The Best Smartwatches of 2015

With 2015 winding down to a close, now is a great time to take a look back over the year's top tech releases. In this post I'll run through the best smartwatches that came to market, including biggies like the Apple Watch as well as smaller gadgets that nonetheless offer impressive features.
Apple Watch
It's no surprise that the most-hyped smartwatch to date earns a place on this list. Though this device earned a ton of press due to being an Apple product, the Apple Watch is also a great smartwatch in its own right.

Highlights include great activity features thanks to Apple HealthKit; a wide variety of bands and configurations; and top-notch integration with the iPhone. Of course, the biggest disadvantage is the high starting price: The lowest-end Apple Watch Sport model costs $349, which is clearly no chump change.

Pebble Time 
I reviewed the Pebble Time, the first smartwatch to feature Pebble's new chronological operating system, several months ago, and I found plenty to like. Though this wearable features a e-paper display rather than a touchscreen AMOLED or LCD, it offers amazing battery life — think days, not hours. The Timeline operating system is also a great, intuitive way to view notifications from your email, calendar and other apps. Luckily, Pebble is bringing this interface to all of its devices, so you don't have to spring for the Pebble Time ($200 when not on sale) if this is the biggest draw for you. On the other hand, Pebble just announced Pebble Health activity-tracking features exclusively for the Pebble Time lineup, so it might be worth considering one of the devices in this range if fitness is a priority for you.
Samsung Gear S2
It took Samsung a while to find its groove when it came to smartwatches — all the products with confusingly similar names didn't help — but it seems to be on track thanks to the Gear S2. Currently on sale for $250, this device features a round display and a complementary circular software interface which you can navigate with the watch's rotating bezel.

Perhaps the biggest downside of the Samsung Gear S2 is that it runs a Tizen-based operating system, not Android Wear, so you won't necessarily have access to as many apps. 

Fossil Q Founder
When Fossil announced that it would be entering the smartwatch market and acquiring fitness-tracker brand Misfit, the tech world was abuzz. The accessory maker and veteran watch manufacturer is a perfect candidate for combining stylish design with function, and the Android Wear- powered Fossil Q Founder looks to be a great smartwatch. The stainless-steel design is attractive and classic, thanks to a round display, and thanks to Android Wear it has access to a wide variety of apps. At $295, it's not cheap, but it's still cheaper than the Apple Watch, which doesn't come with a round display.
Pebble Time Round
Yes, another Pebble smartwatch is here to round out the list. The latest release from Pebble, this model stands out for its circular watch face, which helps elevate the brand's offerings from early-adopter geek gadgets to attractive products that can appeal to a wider audience. Starting at $249, it's not cheap — especially considering that the display isn't a touchscreen; it's e-paper — but it's a good-looking option, and one I'd suggest to first-time smartwatch users thanks to its straightforward software.