Smartwatch vs Smartband: What Should You Buy?

In this blog, we are going to do a full comparison of smartwatch vs smart band, where I will tell you which wearable product performs better in which aspect.

Until recently, people loved smart bands a lot, but ever since smartwatch brands like boAt and Noise started launching smartwatches on a low budget, the trend of smartwatches has increased rapidly.

I have been using a smart band for the last many years but now I have completely shifted to the smartwatch.

By the end of this blog, you will know whether you should buy a smartwatch on a low budget and will it be better than a smart band for you?

Or else the smart band is your true companion.

Let’s find out.

Smartwatch vs Smartband

In this particular blog post, I will compare smartwatches and smart bands for each aspect and tell which product provides better performance in these aspects.

1. What is it?

First of all, if we talk about a smart band, then a smartband, which can also be called a fitness band or fitness tracker, is mainly used while performing fitness activities.

In fact, it was also built on the same lines so that it can track and inform the movement of the human body during activation, whether it is sleep tracking or workout sessions.

On the other hand, if we talk about the smartwatch, it was made for those people who prefer to wear a watch instead of a smartband so that health monitoring can be done even without a smartband.

Here is a guide on what a smartwatch is, where you will get in-depth information.

Now let’s look at some more aspects so that you will understand the true difference between these two.

2. Look & Feel

In this section, we’ll talk about the design, build quality, and comfortability of smartwatches and smart bands.

i) Design

First of all, if we talk about smartband, then usually all smart bands are seen in a rectangular shape, whereas in smartwatch we get to see rectangular designs as well as square and round shapes.

Smartwatches are preferable in this case as they not only get more design options but also look more stylish.

Here are some of the best round smartwatches and square smartwatches on the market at the moment.

ii) Build Quality

Smartwatches prove to be better than smart bands in terms of build quality.

On one hand, where smart bands are made of plastic and rubber, we also get to see the option of a metal build smartwatch which makes them quite strong.

So definitely smartwatches are more reliable and last longer than smart bands.

iii) Comfortability

Smart bands prove to be more comfortable because when we sleep wearing them, due to the small size, there is no problem in sleeping.

Whereas if we talk about the smartwatches this is not the case.

When we sleep wearing smartwatches, their size bothers us and that is why smart bands are more reliable in terms of comfort.

And here are some related guides you may be interested in.

• Best smartwatches for small wrist
• Best smartwatches for big wrist

3. Display

Now let’s talk about the display which is the most important aspect, whether it is a smartwatch or smart band.

Let’s talk about the smart band first.

In smart band, we usually get to see displays ranging from 0 to 1 inch which is very small to access.

Also, the display of the smart band is not that sharp nor does it provide better colors.

Whereas if we talk about the smartwatches, we get to see displays ranging from 1 to 3 inches, and here HD and AMOLED displays are given with better colour accuracy.

Due to this, it is very easy to access them.

So smartwatches perform better than smart bands in terms of display.

Here are some guides to consider.

• Biggest display smartwatches
• Best AMOLED smartwatches

4. Battery Life

Battery life is very important for any wearable product.

And when we are talking about smartwatch vs smart band, then this aspect becomes most important in them.

Usually, people look at their display or feature before buying them but ignore the battery life which is their biggest mistake.

Let me tell you that the most important of these are the batteries because they do your health tracking and therefore you wear them all the time, so obviously you will not want to charge them again and again.

Let’s assume, before you go to sleep if you find out that your smartwatch or smart band has run out of battery, how will you do your sleep tracking because they take time to charge?

That’s why it is important to give importance to battery life.

And smart bands are more reliable in this aspect as they provide 1 week of battery life, even more, and some smart bands go for 2 weeks without charging.

Whereas only 3 to 4 days of battery is seen in smartwatches, which proves to be a disadvantage for them.

Although nowadays some smartwatches also provide a battery life of more than 1 week, I have also compiled a list of the best smartwatches with long battery life.

By the way, it’s worth mentioning that while brands claim a battery life of 7 to 10 days for their smartwatches, the actual battery duration often falls short of their stated time.

5. Health Monitoring

In the case of health monitoring, a smart band or fitness band proves to be more reliable because they are made for health monitoring.

In this, we get to see all the health tracking features like spo2, heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring.

Although all these features have started coming in smartwatches these days, one thing that makes a smart band better than a smartwatch is accuracy.

Smart bands perform health monitoring with better accuracy as they are provided with dedicated sensors.

So yes, you can rely more on the health monitoring of a smart band than a smartwatch.

6. Other Features

Now let’s talk about some additional features that are given in smart bands and smartwatches, which make them different and better from each other.

i) Watch Faces

The feature of multiple watch faces is provided in both smartwatches and smart bands, but more stylish watch faces are seen in smartwatches than in smart bands.

This allows us to try new looks every day which is very important for the style enthusiast.

ii) Waterproof

Now, because smart bands are designed primarily for fitness activities, they tend to be more reliable in terms of waterproofing compared to smartwatches.

You can comfortably wear them even while swimming, whereas smartwatches in the budget range do not usually claim to have superior water protection.

However, here are some of the best smartwatches for swimming that you can consider.

iii) In-Built Camera

This feature sets a smartwatch apart from a smart band.

Certain smartwatches come equipped with a camera, which is not available in any smart band.

While I personally don’t find it to be a useful feature but it does make a smartwatch more advanced compared to a smart band.

iv) Bluetooth Calling

Nowadays, the calling feature in smartwatches has gained significant popularity, and people are increasingly fond of it.

Smart bands do not offer this functionality, making smartwatches more feature-rich in comparison.

Here are some of the most popular smartwatches with call function that you can find.

v) Crown Button

The inclusion of crown buttons in smartwatches significantly enhances their overall usability and functionality.

With the presence of crown buttons, you can exercise more precise and efficient control over the smartwatch, a feature absent in smart bands.

These buttons serve as a convenient and intuitive input method, allowing you to navigate through menus, adjust settings, and perform various actions with ease.

One of the notable advantages of the crown button is its ability to simplify the process of changing watch faces.

Instead of relying solely on touch-based interactions, you can conveniently rotate the crown to browse and select your desired watch face, providing a tactile and satisfying experience.

Furthermore, the crown button enables seamless scrolling through content on the smartwatch’s display.

It offers a tactile feedback that makes navigating lengthy messages, emails, or notifications effortless, allowing you to quickly and precisely access the information you need.

vi) Customizable Abilities

Smartwatches provide users with a broader range of customization options compared to smart bands.

They resemble miniature smartphones on our wrists, offering a level of versatility that allows us to tailor them to our individual preferences.

Whether it’s choosing from a vast selection of watch faces, adjusting display settings, or even installing various applications, smartwatches empower us with the ability to personalize our wearable technology experience.

On the other hand, smart bands typically focus more on fitness tracking and health monitoring, offering limited customization options beyond basic settings.

The extended customization capabilities of smartwatches make them a preferred choice for those seeking a device that not only complements their style but also aligns with their unique technological requirements.

7. Price

Price is a crucial factor that holds significant importance for Indian consumers when making purchasing decisions.

Smart bands tend to be more budget-friendly compared to smartwatches, which often leads to their preference over the latter.

With prices typically ranging from 1000 to 2000 rupees, you can acquire a quality smart band that offers accurate health monitoring capabilities.

On the other hand, smartwatches in the same price range might not provide the same level of accuracy in health tracking.

However, the competitive market has witnessed the emergence of some excellent low-budget smartwatches that offer a remarkable user experience even at affordable price points.

These smartwatches strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and functionality, ensuring that you can enjoy essential features without breaking the bank.

If you’re in search of budget-friendly options, here are some guides that can assist you in finding the right fit for your needs and budget.

• Best smartwatches under 1500
• Best smartwatches under 2000
• Best smartwatches under 3000
• Best smartwatches under 4000
• Best smartwatches under 5000

Who Should Buy Smartband

In conclusion, let’s discuss who would be better suited to opt for a smart band instead of a smartwatch.

For most individuals, a smart band proves to be a preferable option when considering its features. Smart bands encompass all the necessary functionalities that most people require.

If your primary focus is health tracking or if you have a keen interest in sports activities, a smart band can be an excellent choice.

These bands are designed to offer comprehensive fitness monitoring features, including heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, step counting, and more.

Moreover, if you have budget constraints, a smart band can provide you with the most value for your money.

They are generally more affordable compared to smartwatches, allowing you to access essential features without exceeding your budget.

In summary, if health tracking, sports-related features, or a limited budget are your priorities, a smart band can be a practical and cost-effective choice that fulfills your requirements.

Who Should Buy Smartwatch

Now, let’s address the individuals who have a fondness for smartwatches, just like you.

If you have a genuine preference for smartwatches over fitness trackers, there’s no doubt that a smartwatch is the ideal choice for you.

Smartwatches offer a wide range of features beyond health tracking, catering to various aspects of your digital lifestyle.

Furthermore, if you are a professional who frequently attends meetings and wants to maintain a polished look, a smartwatch can be a valuable accessory.

Smartwatches exude a more sophisticated and professional appearance, seamlessly blending into your attire.

Smartwatches boast larger screens compared to smart bands, providing you with a more immersive and convenient experience.

The enhanced screen real estate allows for better visibility of notifications, easier navigation through apps, and more versatile functionality.

If both features and aesthetics are important to you, a smartwatch is undoubtedly the way to go.

Its combination of advanced features, stylish design, and greater flexibility in usage makes it a compelling choice for individuals who appreciate the full potential of wearable technology.

To assist you in finding the perfect smartwatch that aligns with your preferences and requirements, here are some guides that provide valuable insights and recommendations.

• Best Android smartwatches
• Best ladies smartwatches
• Best GPS smartwatches
• Best Alexa smartwatches

Smartwatch vs Smartband: Final Thoughts

Let’s dive into a more personal perspective.

Personally, I have always been drawn to the attractiveness of a traditional watch. There’s something timeless and appealing about wearing a well-crafted timepiece on my wrist.

However, I have also had experiences using smart bands, primarily for their health monitoring capabilities.

While I appreciated the functionality they provided, my true enthusiasm began when I discovered the advancements in health monitoring features offered by smartwatches.

With these improved features, my interest in smartwatches grew significantly.

The ability to track not only my physical activities but also my heart rate, sleep patterns, and more, all from the convenience of a stylish watch, made me a complete smartwatch enthusiast.

I found a sense of comfort in using smartwatches, as they offered a seamless combination of style and advanced functionality.

It’s incredible to have a device on my wrist that not only complements my fashion choices but also empowers me to monitor my health and well-being.

If you resonate with my experiences and share a similar passion for smartwatches, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a smartwatch for yourself.

The comfort, style, and enhanced health monitoring features they provide can truly elevate your overall wearable technology experience.

Smartwatch vs Smartband: FAQs