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Huawei Watch D2 review: Blood pressure monitoring at its best

7:09 pm | October 21, 2024

Huawei Watch D2 review: One-minute review

If we had a 'best for blood pressure' category in our best smartwatches buying guide then the Watch D2 would be instantly catapulted into this position. It supersedes the Watch D that was released in 2022, and is looking set to reignite a watch series that was otherwise going to be consigned into the depths of smartwatch history.

Blood pressure monitoring in a smartwatch is an incredible achievement, a reality made possible through an airbag strip located behind the main watch strap. At first, I thought the strip would get in the way and be too uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis, but I was wrong. It sits neatly as part of the strip and (if anything) provides an extra layer of comfort.

Blood pressure readings appeared reliable and accurate, although the watch did struggle relatively regularly to get a reading at all. It required a certain level of accurate positioning on the wrist. I appreciate it's a medical piece of equipment, but I'd like to see increased predictability in the Watch D3.

As good as the Watch D2 is for blood pressure monitoring, it is equally let down by its lack of advanced smartwatch features. At a cost of £350 (around $400 / AU$700), I'm disappointed not to see the ability to make contactless payments, listen to music through Spotify or Amazon Music, or even listen to audio messages on WhatsApp.

I know a lot of the cost can be attributed to the advanced blood pressure capabilities, but I think that has limited this watch to a rather niche group of people and their needs. Wide market appeal might therefore be lacking.

The watch is certified by both the EU's Medical Device Regulation body and China's National Medical Products Administration. This opens up an almost global market, but the distinct lack of release in the US might further hamper appeal.

Having worn this watch for a number of weeks, I'm left with an overall positive feeling. It looks great, performs well, and provides an adequate extension to my smartphone. There's still room for improvement, which I'm sure will come in future releases but for now the D2 represents an important step in smartwatch development.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Specifications

Huawei Watch D2 review: Price and availability

£349.99 in the UK
Not available in the US / AU
Also available in China

The Huawei Watch D2 is available in the UK at a price of £349.99. Blood pressure monitoring is certified by the EU's Medical Device Regulation body. The device is also available in China but that's as far as Huawei's market's stretch.

Huawei continues to be banned in the US, which seriously limits the company's markets. Otherwise, the watch isn't cheap and is missing a few key smartwatch features at this price point, although the revolutionary blood pressure monitor makes up for it.

Value score: 4/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Design

Good-looking design
1.82 inch AMOLED
Thick watch

Upon taking the Watch D2 out of the box my first impressions of the design were pretty positive. The 1.82-inch AMOLED display takes centre stage, providing a substantially sized screen for showcasing watch faces, health data, and notifications.

The colour display has a resolution of 480 × 408 pixels with a PPI of 347. Text and graphics look absolutely fantastic with a high level of clarity, definition, and vibrancy. There were no signs of pixelation or definition problems.

The display is encased by a black or gold case, which frames the watch nicely. Considering how impressive the display is, it would benefit from a much thinner bezel, especially at the top and bottom of the display. The watch itself is sized at 48 × 38 mm. The aluminium alloy case continues back to the rear of the watch where a black plastic panel takes over. The thickness is 13.3 mm, although this is at the thinnest location and excludes the sensor area.

This is one of my biggest gripes with the watch design: like its predecessor, it's just far too thick. The sooner Huawei is able to recess that sensor further into the watch the more comfortably it will sit on the wrist.

To the side of the watch is a rotating crown and a function/ECG button. These perform well and enhance the overall operation of the watch. I did find myself using the touchscreen more than the buttons but they're there if you want them.

The watch is built with premium materials, giving significant strength to the quality and level of durability. I had no concerns that I was going to damage the watch or that any individual parts weren't going to stand the test of time.

There are two watch strap options, including 'Black Fluoroelastomer' and 'White Composite Leather'. I was testing the former. The material looks great and, more importantly, feels nice on the wrist. The locking mechanism provides a quick and easy way to take the watch on and off.

The blood pressure monitor airbag strip is directly connected to the watch strap itself. I couldn't initially see how this was going to be comfortable but, in reality, it provided an extra level of cushioning.

The watch ships with a wireless USB-A charger, which is better than most that I have tested. The watch magnetically connects to the charger and doesn't require the watch to be in any particular orientation.

Design score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Features

Blood pressure monitoring
Extensive tracking capabilities
Lacks advanced key smartwatch features

The single biggest standout feature of the Huawei Watch D2 is the Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is delivered through a 26.5 mm ultra-narrow mechanical airbag that is attached to the inside of the watch strap. It inflates quickly and easily, providing everything required to take this vital health metric. The idea behind the feature is to provide blood pressure monitoring at will without a large cuff. So, whether you're working, exercising, relaxing, or sleeping, it's now easier than ever to perform ABPM tests.

The Watch D2 lets users run a 24-hour auto-monitoring plan. This is helpful for noticing trends across a whole day, including when you're sleeping. Do be prepared to be woken up through the night though unless you have a special skill of sleeping through the air-bag inflation.

Another relevant feature is the ECG analysis. Huawei have improved their technology from the Watch D, now providing more accurate and responsive results. If you're interested in this level of detail, then you can get the data required to help you identify the potential presence of common heart conditions.

Additionally, Huawei have included a sleep mode that includes heart rate, SpO₂, respiratory rate, and abnormal breathing tracking. As you wake in the morning, you can see detailed results through the Huawei Health App. It also includes white noise, natural soundscapes, and relaxing music to help you get to sleep.

The Watch D2 also includes a range of smartwatch features, including notifications, making and receiving calls, and listening to offline music. Unfortunately there are quite significant limitations, including the inability to make contactless payments, listen to WhatsApp audio messages, or listen to music through Spotify or other music providers. It's all got to be done through your phone.

Features score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Performance

Accurate blood pressure monitoring
Good exercise tracking
Responsive display

ABPM is a rare commodity in a smartwatch, so I was keen to test the accuracy and reliability of the feature. Having set the watch up and got the watch and my arm in position, I proceeded to set the watch off on its monitoring. With the air-bag inflating, I was keen to see what the results would be.

I ran the same tests numerous times and gained very similar results, which showed a pleasing level of consistency. I'm aware of what my normal blood pressure levels are and the watch delivered results within that spectrum.

I did have some problems with reliability and at times, I couldn't get the watch to take the measurement at all. This will have mostly been down to my incorrect positioning of the watch but despite that, I would like to have seen more consistent monitoring capabilities.

Other health tracking metrics are measured with ease, as they don't require quite the same level of mechanics or precision on positioning. Its sleep tracking accurately detected all my wakings as well as times that I was in deep or light sleep.

I then took the watch out and about while I walked, ran, played football, and cycled. The D2 picked up GPS without any problems at all and accurately detected where I was located. All of this was displayed on maps and I experienced no problems with the watch getting this wrong. Metrics were all recorded and tracked without problem and the Huawei Health app proved a faithful companion for digging deeper into those.

Battery life is advertised as six days with normal usage. I experienced a range of different lengths with a greater range when I was only doing exercise tracking and basic smartwatch features as well as a shortened range when using it more intensely.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Huawei Watch D2?

Buy it if...

You want regular blood pressure monitoring
Being able to perform ABPM at will is one of the best features of the Watch D2. It's fast, effective, and a big leap in smartwatch technology.

You want a top-quality display

The 1.82-inch AMOLED display looks fantastic thanks to the 480 × 408 pixels resolution with 347 PPI.

You want great battery life

The Watch D2 has an impressive battery life especially considering what monitoring and tracking it is performing. Battery life does reduce significantly if regular ABPM is performed.

Don't buy it if...

You want advanced smartwatch features

There is a distinct lack of contactless payments and the ability to listen to music on streaming services.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Also consider

Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users. It offers a Double-Tap gesture, all-day battery life, and excellent health features. Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Suunto Race S
One of the best watches for runners or athletes in general. Fantastic tracking features and a long battery life provide users with everything required to get exercising. Read our full Suunto Race S review

Huawei Watch D2: How I tested

I've enjoyed wearing the Huawei Watch D2 for several weeks and have tested as many of its features as I possibly could. I focused on blood pressure monitoring, ECG analysis, and exercise tracking. I tracked walking, running, football, and cycling to give a good spread of activities.

I paired the watch with the Huawei Health app to get the complete health tracking experience offered by Huawei.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 review: the cheapest fitness tracker you should consider buying

6:41 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Trackers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: TPU | Comments: Off

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: One-minute review

Not many tech brands are as prolific in making cheap fitness trackers as Chinese giant Xiaomi; the brand cut its teeth on making inexpensive alternatives to top-end smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, and it’s the same with gadgets like the new Xiaomi Smart Band 9.

The second of its budget fitness gadgets released in the West in 2024 after the Smart Band 8 Pro, the Smart Band 9 doesn’t compete with the giants of the wearable world in terms of specs or features. The Xiaomi won’t go head-to-head with your Apple Watches, Garmins, or Fitbits in terms of health monitoring.

Instead, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers a useful core of features at an impressively low price. It’s the cheapest fitness tracker that I could find sold online from a brand I’d ever heard of, and it dramatically undercuts some big-name rivals such as Fitbit.

These core features include sleep tracking, step counting, heart rate monitoring, and calorie counting; turn on certain sports modes and you get a lot more. The results are reasonably accurate too, although it’s not pinpoint precision, and there is no GPS offered.

You can also use the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 as a smartwatch-lite, with notification handling, music control, and weather reports. A few rough edges in this area reflect the price: notifications could be buggy, initial pairing was tricky, and raise-to-wake didn’t always work as intended. But my annoyance would wear off when I remembered the price, and most of the time it worked fine.

As affordable fitness trackers go, this is one of the best on the market right now, but it’d be best enjoyed by people who haven’t tested others. It’s a great entry-level option for people who are new to the health monitoring game and want to test out a gadget to do so, without breaking the bank.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 on a man's wrist in front of a green park. — (Image credit: Future)

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Specifications

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Price and availability

On sale now
Goes for $60 / £34.99 / AU$79.99
Undercuts most rivals but not the post-discount Band 8 Pro

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 was released in late September 2024 alongside a few other gadgets from the company, which included a redesigned Xiaomi Watch 2 and the Xiaomi Buds 5.

You can pick up the tracker for $60 / £34.99 / AU$79.99, so this falls decidedly into the catchment area for our list of the best cheap fitness trackers. The cost represents a slight price hike of $10 in the US, though in the UK and US, it hasn’t changed in price.

At that price the Smart Band 9 easily undercuts our best-in-class Fitbit Inspire 3 as well as other rivals like the Huawei Band 9, Samsung Galaxy Fit 3, Honor Band 9, and Amazfit Bip 3 Pro. If you’re looking for an affordable wearable from a respected tech company, this is one of the cheapest you’ll find before you venture onto the dark side of Amazon.

The only thing it doesn’t undercut is its predecessor, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. That launched earlier in 2024 for $99 / £60 / AU$95 but only six months on from its release, I’ve found it from multiple retailers at half its launch price. This chunky fitness tracker is the Band 9’s biggest rival, and I’ll look more at this competitor right at the bottom of this review.

Value score: 4.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Design

By-the-numbers fitness tracker
Bright 1.62-inch AMOLED screen
Band is TPU but other options on sale

Experienced fitness tracker customers will find no surprises in the Xiaomi Smart Band 9.

The screen is a 1.62-inch AMOLED panel with a 192 x 490 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and 1200 nits max brightness. This latter is a big upgrade over past models and it makes it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. Automatic brightness has also seen an upgrade and I never found any issues with its performance, which is the best testament to its efficacy.

I’ve previously had issues with Xiaomi bands (and other fitness trackers) struggling to pick up touch, especially if my hands were wet, but that wasn’t the case for the 9th-gen model. I found the screen wonderfully convenient.

Some may find the lack of any physical buttons a little confusing, but it’s easy to get used to a solely gesture-based navigation system.

The band’s body measures 46.53 x 21.63 x 10.95 mm and weighs 15.8g, and it’s made of aluminum, unlike some past models. This makes it feel nice and sturdy, and its 5ATM water resistance ensures it won’t get damaged from submersion in water. It’s also one of the smaller fitness trackers I’ve tested, which will be good news for people who don’t like bulky wearables.

A few different color options for the Smart Band 9 are going on sale depending on the region – black, silver, light blue, rose and gray options are all available with straps that match.

The band Xiaomi sent me had its default TPU strap which you can see in the images, as well as a magnetic loop one. The former was a little fiddly to use when I was putting the watch on, but I found the latter would slowly slip during use, leaving me with a slightly looser band. As a result, I ended up using the default band most – Xiaomi launched the Smart Band 9 with a few different straps you can buy online, but I only tested these two.

Design score: 4.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Performance

21-day battery life
No GPS but heart rate and other trackers
155 fitness modes, varying in usefulness

According to Xiaomi, the battery life of the Smart Band 9 is 21 days – in my experience that’s almost accurate, as I reached 20, but with an above-average amount of workout tracking during that time in order to test the watch (including an 8-hour long run at one point, which barely dented the battery bar).

That’s a competitive battery life, with most rivals tapping out at two weeks or 14 days, so if you get battery anxiety this is the fitness tracker to get.

Looking at the fitness performance, as you can imagine for the price you’re not getting the most robust or razor-accurate tracking of all time, but I didn’t find it was ever way out.

GPS tracking is done using connected GPS to your smartphone, so you can’t ditch your mobile when going for a run or walk, and accuracy won’t necessarily be quite as high as with a GPS watch. However, it’s not wildly inaccurate either – after an entire marathon I was only several hundred meters off my companions’ more accurate devices.

That theme of ‘in the right ballpark’ is reflected in the watch’s other tracking elements too. Heart rate, step count, and moving minutes all felt reasonably correct when compared to other devices. That wasn’t as true for sleep tracking, which sometimes errantly thought I was asleep when I was reading in bed. However its breakdown of sleep stages was useful, and it’s not something you can expect in all budget fitness trackers.

There are 155 fitness tracking modes by my count, which range in usefulness. Some, like running, indoor rowing, and swimming, provide useful information specific to the activity, but most purely measure time, calories burned, and heart rate. I won’t knock that though as I found the first and last useful during gym sessions to space my sets out.

Digging deep into the menus you can find some pretty odd workout modes like auto racing, chess, and mass gymnastics, but again these all just measure heart rate and time.

I’d recommend the watch most of all for runners, not only because it provides you with pretty in-depth information about your activity, but because of various ‘running courses’ which are basically interval training sessions. The watch will advise you when to run and at what speeds, which can be useful for people trying to build up their cardio.

Xiaomi also charts a ‘Vitality score’ which is a weekly points system to chart whether you’re doing enough exercise per week. It only seems to monitor logged activities though, so if you walk for 20,000 steps but haven't set it up as an activity to measure, that’s nil points for you!

Performance score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Features

Mi Fitness app used on phone
Music playback, notification handling and more
Some bugs with app and watch

You use the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 9 alongside the company’s smartphone app, called Mi Fitness. Pairing the band and the phone was pretty fiddly, a fact I thought could be down to my own ineptitude until I realized that our Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro reviewer had the same issues with that device, which you can read about here.

Not only is pairing a pain, but some parts of the Mi Fitness app weren’t in English, as you can see from the images attached to this review. Otherwise, it’s a useful place to collect all your fitness data, including more than you can find on the watch itself.

You can also use it to change watch faces, and Xiaomi’s done a great job at creating some good-looking faces that collate all your data into one screen. I was taken with the one you can see me using in the review images – it’s easy to quickly scan for information.

Using your phone, you can set up some non-fitness features of the phone which are pretty useful. You can control music playback from your wrist (well, skip and pause tracks as well as change the volume, but you can’t hunt through Spotify for the perfect running track). You can turn on an alert on your phone if you’ve lost it, activate Do Not Disturb from your wrist, and check the weather.

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Xiaomi Mi Fitness user interface — Mi Fitness' health and wearables pages. (Image credit: Future)

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A feature that should be useful is notification alerts, so your wrist will buzz if your phone gets a notification. It’s handy if you get an important email or text but the band wasn’t always fantastic at handling them. Sometimes it’d repeatedly give me alerts for persistent notifications (ie notifications about the weather, or WhatsApp telling me it was checking for new messages) or send me individual notifications for new texts in busy group messages, instead of bundling them together as some other fitness trackers do.

My most annoying incident with notifications was at 6 am one morning. The fitness tracker had apparently decided I was awake, and so was able to take incoming alerts – I wasn’t, but its constant buzzing with new notifications changed that soon enough! Perhaps this is more an issue with the sleep tracking than the notification system, but it fits in here.

Another issue I found is that the watch’s raise-to-wake (which turns on the display when you turn it to face you) only worked about half the time. I often had to tap the display to see the time.

These gripes may sound annoying, but I’ve been testing cheap fitness trackers for years, and overall the experience of using the Smart Band 9 was a lot smoother than I’m used to – it’s just not perfect.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Scorecard

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You don’t have a fitness tracker
If you’re a workout tech aficionado, the Smart Band 9 will seem barebones, but it’s designed to help people get their foot in the door with the idea of measuring your health this way.

You want to save money, but not cheap out
One of the cheapest reliable fitness trackers around, the Smart Band 9 should be the first port of call for people who want to save money on their tech.

You’re a technophobe
Finickity pairing aside, a fitness tracker like the Band 9 is a lot easier for technophobes to handle than a fancy smartwatch, and is lighter to wear too.

Don't buy it if...

You want to ditch your phone
The lack of built-in GPS in the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 means you can’t measure your workouts unless you bring your phone with you.

You want dedicated sports tracking
Some trackers will offer you in-depth tracking for specific exercises but for most in its roster, the Xiaomi tracker only measures your calories and heart rate, which might not cut it for everyone.

Also consider

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro

This same-company rival offers a bigger screen and GPS tracking, however its battery life isn't as long. At RRP it's pricier but most places sell it for cheaper now.

Read our full review

Fitbit Inspire 3

Fitbit's most affordable fitness tracker gives you lots of the company's top-notch tech. It's affordable, but not Smart Band 9 affordable.

Read our full review

Theragun Pro massage gun review: still the king

11:00 am | October 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Theragun Pro: One-minute review

We’ve seen multiple versions of the Theragun Pro, and every time the upgrades have been incremental but very welcome.

This is the crown jewel in Theragun’s lineup, after all, and it’s powerful and practical; however, it might be too pricey for some. Still, if you can afford the cost of entry, there are few better options when it comes to the best massage guns on the market.

While it lacks some of the massage-adjacent features of the smaller Sense, it’s a dream to use for just, well, self-massage. It’s got a sizeable battery, and a spare included (that’s a combined five hours between them which means none of those frustrating moments where you get back from a run and need to plug it in for a while), while also packing a rotating arm which you won’t find on the company’s other offerings (at least not anymore).

There’s an OLED screen, as has become standard, with guided massage routines, and the hefty 60lbs / 27kg force rating means it can hit as hard as you need it to.

In fact, other than the price, my only real complaint is that it’s a rather sizeable massage gun, which likely rules it out for travel.

Theragun Pro: Specifications

Theragun Pro: Price and availability

Theragun Sense review — (Image credit: Future)

Available now
Priced at $599 / £499/AUD$799

The latest version of the Theragun Pro is expensive, at $599, but it’s regularly discounted closer to $500/£499/AUD$799. Just be sure you’re picking up the latest version if you want that quieter motor.

Sadly, they’re named the same, but you can tell if you’ve got the older version because it has a black inner ring on the colored circle on the body.

Value score: 5/5

Theragun Pro: Design

One color option
Adapter included
Multiple attachments

The Theragun Pro looks how you’d expect a modern Theragun model to look, with that distinctive circle and a comfortable handle.

There’s only one colorway, with the black body surrounding a metallic blue trim, but it looks good, and I prefer it to the white version of the Sense. As mentioned above, though, it’s chunky – I’ve got large hands so I was fine, but my partner found it a little trickier to get her hands around it when administering a back massage.

Thankfully, it’s not uncomfortable, just a little unwieldy. It’s nice and easy to switch between attachments (more on those shortly), while there’s an OLED display that offers the option to jump right into a guided massage routine or just get started quickly – ideal for a post-gym blast.

Design score: 5/5

Theragun Pro: Performance

Powerful motor
Power adapter included
Six attachments

With 60lbs / 27kg of force, the Theragun hits as hard as you can take, and I particularly appreciated the QX150 motor, paired with the extendable arm, for hitting those hard-to-reach spots while still offering consistent output.

There are six attachments in the box, as has become Theragun’s standard, meaning you can expect Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, SuperSoft, and Micropoint options. They come in their own case, too, while the unit itself has a case. Speaking of accessories, I’m really pleased the power adapter, missing from the Theragun Sense, is included here.

I’ve been using the guided massage functionality to work over multiple muscle groups after the gym or a 5K run, and I’ve found that it’s reduced a lot of the tightness in my hamstrings and calves, helping me feel like I can get out again sooner.

There are four routines included, with an OLED screen making it easy to switch between them; Sleep (for bedtime routines), Warm-up and Recovery (which are obvious), and one for a quick blast of massage via Theragun Break.

The motor is quieter than the previous generation, which makes it more conducive to using later at night, while the customizable speed range means you can go as fast or as slow as you want - or can handle.

Performance score: 5/5

Theragun Pro: Scorecard

Theragun Pro: Should I buy it?

Theragun Pro Review — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re looking to recover more quickly

I’ve seen a definite uptick in my recovery times, meaning I’m able to exercise more regularly.

View Deal

You want a lot of power

The Theragun Pro is one of the more powerful options available, meaning it may work better than softer touch models.

View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want something more portable

Theragun offers drastically smaller options, like the Mini, for regular travelers.

View Deal

You’re just getting started

Not sure self-massage is for you? It might be worth considering a cheaper option before dropping so much cash on the Theragun Pro.

View Deal

Also consider

Theragun Sense

This smaller Theragun model is much easier to travel with, and has features like breathing exercises, too.

Read our full review

Bob & Brad D6 Pro

Another large massage gun, this powerful option is ideal for experienced self-massages and offers plenty of guidance if you’re OK reading the manual.

Read our full review

How I tested

I tested the Theragun Pro multiple times a week, after a weightlifting session at the gym or a run, as well as using it before bed to wind down.

Oura Ring 4 review: a future-proof smart ring with a subscription attached

7:36 pm | October 17, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: AI, Australia, GPS, USD | Comments: Off

Oura Ring 4: One minute review

The Oura Ring Generation 4 is better than the Samsung Galaxy Ring – provided, that is, you subscribe to the $5.99-a-month Oura Ring membership program. It’s more comfortable thanks to the lack of nodules, it’s got theoretically better heart rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature recognition thanks to the way its sensors are designed, an AI ‘Oura Advisor’ service, sophisticated women’s health tracking insights, ‘stress’ and ‘resilience’ metrics along with all the features available on the app to previous-gen Oura Ring users.

It’s a wonderfully-designed Ring, supremely comfortable to wear at night thanks to the lack of protruding inner nodes, easy on the eye, and available in six metallic finishes, all externals comprised of tough titanium. The redesigned app is great, providing detail and context missing in other smart rings with the use of timelines and easy-to-add ‘tags’. Battery life is good, with the Oura Ring matching expectations and lasting around six days as advertised with multiple workouts.

Automatic workout tracking also works terrifically, and is now able to be used for more than walking and running. The ring is able to correctly identify up to 40 different workout profiles, and I really enjoyed this aspect: it correctly identified running and yoga after I listed them as two of my most common workout types. I tried one of the guided meditations from the app’s Explore content section and felt as though it was comparable to other mindfulness services, like the Calm app. It really does feel like a futuristic wearable in every respect, from its design to its performance.

However, it’s also pricier than its contemporaries. The Samsung Galaxy Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air are expensive wearables, but once you buy them, that’s it. The Oura Ring is also a premium device, starting at $349 / £349 (Australia pricing is TBC) with the added subscription acting as a paywall to access almost all features other than your Readiness, Activity and Sleep scores. I can understand a premium device demanding a premium price (I recently gave the pricey Garmin Fenix 8 a coveted five-star rating) but the ongoing nature of the subscription means the Oura Ring does lose half a point in the value stakes.

Garmin also continues to add new features to its devices via software on a regular basis, just like Oura. Unfortunately, Oura makes you pay for these, and only gives you a one-month free trial; comparable services, like Fitbit Premium, often give you six months free as an incentive to sign up. That said, it’s a really excellent service, and I can’t recommend it enough – if you can afford it. If you’re on a budget, though, rival smart rings offer almost as much versatility in a better-value package.

Oura Ring 4: Price and availability

$349 / £349, with Australia prices TBC
$5.99 subscription (priced in USD across all regions)
Some colors incur an additional cost

As previously stated, the Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 / £349, with Australia pricing TBC as it’s currently unavailable in that region. Some designs and colorways cost more, with Rose Gold being the most expensive at $499 / £499.

The Oura Ring Membership, which is required if you want to unlock the ring’s full potential, costs $5.99; you get one month free when you purchase the ring. As mentioned above, If you’re going to buy the ring, you really have to subscribe to see its full potential.

The Oura Ring’s closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, costs $399 / £399 (around AU$750). That’s $50 / £50 than the base-model Oura Ring, but with no subscription attached, and other smart rings tend to hover around this price or cheaper. I don’t think the subscription is poorly priced, but as with a Whoop or a Fitbit, it smarts to pay a premium for the device, only to then have to keep paying in order to access your own data.

Value score: 3/5

Oura Ring 4: Design

Simple and elegant
More comfortable than the Generation 3
Redesigned app

The Oura Ring 4 is beautifully designed, and makes several leaps forward ahead of its competitors. All colorways are made of titanium now, with options of Black, Silver, Brushed Silver, Gold, Stealth (gray) and Rose Gold available. A notch on the underside of the ring shows which orientation it should be worn in.

It doesn’t have the concave design of the Samsung Galaxy Ring to protect its surface: its body is more of a traditional ‘straight’ wedding ring design. It’s tough, and should withstand a bit of beating up, but if you care about the look of your ring you will want to go careful. After a week of wear I can see some very light scratching on the surface of my Brushed Silver model, and I’m certainly too nervous to wear it to the gym without gloves.

However, the important changes here are on the underside of the ring. Gone are those skin-contact nodes, and in their place are flat sensors. These sensors are, Oura says, better at detecting signals than those on the previous models, and the ring can now be twisted 30 degrees in any direction and still take an accurate sensor reading thanks to the option of new pathways for the LED’s signals to travel. The other upside of the ring’s lack of three-dimensional nodes is that it’s more comfortable than ever to wear, especially for sleeping. It’s quite thick for a ring (but not for a smart ring, I suppose) but unlike even the best smartwatch it can be worn either to bed or during the day, and in either case you could genuinely forget you’re wearing it.

The Ring now has more sizing variety than ever, ranging from sizes 4 to 15. The larger sizes offer slightly longer battery life, up to eight days in comparison to the old Oura Ring’s maximum of seven. Of course, it also means those with slender fingers and thicker fingers can get an Oura Ring too.

The app has also seen a comprehensive redesign. Following the lead of Fitbit Premium, all content is organized across three tabs (Today, Vitals and My Health), with additional granular features available via a drop-down menu at the top-left of the screen. It’s simple and intuitive to navigate, showing your scores at the top of the page and providing options to break each one down into more detail if you want to. It’s really intuitive to use, and a logical progression from the old app.

Design score: 5/5

Oura Ring 4: Features

Sleep, Activity and Readiness scores
Underpinned by other metrics such as Resilience
AI health tool

There’s a whole bunch to talk about here. The Oura Ring 4 goes some way towards making itself a real fitness tracker, rather than a passive health monitor, by automatically detecting up to 40 kinds of workouts. It still doesn’t have onboard GPS (understandably, as it’s tiny) but it can crib from your phone’s GPS if you enable location settings.

The three main scores are Sleep, Activity, and Readiness, and each one can be broken down into an inordinate amount of granular detail. Activity, for example, can be broken down into separate factors such as ‘move every hour’, ‘meet daily calorie goals’, ‘training frequency’ and so on. The Timeline, a feature unique to Oura as far as I know, allows you to add context to binary data by adding tags at certain points like ‘alcohol’ or ‘yoga’ or ‘grief’. If a tag doesn’t suit your needs, you can save your own note, which creates a comprehensive health journal, and a better reason to scroll back through the app.

You can identify trends using specific information, such as deep-sleep states or heart-rate variability over a year. Other interesting metrics include Resilience, which details how well you respond to sources of stress, and Cardiovascular Age, to identify how healthy your heart might be. If you’re 32 and you have the heart of a 25-year-old, it’s likely that you’re doing pretty well. If you have a 45-year-old heart? You might want to do a bit more cardio.

Elsewhere, the app packs an AI health tool called Oura Advisor under the beta-testing program, Oura Labs. Asking this AI questions like “How can I improve my running speed?” offers good (if generic) advice, and responds to follow-up questions. Women’s Health tracking is reportedly detailed and accurate (although, of course, I haven’t tested this particular feature myself). All this builds on an absolute ton of app-based features that were already available in previous versions, ready for health nerds to dive into. Full marks.

Features score: 5/5

Oura Ring 4: Performance

The Oura Ring 4 in Silver on the new charger. — (Image credit: Future/Matt Evans)

Battery performs as described
Metrics are interesting and easy to navigate
Automatic workout tracking is responsive

I really enjoyed using the Oura Ring 4. I drained its battery down, which for my Size 10 ring took five and a half days of constant use, including several workouts. It was comfortable to wear, and I only took it off a handful of times, such as when doing the washing up. The Ring picked up two separate runs automatically, and offered comparable stats to my smartwatch, minus the more specific stride and cadence information I get from Coros.

Sleep tracking was highly accurate: Oura boasts some of the best sleep tracking in the business, said to be comparable to a professional polysomnography machine, and it didn’t disappoint. It clocked a night of ‘fair’ sleep when my wife and I stayed with a friend, including the correct periods of wakefulness and an accurate wake-up time, rising to ‘good’ when I was back in my own bed the following evening. I added a ‘stay elsewhere’ tag to that night on my Timeline, and I can reuse that tag whenever I sleep in a bed that’s not my own from now on.

The metrics I received were interesting and easy to navigate (however, they are orientated for long-term use, so Oura is still calculating things like my Cardiovascular Age as it requires around two weeks of use to do so), and the in-app meditation content was more or less comparable to alternatives such as Calm. I completed several different sessions, and enjoyed the experience both times.

Performance score: 5/5

Oura Ring 4: Scorecard

Oura Ring 4: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re excited about wellness

Data nerds are going to love the depth they can go into with this tiny device.

You want to track sleep

Oura’s sleep-data harvesting is pretty much the gold standard.

You hate smartwatches

This is the device to replace your smartwatch while you wear a snappy analog number.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

Oura’s ongoing subscription is essential, making its already-premium price a bit of a slap in the face.

You need GPS

Need dedicated GPS data for outdoor sports? Save your cash and get a good running watch.

You like staying connected

Want a wearable for maps, checking Whatsapp messages, and taking calls? Smart rings aren’t for you.

Also consider

How I tested

I wore the Oura Ring for a week, draining the battery down completely and sleeping with it every night. I went on several runs, comparing its health stats to those from a Coros smartwatch, and tried some of its in-app meditation content. I tested Oura’s Health Advisor service, the Timeline functionality, and dove into the app as much as possible.

Theragun Sense massage gun review: More than a massage

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Theragun Sense: One-minute review

While massage guns are more popular than ever, they can do so much more. That seems to be the thinking behind the Theragun Sense, a relatively compact massage gun that acts as a masseuse.

Expect guided massage routines, a whisper-quiet profile, and even breathing exercises, making it a fantastic all-rounder.

There are more powerful massage guns around for deeper, sports massages, but the size and additional features on offer make the Theragun Sense a great option - especially for $300 or less. Even better, you’ll find four massage attachments and a carry case inside the box, so you have everything you need right from the jump.

Theragun Sense: Specifications

Theragun Sense: Price and availability

Available now
Priced at $299.99/£275/AU$449

The Theragun Sense launched late last year, and you can find it at a discount already. Amazon offers it for under $230/£250/AU$400 fairly regularly, but even at full price, it’s definitely competitive with other massage guns we’ve tested.

Value score: 5/5

Theragun Sense: Design

Relatively compact
Subtle biometric sensor
Black and white color options

If you’ve seen a Theragun massage gun, you’ll likely know what to expect here, with a comfortable, firm build that weighs less than you might expect.

The company’s “patented ergonomic grip” is present and accounted for, but unlike other models, you won’t be able to extend the end to be straighter (that’s a Theragun Pro feature).

The upshot of that is that the Sense is much smaller and lighter than many comparable models, Theragun or otherwise, with a weight of just 1.6 lbs/0.7kg. That’s particularly key here because of the breathing exercise we’ll come to later but also means you can enjoy an impressive massage without needing to switch arms quite as regularly.

The Theragun Sense comes in Black and White colorways, but both have a rose gold trim to them. That’s unlikely to bother many users, but it’s interesting that both share the same secondary color.

Attachments are easy to swap out, you’ll just need to pull on them until they come loose, but they do slot back in with a satisfying ‘click’.

The big draw here is the display, which sits atop four directional buttons and a central confirmation one. Not only are the menus easy to navigate (with a Quick Start option a single button press away), but they also give step-by-step massage guidance to help you move between important muscle groups.

You can also use the included companion app on your phone, too, if you’d prefer, and that ties into the biometric sensor under the handle - but more on that shortly.

Charging is done via USB-C, with the port at the front of the unit. There’s a cable included, but no power adapter, sadly.

Design score: 5/5

Theragun Sense: Performance

Comes with multiple attachments
Nifty carry case
Breathing exercises are nice

The Theragun Sense offers what I would call a great ‘casual’ massage for newcomers. That may explain the cheaper price point compared to the Theragun Pro, but it’s also packing its own internal tutorial via the display to help you know when to switch between locations on the body.

That makes it ideal for partners and housemates, too, letting you ask them to hit the more unwieldy spots on the lower back, for example. It hits hard enough, but you’ll want something like the Bob and Brad D6 Pro for a harder massage.

There are four attachments included (Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, and Micro-point), as well as five speeds - all of which are impressively quiet.

If you use the biometric sensor with your finger, you can enjoy moment-to-moment heart rate, and that ties into the Therabody companion app for iOS and Android.

One of my favorite features, and one I admittedly didn’t know I needed, was the option to use the Sense for breathing exercises. Users sit with the device against their chest, and while it certainly feels unnatural at first, I found myself enjoying the process after a couple of attempts.

With some massage guns coming with dense instruction manuals, I was impressed at the potential of the companion app for helping educate users on when to massage effectively.

Performance score: 5/5

Theragun Sense: Scorecard

Theragun Sense: Should I buy it?

Buy it if...

You’re not just interested in post-workout massages

The Theragun Sense is great for self-massage, but the breathing exercise functionality adds an extra dimension.

View Deal

You’re a regular gymgoer

Still, its compact nature makes it ideal to keep in a gym bag for those bigger sessions.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want something more powerful

While it packs a punch, there are more aggressively powered massage guns if that’s what you’re looking for.View Deal

You’re not interested in breathing exercises

The Theragun Pro adds more power at a higher price point, but will likely be better for any injury concerns.

View Deal

Also consider

Bob & Brad D6 Pro

Another large massage gun, this powerful option is ideal for experienced self-massages and offers plenty of guidance if you’re OK reading the manual.

Read our full review

Theragun Pro

A larger Theragun that packs more power at the cost of portability, the Pro is ideal for longtime masseurs.

How I tested

I tested the Theragun Pro multiple times a week, after a weightlifting session at the gym or a run, as well as using it before bed to wind down.

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid watch review: Hot hybrid watch from Ferrari designer

5:19 pm | October 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: One minute review

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid is vying for a position as one of the best hybrid watches options out there, yet without actively doing so. In fact, it's more about style and sophistication, with the smart features there as an added bonus.

Known for working with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo for decades, the Pininfarina brand is synonymous with style. However, this instance is a simple licensing of the name by Globics, the company behind the watch, so while this might not have been designed by Pininfarina it certainly looks like it was. It follows the company's first foray into the hybrid watch world with the well-received Solaris: aside from looks, the two are very similar internally as well.

Outwardly, this is a premium analog watch – but thanks to that small AMOLED display, plethora of smart sensors and smartphone connectivity, it can do so much more. To be clear, this is a step towards a smartwatch with notification functionality, but isn't meant to replace a dedicated smartwatch like a Garmin or an Apple Watch. So it will keep you connected and cover some health tracking metrics, but it's not typically built for sports users.

Expect a long battery life with plenty of smartphone controls, like music and camera shutters able to be operated on-watch. It will track your sleep – whether you want to wear it at night will be another matter.

You can track sports, but with no GPS onboard, the utility is certainly limited. Yet with the tough design and waterproof build, this is a watch that can go beyond its formal looks and keep up with you as you sweat it out too. So is this the best hybrid watch for you – or do you need a more dedicated option like the Garmin Instinct Crossover?

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid specs

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Price and Availability

$379 / £379 / AU$732
Cheaper than premium smartwatches
Relatively affordable with the screen smarts

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid is available to buy now starting at $379 / £379 / AU$732.

That makes this a relatively expensive notifications-based watch, or a very affordable premium analog watch, depending on how you look at it. Since it straddles both of those classifications, the price isn't out of the realms of possibility: it's cheaper than the Instinct Crossover and a little more expensive than the Withings Scanwatch 2. You get a premium-looking and feeling analog watch without losing out on smartphone connectivity and all that goes with that.

There are other straps you can go for with multiple color options at the outset. Or change straps by buying more as after-market options to suit your needs.

Value score: 3.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Design

Useful dial controls
Clear AMOLED display
Premium casing and crystal finishes

Right from the outset the Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid feels premium. It arrived in a big fancy box with calligraphy writing on the outside that immediately had me excited for what was inside. Sure enough, the watch itself stayed true to that with a reassuringly weighty feel and a high-end, genuine Italian leather strap.

I could tell it was decent quality from feel: this is made using 316L Stainless Steel for the case while the glass uses a sapphire crystal finish with an anti-smudging layer to keep fingerprints off. This leaves you feeling comfortable in the knowledge that this is going to be resistant to scratches and damage, to maintain that quality look for longer. The two-year warranty and 5ATM waterproofing along with that also helped set me at ease.

The outer case features three chunky buttons, the central of which is a crown dial that can be rotated to scroll through menus and pushed in to select. All that makes for a great look but also an easy-to-use feel as you work through the menus, or quick select sports tracking using just a few button presses.

The model tested features a black face and strap but you can also pick from Azure Horizon that has a blue finish on the face and strap, Midnight Rose which has rose gold accents on black, or Sand Dune with a light brown strap and white face. All feature the same 44mm case and premium leather strap finish.

On the rear is a heart rate monitor that's also kitted out to measure oxygen levels so you can get detailed SpO2 data. The watch also tracks movements to give you step counts and sleep tracking, although there is no GPS onboard - you'll need to be connected to the app to use the phone's GPS for accurate tracking.

Design score: 4/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Features

Detailed HR tracking data
At-a-glance notifications
Remote control options

The main smart features of the Pininfarina are a suite of health tracking tools, remote camera / music controls and on-wrist notifications. The tracking comes from the combination of the movement and HR trackers combined with that AMOLED display located at the top of the watch face. That means you can twist and tap the crown dial a few times and have your heart rate measured live, or check your O2 levels on the small AMOLED screen as and when you need.

The screen is also used for onboard weather reports and WhatsApp notifications. There is the option to use the watch to control the phone's music to skip tracks or control volume, or to use the watch as a remote to take photos on the cameraphone from a distance.

You can use the watch to give you reminders if you're too sedentary and need to be told when to move, like most of the best fitness trackers. It'll also work as a compass, letting you find your way with its digital readout.

Thanks to haptic feedback, all those features can be interacted with clearly and (crucially) without the need for invasive audio or flashing screens, using vibration alerts to get your attention instead. Any of these can be disabled in-app, so you have as few or as many alerts as you want, removing distracting email notifications but enabling health-based alerts, for example.

While the watch doesn't have built-in GPS, it can piggyback off your phone so you can track a run or ride with accuracy using the data all pulled into the app, which can be sent to Strava or similar services. The battery life is decent, helped by that lack of GPS, so you can rely on a good few weeks of use at a minimum before you need to think about recharging.

Features score: 3.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Performance

Decent battery life
Awkward display
Limited sports uses

The idea of a hybrid watch and the reality proved to be quite different. On the plus side, I barely thought about battery life as this went for a good two weeks before that even got close to being a sub-20% issue. And recharging only took a few hours so that did offer a peace of mind that some sports watches can't attest to. That said, many Garmins now manage to achieve similar results even with moderate GPS use.

As an analog watch, it's lovely to look at thanks to that chronograph face and it's easy to read at a glance. Add in the display and you have access to heart rate, weather information and more. However, the reality is that the display is hidden if the hands are pointing up and covering that screen. The designers have addressed this, as the hands move out of the way once you start scrolling the menu. However, if you have a WhatsApp notification and want to glance at it, you can't if the hands are in the way. So I found the reality was that one of the most sought-after features – at-a-glance notifications – was largely useless at certain times of day as I either couldn't fully read the message on the small screen behind a watch hand, or I missed it and there was no way to have it display again easily.

The app did offer a lot more data, but even that was limited to that day's data – or after some menu diving, you could get yesterday's. There are options to see more overarching trends so the data is all there, it's just not as easy as some apps are at letting you get to what you need easily.

The lack of GPS was also an issue for anyone using this for sport. I found that using it as a timer and heart rate monitor at the gym was fine – although even then heart rate wasn't displayed front-and-center at all times. Wearing it in the gym also felt like being overdressed and I was constantly concerned about catching and scratching it. Then if you want to go for a run or ride without your phone, it's just a timer and HR monitor. If I wanted to carry my phone then I'd have that to track me anyway, so this is very specifically for those who want to have their phone with them and to use this for wrist-based heart rate data as well.

Performance score: 2.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Scorecard

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want analog that's smart

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid gives you that premium analog look and feel, with some smartphone connectivity.

You want better battery life

The battery life is long enough that you don't need to charge often, and can use regularly.

You need heart rate tracking

A great option to add heart rate data to your analog watch without too many other extras.

Don't buy it if...

You want GPS

The lack of GPS onboard means you always need a phone for sports tracking, so keep that in mind.

You need clarity

The display is small and often obscured by the watch hands, so don't go for it if you want a clear and large data readout.

You want a dedicated sports watch

This falls short on lots of the sports tracking features that other dedicated watches can offer.

Also consider

Apple Watch Ultra 2

A fully fledged high-performance premium smartwatch.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Garmin Instinct Crossover

A dedicated sports watch tool, like a smart Casio G-Shock.

Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review

Sonic Spa Pro review: I tried cleaning my toothbrushes in a sonic bath for a month – here’s what I found

6:56 pm | October 6, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Oral Health | Comments: Off

Keeping your pearly whites both pearly and white is far easier than it used to be – but it remains a messy and time-consuming affair. Between the build-up of toothpaste and the need to deep clean your dental tools to ensure they remain hygienic, dental care can be a time-consuming affair.

While I don’t use dentures, retainers or the like, I do use an electric toothbrush, and maintaining my toothbrush head alone is a real pain. As such, I was excited to hear about the Sonic Spa Pro with Steribrite, an ultrasonic and UV-C dental appliance cleaner. And, having tried it for a few weeks, I can definitely say it didn’t disappoint.

Sonic Spa toothbrush cleanser with lid open — (Image credit: Future)

Using UV-C light in tandem with 43,000Hz ultrasonic cleaning, the Sonic Spa Pro can destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and pathogens in just three minutes, according to the manufacturer, Sonic Dental; but there’s also a five-minute cycle for deep cleaning.

It’s priced at $99.95 / £89.95 / AU$179, which covers the device itself and six cleaning tablets, but you can opt for a bundle with 36 cleaning tablets for $119.95 / £99.95 / AU$199; and there’s also an Onyx Black color option. That does make it a pretty pricey purchase, with similar devices listed on Amazon for roughly $50 / £ 45 / AU$90. However, the Sonic Spa Pro is made using premium materials and genuinely feels solid enough to last a long time – although note that a few customers across Reddit and Trustpilot seemed to have issues with units when the device first launched, as well as customer service delays for both delivery and replacement.

Sonic Spa and denture cleaning tablets — (Image credit: Future)

Sonic Spa cleaning an electric toothbrush head — (Image credit: Future)

Neat and compact at 4.8 x 4.8 x 3.94 inches / 122mm × 122mm × 100mm (L x D x H), the simple pod-shaped Sonic Spa Pro device teeters on clinical with its basic design and matte coating; but it feels premium.

On top of the hinged lid you’ll find an “S” logo, serving as the primary touch control for the Sonic Spa Pro, with the lid opening to reveal the 3.1 x 1.77in / 80mm x 45mm basin. You fill this with cold water (up to 165ml) before submerging your dental appliance of choice. The basin is perfectly sized for dentures, but fits a variety of dental tools – plus, it’s also suitable to clean items such as nail clippers, tweezers, and even jewellery.

Sonic Spa cleaning a piece of jewellery — (Image credit: Future)

I’ve been using the Sonic Spa Pro for a couple of weeks now, and I must say I’ve been impressed. Having watched countless TikToks of dubious-looking “purifying” cleaners, I was excited to try something that came with clinical backing and sported a more premium feel – and the Sonic Spa Pro delivered.

Simply fill the tank to the Max water line, with your dental appliance inside, close the lid and hold down the touch-sensitive button to start the cleaning cycle; press again to begin the five-minute cycle. When it’s done, open the lid, drain and remove the contents and rinse off the item you’ve just cleaned – voilà!

The first time I cleaned my toothbrush head in the basin, I was surprised by just how much muck came off my fairly new toothbrush head, turning the water into a milky, chalky soup in just one three-minute cycle. To see how effective it had been, I repeated the cleaning cycle again straight away, and the water in the basin at the end of that cycle was almost clear – that’s using simply the power of water, UV-C light and ultrasonic cleaning. When you’re tackling retainers or other dental items that require more maintenance, you can pop in one of the included cleaning tabs.

Sonic Spa cleaning jewellery — (Image credit: Future)

I didn’t often find the need to stretch to the 5-minute cycle, although I did attempt it for cleaning some older jewellery, which Sonic Dental claims the Sonic Spa Pro can also handle. I didn't notice much of a difference, barring a few flecks of black grub that were disturbed from the medallion, so I wouldn't reach to buy the Sonic Spa Pro exclusively for its jewellery cleaning chops.

The Sonic Spa Pro isn’t perfect; the power supply situation, in particular, leaves room for improvement. In the UK at least, it comes with a UK 13-amp socket, which most bathroom’s don’t include for safety reasons. You can, of course, opt for a two-pin shaver adapter to three-pin UK 13-amp arrangement, but do so at your own risk.

However, this plug issue isn’t just problematic when it comes to placing and using your Sonic Spa Pro; it’s annoying because the basin in the device isn’t removable, meaning every time you need to refill or empty the water, you have to take the entire unit to the sink. The scratchy, high-pitched sound it emits is also a bit irritating – although it isn’t too loud, meaning you can survive the few minutes it needs to run its cleaning cycle.

There’s bad news, too, for those who are unsure about the Sonic Spa Pro’s UV-C technology – you can’t opt to use the device exclusively as a supersonic bath.

Nevertheless, even taking all of the negatives into account, overall I was impressed with the Sonic Spa Pro – and my teeth have never felt cleaner. Not only this, but it’s also helping to make my toothbrush heads last longer, removing as much of the residual toothpaste and calcification as possible before it can build up to damage the toothbrush.

Sonic Spa switched on with orange light — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Sonic Spa Pro?

Buy it if...

You and/or your household have a number of dental appliances

For households with multiple electric toothbrushes, retainers and the like, the Sonic Spa Pro is a great investment.

You're sick and tired of cleaning retainers and mouthguards

The Sonic Spa Pro does a great job at quickly cleaning your dental appliances, and seems to be effective at doing so - though it's hard to measure

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

If you aren't in dire need, the Sonic Spa Pro is likely to be a little too much of an investment.

You want to clean jewellery

I tried cleaning a medallion and a few necklaces in the Sonic Spa Pro, and they came out looking basically the same

You're nervous about UV technology

The Sonic Spa Pro's UV lighting is non-negotiable, so not something well-suited to those avoiding it.

Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate Monitor review: Professional HR tracking accuracy with chest strap comfort

11:00 am | October 2, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Trackers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

Wahoo Trackr: One minute review

The Wahoo Trackr heart rate monitor chest strap comes from a company known for working with Team GB athletes. As such this is a professional-grade bit of kit which now offers a rechargeable battery, making it more accessible for everyone than the last generation Tickr.

From running and cycling to fitness classes, athletics - and beyond - the Trackr makes for a super accurate way to get the most clear heart rate data. Since most metrics on smartwatches are now extrapolations from heart rate data, it pays to have the most accurate start point and this is what the Trackr is all about.

Sadly, it does lack the oxygen sensing capabilities of the more modern wrist-worn smartwatches, so data like SpO2 is lacking. For this, you'll need a separate bit of kit in the form of a muscle oxygen sensor.

The Wahoo Trackr is compatible with the company's own Wahoo app suite and plenty of popular third-party fitness apps including Cardio Mapper, Endomondo, and Runtastic. It also works with both ANT+ and up to three Bluetooth connections at once making it highly compatible in terms of hardware.

When it comes to battery life, this model goes for a solid 100 hours on a charge. This model is rechargeable (unlike the other Wahoo heart rate monitors before it) and the supplied USB 3.0 cable packs an LED to show charge status at a glance.

In terms of water use, it's not for swimming with just an IPX7 rating. That's not the best and means it's rated for a depth of one meter for 30 minutes, so it's not designed as a swim tracker and doesn't have onboard memory to make that a feature.

Overall this is one of the most convenient and compatible heart rate monitors that's also comfortable and super accurate - making it clear why this is used by professional athletes.

Wahoo Trackr: Price and release date

Available to buy now in the US, UK, and Australia
Priced at $89.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 RRP

The Wahoo Trackr launched on June 25 and is available across the globe. It launched with a price of $89.99 in the US, £79.99 in the UK and $149.95 in Australia.

The Trackr is a more affordable option than the other top-end options from the competition in the likes of Garmin and Polar. You can buy the Trackr directly from Wahoo or on sites like Amazon .

Wahoo Trackr: Design

Comfortable to wear
Small strap length
Simple design

The Wahoo Trackr unit itself is pretty standard in terms of shape and size, although it is definitely one of the lighter options at 39g including the strap. As such it feels like it's barely there and you won't need to worry about it moving around due to its minimal weight.

The Trackr comes in one size with a strap that extends between 68cm and 91cm (27 inches to 36 inches) which sounds like plenty when you consider Wahoo says this works for up to 50-inch chest sizes. The reality felt quite different though as it was a snug fit even on a 42-inch chest.

The straps feature skin-sensitive materials that work to detect your heart rate, without the need to wet them or do anything before getting started. There is a clasp system to attach the strap around your chest which is very easy to use and allows for quick adjusting as needed to find the right fit.

The fact that this model features LED lights for status and charging feedback is a really useful addition. As is that magnetic charging port, which makes it very easy to attach to the cable and get charged up.

The unit is IPX7 rated for water making it splash and sweatproof. Technically it's capable of withstanding being submerged in water at one meter depth for up to half an hour, but since it doesn't store data this won't work for swimming unless perhaps you have your phone poolside – although I didn't test that as the device isn't sold as a swim tracker.

Crucially, the Trackr is comfortable, if a little snug, and you won't notice it once you get going. That's the key, isn't it? So unless you specifically want this for water-based tracking there is very little to complain about.

Design rating: 4/5

Wahoo Trackr: App and features

App is simple but effective
No swim tracking
Lots of third-party app compatibility

The Wahoo Trackr comes with its own app which offers some useful tracking metrics, with some helpful heart rate-specific screens. Of course, you can do this with your training app of choice, so it might seem a little redundant. But for anyone new to this who wants to use the dedicated Wahoo app then it makes sense to have that available.

As mentioned, the Trackr requires an app to work, but it will also pair with a smartwatch. So it's possible to go out without a smartphone and still track all data associated with GPS while getting the chest strap level of accuracy. Usefully, the watch can then store that data so you have it uploaded on your apps of choice when you get back to a connection.

The readouts on the Wahoo app are decent with nice big display data and the ability to pull in more from other hardware. So you could use this with a power monitor, for example, and that will also be displayed in the Wahoo apps. In the case of cycling that can be great for a connected bike and various data monitors all working at once. This is where that ability to use ANT+ and three Bluetooth connections at once comes in handy.

The LED lights are helpful when charging to get your status, but are even more helpful when connecting to see what the device is doing – as well as getting a battery level update. That said, it connects quickly and easily and is always pairing-ready when you clip in and strap on, so the lights are more for to indicate isn't going as planned. I didn't have that issue as this connected first time with many devices.

Features are few, to be honest, but that's not a bad thing. This is a very smart and accurate heart rate monitor that doesn't try to reach beyond its core task, but rather focuses on doing that to the best possible ability – and in my testing across running, cycling, and HITT, it achieved this.

Features & app rating: 3.5/5

Wahoo Trackr: Performance

Super accurate
Easy to setup and use
Wide connectivity

Thanks to this HRM's electrocardiography (ECG) heart-rate sensor, you can expect a 99.6% accuracy as standard. While wrist-worn light-based monitors are better than ever, they're still reliant on less accurate input – making all the data extrapolated from that, using algorithms, less accurate too. In that way, this is a very powerful heart rate monitor that's superb for anyone that wants a greater level of accuracy.

All that said, when out running with the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Trackr connected to an iPhone 15 Pro Max, the compared data was very similar. As heart rate changed, on a hill climb, for example, the chest strap stayed with me accurately and the watch took a little longer to adapt. As the run went on and averages were more detailed that became less varied between the two – but the watch did still have some lag behind the Trackr.

When glancing in a race situation or training hard where you can only spare less than a second to use the energy to crane your neck and move your wrist, the chest strap reliability and responsiveness were really welcome.

The results were not quite so similar when it came to faster runs – the chest strap really stood out as better here. On doing a fast 5K race with both of these units on, it was clear that the optical Garmin sensor was not as good. It had my heart rate never topping zone three, even though I was all-out and set a PB. The chest strap, on the other hand, was far more accurate, detecting zone four at the back end of the race and my zone five kick-up at the finish. Perhaps this is due to arm movement while going at speed, and sweating, but whatever the reason this put the chest strap into a league of its own.

So, if you're looking to accurately track high-speed, sweaty running, or HIIT classes, then a chest strap is a must and this model makes it easy to set up, monitor, and use with whatever app or device you want. I now run with the Garmin as my display but use the Trackr as the HRM, disabling the optical sensor on the watch in favor of the chest strap's accuracy.

Wahoo Trackr: Buy it if...

You're serious about heart rate training
A chest strap detects changes to your heart rate more quickly than a watch, which makes it a more accurate tool if you're training by heart rate zones.

You hate having to charge your fitness tracker
The Wahoo Trackr’s battery is rechargeable meaning you get a decent 100 hours of use and can then quickly charge back up, rather than faffing about with battery replacements.

Wahoo Trackr: Don’t buy it if…

You like to see your data presented to you in real-time
The Wahoo Trackr must be paired with a device to view the read-out. A phone can be awkward to view while running so you'll need a watch too. Although for cycling, with a mount, that doesn't apply.

You want ultimate ease
If accuracy isn't so important then a wrist-based sensor may be enough for you, with no need to put on the chest strap before you go out to exercise.

Also consider

Garmin HRM-Pro (£119 / US$129.99 / AU$159.00)

Designed for multi-sport use, the HRM-Pro is the most advanced heart rate strap Garmin produces. It’s also one of the most expensive options available. With the ability to connect to multiple devices via Bluetooth and ANT+, capture insights into your running form, and store workout data to its internal memory, the Garmin HRM-Pro has everything you need from a heart rate monitor strap. Although it’s probably of greater interest to those who already own Garmin products.

Read our full MyZone Garmin HRM-Pro review

MyZone MZ-Switch (£139.50 / $159.95 / AU$209.99.)

The MyZone MZ-Switch isn’t just a chest strap. The center sensor node features an ECG monitor as well as an optical sensor and pops out so it can be worn on the wrist like a smartwatch, your arm or even your swimming goggles, giving you the best of both worlds. And, when used in chest strap mode, the MZ-Switch’s accuracy compares with that of the Garmin HRM-Pro. A great alternative if you want to mix it up a bit.

Read our full MyZone MZ-Switch review

Suunto Race S review: a worthy competitor to rival Garmin

2:22 pm | October 1, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch Series, Garmin Fenix | Comments: Off

Suunto Race S review: One-minute review

The Suunto Race S is a cracking smartwatch that is a credible alternative to any of the dedicated running watches that Garmin produces. With tracking capabilities like on-board GPS and heart rate monitoring, the smartwatch provides all that is needed for accurate measurements.

The AMOLED display looks great thanks to its high-definition resolution. Navigation using the touchscreen is easy and natural, although the device is a little bit let down by the underperforming crown button. Overall build quality is very good, though, with robust components that will stand the test of time. The watch itself is most definitely on the larger side so it won't suit everyone but if you have a wrist that can accommodate it, then it'll certainly look the part.

In addition to its features for athletes, the Race S also offers smartwatch functionality like notifications and music control. It has a long battery life, which can last around 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30-35 hours in training mode.

While the Suunto Race S offers a great set of features for athletes, it lacks some of the features found in other smartwatches. If you're more into performance tracking, then the Race S is up there with the best.

Suunto Race S review: Specifications

Suunto Race S review: Price and availability

The Suunto Race S 45mm model costs $349 / £325 / AU$599. There are an abundance of strap options, including Black, Powder Grey, and Powder Pink. For the test, I have the gorgeous orange strap, which has a graduated color from orange to purple. All strap options cost the same.

The watch is available in the US, UK, and AUS. If you'd like the slightly larger 49mm model, then that goes by the name 'Suunto Race' and attracts a slightly higher price, especially if you opt for the titanium strap. It is not only larger but also has a longer battery life.

Suunto Race S review: Design

Great-looking watch
Abundant strap options
Solid build quality

The Suunto Race S is a great-looking watch, especially with the Powder Orange strap that I tested. With seven different strap colors available, there are no shortage of ways to customise the watch. We'll come back to the strap in a minute but let's focus first on the watch itself.

The first thing I was struck by was how chunky this watch is. The 45mm diameter provides a fantastic display size with enough real-estate to display all your vital metrics. Unfortunately, the thickness of the watch is nearly 12mm, which makes the whole thing sit very proudly indeed. The overall dimensions make it very similar to the Garmin Forerunner 265, which is similarly bulky. At this size, and with a weight of 60g, this is a watch for thick wrists that can accommodate it; otherwise, it'll just look plain odd.

The stainless steel case looks great with the simple color palette, causing the watch display to take centre stage. It houses an AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution. As a result, all of the on-screen graphics look super sharp with no sign of any pixelation. Unfortunately, Suunto has left a tiny gap between the glass and the case that catches dirt, and because it's so thin is difficult to remove.

The build quality of both the watch and the strap are second to none. I used it while performing various types of exercise, including contact sports, and never managed to damage it. In fact, I was never concerned about doing so, such was the quality of the components.

The three buttons are all located to the right-hand side of the watch and are small enough to not rub against your hand. The top button launches you into activity mode by taking you straight to a list of exercise types, while the bottom button takes you back to a menu.

Between the two standard buttons is a crown, which is very similar to what is now seen on other smartwatches, including the Apple Watch. A crown-style button is great to have but I don't think Suunto has nailed the engineering of it. I found it tricky to rotate predictably and, because it sits lower than the watch face, it's actually quite difficult to use with one finger. I actually ended up ditching it in favour of swiping.

As with all smartwatches, the sensor is on the back. It's a little prouder than I would have liked, but it does enable a range of tracking types as well as training functionality.

The strap not only looks great but is extremely comfortable. Most importantly, it wipes clean, an essential for athletes who sweat a lot. The catch is unique in its design but it provides the necessary security to keep the watch safely on your wrist.

All in, I've really enjoyed wearing the watch. It's comfortable, makes a statement, and functions incredibly well. At this price, the design competes with even the best that Garmin has produced. If they can improve the crown and the overall thickness, then this would be the running watch to beat.

Design score: 4/5

Suunto Race S review: features

Numerous features designed for runners
Extensive tracking capabilities
Lacks some key smartwatch features

Suunto Race S boasts a range of training features and support for all types of exercise including heart rate zones, power zones, and pace alerts.

If you love to be prepared ahead of time, then you can plan your route before you even leave the house. It shows you where you're located and gives you updates on what you're about to encounter. In that regard, you'll always feel prepared. You'll have no worries about getting lost thanks to support for all types of sections.

Features include heart rate sensing, an altimeter, and a gyroscope. These accurately track your movements and provide feedback on how you're getting on. Whatever exercise you're doing, the watch can capture your data accurately every time. I had no problems with any GPS signal dropouts, even when sweaty or wet. In general, I was very impressed with the speed of readouts and the accuracy of them.

Sleep tracking monitors your sleep quality while also feeding back if your sleep patterns might be affecting your performance. Personally, I wasn't overly keen on using the watch as a sleep tracker, as it was just uncomfortably big to wear at nightime.

The watch has a wide range of features, with a particular focus on athletes and those keen on staying fit. It also offers features that will appeal to those who just want it to integrate with their smartphone. For example, you can control music playback from the watch, helping you stay focused on your exercise.

Additionally, the watch receives notifications for calls and messages, so you don't have to keep checking your phone. For the price, I would have liked functionality to allow for replying to text messages but, then again, this is primarily a running watch. The watch is compatible with both Android and Apple phones, although I only tested it with an iPhone.

In conclusion, the Suunto Race S is a smartwatch that is focused primarily on athletes. All of the tracking abilities provide the necessary data for mid-exercise updates and post-exercise reports.

Features score: 4/5

Suunto Race S review: performance

Fast and responsive
Accurate GPS
Amazing battery life

The Suunto Race S is a strong all-round performer, especially for athletes like runners, swimmers, and cyclists. Getting the watch set up took no time at all, with charging to full taking no more than one hour. Downloading the Suunto app and pairing the watch was equally straight-forward. I was up and running, pardon the pun, in no time at all.

Then it was time to get exercising. The first thing I did was jump on my bicycle to test the GPS and tracking functionality. Once I was outside, the watch picked up GPS quickly and easily. I had initially tried to launch it while inside but it failed to connect, a common problem with all GPS enabled devices.

Once on my bike, the Suunto Race S coped admirably, tracking my route perfectly along with accurate distances and measurements. All of the data is displayed on the large 45mm display but there are also additional screens that provide further more in-depth information.

The Suunto app provides even more data for you to drill down into how you are performing. The app is really well designed with a good layout that is easily navigated. I especially love the maps of routes travelled and graphs providing health data. It also provides some reporting so you can improve on your performances each time.

I've already discussed the sketchy performance of the crown button in the design section but in general, interaction with the watch was very positive. The touchscreen responsiveness is good and I had little problem moving around the menus. The swipe gesture was able to handle moving up and down long lists without any fuss. The responsiveness was even fine while sweating or when I had just gotten out of the swimming pool.

The battery life delivers great performance too. Having worn the watch for a couple of months, I was able to test it for long periods with both light use and heavy use. Just using the device as a watch and a few other features, including checking messages, I was able to get about two or even three weeks out of the battery.

Tracking exercise with GPS enabled had an expected effect on battery life. When I used it for daily cycling commutes, playing football, and running, I found that the battery would last around five to seven days. The battery life was so impressive that each time I actually had to think about where I had left the charger because it had been so long.

Performance score: 4/5

Should I buy the Suunto Race S?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable running watch
The watch had a good range of features and great build quality, and it's not as expensive as many of the Garmin alternatives.

You want a high resolution screen
The 466 x 466px AMOLED display looks fantastic, with all text and graphics as sharp as you need. It's also bright enough to use in the midday sun.

You want unbelievable battery life
With light use, this watch will last around two to three weeks. Even with heavy use, you'll still get several days' life out of it.

Don't buy it if...

You want a slender-looking watch
The Suunto Race S may be the smaller version but it's at 45mm diameter and nearly 12mm deep, you'll need a wrist that's thick enough to warrant it.

Suunto Race S review: also consider

Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin's other premiere outdoors and fitness watch, the Fenix 7 was the top ultra-marathon watch around until the Enduro 2 tore its crown off its head. Still worth a look if you can find it at discount. Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 review

Suunto Race S review: how I tested

I've been proudly wearing the Suunto Race S for two months and have tried to put it through as many types of exercise as I can, including running, playing football, swimming, and table tennis. It's incredible how many different types of activities it supports, so I thought it only right to try as many as I could!

To test it's waterproof rating, I took it while swimming and managed to get it down around 3 m. It's nowhere near the advertised 50 m but I figured my test would be sufficient for most users.

I also paired it with the Suunto app to get a fuller picture of what the watch is capable of. The pairing process was simple and straightforward, and I loved the app.

Garmin Lily 2 review: A sleek, easy way to keep your health and fitness goals on track

7:13 pm | September 25, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Apple Watch Series | Comments: Off

Garmin Lily 2: One-minute review

I’ve tested a lot of smartwatches, but this is the one I’ve had the most compliments on, with its slim design and bright color it got a lot of attention. I loved that I could wear it on a night out – as it doesn’t look chunky or too sporty. Easy to attach to my wrist, I barely noticed I was wearing it – but its watch face lets its design down – and we’d love to see some more color in the next version. The touchscreen was also a little tricky to get used to and sometimes didn’t react to our touch.

With 18 different workout profiles, you can record everything from running to cycling and several forms of dance. However, it lacked sports such as tennis and football, so we didn’t get accurate recordings of these. The GPS watch also shows basic stats such as heart rate and steps taken, while more comprehensive stats can be viewed in the app. The Lily 2 also has features such as timers, alerts, and Fall Detection.

Testing the watch over a month, I loved the running stats and the GPS ability, but the touchscreen wasn’t always easy to use, and I found it frustrating when it was either oversensitive to touch, or just didn’t react – an irritating factor when you are trying to record your fitness on the move. Sleep score and Body Battery via the app were great add-ons, but I’d love to see my detailed statistics on-watch in future versions.

Garmin Lily 2: Specifications

Garmin Lily 2: Price and availability

Starts at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$429
Released earlier this year
More expensive than the Fitbit Sense

The Garmin Lily 2 was released in January 2024 and is available now from the Garmin website, costing $299.99 / £249.99, with Australia prices TBC. Similarly priced to other Garmin watches, in the same category, it’s more expensive than the Fitbit Sense, which comes in at around £30 cheaper.

Value score: 4/5

Garmin Lily 2: Design

Super lightweight
Hidden display
Touchscreen

Surely this is one of the lightest Garmin watches ever? Weighing just 20.6g, our version, which has a circular aluminum face, also came with a light purple silicone strap. Five other colors are available, including two with a leather wristband and a further two with a fabric band. Designed to look like a lifestyle women’s watch I felt like I could keep it on all day –as it looked great with my whole wardrobe, not just my activewear.

Easy to attach to my wrist, made with quick-release bands, you can buy extra wristbands to mix and match with colors. With a 240 x 201px screen, like its predecessor, the watch face is designed and made using Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and set with aluminum, while the watch face has a touchscreen.

The hidden display took a little longer to get used to. I’m an Apple Watch user normally and love having the watch face and other stats to hand straight away. The hidden display meant I either had to move my wrist quite vigorously to ‘wake it up’ or press the button on the bottom center of the display, which like the touchscreen, was sometimes frustratingly hard to work.

The black and purple watch face has a crisscross wallpaper design, plus eight different designs to choose from, including traditional clock settings and digital displays: we chose one that showed both our heart rate and steps taken. With future versions of the Garmin Lily watch, we’d love to see more color in the watch face.

Design score: 4/5

Garmin Lily 2: Features

18 exercise settings
Sleep score and body battery
Fall detection

If you’re looking to track your daily exercise there are now 18 workout profiles you can track, including HIIT, running, and cycling. You can also add more or take some forms of exercise off if you don’t use them – which will save you scrolling. Garmin’s always been excellent for modularity, and the Lily 2 is no different. Good news if you’re a dancer too, as it will track many types of dances including hip-hop and Zumba. Unfortunately, there is no ability to add exercises such as tennis or even indoor cycling, meaning you probably won’t get accurate readings for those. Perhaps these will be added in a future update.

The main menu also gives you the option to set alarms and even timers for particular exercises. While under the settings tab, you can also set alerts, such as how many steps you’ve completed that day and reminders to stand up. If you don’t want these on, which I decided after a couple of alerts I didn’t, you can change your alert notification settings on the app.

To find the dashboard you simply swipe down, which gives you access to features including ‘do not disturb’, sleep mode, and even your music. I also love the feature, which wasn’t on the original Lily, which can detect an accident while you're out running or exercising. Simply add your emergency contact information into the app and it will alert them if you have a fall.

The watch can also track your sleep, giving you a sleep score each morning and a timeline of your sleep. This sleep score and your activity will then calculate your body battery – which both show up on the app every morning. The watch records all your data on the Garmin Connect app – I found this app quite hard to navigate, especially when I was originally looking for my exercise statistics.

Features score: 5/5

Garmin Lily 2: Performance

5-day battery
Detailed stats for running
Clunky touchscreen

I found the watch easy to set up and connect to your phone. For more detailed statistics, after your workout, you can link your watch to the Garmin Connect app. Easy to charge, via a magnet clip, which plugs into a USB port, it took me around an hour to fully charge it. The battery lasts five days, so unlike my Apple watch, I didn’t have to worry about a constantly drained battery – and sometimes it lasted even longer than five days.

I tested the watch over a month, wearing it for running, gym classes, and while I worked out on my Peloton. To start recording an exercise you simply select your activity from the list – the Lily 2 performed well when I wore it while running, although calories burned were slightly off (when compared against my Apple Watch) and unlike some watches, it didn’t detect intervals when I was running on a track. The breakdown of my performance on the app was helpful – giving me an overview, and stats such as pace, average speed, and max heart rate. The charts section also gave me an idea of my cadence and how long I stayed in heart rate zones.

I thought some of the exercise choices were a little redundant - for instance, the stair stepper and the rower could come under the umbrella of cardio, so I took these off. I would have liked to have replaced these exercises with sports such as tennis or squash, but this wasn’t an available option. I picked either ‘cardio’ or ‘other’ to track these activities, meaning my stats weren’t accurate. The cycling selection also didn’t include indoor cycling, which is unusual, especially as indoor cycling has become more popular.

The first time I tried the sleep tracking, I forgot to put the Lily 2 on SLEEP MODE: I didn’t make the same mistake twice. It did show in my sleep tracking, however, a big 2 am wide awake gap - which, although it meant I got a rude awakening, I could identify that Garmin’s sleep tracking proved to be accurate that night. Every cloud has a silver lining. I’ve used many devices for sleep tracking, including the Oura Ring Generation 3 and the Whoop 4.0 [links], and although it gave you a sleep score, it wasn’t detailed enough for me. I love analyzing my stats and have been known to become a little obsessed, so the Lily 2 didn’t go far enough for this. The addition of Garmin’s Body Battery feature is also clever, but again I’d love to see more detailed statistics in future versions of the Garmin Lily.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Garmin Lily 2: Scorecard

Garmin Lily 2: Should I buy?

Garmin Lily 2 full range of watches on white background — (Image credit: Garmin)

Buy it if...

You want a fashionable smartwatch

Lightweight and attractive this watch will not just match your activewear but your daytime wardrobe too.

You’re a runner or cyclist

I found it accurate for running and HIIT classes, but there weren’t many options for sports tracking.

You want a long battery life

The Lily 2 battery lasts for five days, sometimes a week, so you won’t have to worry about charging it frequently.

Don't buy it if...

You want detailed sleep analysis

This will give you some insight into your sleep, it’s just not that extensive.

You want a user-friendly touchscreen

I found the touchscreen over-sensitive at times, and at other points too sensitive, I felt like I couldn’t win.

You love to track your sports

Sorry tennis or football players, you can’t track these sports on the Lily 2.

Also consider...

Fitbit Sense

A smartwatch with a similar price point, it looks good on the wrist while also tracking your fitness stats.

Read our full review

Apple Watch Series 10

Whether it’s the latest Apple Watch 10 or its predecessor you’ll get spot-on tracking for sleep and fitness - while also getting all your notifications straight to your watch.

Read our full review

How I tested

I tested the watch over a month, tracking all my fitness, including daily walking, cardio classes at the gym, and long runs. I also tracked it while I slept and also compared it to my Apple Watch to see how it stood up to its competitors.

First reviewed: September 2024

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