Smartwatch buying guide – smartwatch, sports watch, or activity tracker?
Article updated May 19, 2025
Smartwatches are a common sight today, and for good reason: they keep you connected while tracking your daily activity. Different devices provide different data, with options ranging from smartwatches and sports watches to fitness trackers and hybrid smartwatches. What are the differences, and which one is right for you? This guide breaks down the differences between these wearables to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Smartwatches, sports watches, and fitness trackers – the key differences
It’s impossible to tell a smartwatch from a sports watch by looks alone, whereas fitness trackers are usually easy to spot. While they share some features—like heart rate and step tracking—their core functionalities differ significantly. This section highlights the main differences, with more detailed breakdowns later in the guide.
Activity tracker
- Design: Bracelet-like, typically with a small, narrow display
- Features: Basic activity tracking, such as steps, calories, sleep, and heart rate
- Intended use: Tracking daily activity without complex features
- Battery life: 1–2 weeks, or up to a year for battery-powered models
- Price range: approx. €50–110
Smartwatch
- Design: Watch-like and typically stylish, as it's designed for everyday wear.
- Features: Basic activity tracking, phone notifications, and calls.
- Intended use: Tracking daily activity and health combined with smartphone features.
- Battery life: Varies by model from one day to about a week.
- Price range: Approx. €80–930
Sports watch
- Design: Watch-like, with options ranging from rugged to stylish
- Features: Advanced activity, health, and recovery tracking, training programs
- Best for: Active users looking to track and improve athletic performance
- Battery life: Varies by model from a few days to several weeks
- Price range: approx. €140–1,050
Activity trackers – affordable tracking for your daily activity
An activity tracker is an affordable and easy way to discover the benefits of wearable smart devices. Activity trackers are significantly cheaper than smartwatches, but like smartwatches, they can measure basic activity such as heart rate, steps, sleep, and even stress levels.
As the name suggests, an activity tracker looks like a wristband and usually features a narrow display that is the same width as the band or slightly wider. While you can receive phone notifications on an activity tracker, the compact screen only shows limited information. Think of it as an assistant that lets you know when your phone needs attention.
Because activity trackers have stripped-back features, they don't consume much power. This is a major advantage over smartwatches or sports watches, where battery life ranges from a single day to a couple of weeks at most. Some activity trackers even use a replaceable battery that can last up to a year.
Choose an activity tracker when you want the simplest possible device to track your daily activity and health.