Black Friday is coming y’all. The ads are pouring out and I can already see the potential buys I’ll be making. But one of the more common discounts I’ve seen these last few years is fitness watches. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or are a first time buyer, there are a few things to consider before making the plunge. As the owner and user of few different styles, today I wanted to share what I’ve learned along the way. These are just a few of the things I’d suggest asking yourself before investing in a fitness watch.
What’s your budget?
Whether you’re prepared to spend several hundred dollars or maybe just one hundred, there are so many watches available. But deciding what your budget is will help you narrow down what you’re looking for immediately. If you can’t afford to spend a ton of money on it, it’s perfectly fine. There are so many great options available that come in at around $100 or less. And if you scour the Black Friday ads, you might be able to find an even better deal. Or put a price drop alert on one you like on Amazon in case the price drops even more.
What are you going to use it for?
What was once a simple method to track how much you walked in a day is now rather elaborate. From GPS to step tracking, fitness watches can do it all these days. And to be honest, if you don’t know what you’re going to use you watch for, there’s a change you’ll pay unnecessarily for features you don’t use. Decide what you really need from your watch and use it to narrow down the list. This way you aren’t dishing out cash for tons of tech you don’t need.
How often will you wear it?
Despite my polar watch being perfectly fine, I found that I didn’t wear it often. I wanted something that would track throughout the day but the design was a bit too large for my wrist. If you’re only looking to wear you watch when training, then spending less on a slightly bulkier watch may be best. Personally, I wear my Apple watch all day because it’s slimmer and works better for my lifestyle. And I wanted a watch I could use all day.
Now if you still aren’t sure which one is right for you, let me breakdown my personal fitness watch experience. I’ve own a fitbit, polar and an apple watch. They’ve all done different things and there are things I’ve loved & hated about each. Also, please note there are probably newer version available than what I’ve owned but hopefully this gives you an idea.
Fitbit*
I scored mine on Black Friday several years ago at Target. It was one of the basic ones that counted steps. Today they have better options available that I’m sure charge more easily. The charging was one issue I had. The actual tracker was a small piece you could swap in and out of plastic wristbands. It had a charger that you would like it into to charge through usb. Keeping track of those tiny bits could be quite inconvenient. But it did sync with my phone via bluetooth and the price was okay. If I was buying again, I’d pick one of the newer ones with a heart rate monitor. Also, fitbits tends to be fairly light and not bulky as far as a fitness watch goes which I love.
This was a purchase I made when I was in film. I wanted something that could stand up to the heat and that I could wear daily. The battery life is pretty great on it and it was water resistant which was a selling point. You can also use the polar website to create training plans if you want to do a 5k or 1/2 marathon. Honestly, mine still works and it took me a while to justify investing in the Apple Watch with this doing so well. However, I really wanted the heart rate monitor and not as a different piece. Also, I found that the version I had was quite thick and chunky. The GPS was great and the fitness watch performed well, but inevitably I wanted more so I upgraded. But I would absolutely buy it again.
Apple Watch*
If you haven’t figured out by now, I’m obsessed with mine. And considering I thought they were ridiculous a few years ago, it’s saying something. I originally thought it would be too much technology. It seemed like I just wouldn’t be able to escape it. But in all honestly, my apple watch has helped me step my health game up to a new level and makes me more active. I share activity levels with some of my closest friends so I get that extra bit of motivation to do the work when I see they’ve worked out.
I’m a fan of the heart rate monitor for sure and I love using the water app I’ve downloaded. Getting reminders every so often keeps me on track. I also love how seamlessly it syncs with my iPhone. Instead of having to wonder if I got a text or a call, I can feel it. Also it keeps me from constantly picking up my phone and getting sucked into other stuff.
However, there are a few things that aren’t as great but not deal breakers for me. Obviously, the cost is a questionable thing. Essentially, the newest version, watch 3, replaced the watch 2 series so now you’re left with only being able to pick between Series 1 & Series 3. The price difference between the two is around $100. I didn’t opt for the cellular service because that just seemed too much but it would be more expensive. It’s also another charger I now I have to remember to pack. And since I only currently have one, it’s just extra steps when I travel.
Overall, I’m super happy with my Apple Watch. And for me the few cons are outweighed by so many pros. If you’re looking to invest in a fitness watch, I’d highly recommend it!
So there you have it friends. I hope that these questions and my personal experience with fitness watches make investing in one a smooth process for you. And if you get one, be sure to tag me and let me know!
*Outbound links are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase the item from this link I make a small commission. This in no way changes the cost to you but allows me to share the things I love most with you all. Please know I only post the things I love and only share items I truly love and recommend with you. Thank you for supporting Savee & Savory.
