Having a Wear OS smartwatch on your wrist is an exciting but also daunting prospect. You have the whole of Google Play at your fingertips… but what should you download?
If you’re looking for answers, we’ve curated this list of the best apps for Wear OS to help you get started.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Wear Os 2018
Some of the best Wear OS apps are preinstalled on watches. Google Maps, Google Fit, and Play Music are essential to the smartwatch and do the job well.
But what else is there? We’ll be at eye level Wear OS’s app ecosystem is in a sorry state.
Little progress has been made in recent years, and some of our original favorites are no longer supported. TripAdvisor? Path. Wearing mini launcher? Newer watches are not supported.
When modern smartwatches were only halfway expected, mobile phones can make most things even better. However, there are several Wear OS apps that are worth trying if you want to use your watch for more than just the basics.
Lifesum
Keeping a food diary is tricky in the best of times. Familiarize yourself with the idea and it can be a bit obsessed, and most others find it chronically boring.
Lifesum’s Wear OS app is a decent way to stay in the middle of it all. It’s a very slimmed-down version of the full phone app that allows you to log your food, probably either immediately before or immediately after it’s been consumed.
All details were sucked out. They do not leaf through miles of menus, where every brand and a lot of groceries are represented in the supermarket.
There are only a handful of options for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. And for the main meals, just choose “small”, “medium” and “big” portions that you need to correlate with the approximate number of calories.
Nobody’s going to find out about a big Pizza Hut pizza one, but if you find one of them in front of you, just write it off as a cheat day. Lifesum has nothing for you.
Open the app and you will see the number of calories remaining. You can also log the number of glasses of water you drink and record the minutes of exercise you are doing.
The Lifesum app is in a difficult place. It does not have the peculiarity of working for those who are quite accurate in calorie counting. However, if, like many of us, you find eating meals too time-consuming, the Wear OS version is worth a try.
Citymapper
The Citymapper urban navigation app has been around since 2015 Wear has not changed much since then, but is still one of the few major Wear OS downloads, at least for users of the phone app.
For newcomers Citymapper offers travel planning between cities in major cities. You can reach routes on foot, by car, by taxi or especially by public transport.
The main incentive is the way Citymapper digs into train, bus and tram tracking systems, giving you the minute of your arrival. And that’s where the Wear OS version of the app comes in handy.
When you wait in the cold for a bus that never seems to show, this app will at least tell you how much misery is left. Scroll through the various screens of the app, and you can also see the number of stops and a map of the sections accessible by foot.
It contains all important intermediate goals of Citymapper. However, if you want to go to a location other than the home and work locations previously set in the main app, you will need to remove your phone.
This is not a stand-alone app, which seems quite obvious when looking at the data you always need. It’s kind of great, though.
ParKing
Sometimes the simplest apps are the most useful. With ParKing, you can record where you parked your car. So you do not have to search 45 minutes outside of IKEA because the site was deleted from memory after three hours of waiting to buy shelves and meatballs.
Start the app and just press & # 39; & # 39; Auto button to log the location of your vehicle. You will then see an exact Google Maps style location.
With a few controls, you can zoom in and out of the map view, and you can use the touchscreen to navigate the location.
ParKing feels a bit like a mod for Google Maps. However, if you own a car and like the design school “Keep it simple, stupid”, it’s worth checking. It’s also free, with no in-app purchases.
Google Keep
If you want an app that only lets you view a shopping list on your wrist, try Bring !. However, Google’s own Keep is designed for all types of notes and is perfect for daily to-do lists, as well as for browsing e-mails in emails or for making notes.
It works the same as on your phone. When you run the app, a list of your existing notes appears, and you can either jump to one of these notes or start a new one.
If you’ve written a note, you can set a reminder for a specific time, resolve it from your keep-start screen, or archive it. It’s a clean, simple app, like the best parts of Google Suite.
You can also create lists, simple notes, and check off items. We used the Keep on a Wear operating system clock like this to track a daily to-do list. While not quite as satisfying as ticking a box on a piece of paper, it avoids the ever-recurring search for pen and notepad.
problems? Google Keep is a purely functional app. There is no visual gleam that some find repulsive. The phone app is more visually appealing and the ability to customize the color theme in the watch app would be a nice touch.
Accuweather
There is a good chance that you have already found Accuweather. It is one of the most popular weather apps and a Wear operating system.
The watch version consists of two halves. There is an analog dial with three customizable slots where you can insert three bits of weather data. And then there is the right app.
In the app, you only need to specify the location for which you want weather data, and you will receive hourly reports. Or reports for the coming days, if it is after.
Especially the dial is handy. And not bad either.
As you might expect, the app is relatively simple and lacks features that can be seen in the phone version. There is no radar view that lets you view rain clouds on a world map, for example.
There is also no support for multiple sites. If you only want the weather data of one location, but want to switch between two or more, you must use the location search. Entering place names can feel like a nightmare.
However, this is the ideal weather app for Wear OS and a very handy way to see if it rains later without asking the wizard. Not every one of us wants to talk to our wrists every day.
Seven Minute Workout
This is one of the most useful, stand-alone Wear OS apps. It’s a quick and clean way to get a guided workout before you go to work. Or, hey, even at work, if you’re ambitious.
You see animations of the exercises that you are supposed to perform. Nice animated too. By default, these exercises are performed at 30-second intervals, with short rest periods in between. During this time you will see a preview animation for the next move you want to prepare for.
The animations for 7-minute workouts are great. They give the app a professional look that most Wear OS apps do not have. However, you probably should not try to learn the exercises from the ground up from a 1.5-inch screen. It’s the combination of vibration feedback and visuals that makes the app work just as well.
If you used it a few times, you should only have to look at the screen for about 20 seconds in seven minutes. The rest of the time you can just use the vibratory sums to let you know when it’s time to stop and prepare for the next exercise.
Use this feature as a stand-alone app, and you can try some basic circuits. enough to wake you up before you go to work. However, download the phone app, then subscribe to the premium service of $ 9.99 per month, and you can access many more. Yoga stretches, Pilates sets, and sets that work out a specific body part are all included.
Add them as favorites in the phone app and you can run them on your watch. Any bad points? The entire concept of the seven-minute workout is, apart from the time limit, that only one chair is used. It’s not for hardcore fans.
Wear Casts
There are a few podcast apps for Wear OS, including the favorite mobile podcast Republic. Wear casts, however, is currently the best if you do not want to just control a phone podcast player on your wrist.
Wear casts let you search for podcasts using the podcast directory of the app or the search feature. It uses the standard Wear OS options for voice input or virtual keyboard, which can be very painful if some podcast names are not even real words.
But that’s not the fault of Wear Casts.
If Found In a podcast, you add it to a Favorites list so that it appears on the app’s homepage. You can browse through episodes, play through Bluetooth headphones and even download for offline use – ideal for training.
Wear Casts is also one of the more stable and faster Wear OS apps, making it a real pleasure to use.
The only painful part is that your favorite podcasts are logged into the app. However, there is also a way out in this direction.
Wear casts must be one of the few Wear OS apps for which there is a phone version, but they are a companion to watch software. Not the other way around.
Use the Wear Casts phone download, and you can search for and add podcasts so you can not use Wear OS’s tiny virtual keyboard. It took us a few minutes to type “John Hodgman” into the thing.
Unified Remote Full
Smartwatches are great for quick, easy interactions, not for the tedious things we would never think of as a phone in 2009. And now every day.
Unified Remote is a puppet master of this kind of fast controls. It’s a remote app that lets you connect to over 100 different controls. You can control Spotify or Netflix from your wrist, turn off the computer, and even use the watch’s screen as a trackpad. They add additional features like small modules.
So you can control everything in your house through your watch? Not quite. Unified Remote can control software on your PC, but not instances of Spotify and Netflix on your phone or, for example, PS4.
If you have an entertainment PC in your living room, this app is great. It’s handy if you also connect a laptop to your TV. You can control Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, but not other platforms.
The Unified Remote team says it is working to develop the platform for controlling iOS and Android devices, which would make it even more useful. [19659061] Zombies, Run!
- Zombies, Run!
- Free or $ 3.99 per month, $ 24.99 / $ 23.49 per year for the Pro version
We recommend the full version of Zombies, Run! years. However, it came until the end of 2017 to Wear OS.
Some TechRadar crew likes to run. However, if you find annoying work, an app like this one can help.
Zombies, Run! Maps your runs in the context of a zombie survival story, not just in a Google Maps travel view. It feels a bit like an audiobook that determines when you should hear the next segment based on the progress of the run.
It does not take over your entire run. You can play music or a podcast in the background, and the app will take over the function when needed.
Over the days and weeks, your runs represent missions that are mostly about picking up the bare necessities and delivering them to the characters in the Abel community. It is the storehouse of the story of survivors of the zombie apocalypse.
You can “play” zombies, Run! free, and after the first missions, new ones will be unlocked at a weekly rate. Pay for a subscription and you can play as many of the over 300 missions as you like. It’s more fun than a standard couch-to-5K.
RunKeeper
- RunKeeper
- Free or $ 39.99 / £ 29.99 per year for Premium
One of the last apps from Endomondo. However, it has not been updated to support Wear 2.0, which tells us a lot about how many users have used the Wear OS version.
However, RunKeeper survives and lets you run without having to remove your phone while you’re using it. The watch has built-in GPS.
It shows you stats while running, and there are some battery saver features to save the endurance of your watch. And you can use it for free.
For many, the unpaid version is the trick. If you upgrade for £ 8.99 / $ 9.99 per month or much more attractive $ 39.99 / £ 29.99 per year, you will receive training plans that will transfer your runs to social media (this requires a phone) and a function that compares your training You can better track progress.
If you’re not upgrading, the only question is if RunKeeper is actually much more useful than Google Fit, which is a great little Wear OS run tracker these days.
best wear os for android
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4(Image credit: Samsung)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Our favorite Wear OS watch out there
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: AndroidDisplay: 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLEDProcessor: Dual-core 1.18GHz Cortex-A55Onboard storage: 16GBBattery duration: Two daysCharging method: Qi wireless chargingIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
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REASONS TO BUY
+Fantastic performance
+Lightweight design
REASONS TO AVOID
-No rotating bezel
-Limited compatibility
Returning to Wear OS means the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is now the best Wear OS watch out there. It doesn’t use a typical Wear OS UI, embracing One UI Watch 3 instead, but it’s still a top-end smartwatch that can track workouts along with mostly everything else you can think of.
That comes at a price for iOS owners (don’t count on it working with your iPhone) and you’ll need a Samsung smartphone to gain features such as blood pressure or ECG measurements, but it’s the right combination, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offers great looks, decent battery life, and speedy performance.
Fitness enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the new 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor that means the watch can track your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body composition, right down to skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage.
Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review
Fossil Gen 6
(Image credit: Fossil)
- Fossil Gen 6
The best in Wear OS
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.28-inch 416 x 416 AMOLEDProcessor: Quad-core 1.2GHzBand sizes: 22mm strapsOnboard storage: 8GBBattery duration: Two daysCharging method: ProprietaryIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
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REASONS TO BUY
+Sleek design
+Great display
REASONS TO AVOID
-Short battery life
-Little changes
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The Fossil Gen 6 is the company’s latest smartwatch, and it features a powerful chipset, a good display and a sleek design. If you’re looking for a top-end Wear OS watch, the Fossil Gen 6 may be a suitable choice for you.
We particularly liked the 1.28-inch display with its 416 x 416 resolution that looked bright and crisp in all lighting conditions.
The design is where this watch sings though, and if you like the look of the Fossil Gen 6 you’ll likely be happy with your smartwatch purchase.
Read the full Fossil Gen 6 review
TicWatch Pro 3
(Image credit: Mobvoi)
- TicWatch Pro 3
The watch with two screens
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.4″ 454 x 454 OLED paired with LCD screenProcessor: Snapdragon Wear 4100Onboard storage: 8GBBattery duration: Up to 72h, 45 extra days in Essential modeCharging method: Magnetic connecting pinIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
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REASONS TO BUY
+Big battery lasts 3 days
+Fast chipset
REASONS TO AVOID
-Sometimes poor interface
-Sleep tracking isn’t the best
Smartwatch manufacturer Mobvoi have a variety of TicWatch products in this list, but the very best is the TicWatch Pro 3. It comes with some top-end specs, a phenomenal battery life and it won’t cost as much as some other smart wristwear either.
This uses the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset with 1GB of RAM, and we found this smartwatch to be one of the most powerful devices of this list. Apps load quickly, and we didn’t find any time where you’ll be left waiting for something to boot up.
Where does this smartwatch come into its own? Battery life, as the smartwatch can last for up to 45 days in something called ‘Essential Mode’ that allows you to extend its battery life if you’re away from your charger for extended periods. It’ll even last for a full three days without that turned on though.
Read the full TicWatch Pro 3 review
Fossil Sport
(Image credit: Fossil)
- Fossil Sport
Previously the best
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLEDProcessor: Quad-core 1.2GHzBand sizes: 22mm strapsOnboard storage: 4GBBattery duration: Two daysCharging method: ProprietaryIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
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REASONS TO BUY
+Lightweight design
+Powerful watch
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lacks high-end features
-GPS can be slow
The Fossil Sport is a great combination of value and features in a lightweight body that you’re able to wear comfortably day-to-day or when you’re working out. There’s GPS and the battery life often lasts around two days.
It was one of the first smartwatches to sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset. That means this watch offers a smoother experience than a lot of the others in this list.
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Overall, if you’re looking for a smooth experience or an easy to use smartwatch. you’re almost certain to enjoy the Fossil Sport. Plus, the price has dropped a lot in recent years so that makes it much more attractive.
Read the full Fossil Sport review
TicWatch E2
(Image credit: Mobvoi)
- TicWatch E2
One of the cheapest Wear OS watches
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+Display: 1.39″ 400 x 400 OLEDProcessor: Snapdragon Wear 2100Onboard storage: 4GBBattery duration: Around 48hCharging method: Magnetic connecting pinIP rating: IP67Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
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REASONS TO BUY
+One of the cheapest options
+Easily two day battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
-No NFC for payments
-Bland design
The reason the TicWatch E2 sits so highly in this list is largely down to its price. It’s one of the best cheap smartwatches money can buy, and it sports the latest in Wear OS software.
Compared to the last-gen TicWatch E, you’ll get 30% better battery life here with our reviewer saying it lasted for over two days with average usage. You’ll get less if you’re using lots of fitness features though.
It’s waterproof so you can take this watch into the swimming pool, there’s GPS to track your location and there are lots of other features here too. It lacks NFC, so you can’t use this for Google Pay, but considering the price you’ll likely love what the TicWatch E2 can do.
Read the full TicWatch E2 review
Fossil Gen 5
(Image credit: Fossil)
- Fossil Gen 5
Classic watch aesthetic
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android 6.0+, iOS 10+Display: 1.28″ 416 x 416 AMOLEDProcessor: Snapdragon Wear 3100Onboard storage: 8GBBattery duration: 24h+Charging method: Conductive USB chargerIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
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REASONS TO BUY
+Battery saving modes
+Fast processor
REASONS TO AVOID
-More expensive than rivals
-Weak speaker
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The Gen 5 is a decent Fossil smartwatch but not a patch on the Fossil Sport sitting at number one in this ranking. The Gen 5 cost is more expensive without bringing too much else, but you might prefer its classic watch looks to the Sport’s more active design.
The Gen 5 comes in a larger Carlyle version or a smaller Julianna, but both have the same premium features like bright vibrant displays, GPS, a heart rate sensor, 1GB RAM and the latest Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, meaning it’s very fast and responsive.
Its battery saver modes are genuinely useful and it has water resistance up to 30m, but it’s more expensive than other Wear OS watches and the speaker is poor.
Read the full Fossil Gen 5 review
TicWatch S2
(Image credit: Amazon)
- TicWatch S2
Remarkably similar to the E2
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 8+Display: 1.39″ 400 x 400 OLEDProcessor: Snapdragon Wear 2100Onboard storage: 4GBBattery duration: Around 48hCharging method: Magnetic connecting pinIP rating: IP67Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
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REASONS TO BUY
+Another cheap option
+Waterproof design
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lacks NFC
-No LTE variant
This watch is very similar to the TicWatch E2 on paper, and that’s largely because it is. In fact, all of the spec is exactly the same here and the company has released two versions with different names because they have differing designs, but S2 has a more durable design than the E2 that is listed above.
The S2 has military grade durability so it should be able to take a bit more of a beating than any other watch on this list making it suitable for adventurers as well as runners.
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Other than that, you’ll have two-day battery life, GPS, a waterproof design and all the other benefits of the latest Wear OS software. If you’re trying to save money look at the TicWatch E2, but if you prefer this design the S2 isn’t much more expensive.
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Read the full TicWatch S2 review
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TicWatch C2
(Image credit: Amazon)
- TicWatch C2
Yet another TicWatch on this list
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.3-inch 360 x 360 AMOLEDProcessor: Dual-core 1.0GHzBand sizes: 20mm or 18mm strapsOnboard storage: 4GBBattery duration: A dayCharging method: ProprietaryIP rating: IP68Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
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VIEW AT MOBVOI
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REASONS TO BUY
+Low price
+Google Pay and GPS
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited straps
-Outdated internals
Conclusion
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