Technology
Top 10 Cheaper Apple Smartwatch Alternatives
Smartwatches have become a million-dollar industry, and everyone tries to get first dibs on the most recent models. When it comes to smartwatches, Apple dominates the market. The integration with iPhones and MAC computers is one of the reasons why people choose this brand over others. Unfortunately, not many people can afford an Apple smartwatch that costs $399. If your budget is way under this amount, here are 10 of the best and most affordable Apple smartwatch alternatives.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 may be the most expensive on the list, almost matching Apple’s $399 price mark. However, you have the option to customize your purchase. You can add Samsung care, choose the band, or connectivity, which vary in price. This new sleep coach uses advanced sleep coaching technology to help you manage your overall sleep quality.
Get stats about your body that help you be your best-fit self with body composition, including body fat reading and Body Mass Index. This technology uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to track body composition based on BMI, body water, skeletal muscle, body fat, and weight.
Price: $329.99
2. Garmin Vivoactive 5
This mid-priced Apple smartwatch alternative offers functional features for athletes and gym buffs. Enjoy the Body Battery energy monitoring technology that tells you your energy levels throughout the day. It also gives you personal insights on naps, daily activities, stress, and sleeping patterns.
This model has a built-in sports app that tracks your movement with over 30 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps. This includes cycling, pool swimming, wheelchair activities, walking, running, and more. If you frequent the gym, this smartwatch tells you how much time you need to recover to take on new fitness challenges.
Price: $299.99
3. FitBit Sense 2
This FitBit model is the company’s most advanced health and fitness watch that helps users manage stress and sleep better. You can even add a sports band that comes in bright colors if you’re feeling bold. Tune in with your body with Sense 2’s Health Metrics Dashboard to monitor skin temperature, SpO2, and heart rate variability. You may even use the 90-day health trends to ensure you’re on top of everything.
Use the ECG app to monitor heart rate daily. If you frequent the gym, use the Daily Readiness Score to know what workout level your body is ready for. Track more than 40+ exercise modes!
Price: $199.95
4. Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition
This Gen 6 wellness edition smartwatch is what you need if you’re struggling mentally and want regular reminders to alleviate it. The Fossil Gen 6 Wellness edition taps into wellness with its 44mmm touchscreen designed for everyone. It features a black silicone strap that can be good for sleeping or swimming. Track your SpO2, VO2 Max, sleep insights, heart rate zones, wellness metrics, and more with the Sense 2.
It runs for about 24 hours with a multi-day extended mode that varies based on usage and updates. The USB cable offers magnetic dock snaps and spins 360 degrees for convenience. It features Bluetooth 5.0 LE and has a memory of 1GB RAM and 8GB storage.
Price: $159
5. Amazfit Active
The Amazfit Active is the Apple smartwatch alternative that offers functionality and affordability. It has an effortless style with a 1.75-inch HD AMOLED experience. You can stay connected for about two full weeks on a single charge! This model can serve as your coach using the Zepp Coach AI-powered insights to elevate your training.
It integrates satellite systems to ensure you navigate with precision. You can also stay in sync with your daily routine by making and taking calls and listening to your favorite tunes via Bluetooth.
Price: $149.99
6. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
This is the Apple smartwatch alternative if you aren’t satisfied with the Apple watch’s battery longevity. The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 defines long battery life in smartwatches. It runs an astonishing 80 hours! The Essential mode also adapts to your lifestyle, extending adventures without interruption.
The fast charge lets you charge the battery from zero to 65 percent in 30 minutes. Even a 15-minute charge is already good throughout the day. It might be close to how much Apple watches cost, but this smartwatch is worth every penny.
Price: $349.99
7. Withings ScanWatch Light
The Withings ScanWatch Light smartwatch offers a hybrid technology that integrates the most advanced sensors. It’s packaged in a premium design with over 30 days of battery life. You’ll also enjoy unlimited storage and automatic sync in a stylish, lightweight design.
You can stay on track with all your workouts and monitor sleeping patterns. Its cardiac coherence feature lets you resync yourself.
Price: $249.95
8. Polar Ignite 3
This mid-priced Apple smartwatch alternative offers many features for anyone who wants to monitor their health, fitness, and wellness. Its Nightly Recharge lets you see the impact of your day’s alertness levels and energy. The Activity Target enables a goal you must achieve for the day, helping you move more.
The Polar Ignite 3 model also gives daily exercise suggestions suitable for your body’s readiness and condition. Plus, you can pick from more than 150 activities and monitor them throughout the day.
Price: $263.96
9. Coros Pace 3
The Coros Pace 3 is one of the best GPS sports watches for multi-athletes who want to move fast and train hard. The battery can last up to weeks, allowing you to train uninterrupted. It has the next-generation SpO2 and optical heart rate sensors that ensure stable daily health.
This smartwatch features a barometric altimeter to ensure accurate elevation measurement when you’re outdoors. Enjoy your favorite tunes with its built-in audio support.
Price: $229 to $249
10. Suunto 9 Baro
Suunto 9 Baro is one of the best Apple smartwatch alternatives that’s also tough for the outdoors. It’s built to last with up to seven days of continuous GPS tracking. It has a multisport GPS technology for athletes who want more from their adventures. This is undeniably the sports watch for extreme adventures and arduous training.
With the GPS turned on, this watch can deliver up to 170 hours of recording. Once the battery runs low, the watch will automatically suggest a different battery mode to save on juice. Suunto’s FusedTrack feature lets users enhance track and distance accuracy. This also helps extend the watch’s battery life by lowering GPS power.
Price: $239
Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024.
1. iRobot Roomba j7+
The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.
Price:
- $642.80 on Amazon
2. iRobot Roomba s9+
We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
3. Eufy S1 Pro
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.
Price:
- $999 on Kickstarter
4. Shark ION AV751
If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.
Price:
- $319.99 on Amazon
5. Neato Botvac D8
The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.
Price:
- $699.99 on Amazon
6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision
Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
7. Dreame X30 Ultra
This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.
Price:
- $1,399.99 on Amazon
8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
9. Dyson 360 Heurist
The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.
Price:
$949.99 on Amazon
Mental health chatbots have become reliable companions for those who can’t afford therapy. However, these chatbots aren’t a real replacement for actual therapists. They can provide temporary comfort and aid mental health professionals in tracking patients’ moods and other necessary information to provide quality care. But with AI being more accessible and free, especially to teens, will more people depend on AI chatbots in the future?
The Latest in AI Chatbot & Mental Health
Mental health chatbots are on the rise. Wysa and Woebot are two well-known examples. But, one AI chatbot is much more popular than the others: the Psychologist bot on Character.ai. According to the BBC, Character.ai helps millions of users talk to the bot and other mental health-related ones to address any concerns.
Character.ai allows users to create bots to help others talk to their favorite characters or “individuals.” So far, the Psychologist and other mental health-adjacent bots have received millions of messages from multiple users. Character.ai users have shared their reviews on the social media forum Reddit about their experiences with the bot. So far, the bot has received nothing but amazing reviews.
For instance, one user messaged Psychologist to help with relationship issues and to communicate with their partner.
There’s one person to thank for this: Blazeman98. He hoped to help others because he wanted someone to talk to when his friends weren’t available. But this isn’t the only AI chatbot internet users can approach for their mental health concerns.
Other Mental Health Chatbots
Woebot is one well-known mental health chatbot. The team behind the chatbot uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help users talk about their feelings, and the chatbot will respond with compassion. Plus, it can give simple solutions to get you through the moment. It covers multiple mental health issues like needs, feeling capable, relationships, coping, and more. The chatbot helps adults, adolescents, and mothers. You can download Woebot in the App Store or Google Play Store.
If you have anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and other mental health concerns, you can download Youper. This chatbot helps you track your moods every day. Plus, you can chat with the bot anytime you need help.
Wysa is another option to consider if you want an alternative to Character.ai. However, Wysa is ideal for businesses prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The chatbot helps the patient talk about what’s worrying them. Plus, it checks in with the patient and suggests exercises to improve their well-being. However, Wysa can connect patients to professionals.
Addressing Loneliness
Since AI chatbots don’t have any certification or accreditation to give advice or provide counseling, AI chatbots are excellent companions for lonely people. Meta-Gallup reports that a quarter of the global population feels lonely. With the rise of AI, more people can rely on AI to talk to them and provide companionship that others can’t offer, whether in real life or on the internet.
However, Business Insider writer Daniel Cox believes that more people will be lonely as they talk to AI often. It’s all because of the lack of human connection. Gen Z, in particular, will feel this loneliness even more so. Since they grew up with technology, talking to chatbots is a pathway for them when they need someone to talk to when they don’t have anyone else or because of the potential harm social media brings to users.
How Safe is it to Use AI Chatbots?
Although you can talk to an AI chatbot with the touch of a button, it could be risky to depend on an AI chatbot for mental health-related issues or companionship.
One issue that arises when talking to AI chatbots is your privacy. One recent example of a data leak comes from Microsoft when an employee unknowingly leaked 38TB (that’s right, terabytes) of data. That’s a possibility, especially if data isn’t stored properly. Or, in the employee’s case, they posted the wrong URL.
Another issue that comes up is bias and discrimination. For instance, one chatbot was taken down for the language it used while conversing with users on Twitter. Due to the unfortunate incident, it was forced to shut down because of an uncoordinated attack.
The chatbots mentioned above ensure safety and security through data encryption. Plus, they use language that won’t trigger or encourage users to harm themselves or someone else. Additionally, chatbots avoid giving diagnoses and aren’t discriminatory or biased. Moreover, some AI chatbots are HIPAA-compliant, ensuring they follow regulatory health standards. Finally, the chatbots won’t sell your data to third-party or advertising companies.
Final Thoughts
AI chatbots can be a companion when you’re lonely or need to discuss mental health conditions or symptoms. However, they are not a full replacement for a human therapist as they can only provide solutions to help you get through the moment, track your moods, and give you insights.
Character.ai provides a free solution to talk to a “Psychologist” bot anytime, but note that you’re not talking to a professional. If that’s bothersome for you, you can use other mental health chatbots to direct you to the help you need. This way, you’ll also have a safe and secure experience while conversing with chatbots built by professionals.
Do you need to get around the city without using a bike or going on public transportation? The scooter is the ideal mode of transport for you. However, not all scooters can take you anywhere without a hitch. One of the best in the market is the VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter. Check out the features of this amazing scooter before buying one for yourself.
Features of the VSETT 9+
Engine
The VSETT 9 series has two models, the VSETT 9 and VSETT 9+.
One notable feature of the VSETT 9+ is the double engines. This makes your scooter accelerate faster and climb slopes better. You can reach 31.06 mph with the VSETT 9+ and travel up to 50 miles in one ride. But the 50 miles depend on other factors, like weather, weight, and speed. Additionally, the battery is 48 volts with LG cells.
Suspension
The VSETT 9 model comes with the Spring-R suspension technology. It’s their patented shock absorption tech. Plus, it has pneumatic tires, too. With these two features, you’ll have a smooth ride anywhere!
NFC Key Lock
VSETT 9+ prevents theft with the NFC key lock. The scooter has a tag allowing you to maneuver the VSETT 9+. However, make sure to keep all tags with you at all times since a display replacement is required if you don’t have them with you anymore.
Lighting + Horn
Do you love riding at night but are worried about safety? Don’t fret. The VSETT 9+ is equipped with brake lights, bright headlights, and turning lights. However, VSETT recommends wearing additional reflective clothing when riding at night. You can turn on the lights by pressing a button on the handlebar. Finally, it has an electronic horn to make other riders and drivers hear you.
Foldable Design
The VSETT 9+ is a foldable scooter, allowing you to carry it anywhere! The handlebars and stem are collapsible, and you can fit the folded scooter under dining tables!
Water-Resistance
Get caught in the rain during a ride? No need to alight the scooter and grab another ride. You can still have a safe ride even in the rain with its IP54 water-resistant rating. However, it’s only suitable for light rain or when there are puddles.
Weight
Are you using your scooter for work or school? It carries up to 265 lbs of weight!
Charging
It has two charging modes: standard and fast. On the standard one, you can charge up to 10 hours and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, fast charging can take up to 4 hours and 30 minutes!
Pricing
The VSETT 9+ is 2090.00€ ($~2291.79)
What Do VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter Users Think?
Many VSETT 9+ users agree on one thing. The electric scooter is steady and sturdy. You don’t have to worry about wobbling; you’re safe whenever you use this on the road. The aluminum alloy frame also contributes to the robust design, making rides safe and smooth.
Plus, many users feel safe using the scooter, not only because of the light but also because of the rear disc brakes!
Another pro of using the electric scooter is its comfort. Not only does the suspension offer comfort, but it also has palm rests. Additionally, the kick plate helps you balance your ride and controls your speed.
However, the VSETT 9+ isn’t the ideal scooter for everybody. For one, many users aren’t exactly happy with the scooter’s weight. Since the scooter weighs 58 to 59 lbs, it can be a drag to carry everywhere. Plus, unfortunately, the horn isn’t great since it’s not too loud. Finally, some squeaks could irritate the rider.
Alternatives to the VSETT 9+
Although the VSETT 9+ is an excellent option for a ride, what are the other electric scooters to consider before saying YES to the VSETT 9+?
Hiboy S2
One affordable alternative to the VSETT scooter is the Hiboy S2. It retails at $599. You can choose to buy a seated version for longer rides. It’s foldable, too, so you can bring it anywhere or park it without taking too much space. Plus, you have a max speed of 18.6 mph. Finally, you can download the app to customize your rides.
NIU KQi3
One of the most lauded electric scooters of 2024 is the NIU KQI. One of its main features is the regenerative braking system. You power up as you slow down. Additionally, it’s one of the best rides at night since it has advanced dual-disc braking systems. Plus, it has a halo headlight and bell, so that you can be seen and heard by other motorists. Additionally, it has pneumatic tires that offer a good grip and a handlebar that allows you to steer easily. The pricing starts at 599€ (~$650).
Segway Ninebot Kickscooter MAX
Another fan-favorite electric scooter is the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. Many riders experience a comfortable and long-lasting ride. It has 10-inch pneumatic tires, 18.6 mph max speed, and built-in front LED lights. Another reason many love the Segway is its 20% hill-grade capabilities and rear-wheel drive to get you uphill without a hitch. Plus, it has three riding modes: eco, standard, and sports.
Final Thoughts
The VSETT 9+ is one of the best in smooth and safe rides. Plus, it’s one of the fastest scooters on the market. And you don’t have to worry about any wobbling and losing control with the suspension and the kick plate. However, it’s pricey, and users have found issues on the horn and other small areas that won’t fully affect your ride. Still, the VSETT 9+ scooter is one to consider if you want faster and safer rides on the road.
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BedStory® 12 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
