Top 10: Android Smartwatches Buyers Guide, June 2016 Edition

The Summer is, for the majority of people, finally here and while that means that the weather is getting warmer, it also means that more people will be spending their time outside. With that comes an update to their overall style, getting in shape and generally just getting outside and having fun. A new Smartwatch is a good thing to get for the Summer, they can help you stay active, they’ll look the part at all of those garden parties and BBQs you’ll be heading to, and most of them look good enough to wear in your everyday life, too. With Android Wear 2.0 just around the corner as well, now is a fairly risky time to be a watch, but the majority on this list should definitely see the update.

10. Fossil Q Founder

The Fossil Q Founder is the sort of smartwatch for the more conservative and more traditional watch wearer. It doesn’t feature a heart rate sensor, and it doesn’t feature many of the same higher-end features as other Android Wear watches. It makes up for that however with a large display and a larger-than-life form factor that will appeal to those looking for a large watch. It’s bigger than the majority of watches on this list and this will certainly appeal to a lot of people. With a great wireless charger that looks great on a nightstand, the Fossil Q Founder is a good-looker, it’s just not the smartest of smartwatches out there.

09. LG G Watch R

When the LG G Watch R was launched, it was a pretty big deal; it was the first smartwatch to launch with a completely-circular display, and it was one of the first watches that featured numbers on its bezel, too. While the original LG G Watch isn’t going to be updated to Android Wear 2.0, the G Watch R should be safe. Even so, the OLED display suffers from burn-in issues and despite one of the nicer overall looks, the G Watch R hasn’t aged well. Especially given the extra choices that the Huawei Watch and Moto 360 gives users. A good option, but one that is often found at too high a price given its age.

08. ASUS ZenWatch 2

While the ZenWatch 2, in its larger 49mm version can take phone calls, it has caused some confusion among buyers. There are 45mm and 49mm versions of the ZenWatch 2, which is nice to see, but we can’t help wonder why this feature isn’t available on both of them. Despite this, the ZenWatch 2 is a fairly solid option, but with the majority of watches launching with a round face these days, it doesn’t look like there’s much room for something like the ZenWatch 2’s square face, even if it is a good-looker. Worth looking into, the ZenWatch 2 is a more affordable Android Wear option, but it might not be the best-looking out there right now.

07. LG Watch Urbane

The LG Watch Urbane is the sort of watch that will appeal to more traditional watch wearers out there, as well as those that like larger watches as well. The fully-circular OLED display is a good-looker and just like most other Android Wear watches, it has a heart rate sensor and a single hardware button. Other than that however, it doesn’t really offer anything that you can’t find elsewhere, although that could be more of an Android Wear thing than anything else. It’s a little on the pricey side as well, but it sure does look the part on the wrist.

06. Motorola Moto 360 – 2nd Generation

When it comes to customization, the Moto 360 is one of the few watches that takes this super-seriously and while it might be due an upgrade in a little while, it’s still a great device. With bezel options, different sizes, colors and different strap options, Motorola know what’s important to people when buying a piece of technology these days and that’s even more important when buying a watch. The flat tire is here all the same, and so are some of the more interesting included watch faces. With Summer sales from Motorola almost guaranteed, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Moto 360 on sale for some deep discounts, which would make this even better value.

05. Motorola Moto 360 Sport

While the Moto 360 Sport is something that won’t appeal to your everyday watch wearer, it’s nice blend of two functions and form factors. It’s great for those looking for a modern look in a watch, and it’s also good for the sporty types out there that want the one device to do it all, not two. With that said, the Moto 360 is a modern-looking device with a silicon band and a decidedly-sporty design to it. With Android Wear 2.0 and it’s new sporty features that will automatically track workouts, there’s a lot to be excited about for a device like the Moto 360 Sport and even right now, it represents a quality option for the more active out there.

04. TAG Heuer Connected

If brands are important to a platform like Android Wear, then the TAG Heuer Connected is Android Wear’s knight in shining armor. It’s a shame that it’s crazily-expensive and doesn’t really offer users anything that you can’t find elsewhere, but it’s a good-looking watch no less. That is of course if you’re a fan of more modern Swiss watch designs and also like watches that are on the larger side of things. With a large and vivid display, a unique strap design and more, this is an expensive, yet decent option to consider.

03. LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition

The Watch Urbane 2nd Edition might have a bizarre name, but it’s one of the few devices out there that doesn’t need to be connected a phone all of the time. This is one thing that a lot of people wish more smartwatches did, and LG deliver here with this chunkier, larger version of the original Watch Urbane. Capable of taking phone calls either from your phone or without your phone nearby thanks to AT&T’s NumberSync technology, the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition is a watch built for the future. With Android Wear 2.0 launching in the Fall, it’s clear that watches like this are the future of Android Wear, and the only thing we hope for this future is that these watches get a little smaller.

02. Samsung Gear S2

The Gear S2 might not run Android Wear, but it works just fine with the majority of Android smartphones. Instead of Android Wear, Samsung has gone it alone with their own Tizen-based operating system. There was once a time this would sound like a mistake, but here Samsung have crafted a system that works excellently on a small display, runs smoothly and with a moveable bezel to access the UI, the Gear S2 is one smartwatch that easily sets itself aside from the rest. It might be a little more expensive, but it’s arguably worth it if you want to head off the beaten track.

01. Huawei Watch

The Huawei Watch continues to prove itself as a model of what an Android Wear watch can be. With excellent fit and finish, new options for women as well as the ability to make and take phone calls, the Huawei Watch is the best all-round option. It might not be 100% the best option for running or working out, but for an everyday watch, the Huawei Watch does everything you’d want it to and also comes with a whole raft of different watch faces, too. With different casings on offer as well as some of the better watch faces included out of the box, it’s easy to make the Huawei Watch feel your own.