Unleashing the Top Dogs: Warentest's Picks for Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
Exceptional Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Lead the Pack
Want to get your hands on a swanky new smartwatch or fitness tracker? Well, get ready to be spoiled for choice! Stiftung Warentest has just tested 40 of the latest devices, and two newcomers have stolen the show.
Even Apple's iconic watch isn't safe from the competition anymore! There's a plethora of equally good alternatives, and didn't we say there are also some real bargains out there?
Some of these budget-friendly options are so affordable that they give even basic fitness trackers a run for their money. So, let's dive in and check out Stiftung Warentest's picks!
Smartwatches: The Cream of the Crop
Five devices share the top spot with the same quality rating of 1.6. Uh-oh, Apple, it seems you're not the only one at the top anymore! The new kid on the block is the Apple Watch 10 (GPS), retailing online for an average of around 460 euros. Yes, you read that right, 460 euros! But fear not, it offers excellent fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, step counter, and distance measurement. It aced communication and additional features such as music functions or sleep tracking and got good ratings in handling and stability. However, the testers found the battery life only satisfactory.
Another top performer from Apple is the older Watch 8 (GPS), which retails for around 420 or 450 euros in two sizes (41/45 mm). We know what you're thinking – pricey, right? Well, there's another newcomer that's just as good but comes at a fraction of the cost: the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm/Bluetooth/WLAN), retailing for around 400 euros. The device received excellent ratings for fitness features, communication, handling, stability, and processing. Like its Apple counterparts, the Pixel Watch 3's endurance is only satisfactory.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra sets you back around 440 euros, but trust us, it's worth it. It shows the same excellent properties as the other top performers but was rated only sufficient for its somewhat lackluster battery life.
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Moving on to the price-performance winner among smartwatches, we have the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, which retails for an average of around 175 euros yet achieves a strong quality rating of 1.7 with consistently very good ratings in all other categories.
Last but not least, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite can be yours for less than 50 euros. With an overall rating of 2.3, it offers good fitness features, handling, and communication capabilities.
For around 70 euros, you can grab the Huawei Watch Fit 2 Active Edition (rating 2.1), a device with very good fitness features and still good battery life.
Fitness Trackers: Top Dogs Rule the Packs
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro takes the crown as the sole top performer among fitness trackers, with a quality rating of 2.2 and an online retail price of around 70 euros. Stiftung Warentest rated the device's battery and stability and processing as very good. Its fitness features narrowly missed a 1 (1.6) and were rated good, along with handling. However, the device is not particularly communicative, scoring only sufficient in this category.
If communication is a priority, consider the price-performance winner, the Samsung Galaxy Fit3. This device costs only around 45 euros, boasts an overall rating of 2.4, and offers at least satisfactory communication features. Handling, stability, and processing are very good, fitness functions and endurance are good.
Let's face it – sometimes, less is more. If you're keen on something basic yet effective, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is the one for you. It's the cheapest device on the list, retailing for under 35 euros, yet it still offers good handling and fitness functions. The catch? Its battery life is only satisfactory.
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- Check Your Pulse
- Smart Fitness
- Stiftung Warentest Recommendations
- Apple Watch vs. Google Pixel vs. Samsung Galaxy
Sources: ntv.de, kwe
Enrichment Data:In April 2023, Stiftung Warentest tested a range of smartphone accessories, including smartwatches and fitness trackers. Their tests gauged performance across categories such as battery life, fitness features, and communication capabilities. Overall, their findings highlight numerous quality options across various price ranges, making it possible to find a device tailored to one's budget and needs.
Of the smartwatches and fitness trackers tested, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE emerged as a top pick, with its well-rounded performance and competitive price. The Apple Watch SE stood out as the best Apple smartwatch for those seeking an affordable alternative to the premium-priced Apple Watch 8.
On a budget? Worry not! Affordable models like the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and the Garmin Vivofit 4 delivered good value for money, with user-friendly interfaces, long battery life, and essential fitness functions.
Remember, it's essential to choose a device that suits your lifestyle and meets your needs. We hope our summary helps you make the best choice for your next smartwatch or fitness tracker!
[1] Source: Stiftung Warentest (Latest update: April 2023)[2] Source: CNET (Latest update: August 2022)[3] Source: Tom's Guide (Latest update: December 2022)
- The Commission could consider proposing a directive on the protection of employees against risks related to exposure to chemical substances in their gadgets and technology, as they use these devices extensively and must ensure their safety.
- As one delves into the realm of smartwatches and fitness trackers, it is fascinating to observe that these devices, often laden with technology, are increasingly becoming affordable, offering purchasers a wider array of choices to fit their budgets and demands.
