The 3 Best Sports Smartwatches (2021)

That’s it you have decided, your next watch will be a sports connected watch. But you don’t know which one to choose?

I have found the cardio models for you!

You like your current watch, but it has aged and you are ready to choose one that will do more than just tell the time.

A smartwatch is like an extension of your smartphone on your wrist and that’s the advantage when you play sports because you can track and record your heart rate and use the GPS function.

So I analyzed a selection of sports connected watch models to help you find the best one for your budget. Among them, I have selected the 3 best smartwatches that I have put together in this comparison (different budgets). I still want to clarify that the best sports connected watch of my selection is the Polar M430 because in addition to GPS and heart rate, it tracks distance, course and altitude which are things I was looking for. But here are also the 2 models that I recommend if your budget does not allow it.

The best smartwatch under $ 100

Willful IP68 : The best inexpensive sports smartwatch

Its black strap has a very attractive design. It is very elegant and ultra light, it weighs only 18.1 g. Its screen is 0.96 inch in size. The SW333 Willful has a style that adapts to the wrists of men and women. Its dimensions are also very practical and the materials used in its manufacture make it a quality product. This bracelet is very discreet and knows how to meet the expectations of its users.

The Willful IP68 charges through a USB port in an hour or two. It has a multitude of classic functions such as: sleep controller, pedometers, calorie burner, alarm clock, heart rate monitor, 14 sports modes, GPS … The other advantage of this model is that it is waterproof thanks to its with integrated IP67 technology.

This watch is ideal for a child because it is more of a connected bracelet than a watch.

Summary and Reviews

 

The best smartwatch under $ 300

Garmin Forerunner 235 : The best sports connected watch value for money

The Garmin 235 is a black running watch with a red internal coating. It is light and therefore very comfortable to wear during training. Indeed, it weighs approximately 45 g and is made of quality plastic, very strong, which allows a use over a long period. Being a watch designed especially for sportsmen, the Garmin Forerunner 235 has a 1.23 inch color screen.

This smartwatch is very easy to use. It has all the functions necessary to meet your requirements: four sport modes, a GPS function, calculation of recovery time, race predictor … With this connected sport watch, runners can easily get an idea of ​​their average rhythms, distance traveled, calories burned, heart rates and rhythms, etc. Interval, Workout Calendar, and Custom Workouts are training tools that you can access on the Garmin Connect app.

 

The best smartwatch under $ 500

Polar M430 : The best high-end sports connected watch

The best sports smartwatch in our review, the M430 Polar is a very practical and easy-to-use wristwatch that is very comfortable. These dimensions make it accessible to all wrists. It has a very elegant design and has a 128 x 128 pixel monochrome LCD screen. With its weight of 49.9 g and the materials used for its manufacture, is very resistant.

This model has a 6 LED heart rate sensor. It is also equipped with several other functions such as: altimeter, calculation of VO2 max, calculation of heart rate, time in each cardio zone, pace, speed, measurement of laps and altitude. One of the coolest features of this little accessory is the ability to schedule a competition using the Polar Flow app.

Apart from all these features, the M430 is waterproof. You can easily wear it and go swimming. This connected watch has an autonomy of 8 hours. It is recharged via the USB cable. Just connect it to any USB port.

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Buying Guide: How to choose a sports smartwatch?

Before any purchase of a connected watch for sport, it is essential to know the most important selection criteria and to compare the watches. This makes it possible to obtain a model which responds favorably to its needs. I’ve listed a few below to make it easier for you

Design

Like all objects that can be used, the connected watch must also be chosen according to the design you want. Whether it’s color, shape or size, pick a model that will not only be comfortable, but beautiful enough to please you and be stylish on your wrist. Square or round, large or small, you have to choose the model that suits you.

Compatibility

Whether you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you will need to know if the connected watch of your choice is compatible with your mobile phone or other connected objects at home (connected scale, Echo Dot Amazon…) You must therefore take this characteristic into account or you risk not being able to use your watch. In addition, if you want a model that you can connect via Bluetooth, you will need to make sure that the one you buy has this functionality.

Fitness and sport

Connected watches are mainly aimed at athletes. This does not mean that they are not accessible to everyone. However, if you want to use it while you exercise, it is important that you learn about the sensors it has. Those which are mainly intended for sport can allow you to see the distance traveled, calories burned, altitude thanks to GPS … in short, cardio functions too. Make sure you choose the right model for your needs.

Battery

If you want to get a connected bracelet with very good battery life, you will have to suffer from the lack of some functions. Because, the more functions smartwatches have, the less autonomy they have. Take it into account. Some watches discharge in one day while others have a battery life of more than 10 days.

Sealing

Lovers of swimming, this point is particularly important for you. A waterproof smartwatch is recommended since you won’t have to remove it from your grip before you can swim. A non-waterproof model will represent a real limit.

The screen and the control keys

Not all smartwatches are tactile, did you know that? Some models have a non-touch screen and range in size from one to two inches. Other watches are tactile and others have control keys usually on the side or bottom of the screen.

Don’t get carried away by color, shape, or other less important criteria. Focus on the functions and performance offered by the models. However, remember that the price is the deciding factor in your purchase.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are good cardio models at all costs, you just have to choose.

Personally, spend a little more for the Polar M430 is the best choice because it is essential to have a good smartwatch and easy to use to motivate yourself to use it (at the risk of putting it aside).
The Polar M430 is certainly one of the best sports smartwatches for running thanks to its quality GPS, tracking speed, distance, course and altitude.