The Best Apple Watch Alternatives

The Apple Watch has been the talk of the tech world for quite some time. That said, there are plenty of reasons to consider other smartwatches. Maybe you’re an Android user, for instance, or perhaps you’d rather not fork over hundreds of dollars. In any case, you have no shortage of alternatives. Here are the top smartwatch picks for those of you who’ve crossed the Apple Watch off your shopping list.

For the Fashion-Conscious: Pebble Steel

To get an Apple Watch with a stainless steel case, you’ll have to shell out $549. Luckily, you can get a business-appropriate smartwatch for less. Going for about $199 on Amazon as of this article's latest update, the Pebble Steel is a dressier version of the original Kickstarter-launched Pebble smartwatch, and it works with both Android and iOS devices. You can choose from a black or gray leather band, or spend $20 extra to upgrade to a stainless steel band. Just keep in mind that there’s no color display.

For a Watch That Blends In: Motorola Moto 360

If you want a good-looking smartwatch running Google’s Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) software, the Moto 360 is one of your strongest choices. In a sea of smartwatches with rectangular displays, the 360 stands out for its 1.65-inch circular display. The display also features an analog watch face, so it looks more like a timepiece than a piece of technology strapped to your wrist. But unlike a regular watch, the 360 brings you Google Now alerts and smartphone notifications including SMS and email.

For a Good-Looking Wear OS Option: LG G Watch R

Like the Moto 360, this watch offers a round display, and its 320 x 320 resolution makes it one of the better smartwatch screens so far. Apart from that, you get the benefits of the Wear OS operating system, including at-a-glance alerts via Google Now and turn-by-turn directions. The LG G Watch R also features a heart rate monitor for fitness tracking.

While the LG G Watch R is a great choice, the LG G Watch Urbane could also be worth a look, especially if you want a more refined design. Unlike the G Watch R, this smartwatch comes in a gold or silver steel body with a stitched leather band. Most of the specs are the same as the LG G Watch R, however.

For the Fitness Crowd: Samsung Gear Fit

If you own a Samsung smartphone and want a smartwatch that can double as a fitness tracker, check out the Gear Fit. This wearable tracks steps as well as monitoring your heartbeat, with various modes made for walking, running, hiking and cycling. The Fit also offers coaching advice to motivate you while working out. It’s not the most advanced smartwatch, and it doesn’t offer the benefits of Wear OS, but it’s a good value for fitness buffs.