Top smartwatches on the market today

What's the deal with smartwatches springing up all over the place? Sure, they look hip and modern, but are they really worth it when you can have everything on your smartphone? The answer is absolutely yes. Not only do these smart gadgets wrapped around your wrist make you look like you're with the times, they can do just about everything your phone can do and more. They can last for days on a full charge, are easier to access and harder to lose, and in the rare instance you somehow manage to drop your smartwatch, chances are it won't break or shatter, and most of them are waterproof. Check out the three biggest smartwatches on the market today, and be sure to add one to your list this holiday season.

Pebble

Pebble comes in several different colors. Image via pcmag.

With a clean, simple look, the Pebble smartwatch is just that. It offers an easy-to-read e-paper screen with a backlight you can activate by waving your wrist. Making calls, receiving phone notifications and controlling music is as simple as doing it on a smartphone. This trendy watch also allows you to download apps that fit your lifestyle, such as those that track your runs, notify you of sports scores, update information on your morning commute, and open voice navigation without swiping at a phone. Personalize your Pebble to reflect your style, mood and activities with customizable watchfaces, colors and accessories. Better yet, the impressive Pebble runs for five to seven days before needing a charge. It's also waterproof and it has a scratch and shatter resistant lens with an anti-glare optical coating. Compare that to your smartphone.

Want one? Visit getpebble.com.

Samsung Galaxy Gear

The Samsung Galaxy Gear has a modern, metallic look. Image via CNET.

Sleek and shiny, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch has a futuristic look to it, and wearing it will probably make you feel like some sort of sophisticated spy or topnotch secret agent. With the Galaxy Gear, you can easily take calls, send texts and perform various other tasks right from your wrist without reaching into your pocket. The idea behind this watch, according to Samsung, is that since your phone is too big, it needs a smaller second screen to let you know what's going on with ease. Because it has no SIM card or data connection of its own, the Galaxy Gear links to your phone via Bluetooth to act as an external display so you don't have to dig around for your phone every time it vibrates. Along with its metal, modern style, this watch comes with a 1.6-inch display and 320 x 320 pixel resolution, making texts easy to read and photos fun to snap. The Galaxy Gear was originally only compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, but other Samsung phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, are being updated to support the watch.

Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

Nike+ SportWatch GPS

The Nike+ SportWatch GPS keeps tabs on your personal records and stores your run history. Image via uncrate.com.

If you're the athletic type, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS can be your new favorite running buddy. This easy-to-use customizable watch doesn't just tell you the time — it keeps track of your location, pace, distance, laps and calories burned. By storing your run history (up to 50 runs) and keeping tabs on your personal records, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS gives you all the encouragement you need. With unique features such as automatic run reminders, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS is set to keep you motivated and in tip-top shape. After your run you can set goals, view your mapped runs, see how elevation effects your pace, connect with other runners and access training programs on nikeplus.com.

Want to sport one? Run over to nike.com to find out how.

Have an opinion on smartwatches? Which one do you think is best? Share your thoughts below.