Best Apple Watch Alternatives: Top Smartwatches For Fitness, Health & Performance
Best Apple Watch Alternatives: Apple’s impact on technology is huge, from home computing to wearables. The Apple Watch revolutionized the smartwatch, moving key smartphone features to your wrist.
However, Apple operates in a closed system, meaning its devices work best with other products. While Apple has a loyal fan base, many users, especially those who want more choice, feel restricted by this ecosystem.
Fortunately, there are plenty of smartwatch alternatives out there. Most models offer basic health tracking like heart rate, steps, and sleep. Some go further, offering features like EKG and pulse ox. If fitness is your focus, look for smartwatches with dedicated fitness tracking, good GPS, and sport-specific features for activities like running.
Top Apple Watch Alternatives to Buy at a Glance:
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm):
Display:
Type: Super AMOLED, Always On
Size: 1.4 inches
Resolution: 450 x 450 pixels
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass DX+
Design:
Case Material: Aluminum or Stainless Steel (depending on model)
Strap Material: Silicone, Leather, or various third-party options
Water Resistance: 5 ATM + IP68 (up to 50 meters)
Operating System:
OS: Wear OS powered by Samsung (with One UI Watch skin)
Performance:
Processor: Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18 GHz
RAM: 1.5 GB
Storage: 16 GB
Battery:
Battery Capacity: 247 mAh
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (varies based on usage)
Charging: Wireless charging (compatible with Qi chargers)
Sensors:
Heart Rate Sensor: Optical Heart Rate Monitor (with ECG support)
GPS: Built-in GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo
Blood Oxygen Sensor (SpO2)
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Accelerometer & Gyroscope
Barometer
Sleep Tracking
Connectivity:
Bluetooth: 5.0
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
NFC: Yes (for mobile payments)
LTE Model: Optional for cellular connectivity
GPS: Built-in (no phone required for navigation)
Compatibility:
Smartphone Compatibility: Android 8.0+ (not fully compatible with iOS)
Other Features:
Health & Fitness Tracking: Advanced workout tracking, automatic exercise recognition
Voice Assistant: Bixby, Google Assistant (depending on region)
App Support: Access to Google Play Store for apps
Notifications: Support for texts, emails, calls, and apps
Customization: Watch faces and interchangeable bands
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4:
Display:
Type: AMOLED
Size: 1.75 inches
Resolution: 390 x 430 pixels
Brightness: Up to 450 nits
Protection: 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
Design:
Case Material: Polycarbonate
Strap Material: Silicone (interchangeable)
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)
Operating System:
OS: Proprietary MIUI for Watch (based on RTOS)
Performance:
Processor: Not explicitly mentioned (likely a custom low-power chipset)
RAM: 2 GB
Storage: 32 MB (for storing music, watch faces, and basic data)
Battery:
Battery Capacity: 230 mAh
Battery Life: Up to 12 days (varies with usage)
Charging: Magnetic charging (approximately 2 hours for full charge)
Sensors:
Heart Rate Sensor: 24/7 optical heart rate monitor
SpO2 Sensor: Blood oxygen monitor
Accelerometer & Gyroscope: For motion tracking and fitness
Barometer: For altitude and weather data
Connectivity:
Bluetooth: 5.2
GPS: Built-in GNSS (supports GPS, Glonass, Galileo)
NFC: Yes (for payments in supported regions)
Wi-Fi: Not supported
Compatibility:
Smartphone Compatibility: Android 6.0+ and iOS 10.0+ (via the Xiaomi Mi Fitness app)
Health & Fitness Features:
Fitness Tracking: 120+ sports modes (including running, cycling, swimming, etc.)
Sleep Tracking: Advanced sleep monitoring with light, deep, and REM sleep tracking
Stress Monitoring: Stress levels tracking (based on heart rate variability)
Pedometer: Step count tracking
Women’s Health: Menstrual cycle tracking
AI Training Coach: Provides workout suggestions and insights
Other Features:
Notifications: Calls, messages, and app alerts
Watch Faces: Customizable and downloadable faces
Voice Assistant: Supports Xiao AI (regional availability)
Music Control: Remote control for music playback on your phone
App Support: Limited third-party app support via Mi Fitness app
Customization: Multiple sport modes and watch face options
Garmin Forerunner 965:
Display:
Type: AMOLED (Always On Display)
Size: 1.4 inches
Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
Brightness: 1000 nits (for enhanced visibility in bright conditions)
Protection: Sapphire glass (scratch-resistant)
Design:
Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Silicone (interchangeable)
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)
Operating System:
OS: Garmin proprietary software (Garmin Connect ecosystem)
Performance:
Processor: Custom Garmin chip (optimized for performance and battery life)
Storage: 32 GB (for storing maps, music, apps, etc.)
Battery:
Battery Capacity: Lithium-ion
Battery Life:
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 23 days
GPS Mode: Up to 31 hours (with continuous GPS tracking)
UltraTrac Mode: Up to 60 hours (for extended battery life during long activities)
Charging: Fast charging via USB-C (up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes)
Sensors:
Heart Rate Sensor: Garmin Elevate wrist-based optical heart rate monitor
GPS: Multi-band GNSS (supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and multi-frequency for more accurate location tracking)
Pulse Ox: Blood oxygen saturation sensor (SpO2)
Barometer: For altitude tracking and weather data
Accelerometer & Gyroscope: For motion tracking and activity detection
Thermometer: For temperature measurement
Compass: 3-axis compass for navigation
Connectivity:
Bluetooth: 5.0
Wi-Fi: Yes (for syncing and downloading maps and updates)
NFC: Not supported
ANT+: Yes (for connecting to external sensors like heart rate monitors, bike power meters, etc.)
LTE (Optional): No built-in cellular support, but can pair with a smartphone for notifications and calls
Compatibility:
Smartphone Compatibility: Android and iOS via the Garmin Connect app (for syncing data, tracking, and notifications)
Health & Fitness Features:
Fitness Tracking: Supports running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and a variety of other sports with detailed metrics
VO2 Max: Estimates your maximum oxygen consumption for fitness tracking
Training Load & Recovery: Monitors your overall training load and suggests recovery time based on effort
Garmin Coach: Adaptive training plans for various race distances (5k, 10k, half-marathon, etc.)
Sleep Tracking: Detailed sleep analysis (light, deep, and REM sleep)
Stress Monitoring: Tracks heart rate variability for stress levels
Menstrual Cycle Tracking: For women’s health
Body Battery: Tracks your energy levels throughout the day
PacePro: Real-time pacing strategies for races or training
Navigation:
Topo Maps: Preloaded full-color topographic maps for hiking, running, and cycling
Route Planning: Ability to create and follow routes for outdoor adventures
Turn-by-Turn Navigation: For running, cycling, and driving routes
Back to Start: For navigation assistance back to your starting point
Other Features:
Notifications: Smart notifications for calls, texts, emails, and apps
Music Storage: 16 GB for storing music, podcasts, or audiobooks (can sync with Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music)
Garmin Pay: Contactless payments for supported banks
Customizable Watch Faces: Multiple watch face designs and widgets available
Safety & Tracking Features: LiveTrack, incident detection, and assistance alerts for outdoor activities
Wireless Syncing: Syncs to Garmin Connect for detailed analytics and cloud storage of workout data
Suunto Race Sports Watch:
Display:
Type: AMOLED
Size: 1.4 inches
Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
Brightness: 1000 nits (high brightness for outdoor visibility)
Protection: Sapphire glass (scratch-resistant)
Design:
Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polyamide
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Silicone (interchangeable)
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)
Operating System:
OS: Suunto’s proprietary software (Suunto app ecosystem)
Performance:
Processor: Suunto’s custom chipset (designed for efficiency and performance)
RAM: Not officially disclosed
Storage: 16 GB (for storing sports data, routes, and music)
Sensors: Advanced sensors for fitness tracking and navigation
Battery:
Battery Capacity: Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Life:
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days
GPS Mode: Up to 35 hours (with continuous GPS tracking)
Ultra Mode: Up to 120 hours (using battery-saving features for ultra-endurance activities)
Charging: Fast charging via USB-C (0-100% in approximately 1.5 hours)
Sensors:
Heart Rate Sensor: Optical heart rate monitor (Suunto wrist-based)
GPS: Multi-band GNSS (supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou for precise tracking)
SpO2: Blood oxygen saturation (optional depending on model)
Barometer: For altitude, elevation, and weather tracking
Accelerometer & Gyroscope: For motion tracking and activity detection
Compass: 3D compass for navigation
Connectivity:
Bluetooth: 5.0 (for pairing with sensors like heart rate monitors, foot pods, etc.)
Wi-Fi: Yes (for syncing data and software updates)
NFC: Not supported
ANT+: Yes (for connecting additional sensors, e.g., bike power meters, chest straps)
Compatibility:
Smartphone Compatibility: Android and iOS (via the Suunto app)
Third-Party Apps: Compatible with a range of fitness and training apps like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Komoot
Health & Fitness Features:
Fitness Tracking: Supports 80+ sport modes (including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, etc.)
VO2 Max Estimation: Tracks cardiorespiratory fitness (through heart rate and GPS)
Recovery & Training Load: Provides insights into your recovery needs and overall training load
Sleep Tracking: Monitors light and deep sleep, providing data for recovery
Stress Monitoring: Tracks heart rate variability for stress and recovery levels
Body Battery: Monitors your energy levels throughout the day
Women’s Health: Menstrual cycle tracking
Navigation:
Topo Maps & Route Planning: Preloaded full-color maps (for hiking, trail running, and cycling)
Turn-by-Turn Navigation: For outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking
Route Syncing: Import routes from popular apps like Komoot or Plotaroute
Back-to-Start Navigation: Helps you navigate back to your starting point if lost
Other Features:
Notifications: Receive smart notifications for calls, messages, and apps when paired with a smartphone
Music Storage: Option to sync music for offline listening (via Spotify, Deezer, or music files)
Suunto App & Cloud Sync: Automatically syncs activity data and performance metrics to the Suunto app and cloud
SuuntoPlus: Integration with third-party apps and metrics for advanced training
Live Tracking & Safety Features: Live tracking for sharing your location during activities; incident detection and SOS alerts
Customization: Customizable watch faces and sport-specific settings
Garmin Venu 3:
Display:
Type: AMOLED (Always On Display)
Size: 1.4 inches (45mm model) / 1.3 inches (40mm model)
Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels (45mm) / 416 x 416 pixels (40mm)
Brightness: Up to 1000 nits (for high visibility outdoors)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Design:
Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel or Aluminum (depending on model)
Strap Material: Silicone (interchangeable)
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)
Operating System:
OS: Garmin proprietary software (Garmin Connect ecosystem)
Performance:
Processor: Custom Garmin chipset (optimized for battery efficiency and performance)
RAM: Not disclosed
Storage: 8 GB (for music storage and apps)
Sensors: Optical heart rate sensor, GPS, Pulse Ox, etc.
Battery:
Battery Capacity: Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Life:
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 11 days (45mm) / 9 days (40mm)
GPS Mode with Music: Up to 8 hours (45mm) / 7 hours (40mm)
GPS Mode without Music: Up to 20 hours (45mm) / 19 hours (40mm)
UltraTrac Mode: Up to 30 hours (45mm) / 28 hours (40mm)
Charging: Fast charging via USB-C (full charge in about 1-2 hours)
Sensors:
Heart Rate Sensor: Garmin Elevate wrist-based optical heart rate monitor
SpO2 Sensor: Blood oxygen saturation (Pulse Ox)
Accelerometer & Gyroscope: For motion tracking and fitness detection
Barometer: For elevation and weather data
Compass: 3-axis compass
Temperature Sensor: For body temperature (optional feature)
Pulse Ox: Monitors blood oxygen levels, especially during sleep or high-altitude activities
Connectivity:
Bluetooth: 5.0 (for pairing with sensors and phone)
Wi-Fi: Yes (for syncing data and software updates)
NFC: Yes (for Garmin Pay)
ANT+: Yes (for connecting external sensors like heart rate straps, cycling power meters, etc.)
Compatibility:
Smartphone Compatibility: Android and iOS via the Garmin Connect app (for syncing data, notifications, and updates)
Health & Fitness Features:
Fitness Tracking: Supports over 25+ sports modes including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and strength training
VO2 Max: Estimates your maximum oxygen consumption for fitness tracking
Body Battery: Monitors your energy levels to determine optimal workout times
Stress Tracking: Measures heart rate variability (HRV) for stress management
Sleep Tracking: Tracks your sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provides sleep score
Menstrual Cycle Tracking: For women’s health tracking
Garmin Coach: Adaptive training plans for running
Daily Suggested Workouts: Personalized workout recommendations based on fitness level and training history
Recovery Time: Estimates recovery time needed after workouts
Hydration Tracking: Monitors fluid intake for better health management
Strength Training: Automated rep counting for weightlifting
Navigation:
GPS: Multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou) for precise tracking
Turn-by-Turn Navigation: For cycling, running, and hiking
Route Planning: Allows you to import routes from Garmin Connect, Strava, or Komoot
Back-to-Start: For navigation back to the start point
Topo Maps & Maps Navigation: Preloaded maps for hiking, running, and cycling routes
Other Features:
Smart Notifications: Receive smart notifications for calls, texts, emails, and apps when paired with a smartphone
Music Storage & Streaming: Store up to 500 songs or playlists, and sync with music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer
Garmin Pay: Contactless payment feature supported by compatible banks
Customizable Watch Faces: Multiple watch face designs and customizable widgets
Safety & Tracking Features: Incident detection (during activities), LiveTrack, and Assistance (for emergency situations)
Wireless Syncing: Sync data to the Garmin Connect cloud for analysis and sharing
Garmin Connect IQ Store: Access to additional apps, widgets, and watch faces
LiveTrack: Share your real-time location with friends or family during workouts
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