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It’s not hard to find an eligible smartwatch that looks like it might fit into your life. In a world filled with wearables like the Apple Watch 3 and Fitbit Ionic, there’s something for everyone – at least in style. What isn’t so readily available is a smartwatch for a low budget, but the Ticwatch E fills that void.
Mobvoi’s budget-friendly smartwatch impresses with its simple design and robust set of features. Less than two years ago, you wouldn’t have been able to find a watch with this much tech in it for less than $300, which alone makes the Ticwatch E all the more tempting.
Who's this for?
The Mobvoi Ticwatch E is for tech lovers itching for an affordable, well-built wearable that's just oozing with features. It's got nearly everything that more expensive options do – skimping a bit on build materials to keep the price low –
and delivers an equally good wearable experience for less.
Should you buy it?
For those who haven’t taken the plunge into Android Wear, the Ticwatch E is an excellent option for those with simple needs. While lacking in LTE and NFC capabilities, the latter of which would allow for Google Pay mobile transactions, this watch doesn’t feel less without them.
The best thing that we can say is that, reflecting on the last few years of Android Wear smartwatches, Mobvoi has released one of the few that’s actually worth your money.
The competition
Ticwatch S
Ticwatch E's slightly more expensive next of kin excels at GPS performance and rocks a more ruggedized build. Both work to the advantage of those who want to put their wearable through its paces, but the sporty design might be a turn-off if you find the E's minimalistic look appealing.
It doesn't cost a whole lot more at $199 (£150, AU$250) but your mileage may vary on where the S stands out from the E model.
- Read our full Ticwatch S review
LG Watch Style
One of the best-looking Android Wear smartwatches on the market, the Watch Style hasn't aged well on the inside though, as it's light on features compared to the Ticwatch E.
Sitting in between $149-$179, LG's flagship doesn't feature built-in GPS, nor does it contain a built-in speaker for enjoying tunes or taking calls without a phone. Simply put, go for the Ticwatch E if the style suits you.
- Read our full LG Watch Style review
Misfit Vapor
Misfit's debut Android Wear smartwatch comes in at around $40 more ($199.99 / £185 / AU$279.59) than the Ticwatch E, but it certainly has a lot going for it.
Like the E, the Vapor touts a minimalist style, making it suitable for basically any style. It also features a heart rate sensor, supports swim tracking, and puts forth a more rich AMOLED display with less aggressive bezels surrounding it. The basic Ticwatch model bests it with built-in GPS at a lower price, but we really love the Vapor's swim tracking feature.
- Read our full Misfit Vapor review
