Technology is expensive, and that’s often the case with wearables — but not always. The best affordable smartwatch for you could easily fall within your budget.
To be honest, it took me a long time to get on board with smartwatches. I love my analog automatics and quartz timepieces. Besides, James Bond hardly ever wore one. Well, except for the Seiko M354, which many considered a smartwatch in 1979! Then, I entered my 30s (a long time ago) and decided to go on a health journey. I acquired a wearable fitness tracker, and now, I love them. But I still refuse to pay a ton of money for one.
It was important to me to find the best budget smartwatch for my needs. I did a lot of research, as did my friends and colleagues here at TSW. If you’re like me and prefer to save your dollars on something else, we’ve got you covered.
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Why Smartwatches Are a Must-Have
One huge reason why smartwatches are a must-have? Health tracking. Smartwatches are an excellent way to keep track of your fitness in a measurable way. Most models monitor your steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep patterns. If you’re an athlete, you definitely need to get a smartwatch.
Smartwatches are undeniably convenient. You can look up the weather, control your music, and use mobile payments. And unlike smartphones, you don’t have to pull it out of a pocket or bag. Sure, you might just be saving mere seconds. Sometimes, though, seconds can be a big deal — trust me, I’m someone who is perpetually in a hurry!
Relatedly, hands-free interaction is a big plus. More than once, I’ve found myself with my hands full, usually with groceries, but needing to make a quick call.
Instant notifications might be a necessity for your job. Or even beyond that, maybe you’re waiting to hear back from your realtor regarding whether or not you got that house. Or maybe it’s a potential employer regarding a job. With a wearable, you can receive alerts for emails, texts, and more.
If you’re like me and don’t have a great sense of direction, smartwatches offer excellent assistance. My watch’s location tracking and navigation have saved me on several occasions.
And finally, as we’ll learn today, anyone can find the right model for them at any price. Are you looking for the best affordable Android smartwatch? Perhaps you want the best cheap smartwatch for iPhones? No problem. Just read on.
What To Look for in a Budget Smartwatch?
Not all smartwatches are made alike. And, of course, cheaper ones will often have less sophisticated functions than expensive ones. This isn’t always the case, though. And you might not even need those fancy functions.
You might just need a cheap smartwatch that can call and text using voice commands. Or maybe GPS is the most important quality. Here are the key things to look for in a budget smartwatch.
Key Features: Compatibility, Battery Life, and Fitness Tracking
Compatability is paramount. It doesn’t matter if you find yourself the best cheap smartwatch for Android phones if you have an Apple iPhone. Another component of compatibility is your lifestyle. Don’t buy a low water-resistance watch if you work on boats. More on that in a second!
Some smartwatches have more battery than others. This isn’t as important if you plan on always being near a charger. However, if you’re often out and about, perhaps out in nature throughout the day, you want a long battery life.
Finally, if you’re wearing the watch for fitness, make sure it has all the features you need. Most smartwatches have steps and heart rate monitors, but perhaps you play a specific sport. This may require more specific offerings, like speed or consistency trackers. Maybe you have a particular gym goal, like improving squats. You want your smartwatch to have these options or the support necessary to add them.
Other Considerations: Water Resistance, GPS, and App Support
Water resistance is generally important, especially if you get caught out in the rain. However, if you’re always near water, it’s wise to consider some of the best cheap waterproof smartwatches.
GPS is important to me for two reasons. First, as I mentioned, I don’t have the best sense of direction. Second, I like to stay connected with my family while I’m out and about. If there’s an emergency, GPS and smart tech connections can ensure we all know where everyone is at a given time.
App support is an important consideration. Does your job require Slack? Are you a cross-country runner and need Runkeeper or Strava? Again, your wearable must have or be equipped to take on the apps you intend to use most often.
General Tips for Choosing an Affordable Smartwatch
I don’t need to preach the price factor part too hard since that’s the whole point of this guide. However, it’s important to figure out what you can comfortably afford.
Second, do you like the look of a Smartwatch? If not, you might consider a round-cased model that looks a bit more analog. Or, you might consider a smaller model you can wear with your everyday watch. Keep in mind that you can really dress a wearable up with stylish straps.
Where will you get your watch? You might consider the best cheap smartwatch on Amazon since models are often cheaper there. If you go on the secondary market or gray market, ensure the seller gives you all the information you need. Why are they selling it? Does everything still work? And so on.
Top Nine Best Affordable Smartwatch Options
Now that I’ve presented all the potential considerations, here are the watches! I have represented all priorities here. There’s a wide range of options, even within the budget category. The best inexpensive smartwatch for you may not be the best for me.
So, here they are, in no particular order!
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
When you think about the most affordable smartwatch model, your mind doesn’t automatically go to Apple. However, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 is a good $200 cheaper than a Series 10. It’s also better for us slender-wristed gents because you can get it with a 40-millimeter case. The 10’s smallest size is 42 millimeters.
Pros:
- Streamlined and stylish design
- User friendly
- Tracking accuracy
- Allows Apple users to access smartwatch capabilities at a lower price (and it’s an excellent addition to the Apple tech ecosystem)
Cons:
- Only compatible with Apple devices
- Relatively low battery life
And sure, the 10 may come with a high-quality display and more health trackers, but the SE Gen 2 offers a lot for its price. You still get a good heart monitor, which lets you know if your heartbeat is irregular, low, or high. There’s also crash detection (perfect for seniors).
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is truly one of the best fledgling running watches on the market, certainly at this price point. This also makes it a pretty good fitness watch in general. It has good GPS tracking and a good week and a half of battery life if you work out every weekday. It goes up to two weeks when on smartwatch mode.
The basic alerts are excellent, too. I think it’s a fine wearable for anyone who wants to track duration, pace, and distance. It’s pretty no-frills beyond that, but it’s more than enough for non-marathon stars.
Pros:
- An effective and high-value entry-level running watch
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Two weeks of battery on smartwatch mode
Cons:
- It’s a better running watch than it is an everyday lifestyle smartwatch
It also has a heart-rate monitor (of course), a color screen, and is incredibly lightweight.
Fitbit Versa 3
Believe it or not, the Fitbit Versa 3 is even better reviewed than the Versa 4. And it’s lower priced. I guess not all “upgrades” are better. Users generally believe the Versa 4 is a better overall smartwatch. However, we turn to the Fitbit for its ability to track fitness. Apparently, the Versa 4 has okay distance tracking and not-so-great heart rate accuracy.
The Versa 3 is excellent for sports tracking. Most people know about its famed ability to log activities, which makes it perfect for runners and individual and team sports. It’s definitely one of the best budget athlete watches.
Pros:
- An excellent sports watch thanks to activity logging
- Even if you forget to start logging an activity, you get a 20-minute grace period
- Clear 1.6-inch AMOLED screen
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- No offline Spotify playlists (I like to work out to music, personally)
As with any good fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers heart rate data and deep sleep metrics. Real athletes know that rest is just as important as working out.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is truly an excellent low-cost smartwatch — perhaps the best budget smartwatch. I won’t make big objective statements because, as mentioned, we all have different priorities.
Still, this watch has many of the same qualities as ones several times its price. It boasts over 60 different sports modes, including jump rope, treadmill, cycling, yoga, cricket, and table tennis. It also tracks your blood oxygen levels and has GPS.
If you’re looking for the best cheap smartwatch with a blood pressure monitor, consider this Amazfit. Want to see your BPM? Pair your watch with your smartphone, then go to the BPM settings. Your number will immediately pop up. Not too shabby for around $60.
Pros:
- Its wide array of features and trackers punch far above its price point
- The screen is clear and easy to read at a glance
- 14-day battery life is great for its price
- It can pair with Androids or iPhones
Cons:
- Some might consider the simple and basic design uninspired
Moreover, the build is top-notch. The screen is a whopping 1.69 inches, with a 240 x 280 pixel resolution, by the way. The watch itself has 50 meters of water resistance.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
What the Apple Watch is to iOS, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is to Android phones. It’s a more basic Galaxy but has everything most people need. By that, I mean it monitors your sleep patterns, heart rate, and workouts.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features at a budget price
- There are some stylish colors available, including a bluish silver and a pink gold
- 40-millimeters is a nice moderate size that fits most wrists
Cons:
- With a battery life of just over a day, the FE won’t last long without needing to be recharged, especially compared to its less basic cousins in the Galaxy family.
You can also get it as a Bluetooth/WiFi version or Bluetooth/WiFi + LTE version, just like the Apple Watch. Personally, I find the clean, modern look incredibly stylish. Relatedly, it comes in three expressive but versatile colors.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Okay, why am I including this monster of a watch over their slimmer models? Honestly, it’s because the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is really the best for its price. First of all, their thinner models don’t have GPS. The 150 sports modes make up for the huge size.
Pros:
- Over 150 training modes
- Excellent battery life
- Bright display that’s easy to read
Cons:
- 48 millimeters is enormous for most wrist sizes
- You can’t reply to messages
For true sports enthusiasts, you can’t sacrifice function for looks.
Coros Pace 3
At below 43 millimeters, the Coros Pace 3 is much more reasonably sized than the Pace Pro, which is 46. Moreover, for around $65 more than the Forerunner 55, you get more tracking, including trail running, hiking, and even open-water swimming.
Pros:
- A great running watch for its price, with a ton of metrics
- Excellent 24-day battery life in smartwatch mode
- Neatly collates running data
Cons:
- The touchscreen sometimes lags
It’s the kind of running watch I like to call entry-level plus.
Redmi Watch 4
Admittedly, the biggest strength of the Redmi Watch 4 might also be a deal-breaker for some slender-wristed gents. The case is a whopping 47 millimeters at its longest.
Pros:
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- Big, easy-to-read screen
- User friendly
Cons:
- Huge case
However, most of the face is its AMOLED screen with 600 nits brightness. That’s great for its price. It has a respectable amount of fitness features, making it a solid option.
Huawei Watch Fit 3
Especially for its price, the Huawei Watch Fit 3 is a good blend of lifestyle smartwatch features and sports tracking. It supports Android and iPhones, takes apps, has a built-in GPS, and tracks activity and sleep tracking.
Pros:
- A mix of lifestyle and sports features
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Upgraded optical heart rate sensors have boosted accurate tracking
Cons:
- Limited third-party app support
Even more, it has an excellent heart rate sensor.
The Best Budget Smartwatch: A Comparison Table
| Watch | Size | Price | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Apple Watch SE Gen 2 | 40 millimeters | $249 | This easy-to-use and streamlined watch has a lower-priced entry point and is an excellent addition to your Apple ecosystem | It’s Apple-only and has a relatively low battery life |
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | 42 millimeters | $165 | It’s a fantastic running watch that’s lightweight and offers good battery life | It’s better for running than it is as an everyday smartwatch |
| Fitbit Versa 3 | 40.5 millimeters | $135 | The ability to log activities (even after 20 minutes of starting) makes this a great budget fitness watch | You can’t save online playlists offline |
| Amazfit Bip 3 Pro | 42.9 millimeters | $60 | This clear-screened low-cost watch offers 60 sports modes and a user-friendly BPM | Unoriginal design |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | 40 millimeters | $166 | A super stylish and expressive smartwatch, the Galaxy FE offers all of the essential fitness and smartwatch features (and then some) at an entry-level price | It has a pretty weak battery life of just a day |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | 48 millimeters | $90 | With over 150 training modes, a brilliant screen, and impressive battery life, the Xiaomi is one of the best cheap sports watches on the market | The huge size isn’t for everyone |
| Coros Pace 3 | 42.9 millimeters | $230 | This is a great running watch with a lot of metrics. It collates running data, including elevation, cadence, stride, and heart rate zones | The screen lags sometimes |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 47 millimeters | $106 | This user-friendly watch is an effective entry-level option with a big, bright screen. | Though the screen is big and bright, the 47-millimeter case isn’t slender-wrist-friendly |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | 43 millimeters | $108 | One of the most middle-of-the-ground budget wearables, this model is both a good lifestyle smartwatch and a decent sports tracker. | Limited support for third-party apps |
Best Inexpensive Smartwatch by Category
Now that we’ve reviewed our picks, let’s discuss which you might choose depending on your specific needs. I’ve broken down which of the above I recommend for fitness and sports, battery life, and style and design. The options for that last category are also good general lifestyle smartwatches.
For Fitness Enthusiasts
For entry-level runners, my vote goes to the Forerunner 55. Then, you can graduate onto the Coros Pace 3, which collates running data beautifully and tracks trail running.
For sports enthusiasts in general, I recommend the Fitbit Versa because it logs activities. You might also consider the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, which has over 150 sports modes, or the Amazfit, which has a user-friendly BPM.
For Long Battery Life
There are a few great options regarding battery life. However, it depends on what you plan to use it for.
The Garmin Forerunner 55’s battery life is up to two weeks outside of GPS mode. With tracking, it’s about 20 hours. Meanwhile, the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro can last up to two weeks or one week when used heavily. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro lasts two weeks or a respectable 30-plus hours with GPS usage.
For Design and Style
I’d choose either the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for its fun and classy color options or the Apple Watch SE Gen 2. With its streamlined and slick design, the Apple Watch is as classic as a modern smartwatch gets.
If you want a smartwatch that makes a statement, you might consider the Huawei Watch Fit 3. I particularly appreciate the colorway with the contrast crown or the big-screen Redmi.
FAQs About Budget Smartwatches
Here are some common questions about inexpensive smartwatches!
What Is the Best Inexpensive Smartwatch?
It depends on what you’re looking for. The Apple Watch SE Gen 2 and the Galaxy FE are great everyday lifestyle watches. On the other hand, the Forerunner 55, Coros Pace 3, and Fitbit Versa are good for sports.
What Is the Difference Between a Budget and Premium Smartwatch?
Budget smartwatches are overall more basic and built with entry-level materials. While premium options have advanced tracking, their inexpensive counterparts might offer basic heart rate and sleep monitoring, some sports modes, and maybe app support.
Can a Budget Smartwatch Meet Fitness Tracking Needs?
Yes, a budget smartwatch can meet most people’s fitness tracking needs. However, if you’re incredibly serious about one or two sports, I recommend going for more premium options.
How Durable Are Cheap Smartwatches?
It depends on the watch. Apple makes their base watch out of aluminum, which is very strong and light. If durability is a priority, look at both the materials and the water resistance when choosing a smartwatch.
Which Brands Offer Budget-Friendly Smartwatches?
Brands that offer inexpensive smartwatches include Apple and Galaxy (for older models) and Chinese brands like Huawei and Xiaomi.
What Features Can a Smartwatch Offer Without Being Paired With a Phone?
Timekeeping, alarms, stopwatch, calendars, steps, heart rates, and even basic navigation are a few things you can do with your smartwatch sans phone.
Conclusion: The Best Cheap Smartwatch For You
The best budget smartwatch for you depends on your lifestyle.
Some relatively serious athletes might even get away with a basic model. After all, your watch isn’t the only thing you use to track and log activities.
Meanwhile, you can find general lifestyle smartwatches for less than $300—even $200. Look at the Galaxy or the Apple Watch SE Gen 2.
Which inexpensive smartwatch are you going for? Let us know in the comments!
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