The most common smartwatch problems, from 2,553 verified buyers

1. The most common smartwatch problem owners report: “Short battery life”, raised in 31% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Broke down or developed a fault” (14%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Long battery life”, in 14% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 94% of verified buyers rated their smartwatch 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; smartwatches rank 14 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 3% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 33.
5. Across the 12 smartwatches with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 86% to 97%.
6. The cheaper half of these smartwatches (up to £349) had a median of 94% happy buyers, against 93% for the pricier half, so paying more did not buy happier owners.
7. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (96% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (91%).

Share of the 155 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Short battery life31%
   Came up on 8 models
2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault14%
   Came up on 7 models
3. 3. Hard to set up or use8%
   Came up on 2 models
4. 4. App, connection or software problems8%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Too small, too big or doesn't fit3%
   Came up on 2 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Short battery life (31% of complaints)

   Check battery life with the always-on screen and GPS you'll use, not the maximum figure. Some watches need charging every night.

2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault (14% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

3. 3. Hard to set up or use (8% of complaints)

   Look at the buttons, menus and app in photos or a video before you buy, and download the manual: a few minutes there saves a return.

4. 4. App, connection or software problems (8% of complaints)

   Check whether the features you want need the app, and that the app supports your phone. Basic functions that work without an account are a plus.

5. 5. Too small, too big or doesn't fit (3% of complaints)

   Measure the space first, with room to open doors and for air to flow around it, and check the size in the maker's spec sheet.

Share of the 589 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Long battery life14%
   Came up on 12 models
2. 2. Health and fitness tracking11%
   Came up on 12 models
3. 3. Looks good8%
   Came up on 10 models
4. 4. Does everything they need6%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. Comfortable6%
   Came up on 5 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.