EnTech: Best smartwatches 2015: The best smart wristwear available to buy today

Best smartwatches 2015: The best smart wristwear available to buy today

Smartwatches used to be gadgets only James Bond would have access to, but that's no longer the case. These wrist-worn phone companions that can receive calls, texts, emails and social network notifications have been whipping the wearables sector into a storm over the past year, with more and more companies after a slice of the pie.
Many attempts have been made, some more successful than others, some much better looking than others and some smarter than others. But for those looking to take the smartwatch plunge, you've come to the right place. We have rounded up the best out there that we have had the pleasure of reviewing in full.
Options are limited for Windows Phone users despite Microsoft launching its Microsoft Band as this device fits more into our best activity tracker feature than this smartwatch one. Things have improved for iOS users though after Apple made the Apple Watch available but it is Android users that have the biggest pick of the bunch, which you will see below.
As usual, we will continue to update this feature as we get our hands and wrists on more but for now, here are the best smartwatches available to buy today.

8. Motorola Moto 360

The Motorola Moto 360 was one of the most highly-anticipated smartwatches of 2014 when it was announced as one of first three devices to sport Google's Android Wear platform. The Moto 360 didn't arrive until a few months after its competitors, but many heralded it as the best of the bunch and the one to wait for.
The round face was seen as a winner and the steel body was certainly a plus for the Moto 360, but it came with its flaws, including a black sensor bar that disrupts the round face, average battery life and an inconsistent heart rate sensor.
Overall the Motorola Moto 360 has some likeable moments, and although we love the Moto Maker element, there's a residing sensation that it can still be bettered. It may have been the poster boy of Android Wear, but it feels like a smartwatch that's just marking time.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto 360 review

7. Samsung Gear Live

The Samsung Gear Live was the company's first smartwatch to run on Google's Android Wear platform rather than its own operating system seen on its previous smartwatch attempts. It's a slim and attractive model that's minimalist in design both inside and out.
The Gear Live is a comfortable device, well-sized, has a built-in heart-rate sensor and the display is excellent, but its battery life isn't fantastic and at the time of review, Android Wear wasn't quite up to scratch, which let it down slightly.
When it first launched, the Gear Live was the best looking Android Wear smartwatch around, but it has since been followed by a couple of models from LG, as well as one from Asus that all take it up a notch in the design sector. It's a good device and worthy of consideration but in the six months since we reviewed it, the Gear Live has been greeted with some stiff competition.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Gear Live review

6. Pebble Steel

Pebble is the only smartwatch that will work with both Android and iOS smartphones and therefore up until a couple of months ago, it was the only option for iPhone users who want notifications delivered to their wrist.Â
It's a fantastic piece of technology that brings a premium design, a nice and easy-to-use interface and a continually expanding Pebble apps library. The real strength is battery life thanks to the display technology used, but it is less interactive than the full touch rivals on this list.
It's all or nothing when it comes to iOS notifications but if you want a smartwatch that delivers a brilliant experience, while looking presentable at the same time, the Pebble Steel is one of the best out there.
FULL REVIEW: Pebble Steel review

5. LG Watch Urbane

LG launched the Watch Urbane to the world, saying it was time to step forward with luxury accessories that people would really want to wear. Presented in stainless steel or rose gold, the LG Watch Urbane looks to take a more traditional approach to this very modern of gadgets.
The Watch Urbane sets the bar high, but it misses the mark slightly. It's the most expensive Android Wear device, but not the best quality smartwatch out there. It's too much more than it's sophisticated rival, the Asus ZenWatch, and it doesn't have the quality of build or design to sit so close to the Apple Watch Sport in price.
There's a whole lot to love about the LG Watch Urbane however. It does give you a more sophisticated look and, if it fits, it's a more elegant look than some of the toy-like rivals. It's a device with great potential, but the design isn't quite as sophisticated as the price might make you think so we urge you to try before you buy to make sure it is right for you.
FULL REVIEW: LG Watch Urbane review

4. Sony SmartWatch 3

The Sony SmartWatch 3 is attempt numero three from the Japanese company after being in the wearables game from the outset and its experience shows in this third generation device.
It's the only smartwatch currently available that features GPS built-in and while the design may not be as nice or as premium looking as others on this list, the SmartWatch 3 has a good battery life for standard use, Micro-USB charging and a slim body to rival its competitors.
The SmartWatch 3 is as good for the usual smartphone-based notifications as its competitors and it adds features when it comes to sports so you could say it's a good all-rounder. It isn't top of the pack when it comes to looks, but as a smart sportswatch, this device is the one to beat.
FULL REVIEW: Sony SmartWatch 3 review

3. LG G Watch R

The LG G Watch R arrived hot on the heels of LG's original Android Wear smartwatch, the LG G Watch, and it certainly brought improvements. When we originally reviewed this device, it was the best looking Android Wear device to date and we had a lot of love for it.
There is a decent screen on board, a solid battery life and an integrated heart-rate monitor among its best attributes, but sadly the software still has its shortcomings and LG opted not to build in GPS, which means it's not as useful for sports as Sony's option.
Winner of the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards Best Wearable 2014, the LG G Watch R is a good investment however. The round face looks great and it manages to successfully find a place between classic watches and the future of the smartwatch, presenting a solid sign of progress.
FULL REVIEW: LG G Watch R review

2. Asus ZenWatch

Asus put design first when it came to the ZenWatch and the results it delivered with that approach are excellent. It's a great looking smartwatch that features a comfortable strap, good display and some handy software extras, even if these extras also mean some duplication.
We faced a couple of Bluetooth connection issues and the ZenWatch requires a base to charge it, unlike the Sony SmartWatch 3 for example, but of all the Android Wear devices out there, we think this model is the most elegant.
The ZenWatch has emerged as one of our favourite wearables so far, and we believe it is certainly one to consider for Android users if you are after something to keep you in the loop, but with a smarter style.
FULL REVIEW: Asus ZenWatch review

1. Apple Watch

Three years in the making, the Apple Watch isn't the first smartwatch to the market by a long shot, and certainly won't be the last. It arrived with not only something to prove, but an approach that is different: the Watch is as much a fashion statement as it is a functional tool and that's why it currently sits at the top spot.
The Apple Watch is a powerful smartwatch with plenty of features on offer - from calls, to notifications, and thousands of apps all on your wrist, but there's nothing to set it apart from the competition, except that it is the most fashion-aware take on the smartwatch yet.
It's a more luxurious accessory than the competition and it offers a great solid design, along with a platform that we feel is currently better than Android Wear. The Apple Watch has its downfalls of course like others on this list, but a watch should look good, whether it is smart or not and this device succeeds here. The hard part for Apple and its competition is not convincing many that they want an Apple Watch or alternative, but that they want a smartwatch full stop.
FULL REVIEW: Apple Watch review