Which smartwatch is right for me? Five questions and answers
Posted 26 March 2026 by MiriamChoosing the smartwatch that suits you best is something worth taking time for. A smartwatch is often quite an investment, so you want to be sure that you will enjoy your new purchase for a long time. That is why we have listed five questions to ask yourself before shopping for a new smartwatch.
1. What type are you?
Are you a real gadget freak who always uses the latest apps first and cannot wait for the latest generation of smartphones to be released? Or is technology something that makes your life easier, but not the most important thing?
That is the first question to ask yourself when considering purchasing a smartwatch. Do you love to use all available technology to the limits? Then go for an extensive (display) smartwatch that works independently of your smartphone. You can find this type of smartphone at Samsung, or Garmin. For example the Samsung Galaxy Ultra, or Garmin Fenix 8.
2. How smart do you want to be?
Do you see smart functions just as an useful extra? Then take a look at hybrid or connected smartwatches that combine the benefits of smart with the functions of a regular watch. For example, the hybrid Festina or Tissot T-Touch watches or Bluetooth connected watches from Casio.
Do you want to use the smartwatch for specific functions, for example for sports? Then the choice for a specifically sports-oriented smartwatch makes sense. For example, an advanced connected sports watch from the G-Shock G-Squad range.
Use the compare function on our site to see which functions are available on your favourite watch.
3. Which style suits you?
Do you have a casual style or do you dress more professionally? Do you mainly use your smartwatch for sports or do you plan to wear it all day? There is a smartwatch available for every style. For example, the stylish connected Swiss Jaguar watches or the ultra-sporty Garmin Vivo Active. Or do you prefer a fashionable rectangular watch such as the Ice-Watch Smart TKS 2.0.
4. What does a smartwatch cost?
At Watch.co.uk smartwatches range in price from € 49 for an Ice-Watch children's watch to € 1499 for a top of the line professional Garmin smartwatch. A good quality mid-range Samsung smartwatch sets you back between € 300- 400.
How much a smartwatch costs further depends on the software, hardware and materials used. If you have answered the above questions and you know what your budget is, you can make an informed choice.
Go to our smartwatch page and click on the price range to select the smartwatches available.
5. What else should I pay attention to?
However battery duration has inproved radically over the last few years, most touchscreen smartwatches still have to be charged quite often. A simpler hybrid watch may be advantageous in that respect, but also offers less functionality. That is why we have finally listed some advantages and disadvantages of the different types of smartwatches below, so that you can make an even better choice.
| Smartwatch type | Advantages | Pay attention to |
Touchscreen smartwatch A mini-smartphone for your wrist | Works independently of your phone. Most complete in terms of functions. | Uses a lot of power. Needs to be charged more often. Higher price. Usually quite large and thick. Not always easy to operate. Pay attention to compatibility with your phone and available software updates. |
Hybrid smartwatch Combined smartwatch and traditional watch with real hands. | Looks like a traditional watch. More efficient use of energy. The best of smart and connected combined. | Many differences between brands and specifications. Pay attention to compatibility with your phone and available updates. |
Connected watch Traditional watch with smart functions that are controlled via your smartphone | Is a traditional watch with extras. Watch functions work independently of your phone. The app on your phone is always up to date. | Smart functions (usually) don't work without a connection to your phone. Big differences in price and quality. |
Activity tracker Simple connected watch with limited functions | Does what it is intended for. Easy to operate. Affordable. Works independently of your phone. | Minimal functionality. |
Enjoy your new smartwatch!
This article was first published in October 2020 and updated in April 2026.