How to choose a smartwatch

Start with the phone you use. Then decide which features you will use every day, and check battery life and water resistance against how you live.

• Compatibility: check the watch works with your phone (Android, iPhone or both) and which companion app it uses.
• Calling: Bluetooth calling watches have a microphone and speaker so you can answer calls from your wrist while your phone is nearby.
• Health and fitness: look for step counting, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking and sport modes if activity tracking matters to you.
• Battery: feature-rich watches with bright screens often need charging every 1 to 2 days; simpler watches can last a week or more.
• Water resistance: check the rating (for example IP67, IP68 or 5ATM) before swimming or showering with the watch.

Read the full smartwatch buying guide or smartwatch features explained.