Everything in technology is turning into intelligent gadgets, and wearable tech gadgets are some of the most popular. These smarter technologies can do anything from telling time to alerting you of potential injury, and they’re hot commodities in the tech world.
However, that doesn’t mean that they are all good quality. Even though there are hundreds of wearable devices on the market, many of them are inaccurate and not worth the price. If you’re in the market for a nifty gadget that will be worth your money and deliver results, consider these top wearable tech gadgets.
1. Apple Watch
An Apple Store employee wears an Apple Watch at an Apple Store. (Stephen Lam/Getty)
Apple fans have been waiting with baited breath, and finally the Apple Smart Watch is here. It came out in online stores in April, and is set to hit stores in America and parts of the United Kingdom in early June. It’s also supposed to be available in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and Taiwan, starting June 26. The extremely attractive product is basically an iPhone on your wrist.
Pros:
- Compatible with iPhone 5 and up
- Comes in a variety of designs and flavors, including an interchangeable band
- Lightweight and extremely easy to use
- High quality apps, including messages, mail, games, and most others compatible for iPhones
- Makes and answers calls
- Fitness tracking, including steps, calories burned, and heart rate
Cons:
- Exorbitant cost that runs from $349 at the basic model and $17,000 for the solid gold
- Can’t add new contacts
- No edit functions for text messages
- Doesn’t track sleep
- Not GPS enabled for fitness
- iPhone must be nearby for it to work fully
- Not compatible with other smartphones
Pre-order the Apple Watch or read customer reviews here.
2. Fitbit Surge
U.S. President Barack Obama wears a Fitbit Surge. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty)
As far as simplicity, looks, and accuracy go, you can’t beat the Fitbit brand. Within the last year, the company has released their latest model, the Fitbit Surge, complete with comprehensive fitness tracking, GPS tracker, caller ID, and music control all on one device.
Pros:
- Stylish look with a variety of band colors
- Easy-to-use LCD display to monitor progress
- Tracks steps, sleep, stairs, calories burned, heart rate, and more, and is one of the most reliable fitness trackers on the market
- Customizable and allows you to track up to seven activities
- Connects to your smartphone for Caller ID and other functions
- Added GPS chipset
- Supports Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices
Cons:
- Stiff band that’s clunkier than traditional Fitbit styles
- Non-universal charger
- One of the more pricey gadgets at $249 each
- Decent battery life, but if monitoring multiple activities, it won’t last longer than five hours
- No social media connection
Order the Fitbit Surge or read customer reviews here.
3. Skully AR-1
Skully AR-1 helmet. (Skully.com)
Smart watches aren’t the only type of coveted wearable technology to emerge over the last year. There is also a brand new motorcycle helmet on the market that acts like the technology you see in Iron Man. Skully’s AR1 motocycle helmet takes the best features of Google Glass and puts them into a helmet that’s equipped with heads-up display, rearview camera, and GPS navigation. You also have voice control for your music and phone. This product is meant to be released in July or August, but is available for pre-order now.
Pros:
- Hands free tech capabilities while in transit
- Easier navigation with 180 degree rearview camera and GPS
- Connects to smartphones
- Extremely stylish
- Easy-to-focus screen that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards
- Sun shaded screen at the press of a button
Cons:
- Hefty cost at $1500 a pop
- Heavier than a normal helmet
- Not customizable
- Still in testing phase, so there are a lot of kinks to work out
4. Pebble Steel
Pebble Steel smart watch.
Image source: Getpebble.com
This version of the Pebble line smart watches was released in January and features both an impressive cosmetic and tech upgrade from the original 2013 model. The Pebble Steel features a large display and a stylish design.
Pros:
- Compatible with both iPhones and Android phones
- Large, easy-to read LCD screen
- Waterproof and shower/swim friendly
- Offers fitness tracking including step counting
- A wide variety of apps available
- Handles basic notifications with ease
- Better time-telling capabilities than most
Cons:
- Old-age tech that doesn’t quite match the competition
- Very limited storage with only eight slots for running apps
- No heart-rate monitor or other advanced fitness tracking
- Pricey for the quality, at $199
- No touchscreen, microphone, or speakers
- Poor battery life
Order the Pebble Steel or read customer reviews here.
5. Samsung Gear VR
Samsung Gear VR
Virtual reality is here with the new Samsung Gear VR, which hooks to your smartphone and allows you to entire a world of mobile simulation. This goggle-like headset allows you to attach your smartphone and enjoy movies, music, stunning scenery, games, and more from wherever you are. It’s only compatible with the Samsung Note 4, but there’s a VR Innovator Edition that works with the Galaxy S6.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable for virtual reality at $199-$270 depending on the model
- Excellent sense of immersion into a virtual world
- Free apps
- Kit comes with headset, 16 GB memory card, and a zippered carrying case
- Impressive step forward for the virtual reality industry
Cons:
- Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone
- Apps are limited and lacking, consisting mainly of demi videos and mini games
- Video resolution is grainy compared to traditional screens
- Clunky, unattractive design
Order the Gear VR for Galaxy Note 4 or read customer reviews here.
Order the Gear VR Innovator for Galaxy S6 or read customer reviews here.
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Top 5 Best Wearable Tech Gadgets Available Right Now