Which Android Wear smartwatch should you buy?
You’ve only got two wrists, so make your choice count
Android Wear is growing up fast – and, as any parent knows, that can be both good and bad news.
The downside for early adopters is that their first-gen smartwatch is in danger of missing out on the Android Wear 2.0 software update that’s coming in Autumn 2016. The original Moto G and LG G watch recently confirmed that they won’t support the update, with older watches likely to join them in missing out on its promising software tweaks.
But the good news is that it’s a great time to invest in one of the many great second-gen Android Wear watches. They’ve had time to mature and come in a confusingly vast range of shapes and designs. So which is the right one for your wrist? We’ve narrowed down the best choices:
Moto 360 2015 (£250)
The second generation Moto 360 still keeps the annoying not-quite-fully-circular screen, but makes up for it with a plethora of different customisation options, from different metal and leather straps, to bezel colours and finishes.
Available in large and small versions, it’s the best option if you want to wear a watch that’s truly your own. The easily swappable straps don’t hurt either.
Best for: Variety
Read More › Moto 360 (2015) review
Tag Heuer Connected (£1100)
Spending over a grand (yes, really) on a smartwatch seems insane, and for most people, this is definitely not the best choice, given that it doesn’t really offer anything its far cheaper rivals can’t do.
Still, if you’ve got a chunk of cash burning a hole in your pocket and want something to shut up your Apple Watch-wearing mates, this’ll probably do the trick. When you get sick of it, you can trade it in towards an actual Tag Heuer timepiece too, if you fancy.
Best for: Luxury
Read More › Tag Heure Connected review
Moto 360 Sport (£190)
Yep, Moto’s got a second entry in the list, but it’s earned its spot as the best Android Wear option for runners and cyclists. That’s because it offers an outdoor-visible screen and built-in GPS smarts, letting you leave your smartphone at home when you’re out on a run.
While there’s no dedicated cycling mode, it’s still compatible with popular cycling app Strava, letting you track your route and pace without a hitch.
Best for: Runners and cyclists
Read More › Moto 360 Sport review
Casio WSD-F10 (US$500)
Casio’s massive, rugged smartwatch will dwarf most wrists, but if you spend most of your spare time running through mud and swimming across frozen lakes, this is the best option for you.
It’s shockproof, waterproof up to 50 metres, and has a monochrome display mode which boosts the battery up to one month (though this disables all the apps). Sadly, despite having dedicated apps for air pressure and altitude, it somewhat crazily doesn’t have built-in GPS, so you’ll still need your smartphone if you want to track your route.
Best for: The great outdoors
Read More › Casio WSD-F10 hands-on review
Huawei Watch (from £235)
Huawei’s effort is a lovely looking timepiece, and is one of the better, if not the best-looking Google watches around.
Prices vary depending on your band choice, and it can get a little high, but if you want to look good while nattering away to your wrist, you can’t go far wrong here. The fact that its display is sharper than its rivals is just icing on an already tasty time-cake.
Best for: Fashion
Developing…
The Huawei Watch, along with the elusice LG Watch Urbane 2 Edition, are currently the only devices which support the Android Wear 2.0 OD developer preview.
Google hasn’t officially revealed when the final release will reach these and other Android Wear watches, but unless you’re a developer, we wouldn’t base your purchasing decision on this one factor alone.
Read More › Huawei Watch review
LG Watch Urbane (£170)
LG’s Urbane smartwatch is a no-nonsense, attractive (if not mind-blowing) Android Wear device which has come right down in price since its launch.
Its standard watch straps are easily replaceable if you fancy injecting a little more personality into it, and it’s fully circular, plastic OLED display still holds up very well, both in terms of visibility and battery life. Like the Huawei Watch, it’s also been confirmed to be getting the Android Wear 2.0 update.
Best for: Simple style
Asus ZenWatch 2 (£150)
At £150, Asus’ ZenWatch 2 is the cheapest option here, and is rather attractive, assuming you’re not set on a traditional circular design.
An extra £20 more will net you the LG Watch Urbane above, which packs in a heart rate sensor – a feature missing from the cheaper ZenWatch. Still, if you’re not fussed about checking on your ticker, it won’t matter too much.
Best for: Value
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
