Smart watches, fitness trackers, running watches, the best products are this! [2021 latest version]
There are also products for Android users!
Clocks are no longer just for checking time. The versatile gadget "smart watch" that can be used in all everyday situations has a wide range of performances and designs, and you are worried when it comes to purchasing it. So this time, we will introduce the recommended products of Wirecutter!
A smartwatch is a convenient item with various functions such as activity tracking, smartphone notification, and access to apps. With a great smartwatch, you don't have to take your phone out of your pocket. The Wirecutter editorial department has tried various smartwatches and fitness trackers in every aspect of the day, not to mention work and exercise, in order to find the best one.
After comprehensively examining the design, notifications, apps, battery life, activity tracking, price, etc., the recommended number one product was decided to be Apple Watch SE! However, it does not work with smartphones other than the iPhone, so Android users are encouraged to read the article and see the recommended products for Android. We also introduce sports-specific products for those who want fitness and long-distance sports tracking functions rather than design and notification functions, so please refer to them.
Recommended smartwatch for iPhone users: Apple Watch SE
The best smartwatch. Recommended for beginners and users of successive Apple Watches. The big big screen and the speed that is most suitable for apps are attractive. Healthcare related functions may be a little unsatisfactory.
Latest Apple Watch SE (GPS model) -40mm space gray aluminum case and black sports band32,780 yen
Recommended people: iPhone users who want to take advantage of messages and notifications, smart device control, navigation usage, and fitness tracking without taking their smartphone out of their pockets.
Recommended point: The best smartwatch with easy operation of messages and notifications on your smartphone. Apple Watch SE is the best version of Apple Watch. It's much faster than the 2017 Series 3, but it's about 30% cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 6. The size development is 40 mm and 44 mm like the Series 6, and the functions such as activity tracking and heart rate monitor are almost the same. Some features (always on display, blood oxygen sensor, electrocardiogram, etc.) have been eliminated, but none of them will be required.
Not all iPhone apps are compatible with the Apple Watch, but many have an Apple Watch version, which is optimized for the screen of the Apple Watch and has a speedy app response (What is an Android watch? It feels a bit different). It has great features to track every workout individually, so it will follow your normal standing and walking activities. However, for training that requires accurate distance measurement, a more fitness-specific product is better.
It also supports Apple Pay, and I'm happy that it can be used instead of a wallet. If you're a Mac user, you can unlock your computer by approaching your PC with your Apple Watch on.
Anxious points: The only and biggest difficulty with the Apple Watch is that it can only be used with the iPhone. The app is also more sophisticated than Android, but there are many things whose functions are inevitably limited compared to the smartphone version, and you may be worried about performance degradation. The main function of the Apple Watch itself is the main function, and it's a good idea to think about the app as a bonus.
If you fully charge it, you can use it for a whole day with normal use, but be careful as it will be in the saving mode in the evening if the battery consumption is heavy such as using the navigation and training tracking function for a long time or using LTE. ..
Available in sizes: 40mm, 44mm
Color variations: silver, space gray, gold
Recommended for active people! Best Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Charge 4
The best fitness tracker. Automatically and accurately record a wide range of activities. The responsive touch screen display has easy-to-read menus, as well as the app's usability and customization.
[Suica compatible] Fitbit Charge 4 GPS equipped fitness tracker Black / Black L / S size [Japan genuine] FB417BKBK-JP18,173 yen
People who want to recommend: "I want to track fitness, sleep, heart rate, and activity rather than apps and notifications, but I don't need the high-end GPS watch feature."
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Recommendation: The Fitbit Charge 4 is the simplest and easiest to use tracker we've tested, and it's a solid and accurate measure of your steps and heart rate. When I measured workouts such as running, walking, and cycling for 10 minutes, they correctly detected and identified them and started recording.
You can easily navigate the menu with a touch screen display, guidance buttons on the side, and clearly labeled icons. With a user-friendly app, you can connect with Fitbit users around the world and motivate them. The network is robust, and you can also choose to receive smartphone notifications using the app. What makes it different from competing products is that it detects not only nighttime sleep time and sleep quality, but also short naps. Battery life is up to 7 days.
Curious: Charge 4 can record as many as 20 different activities, but you can only view up to 6 activity modes at a time. In swimming, you can only set a time goal, not a distance goal, which may be a little inconvenient for some people. The standard plastic band is a little harder to use than other products, so it is recommended to purchase an additional band of your choice.
Battery life: up to 7 days
Sleep tracking function: Yes, even naps are detected
Waterproof function: Waterproof to a depth of 50 m
Heart rate monitor: installed
GPS: Equipped
Best Android Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
A stylish and capable smartwatch. A watch that can be used for several days on a single charge and combines high-speed performance with a stylish design and comfort.
Galaxy Watch Active2 / Stainless steel / Black / 44mm [Galaxy genuine smart watch domestic genuine] SM-R820NSKAXJP38,600 yen
People who want to recommend: Those who want to reply without a smartphone, control smart home appliances via apps, and use navigation.
Recommended point: Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 is available in two sizes, 44mm and 40mm. It doesn't have Google software, but it's the best smartwatch for Android users. The OS is Samsung's Tizen, and its performance and battery life (2 to 3 days) are superior to Google's Wear OS. The interface is easy to navigate and the circular OLED display is gorgeous. Fitness tracking is also easy to use and automatically detects your workout (also not included in Wear OS). However, there are fewer apps than Wear OS.
Anxious point: Bixby is adopted as the voice assistant of Galaxy Watch Active 2, but it is not as easy to use as Samsung's S voice, which was discontinued last year. They rarely answer questions (as well as the Google Assistant ...) and rarely integrate with third-party apps. However, the Wear OS Google Assistant is known to be slow and unreliable, so it seems good to think of it as "a smartphone if you use a voice assistant." However, the keyboard of Galaxy Watch Active2 is small and difficult to type, so it may be better to input voice when inputting text.
Size development: 40mm, 44mm
Color Varie: Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Cloud Silver
If you want to know more, see the article on recommended smartwatches for Android users!
Authentic running watch: Coros Pace 2
The best running watch with GPS. Comfortable, full of features, and reasonably priced. A GPS watch filled with the "wants" of runners.
Those who want to recommend: Those who want to challenge full-scale runners and triathlons. Those who want physical buttons that are easy to press while running, and those who want to monitor performance and progress using abundant and accurate data.
Reasons to recommend: The Coros Pace 2 is the lightest running watch we've tested. It's packed with features that runners will love, such as a long-life battery, accurate GPS and a step counter. It doesn't have the features that smartwatches often have, such as playing music or displaying a personal calendar, but it keeps track of useful running indicators such as power, pace, and pace.
The menu is plentiful, but scrolling with just one button and dial can be awkward at first, but you'll soon get used to it. Even if the number of buttons is a little small, it is a gem that is worth more than that.
Things to worry about: In this test, Coros Pace 2 seemed to be poor at tracking heart rate and getting accurate readings. You can improve the accuracy by wearing a chest strap.
* Prices and other displays are current as of writing. Please check the sales page as it is subject to change.
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