Looking for back-to-school shopping ideas? Here are the smartwatches I'd genuinely consider wearing to class.
Amidst early classes, evening workouts, late-night study sessions, and various other commitments, a smartwatch can handle much of the mental calculation that students often lack the time for. Whether it's monitoring sleep, prompting you to move, or silencing notifications during lectures, a quality smartwatch serves as both a discreet organizer and a health tracker for students.
If you’re considering a new smartwatch for the back-to-school season, I have seven suggestions for you, each offering its own unique features. Ranging from a budget-friendly option at $69 to the latest Apple Watch, every selection provides good value, so the primary decision left is which features are most important to you.
**CMF Watch 3 Pro**
CMF / Nothing
**Pros**
- Clear call reception without needing your phone
- Easily tracks workouts and campus walks
- Excellent value for first-time smartwatch users
**Cons**
- Limited storage for music and offline content
- Smaller app ecosystem compared to major brands
If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch, the $69 CMF Watch 3 Pro is a great option. Its highlight is Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction, allowing for easy communication between classes without pulling out your phone.
It also features GPS and over 130 sports modes to track activities. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is bright, and it has IP68 water resistance, ensuring it can withstand unexpected rain on your way to the dorm. While it may not replace a dedicated fitness watch for serious training, it is an excellent first smartwatch for budget-conscious Android users, covering all the essentials quite well.
**Amazfit Active 2 Premium**
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
**Pros**
- Lasts over a week on a single charge
- Navigate new locations without your phone
- Durable against everyday scratches
**Cons**
- Calls still require your phone
- Slightly heavier than some fitness watches
The 10-day battery life of the Amazfit Active 2 Premium is what impressed me. This smartwatch is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with daily recharging.
Another noteworthy feature is the free offline GPS maps, which include downloadable maps with turn-by-turn navigation that don’t require your phone. This could be especially useful for navigating a new campus or city.
Amazfit has also improved the Premium version with sapphire glass, offering significantly better scratch resistance than standard glass. It comes with both a leather strap for class and an extra silicone strap for the gym. Priced at $128.18, it finds a sweet spot between budget and flagship options and is worth every penny.
**Fitbit Versa 4**
Google
**Pros**
- Great for developing healthier workout routines
- Aids in preventing overtraining and burnout
- Reliable fitness tracking that’s easy to interpret
**Cons**
- Top features require payment after a free trial
- Lacks offline navigation capabilities
Fitbit is known for its accurate fitness tracking, and if you're seeking a smartwatch that excels in fitness tracking and are willing to invest $169.15, I suggest the Fitbit Versa 4.
This smartwatch includes three months of a Google Health Premium subscription, featuring the Daily Readiness Score, which indicates whether your body is ready for intense physical activity or needs a rest day, making it beneficial for monitoring your health.
It boasts built-in GPS and over 40 exercise modes, accommodating everything from dorm workouts to running around campus or in the park. Priced at $152.50 with a 24% discount from its original price, it represents a solid deal, but keep in mind that the Premium subscription will end after three months, leading to a monthly fee of $9.99 thereafter.
**Garmin vivoactive 5**
Mark Jansen / Digital Trends
**Pros**
- Battery lasts comfortably through a busy week
- Informs you when to exert effort or recover
- Lightweight for all-day wear
**Cons**
- Cannot make calls 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 various metrics, including sleep, stress, and activity. This is particularly useful when deciding whether to pull an all-nighter or go to bed.
The Body Battery feature pairs nicely with up to 11 days of battery life, one of the longest on this list. This means you won't have to compete for a charger with your laptop and phone each night. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display remains bright and clear, even outdoors, and with over 30 built-in sports apps, it’s versatile enough for activities from gym workouts to intramural sports.
Currently priced at $194.99, it’s an attractive 37% off its list price.
**Apple Watch SE 3**
Apple
**Pros**
- Best-value option for iPhone users
- Excellent safety features for everyday peace of mind
- Manages
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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.
I selected four wireless chargers so you can avoid making your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch compete for a single outlet in your dorm.
These wireless chargers are capable of powering anything from an individual iPhone to a complete Apple setup, all while freeing up essential space on a cluttered student desk.
Looking for back-to-school shopping ideas? Here are the smartwatches I'd genuinely consider wearing to class.
I sifted through the specifications, ratings, and prices of eight of Amazon's top-selling smartwatches so you don't have to.