Technology often comes at a high price, which is particularly noticeable in the segment of quality wearable devices.
However, this is not always the case with smartwatches. The best affordable smartwatches can fit comfortably within your budget.
Honestly, it took me a long time to appreciate the benefits of smartwatches. I love my analog automatic and quartz watches. Besides, James Bond almost never wore a smartwatch, except for the legendary Seiko M354, which many considered a smartwatch back in 1979! Then, when I turned 30 (long ago), I decided to focus on my health and got a fitness tracker. This made me fall in love with wearable devices. But even now, I'm not ready to pay huge sums for them.
It was important for me to find the best budget smartwatches that would meet my needs. I did a lot of research, as did my friends and colleagues at WatchTested. If you're thrifty like me but want to purchase a quality product within a budget - this article is for you.
Why Smartwatches Are a Necessity
Garmin
One of the main reasons why smartwatches have become a necessity is health tracking. Smartwatches are an excellent tool for monitoring physical activity. Most models track steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep patterns. If you're an athlete, smartwatches are simply indispensable.
Smartwatches are incredibly convenient. You can check the weather, control music, and use mobile payments without taking your phone out of your pocket or bag. It might save just a few seconds, but sometimes those seconds matter, especially if you're constantly in a hurry.
Another advantage is hands-free interaction. More than once, I've found myself with full hands, such as with groceries, and needed to answer a call urgently.
Instant notifications can be vital at work. Or you might be waiting for a response from a realtor about a home purchase or from a potential employer. With a wearable device, you get alerts on emails, messages, and more.
If, like me, you have a poor sense of direction, smartwatches with navigation and location tracking can save you in a tough situation.
And finally, as we will see later, everyone can find a suitable model for any budget. Looking for the best budget smartwatches for Android? Or cheap smartwatches for iPhone? Read on.
What to Look for When Choosing Budget Smartwatches?
Not all smartwatches are the same. Cheap models often fall short of expensive ones in terms of functionality, but this is not always the case. And often, you don't need all the bells and whistles.
You may only need cheap smartwatches with the ability to make calls and send messages by voice. In this case, GPS will be a key feature. Below are the main parameters to consider when choosing budget smartwatches.
Key Features: Compatibility, Battery Life, and Fitness Tracking
- Compatibility is the primary factor. It's pointless to look for the best cheap smartwatches for Android if you have an iPhone. Also, consider your lifestyle: don't buy watches with low water resistance if you work in humid conditions.
- Battery life is important if you are often away from home and not always near a charger. If you're constantly on the go, choose a model with long battery life.
- Fitness features should match your goals. Most models track steps and heart rate, but specific sports require additional features: speed, stability, training support. If you aim to improve a particular exercise, make sure the watch supports it.
Other Important Parameters: Water Resistance, GPS, and App Support
- Water resistance is important, especially if you often get caught in the rain or engage in water sports. In this case, consider the best cheap waterproof models.
- GPS is necessary for accurate route tracking and safety - for example, to stay in touch with family in case of an emergency.
- App support is an important aspect. If you need specific apps for work or training (Slack, Runkeeper, Strava), make sure the chosen watches support them.
General Recommendations for Choosing Affordable Smartwatches
Don't forget about the budget - determine how much you're willing to spend.
The second point is design. If you don't like classic square watches, consider round models that look more analog, or compact ones that can be worn alongside regular watches. Stylish straps can help highlight your look.
Where to buy? Ozon often offers the best prices. If choosing on the secondary market, ensure the seller's reliability and the device's functionality.
Top 9 Best Budget Smartwatches
Now that we've looked at the main criteria, let's move on to reviewing the best 9 models that combine reliability and affordability. Note that the ideal watch for you may differ from my recommendations.
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
Apple Watch SE Gen 2 is an affordable alternative to Series 10, about $200 cheaper. Especially suitable for slim wrists - available in a 40mm case (Series 10 minimum size is 42mm).
Pros:
- Stylish and minimalist design
- Ease of use
- Accurate tracker performance
- Access to the Apple ecosystem at a reduced price
Cons:
- Compatible only with Apple devices
- Relatively low battery life
Although Series 10 has a better display and an extended set of sensors, SE Gen 2 offers excellent features for its price, including heart rate monitoring and crash detection - useful for the elderly.
Garmin Forerunner 55
One of the best models for beginner runners in its price range. Good GPS, up to 10-14 days of operation without recharging in smartwatch mode, and about a week with active use.
Pros:
- Excellent running features
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Better suited for sports than everyday use
Features a color screen and heart rate monitor.
Fitbit Versa 3
Users often praise Versa 3 even more than Versa 4, while the price is lower. Excellent for sports due to effective activity tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Pros:
- Accurate activity tracking, even if you forget to start a workout - 20-minute "grace period"
- Bright 1.6-inch AMOLED display
- Lightweight case
Cons:
- No offline Spotify playlists
As a fitness tracker should, it provides in-depth sleep analysis.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
An excellent budget option with over 60 sports modes, including jump roping, treadmill, cycling, yoga, and more. Equipped with a blood oxygen sensor and GPS.
Pros:
- Multifunctionality and a wide range of trackers
- Bright and readable display
- Up to 14 days of battery life
- Compatibility with Android and iOS
Cons:
- Simple design that may appear plain
The case is waterproof up to 50 meters.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
An Android counterpart to the Apple Watch. A basic yet functional model with sleep, heart rate, and workout monitoring.
Pros:
- Good set of features for a reasonable price
- Stylish color options
- Compact 40mm case size
Cons:
- Battery life is just over a day
Available in Bluetooth/WiFi and LTE versions.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Why include this large band? Because it's the best in its price segment, especially due to GPS and 150 sports modes.
Pros:
- Over 150 workout modes
- Excellent battery life
- Bright display
Cons:
- Large 48mm case - not for slim wrists
- No option to reply to messages
For true athletes, functionality is more important than appearance.
Coros Pace 3
The case is under 43mm - a more convenient size than the Pace Pro. For $65 more than the Forerunner 55, it offers advanced features for trail running, hiking, and open water swimming.
Pros:
- Many metrics and data for running
- Excellent battery life - up to 24 days in smartwatch mode
- Convenient data presentation
Cons:
- The touchscreen sometimes lags
Ideal for advanced beginners.
Redmi Watch 4
The large 47mm case may not suit slim wrists, but the watch has a bright AMOLED display and good fitness features.
Pros:
- Compatibility with iOS and Android
- Large and bright screen
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Large case size
An excellent choice for those who want bright and convenient watches.
Huawei Watch Fit 3
A balance between a smartwatch for everyday life and a sports tracker. Supports Android and iOS, built-in GPS, activity and sleep monitoring.
Pros:
- Combination of lifestyle and sports functions
- Compatibility with major platforms
- Enhanced optical heart rate monitor
Cons:
- Limited support for third-party apps
Excellent heart rate monitor and good basic features.
Comparison Table of the Best Budget Smartwatches
| Model | Case Size | Price | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE Gen 2 | 40mm | $249 | Simplicity, style, access to Apple ecosystem | Apple only, low battery life |
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | 42mm | $165 | Excellent running features, lightweight, long charge | Better for running than everyday use |
| Fitbit Versa 3 | 40.5mm | $135 | Accurate activity tracking, AMOLED display | No offline Spotify playlists |
| Amazfit Bip 3 Pro | 42.9mm | $60 | Many sports modes, bright display, long battery life | Simple design |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | 40mm | $166 | Stylish, functional, various colors | Short battery life |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | 48mm | $90 | 150+ modes, bright screen, excellent battery life | Large case size |
| Coros Pace 3 | 42.9mm | $230 | Many running metrics, long battery life | Touchscreen sometimes lags |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 47mm | $106 | Bright screen, ease of use | Large case not for slim wrists |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | 43mm | $108 | Good balance of lifestyle and sport, improved heart monitor | Limited third-party app support |
Best Budget Smartwatches by Category
For Fitness Enthusiasts
- For beginner runners: Garmin Forerunner 55
- For advanced athletes: Coros Pace 3
- For general sports: Fitbit Versa 3, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
For Long Battery Life
- Garmin Forerunner 55 - up to two weeks in smartwatch mode
- Amazfit Bip 3 Pro - up to two weeks, a week with active use
- Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro - up to two weeks, 30+ hours with GPS
For Design and Style
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE - bright and stylish colors
- Apple Watch SE Gen 2 - sleek and modern design
- Huawei Watch Fit 3 and Redmi Watch 4 - expressive appearance
Frequently Asked Questions about Budget Smartwatches
What is the best inexpensive smartwatch?
It depends on your needs. Apple Watch SE Gen 2 and Galaxy FE are great all-round models, while Forerunner 55, Coros Pace 3, and Fitbit Versa are for sports.
How do budget smartwatches differ from premium ones?
Budget models are simpler, made from basic materials, and have a basic set of features, while premium ones offer advanced trackers and extended app support.
Can budget smartwatches meet fitness needs?
Yes, they cover most basic needs. For serious athletes, it's better to choose premium models.
How durable are cheap smartwatches?
It depends on the model. For example, Apple uses aluminum - a strong and lightweight material. Pay attention to the case materials and water resistance.
Which brands offer budget smartwatches?
Apple, Samsung (older models), Huawei, Xiaomi.
What can smartwatches do without connecting to a phone?
Tracking time, alarms, stopwatch, calendars, steps, heart rate, and basic navigation.
Conclusion: The Best Cheap Smartwatches for You
The choice of budget smartwatches depends on your lifestyle. Some athletes can manage with basic models, as watches are not the only tool for tracking activity.
For everyday use, you can find good smartwatches for less than $300, and sometimes even $200 - like the Galaxy Watch FE or Apple Watch SE Gen 2.
Which budget smartwatch do you choose? Share in the comments!