Phone Compatability

It is important to make sure your watch is compatible with your phone. They require pairing to receive notifications, at a minimum. Google’s Wear OS runs on many smartwatches, and works on android phones including the Samsung Galaxy, and the iPhone. Samsung’s Tizen OS also works on both android and iPhones. Apple’s Watch OS, runs on the iWatch and will only sync with iPhones. Both operating systems are similar. Apple’s Watch OS is quick and clean, and all apps go through Apple’s approval process. Google’s Wear OS and Tizen are open source, allowing for more customization. If not choosing a Garmin, and you want the most functionality, match an Apple watch with an iPhone and Google or Samsung’s OS with an Android phone. 

Garmin uses its own proprietary operating system, with a Connect App to pair your phone and Connect IQ to download apps. It is compatible with both Android and iPhones.

Specific Smartwatch Features

Finally, decide what features are important to you. As smartwatches get more advanced and popular, most include the following features. It’s still important to make sure and know what you’re getting.

Notifications – After pairing to your phone, you can customize the notifications from your watch. For example, notifications of calls, messages, e-mails, reminders, and social media posts. Style, display and sounds of notifications vary from watch to watch.

Bluetooth calling – Smartwatches will have bluetooth capability to sync to your phone. But only some have a microphone and speaker that offers bluetooth calling through the watch itself. If it does, your phone will still need to be nearby.

GPS – Many watches have a built in GPS, for tracking a run or directions to an appointment.

Activity tracker – For health tracking, look for sensors like a pedometer (measures steps), accelerometer (measures intensity), and heart rate monitor, to name a few.

NFC – Near Field Communication allows users to transfer data, connect devices with a touch and make secure transactions. The most common use of NFC is making payments with Apple or Google Pay.

Voice control  – With this capability, you’ll be able to give voice commands, send text messages, and search the web, hands free.

Apps – Both Android and Apple operating systems have thousands of apps. If there’s one you especially want on your phone, make sure its compatible with the watch OS. 

Display

OLED (organic light emitting diode) and AMOLED (active-matrix organic light emitting diode) illuminate each pixel. They do not need a backlight, are usually thinner and consume less power. LCD screens use a backlight, and have good visibility in the sun and bright settings.

Certainly, you’ll also want to know if the watch is a touchscreen, uses buttons and bezels, or both.  Touchscreen allows for easy swiping and scrolling. Interacting with buttons still allows for lots of functionality, but is more simple.

Band

Most smartwatches have easily interchangeable watch bands. So, if you love the watch case design but want a different style band, don’t panic. Check which size band the watch is compatible with, most likely either 16, 20, or 22mm. Then, shop classic, leather, stainless steal, silicon, or steel mesh looks.

Our List of Best Smartwatches for Pilots​

Many smartwatches have been added to market in the recent years. However, there are only a handful of smartwatches specially designed for pilots. We’ve listed those first, all made by Garmin. Below those, we look at watches that still work great for pilots, but also on days off while enjoying other activities.