want to train with complete freedom ? The built-in GPS works autonomously, allowing you to run or bike without a phone. Meanwhile, the connected GPS uses the signal from your cell phone. That's why connected GPS smartwatch models are lighter and more affordable.
Each sport has unique characteristics, and some watches are designed to accommodate them. Are you a running enthusiast ? Opt for a model with GPS, cadence measurement, and tracking of maximum oxygen volume (VO2 Max). Do you prefer mountain adventures or diving ? Choose a waterproof and durable watch with a compass and altimeter. Are you an avid golf player ? Some models include course maps and tools to analyze your shots. Experienced hikers will prefer Garmin smartwatch models that can integrate hiking maps.
If you do mountain sports, the altimeter is a feature not to be ignored. It allows you to measure altitude and the elevation gain you have covered. A real advantage for hikers, trail runners, or cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Additionally, the barometric altimeter is a must-have for scuba diving.
The majority of smartwatches allow you to receive your notifications, messages, and even answer your calls directly from your wrist. These functions are very useful if you don't always want to have your phone within reach.
Thanks to music storage, you can listen to your favorite songs without your phone, streaming them to your wireless earbuds. Moreover, the NFC function allows you to pay for your purchases without taking out your wallet. It's ideal when you're on the go.
Refer to the table below to find the best smartwatch according to your profile.
Here is an overview of the essential functions to consider according to your objectives:
| Functions | It's useful for... |
|---|---|
| Heart Rate and Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) | Monitor your heart condition and adjust your training efforts. |
| Sleep Tracking and Recovery | Optimize your performance by understanding your sleep cycles and planning effective rest periods. |
| Nutrition Monitoring | Balance nutritional intake to better support physical activity and achieve fitness goals. |
| Steps, Calories, Distance, Inactivity | Track daily progress, receive reminders to stay active, and achieve health goals more easily. |
| Specific Sports Sctivities | Get detailed analyses tailored to your sport (running, cycling, swimming, golf, etc.) to progress faster. |
When practicing sports like running, trail running, cycling, or hiking, being able to track your routes accurately is a real advantage. The choice between an integrated GPS and a connected GPS mainly depends on your activity and your needs.
An integrated GPS allows your watch to directly connect to satellites without needing to be linked to your phone. It's the ideal solution if you like to travel light without carrying your cell phone. You will get reliable data on your distances, speed, altitude, and routes directly from your watch. Fans of long outdoor outings, trail runners, and adventurers will appreciate this complete independence.
On the other hand, a connected GPS uses your phone's connection to record your trips. It's a good option for urban or recreational use, especially if you always have your phone with you. However, if your phone is not nearby or if the connection is weak, the accuracy may be affected. Another point to note: using the phone's GPS can also drain the battery of both your watch and phone more quickly.
| Aspects | To Do |
|---|---|
| Compatibility with your phone | Check compatibility with iOS or Android and the functionality of certain options like answering a call. Expert advice: Google Pixel watches are not compatible with iOS. Even though Garmin smartwatches are compatible with iOS, it is not possible to answer a call from your watch. |
| Battery life | Ask yourself the question: Does my lifestyle require a battery life of one day or one week? The answer to this question will allow you to make an initial selection of suitable models. |
| Checking whether your sport is included in the activity options | Always take the time to do your research considering your sport. High-end watches offer a greater variety of sports activities. |
| Comfort and ergonomics | Choose a watch with a well-balanced weight and a comfortable strap to ensure optimal comfort throughout the day. |
| Durability | Opt for a robust, waterproof watch designed to last, especially if you participate in extreme activities or plan to wear it all the time. |
A smartwatch collects a wealth of valuable data about you. Like any connected device, a minimum level of vigilance is required to protect your privacy.
Fortunately, major brands like Google, Garmin, and Fitbit take this issue seriously. They offer data encryption options, secure connections, and customizable settings to give you greater control over what you share and with whom.
Some good habits to adopt :
| Price Ranges | Guide Prices | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $150-250 |
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| Mid-Range | $250-400 |
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| Hight-End | $400 and more |
|
In general, high-end smartwatches can be priced up to $1500 - $2000. However, there are luxury watches that are priced beyond this range.
Choosing a smartwatch means choosing a practical, motivating tool that suits your needs. Whether you're looking to optimize your workouts, stay active daily, or track your progress with ease, there's a model made for you.
Looking for a useful gift? A smartwatch can also make an excellent gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any other special occasion.
It all depends on your level and your activity. For running and daily training, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is an excellent choice. The smartwatch Garmin Venu 3 is defined by its versatility: fitness, health, and technology. For more intense outdoor activities, such as hiking or triathlon, the Garmin Fenix 7 or the Garmin Instinct 2x provide durability and extensive multisport features.
Many smartwatches are compatible with iOS, but some offer smoother integration than others. If you are an iPhone user, the Fitbit, Garmin, or Google Pixel Watch models are good choices. Always check which features are supported. For example, Google Pixel and Garmin watches do not allow answering calls on iOS.
Yes, most Fitbit smartwatches, like the Charge 6 or the Versa 4, are compatible with both Android and iPhone. However, some features, like quick replies to messages or calls, may vary depending on the operating system.
Yes, if you choose a model with built-in GPS, like some Garmin models or the Google Pixel Watch. You can track your routes, listen to music, and even make payments without having your phone with you. It's ideal for running light or going on an adventure.
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