Before You Buy

Phone fit, battery life, monthly fees, setup and plain-language buying advice.

  • Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular 40mm
    Before You Buy

    Do Smartwatches Need a Phone to Work?

    Do smartwatches need a phone? Learn which features work alone, how setup and cellular plans affect your choice, and which watch fits your daily routine.

  • Garmin Forerunner 165
    Before You Buy

    How Long Does a Smartwatch Battery Last?

    Learn how long a smartwatch battery lasts, how GPS and screen settings affect runtime, and which charging routine fits your workouts, sleep tracking, and phone.

  • Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm
    Before You Buy

    What to Look For in a Smartwatch

    Learn what to look for in a smartwatch, from phone compatibility and battery life to sleep tracking, fitness features, comfort and daily notifications.

  • Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm
    Before You Buy

    Why Does My Smartwatch Keep Disconnecting?

    Why does my smartwatch keep disconnecting? Check Bluetooth range, app permissions, battery settings, and phone compatibility before replacing your watch.