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What is the best smart watch 2021 to buy? A comparison of the best models in 2023

After having had many difficulties in existing, connected smart watches are returning to the front of the stage. What is the best smart watch 2020 to buy?It is still mostly occupied by Apple which outrageously dominates the debates. But for the first time, in a few months, the models more thought for Android no longer have to be ashamed. While most smartwatches rely on Wear OS – recently updated to improve – others emancipate themselves with their own systems.

Thus, the Samsung and other Huawei have been able to develop alternative solutions which improve the performance of their connected watches and revive interest for competitors of the Apple Watch. Finally, the latest development in connected watches is that of their independence from the smartphone. By equipping with GPS, 4G module or micro SD port, they are getting more and more freed from their companion smartphones. Today the choice is as vast as it is interesting.

1. Apple Watch Series 5, a new generation still as effective

Pros+ Beautiful screen+ Always On function+ Watch OS on top

Cons– Weak autonomy– Lack of innovation

What would be a year without a new Apple Watch model? The newly unveiled Series 5 offers the best of technology as seen by the famous American firm. If there is no major revolution, the newcomer still has something to capsize the hearts of fans of the Apple.

Finally an AoD screen!

With its Watch Series 5, Apple has finally filled a lack of previous versions: a screen capable of staying on permanently. The Always On Display mode so dear to Samsung devices therefore makes its appearance on the American tocante for our greatest pleasure. The OLED panel thus makes it possible to display information permanently. Everything benefits from a design that is still as neat as ever, with an infinite number of combinations of materials and straps thanks to the Apple Watch Studio. Each watch is thus unique and adapted to the tastes of its user.

An always complete OS

If we like Apple Watch so much, it’s thanks to its hyper-complete WatchOS system. Health monitoring, notifications, sports tracking and more: it’s a real little Swiss knife. It is also one of the only smartwatches to offer 4G connectivity – optional – in order to completely clear the smartphone. The watch becomes a real coach capable of motivating you and closely monitoring your health.

Perfectible autonomy

You could expect that, but the addition of a screen capable of remaining permanently on strikes down battery performance. In intensive use, the Apple Watch Series 5 therefore takes only one full day. A score that is now pale appears against the ever more enduring competitors …

Our opinion on the Apple Watch Series 5

Apple remains faithful to its policy with this Series 5. The subtle changes of this new generation will probably not justify a purchase if you have a Series 3 or 4. But it must be admitted that you will not find better to accompany your iPhone. The addition of AoD mode is really pleasant as is the quality of WatchOS, which is still as complete.

2. Fitbit Versa 2, the first smart watch with Alexa

Pros+ Amazon Alexa+ Sober, compact, lightCons– No on-board GPS

After the commercial success of the Versa, Fitbit returns to the table with a new version. The American brand does not go there with the back of the spoon since the Versa 2 is the first connected watch in the world to use the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. An entire program !

Unchanged but still as effective design

Despite its look very similar to the Apple Watch – yes, still it – the Fitbit Versa 2 knows how to be elegant. The American manufacturer indeed offers a very wide range of dial colors and bracelets in various materials. This mixed watch will match both men and women and that’s great!

A health coach connected with Alexa

If there is one new thing to remember about the Versa 2, it is its integration with Amazon Alexa. The voice assistant of the e-commerce giant thus appears for the first time on a smartwatch. A first in a world led by Google Assistant and Siri for years. Health functions such as heart rate or sleep monitoring are complemented by the wealth of information that can be provided by Alexa. You can therefore control your home automation system, program reminders and so on using voice. There is no doubt that this first step by Amazon on connected watches will not be the last!

A GPS that is sorely awaited

Already absent from the first Versa, GPS is still missing on the second version. It is therefore necessary to take the smartphone with you during physical exercises, which is far from practical. This lack is really felt on this connected watch at 200 €, especially at the end of 2019. This absence nevertheless allows to enjoy a relatively comfortable autonomy of four to five days.

Our opinion on the Fitbit Versa 2

The Versa 2 does not mark a big evolution compared to its predecessor. But adding Amazon Alexa, however, makes quite a difference from the competition. If the absence of GPS is not a fault for you, then you can darken your eyes closed on this sporty smartwatch with a refined look.

 3. Withings Steel HR Sport, discreet but very effective

Pros+ Autonomy+ design+ Quality of the applicationCons– No integrated GPS

After a brief adventure at Nokia, Withings became French again. To celebrate this return in red white blue, the manufacturer presented its Withings Steel HR Sport, the sporting version of its famous Steel HR.

Sporty yet elegant design

The sporty version of the Steel HR is almost identical to the features of its predecessor. There are a few spikes of red on the needles and an antiperspirant bracelet to differentiate them, but at first glance only the most knowledgeable will make the difference. And that’s good ! Because as sporty as it is, the latest Steel can be worn all the time with almost any clothing. This is the advantage of a sober and elegant watch at the same time.

Connected, but not too much

Unlike the Apple Watch and other Galaxy Watch, Withings decided not to bet everything on the connectivity of its watch. Its dial is that of a classic knock, its connected functions being reserved for a tiny OLED screen on the upper part. It displays notifications, allows you to measure your heart rate and allows you to start and stop your sports sessions. For everything else and for the details of its activities there is … the application.

3 week autonomy

This strict minimum in terms of connectivity is also found on GPS. The Steel HR Sport does not have one and relies on that of your smartphone. This means that you should never part with your phone, of course, but it is also a big boost in terms of autonomy. Indeed, the Withings watch easily exceeds three weeks of use on a single charge.

Our opinion on the Withings Steel HR Sport

Less connected than a Galaxy Watch and less shiny than an Apple Watch, the Steel HR Sport has found its way. That of a watch whose connectivity is not obvious but who knows how to do the essentials in all discretion.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch, the best Galaxy watch alternative

Pros+ Excellent screen+ Nice interface+ The all-purpose ring

Cons– Perfectible autonomy– Any design

Exit the name “Gear”. Samsung has decided to refocus its watch models around two axes. Connectivity and sport. The first is provided by the Galaxy Watch. Sober and efficient it is a demonstration of all the know-how of Samsung.

Mastery of Amoled

In use, what strikes you with this Galaxy Watch is the quality of its 1.2 inch Amoled screen (360 x 360 for a resolution of 424 ppi). Above all, unlike a number of other connected watches, this one has the “Always On” function which allows the time to be displayed constantly, even when the Watch is not used.

The circular ring

The circular ring that surrounds the dial is the inseparable component of Samsung smartwatches. Pleasant to the touch, fluid with well defined notches, it makes navigating the menus of the watch very easy.

Tizen OS, the right choice

To everyone’s surprise, Samsung did not use WearOS for its connected watch but Tizen, its homemade OS. It clashes with its fluidity, regardless of the number of “complications” displayed. Finally, the other advantage of Tizen on Wear OS is autonomy. If Google struggles to make the watches that use its operating system last, the Galaxy Watch takes nearly three days on a single charge.

Our opinion on the Samsung Galaxy Watch

With its screen and navigation ring, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is without doubt the best alternative to the Apple Watch. More open than its competitor, it is also more arbitrary on an aesthetic level. But if the Apple environment is struggling to convince you, Tizen’s flexibility may delight you.

 5. Huawei Watch GT, the little news that stands out

Pros+ Unparalleled autonomy+ Nice designCons– Weakness of the OS– Notifications to review

Huawei has taken the same recipe as Samsung to try to compete with Apple: get rid of Google and its OS. Result? A Watch GT that runs on a proprietary OS and that brings new blood to connected watches.

Elegant design

Very fine and very light, this Huawei Watch GT displays a rather sober but successful design. Its round face contains a 1.39 inch Amoled screen, also of good quality. In terms of dials and bracelets, Huawei is also very classic, but never falls into lack of taste.

Incredible autonomy

This is THE strong point of the Watch GT provided you use it according to Huawei optimizations, that is to say with a minimum of activated notifications, episodic GPS tracking and without really looking at its heart rate. On this basis, the Chinese manufacturer promises up to two weeks of autonomy. In a “normal” use we easily reach the three days, which is already very good.

A homemade bone to tweak

The least we can say is that Lite OS, the operating system that replaces Google’s Wear OS, does not offer the same results. Display bugs, latency in the menus and poor management of notifications, make this test of Huawei a failure.

Our opinion on the Huawei Watch GT

The Huawei Watch GT could have been, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch, a good alternative to the Apple Watch. It is not the case and the explanation can be summed up in one word: OS. That of the Chinese, Lite OS, is clearly less successful than that of the Korean, Tizen. Pity.

6. Amazfit Bip, the small watch that has everything of a big

Pros+ Attractive price+ Screen always on+ Impressive autonomyCons– Bland screen– Limited connected functions

When Xiaomi goes into connected watches and creates its own brand, it necessarily makes waves. For more than two years, the Chinese giant has had success stories. The Bip model is one of our favorites with a very low price and excellent specifications. Let’s see what it is.

A very typical Apple inspiration

Admittedly, the Amazfit Bip will not seek inspiration very far. The rectangular design with rounded edges immediately brings to mind the Apple Watch. The comparison ends here, however. The small 1.28 ”box has a reflective screen that is always on. The colors are not very beautiful, but it remains really visible in all circumstances. And that is rare in the world of smartwatches!

An affordable and very complete watch

If we expect to find a maximum of sensors on a watch connected to more than $300 , this is less the case on a model at $70 only. It is however the successful feat of the Amazfit Bip. In addition to the heart rate sensor, the tocante benefits from a rather precise GPS chip. You can thus follow your physical activities closely even if the smartphone remains at home. The touch screen gives a quick overview of daily progress: number of steps, heart rate, distance traveled … In short, the great classics. You can also receive notifications from the smartphone and view the weather. Interactions remain basic: impossible to reply to messages for example.

Record autonomy

A connected watch capable of lasting 30 days without letting go, is it really possible? Yes, that’s what the Amazfit Bip offers. Of course, this data varies according to usage. But we must admit that the Chinese product seems to be punctured once on the wrist!

Our opinion on the Amazfit Bip

If you have a limited budget, then go for the Amazfit Bip. This smartwatch has everything great, even surpassing some models in particular on autonomy. Admittedly, the design lacks inspiration, but the rest is really up to par. Note that the Amazfit GTS with Amoled screen which succeeds the Beep should soon be marketed around $130 .

7. Garmin Venu, the elegant sportswoman

Pros+ Very complete sports monitoring+ Neat designCons– Austere application

Imagine a smartwatch tailored for athletes. Imagine an elegant connected watch with a quality screen. And now imagine that all this is gathered in one and the same box. You dreamed of it, Garmin did it. The beautiful is called Venu and could well hit a big hit on the market!

The connected watch for regular athletes

If there is one area where Garmin ensures, it is that of sports connected watches. La Venu does not disappoint us, it is a real little health coach. The American tocante knows how to manage no less than 20 different sports thanks to her GPS and her various sensors. From monitoring breathing to that of heart rate through stress, nothing escapes him. All this 24 hours a day. The water resistance to 5 ATM also allows the Venu to be used in the swimming pool without any problem.

And in addition, so sexy!

If there is one point that can put off Garmin, it is the look of his watches. Between uninviting color choices and relatively massive formats, a little makeover was therefore necessary for the new generation. The Venu is thus adorned with a very elegant and more sober design than usual in American society. The 1.2 ”Amoled screen is particularly appealing, displaying numerous graphics and animations for athletes.

Sport, but not only

Although it is aimed at physical exercise enthusiasts, the Venu also allows other more classic activities. The watch can thus display notifications, serve as an MP3 player thanks to its integrated storage or even pay without contact with Garmin Pay. This service is however not very represented in our regions.

Our opinion on the Garmin Venu

The new Venu is clearly a watch to watch closely, especially if you are athletic. A real daily coach, she is also very elegant despite her size. Its autonomy of 5 days places it in the right average. In the end, we don’t have much to blame this watch for except the slightly austere look of his proprietary OS and his application.

8. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro, the good surprise

Pros+ A second useful screen+ Good autonomyCons– No fast charging– Quality of materials

Mobvoi is a Chinese manufacturer that has a fairly good reputation in the connected watch market. Its success is due to the production of affordable products that take full advantage of Wear OS. Confirmation with this TicWatch Pro.

Master key design

The least we can say is that Mobvoi has not taken any design risks. Refusing to decide between urban or sporting watches, the TicWatch Pro borrows from both worlds. Circular case, aluminum frame, two side buttons for navigation and a standard bracelet of 22, that’s all for the most part. Relatively thick (15 mm) and rather imposing, the TicWatch Pro will not suit the thinnest wrists.

Two screens for more uses

This is the little surprise of this TicWatch Pro. Its Oled screen hides … a second screen! LCD and monochrome it is superimposed on the first and is completely transparent when the latter is active. On the other hand, when the watch is not directly requested, it is this LCD screen which takes over to display some essential information permanently (time, autonomy, number of steps) and thus save battery.

Good command of Wear OS

Mobvoi’s connected watch includes version 2.0 of Wear OS. The Chinese manufacturer seems to have tamed it despite its Snapdragon 2100 processor which is starting to seriously date. In addition, Mobvoi had the presence of mind to complete Wear OS with a few dials and in-house applications.

Our opinion on the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro

Despite some slowness due to an aging SoC and a Wear OS sometimes too resource-hungry, the TicWatch Pro offers good performance and poses as a serious benchmark in connected watches for Android.

9. Galaxy Watch Active 2, the go-to smartwatch

Pros+ The tactile navigation ring+ Clear and readable screen+ Discreet designCons– Disappointing autonomy– Rising price

Less than a year after a first trial in halftone, Samsung is perfecting its copy with the new Galaxy Watch Active 2. The connected watch takes up the casual look of its predecessor by adding what it lacked most: a rotating bezel. And in addition, it is invisible!

Same look, more features

The Korean giant surprised the public in early 2019 with the first Watch Active. It must be said that the brand dared to break a massive and urban design pushed for years by the Gear S and other Galaxy Watch. The Active 2 therefore takes on the same mixed and smooth appearance as the first generation. But if no rotating bezel is visible, that does not mean that it is not there. Samsung thus adopts a tactile operation which produces the same results as on its models with physical glasses. The best of both worlds is therefore brought together in 40 or 44 mm cases of your choice.

Superb screen but disappointing autonomy …

There is no denying that Samsung can make beautiful screens. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 thus sports a magnificent Super Amoled panel with thinner edges than before. You will be able to consult your notifications, check your daily sports progress or even calculate your stress level. The options are not as thorough as on models specialized in the sport, but it is enough to start to move. It is just a shame to note that the autonomy has not been improved on this new model. The connected watch can hardly last more than a day. The pleasure of using the excellent TizenOS is therefore a bit spoiled by the compulsory daily recharge …

Our opinion on the Galaxy Watch Active 2

Always as elegant and discreet, the Watch Active 2 takes the right path to ergonomics by bringing the rotating bezel up to date. TizenOS thus regains the comfort that has seduced us in recent years. Too bad the autonomy does not follow, this is the biggest defect of this very beautiful smartwatch. Note that 4G models are available, which makes it possible to do without the smartphone on the move.Back to the menu

10. Fossil Gen 5, the best of WearOS 

Most+ Snapdragon Wear 3100+ WearOS 2.0+ Autonomy in progress …The lessers– … but perfectible

Fossil has always been a brand very involved in the market for connected watches under WearOS. The fifth generation has been the torchbearer of this often-maligned system since its release. As we will see, it has something to please a large audience.

Fossil design in all its elegance

If there is one brand that treats the look of its connected watches, it is Fossil. Recognizable among a thousand with its three buttons and its large 44 mm case, the Gen 5 is aimed at both men – Carlyle model – and women – Juilianna model. Bracelets and cases come in several colors, making this smartwatch a real gem to wear in all circumstances.

WearOS 2.0 and Snapdragon 3100: the best!

If the Fossil Gen 5 makes such a good impression, it is because it is the first on the market to ship the SoC Snapdragon Wear 3100 dedicated to connected objects. It turns out to be much faster and above all less energy-consuming than the old Wear 2100 which dates from … 2016 anyway!

Google has also taken advantage of the release of the Fossil Gen 5 to unveil WearOS 2.0, a major update to its system for connected watches. Its use is much more pleasant than before. Everything is accessible with a simple swipe: personal info, notifications, settings … If it is not yet perfect, the progress is enormous and WearOS does not really have to be ashamed against the competition.

Improved autonomy but still perfectible

The Fossil Gen 5 offers several modes of energy management, including one that allows very advanced customization. By playing finely on the parameters, we thus reach a lifespan ranging from one to three days approximately. It’s not perfect, but it’s still better than the old WearOS watches that struggled to last more than a day!

Our opinion on the Fossil Gen 5

It’s undeniable, the Fossil Gen 5 opens the voice for a new era. With its more efficient SoC and an improved system, it is clearly worth a look.

How to choose your connected smart watch?

Which OS to choose?

The choice of a connected watch will depend not only on its OS but also that of your smartphone. Since they often work as a couple, it is preferable to use the same ecosystem (iOS or Android) between their knock and their phone. Obviously it is possible to dissociate the two but this leads to depriving yourself of certain functionalities or optimizations of your gadgets. Finally, there is an interesting offer apart from the two giants that are Apple and Google. Tizen (Samsung) and Lite OS (Huawei) are proof that proprietary OS can do the trick.

What features?

What will be your use of a connected watch? This question must be answered before the act of purchase. Depending on whether you are sporty or addicted to applications and notifications, the ideal model will not be the same. And since there is a plethora of connected watches, some are more suited to your uses than others.

Small or large wrist, which format to choose?

While most connected watches use a standard format for their bracelet (18/20/22 mm), common to the traditional watch market, this is not the case for all models. Some smartwatches use the bracelet to insert components, such as GPS. Also, before buying, check that you will be able to change the strap easily.

Is my watch waterproof?

In watches, we do not always talk about water resistance (IP index) but real waterproofing. When a watch is waterproof, it is marked ATM, preceded by a number 3, 5 or 10. These three values ​​correspond to the depth to which the watch can be submerged (30, 50 or 100 meters). If your tocante displays only a IP value, settle for a shower or a swim in the pool.