The 10 Coolest Smartwatches Of 2016
Only The Best For Your Wrist
Watches had a good run as the best in portable, fashionable tech, at least until the dawn of the cellular phone. But now, with the new devices from tech companies including Apple, Samsung and Garmin and traditional watch companies like Tag Heuer, the watch is again taking the top spot as the coolest, sleekest and most functional piece of tech you can have as a part of your daily wear.
CRN took a look through the world of smartwatches and came up with a list of 10 watches that stand out as the best. If you are looking for a watch that will fit your lifestyle, we are sure you will find it here.
Apple Watch Series 2
Price: Starting at $369
This watch is one of the best all-around watches because Apple really seems to have a great grasp on what people want with a smartwatch … everything.
The second-generation Apple Watch runs a bit more expensive than some of the other watches on this list, but it is one of the most dynamic watches on the market thanks to its ability to seamlessly integrate with the iPhone for the office, and take a beating in the real world -- even if your after-work routine includes swimming laps.
Take those capabilities and then factor in the fact that it can run a ton of great Apple apps too, and there's no question why this watch made our list.
Nixon The Mission
Price: $450
If your idea of a good time includes rock-climbing, fishing for something that might pull you out of the boat, or other activities that would almost certainly ruin any smartwatch on the market, Nixon's The Mission watch was built with you in mind.
Built to survive just about anything you can think up, The Mission comes with a bunch of sensors to inform you about your surroundings -- including an altimeter, barometer, compass, accelerometer, gyrometer and GPS – all of which will work in the rain, if it gets splashed or even if you want to go snorkeling to a depth of 100 meters.
This thing is tough, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Polar M600
Price: $329.99
This watch was made with runners in mind and comes with a ton of great features including Polar's Smart Coaching setup, which automatically turns your data into actionable insight to help you get ready for that next race.
However, since the polar M600 is an Android device, it also allows you to download additional apps to your watch, helping you make your watch feel like it was made just for you, on and off the track.
Samsung Gear S2 Classic
Price: $249.99
This watch is the one that Android lovers were waiting for and, simply put, Samsung has made a great watch.
And before you ask, yes, the Samsung Gear S3 is already out – but the S2 Classic is still the best buy if you can live without GPS and sacrifice a four-day battery life for a three-day battery life instead of shelling out $100 more.
The lassic is a great design, isn't as bulky as some of the other watches on this list, and is way more economical than others as well. Not to mention that it is equipped with some sleek features like wireless charging, and a water-resistance down to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Huawei Watch
Price: $199.99
Huawei's watch is a great watch for Android users who want a watch that looks good and will work with almost all of their favorite apps without costing an arm and a leg.
The Huawei watch is available in many different design options for men and women and, with its always-on watch face, will keep its look throughout the day.
Unfortunately, because it is always on, this watch has a battery that only lasts for a day and a half. But, as long as you are planning to charge it each night, the Huawei is a great watch for any Android lover on a budget.
Asus ZenWatch 2
Price: $229.99
If you aren't looking to spend your last dime on a new wearable, the Asus ZenWatch is a great watch at an affordable price.
This great little watch won't take up too much space on your arm, but it will sync with your phone because it is compatible with both iPhone and Android platforms, which is great because – wait for it – you can take and make calls from the watch thanks to its built-in speaker/ microphone system.
Although this watch is overall a great buy, being able to call someone secret-agent-style from your watch is reason enough to love this device.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Price: $199.99
If you are in the market for a watch that can keep up with you and give you the feedback that you need when you need it, the Garmin Vivoactive HR is the watch for you.
Although a little bulky and less stylish than some of the other watches on this list, the Garmin Vivoactive is a great watch with a ton of capability. Take it swimming, skiing, biking, running or even golfing – and it's got an app to track your training.
Most impressive, however, is this watch's battery life, which will take eight -days to run out in smartwatch mode without the GPS engaged, but will also run for a full 13 hours with the GPS turned on, much longer than most of us will need to track our run or ride.
Microsoft Band 2
Price: $224.99
If you are looking for a watch that can give you info about your exercising habits, look no further. With a built-in heart-rate monitor, GPS, UV monitor, barometer, altimeter included with its array of 11 sensors, the Microsoft Band can give you more info than you ever knew you wanted.
Unfortunately, all of that function makes for a shorter battery life, and will only last you two days in the best case. But, it looks great, and is a huge improvement over Microsoft's original band.
Pebble 2
Price: $129.33
The Pebble 2 was long-awaited by the proud geeks who enjoyed the blocky, almost ironically cool original Pebble smartwatch and now that the second generation is here, it's time to get one.
This watch is still blocky, its interface is still reminiscent of an old Cassio digital watch, and it will still stick out when you are in the office or giving a presentation. But with a battery life that can last up to a whole week, a water resistance that will keep it safe under 30 meters of water, and automatic step, sleep and heart-rate monitors built into the body, it's still a great watch, and it's super-affordable.
Tag Heuer Connected
Price: Starting at $1,500
Watch maker TagHuer has come out with a smartwatch that is beautiful, functional, tough and. frankly, expensive. (The top-of-the-line model goes for $9,900.)
But, if price isn't a concern, this watch is certainly luxurious. Made with titanium-grade materials to house the technology and a screen that is made out of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch is encased in a housing that is both tough and gorgeous.
It is a great example of tradition taking on innovation and is a top-notch smart device for anyone with a big bank account.