Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
TheApple Watch Series 9is thebest smartwatchyou can buy , regardless of the fact you may only use it with an iPhone . It ’s also great that it comes in three tone — the Series 9 , along with theApple Watch SE 2 , and theApple Watch Ultra 2 — to suit many more people and pockets than you may first suppose . However , perhaps you require something a little different on your radiocarpal joint or even a weekend choice when you do n’t feel like wearing a touchscreen vigil .
That ’s where this list should aid you out , as we ’ve garner eight watches to corrupt or else of the Apple Watch . Notice I allege “ watches , ” and not justsmartwatches , as some non - connected wristwear has been include . Our choices spread over the entire Apple Watch chain in terms of price , even lead above and below , to give you some literal aspiration about a watch to buy rather of — or as well as — the superb Apple Watch .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Casio G-Shock GPR-H1000 Rangeman
While you could buy the $ 500Casio G - Shock GPR - H1000 Rangemanas an alternative to the Apple Watch Series 9 , it ’s well seen as an alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 . It ’s a true open air ascertain for the partisan — it has GPS , a compass , a barometer , a tide graph , and an altimeter — as well as a smartwatch with all the anticipate features , from notifications to a heart pace sensor .
The Rangeman is a rugged gigabyte - cushion with its resin subject , seismic disturbance opposition , and 200 - time pee impedance . Plus , it has solar charging , so if you use it usually , it ’ll never take commit outwardly . What ’s more , Casio has rarify the onboard run organization to the pointedness where it does n’t require you to read the lengthy command manual from covering to cover any longer . The Casio Watches app is n’t quite as nonrational , but it ’s still perfectly acceptable .
If the persuasion of always wearing an Apple Watch , just to ensure you get your money ’s worth from all the wellness tracking , puts you off , then the G - Shock Rangeman may also become you . It does n’t require the same level of commitment and feels far more casual , making it easier to own . It wo n’t necessarily be easy to fatigue , though , as it does challenge the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in its size and system of weights . It ’s one of our favorite all - rounder G - Shock releases and a true Apple Watch option .
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Perhaps you want a smartwatch that emphasizes mutation and competitiveness more than the Apple Watch Series 9 , without the want to download additional apps ? The $ 300Garmin Vivoactive 5isn’t anywhere almost as attractive as the Apple Watch Series 9 and does n’t have the same on - articulatio radiocarpea cache either , but if you care more about stats than style , it may be the good buy .
The Vivoactive 5 is less hardcore than the other Garmin smartwatch on our leaning , so it is up against the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE 2 , but it still has a complete list of essential sensors , plus Garmin ’s extensive , stat - wakeless , recitation - focus platform onboard . If you ’re a runner , cyclist , swimmer , or hiker , you ’ll have sex the data it give back , as it ’s far more in - depth and instructive than Apple ’s scheme .
The downside of choosing the Vivoactive 5 is conduct with the watch ’s operating system , which is n’t as intuitive as Apple ’s watchOS ( then again , very few smartwatch operating system are ) , and hear its foibles takes time and patience . The plastic body and simple design wo n’t attract to anyone who put manner near the top of their list of requirements , but it ’s far from surly . If sport is your thing , the $ 300 Garmin Vivoactive 5 may help you understand your own performance better than the Apple Watch .
Seiko Speedtimer
There ’s a honest hazard you may be looking at the Apple Watch because you want awatchrather than specifically a smartwatch . After all , it ’s arguably one of the most recognisable and weary watches in the world these day , bring in it a uncouth and desirable sight . If the smart feature and wellness trailing are n’t ripe at the top of your reasons for wanting an Apple Watch , it ’s worth taking a face at non - smart alternatives .
The world of non - saucy watches is monolithic and perplexing , so where should you start if it ’s your first time exploring ? Our advice is to ignore fashion picket brands and look at one of the best , most establish names in the business that offers excellent vigil at very competitive prices : Seiko . Its range is huge , but for expressive style and performance , while keeping around the $ 700 toll of an Apple Watch Ultra 2 , take a look at theSeiko Speedtimerrange . It ’s the SSC813 in our photograph , and it costs $ 675 .
Relaunched in 2021 and inspired by the influential Speedtimer from the late LX , the picket is part of Seiko ’s Prospex range of mountains with solar power and water system resistor to 100 meters . The beautiful chronograph dial is cover in sapphire vitreous silica , amount in various unlike colors , and is matched to a unstained steel bracelet and stainless sword typesetter’s case . It ’s a classic look , goes with everything you ’ll wear , and will last for years too . It ’s a great pick for anyone looking for a watch that does n’t have to be chic and an idealistic entry into the humans of traditional watch . If the Speedtimer is too costly , then theSeiko 5 Sportscollection is worth exploring , too .
Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar
If the Seiko Speedtimer is n’t quite techy enough , but you do like the approximation of a scout made by an established horologer , here ’s another pick . The Tissot T - Touch collection combines the allure of a Swiss - made watch with analog workforce with the convenience of a solar - powered crystal movement , plus a selection of health - related chic feature and a touch screen .
The $ 1,095 and upT - Touch Connect Solarhas been around for a while . It has a small CRT screen showing data like notifications , step count , altimeter data , the compass , nutritionist’s calorie sting , and other data . It ’s controlled using a touch - sensitive sapphire crystal and buttons on the case .
More recently , Tissot denote the $ 995 and upT - skin senses Connect Sport , which has a new look , a unexampled touch - sensitive AMOLED screen , and a heart charge per unit detector on the back . The Connect Sport ’s 43 mm case has wider appealingness than the 47 mm Connect Solar , too . Both these have the potential to satisfy the watch fan and the tech rooter and will certainly make you stand out from the crowd in a room the Apple Watch would not . The Connect Sport is n’t as wide available as the Connect Solar , which could make the Solar the default choice , depending on where you live .
Fitbit Charge 6
If you ’re pause to buy an Apple Watch because of its size and weight , theFitbit direction 6is a smaller , more easy - to - ignore option . The aluminium body contain a 1.04 - inch filmdom and is attached to a lightweight and well-heeled rubber shoulder strap . It ’s easy to wear and wo n’t attract much aid , but the design is a more traditional fitness band than a traditional watch , which mean it ’s not the most fashionable thing to hold out on your radiocarpal joint .
Fitbit updated its app recently , and it ’s a Brobdingnagian improvement over one-time versions . It work great manipulation of the Charge 6 ’s comprehensive sensor regalia . It ’s staring for anyone who require to drill and better or simply keep an eye on their overall health and natural action without getting watch up in apps and other services . The electric battery life story will please anyone who line up the Apple Watch ’s two - day liveliness too restrictive , as it should last about a week on a single bang .
It ’s a ignominy some of Fitbit ’s app feature are hidden behind a $ 10 per month premium subscription , but you do n’t have to pay for it . Ignore this , and the Fitbit Charge 6 ’s ability , simpleness , and low $ 160 price mean if you ’re looking at the Apple Watch SE 2 , it ’ll do more for less .
Withings ScanWatch 2
The Withings ScanWatch 2 is a smartwatch , but it really does n’t look like one . It ’s closer to the Tissot T - Touch series than it is to the Apple Watch Series 9 , but with an emphasis on wellness and wellness . Made of stainless blade with a azure lechatelierite , it bear like a traditional watch , but there ’s a center rate sensor on the back and Withings ’ comprehensive health tech at bottom — let in Food and Drug Administration ( FDA)- sanction atrial fibrillation spotting .
It ’s not a touchscreen smartwatch , and you interact with it using the pennant on the side , so it takes a short more effort to control than an Apple Watch , but it ’s less intrusive on your wrist . The tiny silver screen shows notifications , but it ’s not the watch ’s focus , and it will bequeath you to your day without pause if you ask it . There ’s eternal sleep tracking , dead body temperature measurement , an ECG , and plenty of physical exercise tracking too . Battery lifetime is between 20 and 30 days on a single charge , count on use .
The ScanWatch 2 is the sodding example of a smartwatch that will appeal to people who want most of the Apple Watch Series 9 ’s functionality but are n’t sold on the design . It ’s far less high - tech looking , has easily changed strap , and the case come in several different finishes , too . However , you wo n’t save much money over an Apple Watch Series 9 , as it be $ 350 .
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2
There are smartwatches that seek to do a bit of everything , and then there is the Garmin Epix Pro ( Gen 2 ) , which is one of the most focused , comprehensive , lineament - pack , and capable play smartwatches out there today . At $ 999 , it ’s more expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 , but it ’s an intoxicate blend of ability and careful plan , complete with its desirable titanium bezel and sapphire glass .
This is n’t a smartwatch for the beginner or the fooling gymnastic apparatus . It ’s double-dyed for the sportsperson who is focalize , motivated , and keen to improve . Garmin ’s app is full of data , graphs , and detail , allowing you to dig deep into your carrying out and look for area to improve or to see where alteration have already started to have an outcome . It will do this on everything from golf to triathlons .
On the tech side , the 1.3 - inch AMOLED screen looks expectant . There ’s an elevate heart rate detector on the back , GPS , and even a little flashlight on the typeface . The battery lasts for at least seven day with mediocre use . If the Apple Watch Ultra 2 almost does everything you need but you ’d still wish just a bit more , then the Garmin Epix Pro ( Gen 2 ) may satisfy you .
Any Casio G-Shock “square”
Our final filling is one that lets you explore one of the most interesting , wearable , fashionable , and diverse vigil collections that still suit into our remit . TheCasio G - Shock “ square”describes the Hellenic M - shock absorber sentry material body , present on the brand ’s very first model in 1983 , and it cover an incredible amount of version and monetary value . Moreover , it wins points for being very well-fixed and easy to wear , and it will appeal to watch and technical school fan alike .
A basic satisfying G - Shock can cost just $ 100 , and although it wo n’t do much aside from differentiate the time and face swell , you ’ll be wearing a double-dyed vigil design classic . Spend a little more , and things get interesting . Casio releases various limited editions and collaborations using the square shape as a base , or you may get version that be up to $ 600 with a metal consistence and wristband , summate a lot of way and class to the spotter . Casio even madea opulence edition that cost $ 4,000 .
This instance the versatility of the G - Shock lame , and it fits on this list because of role model like theDW - H5600or theGBD-200 , which are unproblematic smartwatches with affectionateness pace sensing element , body process tracking , and notice , all wrapped up in that conversant , very comfortable shape . It ’s perhaps the ultimate hybrid smartwatch . What ’s more , if you do n’t manage about the smart characteristic or simply buy an Apple Watch Series 9 because it ’s splendid , you should just bribe one of the non - affiliated G - Shock square ticker anyway and love it for its wonderful easiness .
