About Jordan Ellis
Hi, I’m Jordan Ellis, a certified wearable technology specialist and the founder of Smart Watches & Wearables. Based in Austin, Texas, I’ve spent the last 11 years testing, reviewing, and comparing smartwatches and fitness trackers so you don’t have to guess which device belongs on your wrist.
My journey started in 2015 when I joined a consumer electronics testing lab here in Austin, where I was responsible for evaluating the accuracy and durability of the then-nascent wave of fitness wearables. After logging thousands of hours strapping devices to my wrist — running trails on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, tracking sleep through Austin summers, and comparing heart-rate readings against chest-strap monitors — I realized most “reviews” online were just spec sheets with affiliate links. I built this site to change that.
Why Trust Us
We don’t do quick unbox reviews. Every device I test is worn continuously for at least 30 days, across workouts, sleep, and daily use. More importantly:
- Heart-rate accuracy is validated against medical-grade EKG chest straps (Polar H10)
- GPS precision is tested on measured courses, not just claimed on paper
- Battery life is measured with always-on display, push notifications, and workout tracking active — the way you actually use it
- Sleep tracking data is compared against polysomnography reports from a sleep study partner clinic
Our Review Process
Selection — We choose products based on reader demand, market relevance, and manufacturer cooperation. Commission rates never influence which devices we review.
30-Day Wear Test — Each device is worn 24/7 for a minimum of 30 days across workouts, sleep tracking, and everyday use.
Accuracy Benchmarking — Heart rate, SpO2, step count, and GPS are tested against reference-grade equipment. We publish the variance numbers.
Battery Life Testing — Real-world usage with AOD on, notifications active, and 3–4 workout sessions per week.
Long-Term Update — We revisit reviews after 6 months to assess firmware updates, app improvements, and durability.
Editorial Independence
Smart Watches & Wearables is an independent review site. We participate in the Amazon Associates program and may earn commissions on purchases, but this never affects our ratings or recommendations. If a device scores poorly, we say so — regardless of its affiliate commission.
We do not accept paid placements or sponsored content disguised as reviews. Manufacturers who send evaluation units understand our policy: we return all review devices after testing concludes.
Contact
Questions, corrections, or product review requests? Reach me directly at jordan@smartwatcheswearables.com or visit our Contact page.
Thank you for reading. I hope our work helps you find the wearable that genuinely fits your life.
— Jordan Ellis