Editor’s Note: So you’re ready to make a watch purchase? Not so fast. Before committing, it’s worth thinking carefully about your needs to make sure you’re truly buying the right timepiece for you. Our series Five Questions aims to help you do just that.
So how do you decide if a smartwatch is right for you? It’s a tough decision — a smartwatch can add genuine utility to your life, but do we really need yet another screen in our lives? And once you’ve decided that you want one, how do you decide which one is the right fit for your lifestyle? Here are five questions to ask yourself before you pull the trigger.
1. Do you truly need a smartwatch in the first place?
What do smartwatches do, exactly? Well, many things: they can track your sleep, optimize your fitness regimen, alert you to incoming calls and messages, track your location on a map, and much, much more. However, there’s a larger existential question to be addressed here: Namely, do you really need any of this shit in your life?
All this information is available on your phone, which means it’s available to you pretty much all the time. But maybe having fitness tracking alone is worth having Apple own even more real estate on your body? If the answer is a resounding (or even, a desultory) “yes,” then read on. If not — if the entire idea of further connecting yourself to the Cloud makes your skin crawl, well then, reach back for your Timex, Rolex, or other “-ex,” as the case may be, and wear one of those geeky plastic sleeves on your arm while you run to house your smartphone.
2. What are you going to be using the watch for?
This is an important consideration, as smartwatches have proliferated beyond the simple fitness tracker into nearly full-fledged computers. At the high end, for example, is the LTE-equipped (cellular) version of the Apple Watch Series 5, which for all intents and purposes is a mini wrist-computer capable of all manner of smartphone-like activity. At the other end of the spectrum is the Fitbit Charge 3, an advanced fitness tracker that, while it can’t place or receive calls, is more than capable of providing all manner of health-related info. So decide what it is you need out of your smartwatch, and go from there — especially considering price differences between more basic smartwatches and the top-of-the-line models.
3. How locked in a particular tech ecosystem are you?
If you’re an Apple devotee and an iPhone user, you’re going to want to stick with an Apple Watch, in all likelihood, as we stated in our guide to the Best Smartwatches of 2019: “…the Apple Watch only works with an iPhone, and all smartwatches running Android 2.0 will work with any Android, via the Android Wear app, but not all iOS features will carry over and some of the apps work wonky together, such as iMessage and every Android messaging app.” This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear a fitness tracker to the gym and simply ignore compatibility with other devices, but it’s something to keep in mind.
4. Do you want to be able to use your smartwatch without a phone?
Being able to use your smartwatch independently of your phone means several different things, depending on whether you want to make calls and receive texts on it or not. You could go all out with a cellular-equipped Apple Watch, of course, which allows you to do this (and also play music) independent of your phone. Then, there are simpler watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, which allows you to listen to saved Spotify playlists without being tethered to your phone, and Fitbit devices, which require a computer or tablet with Bluetooth to synch, but don’t require a mobile device for regular use.
5. Will you be able to charge the watch during the day?
Sleep tracking technology is a notorious battery sucker — meaning, if you want a smartwatch strapped to your wrist all night, you’re probably going to need to charge it during the day in readiness for its 8-hour adventure. If you’re a daytime desk dweller, this probably won’t be much of an issue, but if you’re constantly moving or can’t otherwise charge your watch, you might need to rethink your charging strategy — or have a smartwatch dedicated to sleep tracking. The Fitbit Versa 2, for example, has a six-day battery life.
Right now, Gravity is offering 20 percent off its weighted blankets. If you've never tried a weighted blanket, here's your chance. The blankets have been shown to equate to faster and deeper sleep, plus an overall relaxing of the nervous system.
The Sonos Move is the brand's first portable speaker and is the right speaker for anyone looking to add quality sound to their Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor space. It also can be a great speaker in any room of the house.
Lightweight, luxuriously soft, and handsome as all get-out, with its classic sheepskin elbow patches and beautifully understated donegal finish, Take 20% off and get $20 in credit for a limited time.
Born on the rugged Australian island of Tasmania, Blundstone makes work boots that can go through hell, but feel like heaven on your feet. A GP favorite, take 35% off now for a limited time.
Mirror is offering $500 off the entire package with code BLACKFRIDAY20 (note that this does not include tax, delivery and the $39/mo subscription). This deal runs through Black Friday, so if you've been looking to get off the sofa and back into shape, now is the time to act.
The Made In Chef Knife easily worked through any and all kitchen cutting tasks we put it through. Saving $22 on a trusty knife that's less susceptible to chipping because of the straight-lined handle is a good steal.
A versatile piece of cookware that's rarely on sale, not to mention a Gear Patrol favorite, this 10-inch, 2.6-quart, non-stick cast aluminum sauté pan comes with a detachable wooden spatula, domed lid and nesting steamer tray.
Our Just Get This pick for a better office chair, the Steelcase Series 1 chair is the best value on the market. On sale for under $400, this is the office chair purchase to make.
These relaxed slim fits with a medium rise were already a ridiculously good price before the $59 off. For the quality, this might be the best Black Friday deal on jeans you'll find.
A campfire without smoke, the portable FirePit is perfect for socially-distanced times outdoors. And you can also cook on it and charge your phone, at the same time.
If you're looking for bedding upgrades, Parachute's 20% off everything sale is the place to start. You can't go wrong with this affordable, modern take on the quilt that's got a linen front and percale back.
It's braising season, and this classic Dutch oven can weather any dish you throw at it. If you haven't added the classic Le Creuset Dutch Oven to your kitchen, now's your chance.
While the Beam is an older version of the newer Sonos Arc, it's a no-brainer buy. While it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, it still sounds great and is more than half the price of the Arc right now.
Theragun's percussive massagers are tough to beat - and they're currently on sale. The Elite works deep to melt away tension and release soreness, making this a perfect gift for anyone (or yourself).
The Adidas Ultraboost has been a Gear Patrol favorite since it launched in 2015. They're a perfect crossover for training and run commuting. While they go on sale often, 30% off for all colorways is a good find.
This travel pillow is 80% smaller than a normal travel pillow, meaning it can be stashed easily. Plus, the contoured design still offers plenty of support. While travel is not an option at the moment, it will eventually be again in the future so it's a good time to grab this neck-saver.
If you're in the market for a new coffee maker, Oxo's 8-cup brewer is simple, fairly priced and brews the highest standard of coffee there is. And now it's even more affordable.
Patagonia's Nano Puff Jacket is a modern classic — it's light, packable and perhaps the most versatile layer one can own. While only three colors are on sale currently at Backcountry (Supply Green, Balkan Blue and Mango), the Nano Puff at 25 percent off is a deal to scoop up.
This linen sheet set is as airy as you’d want it to be, but the weave isn’t too loose either, as was common in testing cheaper linens. The low cost and variety of colors make it a rock-solid starter set.
Everlane’s jeans come from a highly-respected Japanese denim mill but at a price point way less than you'd expect. And at half off they're an easy buy in any of the washes.
Carbon steel cookware is some of the most versatile cookware you can buy, making it great for everyday cooking. This skillet and wok combo set from Made In will probably be an upgrade over other daily-use pans and come at a decent savings.
For years, critics and consumers have praised the Jarvis Standing Desk, and for good reason: its stability, design and breadth of customization options make it a worthy investment for the home or office.
Our first collab with our friends Taylor Stitch, the Reversible Able Vest (and the Lombarid Jacket as well) offers an Arid Camo on one side with Taylor Stitch's proprietary Boss Duck on the other. Score 20% off on this collab now and snatch one a perfect layering garment.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
