Technology

Withings Scanwatch is cross-platform. No need for a branded device to use it, does all the usual tracking stuff plus afib detection. One of the reasons I chose it was that it looks like a watch and not a toy. Also, depending on how you use it, it can go for days between charges. Most of the similar "brand locked" devices seem to only go 1 or 2 days max.

I've used fossil watches, they look really nice, but the software can be flaky

I only really need something to keep track of my notifications, and maybe as a flashlight occasionally. So I just wear a PineTime, and it links up with my phone with Gadget Bridge. It's really nice, completely free and open source, and it's pretty cheap too. Week long battery life is nice, but I don't know what it's like with other smartwatches.

Is there something like a fitness bracelet without a display that one could wear? I already have an old school Casio digital watch, and I like to too much to replace it with a smartwatch.

PineTime my beloved

I have both an iPhone and Pixel. Because of that, I also have a Pixel Watch and an Apple Watch. I prefer using my Pixel Watch since Fitbit is so much better IMO than Apple Fitness.

a Mi Band storing everything offline with Gadgetbridge, because I don't need Xiaomi to know how many steps I've made and what's my heart rate at a given moment.

I've had a fossil watch for the past 5 years or so and love it. Its a hybrid model so it runs off of a watch batter that needs to be replaced ever 9-12 months so I dont ever need to worry about charging it.

It also looks like a standard watch so nobody ever suspects it has some smart functionality. Its very barebones in that aspect but I can see whos calling/texting me, set vibration alarms, and control my music.

Been using the Apple Watch for the past 3 years (currently on the Ultra) and have been loving it. I’m not a serious athlete but use it to track my daily walks/runs. It keeps me honest and active.

Plus I have a data line for my watch so I can ditch my phone and still talk, text, and check emails as needed. I hate to admit it but I have completed many meetings with just my Apple Watch + AirPods while on a run/walk.

Also, it acts as a wallet replacement for the most part. ~8 out of 10 times I can tap and pay with my watch. I only keep 1 physical card and my state ID on me.

I've been a loyal Fitbit user for a decade, but Google's killed all the features that made it good (challenging friends, playing silly games). I'm thinking of picking up a Garmin next

Garmin Instinct

I'm an avid paddler/wind sports/surfer, so having good water resistance, cellular connection for emergencies, at least 4+ hours of GPS tracking battery life, and good GPS are requirements. AFAIK only the Apple Watch Ultra ticks all those boxes. I used to use Garmin's but the lack of cellular made me switch. If anyone has other options, I'm open to them.

Whoop. It’s something I can easily sleep with. I don’t want extra displays and it works with everything like bike computers as a heart monitor. Steps are worthless strain/HRV is more meaningful.

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 to replace my Garmin Vivoactive 3, but I prefer the Garmin. It's got a bit less by way of bells and whistles, but I also think that the watch might have been overkill for the most part. I don't end up using the onboard replies as much as I thought I would, and things like ECG and Blood Pressure monitoring are just troublesome enough that it's not worthwhile (Blood Pressure requires recalibration with a proper machine every once in a while).

The only issue that I had with the Garmin was mostly that the body is a bit too fragile. It's just plastic, so the corner will break off due to age, which is what happened with mine. If it wasn't made of plastic, but more durable metal, like the Samsung, I'd still happily wear it. The battery life tended to be better too.

If it was still around, and not incredibly uncomfortable, a Pebble might also not go amiss. I personally don't need a lot of features in my smartwatch (just timers, alarms, activity/HR tracking, and notifications), so a cheaper, hardier one would serve just fine.

I still wear my Apple Watch Series 0 since 2015 now. Love it. I replaced the battery this spring. All good again.

They all annoy the shit out of me.

I don't wear one anymore I just have the Casio f-91w but if I could I would get a Pixel watch and remove all the spy ware from it

Apple because I have an iPhone. Garmin makes good stuff, though.