Differences Between Smartwatch Vs Sports Watch Vs Activity Tracker

The differences between sports and running watches, activity trackers and smartwatches are often hard to explain. What is the most important difference? And what is the best choice for you? In this article, we'll take a closer look and explain it to you as clearly as possible.

Why an interactive watch instead of a regular watch?

An interactive watch is actually, apart from showing the date and time, no longer comparable to a regular watch.

A standard watch you probably only wear because of the chic appearance and of course to see what time it is.

Nowadays, there are a lot of interactive watches on the market that allow you to do a lot more than just check the time.

Often, these watches have a different kind of screen that is very similar to a very small smartphone, but there are also more and more variants of these interactive watches that still look like the old-fashioned watch.

When you have decided to buy a watch that can do more than the standard watch of the past, you find yourself in a market that is very diverse and especially confusing.

What can an interactive watch do and what are the differences?

We will discuss the most important differences one by one.

What are the main differences between these three types?

We've listed the most common differences between sports watches, smartwatches and activity trackers for you.

What is the purpose of the watch?

First of all, it is of course important to clarify the purpose of these different tools. Nowadays, there are so many different products for sale that there will always be exceptions and overlaps, but pay attention to what the purpose of the product is and what your main desire is.

Smartwatch

The purpose of a smartwatch is to (temporarily) replace your smartphone.

It's a small computer that you can use as your smartphone without having to reach for your phone. It is actually an extension of your phone, only on a smaller scale. This way you always stay up to date with the notifications that appear on your phone. In some smartwatches you can also place a sim card, this way you can even make calls through the watch.

Sports or running watches

The purpose of a sports or running watch is obviously to measure and record your workouts, so you can analyse the data later and improve your workouts.

When you want to train for a certain goal, like for example a (half) marathon, then a sports watch can help you with this in a good way. The most well-known sport and running watches are from Polar, Garmin and TomTom.

The difference between a sports watch and a running watch is the fact that running watches are specifically designed for runners. Sport watches often contain several options to also be able to properly measure and register other types of training.

 Activity trackers

The purpose of an activity tracker is to improve a healthy and active lifestyle. Throughout the day, this small device measures how fit you are and how active you have been. Even the quality of your sleep is often measured.
 

Appearance and comfort

Smartwatches 

Smartwatches basically serve the most similar purpose to a normal watch. In terms of appearance, they most closely resemble standard watches.

The smartwatch can be used during the day to see the time, but also to see if you have received a notification on your phone and perhaps answer it immediately.

The smartwatch is primarily not made for sportspeople and therefore looks good, so that you can easily wear it to the office, for example.

Sport watches

A sports watch is obviously developed for athletes. Therefore, sports watches are often made of a kind of rubbery material that is comfortable when you're working out and can take a beating and a good sweat session. Sport watches often have a sporty design.

Activity trackers 

Activity trackers are basically the least like a regular watch. They are often narrow straps that have to be comfortable and, above all, not too conspicuous.

In fact, it is good to keep an activity tracker on throughout the day, so that you can look at all your steps afterwards and challenge yourself to set a specific (step) goal.

Since activity trackers, just like smartwatches, are often worn for long periods of time, there are also manufacturers who offer various options when it comes to their appearance.

Fitbit, for example, even offers metal bracelets and necklaces for some activity trackers. It will then not be noticeable that you are actually wearing an activity tracker.

Accuracy

Smartwatches

You can sometimes use a smartwatch as a sports watch, but this will not work as well as when you use a real sports watch.

There are possibilities to install certain apps on your smartwatch, so you can also use the watch as a sport watch. Unfortunately, this generally does not work as accurately and easily as a real sports watch.

Sport watches

Sport watches have a built-in GPS sensor, allowing them to accurately measure your training.

After your workout, you can see the distance and route you ran. In addition, some sports watches have a built-in heart rate sensor or you can connect a separate chest strap to the watch.

During your workout, you can see which heart rate zone your heart is in and adjust your training accordingly. This is a great way to stick with it longer and challenge yourself a little more.

Activity trackers

You can sometimes use an activity tracker while you work out, but it's not as accurate as a real sports watch.

Activity trackers usually do not have a function to connect a separate chest strap and are mainly focused on measuring steps, the number of steps climbed and the quality of your sleep. Sport watches often offer these functions as well, but since that's basically not their purpose, they will be able to measure it less accurately.

Ease of use

Since these different watch types all serve a different purpose, they also work differently in use. A smartwatch, for example, often has a touchscreen. What during a training, and when you start sweating heavily, is less pleasant than a special sports watch with physical buttons.

Sport watches are so made that you can easily use them during your workout. For example, there are special buttons to immediately begin a workout and the design of a sports watch so that it can take a beating.

Activity trackers do not always have a display and are therefore less easy to use during an intensive workout.

Battery

Because of the extensive functions and extras, the battery of a smartwatch often lasts much shorter than the battery of a sports watch or activity tracker. An activity tracker has the best battery because it offers few extra options. The battery of most sports watches doesn't last very long either, and discharges quickly when the GPS signal is switched on.

Notifications

Nowadays, these watches are increasingly similar and you can often also receive notifications on all three different types.

Since smartwatches are specially developed for this, they are also the most pleasant to use in connection with notifications. Often you can respond directly and view a message in its entirety. Sport watches also often show notifications, but you can't view or respond to them in full.

Activity trackers often have such small screens, or no display at all, that viewing a notification is very unpleasant.

Price

Smartwatches often look luxurious and offer a lot of functions. The prices of smartwatches are therefore on the high side. Activity trackers, on the other hand, are often priced a lot lower.

The possibilities are therefore limited, but these tools are mainly intended to help improve a healthy lifestyle. Sport watches are often, depending on the possible options, between the price of a smartwatch and an activity tracker.

Why choose a sports or running watch?

When you're looking for a watch that you mainly want to use during sports and running, then it's best to choose a sports watch.

Thanks to the GPS signal, you'll get accurate data about the speed and distance you've covered during and after your workout. You can leave your smartphone at home. Often you can also monitor your heart rate and the watch is easy to operate during exercise.

This in contrast to a beautiful touchscreen on a smartwatch. Many sports watches also have a multi-sport option, so you don't always have to set up a workout manually. In short, for the most accurate and pleasant tool during and after exercise, the sports watch is the best choice.

Do you also want to improve your fitness and get more insight into your workouts with a sports watch?

Why choose an activity tracker?

When you mainly want to know more about your physical activities and condition, an activity tracker is a fine option. This tool can keep an eye on you 24/7 and give you insight in how active you have been.

An activity tracker often has no or no clear screen. If, for example, you find it important to be able to read/answer notifications, the activity tracker is not the best choice for you.

Because of the (often waterproof) design, you can always keep the activity tracker around, so you can measure as much data as possible. Data is even measured during your sleep.

In addition, the price of this watch is a lot lower than that of a smartwatch or sports watch. So if you do not need all kinds of extras and you mainly want to keep an eye on your health, an activity tracker is an ideal choice.

Want to improve your health with an activity tracker? Check out the best activity trackers.

Why choose a smartwatch?

If you are mainly looking for a watch that keeps you informed of the notifications on your smartphone, a smartwatch is the best choice.

You can not only see the notifications, but also answer or reject calls, keep an eye on your calendar and respond to social media. Moreover, a smartwatch often looks chic and has a nice touchscreen.

Of course, you pay a higher price for this and you have to charge your smartwatch more often. In short, if you like to leave your smartphone behind more often and still want to stay informed in an easy way, a smartwatch is the best choice for you.

Do you want to be connected with your friends & family, get more insight in your health and shine with a nice watch? Check out the best smartwatches for you

Conclusion

As you have read, there are a lot of differences between the three watches mentioned. Because of the many different versions and innovations, these devices look more and more alike.

If you are planning to buy one of these watches, it is good to first look at what you would like to do with the watch.

Choose the product with the purpose that you find most important, such as a smartwatch for answering calls and messages or a sports watch for training. Then you can look at additional options your chosen item can offer.