You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
The Best Non-Apple Watch Smartwatch You Can Buy

The Best Non-Apple Watch Smartwatch You Can Buy

Last updated:

Nokia Steel HR

Not everyone wants or can afford an Apple Watch. If you’re one of those folks, you should consider the Nokia Steel HR, which we consider the best non-Apple Watch smartwatch on the market today.

Steel HR
Steel HR
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Continuously track heart rate in workout mode to optimize training, and monitor daily and overnight heart rate to improve health over time
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Up to 25 days battery life, plus 20 more days on power reserve mode (time & activity tracking only)
  • Activity tracking
  • Automatically track walk, run, swim, distance & calories burned and enjoy more than 10 activities that can be recognized
  • Water resistant to 50m
  • Smartphone alerts
  • Sleep monitoring
$179.95
available
on Amazon
* price at time of publishing was $179.95

What makes a great smartwatch?

If you’re looking for a smartwatch not made by Apple or featuring Google’s Wear OS, there are a few important points worth considering. These include:

  • Should be Apple Health compatible (if you own an iPhone)
  • Watch should come from a reputable company
  • App should exceed expectations

Why the Steel HR is the best?

Powering the Nokia Steel HR is the official Nokia Health Mate app. With this app, you can monitor your heart rate, track your activity and sleep, set up smartphone alerts, and more.

Have other Nokia Health products? This app integrates with other health products with ease.

The watch itself offers a long-lasting battery, which allows for 25 days between charges. It’s also water-resistant up to 50m.

Bands are available in leather, silicone, and woven.

Free
Nokia Health Mate
Nokia Health Mate
Nokia Apps Distribution LLC

Our experience with the Steel HR

The Nokia Steel HR looks gorgeous on the arm. The distinctive digital notifications screen embedded in the analog watchface stands out in a crowd. The watch has been designed to match various styles.

The sapphire crystal holds up well over time. However, the stainless steel will show marks, depending on use.

Also Great

The Fitbit Ionic is the company’s first entry into the ever-popular smartwatch marketplace. Priced at $299.95, the Fitbit Ionic is available in various colors and has numerous band choices.

The price point here is why we don’t consider it the “best.”

Ionic Smartwatch
Ionic Smartwatch
  • Includes third-party apps such as The New York Times, Flipboard, and Philips Hue
  • Plays 300+ songs, plus download playlists from Pandora
  • Offers full lineup of exercise routines
$299.95
available
on Amazon
* price at time of publishing was $299.95