What to Know Before Buying a Used Fitness Smartwatch

Smartwatches represent the next big leap forward in fitness technology. Equipped with these wearable devices, individuals can track a wide array of useful metrics. These, in turn, promote better performance along with improved health, safety, and convenience.

For all the benefits they provide, however, fitness smartwatches remain out of reach for many people. After all, these devices can be prohibitively expensive. High-end options often retail for hundreds of dollars or even over $1,000 — money that fitness lovers may need to budget for other essentials. Used smartwatches can mitigate this problem by keeping the cost manageable. That being said, they come with their own set of challenges.

Not sure if a used fitness smartwatch is a viable option for boosting athletic performance at a reasonable price? Keep reading to learn when these devices are most useful and how you can extend their lifespan.

Before choosing to invest in a used wearable device, think carefully about how the technology that underscores the device is expected to change in the next few years. Given the swift pace of development, it’s entirely possible that a model released just a year or two ago will be woefully out of date in the near future.

Even if the basic functionality of the device in question remains the same, new models tend to have better algorithms that grant them greater accuracy and function far more reliably on a day-to-day basis. For those who are relatively casual about their fitness regimen, this may not be a big deal. However, hardcore fitness buffs may quickly find themselves becoming frustrated if their wearable devices are out of date.

Compatibility is a key concern for both new and used smartwatches. When simultaneously purchasing a new smartwatch and a new smartphone, this is not an issue. Things get more complicated, though, when either the smartwatch or the smartphone is a few years old.

Simply put, some smartwatches are not compatible with certain types of smartphones — and vice versa. Apple Watches, for example, may not automatically be compatible with older iPhones. These complications can be even more noteworthy when navigating the many available types of Android smartphones and smartwatches.

Like any type of device, fitness smartwatches vary dramatically in terms of durability. Some models hold up to heavy use, while others are far more prone to scratches and other forms of damage. While durability should be a key consideration for both new and pre-owned models, it becomes that much more important when considering a smartwatch that has already been used by a previous owner. A rugged model comes with no guarantees, but it’s more likely to continue holding up over time — particularly if you intend to use it in harsh conditions.

An unexpected upside of sticking with an older model? The community of fellow wearers may be larger and more engaged. With a newer model, it could take quite a bit of time to develop a sizable following. Smartwatch users who rely on others for support may find it difficult to find the motivation to power through challenges when limited community support is available. Wait long enough, however, and the preferred social channel’s user base is bound to grow.

New or used, every fitness smartwatch should be protected by an extended smartwatch warranty. This ensures that, should the smartwatch sustain damage, it can be fixed quickly and in a hassle-free manner.

Upsie provides excellent warranty coverage. They deliver much-needed peace of mind for fitness enthusiasts who rely on their smartwatches every day. Under the unique Upsie approach, it’s easy to protect most types of smartwatches while also keeping the cost of the plan and deductible low.