The pins inside the locking mechanism prevented the wooden bolt securing the door from being moved. If the correct key was used, it would push the pins up allowing the bolt to be unlocked.

Sound familiar? That’s because locks have changed relatively little over the many years they’ve been in use. Of course, they’ve been upgraded and diversified and we don’t use wood anymore, but the basic idea is the same.

Until now that it is. Smart technology is being introduced into practically every device we use. In the home of the future, every device is connected to the Internet and to every other device in the home through a network known as the Internet of Things or IoT. From thermostats to refrigerators to light bulbs, that technology is already being integrated into our lives.

Locks are not exempted from this trend. They’re currently undergoing one of the few major changes in their history – going from purely mechanical to electronic and gaining the ability to connect to the Internet. Locks with this new technology can do a lot more than non-connected locks can and offer homeowners capabilities and conveniences that traditional locks never could. They also come with potential security risks that have some people worried.

Smart locks are still developing and are gradually becoming more common. They can include a variety of different features, but there are a few characteristics that apply across the board and help define them as smart locks.

Smart locks, while they come in many different forms, are electronic locking mechanisms that are often connected to the Internet in the style of IoT.

Different smart locks are opened in different ways. Some work with a smartphone and connect to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both. With a Bluetooth lock, you can walk up to your door with your smartphone, and it will recognize your device and let you in. With Wi-Fi connected devices, you can unlock your door remotely from your phone.

Other smart locks use radio frequency identification, also known as RFID. A RFID device requires you to carry a key fob. Your lock detects the key fob when you get close and automatically unlocks. Locks that use RFID may or may not be smart – as in connected to the Internet.

Other smart locks use biometrics to identify the homeowner and open the door for them. Biometrics is the identification of characteristics that are specific to a particular person. Fingerprint scanning is probably the most common form. Another type is voice recognition.

Keypads, which use a pin code, are a technology used in older electronic locks. Some smart locks, however, use it too – sometimes as a backup entry method for a situation in which power or Internet connection is lost. One advantage of using a keypad is that you can create codes for trusted family members, friends, and neighbors or entry codes that expire after one use.

Although most of the attention has been given to front door locks, smaller padlock versions exist as well. Manufacturers are also producing variations for apartment dwellers, bicycle riders and more. This article will focus mostly on front door security systems.

Different smart locks come with different features. Here’s a run-down of some of the common ones.

1. Mobile and Web Apps

Many smart locks come with their own dedicated app that you can use to lock and unlock the door, view information about who’s opened and closed it and find installation instructions. Others don’t come with a dedicated app and require hooking the lock up with a separate home automation system to use it remotely.

2. Auto-Lock

The auto-lock feature automatically engages the lock after the door is closed for a certain amount of time. The time varies by the lock, and some even allow you to choose how long it takes for your door to auto-lock.

3. Geofencing

With the geofencing feature, you won’t have to worry about whether you locked up after your left. To use geofencing, you set up a perimeter around your home. When your smartphone leaves that perimeter, your door will automatically lock. Some locks can also open when you enter the perimeter.

4. Security Alarms

Some smart locks feature security alarms that go off if someone attempts to tamper with the lock or if it detects an unusual amount of force being exerted on the door.

5. Text, Email, or Push Notifications

You can receive text, email or push notifications from some smart locks that alert you when someone locks or unlocks your door.

6. Integration

Many smart locks are designed to be integrated with home automation systems and devices such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Nest products. Some also work with If This Then That (IFTTT), a web-based service and app that allows users to create chains of conditional statements, enabling them to automate the use of various technologies. You can also purchase optional devices, such as security cameras, that your locks can connect with to add to their usefulness.

Best Smart Locks

Although the many different variations of smart locks can make it difficult to compare them, there are a few contenders that stand out from the crowd. Below is a list of some of the most popular and high-performing smart locks on the market.

1. Kwikset Kovo Smart Lock Second Gen

The Second Generation of the Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock is similar to its predecessor, one of the first smart locks on the market, but its all-metal interior makes it slightly more secure. All around, this lock provides both superior security and convenience.

You can use a variety of methods to unlock the Kwikset Kevo. You can either walk up with your Bluetooth enabled smartphone or a key fob and tap the lock or unlock through the Android or iOS app or with a physical key.

It’s also relatively easy to install, and the device’s companion app will walk you through the installation steps. You can also integrate it with various smart home systems. It comes in three attractive finishes – satin nickel, polished brass or Venetian bronze.

The Kwikset Kevo sells for $229.00. There’s also the option to purchase the Kevo Plus upgrade, a $100 in-app purchase that provides you with some extra capabilities.

2. August Smart Lock

The August Smart Lock is easy to install, allows you to track who comes in and out of your home and comes with plenty of high-tech features.

One of the major updates from the earlier version of this lock is increased integration capabilities.The August Smart Lock can be integrated with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Nest and IFTTT.

The lock connects to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and has a geofencing capability. It also has an auto-lock feature that engages after an amount of time determined by the user.

You can also control the lock using Siri voice commands, an exciting feature. It’s controllable remotely, but that requires an additional August device or an Apple TV.

The August Smart Lock sells for $229.99.

3. Lockitron Bolt

At $99.00, the Lockitron Bolt is one of the more affordable smart lock options. It connects to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so it unlocks when you get within Bluetooth range and you can provide others with guest access.

The lock is easy to install and the accompanying app is sleek and easy to use. It operates quietly, reliably records locking and unlocking activity and comes in either Modern Gold or Quicksilver.

Some of the features available on other devices, such as auto-lock, voice commands, and integration capabilities, are missing from this device but that’s to be expected for the price. If you want a simpler and more affordable smart lock, this may be the right choice for you.

4. Schlage Sense

The Schlage Sense provides a lot of convenience for Apple users, but may not be the best choice for Android fans. It connects to Bluetooth and can be opened via a smartphone app, the touchscreen on the lock or Siri voice commands. The keypad allows you to assign unique codes to people you want to give access to.

The app can be integrated with Apple HomeKit-enabled devices. You can also control it remotely but only if you have an Apple TV.

The lock is easy to install, and the simple app is convenient to use. MSRP is $229.00. For Apple users, this may be the ideal choice but if you don’t already use Apple devices, you may want to skip it.

5. Yale Real Living Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock

This smart lock, called the YRD 240 for short, is beautifully designed and allows you to ditch keys entirely. It is a little pricey, however, and may require some additional equipment to get full functionality.

The YRD 240 uses a touch screen keypad that allows you to set up multiple pin codes. Installation and setting up the codes is relatively easy thanks to voice-guided instructions.

There’s no dedicated app for this device, so you can’t unlock it remotely unless you pair it with a separate Z-Wave or ZigBee home automation controller. MSRP for the YRD 240 is $325.00, but you may be able to find it for cheaper. A home automation controller will cost you another $125 or so.

6. Schlage Century Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock

This lock gives you the option of using it with a touch-screen keypad or a physical key. There’s no dedicated app, but if you have a Z-Wave home automation network, you can control it remotely too.

The Century has a useful auto-lock feature and the ability to program up to 30 different codes. It also features quite a loud alarm system, but the lock itself is also fairly loud when it opens and closes.

The Schlage Century Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock will set you back about $199.00. It would cost considerably more, though, if you want to use it remotely and don’t already have a compatible home automation network.

7. Mul-T-Lock ENTR

If you like having a lot of options, this may be the lock for you. You can open the Mul-T-Lock ENTR with your smartphone, a key fob, a pin code or your fingerprint. There’s no option for using a physical key though.

The sleekly designed Mul-T-Lock ENTR also has an auto-lock feature and the ability to provide guests with access by using pins. The device can support up to 20 users. It also uses three-barrel multi-lock technology making it one of the sturdier smart locks.

At around $300, this choice is a bit on the expensive side but for some, opening your door with just your fingerprint may be worth it.

8. Kwikset Z-Wave SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt

This lock works with a pin code and lets you use your old house keys as a backup. If you have a Z-Wave or ZigBee home automation network, you can also operate it with a mobile device.
The Kwikset Z-Wave SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt is also relatively heavy-duty and has a built-in alarm. You can assign up to 30 access codes to the touchscreen keypad. It’s easy to install and looks nice with pretty much any home.

As a stand-alone keypad deadbolt, this device will cost you around $215.

9. Poly-Control Danalock V2 BT

The Poly-Control Danalock V2 BT is a small, round device that’s easy to install and can connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Z-Wave or ZigBee technology. The manufacturer was plagued by some malfunctions on older models but seems to have corrected them with this update.

It comes with its own app, which is easy to use and tracks all the comings and goings through the door. It can be integrated with Nest devices, you can use geofencing to enable the automatic unlock and set up guest access. It is missing a few of the fancy conveniences, though, like voice command capabilities. For $129.99, it’s not a bad buy at all.

10. Haven

Haven is much more heavy-duty than most smart locks and front-door locks in general for that matter. This lock isn’t a deadbolt. Instead, it acts as a barrier across the bottom of the doorframe, making forced entry extremely difficult. It’s also made of aluminum, steel and Nylon 66.

The lock connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to mobile devices, which allows you to access it remotely and enable guest access. You can also opt to use a key fob.

Haven, which raised funds on Kickstarter, isn’t available in stores yet. It’s expected to be ready to ship in June 2017, but you can preorder it for $299.00. MSRP will be $349.00.

11. Nuki Smart Lock

Made in Austria and launched on Kickstarter, the Nuki smart lock is designed specifically for European homeowners. If you have a fairly standard European door with a europrofile-cylinder that has around a three millimeter overlap on the inside, you can install the device easily within five minutes.

Nuki locks work with smartphones via Bluetooth. Your door will automatically lock and unlock as you enter and exit your home. All you have to do is keep your smartphone in your pocket. The company also offers a key FOB for those who don’t have a smartphone.

Among the features of this lock are the ability to see if your door is locked or unlocked at any time and let people in and out from anywhere via the smartphone. It’s also secure as it encrypts the information it sends to the same level that banks do. For the basic lock, you’ll pay 229,00 € or about $240 US dollars. Package deals and extras like the key FOB will cost you a bit more, but you’ll gain more functionality.

Sure, smart locks are impressive gadgets, but some critics say they’re not necessary and regular locks work well enough. So, what might make purchasing a smart lock worth it?

If you have a smart lock that doesn’t require a key fob, you eliminate the possibility of losing your keys. With some smart locks, all you need is a pin code or even your fingerprint. Even if it requires a smartphone, there’s probably less of a chance you’ll lose your phone than your keys.
Not having to use keys is also convenient. When you walk up to the door, you don’t have to search for anything. You can just type in your pin or walk right in as your door automatically unlocks.

The ability to grant trusted people access to your home at certain times can also be quite useful. For example, you could let your neighbor in to feed your dog if you’re away for the day without having to hand out a key.

With some smart locks, all you need is a pin code or even your fingerprint

Smart locks can also offer additional conveniences such as the ability to integrate with other smart devices and home automation networks.

Besides the notion that they’re unnecessary, another common argument against smart locks is the potential they have to be hacked. Having a lock that’s connected to the Internet creates a new vulnerability in your security system that someone with the right skills could potentially take advantage of.

To mitigate this security risk, smart lock manufacturers encrypt the locks’ communications. Various smart lock companies use 128-bit AES encryption, the same kind that’s used by banks and for secret-level classified government information.

Of course, the most skilled hackers can still occasionally hack the networks of banks and the government, which means they could also hack into your home. That’s only hackers who are extremely skillful though. Someone with that level of ability would likely go for a bigger target and not spend their time and talents on individual homes. If someone really wanted to break into a home, it might be easier to just kick down the door or break a window.

Another common concern deals with what happens if your phone dies, you lose your Internet connection or the lock’s batteries die. With some locks, this could be an issue. Most of them, however, have a backup access method. This could be a keypad, backup power or a physical key.

If your backup method is a physical key, though, that cancels out the convenience of not having to carry around house keys. Also, if you need a physical key for your car or office, you’ll have to carry around a keychain anyway. Unless one day, every lock is Internet-connected, we might not be able to take full advantage of the convenience of smart locks.

Another concern of some homeowners may be installing and programming their smart lock. In most cases, however, this isn’t too complicated and the locks or their apps will come with instructions to guide you through the process.

For most smart locks, the installation takes around 10 minutes to half an hour. The process, of course, varies by the style of lock you get.

Some models come with their own deadbolt hardware and require removing the old lock completely, including the deadbolt mechanism and strike plate. Others fit right over the existing deadbolt.

Most smart locks are designed to work with the standard, pre-drilled holes used on most front doors. You shouldn’t have to buy anything extra to make your smart lock fit on your door.

The advent of smart locks presents some new challenges to locksmiths, but many are adapting and learning how to install and troubleshoot them. If you need help installing your smart lock, you might be able to call a professional. Although some of the more unusual models, like the Haven, might cause a locksmith more difficulty, someone with smart lock training should be able to help you if you get locked out or your device malfunctions.

The post The Best Smart Locks 2019 – Reviews | Features | Security appeared first on ChipIn.

But there’s a catch to this, nonetheless. The price tag of a good chunk of these smartwatches is not only prohibitive but also inconsistently high. For instance, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to splurge over $500 on a watch (however ‘smart’ or luxurious it may be) yet you can get almost the same service from a $120 watch. And this mostly happens with flagships and top-of-the-line timepieces. Which, of course, begs the question: Is it possible to land a decent, functional and well-built cheap smartwatch while on a shoestring budget?

Well, the following list says it all – in the order of preference and value-for-money versus relative price point. In short, let’s put it this way; with less than $100 at your disposal, these are your best bets of getting the most bang for your buck – quite literally.

Best Cheap Smartwatches for under $100 USD

1. Pebble ($80.99)

Having being lauded as one of the most deluxe-looking smartwatches from last year that won’t break the bank, it is pretty much obvious that the budget timepiece wouldn’t miss on this list.

And at $80.99, the price is not only ridiculously low but also surprisingly friendly putting into consideration that the watch packs almost similar features to $350 smart timepieces. But there’s an explanation for this. Unlike other smartwatch brand manufacturers, Pebble is a progeny of one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns. So it is possible that a good chunk of their initial operating costs was covered by donors. Not forgetting that there are widely considered to be the pioneers of smart wearables.

Pebble 2 Smartwatch

Just like the Original Pebble, newer models such as Pebble Time, Pebble 2 and Pebble Steel, both of which are priced within the vicinity of $100, are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Although, since there are later models, online vendors are bound to take advantage of this to set you back by almost even $150. But even then, you can still bank on the fact that Original Pebble still goes for significantly less than $100.

Editors Pick: The Best OS for Swartwatches under $100

Android Wear 2.0 Review – Expectations and Revelations

Posted: April 5, 2017

Some say that though Android Wear 2.0 cannot replace the Apple Watch or FitBit, it still is good for fitness freaks. Others hail it as Google’s best update so far. Opinions are rife but one thing that emerges is that the Android Wear 2.0 is definitely the hottest topic of

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2. Garmin Vivosmart ($97.01)

Yes, it might look and feel like a fitness tracker, but the Garmin Vivosmart is one of the least-known budget smart timepieces under $100. It might not have that ‘conventional smartwatch’ design language, but the gizmo still shows time accurately as well as flashes out notifications from your smartphone thus saving you the hassle of having to pull out your phone after every 2 seconds in a business meeting when you’ve set it on a Do-Not-Disturb mode.

Garmin Vivosmart

And that’s not all. The $97 bill earns you access to a 0.7-ounce smart bangle with a lavish-looking curved OLED that comes in a wide range of colors. So if you’re the type that wishes to savor the experience of a modern smartwatch, but without all the chunkiness and buffoonery of sporting a mega size smartwatch, then the Vivosmart is your best pick.

Featurewise, however, there are chances that you will be deeply disappointed. The Vivosmart conspicuously lacks GPS connectivity – something that has lately become synonymous with modern-day smartwatches. But that is not an issue for you, then you should find the respectable 7-day-long battery life enticing, as well as the fact that it can seamlessly sync your Facebook, Whatsapp, and Twitter notifications easily.

3. Alcatel One-Touch Watch ($90)

Waterproofing, convenient USB charging and a round, gorgeous face are the hallmarks of the Alcatel One-touch Watch. And as if to defy the odds further, Alcatel added fitness tracking and top-shelf NFC functionality to sweeten the deal and convince new shoppers to jump on its bandwagon.

Alcatel One-Touch Watch

The OneTouch watch is also proven to last two-to-five days on a single charge – something which puts it way ahead of the competition in this price bracket. Since we mentioned fitness tracking, it’s worth noting that the $90 watch can track your heart rate with a decent degree of accuracy, in fact, even much better than the existing Android Wear crop of fitness bands.

As far as platform compatibility goes, the Alcatel works fine with both iPhones and Android devices.

4. The Samsung Gear Live ($99)

As usual, any tech review wouldn’t be complete without throwing around one or two products from the Korean giants. And although the Gear Live was competitively priced at $130 when it launched back in 2014, presently, it is possible for you to get it from a wide array of online and brick & mortar stores for just less than $100.

Samsung Gear Live | Slashgear.com

Feature-wise, there’s little we can do to deny that the Samsung Gear Live is quite a steal at that price point. I mean, it is not like it’s every day you will find a heart rate monitor backed up by GPS in a hundred dollar watch. The screen is also a stunner, so to speak. Boasting of a 320 X 320 resolution, the AMOLED technology screen easily trumps any competition at that price point – a typical Samsung trademark.

The only bummer here is that the Gear Live line is quickly fading out. Being a 2014 watch, it won’t take long before most shops run of its stock. You’ll have to be quick.

5. The LG G Watch ($88.99)

The G Watch is the predecessor to the current and relatively more expensive G Watch R and Watch Urbane – both of which will set you back more than $200. Therefore, being an older trim, it means that you can now get it an attractive budget price of just under $90. We won’t beat around the bush here, though. The functionality is pretty basic, and the rectangular screen is obviously not the prettiest out there. But, hey, for less than $90 you wouldn’t expect much, would you?

On the other side of the spectrum, the wallet-friendly price point means that you can spare a few dollars to splurge on a stainless steel bracelet strap or a leather-backed one to sprinkle a little bit of style to the otherwise mediocre watch.

6. Sony Smartwatch 2 ($100)

Sony rarely disappoints. Even with the release of their newest Sony Smartwatch 4 just around the corner, the second iteration is still as solid, relevant and functional as it was two years ago. The only difference now is that unlike back in 2014 when it was a spanking new flagship, you can get it on Amazon for barely $100. Thank the Smartwatch 3 for this, but at the same time remember that the proprietary OS that the SW2 runs is a bit dated, and thus you won’t be updating the apps anytime soon.

Fortunately, however, the watch can work seamlessly with any Android 4.0 watch or above. The straps are nicer now – compared to 2 years ago – and the price tag is a bit reasonable. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be sporting one already!

7. The Microsoft Band ($100)

There’s no disputing that the name Microsoft doesn’t really rhyme with health and fitness bands. But even then, most of us would be surprised to know that one of the few well-designed Microsoft bands is priced within the vicinity of $100. Strictly technically speaking, the Microsoft Band is an exceptional artillery to have on your forearm. Not only does it combine the novelty of heart-rate monitoring combined with GPS, but also adds a ClearBlack AMOLED screen to the mix. But that’s as far as features go.

When it comes to the design language and ergonomics, it is quite another story altogether. The angular main face leaves much to be desired while its chunky frame renders it highly unaesthetic. It is that type of fitness band or wearable that does very little to blend with your wardrobe. But then again, that’s just our own (probably biased) opinion. If it looks remotely attractive to you, then go ahead and try it on. Who knows, you could end up finding yourselves a perfect match for each other.

With the second iteration (Microsoft Band 2) already hot on the shelves, you can get the Microsoft band with less than $100 from various online vendors, including Amazon. In regards to compatibility, the watch works just fine with Android devices, iPhones, and Windows Phones.

8. The LG LGW110 ($94.99)

The LGW110 is the cheaper variant of the luxurious G Watch R and looks nothing like your classical, typical smartwatch. If anything, the LGWW110 looks more of an analog timepiece than a squarish, manly smartwatch. And featuring the world’s first full circle OLED display, it comes as a bit of a pleasant that you can now add it to your collection of watches for less than $100, a year or so after its release.

Like most LG smartwatches, the LGW11O runs on native Android Wear and, therefore, boasts of a ton of expandable options thanks to Google Play Store. So if you’re going to use it with an Android device, well, you have all the reasons to look forward to an above-par experience. However, if past reviews are anything to go by, iPhone users might want to sit out on this one – due to Android-iOS love/hate affair, the user experience is not very thrilling.

Also, if you’re always away from civilization for long periods of time, then, this is not your budget smartwatch either. 89% of users have found that it’s battery life rarely lasts beyond two days and, more annoyingly, is that it has to be reconnected to your smartphone before it can be used again.

That aside, the LG LGW110 is arguably the best-looking budget smartwatch under $100 and comes bundled with almost all features you might need in a premium smartwatch, from timely notifications to voice activation. Probably the best way to spend a loose $100.

9. The A29 ($70)

If you have less than a Benjamin to spend, and still need a device that offers state-of-the-art service, then this wacky Smartwatch band might be just what you’re looking for. Courtesy of Oukitel – a Chinese firm – the A29 packs a forage of cool, up-to-date specs including the latest Bluetooth 4.0 and an accurate sleep monitoring tracking ability. And the niceties don’t end there. In typical Chinese ingenuity, the A29 packs an SIM-card and you can actually use it as a phone to call your contacts. This is in addition to a heart-rate sensor and a matching 320mAH battery that can furnish you with over 150 hours on standby.

Further, the A29 can work with both iOS and Android devices according to the Manufacturer, makes it not just an uncommon flexibility but also an important edge over ‘conventional smartwatches’ in the same price group.

10. The UWatch ($50)

One of our cheapest watches in this list also hails from a Chinese company – Bluboo. It is also the only watch here with a capacitive home button. But unlike its counterpart, the A29, the UWatch runs Android Wear, therefore making it one of the cheapest Android Wear timepiece you can lay your hands on today. Aesthetically, the UWatch is reasonably attractive, especially with bezels kept refreshingly to a minimum. And if you have to fork just a mere $50 for a watch, then you will find the sleep monitor a very welcome surprise – although it is not fully developed.

The only downside to the UWatch stems from one of its strengths – trying to cram a multitude of features in a budget package that it ends up feeling and looking ‘cheapish’. Furthermore, most of the features are more gimmicky than you’ll find them useful. For instance, the pedometer barely works, and very few people will need an eCompass on their watches.

That said, for $50, this is best you can slap your wrist with, really.

.Conclusion

The post The Best Cheap Smartwatches for under $100 USD (Less than a Benjamin) appeared first on ChipIn.

If you are new to this type of technology or are simply interested in buying a new set, then you are in luck, as the market is as active as ever, with many diverse choices for everyone.

Hearables, or smart earbuds, have recently become popular with Apple’s controversial decision of not including a 3.5mm headphone jack into their latest iPhone model, thus creating a large demand for wireless earphones.

1. Bragi Dash Hearable

Without a doubt, the most versatile and useful hearable is the Bragi Dash. Winner of many awards since its unveiling, this hearable brags to be “truly wireless”, and with an acceptable storage capacity of 4 GB, or enough to load up to 4000 songs, it lives up to its promises.

The wearable has a sleek, comfortable design that puts a large emphasis on fitness usage, preventing them from falling off during activities which require users to move quickly and intensively.

Bragi Dash Smart Wireless Earbuds. Listen. Track. Communicate.

The Bragi Dash offers a useful smartphone app, available on iPhone, Android and Windows 10, on which you can customize your experience, access tutorials, update the hearable and contact official support if need be. The app also features a great and precise fitness tracking app, making the hearable a threatening rival for fitness bracelets.

Of course, the hearable isn’t perfect, as it only features a 3-hour battery time, but with a carrying case that doubles as a charger and frequent updates pushed through by the company, the Bragi Dash is simply the best offer currently on the market. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can find the Dash on the official Bragi shop or on Amazon, starting at 299 euros.

2. Samsung Gear IconX Wireless Earbuds

Perhaps one of the biggest and most threatening rivals for the Bragi Dash is Samsung’s Gear IconX. Following Bragi’s recipe almost perfectly, this hearable comes in second to the Dash, even in spite of Samsung’s huge brand name. The reason for this? Completely skipping iOS users.

That’s right: while the Gear IconX has a lot going for it, such as being able to track fitness workouts and store the data without a phone, they are a complete miss for anyone with an Apple device, as they do not work with iPhones. They only support Android, which is a fairly questionable marketing strategy, but it is not completely foreign for Samsung not to make their devices usable on phones other than their own.

Without the need for a phone, Gear IconX has you covered. Whether you’re walking or running, it’s smart enough to track your activity and give updates on essential data from speed, distance and duration to heart rate and calories burnt via a dedicated voice guide.

In spite of that, the Samsung Gear IconX is cheaper than the Bragi Dash starting at $199, and it offers almost the same capabilities: accurate fitness tracking, 4GB of storage for your songs and great, comfortable design which lets users wear them during intensive activities.

It still isn’t quite the Bragi Dash it quite obviously tries to imitate, as its audio quality leaves a lot of room for improvement, and it does not receive the significant OS updates the Dash does, but you do get a lot for 200 dollars.

3. Sony Xperia Ear

Sony Xperia Ear

The hearable is completely reliant on a mobile phone, as it works via Bluetooth connection, and while this may be a turn-off for many users, the connectivity is almost flawless, and shouldn’t take away from any user’s experience.
Additionally, you have to take into account that while all of these devices are considered hearables, the Xperia Ear is targeted towards a whole other market than the previous two.

The Xperia Ear puts a huge emphasis on its ability to use a virtual assistant. This is why it needs to be constantly connected to a phone, as it gives you the choice between every Android phone’s Google Voice, Sony’s Xperia Agent, or if you own a Samsung device, Samsung S Voice.

With comfort and style Xperia Ear is designed to feel as great as it looks. With a super-comfortable ear-fit and a sleek, stylish look you won’t think twice about wearing it all day.

The virtual assistant function works just as it would on a normal phone, but with the added portability of the small earbud in your ear, alerting you whenever you receive a notification, and listening whenever you are ready to dictate instructions.

For what it’s worth, the audio quality of the Xperia Ear is fantastic, being superior to the previous two devices. However, while you can technically listen to music on it, the fact that it is a single earbud will not provide the best experience for music-listening, especially when compared to the other offerings on the market.

The hearable’s excellent audio quality can still be used to make and answer calls.
This hearable also offers a fairly redundant companion app, 4 hours of battery life (charging while in the case), and a high price for what it’s offering, starting at $199.

If the best offerings on the market are not your style, or if you’d simply rather support the new kids on the block, here are the most promising new or upcoming hearables that are guaranteed to satisfy your needs.

1. Here One Wireless Earbuds

After being delayed and bringing everyone through a rollercoaster of feelings during its development, the Here One hearable was definitely worth the wait and anticipation surrounding it.

HereOne Hearables Model with Smart Wireless Buds in Black

Using the advanced noise filter found in its predecessor in order to create what is now known as “augmented hearing”, the Here One lets you choose which sounds around you are blocked out, and which you get to hear.

The best part is that the sounds you do hear are placed correctly in space, so that if a sound came from your left side, you’d hear it from there, even with the Here One on. Additionally, the Here One uses this amazing noise filtering technology to provide one of the best Bluetooth listening experience, having a great audio quality.

Chances are that if you are listening to your favorite song on the Here One, you will find new details or instruments in the background that you didn’t even know were there before.

As good as the sound quality and the technology behind the Here One may be, its battery life is downright unacceptable for today’s standards, averaging at just under two hours of streaming music from your phone. Also, its Bluetooth connectivity has a few issues and may cause a lot of annoyance, especially if your favorite song is interrupted.

Two wireless Here Buds and a connected app give you control over the way you hear the world.

But this is just the beginning for the Here One. The development team promised upcoming updates which will add a lot of utility to the hearable, such as detecting whether you’re at a football game and hooking you up with a live stream of commentary from the Internet.

Therefore, whether or not you’re currently impressed by the state of this product, if the developers can fulfill their promises, then their future products will serve as true pioneers of hearable technology.

If you want to purchase the Here One, you can do so from their official page, starting at $299.

2. Nuheara IQbuds Hearables

Successfully raising ten times what they asked for on their crowdfunding campaign, the people at Nuheara are still putting the finishing touches on their IQbuds. Expected to ship in the first or second quarter of 2017 (in certain countries), this hearable took CES 2017 by storm, impressing everyone who dared try it out.

The reason for its resounding success, both online and in person, isn’t its weird name. Its success is brought solely by the fact that the people at Nuheara have managed to take what the Here One features and one-up their offer in almost all aspects.

That’s right: the IQbuds use the same principle behind the Here One and its predecessor in order to allow you to effectively filter out unwanted sounds and frequencies so that you can enjoy your music without background distractions. The music playback is also supposedly good, though it is still to be determined whether it can rival Here One’s spotless playback.

The IQbuds feature twice the battery life of the Here One, sitting at 4 hours of music streaming and 7 hours of sound filtering, according to Nuheara. Its case also holds 3 charges but does take 90 minutes to fully charge them.

However, in spite of all of these great features, there is still one area that hasn’t quite been perfected, and that is the very backbone of the IQbuds: the noise cancellation. The noise emitted by these earbuds can be noticed at times and may not always be effective, whereas the Here One did the job without any errors.

The people at Nuheara have definitely done a great job in their first attempt at the hearable market, and even though they may still have some problems to iron out, they have a future just as promising as the team behind Here One. Whoever wins this race, the race of putting out the perfect hearable for the hearing impaired is irrelevant, as the technology itself will be a reward for everyone.

If you are interested in pre-ordering the IQbuds, you can only do so if you are from the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, by accessing their site and paying 299 US dollars. If you are not a resident of those countries but are interested in the IQbuds, you can sign up for a newsletter which will let you know when you can reserve them in your country.

3. LifeBeam Vi Smart Earbuds

Another crowdfunding wonder, LifeBEAM’s Vi is dubbed “the Siri of fitness” by many hearable enthusiasts. This hearable isn’t simply a rival to the other ones on the market – it is a rival to full-fledged fitness gadgets such as FitBit wristbands. In fact, calling it a rivalry may not even be fair, as the Vi combines accurate fitness tracking, multiple precise sensors and a smart artificial intelligence assistant that gradually learns your preferences and body’s rhythm in order to evolve along with you.

The Vi, or rather the assistant it brings, is a magnificent piece of work. During a workout, it can play music that fits your tastes from music-streaming apps, talk to you in order to encourage you to push past your limits and improve yourself. It does these all while accurately tracking your activity and monitoring your heart using the same sensors that modern-day pilots use.

LifeBEAM, the company that created the Vi also promise an all-day battery life, along with all-day usefulness through voice recognition and reading notifications. The Vi is set to release in 2017, and anyone who pre-orders it gets a special price of $259.

. A booming market, and a lot of promise

The post The Best Hearables in 2018 – Smart Wireless Earbuds Review appeared first on ChipIn.

Whatever your stripes may be, you’ve ultimately figured you can aid your performance with some solid gear: a Triathlon watch or what is often called a multisports watch. But here’s the rub. 2017 promises to be saturated with a crush of such watches heavy in features tailored to the Triathlete. Which are the best of the best? And how do you wade through the pond of such watches without getting lost in all the tech? In other words, where’s the Goldilocks of Triathlon watches for you?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Many a professional Triathlete are forthcoming in saying that they keep their gear simple: an old school stopwatch to set the pace. Some use absolutely no gear. And some are compelled to sing the praises of their respective sponsors. The question is, do any of these methods boost a performance?

Let’s be honest. That’s why you want a Triathlon watch. It’s clearly not for style and sex appeal. Otherwise, you’d be watch hunting through a larger canon of timepieces. You want a watch that is built to withstand the rigors of a Triathlon and that can push you to your maximum performance level.

Can a Triathlon watch really do that? Let’s look at the receipts. Certain features have shown to boost an athlete’s awareness of their progress. That way they know if and when to nuance their training or competition performance in the moment. Pouring it on, as it were, might be a result of your pedometer telling you that you haven’t clocked in your desired distance at the optimal time. So you need to go heavy or go home in the second or third interval of the Triathlon. Or your heart rate monitor may warn you that you are over exerting, maybe even over training. So choosing to pull back and cool down through the remaining pace will add miles to your life as an athlete.

These are the DNA of a Triathlon watch worth its weight in breast strokes and 50-meter dashes. Giving you the details on where your performance is lacking or can use improvement is essential. Anything else is a luxury item that may or may not distract you from your goal of improving your performance. But more on those such features later…

Do you want to run faster? Of course, you do. But will running faster positively or negatively impact your swim and biking? The simplest gear for monitoring and correcting your pace is a stopwatch. You’ll ultimately want a Triathlon watch with some iteration of this feature. Stopwatches range from minimalist digital second, minute, and hour recordings to detailed pace monitors that log everything from how fast you average to the strength of your exertion. The devil’s in the details. Pinpointing how you up your run is entirely up to you. But certainly, check off a stopwatch all the same.

The latest and greatest of Triathlon watches possess a finish feature which calculates the time it takes to complete a certain distance in a number of laps

Positional tracking can help you anticipate the rough parts of the bike route or simply give you a heads up to where you are in the larger context of the race. Imagine you’ve gotten distracted through your ride. But your tracker will tell you where the uphill slog is coming for instance. Or maybe the downhill sprint is moments away. Couple this with a strong GPS mapping system and you can really finesse your performance down to the slightest distance.

There is a cast of characters or usual suspects that we already have become familiar with: Garmin and Timex Ironman, for instance. And then there are the outliers that deserve your undivided attention. Here are the top performers according to price and function.

Best Triathlon Watch 2017

1. Garmin Forerunner 920XT

The Garmin Forerunner 920XT was the belle of the 2016 ball. Here Garmin proves its value by continuing to think ahead of the pack. Among the impressive vocabulary of functions and gear tech, the lightweight watch features swim stroke count, heart monitors that can be tweaked and paired with other devices, and run cadence. This is where things could get murky for the giant brand. Does endowing a seemingly minimal-looking watch with so many options help or hurt? Evidently not. According to most pundits and enthusiasts, the 920XT was hands down one of the most popular Triathlon watches of the year that was 2016.

It clocks in at 45 x 55 x 12.7 mm and weighs a mere 61g. It has a water resistance of 5 ATM. And then there are the spectacular bells and whistles that put the 920XT on a pedestal: smartphone compatibility and connectivity (including emails and texts), Garmin Connect Mobile App, swim metrics, pace and stroke count, all-day activity tracking, stride length, and total steps per minute.

Among the impressive vocabulary of functions and gear tech, the lightweight watch features swim stroke count, and heart monitor

2. Tom Tom Multi-Sport Cardio

Not to be outclassed by arch rival Garmin, Tom Tom has fashioned its own Triathlon watch in the form of the Multi-Sport Cardio. What’s strongest about this GPS watch is its heart rate monitor. Again, we find a simple minimalist design that skimps on visual aesthetics for brass tacks. The monitor is painstakingly accurate. Couple its performance with yours in the pool, on the bike, or on the run and you have a strong combination of detailed activity tracking. And speaking of the pool, bike, or the track, the Multi-Sport Cardio has strong features that with precision monitor your pace, cadence, stroke, and distance.

The Multi-Sport couples its tech features with training zones, five to be exact. Sprint, speed, endure, fat burn, and easy. Then it uses its one button functionality to quickly whip you through its menu items without confusion. For practicality, the Multi-Sport is as accessible as it gets.

Multi-Sport Cardio has strong features that monitor your pace, cadence, stroke, and distance with precision

3. Ironman Rugged 30 Full-Size

Timex essentially pioneered the idea of crafting a robust watch built expressly for Triathlon events. The Ironman, as it were, is not merely an event nor a comic book character. It’s a trademarked iteration of Timex sports watches built to handle the best and worst your workout can throw at it. The Ironman Rugged 30 is a muscular digital watch that will give you 30 lap memory recall, 99 lap memory count, 100-hour chronograph, and a 24-hour countdown timer.

You can whittle the features down to the bare minimum in order to tailor the watch’s functionality to your workout

But given that this is a classic watch, you won’t find smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, or any of the other perks that come with the modern tech we pair with iPhones and Androids. This is old school at its best. 45 mm diameter, 100-meter water resistance, Indiglo night light and markings, and robust resin material to keep your watch from crumbling under the pressure of a hefty workout. It retails for a winning $55.

4. Suunto Ambit3 Vertical

Suunto has shaken the leaves of its competitors’ trees with its constant evolution of watches that focus both on sports tracking and well-being.The Ambit3 Vertical cuts a svelte silhouette with a stylish yet minimalist presentation. Where the Timex is all about flexing its muscles on the look of the watch, Suunto is rather restrained. Here not only does Suunto tackle your performance in the water or on a bike, it comes equipped with vibration alerts that track your elevation.

Altitude tracking and performance might be a key fit for those biking intervals that scale up through the mountains. On the other hand, how likely are you to use this feature if you already have it on your bike? Suunto is betting the farm that most buyers will use it and won’t avail themselves of any similar gear for their bike. In any event, the watch is extremely lightweight, sleek, and compact.

As for the bells and whistles, the Ambit3 Vertical comes with pace, cadence, and distance trackers. It also boasts a strong 15 hours of battery life, 5-second GPS accuracy, Bluetooth and Smartphone connectivity. You can do everything from monitor your heart rate to check incoming calls and messages while you swim through your paces.

It won the Best New Gear Award in the winter of 2016 from Gear Institute. And that says a lot given Suunto’s ever-evolving software updates. And for the price, it sits comfortably between Garmin’s upmarket listing and Tom Tom’s low to mid range with a retail price of $370.

5. Polar V800 GPS Sport Watch

Polar has long carved a niche in the world of health and fitness with its constellation of heart rate monitors, fitness trackers, and GPS sports watches. Here is no different with the V800 GPS Sports Watch. Polar continues to improve on the 2014 watch with its steady string of upgrades and updates with each passing season. And still, the V800 remains as a strong reference for effective Triathlon watches.

The large display monitors everything from the wrist: run cadence, heart rate monitor up to 30 meters in water, GPS that covers distance and speed, and Bluetooth. It also boasts some singular achievements like the smart coaching platform. Here, the V800 can give you strong analytics about your training load and how it affects your performance and recovery. Also, your smart coaching can accurately track your profile and determine how your running performance has evolved over time.

Other bells and whistles include a barometer, accelerometer, 13 hours of battery life, a resistant gorilla glass window, and USB connectivity and compatibility with MAC and Windows. Notably absent is smartphone connectivity. And while you will most likely be concerned more with your run time than your emails, it is something to take on board for the price. At $500, the V800 prices up there with Garmin’s more fully integrated Triathlon watches but lacks some of Garmin’s forward-thinking tech. Final verdict: great performance, poor pricing.

6. Magellan Switch

The Magellan Switch, like the Timex iteration of Classic Ironman watches, fits into the budget Triathlon watch category. Here’s a very affordable and equally functional multi sport watch that comes with an impressive haul of features and tech. Firstly, it has all the usual suspects: run cadence, distance, speed, elevation, and water resistance. Then it has its own take on the Garmin enabled tracker the Virtual Partner, which it calls the Activity Pacer.

And for a lightweight watch, it is remarkably sturdy and performant. It has 8 hours of battery life and 50 meters of water resistance. It also archives up to 60 hours of activity with 1 second recording. Accuracy hinges on pinpoint precision with the Magellan.

Now here’s some forward-thinking on the part of Magellan. The Switch comes with an extra battery that can be used to switch out the other when it runs down. That doubles your battery life to 16 hours of performance. The Switch lists for $180 but retails on Amazon from an astounding $50.

7. The Moov

The Moov considers itself more of a wearable than simply a GPS multisport watch. Clocking in at a shocking $60, it packs in essential tech for the fitness enthusiast. Here are the simple perks that come with your wearable: Bluetooth and smartphone pairing, water resistance, up to 6 months of battery life, smart coaching that analyzes your workout in real time, and cadence and run tracking.

All of these elements come to the fore when you take this watch out into the field. You can personalize your profile in order to tweak your swim, run, or bike performance. Moov’s coaching will adeptly scrutinize your exertion and progress and give an accurate depiction of your movement and landing. Strokes in the pool don’t limit themselves to mere distance and time. Instead, how you effect those strokes, sprints, and uphill pedals are broken down to improve your ultimate performance.

For price and performance, the Moov is hands down a winner. While it doesn’t boast the future tech that Garmin and the Ambit3 tuck under the lid, it exceeds expectations. And at a mere $60, you probably won’t find a comparable performer on the market.

Best Triathlon Watches July 2017 UPDATE
Garmin and Suunto both make double appearances on this list. Why? Going into 2017 the two brands firmly had their eyes fixed on more than one solid offering for Triathletes. Now that their respective 2nd offerings have been unveiled, we can confirm that they both are worth taking a look at.

8. Garmin Forerunner 935

Garmin returns to form here with a lightweight triathlon watch, the Garmin Forerunner 935, that goes hard in the paint. This one gives an added boost to its swimming component. Where its predecessors were already strong, the 935 leaves no rock unturned. It s certainly a function and gadget heavy sort of device. That being said, this is the kind of merchandise for the elite athlete…or gadget geek.

Here’s what stayed true to form: metrics tracking, heart rate monitor, activity progress. What’s changed? The design is slim for one. Then add to it roughly 49 grams of lightweight dynamic performance that includes 50m water depth, interchangeable straps, and smartwatch notifications.

Where does the 935 falter? Well, for a smartwatch, there is no tactile design. This is all old school buttons rather than touchscreen. For those of us hoping for the most modern design aesthetic possible, we’re likely to be disappointed by Garmin’s choice of old school rendering. Secondly, this is not for everyone’s pocketbook. The 935 prices itself between $500 and $650 depending on if you get the Tri Bundle.

But in terms of picking up where the 920XT and the Fenix left off, the 935 is a worthy investment for an elite athlete who spares no expense for the sake of their sport.

9. Suunto Spartan Series

Suunto for its part has thus far put forward a trinity of triathlon watches in its larger canon of multisport watches. The Spartan series which features the Spartan, the Spartan Ultra, and now the Wrist HR, has been a credible alternative to the premium offerings from Garmin.

Aesthetically, the Spartan series gets better with each new iteration. All three have a firmware app that is compatible with both your smartphone, tracking fitness metrics, recovery, workout optimization and personalization, and even some intuitive features that measure and predict your performance level. Where do they differ? The Spartan, for example, charges with a magnetic strap that affixes to the watch. The Ultra is thick and not as svelte as its rivals.

But then the WHR comes along in hopes of fine-tuning the little details that might otherwise dog its predecessors. It takes on board the idea of customization with flying colors. You can tailor your workout and your metrics tracking to your liking, even building the aesthetic look of your metrics tracking screen. In essence, the WHR is encouraging you to build your own workout and in turn build your own tracking platform on the watch.

The Spartan series is not a small watch. Nor are they thin. But the WHR more than makes up for the size difference with its take on intuitive performance and metrics tracking. As for price the WHR retails for $499. The Suunto Sport retails for $399. And Suunto’s premium multisport watch the Ultra retails for $699.

The post Best Triathlon Watch 2017 | GPS Training Watches for Triathlon Reviews appeared first on ChipIn.

A smartwatch potentially can give you feedback on your heart rate, distance traveled, and calories burned. More advanced models can do things like count swimming laps or provide data about the altitude you traveled while hiking. And because it’s a watch, obviously it’ll keep track of how much time you exercised and your pace.

When you’re just starting an exercise program, it’s easy to tell if you’re making progress through things like weight loss and improved muscle tone. But when you’re already in good shape, the visible benefits of exercise are a little tougher to spot. That’s where an investment in a smartwatch with sports activity tracking can help. The data it gives you can show subtle improvements in your workouts, showing the type of progress you’re making.

We’ve collected some of the best smartwatch options from two of the top manufacturers in this area of the market to help you make a smart investment. (After all, a smartwatch deserves a smart investment decision.) Our Garmin vs. TomTom smartwatch battle will also show you which models work well for people who focus on one sport, such as running or hiking, or for those who bounce from sport to sport. Both companies have many options in different price points, and we’ll help you find the best sports watch for the money.

For the most complete smartwatch options from these two manufacturers at the high end of the price curve, our picks are the Garmin Fenix 5 vs. TomTom Adventurer.

Garmin Fenix 5 vs. TomTom Adventurer

Release Dates

The TomTom Adventurer made its debut in October 2016, while the Garmin Fenix 5 was announced in early 2017. The Fenix 5 is the first of numerous high-end smartwatches to be released by a host of manufacturers in 2017, so Garmin received a jump on the competition.

Garmin Fēnix 5 is the ultra Multisport GPS watch for athletes and adventurers.

Feature set

The Garmin Fenix 5 is the king of smartwatches, hands down when considering its feature set. You can track a multitude of indoor and outdoor sports activities with the Garmin Fenix 5. There’s individual tracking capabilities for cycling, swimming, running, rowing, hiking, and many others. The Fenix 5 has a gyroscope, compass, altimeter, GPS, and heart monitor included.

You can even add WiFi connectivity capability with the Fenix 5 for a slightly higher cost, which is rarely found in a smartwatch. (We called it the king earlier for good reason.)

Now the TomTom Adventurer is no slouch. Its features are aimed primarily at runners and hikers. But it can track several other activities, including lap swimming and indoor activities. Snowboarders and skiers will appreciate the altitude measurements, which determine when you’re riding the ski lift, resetting the watch to begin measuring the next run.

TomTom Adventurer GPS Outdoor Watch – Explore with your heart

The Adventurer is waterproof up to 130 feet of water depth, which is pretty impressive. But the Fenix 5 blows it out of the water (sorry for the bad pun) with a waterproof depth rating of 328 feet.

One interesting aspect of the Adventurer’s feature set is its new battery saving GPS feature, which takes a GPS sample once every two seconds (rather than every second), which allows it to run the GPS unit for a full 24 hours without the watch needing a charge. This is a really nice feature for hikers and runners.

Design

The TomTom Adventurer has a rectangular face with rounded corners. The watch face measures 0.98 inches vertically and 0.87 inches horizontally. The glass on the watch face has a bit of protection from bumps because of the raised edge surrounding the watch face.

The Fenix 5 has an oversized round design, which isn’t common in the smartwatch segment. The Fenix 5 is available in a 47 mm watch face diameter size, which is about 1.85 inches. (Garmin also offers the Fenix 5S in a 42 mm watch face and the 5X in a 51 mm watch face.) And there are nearly a dozen color and watchband combinations, including a metal band design.

We really like the option of selecting a scratch resistant sapphire face on the Fenix 5. When you’re exercising, scratches and bumps are to be expected. Having extra protection in the watch face materials is always appreciated. The LED backlit screen in the Fenix 5 is easy to read in all types of ambient lighting.

Cost

The Fenix 5 is one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market. It starts at nearly $700, and models with even more features are available at higher price points. Not everyone is going to be able to afford this very impressive model. If you like the idea of the Fenix 5 but want to save a bit of money, consider going backward to the previous model, the Garmin Fenix 3, which is available at a discount.

Meanwhile, the Adventurer is at the top of the cost curve for TomTom brand smartwatches, but it has a price point in the mid-$300s for a kit with Bluetooth headphones and 3GB of music storage. You may even be able to find the Adventurer with a lower price point if you want the watch alone, so this model is far less expensive than the top end of the Garmin family of models.

Final verdict

There’s just not much on the market that can stand up to the impressive Garmin Fenix 5. It is close to the perfect smartwatch for tracking sports activity, as it can provide data on a huge number of different activities, all in a sharp looking unit. But the price point is simply overwhelming at $700 and up. You would have to be a serious athlete who spends several hours per week working out to justify this price.

Best High-End Smartwatch Winner: Garmin Fenix 5

So if you’re primarily a hiker/runner, we’d recommend the TomTom Adventurer, which has plenty of great features at a much more acceptable price point. But for the person who participates in a multitude of activities and sports – and who has the budget for it – the Garmin Fenix 5 is the king of the market.

In the middle of the smartwatch cost curve for these two companies, our favorite options are the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs. TomTom Runner 3 Cardio.

Garmin Forerunner 35 vs. TomTom Runner 3 Cardio

Release Dates

Both the TomTom Runner 3 Cardio and the Garmin Forerunner 35 appeared on the market in September 2016.

Feature set

One of the biggest additions to the Runner 3 Cardio from previous versions of TomTom’s mid-range smartwatches is the inclusion of trail navigation. This addition adds to an already strong set of features for runners and hikers in the Runner 3. It also offers tracking of other sports (such as swimming, treadmill running, cycling, and indoor activities), as well as a heart rate sensor and built-in GPS. It’s waterproof up to 130 feet.

The Forerunner 35 is rated for a water depth of 164 feet, but, strangely, it does not track lap swimming. Beyond that, this Garmin model does offer good sports tracking features for hiking, running (indoor and outdoor), indoor activities, and cycling. It contains a heart rate monitor and GPS tracking. It’s primarily designed as a Garmin running watch, though.

Design

Normally, we’re all about functionality over looks when it comes to smartwatches. We can put up with a poor looking unit if it has great sports tracking features. But we have to make an exception for the Forerunner 35. This design is so ugly that it has to play a role in our recommendation, even though the unit has pretty nice smartwatch features.

It’s a blocky rectangular face with rounded corners that just looks bad. The narrow edges of the Forerunner 35 don’t provide much protection to the face. And the square display doesn’t go to the edges, measuring 0.93 inches on all sides. It also has only a 128×128 resolution on the screen.

TomTom’s Spark 3 has a rectangular face with rounded corners. The edge around the watch face is raised, which gives the glass a bit of protection. The watch face measures 0.98 inches vertically and 0.87 inches horizontally.

Cost

You’ll spend right around $200 for the Forerunner 35. It’s a slightly cheaper smartwatch than the Garmin Forerunner 230 and Garmin Forerunner 630. Meanwhile, the Runner 3 Cardio is available in a few different iterations. It ranges from about $150 to $250. The more expensive versions include heart rate monitoring, Bluetooth headphones, and music storage.

Final verdict

These two smartwatches have a lot of similarities, including price point and feature set. So in this case, it comes down to looks, and there it’s no contest: We’ll give the edge to the Tomtom Runner 3 Cardio + Music.

TomTom Spark 3 Waterproof Cardio+Music

If you’re looking to find a smartwatch from these two companies that’ll give you basic features for a basic price, our top picks in the budget priced category are the Garmin Forerunner 25 vs. TomTom Runner.

Garmin Forerunner 25 vs. TomTom Runner

Release Dates

The TomTom Runner is an older model that still remains popular in today’s market. In terms of its performance against newer models, the Runner is starting to show its age a bit, as it was released in mid-2013. The Garmin Forerunner 25 had a mid-2015 release date.

Feature set

The feature set of the TomTom Runner is pretty basic and is aimed at runners. You can use it outdoors or on a treadmill. The built-in GPS is slow in pulling in the initial signal, which is one area where this unit shows its age.

Garmin’s Forerunner 25 offers a built-in GPS, and it works with running both indoors and outdoors. It’s also primarily a running smartwatch, with limited features for cyclists.

Both the Runner and Forerunner 25 have a waterproof capability up to 164 feet, which are excellent performance levels at this price point. But neither model has the ability to track swimming.

Design

You’ll find two square display sizes with the Forerunner 25, either 0.73 inches on all sides or 0.91 inches on all sides. It’s blocky with an eight-sided part surrounding the square screen. The thick plastic edge will provide good protection for the screen. We’re not huge fans of the look of this unit, but it is better looking than the Forerunner 35.

The TomTom Runner carries a nearly square, oversized display screen that measures 0.85 horizontally by 1 inch vertically. The display doesn’t go to the edges of the screen. The thick edges around the screen are raised to provide some protection to the screen glass. Even though this model is three-plus years old, its design still looks pretty good.

Cost

Because both models are older, you may be able to find some bargains on them if you shop around. On average, the Runner will set you back a little over $100, while the Forerunner 25 costs around $125.

Final Verdict

Both the TomTom Runner and the Garmin Forerunner 25 are very basic smartwatches designed primarily for runners. Even though the Runner was TomTom’s first entry into the smartwatch market more than three years ago, its design still looks pretty good. But the Runner’s slow GPS performance is a significant source of frustration for users, leading us to award this battle to the newer Garmin Forerunner 25.

These smartwatches make use of companion software and apps. They’re designed to help you make the most of the data the smartwatches gather.

GARMIN

The Garmin Connect Mobile app has some basic features, such as tips for improving your health and reminders to stand up and move around during the day. It can give you a snapshot of your activity during the day … which can help you decide whether you need to get on the treadmill for 20 minutes before going to bed.

If you work out or compete with a Forerunner® running watch, Edge® cycling computer or fēnix® outdoor watch, all of the Garmin Connect data you rely on is right in the app.

And for someone looking to ramp up their workouts, this app is great for taking the data the smartwatch collects and turning it into usable information. The Garmin app also has the ability to help you connect with other users for motivation and for competing in weekly challenges.

TOMTOM

The TomTom Sports app has a number of graphical components, making it easy to track the data the TomTom sports watch collects. You’ll be able to view your results from a variety of sports activities, including running, biking, treadmill usage, and others.

Track your progress at a glance. See key fitness information and activity history at-a-glance, on the TomTom Sports App dashboard

The Sports app has a body composition tracking screen, allowing you to track measurements such as weight loss or BMI over time. And the software will keep a history of your exercises, such as tracking all of your runs and your best distances and time splits. The app can allow you to share your exercise data through your social media accounts with one tap on the screen.

Garmin vs. TomTom Smartwatch Questions and Answers

In the Garmin vs. TomTom smartwatch comparison, the two companies’ offerings are relatively similar in terms of feature set … at least until you reach the high end of the market. The Garmin Fenix 5 is simply unmatched in the market in its feature set and design. But it’s very expensive. So unless you’re a workout warrior who likes to track a variety of sports nearly every day, it’s tough to justify its cost. Someone who works out primarily on the weekends probably will be satisfied with the TomTom Adventurer.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money over the models at the top of the market, it’s tough to recommend the smartwatches at the low end of the market, though, unless you’re exclusively a runner. However, both companies have nice offerings in the mid-range price point, and both the Garmin Forerunner 35 and the Runner 3 offer a good value for the person needing to track workouts. Either way, it’s tough to go wrong with the Garmin vs. TomTom smartwatch comparison, as both companies have really nice sports watches!

The post Garmin Vs. TomTom Smart Watch – Battle of the Best Running Watch Contenders appeared first on ChipIn.

The all new Fitbit Charge 2 Line-Up

The past three years has seen the wearable industry undergo a whirlwind of technological amendments and reformations, and the main point for the manufacturers has been to try and encompass as many features and functions as possible in their tiny doodads. Apple has recently fashioned an upgrade of its activity tracking smartwatch, the Apple watch, after little over one year of its being in the market; Microsoft followed suit with their Microsoft Band; and the biggest performers on that front, Fitbit and Jawbone have entertained us with series of their own.

The Jawbone UP3 comes in a variety of colours

Fitbit has more than six fitness trackers to its name to date while Jawbone boasts a total of five generations of the famous Up series. The Fitbit Surge and the Jawbone Up 4 are the companies’ latest and most refined versions of their works, but counter-intuitively, they have not been the most welcome in the voracious market of activity trackers; their respective predecessors, the Fitbit Charge 2 and Jawbone Up 3 actually are (if volume of sales is anything to go by).
So, what sets the Charge 2 and Up3 apart from the precursors and successors in their respective product strings?

In a nutshell, they are both fairly more comprehensive, more accurate and more efficient than their little siblings. Secondly, they are less expensive, less complicated and more specific with their functionalities than their successors. If we were talking about their similarities, then that’s how a superficial delineation would look like.

Enough with the primer now and straight to what brings us here: Jawbone Up 3 vs. Fitbit Charge 2; who merits the bragging rights?

Below is an abreast comparison of the two fitness trackers on every facet that matters. Enjoy.

I’ve always been hypercritical of gizmo companies and how much they tend to focus on features and functionality, completely forgetting to employ any creativity in the device housing, but I must admit that external appeal is by and large a matter of individual conscience. Some of us prefer the less conspicuous trim and sleek fitness trackers that can fit and remain unobtrusive under the tightest of sleeves while most others would go for the smartwatch-size wristbands with touchscreen displays and more sophisticated dials. If you’re for any of the tastes, you have these two to choose from.

The Jawbone Up 3, just like the rest of its siblings, is super-slender and has no display screen (Jawbone’s biggest letdown) and only one control button, to highlight its simplicity. It, however, sports a very friendly fit, which, together with the new hook and eye closure mechanism, make it comfy enough for a day and night long wear.

Fitbit Charge 2, on the other hand, is wider and thicker, and generally takes the shape and size of the outmoded sports watches. It has a plastic strap which is fastened to the arm via a buckle and, similar to the Up 3, has a single control button on the side. Its display screen, a feature Fitbit never forget to include in their devices, is fairly tiny and can only display one notification or stat at a time, but nonetheless, stands as a plus in comparison with the Jawbone Up 3 which exclusively has to be connected to a mobile device to display the stats.

Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Jawbone Up 3 are water-resistant, not waterproof; they can withstand splashes, shower, and rain but are not suitable for swimming and bathing. That said, Fitbit, in their manuals contradictorily seem to advise against wearing their trackers into the shower or rain to avoid damage. Well, if that is anything to go by, then the Charge 2 is the last thing I would recommend you fork out more than £20 for. Luckily, though, I’ve done tests of my own, and if I have to say, there have been no signs of water damage in my device for the 8 months I have been showering with it.

Counting steps, estimating the amount of calories burnt, measuring distance traveled and a number of active hours is what most fitness trackers do; the Charge 2 and Up 3 are no exception. Save for a slight difference in the number of steps made per time period, whereby the Fitbit records more than the Jawbone, both can be deemed reliable for step counting. On calories burnt, the slight difference is maintained, and this is basically because the measure is calculated from the steps you make and the general amount of activity recorded in your device.

Track your activity on the Go with the Fitbit Charge 2

Even with the display disadvantage, the Up 3 still has the edge over the Charge 2 with an additional sports detection skill and the ability to sense extensive idleness and nudge the wearer with a slight buzz.
Unlike the Microsoft Band or the Fitbit Surge, both the Charge and the Up 3 have no built-in GPS, which makes them an unlikely pick for serious runners.

Protruding from beneath the strap of the Jawbone Up 3 are three heart rate monitoring sensors which record data in both active and resting periods of the wearer. The resting heart rate has been shown to be a crucial indicator of better cardiovascular fitness, and this partially justifies the company’s description of this product as the „most advanced fitness tracker known to man”. Compared to other reliable heart rate tracking devices, however, the Up 3 offers slightly lower readings per minute, which could add up to provide misleading stats for a longer period, say, a whole day.

The Jawbone UP3 will constantly monitor your heart rate and keep you up to date

The Fitbit Charge, on the other, utilizes the company’s new technology, PurePulse, to offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring. The constant monitoring may come in handy for individuals who get involved in several activities of varying intensities in a day, and also results in a more accurate figure of the number of calories burnt, according to the manufacturer. Regarding accuracy, tests have shown the device to be perfect during light workouts but unreliable as a heart monitoring tool, and misses a step or two during intense gym sessions and outdoor runs.

Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Jawbone Up 3 offer heart rate monitoring – a feature barely common in fitness trackers – but neither of them does it accurately. Nonetheless, both of them offer the keynote resting heart rate tracking and thus deserve some credit for the effort.

Sleep tracking is another feature included in both the Charge 2 and the Up 3. Unfortunately, neither of them can outdo the Withings Activite as a sleep tracker, but if your sleep cycles and the amount of time you spend in bed are all you wish to monitor, the two offer perfection. Perhaps the main difference between them is the fact that Jawbone does the tracking automatically (detects sleep) while the Fitbit has to be reminded and set prior to getting to bed.

The Jawbone Up 3, in addition to that, has the ability to tell between deep sleep, REM and light sleep, and, through the UP app, analyses your statistics and recommends positive amendments to your sleep schedule and general lifestyle. During light sleep, the band, through its smart alarm feature, produces a little buzz on your wrist after a window of 30minutes (default) to get you up and active again.
For those reasons, Jawbone Up 3 emerges as the hands-down winner, and sure enough, only a handful of devices out there can match or even surpass the gadget’s sleep tracking prowess.

As I mentioned earlier, one thing that will always count as a downside for Jawbone fitness trackers against other mainstream brands on the market is the lack of a display. Most individuals, especially athletes, who have to engage in intense outdoor exercise, prefer receiving their stats in real time, and direct from the fitness tracker, not a separate gadget. The Jawbone Up 3 wouldn’t offer this. You need an Android or iOS device, installed with Jawbone’s UP app, to receive the stats, have them interpreted and displayed.

Fitbit have invested a lot of money to considerably improve their Health App

If you’re fine up to here, the rest is excellence; the app works like a dream and displays the stats in the friendliest of interfaces. Furthermore, through the Smart Coach feature, it studies your performance, in terms of keeping active and sleeping, and advises you on what to do and what to avoid to lead a healthier lifestyle. This means that the more you use the fitness tracker, the better it learns your activity and sleep cycles.

I’ve also never experienced connection or syncing troubles for the last 8 months I have been using the App. As long as your phone is within range and your Bluetooth connection is on, syncing will take place automatically and the stats will come flying straight to your home screen.

For the Fitbit, it may not be having a better app, but the presence of a display screen is enough to consider it a favorite in this contest (ok, that’s all up to you). The display may not be that big, but still, you can bank on it to give you real-time stats in a way that I personally find convenient. Also, it brings you call alerts and social media notifications, and can really save you the hassle of having to bring your phone with you during outdoor workouts and gym sessions.

The Jawbone UP app is one of the best health apps available

The app comes in handy when you want to make changes in, say, alarm settings, or would like a better view of your long-term progress in the gym. My time with the Charge 2, though short-lived (basically because I couldn’t get on with that design; I’m for sleek and classy) was hardly subject to app snags. I’ve however come across a number of users who have had issues with the app taking ”too long” to detect and pair with the tracker. But that was some time back – four to five months ago. Fitbit must have already taken notice of this and solved it in the latest versions of their iOS, Android, and Windows Phone compatible app. Lastly, the app includes the MobileRun feature which lets you track your runs, pace, distance, time and splits in real time.

A Fitbit Charge 2 goes at around $150 in the US and £110 in the UK, similar to Jawbone’s starting price of $130. The prices may seem too high for a fitness tracker (especially one that has no GPS connection) but if you can make maximum use of either device, its utility can justly validate the insane price tag.

.Verdict

The post Jawbone UP3 VS. Fitbit Charge 2 – Jawbone vs Fitbit appeared first on ChipIn.

Best Waterproof Activity Trackers

But does this really need to happen when you can spend a few extra pounds and get yourself a device that you won’t have to alter your exercise schedule to protect? Of course no. I’m going to leave this article here so that when you decide to purchase a waterproof fitness tracker any time in 2017, you can have these ten to choose from.

1. TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music GPS Watch

The TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music is the ultimate go-to if you’re the type who gets motivated by music as you go about your daily workout. And, yes, you can get into the pool and still listen to music because the waterproof fitness tracker doesn’t need a phone to play. For this reason, you’re going to need to fork out at least £205 to obtain a unit from Amazon.

TomTom Spark 3 Waterproof Cardio+Music

Save for the dull architecture and a strenuous procedure of adding music, the Spark 3 Cardio is a hands down top notch device and has been fashioned to suit the requirements of all sorts of athletes: swimmers, runners, cyclers and… well, sleepers.

It counts steps, estimates distance and offers sleep monitoring. Additionally, it has an accurate heart rate sensor, the smart alarm feature, and built-in music storage, and displays stored and real-time stats on a large screen, in one of the most vivid and easy-to-grasp manners.

As relatively large as it may look, the TomTom Spark3 Cardio is actually one of the lightest gadgets you can have strapped to your wrist. It weighs less than 1.7 ounces and hardly causes irritation even when worn for a long time.

2. Garmin Vivoactive HR

For less than $50, there are a few waterproof fitness trackers you can find that can outperform the Garmin Vivofit. Accuracy in counting steps and measuring distance covered, time spent in slumber land and calories burnt, as well as the use of a coin-cell battery, which can last for over a year before draining, stand as its main upsides, and a flawed design as its core weakness. It cannot count stairs climbed either, tell you about your REM cycles or automatically detect that you’ve drifted off and activated sleep mode, not to mention serve as a heart rate monitor; it’s not that comprehensive, in a nutshell, but guarantees perfection in the little it does.

Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band

What interested me most in the Vivofit is how it takes you through your goals. Its default goal is 7,500 steps per day, but you can adjust that to something more challenging like 10,000 steps, which is the baseline for most fitness trackers. Once you meet your target, the band increases your goal, depending on how long you took to meet the current one. Same for sleep; it uses your past performances to set you new goals.
To view your stats, the Vivofit syncs with your PC through a USB ANT+ stick.

3. Garmin Vivoactive HR

The Vivosmart HR is yet another product from the tech giant, Garmin, which does not only count the number of steps you make, measure the distance you cover and calculate the amount of calories you burn, but also make you do them. It reminds you to get up and do something whenever you are too idle by buzzing gently on your arm.

Rated at 5ATM, the Garmin Vivosmart is safe for use to a depth of 50 meters and is thus suitable for use in pro swimming and diving. It comes with a designated swimming app, keeping your lane workouts in the pool on track.

Compared to its less defined sister, the Garmin Vivofit, the Vivoactive HR has more to offer and is clearly worth the $199.99 it goes for on Amazon. It has a longer battery life, has a better waterproofness rating, has the silent alarm feature and keeps reminding you about your goals. The bodywork is also undeniably better, although it can still not measure up against the Jawbone fitness trackers in sleekness and slimness. The design seems to be Garmin’s hugest setback in its ratings.

4. Misfit Flash Link

The Misfit Flash Link, with its $19.99 price tag, would fit better in a list of the cheapest waterproof fitness trackers of 2017, but thanks to its fair tradeoff, merits a slot in the ”BEST waterproof activity trackers”. Unlike most of its rivals in this list, the Flash Link is not worn around the wrist but rather designed to be clipped on a garment like a bra, belt etc. or just placed in the pocket. Since it rarely comes into direct contact with the skin, the fitness tracker lacks heart rate and body temperature monitors. It nonetheless offers step counting, distance estimation and the rest of the activity tracker basics with first rate accuracy and dexterity.

It uses Bluetooth 4.0 and syncs with Android 4.3 and iOS 6.1.3, but unfortunately, has an app that is only compatible with iOS devices only.

For runners and workout buffs, the tracker has a set of LED lights that detect and light when you’re in ”activity mode”, and also measure the intensity of your drills. For swimmers, it can track how long your sessions last and tell you about the intensity of your workouts.
Cheaper than its predecessor, the Misfit Flash, the Flash Link sports a built-in replaceable coin cell battery which can last for a maximum of six months, eliminating the everyday-charging stress.

5. TomTom Runner 3 GPS Watch

The TomTom Runner 3 GPS Watch doubles as a smartwatch and an activity tracker and belongs to TomTom’s new line of GPS watches that is giving the market’s best a run for their money.

It goes at around $120 on Amazon and can be used by both runners and swimmers to track pace, distance and time both during training and on the field of play. It lacks a built-in heart rate monitor (there’s a chest strap sold separately), but with a set of ergonomic buttons, a sizeable LCD display, and an above average design, the watch offers nothing less than what you’re paying for.

TomTom Runner 3 Waterproof GPS Watch

Besides the basic activity tracker functions of step-counting and estimation of distance covered, the tracker also helps swimmers know the intensity of their swimming (low, average or high)and the number of strokes they make throughout their swimming sessions. That’s something most of the activity trackers can seamlessly accomplish, though, and if we had to pick one outstanding feature about the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch, it would be its large LCD display and awesome controls.

6. Basis Peak

While most fitness trackers will adhere to a command that you directly have to feed it with, the Basis Peak will detect runs, bicycle rides and sleep automatically and record proceeds without you having to remind it. With a few advanced functionalities, it doubles as a smartwatch, and its ability to monitor heart rate and skin temperature make it the most sophisticated activity tracker on this list.

Basis Peak Waterproof Activity Watch

With a touchscreen display, it has no buttons at all, and this could make it pretty much difficult to handle immediately after a sweaty workout or swimming session. Another downside is that it cannot measure distance – which is an issue for runners – basically due to the absence of the GPS tracking feature. That said, I find the Basis Peak one overpriced fitness tracker (goes at $149.70 on Amazon) and can be easily substituted by Runtastic Orbit which comes at around $20 cheaper. I don’t know how much you hate taking out your phone to read social media notifications and text messages, though, because the Runtastic Orbit won’t give you that.

7. The Garmin Forerunner 920XT

Just like the Basis Peak, the Forerunner 920XT – which is the immediate precursor for the Forerunner 910XT – includes automated syncing and text messaging, making it half smartwatch, half fitness tracker. For swimmers, it records the amount of time you spend in the pool, the number of strokes you make, and the intensity of your session. As an activity tracker, it tells the number of steps you make, the distance you’ve traveled and the number of stairs and flights of stairs you’ve climbed, and uses this to calculate the amount of calories you burn over a specific period of time. For either (swimming or working out), you can set time and distance goals, and the wristband will alert you once you reach them with a slight vibration.

As a heart rate monitor, the Garmin Forerunner 920XT has been shown to perform best when placed near the chest, especially during swimming where discreet detection of the pulse is difficult. For that reason, Garmin has an exclusive accessory, the HRM-Swim chest band, to firmly hold your 5 ATM-rated devices to your chest as you cruise through the pool.

At Amazon, the sophisticated fitness tracker is available for $496.99, which makes it the most expensive we have on this list.

8. The Polar V800

Here’s another waterproof activity tracker you should not think about if you’re on a tight budget. The gadget goes at a whopping $349 and is one of the few fitness trackers a pro athlete can completely bank on for accuracy and efficiency. With this, there is no need for a chest band, as it can independently monitor heart rate from your arm even under water, thanks to a built-in dual-mode transmitter. It has an integrated GPS tracker which allows you to accurately measure distance traveled, for runners and bikers, and track previously used routes.

Polar V800 Waterproof Activity Watch

It is rated at 3 ATM, meaning it can remain water resistant to a depth of 30 meters. It perfectly counts the strokes you make in water and gives you a breakdown of the session’s activity and lets you compare the day’s stats with those of a previous session. You can also set goals if you wish, set time limits, and leave the rest to the device. It will tell you by how many steps, strokes or meters you missed the goal by – if you did – or automatically increase the target in case you surpass the current one.

9. Finis Swimsense Performance Monitor

And now to the cheapest…
The Finis Swimsense has been particularly developed for swimming (you can just move on to the next entry if you’re looking for an all-round activity tracker). It has built-in accelerometers and magnetometers to capture every single detail of your swim workout; it tracks strokes rates, stroke counts, distances and calories burnt to help you analyze your performances in the pool as well as your daily progress, all by just pressing the swim button on the left side of the screen.

You can view your stats instantly on the display or choose to sync the data to websites such as the popular SportTrack, TrainingPeaks, and Runkeeper. On these sites, you can easily compare your stats for different periods, evaluate your progress and share with your trainers and friends.

The Swimsense is rated at 3 ATM (30 meters) and can be obtained for $34.95 at Amazon. So, if you know you’re not going to use your fitness tracker anywhere outside the swimming pool, then the Finis Swimsense is the best option you have. No other activity tracker of its class can come for 34 dollars, and very few are so specialized for swimming.

10. Exmetrics Swimming Tracker

Xmetrics swimming tracker is a one of kind swimming activity tracker that you clip on to a goggle band and strap it to the skull to track your aquatic life. It’s not yet really a mainstream product, but that has nothing to do with underperformance or any kind of inferiority. In fact, the waterproof activity tracker has been shown to match the accuracy of some of the most reliable products on the market. It actually edges over them with a fairly more ergonomic design, which is quite a respite to individuals who find this kind of gizmos irritating.

The “state of the art” technology utilized in this device combines biometric data sensors and refined algorithms to breed unmatched precision. This data-driven analysis facilitates maximum utilization of every second you spend in the pool, in the long run, and consequently improves performance.

Data gathered by the Xmetric Swimming Tracker can be shared with friends and fellow swimmers on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Update: January 2017

Garmin have just announced their new Flagship Waterproof GPS Running and Activity Watch – The Garmin Fenix 5.

Garmin Fenix 5 introduced at CES 2017 in Las Vegas

The Fenix 3 was one of the best reviewed Fitness Watches and we expect the Fenix 5 Watch will be the must-have item for any serious runner.

Stay tuned for further updates!

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Here are the best Bluetooth wireless headphones for Running on the market in 2017

There is a constellation of headphones that populate the Bluetooth headphones space. Functionality aside, what separates them is their practicality. For a lot of us, we look for headphones that won’t budge or wobble while we run. We want headphones that are fixed and fit the shape of our heads perfectly. While finding the perfect fit can be a bit of a challenge, sometimes it merely comes down to design.

In-ear headphones are typically the form that string behind the head or neck and insert directly into the ear. The structure that connects the two earphones can often be a wire or a plastic bar of some sort. This design does away with any cumbersome wires that may drape along the neck or get tangled in our hair or clothing. However, some variations can seem a bit challenging to navigate when on a tough run. With nothing affixing the headphones to the ears, there’s still the possibility of the earphones falling out of place during a run.

Over the ear headphones have a more rigid structure connecting the two earphones with a bar or wire that runs behind the ears and typically behind the head or neck. Because the headphones is fixed to the cranium and behind the ears by running over the top of the ears, you’re less likely to encounter problems with the earphones falling out. But because it is more rigid, you’ll encounter one size fits all designs that don’t necessarily fit all sizes.

You are less likely to encounter problems with the earphones falling out while working out or running

The drawback can be manifold. Perhaps you lose one of the pieces. Or there still can be those moments when an earpiece falls out. And not all earpiece shapes are perfectly molded to fit the shape of our ears.

1. Jaybird X3

The light weight Jaybird X3 is equipped to meet the challenges any strenuous workout might throw at it!

The Jaybird X3 is a reasonably priced in-ear headphones. The latest generation of Jaybird X series is lightweight and forward-thinking. How so? You can customize the sound to your needs. Having an ability to finesse the nuances of the EQ while you run is something you don’t see too often in this sphere of tech.

But Jaybird does it fluidly and seamlessly. The X3 is compatible with all Bluetooth platforms and runs an accompanying app that uses iOS 9+ and Android 4.4. Don’t worry about skipping unless of course, your Bluetooth source is too far from the actual headphones. Otherwise, this pairs nicely with your devices and takes the road like a champ.

As far as durability and functionality go, the X3 is well-equipped to meet the challenges any strenuous workout might throw at it. It has 8 solid hours of battery life. So after a full charge, this one won’t conk out on you in the middle of a workout. It also is sweat proof and it even has a microphone should you want to take an incoming call while you pour it all out on the track or treadmill.

Cons are few unless you’re a hardcore audiophile. No noise canceling and given that these are in-ear headphones, you may occasionally run into instances where the earpieces slip. But it is a solid piece of sports tech and it only retails for $129.

2. Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones

The design comes with an added plus of StayHear+ design that helps to secure the ear pieces in the ear.

No list about top tech for audio would be complete without a mention somewhere about Bose. They’ve managed to populate a lookbook of sound systems, accessories and all around tech that never fails to satisfy audiophiles. Here is no different as the brand moves into the sports and fitness sphere with the Soundsport Wireless. It like most of the Bluetooth headphones on the market is a lightweight and compact headphones. The design is in-ear but comes with an added plus of StayHear+ design that helps to secure the earpieces in the ear.

Free app that makes connecting and switching between devices easier than ever

Personalization is the main focus of the Soundsport. The accompanying app allows you to connect with ease, using any given number of Bluetooth platforms. So getting started is quick and painless. They retail for $149.95.

3. Bose Quiet Control 30

Bose balances the levels of your music with your surroundings and helps you control how much of your environment you hear at your fingertips.

Here you still have the three sizes of QC tips to keep your earpieces in your ear. But you also have a neckband that does away with the Soundsport’s cable. This one also boasts longer battery life with up to 10 hours on a full charge.

Bose ergonomic neckband does away with the Soundsport’s cable

As far as connectivity goes, the Bose app makes it easy to pair your devices. But it is also NFC enabled for added perks. The Quiet Control 30 retails for $299.95.

4. Monster iSport Victory

These are robust, sweat and weather resistant earbuds with 8 hours of battery life to take you through a heck of a workout

This wouldn’t be a credible list of top Bluetooth headphones for running without some sports brands wading into the fray. Enter Monster. The brand has taken to crafting a solid piece of tech with flying colors. The iSport Victory sits perfectly in Monster’s solid line of Bluetooth headphones. Here we have an in-ear style with adjustable tips for securing your earpieces.

Why is Monster on this list? These are robust, sweat and weather resistant earbuds that go the distance. You get 8 hours of battery life to take you through a heck of a workout should you decide to do so. And while you’re at it, nothing will get in the way of your progress. A microphone comes with the set for taking incoming calls. No more stopping your run to look at a screen.

The in-ear style with adjustable tips work perfectly with helmets, glasses and goggles

Instead, you can focus on where you are in your workout. The iSport features two sound profiles, warm up and sport. Both will set the tone for your run, your stretch or your cooldown. The iSport retails for an attractive $99.95.

5. LG Tone Active Plus

LG Tone Active Plus resists sweat and inclement weather conditions, rendering your tunes in impeccable sound quality

The LG Tone Active Plus is another take on the neckband in-ear combo. LG has long been a stalwart in the electronics game, only being eclipsed by rival and fellow Korean brand Samsung. Here LG hopes to have no peers. The Active Plus boasts a superior dynamic range in case you want your playlist to play through at its most pristine potential. But these superior audio drivers are only par for the course for a brand of LG’s ilk.

The real question is how does LG stack up in the fitness industry? Admirably. The Active Plus boasts a whopping 13 hours of battery life on a single charge. But that’s only the beginning. These aren’t a delicate pair of headphones. Instead, these durable headphones resists sweat and inclement weather conditions, rendering your tunes in impeccable sound quality without batting a lash.

The only drawback to the neckband design is the rigidity of the neckband itself. If you can overlook that one niggling element, then this one is a winner. It retails for $179.99

6. Mpow Cheetah Bluetooth 4.1

The Cheetah comes with the standard bells and whistles you’d expect for a headphones of this price

The Mpow Cheetah fits in the lower price spectrum of headphones. Here is a gobsmackingly affordable set of in-ear headphones that sit in the $30 range. Why might you be interested in something like this? Well, if your workout is as tough and hard on you as you would hope, chances are it’s tough on your gear as well. And cycling through one pair of pricey headphones after another can rack up a fortune in the long run. So opt for something that gets the job done without causing you worry about how much you’ve invested.

The Cheetah comes with the standard bells and whistles you’d expect for a headphones of this price…and more. Yes, it’s sweat proof. Yes, it has a solid 8 hours of battery life. But get this: it also has a microphone for those moments when you want to take incoming calls during your workout. And it features AptX Bluetooth stereo sound.

Sound dynamics are above average. Unless you want to propel yourself front seat and center in the London Philharmonic or hear the deepest subs from your favorite rap and trap playlist, this will get you through your run effortlessly. These are compact and can be rolled up after you’ve used them. And the design uses a behind the neck grip for better hold. They retail for $31.63.

1. Apple Powerbeats 3 Headphones

Apple Powerbeats 3 is easy to pair to not only your iOS devices but Android as well

Apple makes its first appearance on our list with their behind the ear set the Powerbeats 3. They’ve found a way to elongate the life expectancy of your battery life with a specially designed Bluetooth chip, the W1. The results speak for themselves: 12 hours of uninterrupted listening pleasure. And that listening pleasure is only heightened by the fact that Apple spares no effort in eking out the best in dynamic range at this price.

The question is, does the Powerbeats 3 play fair with the other Bluetooth platforms? Sure, we know that Apple has a penchant for making its tech and gear exclusively compatible with iOS platforms. Not the case here. It’s easy to pair to not only your iOS devices but Android as well. Given that Samsung has made it something as simple as a click to connect its Bluetooth headphones to an iOS device, Apple has gone the same route.

Comfort takes a hit, however with the earpieces. The edges are slightly difficult to finesse and manipulate. But they remain in the ear and won’t slip during your run. These are top sellers for Apple. They retail for $199.95.

2. Plantronics Backbeat Fit

Plantronics features a lightweight structure, over the ear design and a behind the neck grip

The Plantronics Backbeat Fit is a simple yet stellar design. This just goes to show that all of the top of the line future innovations that some brands clamor for don’t necessarily make an exceptional headphones. Instead, Plantronics goes for the jugular with a pared down headphones featuring a lightweight structure, over the ear design and a behind the neck grip. The result is a headphones that stays in place and renders the sound in solid quality.

Its other bells and whistles are respectable as well. The Backbeat takes off where its predecessors stumbled. Firstly, at only .85 ounce, it is one of the lightest designs on the list. But then consider equally that it packs a lot of perks into the design: a built-in microphone for those incoming calls, sweat-resistant design, 8 hours of battery life, 6 hours of talk time, can connect up to 8 devices, and the earpieces are built to allow in ambient noise.

The headphones that stays in place and renders the sound in solid quality

Given that the Plantronics Backbeat is rather minimalist when it comes to incorporating excessive tech, it also pulls its price down into the lower price bracket. So here you find an excellently priced, lightweight piece of gear that won’t bog you down during your run. It retails for $129.99.

3. ADV.Sound Evo X

The Evo X comes in an over the ear design that keeps the gear fixed to the listener’s head

Sound team has thought of creature comfort during your workout. It doesn’t just end with the fit. Built-in controls for listening allow you to run without fiddling with your device. It uses Bluetooth 4.1 and has a battery life of 5 hours for your listening or even talking time for calls.

Built-in controls for listening make it convenient to listen to your favorite playlist

While the battery life could use a boost, the frequency response is a solid 20Hz to 20kHz. This is a very respectable range, given that the vast majority of Bluetooth speakers offer about the same. Unless you are looking for dynamic surround sound, you’ll be happy with the sound here. And generally speaking, you’ll be happy because the Evo X doesn’t force you or your wallet to splurge. It retails for $59.99.

4. Under Armour Sport Wireless Heart Rate

In-Ear Heart Rate is a comfortable in-ear technology developed by experts and tested by athletes

We don’t typically lump Under Armour into a category populated by brand standards for audio gear. But here’s the exception. Under Armour has widened its lookbook from workout clothing and gear to tech. Look no further than Under Armour’s forward-thinking collaboration with JBL. The Heart Rate is a masterful piece of work, combining JBL’s sensibilities about achieving excellent performance with Bluetooth and Under Armour’s singular fingerprint for athletic gear.

These over the ear pieces use a cable that drapes across the nape of the neck, resisting any temptation to get tangled up in your hair. Furthermore, the patented ear tips keep these babies locked in place.

Touch sensors are designed for spoken on-demand heart rate updates and endurance training session

JBL has a winning relationship with Bluetooth sound devices. Here is no different. Excellent dynamic range couples effortlessly with a personalized app that does everything from fitness tracking to tweaking just how you hear your tunes.
And Under Armour for its part is fond of putting the athlete first in order to achieve his best potential. So don’t worry about your headphones running down because it’s succumbed to your sweat or bad weather. It keeps ticking defiantly. The Heart Rate gets your blood pumping through wind or rain. And it retails for $199.95.

1. Here One

Here One features huge sound dynamics that plumb the depths of bass frequencies

Here One hopes to steal the thunder of brand giants Samsung and Apple with its completely wireless earbuds. They’ve endowed these earbuds with as much tech as one can hope to cram into two little ear pieces. In fact, they like to consider all the other competition in the crowded Bluetooth market as simply headphones.

Here One for its part has given the two little ear buds a grocery list of options: six microphones for filtering out ambient noise as you please, huge sound dynamics that plumb the depths of bass frequencies and scale up for your heavenly highs, and sweat resistant design to make sure that you can go as hard in the paint as you like during your workout.

Talking has never seemed so fluid and seamless as with the Here One. Simply tapping the ear buds engages your incoming or outgoing calls. However, this is where Doppler’s Here One encounters some hefty drawbacks. Background noise may filter into your phone conversations. And talking as long as you like isn’t an option. Battery life is a minuscule 2 hours.

Here One offers the most pristine sound quality and performance you will find on the market.

But if you whip through a standard workout under a 2-hour session, the Here One offer the most pristine sound quality and performance you will find on the market. Where they falter in endurance they more than make up for in dynamic explosive performance. Call them the sprinter of Bluetooth earbuds. They retail for $299.

2. Bragi The Dash

The fitness tracker keeps you focused on your workout goals

Bragi’s The Dash is rather braggadocious (pun intended) in claiming they’re the best of their breed on the market. These earbud pairs certainly are no slumps. They pack 4GB of storage in addition to Bluetooth connectivity. So performance is only limited to your playlist’s potential. The low end is tremendous thanks to the Dash’s bass response. Your tunes will get a kick in the pants while you sprint through your workout.

But you won’t be able to get distracted by your music either. The fitness tracker will keep you focused on your workout goals. But here’s the kicker: these earbuds are fully waterproof. Sweat won’t remotely phase this pair. The downside is not all earbuds are created equal. Make sure you have a strong, good fit. They are on the pricier side of the food chain. They retail for $299.

3. Samsung Gear Icon X

Icon X is compatible with both Android and iOS

Samsung’s Icon X also ventures into the wire-free earbud scuffle. The Icon X is formidable, packing 4GB of storage and Samsung’s always forward-thinking connected apps. What’s more, the earbud pair has a built-in heart rate monitor. Your earbuds go above and beyond ordinary fitness trackers in keeping accurate tabs on your resting heart rate and your workout pulse. Couple that with Samsung’s constellation of fitness apps and you can tailor your workout to the conditions of the day.

Tap and hold to hear voice prompts guide you through Gear IconX’s functions

The earbuds are touch-sensitive. Swiping alone is sufficient to navigate through your options and controls. And never fear, the Icon X is not exclusively compatible with Android. It is both Android and iOS ready. You also have an ambient mic feature so as not to completely cancel out all the surrounding noise of your environment. Your workout just got an upgrade. The Icon X retails for $199.99.

The post Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones For Running 2017 appeared first on ChipIn.

Garmin Forerunner 35 in Black

Distance, speed, cadence, routes, calories, and so on, can be utterly overwhelming—virtually impossible to nail. But, what’s worse than spending around a hundred bucks only to have to spend a bunch more minutes in advance just to figure, set, reset and re-reset that “smart” sports watch? Nothing.

Heck, it is a “Smart” sports watch. It is supposed to help you do what matters the most in these kinds of situations—innovation that inspires. That is, worry less about the technical and instead, focus more energy on the workout, right? And who minds a GPS sports watch that offers a little motivation here, and a little coaching there—or at the very least, packs the essential tools to help you do both yourself?

TomTom Runner 3 in black/green

You probably want to find out when you have hit that KM by having your fitness wrist buddy, ping you with a notification. We could do with a GPS sports watch that can re-track our runs back to the beginning. One that can show us the new route that we just conquered, the high elevation that’s helping us gain more red blood cells, even. Or a cool GPS sports watch that’ll sync wirelessly to its smartphone app while we leave it to take a shower after a run.

In those cases, the Garmin Forerunner 35 and TomTom Runner 3 think they can outrun your particular set of runner needs. So on this piece, we are taking these decent runners on a cross country beside each other. Plus, no one needs to jailbreak their savings account just to buy a nice sports watch. So that is a consideration here, too.

Editor Pick: Garmin vs Tomtom

Garmin Vs. TomTom Smart Watch – Battle of the Best Running Watch Contenders

Posted: October 22, 2017

If you love to exercise – whether you’re a weekend warrior or have a dedicated daily workout routine – you almost certainly have some favorite activities. But no one wants the workout routine to become stale, so you may have two or three other activities that you like to use

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We are thrilled to find out: between the TomTom Runner 3 and Garmin Forerunner 35, which sports watch is the best?

The original TomTom Runner is somewhat the second generation of GPS watch coming out of TomTom. But, because the first was a collaboration effort between them and sports conglomerate, Nike, in the form of the Nike+ SportsWatch, the Runner is, in fact, the first ever TomTom GPS sports watch. That may mean TomTom has mastered the Runner out of experiences gained from studying and creating the Nike Sportswatch. Both watches even share looks.

TomTom’s Runner GPS watch measures decently, calculates and displays runners’ performance stats from both an outdoor run or private one on that treadmill you may be so fond of—this at a mid-range price. You can attach a secondary peripheral to this thing, too—such as a heart rate monitor.

On the other side, Garmin Forerunner 35 is similarly a less costly way to measure accurately, compute and analyze runners’ performance by mapping distance, speed, pace, and even routes.

The Garmin Forerunner 35 – Easy-to-use GPS Running Watch with Wrist-based Heart Rate

It is the predecessor to the now popular Garmin Forerunner 15, and both have astonishingly similar faces—and most features are like, too.

Who says you can’t run in style?

It is 2017, and one of the best things about a sports watch comes up in how it looks, grooves and smoothes onto and on your wrist. It is about durability, fit, skin irritability, what shows up (or misses out) at-a-glance on the display, if you can indeed add a peripheral (pulse rate taker, for example), and if the clasp will make you lose it the first time you take it out on a run. These could coax you to run—or not.

The TomTom Runner GPS Watch design takes a leaf (maybe a branch) off the sleekness of most basic smartwatches—looks like a toned down Sony Smartwatch 3. Most users will like its good looks right off the box. It is lightweight at 50g, and slim too (11.5mm at thickest point), and feels like TomTom designed the Runner for runners.

For a start, the large, 22 by 25 mm display is a real thing. It is ample for stealing a sneak-peek at your running stats in real-time, during day or evening runs (in Night Mode)—so you know whether you are getting around just fine or need to hype up or slow down the pace.

Garmin’s Forerunner 35 is not bad-looking either, but compared to TomTom’s offering, the former offers less novelty on the face. But the FR35 is beautiful on the inside. It keeps it frame slim, lightweight at 42g, and utilitarian—if that is a great thing. Its 2.1 by 2.0 cm (55 x 32 pixels) display may not be particularly pretty, but it gets the job done. It displays the time and day of the week, and you will need to fiddle the innards to get to your run’s stats—doesn’t show real-time run stats right on the home screen like its rival, TomTom Runner GPS sports watch.

The FR35’s clasp fits perfectly, so no worries about losing it while you run, but neither is the TomTom Runner a problem here either. Both sports watch brands thought a rubber clasp could do and we agree too. Both come with perforated straps that ensure the rubber doesn’t get too touchy-feely with your skin and probably wind up causing irritation or uncomfortable sticky situations. Still, the rubbery design of both comes in handy, helping both GPS watches to be waterproof up to 50 meters.

If you aren’t a swimmer as well, this is especially an unnecessary feature since you will most probably want to leave your TomTom Runner 3 GPS watch to sync to your computer via Bluetooth as you shower. Unfortunately, you can’t do so with the Garmin Forerunner GPS sports watch since it lacks Bluetooth connectivity support and you’d have to hard-wire it to your computer via USB connection—or get a Garmin FR 15 if the ability to wirelessly sync data is dear to you.

However, the Garmin FR35 is pretty sturdy when removed compared to the Runner, which fits into its removable clasp rather loosely. The TomTom Runner 3 feels like it would fall off if you decided to carry in your handbag or backpack to your preferred run location.

Maybe that is because TomTom’s Runner watch module and the clasp are two different parts of the same watch. The watch module comes attached together with the GPS module right below it, such that the GPS module is below the display when appended to the strap. Similarly, Garmin Forerunner 35 users can detach the core watch module. So both watches’ rubber straps can be swapped for a Favorite color if you feel it is a greater way to run.

Currently, Garmin FR35 offers bright colors such as orange, violet, lime green and pink. TomTom’s Runner can be exchanged for a limited gray and pink only—a tad un-inspirational if you don’t like either color. But, both watches are not as all-day accessories as the FitBit Flex or Nike FuelBand may be, and neither are both all-out activity trackers, so you probably will be wearing either for a run and clasping it off after you return—maybe.

That detachment also ensures you have unperturbed access to the USB charging ports built into the GPS watches. Look at both runner watches properly and the hardware suggests what you can do with the innards.

Garmin’s Forerunner 35 GPS watch sports is pretty straightforward to set up.

Out of the box, you’ll need to use the supplied USB cable to connect it to your PC or Mac via the charging port. Then download Garmin Express to your computer, which is what you will be using to enable any updates for the FR35. After this, create an account with Garmin and sign in. Your Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS sports watch will automatically detect and pair up to sync with your Garmin account.

The Forerunner 35 houses four buttons on the sides—two on the left and another two on the right. The button on the top-left controls the backlight, the one on the bottom-left is good for going back a screen. Press the button on the top-right and you can access the FR35’s options for starting a run.

The bottom-right button is useful for scrolling through those options. Scroll down and you will find: Race Options, Settings and History. Race Options lets you personalize what you want the F35 to collect, record and present to you. Some other really cool features exist here. For example, you can choose to activate “Auto Pause” to let the Garmin GPS watch sense that you’ve slowed down from a run to a jog and even more gradual to a walk. You can even set it up to ping you with an alert for the opportune time to pick up the pace for a walk, or slow down from a jog or run using the Run/Walk function—a pretty honorable trainer.

The same trainer will beep-beep, flicker a light on the display, and audibly murmur inspiration in your ear after every mile you thrash. And during a run, the device shows both distance ran and time over and done, but with a few tweaks (under Settings) you can set it up to concurrently show speed on the always-on display.

The History menu item enables you to track back those past races up to seven prior days’ data, or seven activities. And true to Garmin’s promise, the FR35 does the recalling in pretty relaxed and spot-on fashion. Be sure to check the internal memory status on the display. If it appears scary and spent, the Garmin Connect app can help.

Unfortunately, and unlike the TomTom Runner 3, the Garmin Forerunner 35 conspicuously lacks Bluetooth connection support. So the device cannot sync wirelessly to the GC app as you prepare that after-run smoothie or take a shower. However, whenever you attach the FR35 to your Mac or PC, and sync collected data, the History function reflects the revamped stats on your Garmin device on the go. If you prefer the unclamped presentation achieved by a PC or Mac display, you can analyze the stats from there via USB connection.

Tracking, analysis, sharing and encouragement on Garmin Connect.

You need to stay around, though, unlike the Runner where you can leave it to sync to its accompanying, free IOS and Android apps (TomTom MySports Apps). Unable to attach extra peripherals, the FR35 also cannot hold a heart rate monitor like the TomTom Runner sports watch can. Garmin, however, more than makes up for this slip up in the Forerunner 15, which includes daily activity monitoring and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless syncing among other sweet offerings.

Garmin did not need to rip out the GPS module to net better, faster signal and pinpointing brilliance. But, they still achieved the necessary: the GPS mapping is pretty on point, though, if course, it will vary with locations where it is activated. One skilled user found that it took about 30 seconds to square them in an open park, while it searched unsuccessfully for a signal for up to 4 minutes before calling it quits entirely, in New York’s built-up district of Manhattan. This is not the power of GPS mapping you will find on a FitBit Flex, and is a much stronger than a Nike FuelBand, or SportsWatch will ever be, and ousts the TomTom Runner GPS sports watch by a tad.

We feel that Garmin were kind enough to label all four, side buttons with icon labels, so you can get to each in snaps, before getting used to it and not even need to glimpse over what push button to press—and risk tipping over. TomTom did not feel the need.

The TomTom Runner GPS module sports the “buttons”, instead of the core watch module bezel as in the Garmin Forerunner 35. That is a four-directional pad similar to those used for scrolling through options on earlier Nokia keypad phone models. Despite the different design, those four buttons work to serve pretty much the same purposes as the Garmin Forerunner 35 knobs. But the TomTom Runner GPS watch takes things to another level here, likely because of its dual run modes capability.

With a press of the left button, you get various stats displayed, including battery level and internal storage status. Push on the right one and the GPS sports watch gives you the options of either “Run” or “Treadmill”. For indoor, treadmill workouts, the TomTom GPS sports watch has a built-in accelerometer and sensors to help detect motions of the arms and collect the data accordingly. Follow up with a right push again on “Run” and that activates the GPS module to pinpoint your exact location. Push right when in action and live stats show up in great charm. Those include data being recorded in the form of stride length, lap time, cadence, speed, and if you have your heart rate monitor attached, real-time heart rate stats.

“Exact” is a strong word especially when talking about GPS watches, and open areas snap up GPS signals much faster than built up areas do, but not when describing the accuracy of the TomTom Runner. It is noticeably better than the satnav ability of the Nike SportsWatch, and more in tandem with that of the Garmin Forerunner 35.

TomTom has a name for its accurate GPS technology; they are calling it QuickGPSFix –pretty smart, although, depending on where you activate yours, the Runner can delay up to a couple of minutes before it locks your position from the Earth’s orbit. If you get a tad more motivated and start moving around, this could take longer too.

The down button is rather exciting and almost gets all the love. First, it is such a nice spot to sport the most functionality as it is the easiest, most intuitive button to press with your other hand while either running or standing still.

Secondly, by pressing the down button you get to launch Graphical Training Partner, a virtual assist tool you might want taking care of all your important workout stats, and course (ahem…motivate) you to push harder or tone it down a bit to get the most out of your sessions. Under GTP, you’ll find four useful modes to boost: Laps, Goal, Race, and Zone.

Laps let you set either manual or automatic laps, of course in consideration of distance and time to cover each lap. Goal, moreover, lets you be the visionary who knows what they want to get out of their runs and treadmill sessions by letting you set up distances to outrun. Choose to run against yourself and against a previous run you’ve conquered, and the Runner displays your current run and selected last run simultaneously.

If you set a certain distance, the GPS sports watch displays your live performance as a percentage of total distance. We like it that the TomTom Runner will vibrate to let you know you have reached (and, ideally, are crossing) your pre-set target or goal distance.

We like Garmin FR35’s audio notifications more, though. Because if you run with headphones on and running music blaring and body shaking, you just might miss the Runner’s stealth vibration—definitely not the same case when you have a Garmin Forerunner speaking straight to your ear drum.

That target could be a kilometer, mile, or whatever distances that suit you. New runners or treadmill trainers, especially, could benefit from this. So they can push a beatable distance and move further with time. Veterans can use the same functionality to pick up pace, tone down, and/or push over new milestones in their wake.

Race Mode, meanwhile, is at your service to compare your current run to previous ones, so you know your overall progress in real-time. Zone utilizes that info to determine if you are pushing too hard and need to slow down a little, or are a tad slow so you can pick up the pace. In either case, the GPS sports watch innards will let you know—first with a pleasant vibration, and then on the display.

We like it that you can use the stats collected by the Runner, connect it to your Mac or PC and sync the data via USB connection to your custom online MySports website portal. Or upload the data directly to MapMyFitness and RunKeeper website portals, as well as upload files (in such formats as FIT) in case you are unable to do so directly.

That is quite similar to what you can do using the Garmin Forerunner 35 Garmin Connect app, but varying where the Garmin does not support third-party apps or web portals to link up with your Forerunner 35 device. You would need to switch to Garmin Forerunner 15 to do the latter.

On a PC or Mac, on the other hand, you will almost likely fall in love with how powerful, detailed, easy-to-grasp, organized and convenient the Garmin Connect dashboard really is. You can even have your data organized in data cards, and then move these reports, route maps, and badges, and challenges however you like, say, to prioritize the most urgent, or best, or worst of them for quick access. We wish the mobile app were this good.

How important is battery life in a GPS running watch? Imperative.

After all is said and done, a poor battery life spoils an otherwise great device. TomTom keeps its Runner GPS watch packed with a decent 10-hour battery life. This is all good, although, it slips lower to an 8-hour one if you have to keep that back light on to run in the evening under the watchful guide of Night Mode.

Garmin Forerunner 35 maxes out battery use and empties its jar in just over 5 hours, three hours less than the TomTom Runner and two hours less than its successor, the Forerunner 15.

Both best mid-range GPS sports watches come wrapping other innards such as the alarm function, just in case you need a little friendly beep to wake up and run early in the morning, or at other specific times. We also already mentioned the variety of straps both makers offer, which you can choose to suit your favorite running mode, mood, or motivation.

At this time, both the TomTom Runner and Garmin Forerunner 35 have successors. Garmin has the Forerunner 15, and TomTom the Multi-Sport GPS Sports Watch.

The one reason why that is the best thing that could happen is because prices of both predecessors deep. TomTom’s Runner GPS Sports Watch currently sells for as low as $89 (down from $199) on Amazon and $84.20 from $129.99 for Garmin’s Forerunner 35.

.Verdict

The post Garmin Forerunner 35 vs Tom Tom Runner 3 – and the Best MidRange GPS Sports Watch Is appeared first on ChipIn.

The watch only weighs 49 grams, which means that it won’t slow any athlete down during their activities, but will still attract the curious looks of other people if the user chooses one of the brightly colored, interchangeable silicone straps. The bezel is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, while the display, which is transflective memory-in-pixel and sunlight visible, is sadly not protected by any special material, like sapphire, as you’d find in other smartwatches designed for the outdoors and intense activities, the lens being made of glass. The watch itself has a definite sporty look to it, and it may not blend all that well with certain outfits, but then again, this watch is designed for physical activities, not showing off.

Despite not being extremely good-looking, the watch excels at everything it promises to do, and that’s being perhaps one of the most impressive sports smartwatches on the market. This is because the watch is packed with so many features that it’s hard to think of something missing from a device that is supposed to be tracking your activity.

For the regular features expected from a modern smartwatch, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is an okay choice, as it has a calendar, weather app, Find My Phone and Find My Watch functionality, connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to iOS, Android and even Windows Phone via the Garmin Connect app, and is highly customizable due to its downloadable watch faces, widgets and apps. Additionally, users can create their own watch faces via the Face It application.

However, if you do pick this device up, it’ll most likely be for its sports and leisure activities applications. In order to truly shine in these aspects, the watch contains every practical sensor you can think of: GPS, GLONASS, heart rate sensors, compass, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer and even a thermometer. The battery life is fairly good for a watch that’s supposed to be mostly used while training or engaging in physical activity, as with GPS on, it should last up to 24 hours, while on power saving mode, it should last up to 60 hours.

Garmin Forerunner 935 is available in Black and Yellow from Q2 2017

The activity tracking features, in general, are aplenty, as the watch is able to accurately track your steps, your sleep patterns, calories burned, distance traveled, intensity minutes and even floors climbed, and has TrueUp and Move IQ functionality, which are Garmin-specific features.

In order to be the ultimate training device, the Garmin Forerunner 935 also has training-specific features. That being said, users will be able to get data for their lap times, finish times, speed and distance based on GPS, audio prompts, advanced workouts and a lot more customization options in order to allow athletes to create their perfect training sessions.

One thing that the team behind the Forerunner 935 has nailed is the fact that whether you’re a swimmer, runner or even a golfer, there are specific features for every sport that allow users to track and store their stats, and in many cases improve their abilities, because the watch provides a weekly “opinion” regarding their data, telling them whether they are training in the right zone, if they made any progress recently, and whether they’re going too easy or too hard on themselves during activity.

For professional runners who would like to know every single detail about their runs, the Garmin Forerunner 935 does a fairly good job by itself. However, in order to get additional details, a separate purchase of Garmin’s new “Running Dynamics Pod”, a small device users clip to their waistbands, is necessary. Therefore, with a Running Dynamics Pod, the user will be able to check out their vertical oscillation and ratio, their stride length, the time their feet touched the ground during the run, and a thorough analysis of their pace and heart rate.

Preinstalled on the Forerunner 935, the TrainingPeaks app will also be a nice addition to the many features available. The app allows users to download and view various workouts, as well as upload their data from the workout online for evaluation.

While it may not be the most versatile watch when it comes to daily activities, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is the ultimate smartwatch for just about any sport or physical activity you can think of, providing accurate data that allows athletes to improve their skills. The Garmin Forerunner 935 is available starting at $499, while the Running Dynamics Pod will be available in the second quarter of 2017.

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