Those who were using Windows phones before Microsoft’s decision to stop support for them at the end of 2019 are now out of luck. There were few available apps for the Windows 10 platform, and customers were stuck with their phones because of this.
It’s safe to say that the vast majority of them did. Those who stick with Windows Phones because of loyalty or any other motivation often find themselves in a position of giving up desirable alternatives. You have to give up a lot of cool new tech, including smartwatches, and that’s just one of the sacrifices.
It’s like looking for a precious treasure among a pile of trash to locate the finest smartwatches for Windows phones. We spent a lot of time searching online, and it seemed to be for nothing. It seemed that almost no major smartwatch manufacturer, with the exception of Fitbit, cared enough about the Windows platform to create native apps for the platform. That’s why you won’t find any other brands of smartwatches here other than Fitbit.
If you want to use your Windows phone without any hassle, you’ll need to get your hands on a Fitbit smartwatch. If you don’t want to waste time reading the whole thing, you can skip right to our recommended smartwatches for Windows phones. Microsoft’s mobile operating systems (Windows Phone 10) and (Windows Phone 8.1)
Why Is It Hard To Find Any Compatible Smartwatch For Windows Phone?
Many of the top smartwatches for athletes, including Garmin, Suunto, and Casio models designed exclusively for runners, are incompatible with Windows 8 and 10. It’s impossible for them to make apps that work with old phones. To a similar extent, most smartwatches designed for non-gaming applications like health tracking, exercise, and daily use have omitted support for Windows phones.
However, there is still cause for optimism. Even though Google now owns the popular fitness tracker brand Fitbit, the Windows Phone version of the app is still being updated and used. Here are the barebones specs needed to run the app:
| OS |
Xbox One, Windows 10 version 16299.0 or higher, Windows 8 Mobile |
| Architecture |
x86, x64, ARM, ARM64 |
Fitbit accessories are the best option for those who use a Windows phone. It wasn’t until 2015, though, that Vector Watches released their top-tier model, which is fully compatible with the Lumia 950. But Fitbit has acquired the business. You’ll probably end up buying yet another Fitbit for your Windows phone.
Is There A Way To Connect Your Garmin, Suunto, or Fossil Smartwatches To Windows Phone?
The DIY crowd can rest assured; there is a secret exit. The lack of compatible apps on the Microsoft store is a major drawback for Windows phones, which might be avoided if users were able to install android apps on their devices. It’s not rocket science but also doesn’t require any brainpower at all.
Project Astoria was Microsoft’s last-ditch effort to rescue its Windows Phone line. Essentially a translator, it was meant to bridge the gap between Windows Mobile and the Android app (also known as the Android sub-system). Fadil Fadz and Tourniquet, two coders, afterward continued where Microsoft left off. Like Project Astoria, their new software seems to be quite useful.
You can use this approach to get android apps on a Windows phone. Consequently, any smartwatch you own can be synced with your Windows phone. It’s true that the Android operating system is compatible with practically every brand and model of the high-powered smartwatch.
Has Microsoft Ever Released Any Smartwatch Or Band For Windows Phone?
Microsoft Band 1 and Band 2 were introduced roughly five years ago. However, they made the choice to discontinue the production of these goods. On October 3, 2016, Band 2 was officially canceled, and as of May 31, 2019, its associated app is no longer accessible. In addition to Windows, these bands worked with Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.
Some manufacturers still offer them for sale, and you may see examples of these on Amazon. If you own a Windows phone, these are the best fitness bands you can buy.
Many of the company’s customers were dismayed, however, when the company abandoned the ‘Moonraker’ smartwatch project. Nokia was working on a smartwatch when Microsoft bought its hardware division (codenamed Moonraker). They planned on debuting it alongside the Lumia 930 at MWC 2014.
Best Smartwatches For Windows Phone: Buying Guide
The greatest smartwatch for your needs can be found if you develop a list of your requirements and stick to it. The only requirement for the best smartwatches for Windows Phone users is compatibility, but the included features further reduce the field to a manageable size.
The sensors alone aren’t enough, however; the app must also make the most of the data they collect and provide it in an easy-to-understand format.
Build Quality:
What you can learn about a smartwatch’s maker from its construction is telling. The smartwatches produced by premium brands are stylish, ergonomic, and, most importantly, trustworthy.
The watch needs to be robustly built so that it can survive the test of time and regular use. If the strap can’t be switched out, it needs to be very soft and flexible to provide a good fit.
Water and Dust Resistance:
Standard rating systems for watches include IP, ATM, and MIL-STD-810G. Most watches have an IP rating, typically IP67 or IP68. See this page for more information on the various rating scales.
Choose a watch that is dust-proof and can withstand water depths of at least 4 meters as a general rule. I.e, IP68-rated or ATM 5-rated smartwatches.
Display And Screen Size:
In order to read notifications quickly and simply, large screen size is recommended. The perfect screen would be scratch-resistant, always-on, and capacitive touch.
A display size between 1.24 and 1.28 inches is ideal for most people. There should be clocks somewhere on board.
Connectivity:
The smartwatch should be able to connect to your phone or other devices wirelessly or via Bluetooth at the very least. There needs to be more than a 10-meter range for the connections to work.
The newest version of Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5, is also the quickest. A smartwatch equipped with Bluetooth 5 will allow for near-instantaneous data transfer.
Top Smartwatches For Windows Phone:
Fitbit Ionic Watch—Durable Smartwatch For Windows Phone
Features & Specs:
- Monitors Heart rate and blood pressure, Track Sleep
- Waterproof up to 50m (ATM 5 Rated Smartwatch)
- On-Board GPS and NFC(Allows You to leave your wallet and phone at Home)
- Other Sensors Include an altimeter, Compass, Accelerometer, and gyroscope
- 1.42-inch Display, Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen, Three Manual Buttons
- 348 x 250 resolution, 1000-nit brightness level, excellent UI
- 2.5 GB storage and onboard music player, Notification Alert
- More than 4 days of battery life. (10 hours in GPS mode)
- Available in Three colors, Interchangeable textured rubber bands included
- Multiple modes (Running, cycling, Swimming, weight lifting)
Review:
The smartwatch was introduced in 2018 but was officially phased out by the manufacturer in 2019.
Fitbit’s newest models, the Versa 2 and Versa 3 are an improvement over the original and address many of the shortcomings of the original ionic.
To this day, Ionic’s continued market viability can be attributed to two of its standout features: GPS and NFC.
In addition to its sensors, the watch features a Gorilla Glass display, an ATM 5 rating, and a sturdy build.
It was the best fitness tracker available, outperforming even the Apple Series 3.
Overcoming its flaws was its battery life which lasted for more than four days.
I think the watch’s music player and storage space are two of its most underappreciated features.
Connect your wireless headphones so you can listen to your preferred music or a podcast while following along with the Guided sessions.
The Fitbit ionic includes pre-programmed workout profiles for a variety of sports, including running, cycling, weight lifting, and swimming.
Accurately tracking data is important, but the way the presents that data to users is even more so.
Never lose track of your workouts or other activities with the help of the complimentary Fitbit.
The watch is not without its flaws, which may cause some customers dissatisfaction.
Even if we give it a pass because of its limited display, it still won’t show you complete notifications or let you reply to them. If you want to read the full email or message, you’ll need to pull out your phone.
It can only connect for a limited distance.
The design is also unimpressive, falling well behind the aesthetic standards set by Apple and Samsung.
Pros
- Built-in GPS, NFC for contactless payments
- Rugged yet lightweight design
- Compatible with Windows phones
- Robust and accurate Fitness tracking
Cons
- The Bluetooth connectivity is not great. It takes a while to transfer data, and the connectivity range is very short.
- You might end up hating its design
- Notification Alert Feature is disappointing (You can’t reply to messages, nor see the full-size notification)
Bottom-Line:
The Fitbit Ionic may seem dated, but you must remember that your Windows phone isn’t exactly cutting edge either. They complement each other beautifully. The Fitbit Ionic is an affordable fitness tracker that is also compact, sturdy, and easy on the wallet. The NFC and GPS capabilities included in the watch are its shining attributes. You might avoid carrying both your phone and your money if you needed to make a quick getaway.
Fitbit Versa 2—Affordable Smartwatch For Windows Phone
Features & Specs:
- More than 6 days of battery life
- Altimeter, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope
- 1.4-inch screen size, Crisp AMOLED Display with (Always on) feature
- ATM 5 rated(highly resistant to dust ingression, water-resistant up to 50m)
- Advanced sleep and heart rate tracking
- Spotify and Strava to control music, 2.5 GB storage, and a music player
- Multiple modes (Running, cycling, Swimming, weight lifting)
- On-board Alexa to set alarms or timers and control echo devices on the go
- Seamless connectivity, (Syncing range – up to 6.1 meters)
- Available in 6 exciting colors with the freedom to change bands
Review:
More of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is an excellent choice. The advanced sensors allow for more accurate heart rate tracking than the Fitbit Ionic, a mode tailored specifically to women’s health is included, and the device’s enhanced monitoring of sleep patterns provides more useful information.
The smartwatch relies on the GPS in your phone because it lacks its own location-tracking capabilities. Accurately tracking outdoor exercise requires carrying your phone with you, which is inconvenient because turning on the GPS on the phone uses a lot of power. You can use the watch for a variety of other sports and workouts besides just running, such as cycling, swimming, and weight lifting.
Now, the obvious difference between this and the Fitbit Ionic is its built-in Voice-assistant—Alexa. You can use voice commands to do things like set alarms and timers, manage your Echo devices, and get the latest forecast. On the other hand… Alexa is not always reliable, so don’t expect a smooth ride. It’s not always the same, and that makes it really frustrating.
The design of Verse 2 fixes several issues with Versa and Ionic. Users have overwhelmingly expressed their approval of the Versa 2’s design, in contrast to that of the Ionic. The screen may be diminutive, but the bezel isn’t. The OLED screen is vivid and clear.
Finally, the Fitbit Versa is available at a very reasonable price. It’s $100 less expensive than the Fitbit Ionic, with the option to upgrade to the Versa 3 for $100 more if you absolutely need GPS and Contactless payment capabilities.
Pros
- Long battery life(6 days on regular use, 2 days with Always-on Display
- The screen is extremely bright and crisp
- Comfortable, sleek design with the freedom of strap swap
- Accurate Sleep and Heart Rate Tracking
Cons
- Alexa works inconsistently. It would often take a few tries to get Alexa to respond to a command
- Lack of GPS, the watch uses the phone’s GPS while tracking several exercises and it is, therefore, a heavy drain on the phone’s battery life.
- Changing straps is a hard nut to crack despite the quick-release pins.
Bottom-line:
The Fitbit Versa 2 is preferable to the Fitbit Ionic because it is cheaper, has a better design, lasts longer on a single charge, and, most importantly, comes with a built-in voice assistant for use with Windows Phones, which are otherwise severely lacking in this department.
Contrarily, the Fitbit Ionic incorporates both GPS and Near Field Communication (NFC) for use with contactless payments. Ultimately, your own preferences will determine which option you go with.
Vector Luna Smart Watch—Best Smartwatch For Lumia Phone
Features & Specs:
- 30 days of battery life
- Excellent App & Customizable watch faces
- Activity, calorie, distance, and sleep tracking & reports
- Allows you to Read all your incoming texts, emails, and phone notifications at a glance
- You can reject or accept phone calls from your wrist, and have the ‘find my phone function
- Crafted from solid 316L stainless steel and mineral glass,
- 5ATM water-resistant. Stainless steel brushed case with highly polished details.
- Black, padded leather strap with stainless steel buckle
Review:
Launched in 2015, Fitbit has now acquired Vector Luna. The business took aim at the luxury mechanical watch industry with its Luna product. In terms of aesthetics and battery life, it was the top smartwatch at the time it was released. Vector watches were and still are cross-platform with iOS and Android devices, but Windows phones are where they really shine.
Under normal conditions, the watch can function for more than 4 weeks. Amazing in terms of fitness and activity tracking, but falls short of competing with today’s smartwatches. You are only buying this timepiece because you feel you must; after all, you are one of the unlucky people who uses a Windows phone. Thus, you have little cause for complaint.
Our smartwatch, like the others included in this overview, has a 5 ATM rating, making it waterproof to a depth of 50 meters and providing excellent protection against dust. The cushioned leather strap and stainless steel buckle on the stainless steel case are both indicative of a high-quality design.
Smart gesture control is a great addition to the watch. When you receive a new alert, a vibration will let you know. The watch will display the alert automatically if you raise it to your face within 10 seconds. If you lower your hand, the alert will be dismissed.
The watch’s sensors record your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and even the quality of sleep you get. The software provides a straightforward interface for navigating the data. The watch’s lack of a heart rate monitor is disappointing.
The vector watches app has always been compatible with Windows Phones since it was first released. Unsurprisingly, neither of the two has held up so far. Fitbit now owns Vector watches and their proprietary software, while Microsoft has officially abandoned Windows Phone. In particular, the watch is compatible with a wide variety of Microsoft Lumia 950 devices.
Pros
- Customizable watch face
- Robust resistance to water and dust ingression
- Classy design ( can beat luxury watches and smartwatches in looks)
- Highly compatible smartwatch with windows phones (Especially Lumia 950)
Cons
- Advanced features like GPS, contactless payment, and voice assistant are absent
- The watch is often unavailable, and many of t
Bottom-Line:
This vector watch is the top pick for smartwatches if you have a Lumia phone and can afford to spend a little more. Unlike your phone, this one might not get upgrades if the manufacturer is forbidden to develop the product any further (Fitbit)
Fitbit Sense—Advanced Health Smartwatch for Windows Phone
Features & Specs:
- 6 days of battery life, supports fast charging
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, and GPS
- Stress management, ECG, Skin Temperature, spO2 levels, and sleep tracking
- Water-resistant to 50m (5ATM)
- A Vibrant l AMOLED display With laser-bonded Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Gyroscope, Altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer
- Speaker (75dB SPL @10cm) and Microphone
- Can Store and play music & podcasts on Deezer or Pandora and control Spotify
- Allows you to choose from up to 20+ exercise modes to get real-time stats during your workouts
Reviews:
The firm just released its top-notch health watch, the Fitbit Sense, a month ago. It competes with Apple’s Series 6 and Samsung’s latest Galaxy watches and stands out by being the first to receive FDA approval for ECG safety. It displays aFib-related arrhythmias and provides high/low heart rate alarms.
Aside from monitoring stress, Skin Temperature changes, oxygen saturation, and sleep are all important health indicators. It’s an improvement over the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S in that it monitors your blood oxygen levels even when you’re asleep.
You can virtually keep tabs on anything from cycling to swimming thanks to the over 20 different activity modes. To help you stay active without constantly pulling out your phone, both GPS and NFC are built in.
Its health-related functions are superior to those of the Fitbit Versa, but the latter is the better value and more versatile smartwatch. It would be a mistake to buy this watch solely to use it with a Windows phone, as the two platforms have no future together. The Android platform is where you can experience it at its finest and with all of its functionality intact.
Pros
- Tracks your stress, temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep.
- Solid premium design
- Voice Assistant: Google & Alexa
- Speaker and Microphone to Attend phone calls
Cons
- Smartphone notifications pointless
- Limited third-party app support
- Not as responsive or fast as other smartwatches
Bottom-Line:
The Fitbit Sense is a high-priced watch packed with innovative health functions. This watch is the best you can get for a Windows phone, however, it has some minor bugs that can occur when displaying notifications. The watch’s smartwatch functions are overdone and largely unnecessary for the asking price. Do not even consider this watch if you are not really concerned about your health.
Final Lines
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