Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers: Are They Worth It?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you’re not alone. Search interest in wearables has been growing steadily over the past few years, as more people discover the convenience and health benefits that come from having tech on your wrist. These devices have evolved far beyond simple step counters. Today, they offer a suite of advanced features that can help you understand your body, stay active, and even stay safe in emergency situations. That’s why we’ve featured one of our favorites in Gadgets for Grandma.
Whether it’s counting your daily steps, measuring your sleep quality, alerting you to an irregular heartbeat, or automatically calling for help if you fall, today’s wearables are becoming personal wellness assistants. They can even track your blood oxygen levels, monitor your stress, measure your temperature, and help you stay on top of your daily routines through reminders and notifications. It’s no surprise that smartwatches and fitness trackers have become one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer tech.
At TechPals, we often get asked: Are smartwatches and fitness trackers really worth it? The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for—but for many of our community members, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re hoping to be more active, sleep better, manage your heart health, or just want a convenient way to check messages and reminders, there’s likely a wearable out there that fits your needs. The best part? There’s now a wide variety of models, styles, and price points, so it’s easier than ever to find one that feels like a natural part of your daily life.
What Can a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker Do?
Here are just some of the benefits modern wearables offer:
Step and activity tracking to keep you moving throughout the day
Heart rate monitoring, often continuous and with alerts
Sleep tracking, with insights into REM, deep, and light sleep
Fall detection, ideal for anyone living alone
Blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2), useful for respiratory health
Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to screen for irregular rhythms like AFib
Stress and temperature tracking
Smart notifications for calls, texts, reminders, and more
Workout and fitness tracking with GPS
Why Withings Is a Favorite at TechPals
While brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin dominate the market, Withings continues to impress with its elegant, health-focused wearables. Based in France, Withings makes hybrid smartwatches that combine the look of a classic timepiece with modern health sensors. If you prefer a watch that doesn’t scream "tech gadget," Withings is a top pick.
Popular Withings models include:
ScanWatch 2 – Packed with features like ECG, SpO2, temperature tracking, sleep apnea detection, and up to 30 days of battery life.
ScanWatch Nova – A luxury hybrid design with deep health monitoring.
ScanWatch Light – A great entry-level hybrid smartwatch focused on core wellness features.
Withings devices sync with the Health Mate app and are especially known for accuracy and battery longevity. Check them out in Gadgets for Grandma.
How Do the Big Brands Compare?
Let’s take a quick look at how the biggest names stack up:
Apple Watch
Best for: iPhone users who want full smartwatch functionality
Features: ECG, fall detection, heart rate, SpO2, sleep apnea detection, blood pressure trend alerts (on Series 9+), and a full app ecosystem
Downside: Needs daily charging
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Best for: Android users (though compatible with iOS too)
Features: SpO2, ECG, body composition, stress tracking, sleep apnea detection
Downside: Shorter battery life
Google Pixel Watch
Best for: Simplicity and deep Fitbit integration
Features: Fitbit-powered fitness tracking, ECG, sleep tracking, stress detection
Downside: Smaller display and battery life
Fitbit (Versa, Sense)
Best for: Entry-level users or fitness-focused buyers
Features: Heart rate, SpO2, ECG (Sense), sleep tracking, stress management
Downside: Limited smartwatch functionality vs. Apple/Samsung
Garmin
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and serious fitness trackers
Features: GPS, heart rate, SpO2, VO2 Max, robust fitness metrics
Downside: Interface can be overwhelming for casual users
Withings
Best for: Classic style with deep health features
Features: ECG, SpO2, sleep apnea detection, heart rate, long battery, hybrid analog/digital design
Downside: Less focus on third-party apps or entertainment features
Who Should Get a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker?
Smartwatches and fitness trackers can benefit just about anyone, but they're especially great for:
Those wanting to track daily activity and improve fitness
People curious about sleep quality or sleep apnea
Anyone who lives alone and wants fall detection
Users managing chronic conditions or heart health
Individuals interested in stress or temperature tracking
Tech-savvy users who want to stay on top of notifications
FAQ: TechPals Answers Common Questions
Q: Are smartwatches accurate for health tracking?
A: Modern smartwatches and fitness trackers have become increasingly reliable in monitoring a variety of health indicators. Many offer continuous heart rate tracking, sleep stage detection, and even electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality to screen for irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung have invested heavily in sensor technology to make their devices more precise. However, it’s important to remember that these devices are intended for general wellness tracking rather than diagnosis. They can help you notice trends over time, such as changes in resting heart rate or sleep quality, but they should never replace professional medical evaluation. For example, a smartwatch may alert you to irregular heartbeat patterns or poor sleep efficiency, but only a medical professional can determine whether it points to a specific health condition. Always consult a healthcare provider if a wearable raises any concerning data.
Q: What’s the best smartwatch for long battery life?
A: Battery life varies widely between models and brands. Hybrid smartwatches like those made by Withings often offer exceptional battery life, sometimes lasting up to 30 days on a single charge, thanks to their analog-style displays and energy-efficient sensors. Garmin watches are also known for long battery performance, especially models designed for outdoor use, which can last up to two weeks or more with moderate use. Some Garmin models even include solar charging. Meanwhile, traditional touchscreen smartwatches such as the Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch typically need daily or near-daily charging due to their high-resolution displays and active features. If you want a watch that you don’t have to charge often, look for hybrid or fitness-focused watches rather than full-featured smartwatches with large color screens.
Q: Do I need a smartphone to use a smartwatch?
A: In most cases, yes—smartwatches and fitness trackers need to be paired with a smartphone for initial setup, data syncing, and access to full features. During setup, you’ll likely be prompted to download a companion app such as Apple Health, Fitbit, Health Mate, or Samsung Health. These apps allow you to review detailed data, set goals, customize alerts, and track long-term health trends. Some smartwatches, such as LTE-enabled versions of the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, can operate somewhat independently of a phone for calls and messages. However, you still need a smartphone to activate the device and access many settings. Also, smartphone compatibility matters: Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while many Android-based watches work best with Android phones.
Q: Can smartwatches detect sleep apnea?
A: Several smartwatch brands now offer sleep apnea detection or related features that monitor breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels during sleep. Devices from Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Withings use sensors like SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) and motion detection to look for signs of interrupted breathing or low oxygen levels, which may be associated with sleep apnea. Some models require multiple nights of data collection (often 2 to 30 days) to identify consistent patterns before flagging a potential issue. While helpful, this technology is not yet a replacement for formal sleep studies or clinical testing. The readings are best used as early indicators or wellness tools to start a conversation with your doctor. If a watch consistently shows low oxygen saturation or irregular sleep data, that’s a good reason to schedule a check-up.
Q: Is fall detection automatic?
A: Yes, many modern smartwatches include automatic fall detection, which uses built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect a sudden drop or impact. If a fall is detected and the user does not respond within a set time, the watch can alert emergency services or designated contacts. Apple Watch is perhaps the most well-known for this feature, but fall detection is also available on newer models from Withings, Samsung, and select fitness watches from Garmin. Some devices also offer options to manually trigger an SOS in case of emergencies. Fall detection is especially valuable for older adults, people living alone, or anyone with mobility concerns. It provides peace of mind for both the wearer and their loved ones, and it can be a life-saving feature in the right situation. While it doesn't replace a live operator service like a medical alert pendant, it's a powerful built-in safety net for everyday wear.
Q: Can smartwatches help with stress management?
A: Yes, many smartwatches include sensors and features designed to help monitor and manage stress. This may include heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, guided breathing exercises, and even electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors that detect subtle changes in sweat levels—a common indicator of stress. Devices from Fitbit, Google, and Samsung are especially known for their stress tracking tools, which offer insights into daily stress patterns and recommendations for relaxation. These features are not a substitute for therapy or medical care but can be useful for managing daily wellness.
Q: What fitness features do smartwatches offer for beginners?
A: Most smartwatches and fitness trackers come with beginner-friendly tools such as step counting, calorie tracking, goal setting, and reminders to move. You can also log specific exercises like walking, cycling, or yoga. Brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple provide simple workout modes that automatically detect movement and track duration and intensity. These features are great for building healthy habits and increasing awareness of your daily activity levels without being overwhelming.
Q: Do smartwatches track blood pressure?
A: While some newer smartwatches are starting to include features that monitor blood pressure trends, most wearables do not yet offer full, cuff-style blood pressure readings. Samsung and Apple are leading in this area with emerging features that use optical sensors to estimate hypertension risk over time. However, these tools are still being validated and may not be approved for medical use in all countries. For now, wearable blood pressure tracking is best used alongside traditional at-home cuffs.
Q: Can I swim with a smartwatch?
A: Many fitness trackers and smartwatches are water-resistant and can be used while swimming. Devices from Garmin, Apple, Fitbit, and others offer swim tracking features such as lap counting, stroke recognition, and swim duration. Always check the water resistance rating—some are splash-proof, while others can handle pool or ocean swimming. Keep in mind that saltwater and hot tubs may affect durability, so consult the manufacturer's guidelines before use.
Q: How do smartwatches measure oxygen levels?
A: Most modern smartwatches use a sensor called a pulse oximeter to estimate blood oxygen levels (SpO2). This works by shining red and infrared light through the skin and measuring how much light is absorbed, which varies depending on the amount of oxygen in the blood. Devices from Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Garmin, and Withings include this feature, which is often used to monitor wellness during sleep or physical activity. SpO2 readings can vary based on movement, skin tone, and how snugly the watch fits, so readings are best taken when still and relaxed.
Final Thoughts from TechPals
Smartwatches and fitness trackers aren’t just for tech enthusiasts or athletes anymore. They’re smart tools for daily life—offering wellness insights, early warnings for health conditions, and even emergency support. Whether you go for a full-featured smartwatch like the Apple Watch, a rugged Garmin for hiking, or a sleek hybrid like the Withings ScanWatch, the key is to choose a device that fits your lifestyle.
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