Best Men’s Smartwatches: Buyer’s Guide For 2020
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Over the years, smartwatches have evolved to the point where it’s a part of our daily lives. Over 16% of Americans currently own a Smartwatch, showing a promising increase in the adoption rate year-on-year, and with Smartwatches getting increasingly “smart” every year, there is still much room for improvement for the future.
With the vast amount of Smartwatches being released every few months, most of you have been holding back on your purchase. Smartwatches have come a long way, with them serving many purposes. Whether you are into fitness, health tracking, or just interested in the general convenience a Smartwatch provides, it’s hard to decide on the one you should get.
While most Smartwatches are officially sized as unisex models, Men usually prefer those which are on the larger side and a better fit for larger wrists. In this article, we have curated a list of the top smartwatches available to help narrow your choices and to select the one that best suits your everyday life.
Best Smartwatches for men in 2020
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 – Best Smart Watch for Men
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
It’s one of the best battery life for a smartwatch in the market based on the number of features it provides.
As the top smartphone manufacturer, shipping over 70 million units every quarter over the past 5 years, you would expect that their smartwatches are one of the best around, and you’re right! The Galaxy Watch brings everything we love about their previous smartwatch models and more.
There are two sizes of this Galaxy Watch Active, 40mm, and 44mm with the only difference being a larger battery for the 44mm model and choice of colors (Silver for the 44mm and Rose Gold/Midnight Black for the 40mm models). The Galaxy Watch runs on the Tizen based wearable OS 4.0 and Samsung’s Exynos 9110 processor, so it’s best when paired with a Samsung smartphone but works well with other Android devices as well.
With a battery life of up to 72 hours depending on usage, it’s one of the best battery life for a smartwatch in the market based on the number of features it provides. Unlike the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch is able to measure over 39+ activities. So whether you’re hitting the gym, cycling, swimming, or playing your favorite sport, there will be a specific activity tracker for you.
Samsung has also up their game in their health department with sleep tracking, 24/7 heart rate monitor, the aforementioned fitness tracking, as well as an emergency SOS feature, similar to the Apple Watch.
Reasons to buy:
– Works well with most Android phones
– Swim Proof up to 50m with water-lock feature
– Very nice sturdy build
– Built-in GPS
– Amazing battery life for a full-featured smartwatch
– NFC (SamsungPay)
– Perfect if you own Samsung’s other smart appliances
Reasons not to buy:
– iOS compatibility is horrible
– Lack of 3rd party apps
Verdict:
Value: Good Build: Durable Design: Modern & Stylish Functionality: Fantastic
While it works perfectly if you’re a Samsung user and the no.1 go-to Smartwatch if you are one, this is one of the men’s smartwatches that you should consider for regular Android users due to the number of features it is able to jam-pack into a little device.
Huawei Watch GT 2 – Most chosen Men’s smartwatch
Huawei Watch GT 2
With their in-house processor, the Kirin 1 which promises users a long battery life, it could last for up to 14 days on the 46mm model, and 7 days on the 42mm model.
Huawei may not be the best-known brand in the US, but they are in fact the largest telecommunications manufacturer in the world and their smartwatch, the Huawei Watch GT 2, is one of the best smartwatches for men around.
As you might expect from Huawei, they did not skimp on any features provided on their hardware. With their in-house processor, the Kirin 1 which promises users a long battery life, it could last for up to 14 days on the 46mm model, and 7 days on the 42mm model, one-upping their 2 top competitors Apple and Samsung.
Although lacking NFC for wireless payments, their wide array of sensors is definitely one reason why this Smartwatch stands out from the rest. The accelerometer, gyroscope geomagnetic, optical heart rate, ambient light, air pressure, and capacitive sensors make this one of the most feature-packed Smartwatch for men available.
Huawei has also vastly improved their fitness tracking with GPS positioning, workouts whether you are indoors or outdoors. They have also improved their tracking if you are used to stationary workouts such as elliptical and rowing machines. If paired with a Huawei device, the fitness app could be used as a personal assistant with workout guidance and if you have specific fitness goals you would like to achieve.
Reasons to buy:
– Integrates seamlessly with both Android and iOS
– Swim Proof up to 50m
– Classy design
– Built-in GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO
– Amazing battery life
– A wide array of sensors
Reasons not to buy:
– Lack of 3rd party apps
– No NFC
– Proprietary charger
Verdict:
Value: Fantastic Build: Durable Design: Stylish & Fashionable Functionality: Amazing
Other than not having NFC and the lack of 3rd party apps, the Huawei Watch GT2 provides tremendous value for its price. If you’re looking for a Smartwatch for men that could do it all, this is definitely one of the top choices in the market.
Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen
Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen
The watch case is made from stainless steel and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 which gives it a solid thumbs up in terms of built quality.
The new Moto 360 (Gen 2) is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality all in a smartwatch for men. It’s available in both 42mm and 46mm watch face sizes, to suit those with a slightly bigger wrist and available in smooth leather or even a traditional metal watch strap.
The Moto 360 2nd gen is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The face is dominated by a 1.37-inch IPS LCD display on the smaller watch and a 1.56-inch display on the larger option. They boast a pixels-per-inch count of 263 and 233 respectively which is pleasing to the eyes. The Moto 360 runs on a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor with the latest Android Wear operating system which runs really smoothly.
The watch case is made from stainless steel and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 which gives it a solid thumbs up in terms of built quality. It also boasts an IP67 rating, which isn’t suited for swimming but can handle going under the rain and a quick submersion.
Reasons to buy:
– Works well for both Android and iOS
– Fashionable & Durable
– Easy to swap watch bands
– Charges with a QI compatible charger
Reasons not to buy:
– Lacks an AMOLED display compared with other competitors
– Battery life isn’t great
– Lacks NFC & GPS
– The dual-mics can’t be used for phone calls
Verdict:
Value: Great Design: Fashionable Build: Durable Functionality: Easy to use
The Moto 360 Gen 2 is has a simple and elegant design with just the right amount of features for an everyday smartwatch user. If you are looking for a simple-looking smartwatch for men with a heart-rate monitor, fitness tracker, and other basic smartwatch features.
Apple Watch Series 5
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Apple Watch Series 5
The new series 5 finally brings in an always-on display so you can have a quick glance at your watch without having to turn your wrist towards you
Read the full Apple Watch Series 5 Review here.
Considered as the king of Smartwatches for men and for everybody, the Apple Watch is dominating the smartwatch market with over 37% of the total market share in the US and Canada. The latest series 5 Apple Watch takes everything good from the previous model and taking it one step further with big improvements added to it.
We have to first mention the always-on display, with plagued reviews, and is one of the top drawbacks of the Apple Watch (besides its battery life). The new series 5 finally brings in an always-on display so you can have a quick glance at your watch without having to turn your wrist towards you. There are also security features where you can block out sensitive information when it is on and only shows up once you turn your wrist or tap the watch face.
The already awesome SOS feature has also received an upgrade, which allows the SOS feature to work in over 150 countries, and doesn’t require a cellular plan if your phone is not with you when an emergency occurs. It’s built-in GPS and compass also now shows elevation, and a better direction when using the maps features.
If that’s not enough, Apple now has an Apple Watch studio online and in retail stores where you can customize your watch cases and bands, to pick the one that best suits you. Both the 40mm and 44mm models come in aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic. With the Nike+ and Hermes models included, there are tons of options and variations of the Apple Watch which you can customize to your liking.
Reasons to buy:
– The perfect Smartwatch for men & for iOS users
– Always-on display
– Great health features
– Built-in compass for navigation & elevation readings
– International SOS mode for cellular models
Reasons not to buy:
– No major changes from Series 4
– Battery life still isn’t great
– Still no sleep tracking
– Not compatible with Android devices
Verdict:
The Apple Watch Series 5 is the improvement most users have been waiting for and its new features will only bring more to what Apple has already been offering. The Apple Watch still remains as the best smartwatch for men available in the market although lacking a good battery life and sleep tracking compared with its Android competitors.
Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
Premium built and quality. Water resistance and GPS & NFC. Works with iOS and Android
Tag Heuer is one of the most reputable watch brands in the world, and one of the premia watch brands to transition over to smartwatches. The Tag Heuer Modular 45 is a premium smartwatch for men with a hefty price tag to go along with as expected from a company as such.
It runs on the Intel Z34XX processor and the latest Android wear 2.0 which is pretty standard. The watch has a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, covered with a Sapphire glass (as you would expect from Tag). It comes with a modular design so you can not just choose a different strap, but the main module, buckle, and even the watch lugs. So you are able to customize the watch the way you like it.
The Modular 45 watch lacks a heart rate monitor which is one of the core features for most smartwatches these days but still includes the Google Fit app if you need a quick workout with your watch as well as other apps available in the Android Wear OS. They also include GPS tracking for when you are out and about, as well as an NFC which allows Android Pay directly from your wrist. The battery life for the Modular 45 could last you about a day depending on your usage and does not feature any low-power mode if you wish to save up on your battery.
Reasons to buy:
– Premium built and quality
– Great water resistance
– GPS & NFC
– Works with both iOS and Android
Reasons not to buy:
– Expensive
– No heart rate monitor / other tracking features
Verdict:
The Tag Heuer Modular 45 is a smartwatch for men with outstanding built quality with just the right amount of features. It won’t be the choice for every user out there but if you are looking to spend on a premium smartwatch or loyal to the brand, the Modular 45 is one to look out for.
Fossil Carlyle HR Gen 5
Fossil Carlyle HR Gen 5
After further improvements from the previous generation, Fossil has finally released the Fossil Carlyle HR Gen 5
Fossil smartwatches are for men without doubts. They have been around for quite a while, with them being one of the first few watch brands to transition into the Smartwatch market. After further improvements from the previous generation, they have finally released the Fossil Carlyle HR Gen 5.
Fans of the Fossil Smartwatch series would be happy to see the improvements in the Gen 5 model compared to the previous model with it finally including a heart-rate tracker, GPS, and the new Snapdragon 3100 to power the smartwatch while running on the latest Wear OS. These upgrades improve the watch capabilities in the fitness and health department, and with included internal storage you can play your music when you go for a run, without having to carry your smartphone around.
It also comes in a new array of watch straps and customizable dials to make sure you are getting the most out of your watch. So whether you would want a more casual leather strap or a metal one for attending functions, Fossil has you pretty much covered.
Reasons to buy:
– Great design with easily replaceable straps
– Finally has GPS & Heart rate trackers
– Works with Google Pay
– A new, faster charger
Reasons not to buy:
– Battery settings are a little complicated
– Speakers are not that great
Verdict:
Fossil smartwatches are here to stay. With the Gen 5 improving in so many ways compared to its predecessor, this is one smartwatch for men you should look at if you are an Android user, and want something both fashionable, and functional without compromising any aspects.
Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit Versa 2
Affordable version of the Apple Watch. The Fitbit Versa 2 has its perks over the Apple Watch, such as its battery life which promises about 5 or more days, depending on your use
Fitbit has been one of the pioneers in fitness tracking from 2007 and recently has evolved into one of the top Smartwatch brands, with its market share falling short only to Apple and Samsung. Their latest model, the Fitbit Versa 2 takes everything we love about the previous models and took it one step further.
The new aluminum body provides a lighter weight to the watch, without compromising on the quality. With its always-on display, and it’s 40mm “squircle” design, it seems like the Android version of an Apple watch. But the Fitbit Versa 2 has its perks over the Apple Watch, such as its battery life which promises about 5 or more days, depending on your use. This allows the Versa 2 to have great sleep tracking, and provide insights into your sleep with their excellent tracking features.
The Versa 2 is also built for fitness, like any other Fitbit models with 24/7 heart tracking, fitness goals, as well as for swimming. The Fitbit app still stands as a great app, with all your data and exercise metrics all broken down with easy-to-understand information. The only drawback is that it doesn’t sync with Apple Health or Google Fit, but only with the Fitbit companion app.
Reasons to buy:
– Fast & easy to use
– Great Sleep Tracking features
– Fitbit Pay works
– Great battery life
Reasons not to buy:
– Still no GPS
– Doesn’t work well with Apple Health/Google Fit
Verdict:
The Fitbit Versa 2 is a great improvement for the fans of the brand and if you are into fitness, this is definitely one of the Smartwatches for men to check out. With its latest acquisition by Google, we could only see Fitbit growing in terms of the number of users and its functions.
Wrapping Up
With the wide choices of Smartwatches for men currently in the market and can be difficult to choose from even after narrowing it down to just seven options as we did. As of today, there is no such thing as a “perfect” men’s smartwatch, so we suggest that it’s best you select them based on your personal needs and preferences.
We love the Fitbit Versa 2 because it has great features but we can’t deny that the Apple Watch Series 5 is still much better. The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 is a smartwatch built-up with the best of Samsung technology and its design is very suitable for men. So, if we have to recommend one, we would go for the South Korean mate.
