Smartwatch Alternatives

Smartwatch Alternatives Reviewed in Our Monthly Deal Roundup

Marco Blaze

Marco Blaze

— 6 min read
Smartwatch Alternatives Reviewed in Our Monthly Deal Roundup

Beyond the Wrist: Smartwatch Alternatives Reviewed in Our Monthly Deal Roundup

The smartwatch market is booming, with sleek devices promising to track our fitness, keep us connected, and even pay for our coffee. But let's face it: smartwatches aren't for everyone. They can be expensive, have limited battery life, and some users find them distracting. If you're looking for a tech companion that offers functionality without the full-fledged smartwatch experience, you're in luck.

This month, in our regular deal roundup, we're diving into the exciting world of smartwatch alternatives. We've curated a selection of gadgets that offer unique functionalities and cater to diverse needs, all while potentially saving you some serious cash. From fitness trackers with enhanced features to smart rings and even augmented reality glasses, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option, highlighting the best deals currently available.

Why Consider a Smartwatch Alternative?

Before we jump into the reviews, let's address why you might want to consider a smartwatch alternative in the first place:

  • Price: Smartwatches, especially the high-end models, can come with a hefty price tag. Alternatives often offer similar core features at a fraction of the cost.
  • Battery Life: Many smartwatches struggle to last more than a day or two on a single charge. Alternatives, often with simpler displays or less power-hungry functionalities, can offer significantly longer battery life.
  • Aesthetics: Smartwatches aren't always the most stylish accessories. Alternatives like smart rings or discreet fitness trackers can offer a more subtle and fashionable way to track your health and stay connected.
  • Feature Overload: Some users find smartwatches overwhelming with their constant notifications and plethora of apps. Alternatives often focus on a specific set of features, providing a more streamlined and less distracting experience.
  • Specific Needs: Maybe you're primarily interested in fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, or contactless payments. Specific alternatives might excel in these areas better than a general-purpose smartwatch.

This Month's Roundup: Smartwatch Alternatives Put to the Test

In this month's roundup, we've hand-picked a diverse selection of smartwatch alternatives to cater to different needs and preferences. We've evaluated each device based on key factors like functionality, battery life, design, price, and overall value.

1. Advanced Fitness Trackers: More Than Just Steps

  • Fitbit Charge 5: While technically a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 5 bridges the gap between trackers and smartwatches with its vibrant color display, built-in GPS, and advanced health tracking features.
    • Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, ECG app, SpO2 tracking, skin temperature variation tracking, built-in GPS, sleep tracking, Active Zone Minutes, smartphone notifications, Fitbit Pay.
    • Pros: Comprehensive health tracking, bright and clear display, comfortable design, reliable GPS, Fitbit Pay convenience.
    • Cons: Requires Fitbit Premium subscription for full access to features, battery life could be better, limited smartwatch functionality.
    • Deal Alert: We found a deal offering the Fitbit Charge 5 with a free extra band at [Retailer X] for $[Price].
    • Our Verdict: The Fitbit Charge 5 is a great option for fitness enthusiasts who want a comprehensive tracking device with some smartwatch features. Its detailed health insights and convenient payment options make it a worthwhile investment.
  • Garmin Vivosmart 5: The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a sleek and minimalist fitness tracker that focuses on core health and fitness metrics.
    • Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, stress tracking, step tracking, activity tracking, smartphone notifications.
    • Pros: Long battery life (up to 7 days), comfortable and lightweight design, easy-to-read display, comprehensive activity tracking, stress monitoring.
    • Cons: Lacks built-in GPS, no NFC for contactless payments, limited smartwatch functionality.
    • Deal Alert: The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is currently discounted by 20% at [Retailer Y] bringing the price down to $[Price].
    • Our Verdict: The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize fitness tracking and a long-lasting battery. Its stress monitoring and Body Battery features provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.

2. Smart Rings: Discreet and Stylish Tech

  • Oura Ring Gen3: The Oura Ring Gen3 is a revolutionary wearable that tracks your sleep, activity, and recovery with impressive accuracy, all within a sleek and discreet ring form factor.
    • Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking (including sleep stages), body temperature sensing, activity tracking, readiness score, period prediction, guided audio sessions.
    • Pros: Extremely comfortable and discreet design, accurate sleep tracking, comprehensive health insights, long battery life (up to 7 days), no display for minimal distractions.
    • Cons: Requires Oura Membership subscription for full access to features, relatively expensive, limited activity tracking compared to fitness trackers.
    • Deal Alert: Oura is offering a free sizing kit and a month of Oura Membership with the purchase of a new ring.
    • Our Verdict: The Oura Ring Gen3 is ideal for individuals who prioritize sleep and recovery tracking and prefer a minimalist wearable. Its sleek design and comprehensive health insights make it a standout in the smart ring market.
  • Circular Ring Slim: The Circular Ring Slim is another promising contender in the smart ring space, offering a range of health and fitness tracking features in a slim and stylish design.
    • Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, activity tracking, body temperature sensing, personalized insights, silent alarm, customizable notifications (through vibrations).
    • Pros: Slim and comfortable design, personalized health insights, good battery life (up to 4 days), gesture control features.
    • Cons: Requires a subscription for advanced features, less established brand than Oura, activity tracking accuracy may vary.
    • Deal Alert: Circular is offering a discount of $[Price] on the Circular Ring Slim for a limited time.
    • Our Verdict: The Circular Ring Slim is a compelling alternative to the Oura Ring, offering a similar set of features in a slightly slimmer design. Its personalized insights and gesture control add to its appeal.

3. Smart Patches: Continuous Monitoring for Specific Needs

  • Abbott Libre Sense Glucose Sport Biosensor: While primarily targeted towards athletes, this continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be a valuable tool for anyone interested in understanding their body's response to food and exercise.
    • Key Features: Continuous glucose monitoring, real-time glucose data, trend analysis, insights into how food and exercise affect glucose levels.
    • Pros: Provides valuable insights into metabolic health, helps optimize training and nutrition, easy to use with smartphone app.
    • Cons: Requires a prescription, relatively expensive, limited battery life (14 days per sensor), not suitable for individuals with diabetes requiring medical CGM.
    • Deal Alert: Check with your healthcare provider for potential insurance coverage or discounts.
    • Our Verdict: The Abbott Libre Sense is a powerful tool for athletes and individuals interested in optimizing their metabolic health. Its continuous glucose monitoring provides valuable data for making informed decisions about diet and exercise.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future

  • XREAL Air AR Glasses: While not strictly a smartwatch alternative, AR glasses like the XREAL Air offer a unique way to experience information and entertainment, potentially replacing some of the functionalities of a smartwatch.
    • Key Features: Virtual screen projection, compatibility with smartphones and gaming consoles, spatial audio, lightweight design.
    • Pros: Immersive viewing experience, portable and convenient, potential for productivity and entertainment applications.
    • Cons: Limited functionality compared to smartwatches, requires compatible devices, battery life is limited, can be socially awkward to wear in public.
    • Deal Alert: XREAL is offering a bundle deal that includes the XREAL Air glasses and a carrying case for $[Price].
    • Our Verdict: The XREAL Air AR Glasses offer a glimpse into the future of personal computing. While not a direct replacement for a smartwatch, they provide a unique and immersive way to consume information and entertainment.

Choosing the Right Smartwatch Alternative for You

With so many options available, choosing the right smartwatch alternative can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Your Needs: What are you hoping to achieve with a wearable device? Are you primarily focused on fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, or staying connected?
  • Your Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Smartwatch alternatives range in price from affordable fitness trackers to more expensive smart rings and AR glasses.
  • Your Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities and lifestyle. Do you need a rugged device that can withstand harsh conditions? Or are you looking for something more discreet and stylish?
  • Battery Life: How important is battery life to you? If you hate charging your devices frequently, opt for an alternative with a longer battery life.
  • Design and Comfort: Choose a device that you find comfortable to wear and aesthetically pleasing.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Variety

The smartwatch market is constantly evolving, but so is the world of smartwatch alternatives. These devices offer unique functionalities and cater to diverse needs, often at a more affordable price point. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking for a more discreet and stylish wearable, there's a smartwatch alternative out there for you.

We hope this monthly roundup has provided you with valuable insights into the exciting world of smartwatch alternatives. Remember to compare features, read reviews, and take advantage of deals to find the perfect device to complement your lifestyle. Stay tuned for next month's roundup, where we'll explore even more innovative gadgets and tech deals!

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