It’s safe to say that in a world where the technology we use changes in what seems like minutes, the best piece of technology to come around is the smartwatch. These little pieces of technology are the ultimate accessory to your smartphone.
Smartwatches represent advanced technology and their wearability. People buy high-quality smartwatches without considering the prices due to their flexibility. From freely picking up calls to receiving notifications, smartwatches are great for functionalities. Some of those features can even help track the number of steps you take to help with health management.
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As they have become more prevalent in society, one can’t help but think about what the best smartwatches for designers & creatives are. After all, when you’re working on a busy project, looking at your wrist is much simpler than trying to locate your phone under a stack of papers.
While we never recommend just buying the first product you see, we were wondering just what you should consider before you buy a smartwatch. So join us and we’ll learn a bit more together.
For other articles for the latest tech for creatives, check out our article on the best monitor calibrators, best XP pens, and best HP laptops for designers.
9+ Best Smartwatch for Designers and Creatives
- Apple Watch 6 — The best Apple watch available (Editor’s Choice)
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — The best smartwatch for Android users
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 — An alternative to the Apple Watch
- Google Pixel Watch — The best Google smartwatch
- Fitbit Versa 2 — The best budget-friendly smartwatch
- Michael Kors Access Gen 4 — Best touchscreen watch
- Apple Watch 5 — A smartwatch at a reasonable price
- Garmin Lily Smartwatch — Most Stylish Smartwatch for women
- Fitbit Sense 2 — Best smartwatch for health
The Best Smartwatch for Designers Compared
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What to Consider Before Buying A Smartwatch
When someone used to go to the mall or online to buy a watch, there weren’t so many different variables to consider. These days, before you even consider buying a smartwatch, you need to know so much more so that you get the device that works best for you. In our opinion, these, are the things you should consider before buying a smartwatch.
OS and Device Compatibility
As many smartwatches are designed to be an accessory to a smartphone, making sure that your smartwatch is compatible is very important. While some devices can work with both an Android smartphone or iPhone, many times, they will work better with one over the other. The most common operating systems you will see are Wear OS from Google or watchOS from Apple.
It’s important to note that while some smartwatches can connect to both types of phones, the Apple Watch will only connect to iPhones.
Display
Just about every smartwatch available today uses either a colorful LCD screen or AMOLED display, which allow you to use apps, view photos as well as other content on a brighter display with richer color. These tend to have a shorter battery life, although it is improving. The colors on these displays use so much power that while they are asleep, many watches will turn the screen off altogether, meaning you have to wake the device to see the time. LCDs tend to be thicker than their OLED counterparts.
Interface: Buttons vs Touch
When you look at many of the smartwatches available, you will primarily see touch screens which are great but can be hard to navigate on especially if you have bigger hands trying to select a certain app on the device that can be frustrating. This is why many smartwatches will still have some physical button or some other types of manual interaction for you to access apps, zoom in on content or scroll, or even get back to the home screen on the watch.
Design and Personalization
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This is where you can truly make your smartwatch your own. Many of the brands offering smartwatches will also offer plenty of options when it comes to customization from the color of the band or material that’s used, as well as the face color, finish, and size of the watch. Comfort is a major part of having a smartwatch and choosing a clasp that is not too hard to open and close and fits correctly so it doesn’t feel like it’s sliding on your wrist all day.
Notifications and Alerts
A good smartwatch will alert you to incoming texts, calls, and emails with a quick buzz on your wrist so you can get important messages right away when looking at your phone might not be the most appropriate thing to do.
10+ Best Smartwatch for Designers and Creatives
1. Apple Watch 6 (Editor’s Choice)
The best Apple Watch available
OS: watchOS 7.0 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 448 x 368 Retina LTPO OLED | Processor: Dual-core with 1GB RAM | Charging: Wireless | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery duration: Up to 18h | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Cellular
If you own an iPhone, you cannot go wrong choosing an Apple watch to pair with it. They work together seamlessly so if you’ve had an iPhone and see yourself sticking with the, you should take a look at the Watch as well.
As usual with Apple, the Apple Watch 6 offers users a unique experience that may be unrivaled. With its health and fitness features, this watch is the go-to for the smartwatch, even if it’s slightly pricey.
This smartwatch comes with an altimeter (for real-time elevation tracking) and can also track your heart rate, sleep patterns, oxygen levels and even help ensure you wash your hands for the right amount of time!
With one of the sleekest designs on the market, Apple continually exhibits other unparalleled qualities, including an OS that allows several third-party apps and amazing customization options.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great design and customization options | ➖ A bit pricey |
| ➕ Quick processor | |
| ➕ Comes with several health tracking features | |
| ➕ Can use several third-party apps |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- GPS model lets you take calls and reply to texts from your wrist
- Measure your blood oxygen with an all-new sensor and app
- Check your heart rhythm with the ECG app
- The Always-On Retina display is 2.5x brighter outdoors when your wrist is down
- S6 SiP is up to 20% faster than Series 5
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The best smartwatch for Android users
OS: wearOS by Samsung | Compatibility: Android | Display: 450 x 450 pixels Sapphire Crystal | Processor: Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 1.5GB RAM | Charging: Wireless | Onboard storage: 16GBGB | Battery duration: Up to 18h | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Cellular
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers an array of advanced features designed to enhance your wellness and outdoor experiences. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro goes beyond typical smartwatch capabilities with its BIA feature. This technology provides you with body composition data directly on your wrist. This device provides readings for various metrics, comprising body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, body water percentage, basal metabolic rate, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
The watch is equipped with an improved battery life, making it well-suited for extended use. Its compatibility with other synced Galaxy devices ensures a seamless connected experience that enhances your activities. Designed for multiple activities, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features a 2x stronger sapphire crystal glass display that can withstand intense conditions. The super-tough titanium case adds further durability, providing reassurance during activities like hiking and rock climbing.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Stylish design | ➖ Lower memory than other options. |
| ➕ Google-powered OS enables the use of Google Maps and Google Assistant | |
| ➕ Quick to recharge |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that detects and analyzes sleep stages while you rest; Plus, Advanced Sleep Coaching helps you develop better...
- BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA)**: Galaxy Watch5 Pro provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal...
- IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin***
- AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking — from running to rowing to swimming — automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90...
- IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: With its improved battery life, it’s built to keep going on lengthy adventures in the great outdoors;***** Do more on your adventures with synced...
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
A strong alternative to the Apple Watch
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OS: Tizen OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.2″ 360 x 360 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.15GHz | Band sizes: 20mm | Onboard storage: 4GB | Battery duration: Around 2 days | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Designed to take the best parts from their Galaxy Watch, the Active 2 from Samsung is a sportier, slimmer, lighter smartwatch that by all accounts is more comfortable and now also includes the rotating digital bezel the Galaxy comes with.
Other than that, not much has changed from the original Active Watch. It still has many top-end fitness features including a heart rate and ECG sensor, a health app with stress and sleep monitoring as well as 39 workout modes. While not a cheap watch, it is remarkably similar to the Galaxy Watch at a better price.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Value for money | ➖ No third-party apps |
| ➕ Solid yet lightweight build | |
| ➕ Comes with several health-tracking features | |
| ➕ Convenient notification alerts |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Better insights to reach your fitness goals get more out of every mile thanks to built-in pace coaching on the Galaxy Watch Active2 Its advanced sensors keep your pace to help you better achieve your...
- Comfortably sleek the Galaxy Watch Active2 is light enough to wear anywhere comfortably; It comes in aluminum or stainless steel and with a variety of faces bands and finishes so it goes with anything
- Keep your beat you can see if your heart rate is where you want it with Galaxy Watch Active2 Get automatically alerted if your watch detects a high or a low heart rate (4) this device and related...
- Level up your downtime Galaxy Watch active2’s built-in sleep tracker offers valuable insights on how to get a better night’s sleep. It also monitors your stress level and helps you recently with...
4. Google Pixel Watch
Google Pixel Watch. Image credit: Google / Amazon
Best Google smartwatch
OS: Android Wear OS 3.5 | Compatibility: Android | Display: 450 x 450 pixels Amoled | Processor: Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 | Onboard storage: 2GB | Battery duration: Around 48h | Charging method: Wireless | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 802.11 b/g/n,GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
The Google Pixel Watch is designed to provide a seamless and enhanced wearable experience, combining style and functionality with the power of Wear OS by Google. Stay connected and productive on the go. Respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls directly from your wrist, reducing the need to constantly check your phone.In addition, the Google Pixel Watch streamlines everyday tasks with features like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn navigation using Google Maps, and event notifications from Google Calendar. These features help save time and make life more convenient.
Crafted with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, the watch is built to withstand daily wear and tear. With water resistance up to 5 ATM (50 meters), it’s capable of handling water-related activities without worry.
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In conclusion, the Google Pixel Watch combines a visually appealing design with the functional power of Wear OS by Google. With integrated Fitbit activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, convenient features, and the ability to stay connected and secure, this smartwatch aims to provide a comprehensive wearable experience for users seeking both style and functionality in their daily lives.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great Google connection | ➖ Complex UI |
| ➕ Easy to use | |
| ➕ Good battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google, so it’s easy to get help at a glance[1]
- Stay on top of activity, calories burned, and more with Fitbit activity tracking[2] Plus, enjoy 6 months of Fitbit Premium included.[15]
- Track your heart rate and get insight into your sleep[2]; and assess your heart rhythm for AFib with ECG[3]
- Save time with things like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn directions using Maps, and event notifications from Calendar[5]
- Stay connected and productive wherever you go; respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls right from your wrist[6]
5. Fitbit Versa 2
The best budget smartwatch
OS: Fitbit OS | Compatibility: Android 7+, iOS 11+ | Display: 300 x 300 AMOLED | Onboard storage: 2.5GB | Battery duration: Up to 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin | IP rating: Water-resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
It seems like a lot of the wearable technology craze started with FitBit, giving people a way to track their steps, their heart rate and many other ways to track their health. With the Versa 2, the latest release from FitBit has been upgraded in some ways, but can still be lacking in others.
New improvements include an always-on display, slightly smaller body, and integration with Alexa. Other than that though, there isn’t much difference between Versa 2 and the original Versa smartwatch. It doesn’t have GPS functionality or Spotify offline capabilities.
If you’re in the market for a new fitness tracker that even with its shortcomings, still has a lot to offer users, Versa 2 from FitBit can be a good choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Sleek design | ➖ Limited productivity and third-party applications |
| ➕ Affordable price | |
| ➕ Durable build — both waterproof and sweatproof | |
| ➕ Good battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
6. Michael Kors Access Gen 4
The best touchscreen smart watch
OS: Wear OS by Google | Compatibility: Android OS 4.4+ | Display: 11mm | | Battery duration: 1 Day Battery Life | IP rating: Water resistant to 30m
Offering a luxurious and impressive look and display, the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 is a great pick for you. As it is compatible with Android OS 4.4+ and iOS 9.3 +, the watch supports other devices through Bluetooth and WiFi. Through this feature, this watch makes your tasks of communications and file management easier.
With great customizable features, the smartwatch allows you to customize and change the wallpapers and themes. In addition to these impressive functionalities, the watch has a built-in GPS sensor. These characteristics make a good fit for tracking heart rate and jogging. With rapid charging, the Michael Kors Access can work for 24 hours without any interruptions.
Another feature is that you can control the smartwatch with your voice due to the in-built Google Assistant. So, buyers who are expecting a wearable luxurious watch, this can be one of the best solutions for you.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great look | ➖Battery life might short compared to other watches |
| ➕ Great in tracking the fitness | |
| ➕ Customizable Interface |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- New 'Sofie Heart Rate' features: Heart Rate Tracking, Unthethered GPS activity tracking and NFC payments methods.
- Get important data at a glance: View notifications from any App or messaging system, ignore/accept calls, get the weather, track activity such as steps and calories, customize watch faces, create...
- Android Users will experience additional features such as respond to texts, emails, smart replies and use voice activated Google Assistant to place calls, send texts and ask for directions.
- Powered with Wear OS by Google, a trademark of Google LLC. Compatible with Android OS 4.4+ (excluding Go) and iOS 9.3+. All devices have Bluetooth(R) 4.1 Low Energy and Wi Fi 802.11 b/g/n. supported...
- Case Diameter: 42mm; Case Thickness: 11mm. Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing. Pull the crown out to...
7. Apple Watch 5
A great smartwatch at a reasonable price
OS: watchOS 6 | Compatibility: iOS | Display: 1.78″ OLED | Processor: Apple S5 | Band sizes: Varies based on watch size | Onboard storage: 32GB | Battery: 1 day to 36 hours | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
If you own an iPhone, you cannot go wrong choosing an Apple Watch to pair with it. They work together seamlessly so if you’ve had an iPhone and see yourself sticking with Apple, you should take a look at the Watch as well. Compared to Watch 4, there aren’t too many upgrades, but the biggest change is its always-on display.
This means that instead of having to raise the watch to see information, it will display it on a dimmed screen. The newest version of the watch comes with some exciting health and fitness features including an ECG monitor, GPS tracking, and a pretty impressive heart rate monitor. If you’re looking for the best Apple watch you can find, then look no further.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Always-on display | ➖ Does not work with Android phones |
| ➕ Many features and third-party applications that can be used | |
| ➕ Sleek and elegant build | |
| ➕ Comes with ECG |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- GPS Only
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
8. Garmin Lily Smartwatch
Garmin Lily. Image credit: Garmin / Amazon
Most Stylish Smartwatch for women
OS: Propriety | Compatibility: iOS Devices | Display: 1 inches | Battery duration: Around 96h | Charging method: Wireless | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
The Garmin Lily Smartwatch is a small and stylish GPS smartwatch that offers a blend of aesthetics and functionality to complement your daily activities The watch’s distinctive decorative lens conceals a vibrant touchscreen display, which illuminates upon a simple tap, seamlessly integrating style and functionality.
When paired with a compatible smartphone, the Lily ensures you stay connected through smart notifications. Receive alerts for incoming calls, text messages, calendar reminders, and more, enabling you to stay informed while on the go.
When connected to a compatible smartphone, the watch features an assistance feature that sends real-time location messages to your designated contacts. The LiveTrack feature lets friends and family track your outdoor activities in real time, providing peace of mind when you’re out and about. In addition, the watch offers both classic and sport designs, catering to different styles and preferences. With various color, metal, and band options—including leather and silicone—you can choose the perfect combination to match your personal look.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Aesthetically pleasing to look at. | ➖ Less robust functions. |
| ➕ Easy to use | |
| ➕ Great battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Small stylish smartwatch complements your look with a unique decorative lens that reveals a bright touchscreen display with a tap.Supported Application:GPS,Contacts. Connectivity technology:GPS....
- Battery life: up to 5 days
- Understand your body by monitoring your respiration, Pulse Ox (this is not a medical device), energy levels, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, hydration, all-day stress, sleep (when paired to a compatible...
- When paired with a compatible smartphone, stay connected with smart notifications for incoming calls, text messages, calendar reminders and more
- Tracks yoga, Pilates, cardio, mindful breathing and more with sports apps; connects to your compatible smartphone's GPS to accurately track outdoor walks, runs and more
9. Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit Sense 2. Image credit: Fitbit / Amazon
Best smartwatch for health
OS: Wear OS | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Display: 1.58-inch AMOLED | Battery duration: Up to 144 hrs. | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: IPX8 | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an advanced health and fitness smartwatch designed to empower you to manage stress, improve sleep quality, and lead a healthier lifestyle. The Sense 2 smartwatch offers comprehensive stress management tools.
It features all-day stress detection with cEDA and provides a daily Stress Management Score. Additionally, it features an ECG app for assessing atrial fibrillation, notifications for irregular heart rhythms, SpO2 monitoring, a health metrics dashboard, and mindfulness content.
In addition, it promotes the enhancement of sleep quality with a personalized Sleep Profile. It tracks your daily sleep stages and provides a Sleep Score. Smart wake alarms and a do-not-disturb mode contribute to better sleep patterns. Furthermore, it is designed for comfort and convenience.
It allows on-wrist Bluetooth calls, text, and phone notifications, and offers customizable clock faces. It also includes Fitbit Pay for seamless payments and integrates Amazon Alexa for voice assistance. Google Wallet and Maps (Google Maps on Android, coming to iOS in Spring 2023) provide added functionality. The watch boasts a battery life of over 6 days, ensuring it supports your activities throughout the week.
In conclusion, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a holistic health and fitness smartwatch that caters to stress management, sleep quality improvement, and overall well-being. Its array of features, including stress detection, health metrics, sleep tracking, activity enhancement, and smart features, makes it a comprehensive companion for individuals looking to prioritize their health and wellness.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Robust health functions | ➖ Cannot install third-party applications. |
| ➕ Easy to use | |
| ➕ Great battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Learn to manage stress, sleep better and live healthier with Sense 2—our most advanced health and fitness smartwatch.Human Interface Input: Touchscreen
- Manage stress and live healthier: all-day stress detection with cEDA and daily Stress Management Score, ECG app for atrial fibrillation assessment(1), irregular heart rhythm notifications(2), SpO2(3),...
- Measure and improve sleep quality: personalized Sleep Profile(5), daily sleep stages & Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode
- Enhance activity: built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Daily Readiness Score(5), Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise...
- Designed for all-day wear: on-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts and phone notifications(6), customizable clock faces, Fitbit Pay(7), Amazon Alexa built-in(8), Google Wallet & Maps (Google Maps on Android...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smartwatch?
A smartwatch is a wearable device that combines the functionality of a traditional watch with features of a smartphone. It can display notifications, track fitness activities, monitor health metrics, offer voice assistance, and more.
What can a smartwatch do?
Smartwatches can perform various functions, including displaying notifications for calls, messages, emails, and social media; tracking fitness activities like steps, heart rate, and sleep; offering voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant; providing GPS navigation; and supporting apps for weather, music, and more.
How long does a smartwatch's battery last?
Battery life varies widely based on usage and the specific smartwatch model. Some smartwatches can last a day or two, while others can go up to a week on a single charge.
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The Best Smartwatches for Designers and Creatives
When the idea of a smartwatch was first introduced, some balked at the idea. That a watch was for simply telling time and that was it. Well, these aren’t your grandfather’s pocket watches anymore. With the amazing amount of technology packed into these small packages, if you work in a creative field, you owe it to yourself to consider owning one. We hope our list of the Best Smartwatches for Creatives has given you some food for thought and a good place to start.
Do you have a great smartwatch but don’t see it on our list? Let us know about it in the comments below!!
