Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
It ’s no arcanum that weweren’t fansof the firstGoogle Pixel Watch . However , Google heard all the criticism of its smartwatch debut andmade amends , coming back with theGoogle Pixel Watch 2 . Its second attempt wasmuchbetter , add strong performance , prodigious comfortableness , and a solid battery life history to the fittingness tracking of Fitbit . While it still has some issues , it ’s now a product we can recommend buying .
But just because it ’s now near does n’t mean there are n’t alternatives to be had . There area routine of smartwatchesthat are better beseem for those look for a farsighted battery life , a focus on seaworthiness , or a simpler experience . Some are just flat - out considerably . If you ’re considering buying a Google smartwatch , you ask to know about these five smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2 .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
While thePixel Watch 2 is much improvedover the original Pixel Watch , it still has a long way to go before it ’s capable of carry on the Martin Luther King of the Android smartwatch : Samsung . If you ’re look for an alternative to the Pixel Watch 2 , then you ca n’t go wrong with theSamsung Galaxy Watch 6 — one of the best smartwatches you could buy .
There are a number of areas where the two watches are standardized . They ’re both exceptionally comfortable to wear , and the substantial processors mean quick operation on both equipment . The stamp battery are also evenly good , with both lasting around a day and a one-half and recharging take a similar amount of fourth dimension . The Pixel Watch 2 is a quicker courser , but there ’s not a huge amount of remainder . As you ’d expect for a modern smartwatch from a premium brand , seaworthiness tracking is excellent , and Wear type O 4 is present on both , too .
But there are some differences , and it ’s for the most part in areas where the Galaxy Watch come out on top . The Galaxy Watch 6 come in more than one subject size of it , compensate a vast problem with the Pixel Watch 2 , which only has one choice . In plus , the Galaxy Watch 6 ’s plan is mostly a bit sleeker , and the bezels are much slender , meaning you get more display severally for the sizing . In general , Samsung ’s watch is also more polished . Samsung has had a lot more meter to perfect what it ’s offering , and that really shows through in the Galaxy Watch 6 . Finally , there ’s also no subscription involve to get at all the data in Samsung ’s fittingness tracking . The Pixel Watch 2 use Fitbit ’s tools for fitness , and while they ’re excellent , they require a subscription for the more in advance prosody .
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is easily one of the best smartwatches uncommitted today — and a hearty alternative t0 the Google Pixel Watch 2 . toll for the Galaxy Watch 6 commence from just $ 300 , though you ’ll pay $ 30 more for the larger cause sizing , and $ 50 special for an LTE - plug into model .
OnePlus Watch 2
Google is n’t the only fledgling here , as OnePlus has also made a late foray into smartwatches . TheOnePlus Watch 2is , like the Pixel Watch 2 , the troupe ’s second stab at a smartwatch and an improvement overthe first attempt . But is it a good alternative for the Pixel Watch 2 ? It is , but with a few caveats to keep in judgement .
Like the Pixel Watch 2 , it ’s very comfortable to wear , and it ’s not a problem to wear it all the time — even in seam while sleeping . The performance is also solid , thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chip . But there are also element that angle of dip below what ’s offered by Google ’s smartwatch . The fitness trailing , while comprehensive , can be a footling inaccurate , particularly the footfall and log Z’s tracking . There ’s also not much analysis of your stats , and it certainly does not have the depth of analysis you ’ll find oneself from the Pixel Watch 2 ’s Fitbit technology . Also , there ’s a jacket crown you may use as a button , but spinning it does nothing , which is another letdown . wind the crown to navigate menu is one of our favourite smartwatch control method acting , and it being teased here but not follow up is smash .
So , why are we recommend the OnePlus Watch 2 as a impregnable option to the Pixel Watch 2 ? Because what it does , it doesverywell , and that is croak to invoke to some masses who value those strength over its failing . The OnePlus Watch 2 ’s newspaper headline lineament is the battery life . Unlike most smartwatches , which offer two days of battery life at most , the OnePlus Watch 2 is open of making it three days on a single flush . Even better , sting it in power - saving mood , and it powers down Wear OS and boots up a low - powered operating system of rules that OnePlus claim can keep the watch going for an astounding 12 days . You ’ll lose apps , the always - on display , Google Assistant , and other features , but if you ’re spend a long time between charges , then this feature is critical .
While it has its fall , the OnePlus Watch 2 ’s bombardment animation elevates it beyond the Pixel Watch 2 while offer a lot of similar strengths . Stat nerds and physical fitness buffs may require to appease aside from it , but for anyone else , this is a stiff alternative . It costs $ 300 , invest it in a similar ballpark to Google ’s smartwatch .
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Mobvoi is n’t a menage name , but it should be , as the TicWatch firebrand is an underappreciated gem . The modish entry in the roster , theTicWatch Pro 5 , is an fantabulous smartwatch , and while not unadulterated for everyone , is deserving checking in case it ’s perfect foryou .
We ’ll cover its weaknesses first because they are pretty gross . First , it ’s only available in one size of it . That ’s the same job of the Pixel Watch 2 , but keep in mind that the TicWatch Pro 5 is pretty large , and it ’s not likely to act for anyone with modest wrists . It ’s also not as comfortable as other entries on this list or the Pixel Watch 2 , and there ’s also no pick for an LTE connection either .
So , with those caution in mind , what does the TicWatch do well ? Quite a circumstances , as it turn out . It ’s equipped with the Snapdragon W5 + Gen 1 chip , which is blisteringly degenerate and rivals even the Apple Watch for speed . It also boast a four - day battery sprightliness and a double - cover presentation with a hybrid function that helps to save battery life . It looks great , the body-build is high caliber and perdurable , and it extend Wear operating system flawlessly . price start from $ 350 , matching the Pixel Watch 2 .
Fitbit Charge 6
You do n’t have to stick with a smartwatch when you ’re looking at Pixel Watch 2 alternatives . seaworthiness trackersare no longer the cheap , lesser cousins of smartwatches , and are very much strong gadget in their own right . TheFitbit Charge 6 , in particular , is a big equipment to consider if you want a luck of what makes the Pixel Watch 2 dandy , but in a much mere package .
You ’ll be unsurprised to learn the Fitbit Charge 6 uses Fitbit ’s fittingness tools , and that puts it on par with the Pixel Watch 2 , which employ the very same suite of feature . As such , you ’re cause the same level of fantabulous fittingness tracking , and while you have to pay for a Fitbit subscription to get the most comprehensive analysis , that ’s the same as the Pixel gadget , so there ’s no difference there . It ’s well-to-do , so it ’s light to draw a blank you ’re wearing it , and the tiny OLED showing is a joy to behold .
Yes , you ’re get few features than you would with the Pixel Watch 2 — include a complete absence of apps and outwear OS — but the major vantage is it ’s much simpler to use as a result . It ’s very much the option for the fitness buff among us , specially those who do n’t have much need for chic feature . That ’s a good matter , as notice mirroring on the cathexis 6 can be a small inconsistent . Oh , and because it ’s a fitness tracker , the battery aliveness is mensurate in weeks rather than days . Two weeks , to be precise , which is far beyond anything any on-key smartwatch can offer .
It ’s well price , too , adding another big advantage . The Fitbit Charge 6 starts from $ 160 , less than half the monetary value of the Pixel Watch 2 . The Pixel Watch patently has more features and sensors to its name , but if those summation do n’t tickle your fancy anyway , you might do well to keep the money and buy the Charge 6 .
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Of course , you do n’t have to rely on Fitbit for fitness tracker . Garmin is one of the oldest name in the concern , and theGarmin Vivoactive 5is one of its latest devices . Something of a smartwatch / fitness - tracker hybrid , the Vivoactive 5 has many of the feature that make the Pixel Watch 2 great but without a few of the shortcomings that follow with the Google Watch .
Key to the picket ’s success is the speciality of the fitness tracking . Like the Pixel Watch 2 , the Vivoactive 5 is an surpassing seaworthiness tracker , and there ’s also a warm accent on mental wellness well - being as well . If it guess you ’re pushing yourself too hard and your tenseness levels spike , it ’ll let you know and tell you if you need to plain back for the evening or get an early dark . There ’s no subscription needed for all that , which is a serious reward over Fitbit ’s ante up model . Also include is a recollective battery spirit , which varies depending on the features enable , but a week between charges is about what you could await — way beyond what the Google smartwatch can reach .
Of course , it total with some downsides . There ’s no Wear OS here and no direct app support as a issue . There are some apps you’re able to download through Garmin ’s own app store , but support is limited to very few . Performance is also a trivial dull and certainly not as smooth as the Pixel Watch 2 . Still , at $ 300 , it ’s a satisfying alternative choice for anyone who require a health - center watch but does n’t need to dive into Fitbit ’s platform .
