Are you looking for back-to-school shopping ideas? Here are the smartwatches I would genuinely consider wearing to class.
With early classes, evening workouts, late study sessions, and everything else in between, a smartwatch can handle much of the mental tasks that students lack time for. It can monitor sleep, prompt you to move, or silence notifications on your phone during lectures. A quality smartwatch serves as both a discreet organizer and a health tracker for students.
If you're looking for a new smartwatch this back-to-school season, I have seven suggestions for you, each featuring distinct elements. From a budget-friendly option at $69 to the latest Apple Watch, every one justifies its price, leaving you with the decision of which features are most important to you.
**CMF Watch 3 Pro**
CMF / Nothing
**Pros**
- Clear phone calls without needing the phone
- Easily tracks workouts and campus walks
- Great value for first-time smartwatch buyers
**Cons**
- Limited space for music and offline content
- Smaller app selection compared to major brands
If you're looking to save on a smartwatch, the $69 CMF Watch 3 Pro is a great choice. Its standout feature is Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction, allowing you to take quick calls between classes without needing to pull out your phone.
It also includes GPS and over 130 sports modes for activity tracking. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is bright, and its IP68 water resistance means it can withstand unexpected rain on the way to the dorm. While it may not replace a true fitness watch for serious training, it effectively covers the basics for a budget-conscious first smartwatch, especially for Android users.
**Amazfit Active 2 Premium**
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
**Pros**
- Over a week of battery life without charging
- Navigate unknown places without your phone
- Built to resist everyday scratches
**Cons**
- Still requires a phone for calls
- Slightly heavier than some fitness watches
The ten days of battery life is what impressed me about the Amazfit Active 2 Premium. If you’d rather not have to charge your smartwatch daily, this model is ideal for you.
Notably, it offers free offline GPS maps. Amazfit provides downloadable maps with turn-by-turn navigation that can be used without a phone nearby. This could be especially useful for anyone new to a campus or city.
The Premium model has also upgraded to sapphire glass, which is much more scratch-resistant than standard glass. It comes with both a leather strap for class and a spare silicone strap for gym sessions. Priced at $128.18, it falls between budget and flagship options and is worth every penny.
**Fitbit Versa 4**
Google
**Pros**
- Excellent for fostering healthier workout habits
- Helps prevent overtraining and burnout
- Reliable and easy-to-understand fitness tracking
**Cons**
- Best features incur extra charges after the free trial
- Lacks offline navigation for exploration
Fitbit has built a reputation for precise and reliable fitness tracking. If you’re seeking a smartwatch that excels as a fitness tracker, and you're willing to invest $169.15, I recommend the Fitbit Versa 4.
It includes a three-month subscription to Google Health Premium, which offers insights like the Daily Readiness Score to indicate whether you’re ready for intense activity or need a rest day. This information can be very beneficial for monitoring your health.
With built-in GPS and more than 40 exercise modes, it accommodates everything from a workout in your dorm to a run around campus or the park. Currently marked down to $152.50 (24% off), it's one of the better deals available. However, keep in mind that the Premium subscription expires after three months, so be prepared for the $9.99 monthly fee afterward.
**Garmin vivoactive 5**
Mark Jansen / Digital Trends
**Pros**
- Battery lasts easily for a busy week
- Assists in knowing when to push or recover
- Lightweight for all-day wear
**Cons**
- Cannot take calls directly from your wrist
- Smaller app selection than Wear OS or watchOS
I recommend the Garmin vívoactive 5 for its Body Battery feature, which estimates your energy levels throughout the day based on factors such as sleep, stress, and activity. This is particularly helpful for deciding between pulling an all-nighter or getting some rest.
The Body Battery functionality is complemented by up to 11 days of battery life, one of the longest on this list. This means the smartwatch isn't competing with your laptop and phone for charging every night. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED display remains clear outdoors, and it has over 30 built-in sports apps for versatility in activities ranging from gym workouts to intramural sports.
Currently priced at $194.99, it is 37% off its list price.
**Apple Watch SE 3**
Apple
**Pros**
- Best-value Apple Watch for iPhone users
- Excellent safety features for peace of mind
- Manages daily notifications
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Are you looking for back-to-school shopping ideas? Here are the smartwatches I would genuinely consider wearing to class.
I analyzed the specifications, ratings, and prices of eight of the best-selling smartwatches on Amazon so you don't have to.