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Verdict
The Michael Kors Access MKGO is an interesting move by the firm. Features-wise, it lacks the power that one would expect for the price point. You’re left wondering where the extra RAM, storage, and speaker is. That makes it feel a more expensive proposition than other watches in the same price range.
However, this is a competent smartwatch. It’s designed well for fitness purposes. Its strap is easy to apply while also just as simple to swap out for more stylish trips out, and it’s delightfully lightweight in use.
Battery life could be better but that’s an issue that continues to bother many Wear OS watches, so it's not an exclusive problem for the Michael Kors Access MKGO.
Who's this for?
The Michael Kors Access MKGO is aimed at the fashionista who also works out often. Its name is what will make it most attractive to many, given its features aren’t quite as potent as other watches in the same price range.
Still, we can’t blame them. It’s a good-looking watch and still quite practical. Being able to swap out to a smarter looking watch strap makes it a good choice for all-day use too.
Should you buy it?
For those looking for a smartwatch packed with features, the Michael Kors Access MKGO isn’t really it. It’s too expensive for what it offers and in particular, we’d have liked to have seen better options for conserving battery life. However, if you’re keen to have a stylish name on your wrist, that’s where the Michael Kors Access MKGO is far more appealing.
It’s all down to what’s most important to you.
First reviewed: October 2019
Competition
Not tempted by the Michael Kors Access MKGO? Here are some key alternative options.
Apple Watch 5
More expensive than the Michael Kors Access MKGO, the Apple Watch 5 remains the practical smartwatch option for iOS owners. It's feature-packed and far more useful for iOS owners thanks to more extensive notification support. The battery life is better too.
Looks-wise, it’s not as stylish as the Michael Kors Access MKGO, but if features are everything to you, you’ll forgive the Apple Watch 5 this small failing.
Read our full Apple Watch 5 review
Fossil Gen 5
Roughly the same price as the Michael Kors Access MKGO, the Fossil Gen 5 feels like a direct rival. It’s not quite as stylish (though it certainly looks good), but it offers more features.
While its built-in speaker isn’t great, it does at least exist, and it has more RAM and storage space, which is clearly useful. There’s no stylish Michael Kors name to the watch though, and for some, that’s going to make a key difference.
Read our full Fossil Gen 5 review
Michael Kors Access Sofie
The Michael Kors Access Sofie has a higher price tag than the Michael Kors Access MKGO (although we reckon you’d find it for less than its RRP), but it looks so much more expensive and classier. Granted, if you’re solely focused on fitness needs, it’s not as practical, but for everything else, it’s going to look the part and feel a more impressive purchase on your wrist.
If looks and the brand name are important, this is the watch to get. But stick with the MKGO if you plan on swimming or running for any distance.
Read our full Michael Kors Access Sofie review
