Looking for a Smartwatch that Doesn’t Need a Subscription… Any Suggestions?

I’ve been using a Fitbit for a few years, but since it broke, I’m looking for a new brand that doesn’t require a monthly or yearly subscription. Here’s what I’m hoping to find in the new watch:

  • Small size, ideally a band style. I still want it to have a screen to read messages.

  • Smart wake-up feature: This has been a huge help for me, so it’s my top priority for the new watch.

  • At least basic activity trackers like heart rate, steps, sleep, etc.

  • Should work with iPhone (I have the iPhone 12 mini, if that matters)

Thanks so much for your recommendations!

The smart wake-up feature is rare because it doesn’t work for most people. Plus, you’re unlikely to be in deep sleep in the morning anyway.

When you say small size, are you referring to wrist size or just the overall thickness of the watch? Almost all smartwatches are pretty thick.

If you go to my profile and check my posts from January 2024, you’ll find two lists I made of thin smartwatches and ones that fit small wrists. Sadly, very few are on both lists.

@Lin
I mean the width of the band and the watch. The Fitbit Charge 5 was just right — big enough to read messages but small enough not to be a hassle.

I’ve heard that smart wake-up isn’t reliable. Not sure if it’s actually working for me or if it’s just in my head. But even if it only works sometimes, I’m okay with that. A placebo effect is still better than nothing at all!

I’d recommend this one, it looks like it would fit your needs perfectly.

Orion said:
I’d recommend this one, it looks like it would fit your needs perfectly.

Amazon Price History:

Garmin vivofit jr. 3, Fitness Tracker for Kids, Includes Interactive App Experience, Swim-Friendly, Up to 1-Year Battery Life, Lilac Floral

  • Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4 (1,038 ratings)

  • Current price: $69.99 :+1:

  • Lowest price: $69.99

  • Highest price: $89.99

  • Average price: $79.31

Month Low High Chart
12-2024 $69.99 $69.99 ███████████
11-2024 $69.99 $69.99 ███████████
09-2024 $69.99 $89.99 ██████████████
07-2024 $89.99 $89.99 ██████████████
05-2024 $69.99 $69.99 ███████████
04-2024 $69.99 $89.99 ██████████████
03-2024 $69.99 $89.99 ██████████████
02-2024 $69.99 $89.99 ██████████████
12-2023 $89.99 $89.99 ██████████████
11-2023 $69.99 $69.99 ███████████
07-2023 $89.99 $89.99 ██████████████

Source: GOSH Price Tracker

Orion said:
I’d recommend this one, it looks like it would fit your needs perfectly.

This is an excellent option.

Orion said:
I’d recommend this one, it looks like it would fit your needs perfectly.

Do you know which Garmin watches have the smart wake feature? Or do they offer different types of bands for the vivofit jr.? Maybe something more adult-like?

An Apple Watch would cover all of this.

Avery said:
An Apple Watch would cover all of this.

What’s the smart wake feature called on Apple watches? I can’t find anything by ‘smart wake’ or ‘smart alarm’.