It’s safe to say that in a world where the technology we use changes in what seems like minutes, the best piece of technology to come around is the smartwatch. These little pieces of technology are the ultimate accessory to your smartphone. Not only can they tell time, of course, but they can also keep you connected to your colleagues through text or phone and track the number of steps you take every day, plus in some cases, they can pay for that morning cup of java you so desperately need.
As they have become more prevalent in society, one can’t help think what the best smartwatches for designers & creatives are. After all, when you’re working on a busy project, looking at your wrist is much simpler than trying to locate your phone under a stack of papers.
While we never recommend just buying the first product you see, we were wondering just what you should consider before you buy a smartwatch. So join us and we’ll learn a bit more together.
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What to Consider Before Buying A Smartwatch
When someone used to go to the mall or online to buy a watch, there weren’t so many different variables to consider. These days, before you even consider buying a smartwatch, you need to know so much more so that you get the device that works best for you. In our opinion, these, are the things you should consider before buying a smartwatch.
OS and Device Compatibility
As many smartwatches are designed to be an accessory to a smartphone, making sure that your smartwatch is compatible is very important. While some devices can work with both an Android smartphone or iPhone, many times, they will work better with one over the other. The most common operating systems you will see are Wear OS from Google or watchOS from Apple.
It’s important to note that while some smartwatches can connect to both types of phones, the Apple Watch will only connect to iPhones.
Display
Just about every smartwatch available today uses either a colorful LCD screen or AMOLED display, which allow you to use apps, view photos as well as other content on a brighter display with richer color. These tend to have a shorter battery life, although it is improving. The colors on these displays use so much power that while they are asleep, many watches will turn the screen off altogether, meaning you have to wake the device to see the time. LCDs tend to be thicker than their OLED counterparts.
Interface: Buttons vs Touch
When you look at many of the smartwatches available, you will primarily see touch screens which are great but can be hard to navigate on especially if you have bigger hands trying to select a certain app on the device that can be frustrating. This is why many smartwatches will still have some physical button or some other types of manual interaction for you to access apps, zoom in on content or scroll, or even get back to the home screen on the watch.
Design and Personalization
This is where you can truly make your smartwatch your own. Many of the brands offering smartwatches will also offer plenty of options when it comes to customization from the color of the band or material that’s used, as well as the face color, finish, and size of the watch. Comfort is a major part of having a smartwatch and choosing a clasp that is not too hard to open and close and fits correctly so it doesn’t feel like its sliding on your wrist all day.
Notifications and Alerts
A good smartwatch will alert you to incoming texts, calls, and emails with a quick buzz on your wrist so you can get important messages right away when looking at your phone might not be the most appropriate thing to do.
The Best Smartwatches for Creatives
- Samsung Galaxy Watch – $288
- Apple Watch 5 – $384
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 – $279
- Fossil Sport – $239
- TicWatch E2 – $159
- TicWatch Pro – $249
- Fitbit Versa 2 – $198
- Apple Watch 4 – $344
- Fitbit Ionic – $212
- Apple Watch 3 – $229
The Best Smartwatches for Designers Compared
Samsung Galaxy Watch
A Sporty Watch with some serious style
OS: Tizen OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.2″ or 1.3″ 360 x 360 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.15GHz | Band sizes: 22mm or 20mm | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: 4 days on 46mm / less on 42mm | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (for extra)
While previous iterations of a smartwatch from Samsung were known as the Geat S series, the manufacturer decided to switch things up a bit, naming their newest watch the Galaxy. With 4-day battery life, that by itself is impressive when many others on our list last a day or two tops from a single charge. The major highlight with the Galaxy Watch is the rotating bezel which helps you navigate the screens on the watch while the interface is one of the easiest out there to use.
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- Live a stronger, smarter life with Galaxy Watch at your wrist Rest well and stay active with built in health tracking and a Bluetooth connection that keeps everything at your wrist Plus, go for days...
- Go nonstop for days on a single charge. The wireless charger lets you power up without slowing down (Average expected performance based on typical use. Results may vary)
- Available in two sizes and three colors, the Galaxy Watch offers stylish watch faces so realistic they hardly look digital. Plus, choose from a collection of interchangeable bands
- Pairs with both Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth connection. Compatible Devices Samsung Smartphone, Non Samsung Android Smartphone(Android OS 5.0 and above RAM 1.5GB and above ), iOS 9.0 and...
- Included in Box: Galaxy Watch, Additional Strap(Large and Small included), Wireless charging Dock, Travel Adaptor, Quick Start Guide, User Manual (Warranty: 1 Year Standard Parts and Labor).OS:Tizen...
Apple Watch 5
The Best Apple Watch Available
OS: watchOS 6 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.78″ OLED | Processor: Apple S5 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery: 1 day to 36 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
If you own an iPhone, you cannot go wrong choosing an Apple Watch to pair with it. They work together seamlessly so if you’ve had an iPhone and see yourself sticking with the, you should take a look at the Watch as well. Compared to Watch 4, there aren’t too many upgrades, but the biggest change is its always-on display. This means that instead of having to raise the watch to see information, it will display it on a dimmed screen. The newest version of the watch comes with some exciting health and fitness features including an ECG monitor, GPS tracking and a pretty impressive heart rate monitor. If you’re looking for the best Apple watch you can find, then look no further.
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- GPS
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
- ECG app
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
A Strong Alternative to the Apple Watch
OS: Tizen OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.2″ 360 x 360 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.15GHz | Band sizes: 20mm | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Around 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Designed to take the best parts from their Galaxy Watch, the Active 2 from Samsung is a sportier, slimmer, lighter smartwatch that by all accounts is more comfortable and now also includes the rotating digital bezel the Galaxy comes with. Other than that, not much has changed from the original Active Watch. It still has many top-end fitness features including a heart rate and ECG sensor, a health app with stress and sleep monitoring as well as 39 workout modes. While not a cheap watch, it is remarkably similar to the Galaxy Watch at a better price.
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- Better insights to reach your fitness goals get more out of every mile thanks to built-in pace coaching on the Galaxy Watch Active2. Its advanced sensors keep your pace to help you better achieve your...
- Comfortably sleek the Galaxy Watch Active2 is light enough to wear anywhere comfortably. It comes in aluminum or stainless steel and with a variety of faces, bands and finishes so it goes with...
- Keep your beat. You can see if your heart rate is where you want it with Galaxy Watch Active2. Get automatically alerted if your watch detects a high or a low heart rate.(4) (4) this device and...
- Level up your downtime. Galaxy Watch active2’s built-in sleep tracker offers valuable insights on how to get a better night’s sleep. It also monitors your stress level and helps you recently with...
- Battery built for endurance - the Galaxy Watch active2’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a Day5 on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone...
Fossil Sport
The Most Fashionable Smartwatch
Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED | Processor: Quad-core 1.2GHz | Band sizes: 22mm straps | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Two days | Charging method: Proprietary | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
For those who may not be familiar with the brand, Fossil is a maker of high-end watches and has built-up their expertise in the wearable tech area over the last few years which has culminated in their best smartwatch yet.
With its affordable price, the Sport from Fossil is a high-end watch that has a lot of the features that you would find on many of the choices on our list with a beautiful design and battery life lasting up to two days on a single charge. While the Sport doesn’t have any unique features that make it stand out from the competition, if you’re looking for a smartwatch that is capable and won’t stand out on your wrist, it may be the smartwatch for you.
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- Smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google work with iPhone and Android Phones
- Heart Rate & Activity Tracking using Google Fit; Built-in GPS for distance tracking; Swimproof design 5ATM; Google Assistant built in - it’s your own personal Google, always ready to help; Speed...
- This is one smart watch - receive smartphone notifications and app alerts, manage your calendar, control your music, download third party apps (your favorite ride-sharing or music apps), and customize...
- Estimated 24 hour battery life, based on usage plus 2 additional days in low-power mode; magnetic USB rapid charger included; charge up to 80% in under an hour
- This ultra-lightweight 43mm Sport smartwatch is up to 40% lighter than other models with an aluminum case and silicone band. It lets you track your heart rate, track your workout (even swimming),...
TicWatch E2
A Great Smartwatch From a Company You’ve Never Heard Of
OS: Wear OS | Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+ | Display: 1.39″ 400 x 400 OLED | Processor: Snapdragon Wear 2100 | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Around 48h | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: IP67 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
One of the most budget-friendly options on our list, the TicWatch E2 is manufactured by a little known company, Mobovi. The waterproof E2 comes with great battery life for a watch of its price and has the features that health-conscious owners may be looking for such as an accurate heart rate sensor, sleep tracking as well as a built-in GPS. While the overall design may keep some from giving it a chance, the affordable price makes the E2 worth considering.
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- Full Function Wear OS Smartwatch - Google Play Store allows you to choose from a wide range of your favorite apps and to access them from your wrist, compatible with iPhone and Android phones.
- Get Connected at a Glance - Stay in the moment with smart ways to receive notifications and see who’s calling, without pulling out your phone. Google Assistant built-in.
- Swim-ready Water-resistant - Your swimming companion with up to 50 meter underwater waterproof (5 ATM).
- 24hr HRM and Build-in GPS - Workout without your phone. Google Fit and TicMotion make it easy to get motivated, stay balanced and track your health right from your wrist.
- Warranty policy: we and our engineer always stand behind our products and hope each customer could be 100% satisfied with our product. 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason, 12-month warranty for...
TicWatch Pro
The Smartwatch With Two Screens
OS: Wear OS | Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+ | Display: 1.4″ 400 x 400 OLED paired with LCD screen | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Up to 48h, 5 extra days in Essential mode | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NF
While many of you may not have heard of TicWatch before the last entry on our list, it is the TicWatch Pro that should make them a big name in wearable technology. The watch features two displays – one layered on top of the other. The first screen is a transparent LCD that shows the time, heart rate and more when the battery is low. The second display is a full-color OLED screen that provides you with all of the features that come with its operating system, Wear OS. Essentially, this means you have two watches in one. Packed with the usual features found in many smartwatches, the TicWatch Pro is a steal when you consider it’s price. If you like having the newest tech before it becomes mainstream, this watch is for you.
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- LONG BATTERY LIFE: 2-30 days on a single charge is achieved by dual layered technology and two modes. Smart Mode will get you 2-days of battery life and Essential Mode will achieve 30-days of battery...
- SMART MODE: Wear OS by Google, AMOLED display, Google Assistant, thousands of apps and watch faces through Google Play store, health & fitness tracking
- ESSENTIAL MODE: Power saving FSTN LCD display, high sunlight visibility, shows essential information including time / date / step counter / heart rate
- HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING: GPS tracker, heart-rate monitor, step counter, calories burned counter, speed & cadence monitor. NFC PAYMENTS: Use Google Pay to purchase directly from your wrist at...
- SMART SLEEP TRACKING: Download TicSleep app on the watch and check your sleep progress via mobvoi app on the phone. There is 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason, 12-month warranty for...
Fitbit Versa 2
The Best Budget-Friendly Smartwatch
OS: Fitbit OS | Compatibility: Android 7+, iOS 11+ | Display: 300 x 300 AMOLED | Onboard storage: 2.5GB | Battery duration: Up to 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: Water-resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
It seems like a lot of the wearable technology craze started with FitBit, giving people a way to track their steps, their heart rate and many other ways to track their health. With the Versa 2, the latest release from FitBit has been upgraded in some ways, but can still be lacking in others. New improvements include an always-on display, slightly smaller body, and integration with Alexa. Other than that though, there isn’t much difference between Versa 2 and the original Versa smartwatch. It doesn’t have GPS functionality or Spotify offline capabilities. If you’re in the market for a new fitness tracker that even with its shortcomings, still has a lot to offer users, Versa 2 from FitBit can be a good choice.
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- Use Amazon Alexa Built-in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third-party app may...
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, Sleep Score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal...
- Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists—plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is US only)
- With a larger display and an always-on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always-on display requires more frequent charging)
- Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbed
Apple Watch 4
An Already Great Smartwatch at a Better Price
OS: watchOS 5 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.78″ OLED | Processor: Apple S4 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 16GB | Battery: 1 to 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
While the tech world swoons over the newest Apple smartwatch, it can be easy to forget just how good of an option the Watch 4 is for creatives looking for a great smartwatch. With a larger display than its predecessors, the innovations added to this series have become staples such as the ECG feature that is built into the heart rate tracker. This feature can test your heart to determine if you’re in danger of atrial fibrillation, letting you know right away so you can see a doctor if your health is in danger. While it may be outshined right now by the new kid on the block, the Apple Watch 4 is still a watch worth owning.
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- GPS
- Over 30% larger display
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- ECG app
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback
Fitbit Ionic
The Best Smartwatch For Your Health
OS: Fitbit OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: TBC, 1000 nits | Processor: Dual-core 1.0GHz | Band sizes: Large | Onboard storage: 2.5GB | Battery duration: 2-3 days | Charging method: Proprietary charger | IP rating: 50M water resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
When Fitbit decided to enter into the smartwatch brand after the success they have had as a fitness tracker company, it was always going to be a tough move, especially for their first entry, the Ionic. If you’re a fitness nut, this watch may be right up your alley. From a fitness standpoint, the Ionic does a great job with applications that can track anything from running to weight lifting to swimming. Plus, dedicated bodyweight coaching sessions are included and paying for things on the go is easy with Fitbit Pay. While during its original release, the price was way too high for some but it has recently come down in price making it a great fitness smartwatch option.
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- Start dynamic personalized workouts on your wrist with step by step coaching
- Store and play 300 plus songs or download stations from Pandora or playlists from Deezer
- Use built in GPS/GLONASS to track pace, distance & routes and get Pure Pulse continuous heart rate tracking & real time zones
- Access your favorite apps for sports, weather & more and make payments on the go with a built in NFC chip; Works with Bluetooth Headphones
- Track runs, swims (Fitbit Ionic is water resistant to 50 meters), rides, workouts, all day activity and sleep with 4 plus day battery life (varies with use & other factors)
Apple Watch 3
The Best Apple Watch from 2017
OS: watchOS 5 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.53″ OLED | Processor: S2 dual-core | Onboard storage: 8GB / 16GB (Non-LTE and LTE respectively) | Battery duration: 18 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: IPX7 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
We know you’re going to say that it is 2019 and you’re right but hear us out. In 2017, Watch 3 from Apple was the best smartwatch you could get on the planet. Apple released a newer version of this watch but that doesn’t mean this watch still doesn’t have the juice to find a home on your wrist. The water-resistant watch means taking a swim as part of your workout or getting caught in the rain won’t harm it either. A GPS makes running a bit easier and you can still update the OS to the latest version. The best part though is that with the release of newer versions, this watch has come down in price to rival some new smartwatches making it a must buy if you can’t afford Apple’s newer models.
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- Gps
- Optical heart sensor
- Digital Crown
- S3 with dual-core processor
- Accelerometer and gyroscope
The Best Smartwatches for Designers & Creatives
When the idea of a smartwatch was first introduced, some balked at the idea. That a watch was for simply telling time and that was it. Well, these aren’t your grandfather’s pocket watches anymore. With the amazing amount of technology packed into these small packages, if you work in a creative field, you owe it to your self to consider owning one. We hope our list of the Best Smartwatches for Creatives has given you some food for thought and a good place to start.
Do you have a great smartwatch but don’t see it on our list? Let us know about it in the comments below!!
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