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10 Best Budget Smart Watch 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,200
Battery Life
Build Quality and Design
Compatibility

Most important from
160 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life significantly outperforms older models, comfortably lasting a full 24 hours without needing frequent charging.
Build Quality and Design
The slimmer case design enhances comfort, especially when wearing long-sleeve shirts throughout the day.
Compatibility
Setting up the device is effortless, making it accessible even for those new to Apple Watches.

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 46mm) offers a solid package for those looking for a smartwatch that balances health tracking, durability, and style at a reasonable price point. It has a bright and always-on Retina display that's easy to read, even outdoors. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, making it suitable for wearing all day and night, especially for tracking sleep with its detailed sleep score and apnea notifications. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours with normal use, which is typical but may require daily charging; however, it supports fast charging that can quickly boost battery to cover a day's use.

Fitness tracking is comprehensive, including heart rate zones, ECG, blood oxygen, advanced workout metrics, and even hypertension alerts, which is impressive for a budget model. It also integrates seamlessly with iPhones and offers essential smartwatch features like calls, texts, Siri, and music control. For durability, the watch is swim-proof with 50m water resistance and has very scratch-resistant glass, adding to its durability for everyday use.

A potential downside is that the battery life, while improved, might still feel limited for users wanting multi-day use without charging. Also, it works best with an iPhone, so Android users would not get the full experience. The price, while budget-friendly compared to higher-end models, may still be on the higher side for some entry-level smartwatch buyers. This watch is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious users who want reliable tracking and connectivity in a sturdy yet stylish wearable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,200
Battery Life
Build Quality and Design
Compatibility

Most important from
160 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life significantly outperforms older models, comfortably lasting a full 24 hours without needing frequent charging.
Build Quality and Design
The slimmer case design enhances comfort, especially when wearing long-sleeve shirts throughout the day.
Compatibility
Setting up the device is effortless, making it accessible even for those new to Apple Watches.
#2

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Rating
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
160 reviews

Display
The always-on Retina display is bright and clear without compromising battery performance.
Battery Life
The battery life shows a significant improvement, lasting longer and supporting quick charging that fits busy lifestyles.
Fitness Tracking
Advanced sleep monitoring and high blood pressure alerts add valuable health insights for daily wear.
Compatibility
Seamless integration with iPhone boosts convenience for calls, notifications, and fitness coaching.
Build Quality and Design
The lightweight design and durable build make it comfortable for all-day and overnight wear.
Notifications and Connectivity
Seamless integration with iPhone boosts convenience for calls, notifications, and fitness coaching.

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) is a sleek and lightweight smartwatch suitable for anyone seeking a capable fitness and health tracker without a high price tag. It features a bright, always-on Retina display that’s easy to read in various lighting conditions, with durable glass that resists scratches better than the previous generation. Battery life supports daily use, lasting up to 24 hours, and includes a quick charging feature that provides 8 hours of use in just 15 minutes, which is convenient if you forget to charge overnight.

This watch excels in fitness tracking and health monitoring capabilities—measuring heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, sleep quality with a sleep score, and providing notifications about hypertension or irregular heart rhythms. It supports advanced workout metrics and offers helpful fitness coaching features through Apple Fitness+. Compatibility is optimized for iPhone users, allowing seamless calls, texts, music, Siri, and notifications. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters and dust-resistant, making it well-suited for swimming and outdoor activities. Its sturdy aluminum case ensures comfort for all-day wear, including during sleep.

Some health features require an iPhone to function fully, and while the battery life is good, it won’t last multiple days like some budget smartwatches focused on basic tracking. The GPS-only model means reliance on your phone for cellular connectivity, which could limit full independence. For iPhone users seeking an accurate, feature-rich health and fitness companion with quality design, the Apple Watch Series 11 is an excellent choice, though it may not be ideal if multi-day battery life or standalone cellular use is a priority.

Rating
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
160 reviews

Display
The always-on Retina display is bright and clear without compromising battery performance.
Battery Life
The battery life shows a significant improvement, lasting longer and supporting quick charging that fits busy lifestyles.
Fitness Tracking
Advanced sleep monitoring and high blood pressure alerts add valuable health insights for daily wear.
Compatibility
Seamless integration with iPhone boosts convenience for calls, notifications, and fitness coaching.
Build Quality and Design
The lightweight design and durable build make it comfortable for all-day and overnight wear.
Notifications and Connectivity
Seamless integration with iPhone boosts convenience for calls, notifications, and fitness coaching.
#3

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Fitness Tracker, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy Score, Heart Rate Tracking, Silver [US Version, 2 Yr Warranty]

Rating
9.7
Fitness Tracking
Build Quality and Design
Battery Life

Most important from
409 reviews

Fitness Tracking
Tracks biking, walking, and treadmill activities with impressive accuracy while offering reliable heart rate, sleep, and energy monitoring.
Build Quality and Design
Combines a sleek, wider design with a protective bezel around the screen, making it both stylish and durable for everyday wear.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts about two days, supporting continuous health tracking, though some users wish it could extend even longer.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) is a lightweight and stylish smartwatch ideal for users seeking solid fitness tracking combined with smart features at a reasonable price. Featuring a 1.3-inch round touchscreen that offers clear visuals, its slim and snug design ensures comfort for daily wear. Fitness enthusiasts will benefit from advanced health monitoring, including heart rate tracking, sleep coaching, and a running coach with real-time feedback. Additionally, it introduces an Energy Score to provide easy-to-understand insights about overall health based on recent activity and sleep.

Battery life is adequate for a smartwatch of this size, enabling most users to get through the day without recharging, which supports continuous health tracking. The watch runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung, ensuring compatibility with most smartphones and smooth connectivity via Bluetooth and built-in GPS for accurate activity tracking. Notifications are managed with a clear interface that keeps users updated on messages, sports scores, and weather at a glance.

The watch is water-resistant and durable for everyday use, though it may not meet the needs of those seeking longer battery life or a larger display. With 32GB of storage available for apps and media, the device is positioned in the mid-range market rather than the ultra-budget segment. Backed by a 2-year warranty and reliable health features, this smartwatch offers a well-balanced combination of fitness tools, smart functionality, and comfort without overspending.

Rating
9.7
Fitness Tracking
Build Quality and Design
Battery Life

Most important from
409 reviews

Fitness Tracking
Tracks biking, walking, and treadmill activities with impressive accuracy while offering reliable heart rate, sleep, and energy monitoring.
Build Quality and Design
Combines a sleek, wider design with a protective bezel around the screen, making it both stylish and durable for everyday wear.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts about two days, supporting continuous health tracking, though some users wish it could extend even longer.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Smart Watch

Choosing the right budget smart watch can be a bit overwhelming with so many options available. The key is to focus on the features that matter most to you and how you plan to use the watch. Whether you need it for fitness tracking, notifications, or simply as a stylish accessory, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are some important specs to consider when picking a budget smart watch.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smart watch where you view all the information. It's important because it affects how easy it is to read notifications, time, and other data. Displays can be LCD, OLED, or AMOLED. LCDs are generally less expensive and have good visibility in bright light, but they may not have the vibrant colors of OLED or AMOLED. OLED and AMOLED displays offer better color and contrast, making them more visually appealing. If you plan to use your watch outdoors frequently, consider one with a bright and clear display.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the smart watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial because it affects how often you'll need to charge the device. Budget smart watches typically offer battery life ranging from one day to several weeks. If you want a watch that you don't have to charge daily, look for one with a longer battery life. Consider your usage patterns; if you use GPS or other power-intensive features often, a longer battery life will be more beneficial.
Fitness TrackingFitness tracking features include heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and sometimes even GPS for tracking runs or bike rides. These features are important if you plan to use the watch to monitor your health and fitness activities. Basic fitness tracking like step counting and heart rate monitoring is common in budget smart watches. If you need more advanced tracking like GPS or specific workout modes, make sure the watch supports these features.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the smart watch works with your smartphone. This is important because it affects how you can sync data and receive notifications. Most smart watches are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, but some may have limited functionality with certain operating systems. Check if the smart watch you are considering is fully compatible with your phone's operating system to ensure you can use all its features.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the smart watch can withstand exposure to water. This is important if you plan to wear the watch while swimming, showering, or in the rain. Water resistance is usually measured in meters or with an IP rating. For basic water resistance, look for a watch with at least an IP67 rating, which means it can handle splashes and brief immersion. For swimming, a watch with a 5 ATM rating (50 meters) or higher is recommended.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design refer to the materials and overall construction of the smart watch. This is important for durability and comfort. Budget smart watches can be made from plastic, metal, or a combination of materials. Consider how and where you'll be wearing the watch. If you need something durable for sports, look for a rugged design. If you want a stylish accessory, consider the design and available customization options like interchangeable bands.
Notifications and ConnectivityNotifications and connectivity features allow you to receive alerts from your phone, such as calls, messages, and app notifications, directly on your smart watch. This is important for staying connected without constantly checking your phone. Basic budget smart watches will offer notifications for calls and texts, while more advanced models may support a wider range of app notifications. Consider how important it is for you to stay connected and choose a watch that supports the notifications you need.

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