Key Takeaways
A smartwatch is a very useful tool, capable of doing many of the same things your phone can do. Your phone, however, needs a data plan for a lot of its functionality, so you'd be forgiven for assuming that a smartwatch needs one, too. But the truth is, few smartwatches require a data plan.
Many Smartwatches Cannot Even Use a Data Plan
The main reason most smartwatches don't require a data plan is that many of them aren't even capable of supporting one. You see, the majority of smartwatches gain access to their functionality by connecting to your smartphone using Bluetooth or WiFi. Combined with a mobile app on your smartphone, your smartwatch can upload and download data even if it doesn't actually have its own data plan.
This connectivity allows your typical smartwatch to do everything you expect it to. The only shortcoming in this regard is the fact that the smartwatch must be connected to your phone in order to carry out those functions. If it is connected via WiFi, you may not have to be within a specific range of your phone. If you are using Bluetooth to connect your smartwatch and phone, you may need to be within around thirty feet to use the smartwatch.
Still, this means that most smartwatches don't actually require a data plan. In fact, technically speaking, there is no smartwatch that needs a data plan. But some types could benefit from one.
Standalone Smartwatches With Cellular Connectivity May Need a Data Plan
While many smartwatches are designed to access their functions by connecting to your smartphone and a mobile app on it, some smartwatch models can operate independently of such a connection. These are usually called standalone smartwatches, and they have cellular and internet connection functionality thanks to a SIM card, among other things.
Sometimes, these smartwatches can share a data plan with your smartphone, though that depends on what type of plan you get and with what carrier. Regardless, even these types of smartwatches don't absolutely require a data plan. They can still connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi to access the majority of their functions.
That said, these standalone smartwatches have the capability to take phone calls, send and receive texts, stream music, and more, even if they are disconnected from your phone, provided they have a data plan. So, although they do not require one, such smartwatches can definitely benefit from a data plan and offer you some benefits that would otherwise be unavailable.
Is it Worth it to Get a Data Plan for Your Smartwatch?
While getting a data plan for smartwatches that can be used provides some functionality for them, whether or not it's worth it to get one depends mostly on your lifestyle. After all, just about everyone owns a smartphone these days, and most of the functions a smartwatch can offer via a data plan are already achieved with a smartphone. Phone calls, texting, music, video streaming... most people use their phone for those things.
If you're the type of person who tends to keep their phone on them most of the time, you probably won't benefit much from a smartwatch data plan. Having a second device that does the same thing as the first isn't very helpful. That said, there are some situations and lifestyles where a smartwatch data plan might be useful for you. Namely, situations where you might actually be out and about without your phone.
Granted, those kinds of situations are pretty niche. Still, you know your life better than anyone, so if the idea of a smartwatch fulfilling your phone functions without needing your phone to be around appeals to you, chances are that a data plan for your smartwatch will be worth it. Just be aware that getting a data plan for your smartphone generally requires paying for and committing to another contract with a carrier.
If you do decide to go that route, there are a few things you should consider. First of all, just like shopping around for data plans, prices are going to vary from carrier to carrier, so you'll probably need to do some price comparisons to get the best deal. Second, be sure to read the fine print of any contract you are signing for your data plan. Getting locked into an unfavorable contract is never any good.
Finally, consider how much data you'll actually need for your smartwatch. If you are only going to use your smartwatch for basic functions, then you can probably get away with a data plan that doesn't have much data, and it'll be much cheaper for you. On the other hand, if you want to use your smartwatch for more data-intensive things, like GPS navigation or streaming content, you'll need a more robust data plan.
In the end, though, the cheapest option is not to get a data plan for your smartwatch at all. If you need one, go ahead and pay for it, but as long as you have your smartphone on you, there's very little your smartwatch can do that your smartphone can't, so it's not often worth the price.
Ultimately, smartwatches do not require a data plan, even if they are standalone smartwatches capable of cellular functions. Those types of smartwatches can benefit from a data plan if you intend to use them separately from your smartphone. But both these smartwatches and other types can usually perform the majority or all of their functions just by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi.
So you can get a data plan for some smartwatches if you want to, but it isn't required. Whether or not it will benefit you depends on the type of life you lead.