Are you looking for an Android smartwatch but not sure what to get? Android wear continues to evolve and looks nothing like the original versions introduced a few years ago. For starters, there’s a lot more choice because most handset manufacturers are designing branded android wear and stepping up to the power of the google-centric Android software.
So how do you choose the best smartwatch? With so many of them available it can be like finding a needle in a haystack choosing the perfect smartwatch. How do you get the maximum benefits when there are many similarities across brands? The list below answers your questions and highlights the best android smart watches currently available in 2016. Enjoy!
#1. Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Generation)
The first generation Moto 360 remained at the top spot for android smartwatches for a while but with Motorola’s second-generation released it’s looking like we can enjoy some added improvements to what was already a successful line of wrist tech.
The second-generation sports a Snapdragon 400 processor, longer battery life (up to 2 days) and has a choice of 2 sizes for a more personal fit especially if you have awkwardly small wrists as I do.
Extra customization can be done through Moto Maker which lets you select different bezels, styles, bands and faces. The faster processor ensures the Moto 360 keeps up with the growing list of demanding apps and interchangeable straps means that you can style it to match with your outfits.
Features
42mm model:
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.37-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 325 resolution, 233ppi
- 512MB RAM
- Heart rate sensor
- 4GB of built-in storage
- 300mAh battery (1.5 days)
- Dimensions 42.0 x 42.0 x 11.4mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
46mm model:
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.56-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 330 resolution, 263ppi
- 512MB RAM
- Heart rate sensor
- 4GB of on-board storage
- 400mAh battery (2 Days)
- Dimensions 46.0 x 46.0 x 11.4mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
Pros
- Updated premium design
- I like the interchangeable straps.
- Choice of two sizes available.
- Brilliant wireless charging.
Cons
- The microphone occasionally struggles to pick up the ‘OK Google’ command.
- Customization is expensive.
Where Can You Buy The Moto 360 (2nd Gen)?
The Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) begins at less than $299 but bear in mind that the price goes up as you start adding customization. If you want to enjoy low prices then check out the cheapest models below.
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com 
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk
#2. Moto 360 Sport
This is the sports variant of the Moto 360 and is well suited for anybody that wants a watch that can withstand the outdoor elements and take a few knocks. Internally it has the same specs as the Moto 360 but has the added GPS tracking function perfect for runners, although the battery won’t last as long if the GPS is constantly left on.
It also features a hybrid display that reduces screen glare when outside. The 360 Sport is also water and dust resistant rated at IP67
Overall, the Moto 360 Sport is a great choice if you’re after a watch to monitor fitness. It has added benefit of navigating rough terrain due to its robust external exterior.
Moto 360 Sport works with popular fitness apps like MapMyRun, Under Armour Record and Strava. It’s capable of tracking your workouts and syncing directly with these fitness apps.
Features
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.37-inch AnyLight Hybrid Display with 360 x 325 resolution, 263ppi
- 512MB RAM
- 4GB of built-in storage
- Heart rate sensor
300mAh battery (1.5 Days)- Dimensions 45 x 45 x 11.5mm, 54g
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
PROS
- GPS tracking
- The hybrid display is brilliant at reducing screen glare.
- Reliable performance
- Lightweight and slim design
- Fast wireless charging
CONS
- Battery life suffers when GPS is turned on
- Watch straps can’t be changed
Where Can You Buy The Moto 360 Sport?
If you want to enjoy low prices then check out the cheapest models below.
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk
#3. Huawei Watch
The Huawei watch is the first Android smartwatch with a Sapphire Crystal screen. It’s styled to look a lot more like a traditional watch, you have to look at it closely before you can distinguish that it is android wear.
This is its stand out feature and certainly puts it above most of the other rival Android smartwatches. The Huawei watch looks beautiful but does its other features live up to the fierce competition?
The watch has interchangeable leather and steel straps and long battery life. The AMOLED screen is impressive and provides a high definition display that will keep you constantly glancing at it even when you don’t need to!
Don’t be fooled by its classic design which includes fitness tracking and a heart rate sensor under its bonnet. If you’re after something a bit different with a premium build then there’s no point looking any further.
The Huawei watch integrates seamlessly with your regular apps like Viber and WhatsApp. You can even browse and control your Amazon Prime Music library. When driving you will get traffic updates sent straight to your wrist. Impressive!
Features
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.4-inch AMOLED display with 400 x 400 resolution, 286ppi
- 512MB RAM
- 4GB of built-in storage
- 300mAh battery
- Dimensions 42.0 x 42.0 x 11.3mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
PROS
- Premium classic design
- Interchangeable watch straps
- Groundbreaking watch display
- Long battery life
- Lots of custom watch faces
CONS
- No ambient light sensor
- Can be awkward to charge
Where Can You Buy The Huawei Watch?
If you want to enjoy low prices then check out the cheapest models below.
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk
#4. LG Watch Urbane
The LG Watch Urbane is a premium android watch that features a circular 1.3-inch P-OLED screen encased in a stainless steel body. For a 1st generation watch it ticks all the boxes and includes a high definition display, Snapdragon 400 processor and comes with the latest android version of android which is a vast improvement over the previous version.
It uses WiFi connectivity to get notifications from your phone when out of Bluetooth range. The battery lasts a FULL 2 days with all its functions turned on.
You’ll be able to get the LG Watch Urbane for less than $250 which is a great price for a premium android wear watch. LG has also gone a step further by designing a luxury 23-carat gold version named LG Watch Urbane Luxe.
So if you have deep pockets and want that extra bit of glam you can splash out on this version which will cost you around $1200.
Features
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.3-inch P-OLED display with 320 x 320 resolution, 245ppi
- 512MB RAM
- 4GB built-in storage
- 410mAh battery
- Dimensions 45.5 x 52.2 x 10.9mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
PROS
- Stylish design and reliable performance
- Impressive OLED screen
- Strong battery life
- Feels comfortable throughout the day
CONS
- Stainless steel body susceptible to scratches over time
If you want to enjoy low prices then check out the cheapest models below.
Where Can You Buy The LG Watch Urbane?
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk
#5. ASUS ZenWatch 2
Last year I reviewed the original Zen watch which already contained some awesome features under its hood. This time around Asus has decided to take a different approach with the 2nd generation ZenWatch 2 by pricing it very competitively whilst retaining its premium materials and impressive specs. Job well done Asus!!
Asus has gone against the grain and kept the square screen design from the original watch. Its not to everyone’s taste but then again what shape is the apple watch display?
The Asus ZenWatch 2 has an attractively slim profile and comes in 2 sizes i.e. a 1.63-inch model and a 1.45-inch model (my awkwardly small wrists have plenty of choice from this list).
The battery lasts around a day and a half but can stretch to nearly three days with little use. The watch has a handy ‘lost my phone’ feature which will call your phone and find it for you. You can also play music directly from the watch onto a Bluetooth speaker.
Features
WI501Q (22mm) version:
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.63-inch AMOLED display with 320 x 320 resolution, 278ppi
- 512MB RAM
- 4GB built-in storage
- 400mAh battery
- Dimensions 49.6 x 40.7 x 10.9mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
WI502Q (18mm) version:
- 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.45-inch AMOLED display with 280 x 280 resolution, 273ppi
- 512MB RAM
- 4GB built-in storage
- 300mAh battery
- Dimensions 45.2 x 37.2 x 11.8mm
- IP67 dust and water-resistant
PROS
- Better positioning of the power button
- Strong battery life
- Fast charging
- Choice of sizes
- Attractive low pricing
CONS
- large bezels
Where Can You Buy the ASUS ZenWatch 2?
If you want to enjoy low prices then check out the cheapest models below.
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk
That sums up our list of the best 5 Android Wear devices currently available for 2016. A condensed summary of the best technology which makes it a lot easier to find the best smartwatch for Android.
Are you considering buying a smartwatch or already own one? Is there a watch you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments sections below. Thanks.
Awesome list! I love how they are starting to look more like traditional watches now. I am addicted to watches and have been wanting to get a smart watch for awhile, but never liked the blocky style. I must have 200 or 300 watches without a smart watch in the mix.
I love the Huawei watch and the LG Watch Urbane. They both are very sleek looking and fair prices, in my opinion. I think they both would be wonderful additions to my watch collections. Plus the functionality on them is awesome. I’m honestly surprised by the price. I was expecting them to be much more.
Wow! 200 or 300 watches! Thats plenty but there’s always room for more 😀 The good thing is you can buy both the Huawei watch and the LG Watch Urbane (using the above links) and enjoy the lower prices on amazon.
Let me know which watch you prefer once you’ve used them both? I’m putting my money on the Huawei…
Jay
I had been on the fence on what kind of smart watch I should get for my nephew’s birthday. Your top 5 list has exactly the ones I was pondering. I thought he would like the Moto 360, but I thing he will appreciate the Moto 360 sport version instead.
Thanks’ for keeping it simple!
Ben
Hi Ben, how old is your nephew? If he does a lot of outdoor pursuits then maybe the Moto 360 Sport is the best choice. Don’t forget you also need to choose a colour- black, white or orange.
Thanks for reading Jay
Hey Jay,
Dang. Great post. Your top 5 is incredible.
The second gen Moto 360 looks sick! I really loved the first one, so this one must be even better.
Maybe it’s time for an upgrade, eh? 😀
The others look pretty cool, too.
Especially the Huawei. I like the more-stylish look.
Hmm?
Tough decision.
Hey Julian, it’s a cool list. Android wear watches have really stepped up in such a short time. Apple watch better watch out 😀 It’s a really good time for Android users.
My personal fav is the Huawai watch with its sapphire crystal screen. It’s a first & its impressive. Let me know what you end up going for.
Jay