Don't Have a Wearable? Here's How to Choose the Right One

Why Wearables Matter

Wearable devices – like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings – are powerful tools for monitoring your health and fitness. They track metrics such as heart rate, steps, sleep, and more, helping you stay motivated and informed about your well-being. Essentially, a wearable puts health insights on your wrist (or finger), so you can make smarter lifestyle choices every day.

For anyone starting a fitness journey or looking to improve health, wearables provide real-time data and gentle nudges (think vibration alerts or reminders) to keep you on track.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wearable

Not all wearables are created equal. Finding the right one depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some key decision factors to keep in mind:

Ecosystem Compatibility

Make sure the wearable works with your phone. For example, the Apple Watch only works with iPhones [apple.com], whereas others support both Android and iOS. If you're an Android user, Apple Watch is off the table – but you have great options from Google, Samsung, and others.

Your Primary Goals

Are you focused on general fitness and step-counting, serious endurance training, monitoring recovery and sleep, or just staying connected? Different devices excel at different things. For instance, some specialize in advanced running metrics and GPS (great for marathoners), while others prioritize sleep or stress tracking. Choose a device whose strengths align with your personal goals.

Budget

Wearables come at all price points. You can find basic fitness bands under $100, mainstream smartwatches in the $250–$400 range, and high-end specialist devices $500 and up. More expensive doesn't always mean better for you – paying for features you won't use isn't worth it. Set a budget and focus on devices in that range, comparing the value of features offered.

Form Factor & Comfort

Do you prefer a traditional watch style or something more discreet? Today's wearables range from watch-style devices to screenless bands and rings. Consider what you'll actually wear 24/7. A bulky watch with a huge screen might pack features, but if you dislike the feel, a slim band or ring could be a better fit. Comfort and battery life go hand-in-hand too – smaller devices often have longer battery life since they may have fewer features demanding power.

With those factors in mind, let's explore the major wearable options and what makes each unique. Below, we break down the top contenders – including their standout features, ideal users, and official product links.

Apple Watch – The All-Round Smartwatch (Best for iPhone Users)

What It Is: The Apple Watch is a feature-packed smartwatch that integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem. If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is a natural extension of your phone on your wrist – in fact, it only works with iPhones [apple.com]. Apple's latest lineup includes the flagship Series models and the rugged Ultra edition, all running watchOS with thousands of apps.

Why You Might Want It: Apple Watch is like a swiss-army knife – it does a bit of everything. You get robust fitness and health tracking (heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep, etc.), smart features (calls, texts, Apple Pay, Siri), and polished design. The tight integration with iPhone means your Apple Watch can seamlessly handle notifications, music, maps, and even unlock your other Apple devices. It's one of the best for closing daily "activity rings" and has premium features like fall detection and ECG. If you're already an iPhone user and want a versatile smartwatch for both fitness and everyday convenience, Apple Watch is hard to beat.

Considerations: Apple Watches tend to be on the pricier side and typically need daily charging (about 18–24 hours per charge). They are feature-rich, but some features (like advanced heart health alerts) require you to be in Apple's ecosystem. Also, if you're on Android, skip this – Apple Watch isn't compatible with Android at all.

Product Page: Apple Watch – Official Site (Apple) – Browse Apple's latest Watch models and bands.

Garmin – For the Serious Endurance Athlete and Adventurer

What It Is: Garmin's wearable lineup spans GPS running watches, multisport watches, and adventure wearables. Models like the Garmin Forerunner, Fenix, or Venu are popular among runners, triathletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. They typically feature transflective or AMOLED displays, strong GPS accuracy, and loads of performance metrics.

Why You Might Want It: Garmin devices are renowned for fitness depth and battery life. These watches shine for tracking workouts – from runs and bike rides to swimming and hiking – with rich data like VO₂ max, training load, recovery time, and even navigation maps on certain models. Many Garmin watches can last days or even weeks on a single charge, outlasting most smartwatches. If you're training for races or love data-driven coaching, Garmin's platform (via Garmin Connect) provides detailed analysis. They also work with both iOS and Android. In short, if your priority is advanced training features and durability (over things like third-party apps or flashy smart features), Garmin should be on your shortlist.

Considerations: Garmin watches are less about lifestyle smart apps – while you do get notifications and music controls, the app ecosystem and smartwatch functions are limited compared to Apple or Google. The interface can feel utilitarian. Also, some models get expensive (especially the premium Fenix or MARQ lines). But you can find mid-range options with great value for fitness.

Product Page: Garmin Smartwatches – Official Site – See Garmin's range of fitness watches and their features.

Whoop – The Screenless Recovery Band

What It Is: Whoop is a unique wearable strap with no screen at all. It's a soft band you wear 24/7 that continuously measures your heart rate and other vitals. The magic is in Whoop's analytics: it focuses on your daily Strain (cardiovascular load), Recovery (readiness score based on HRV, rest, etc.), and Sleep. Whoop operates on a membership model – you essentially subscribe to the service and get the band "for free" with your subscription.

Why You Might Want It: Whoop is ideal if you care about recovery, sleep, and overall health optimization more than counting steps or reading texts on your wrist. Its screen-free design means no distractions – you check all your metrics in the mobile app [whoop.com]. The band is lightweight, and you can even buy clothing that holds the Whoop sensor so you don't have to wear it on your wrist. Athletes love Whoop for its detailed recovery insights and coaching; for example, it might suggest "take it easy today" if your recovery score is low. The latest Whoop 4.0 offers around 4–5 days of battery, and you can slide on a battery pack to charge it while wearing (so you never miss data). It's also very durable and waterproof. If you're someone who wants to optimize training load and recovery with minimal fuss, Whoop provides a compelling, data-rich experience.

Considerations: Because Whoop has no display, it's not a traditional smartwatch at all – you won't get notifications, music, or time display on your wrist. It's purely a fitness tracker. The required membership is an ongoing cost (usually around $30/month, with discounts on annual plans) and is the only way to use the device. So, over time it can cost more than buying a regular watch and using free apps. Also, if you prefer instant on-device info (like seeing your pace or heart rate mid-run), Whoop isn't for that – it's more about the after-the-fact analysis in the app.

Product Page: Whoop Official Site – Learn about Whoop's approach and membership options.

Fitbit – Simple Fitness Tracking for Everyone

What It Is: Fitbit is one of the pioneers of fitness trackers. Now part of Google, Fitbit offers a range of devices from basic bands (e.g. Inspire, Charge) to full smartwatches (Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Sense series). Fitbits are known for being user-friendly and focused on activity, sleep, and heart rate tracking. They come with the Fitbit app and an optional Fitbit Premium subscription for deeper insights.

Why You Might Want It: Fitbit's strength is approachability and community. The devices are typically easy to set up, with an interface that encourages you to hit step goals, active minutes, and get into healthy sleep routines. Features like step challenges and friend leaderboards can be very motivating. Fitbit watches and trackers cover the everyday basics well – step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep stages, and even stress tracking on newer models – without overwhelming you. They also work across Android and iOS. If your goal is to get more active and improve general wellness (and you don't need hardcore athlete metrics), Fitbit is a friendly place to start. The newer Fitbit smartwatches (like Sense 2) even include ECG and stress sensors, rivaling more expensive brands on health features [store.google.com]. Plus, battery life on Fitbits is usually a few days to a week, which beats daily charging.

Considerations: With Google's acquisition, some things are evolving – for example, account integration with Google and how data is shared with Google's Pixel Watch. Overall, Fitbits are less powerful in smartwatch capabilities (limited apps, slower processors) compared to Apple or Samsung watches. They are more about fitness than productivity. Also, while not required, the Fitbit Premium subscription (about $10/month) is needed for advanced insights like Daily Readiness Score or detailed wellness reports. It's something to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of it.

Product Page: Fitbit – Google Store – See Fitbit's lineup of trackers and smartwatches.

Oura Ring – Sleek Ring for Sleep & Recovery

What It Is: The Oura Ring is a smart ring that packs sensors into a finger-worn ring instead of a wrist device. It primarily tracks sleep, recovery, activity, and now even menstrual cycle insights. The ring syncs to an app to show your metrics, including a Readiness score each morning that summarizes your overall recovery. Oura has gained popularity, especially after being used in some research and by pro athletes, for its accuracy in sleep and HRV measurements.

Why You Might Want It: Oura is all about 24/7 wearability and subtlety. If you dislike wearing a watch or band, a ring is a great alternative – it's lightweight and you might forget you have it on. Despite its small size, Oura provides rich data on your sleep quality, including detailed sleep stages, timing, and an overall Sleep Score. It also monitors your resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature trends, and even blood oxygen at night, to gauge how recovered you are each day [en.wikipedia.org]. The battery lasts about 4–7 days. Many people choose Oura specifically for improving sleep habits and overall health awareness; it can gently nudge you when it detects you might be run-down or suggest earlier bedtime if needed. It's also pretty stylish as jewelry goes – available in silver, black, gold finishes – so it doesn't obviously look like a gadget. If sleep tracking and recovery optimization are top priority and you prefer not to wear a bulky device, Oura Ring stands out.

Considerations: Because it's a ring, there's no display – similar to Whoop, all feedback is in the app. It will track activities and steps, but it doesn't have GPS or workout modes like a watch (though it can auto-detect some activities). Oura also now uses a subscription model for advanced insights (after purchasing the ring, there's a monthly plan for full access to features, roughly $6/month). Without subscription you get limited data. Also, note that if you do strength training or non-step based workouts, Oura might not capture those efforts as well as something with heart-rate-on-display (though you can manually log activities).

Product Page: Oura Ring – Official Site – Check out the Oura Ring models and features.

Google Pixel Watch – Smarts and Fitness Combined for Android

What It Is: The Google Pixel Watch is Google's flagship smartwatch, combining Google's Wear OS platform with Fitbit health tracking. The watch has a sleek round design and comes loaded with Google apps (Maps, Assistant, Wallet, etc.) along with Fitbit's fitness features. The latest version (Pixel Watch 2, as of 2024) improves sensors and battery, and a new Pixel Watch 3 is expected later with more advancements.

Why You Might Want It: If you're an Android user – especially with a Pixel phone – the Pixel Watch offers the best of Google's ecosystem plus Fitbit. You get turn-by-turn navigation on your wrist via Google Maps, voice help from Google Assistant, contactless payments, and a growing third-party app selection from the Play Store. On the fitness side, it leverages Fitbit's well-regarded tracking for exercise, heart rate, and sleep [blog.google]. Essentially, it's like having a mini Android device on your arm that's also a Fitbit. The integration means your Pixel Watch can show your daily Active Zone Minutes, send high/low heart rate alerts, and give you a Daily Readiness Score (with Fitbit Premium). It's a strong choice if you want a stylish smartwatch that balances productivity and basic health tracking. The Pixel Watch also has a beautiful OLED display and a relatively compact size that looks good for everyday wear.

Considerations: The Pixel Watch's battery life is about a day (slightly more on the second-gen Watch 2, but expect nightly charging). It's also only officially compatible with Android phones – iPhone users can't use Pixel Watch. While Fitbit features are there, serious athletes might find the data a bit shallow compared to Garmin (e.g., no native recovery advisories beyond Fitbit's scores). Additionally, some users subscribe to Fitbit Premium to unlock the full range of insights on a Pixel Watch. Overall, it's a terrific do-it-all smartwatch for Android folks, but make sure you're okay with daily charging and the relatively high price point for the full experience.

Product Page: Google Pixel Watch – Official Store – Learn about the latest Pixel Watch and its features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch – A Feature-Packed Watch for Android Users

What It Is: Samsung's Galaxy Watch series is another top contender in the smartwatch space, especially for Android and Samsung phone owners. Running Wear OS (with Samsung's One UI skin), the Galaxy Watches come in models like the Galaxy Watch6, Watch6 Classic, and the new Watch Ultra, covering a range from fitness-focused to luxury designs. They offer a comprehensive set of health features and smartphone functions.

Why You Might Want It: The Galaxy Watch is often considered the Android equivalent to the Apple Watch in terms of capabilities. If you use a Samsung Galaxy phone, the watch ties in extremely well (e.g., Samsung Health for fitness data, Samsung Pay, etc.), but it's also compatible with most Android phones. You'll get strong fitness tracking (continuous heart rate, GPS for workouts, automatic activity detection, sleep analysis) and unique extras like blood pressure monitoring and body composition scanning on certain recent models. Galaxy Watches also have vibrant AMOLED displays and on the Classic models a rotating bezel for navigation, which many users love. They support a wide app ecosystem (being on Google's Wear OS) including Google apps and Spotify, etc. In short, if you want a smartwatch that can handle texts, calls, music, payments, and log your run or gym session accurately, Samsung's watches deliver a great balance.

Considerations: Like other full-fledged smartwatches, battery life is the main trade-off – expect 1–2 days on a charge for the latest Galaxy Watch models. They tend to be a bit large (especially the Classic/Ultra) – something to consider if you have smaller wrists. Also, while they work with any modern Android phone, some advanced features (ECG, blood pressure) are unlocked only when paired with Samsung phones due to how the Samsung Health Monitor app works. If you have a non-Samsung Android, you might miss out on those particular features. That aside, there's a lot of value here, and often Samsung undercuts Apple on price or offers sales. It's an excellent all-rounder for Android users who want both smart features and solid health tracking.

Product Page: Samsung Galaxy Watches – Official Site – Browse Samsung's smartwatch lineup and specs.

Other Wearable Considerations

The above devices are the major players, but there are indeed other wearables you might come across, especially for specific niches or budget options:

• Polar: Polar offers fitness watches geared toward runners and cyclists, similar to Garmin but generally at lower price points. They are known for very accurate heart rate sensors (Polar originated the HR chest strap) and training load analysis. A Polar watch like the Grit X or Vantage can be a great training companion for endurance athletes.
• Amazfit (Zepp): Amazfit produces affordable smartwatches and bands that often pack surprising features for the price – like AMOLED screens and long battery. Models like the Amazfit Band or GTR/GTS watches won't have the polish of an Apple or Garmin, but they cover the basics and then some, at a fraction of the cost. Great for casual users or those on a budget.
• Coros, Suunto, etc.: Brands like Coros have made a name with ultra-long battery GPS watches (popular with ultramarathon runners), and Suunto (a Finnish company) also offers durable sports watches and dive computers. These are more niche but worth a look if they match your sport.
• Upcoming "Smart Rings" and Others: The wearable market is always evolving. There's talk of more smart rings (like Samsung previewing a Galaxy Ring) and even smart earbuds that double as fitness trackers. For now, rings like Oura are the main ones, but this space could grow.

In general, if none of the big names perfectly fit your needs, one of these alternative brands might. Just keep an eye on reviews for reliability and app quality.

How Cora Enhances Your Wearable Experience

By now you hopefully have a sense of which wearable suits you. Whichever device you choose, Cora is here to help you get the most out of it. Cora is an app designed to leverage your wearable's data – heart rate, workouts, sleep, and more – and turn it into actionable coaching, specifically centered around heart-rate training (especially the renowned Zone 2 training).

Think of it this way: your wearable will collect data about your body; Cora will translate that data into a personalized fitness plan. For example, Cora can sync with your wearable's heart rate readings and tell you when you're truly in your aerobic "Zone 2" during workouts – the sweet spot for building endurance. It can analyze your nightly sleep or recovery scores (from devices like Whoop, Oura, Fitbit) and adjust your workout recommendations – pushing you on days you're well-rested and advising recovery when your body is fatigued.

Essentially, Cora acts as an AI fitness coach that uses your wearable's metrics to give you daily workout guidance, track your progress, and keep you accountable. The beauty is that Cora is device-agnostic – whether you have an Apple Watch, a Garmin, or a simple Fitbit, the platform focuses on the core data to guide you. You'll get insights like "Hey, your resting heart rate was higher this morning, let's take it easy" or "Your last run was a bit too intense to stay in Zone 2 – here's a recommended pace." This kind of feedback can dramatically improve your training effectiveness and enjoyment.

Next Steps

Once you've picked out a wearable and have it up and running, be sure to connect it with the Cora app (typically by allowing data access from Apple Health, Google Fit, or the device's app). Then explore Cora's features – you'll find tailored Zone 2 cardio workouts, progress charts, and tips that align with your data. It's like upgrading your wearable from a passive tracker to an active coach.

In summary, choosing your first wearable is an exciting step toward better health. Whether you go for the do-it-all Apple Watch, a hardcore Garmin, a minimalist Whoop or Oura Ring, or any other device – you'll be unlocking a new level of insight into your fitness. And remember, it's not the device alone that gets you fit, but how you use it. With the right wearable and the supportive coaching from Cora, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, fitter you. Happy tracking!