Wearable health and fitness devices have become a staple in everyday life. Once viewed as luxury items, these innovations are now viewed as valuable tools for assisting with everything from better sleep to fitness goals.
Not all wearables are designed the same. Here are six essential things to look for when choosing a wearable device.
Functionality
The first thing to consider when choosing a smart wearable is its functionality. What do you need the device to track or offer? Do you have something specific in mind, or are you looking for something to help you improve your overall health and wellness?
Identifying key features that you’d like to see on your device is a good starting point for making your selection. For example, if you’re someone who lifts weights as your primary form of exercise, it makes sense to have a fitness tracker that tracks non-cardio activities. Similarly, if you’re a swimmer, finding an option that’s water-friendly is a must.
Budget
Once you’ve narrowed down the functionality, the next step is looking at your budget. While the prices of many wearable devices have become more reasonable, they’re still a significant investment. Understanding your budget limitations can help you find an option that suits your needs without breaking the bank. This approach also allows you to narrow your sights early on so that you don’t fall for a wearable that’s out of your reach.
Durability
Durability is another important consideration when choosing a wearable. You’ll want something that’s built to last, regardless of your various activities. Finding something with good quality and a warranty or guarantee to back it up will offer peace of mind.
You can learn more about the wearable device’s durability by looking at the product specs and reading online reviews.
Comfort
Comfort is another crucial consideration for a wearable— especially if you’ll be wearing it while sleeping and exercising. Look for something lightweight with soft materials to reduce friction on the skin. Ideally, the wearable will sit close to your skin with minimal risk of catching on anything.
The style also falls under the comfort category. Look for a device that you’re comfortable wearing and suits your personality.
Battery Life
Dealing with battery life is a necessary evil when using a wearable device. However, the longer the battery life, the less inconvenience you’ll face in keeping it charged. In addition to the overall battery life, look at the recharging time to determine how long you’ll need to go without it.
Keep in mind that having a break from wearable devices isn’t a bad thing! However, you’ll want to plan accordingly, so it’s ready to go when you need it.
Ease of Use
Finally, assess the ease of use. Consider the device itself and whatever app is required for operation and analysis. If the device is more complex, evaluate what resources and support are available to ease that learning curve.
Determine the wearable’s compatibility with other devices and programs as well. For example, it’s beneficial to have a device that syncs to your phone’s health tracking apps or works with adjacent apps for a better overall picture of your health journey.
Keep these considerations in mind when shopping for wearables to find the device that’s right for you.
