Ten smartwatches with WearOS up to 200 euros

If you are looking for a smartwatch with as many apps available as possible, you should use Google's Wear OS. We have selected ten popular models under 200 euros.

Wear OS, Google's smartwatch operating system, is installed on watches from a wide range of manufacturers. The main advantages of the system are the own app store and the uncomplicated operation.

Functions

The basic function of all Wear-OS watches is communication with the smartphone. Theoretically, this works with Android and iOS devices, but the range of functions with iPhone or iPad is extremely limited. For example, in combination with Apple devices, the watch shows the receipt of a message, but not the content. Ultimately, iPhone users only have access to a high-priced one Apple Watch (Review report).

Together with an Android device, the smartwatches display incoming messages, upcoming appointments or calls. A timer, alarm function and pedometer are also installed. All smartwatches use WLAN and Bluetooth for communication. Some models, such as the Huawei Watch 2 (Review report), Sony Smartwatch 3 or Misfit Vapor 2, also have an NFC module installed.

If you want GPS, altimeter, heart rate sensor, light sensor or compass in your watch, you have to look closely. These functions are only available for some models in the price range below 200 euros, for example the Huawei Watch 2. The same applies to an integrated hands-free function that allows you to make calls directly via the watch. This is built into the Fossil Q Explorist (Review report).

Technical specifications

The built-in displays resolve content between 320 × 290 and 400 × 400 pixels. The diagonal is between 1.2 and 1.6 inches. The working memory should be at least 512 MB to guarantee smooth operation. The internal memory of mostly 4 GB is sufficient for installing additional apps. However, there is hardly any space left for extensive music collections on the clock.

processing

The experience with the affordable Wear OS smartwatches shows that the price is not automatically an indication of quality. The processing of the already tested Fossil Q Explorist (Review report) or Skagen Falster (Review report) is excellent – despite a price of less than 200 euros. The watches linked by Huawei, Asus, Motorola and Nixon in the Review even used high-quality gorilla glass, for example. The Tommy Hilfiger smartwatch (review), which costs over 300 euros, cannot keep up.

All watches are dustproof, but the durability with water is different. While most devices survive a hand wash or a morning shower, only a few models are suitable for trips to the pool or lake. If you want to check your swimming training, you should take a closer look at the Huawei Watch 2 (Review report) or the Sony Smartwatch 3 or go for a real sports watch (comparison Review).

When it comes to bracelets, personal taste decides. The smartwatches are available with bracelets made of leather, silicone, plastic and metal. If you don't like the models on offer, you can replace the tapes yourself. With the Huawei watch or the Fossil models, this works within a few seconds – thanks to the integrated quick release.

software

The operation of all Wear-OS smartwatches is almost identical. The software interface is clear, intuitive and easy to use.

The main advantage of the Google operating system is the huge selection of apps available. A similar number of additional programs are only offered by Apple watches and those with a Samsung Tizen surface. Cheap smartwatches under 50 euros (guide) or devices with proprietary operating systems (such as the Huawei Watch GT (Review report)) cannot keep up. Here the user has to be satisfied with the software installed ex works.

Huawei Watch 2

Mobvoi Ticwatch E2

ASUS ZenWatch 2

Sony SmartWatch 3

Misfit Vapor 2

Battery life

The battery life is the main criticism of all smartwatches with Wear OS that we tested. The powerful software and built-in hardware take their toll. While some models, such as the Asus Zenwatch 2 and Sony Smartwatch 3, last up to 48 hours, most models end after just one day of use. Motorola even specifies a runtime of 12 hours for its Moto 360. In our experience, that's not enough. Because the stated values ​​refer to easy to normal use. If you permanently connect your watch to your smartphone, use it to make calls and regularly use the sensors, the battery will drain much faster. In plain language, this means that almost all watches have to be charged every day – that's annoying.

Skagen smart health connected Falster

Fossil Q Explorist

Michael Kors Access Dylan

Motorola Moto 360

Nixon's mission

Conclusion

Compared to very cheap smartwatches up to 50 euros (guide), watches with Wear OS are better processed and offer significantly more functions.

If you choose a watch with Google's operating system, you should think carefully about what it should be able to do in everyday life. Water resistance, battery life and special equipment (such as GPS or heart rate sensor) differ greatly in the price segment up to 200 euros. It must also be clear that a Wear-OS watch must be smart health connected to the charger daily, in exceptional cases after two days at the latest.

If you don't want to constantly charge your smartwatch, you have to choose a different operating system. From our own experience, we can only recommend the Huawei Watch GT (Review report) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch (Review report). However, these do not work with the Wear OS operating system, but with a proprietary system or the Tizen software. Well-equipped fitness trackers (best list) would also be an interesting alternative – but you have to accept restrictions regarding additional apps and the display.

IPhone users should generally only look at the Apple Smartwatch (Review report) increase – the restrictions with other smartwatches are simply too great.

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