Things to Consider Before Investing

Just as you wouldn’t go out and purchase the first phone you come across, without doing some research, you shouldn’t go out and purchase the first fitness wearable tech you come across solely because you like the style of it.

In this article, we are going to cover the things to consider before investing in fitness wearable tech …

Price

While many tech brands are trying to drag the price of their devices down, majority of consumers are still unwilling to invest on a gadget over $300. Determine how much you are ready to spend for a particular device. Of course, price usually goes hand-in-hand with how useful a gadget is to your specific situation. Will it be able to save your life? Can it help you lose weight? Would it organize your daily tasks? Could it simplify communications?

Brand and model

Many wearable devices fall under the category “fitness tracker,” but each one offers different features. For instance, the FitBit Charge HR is known for its heart rate monitoring, while the Jawbone UP3 has one of the best sleep-tracking feature of all current devices. If you check out FitBit Alta, this stylish bracelet-like device only has basic fitness-tracking features without heart rate monitoring.

Design/Wearability

Design is an important factor because you will be wearing majority of these gadgets daily. Generally, the wearable device has to be comfortable. Most watch-type fitness wearables are made from a type of rubber and have either a strap or clasp to adjust the band. Others are designed to look like any ordinary watch, jewelry, or wristband.

Battery Life

It is important to determine how long a wearable device can go before it needs to be recharged. This is particularly important if you’re going on a long run or hike. Be aware that maintaining a gadget’s battery can become a task in the long-term.

Are you willing to add another device to charge daily, along with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.? Fitness trackers often last for months, such as Fitbit Zip (up to 6 months) and Garmin Vivofit (over a year), while smartwatches like Samsung Gear can last up to 24 hours.

Data Security

One of the most important things to consider is how secured your personal data will be once you connect a device to a third-party website or app. Brands take full responsibility with the security of every personal information you provide, so it is best to choose popular brands that are known for continuously testing their products.

Compatibility with other devices

Determine if the wearable device you plan to buy is compatible with your existing devices. Generally, the Apple Watch requires iPhone 5 or newer, while Android-based smartwatches won’t work on any iPhone. Are you willing to replace some of your existing devices for a wearable?

These 6 important considerations will help you decide if a wearable device is appropriate for your situation or not, or ensure you buy the best one to fit your needs

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