We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Budget Smart Watch 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

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 by1,363
Battery Life
Build Quality and Design
Compatibility

Most important from
140 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 by1,363
Battery Life
Build Quality and Design
Compatibility

Most important from
140 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
140 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
140 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

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display

Rating
9.7
Fitness Tracking
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
14324 reviews

Fitness Tracking
The fitness tracking is impressively accurate, closely matching specialized heart rate monitors and reliably recording workouts across various activities including swimming and gym machines.
Display
The watch offers a bright, clear display that activates with a wrist gesture, though it lacks the always-on feature found in higher-end models, balancing convenience with battery life.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts about a day, requiring nightly charging, but the charging speed is quick and having multiple chargers is recommended for convenience.
Build Quality and Design
Its lightweight aluminum case and customizable bands provide both comfort and style, fitting well even on smaller wrists while complementing everyday wear and jewelry.
Notifications and Connectivity
Connectivity options allow for seamless interaction with calls, texts, music, and streaming podcasts directly from the wrist, enhancing hands-free convenience.
Compatibility
The watch pairs best with an iPhone, requiring it for setup and syncing workout data, which limits usability for Android users but offers a smooth experience for Apple ecosystem users.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a strong package for those wanting a budget-friendly smartwatch without missing key features. Its Retina display is bright and clear, making it easy to see notifications and fitness stats. While battery life lasts about a day, which is typical for Apple Watches, you might need to charge it nightly. Fitness tracking is comprehensive, covering workouts, heart rate, sleep, and even safety features like fall and crash detection, which add peace of mind. It pairs seamlessly with iPhones and supports Apple services like Apple Pay and Siri, but it’s not compatible with Android devices, limiting its use if you don’t own an iPhone.

The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, so you can swim or shower without worry. Build quality is solid, with a lightweight aluminum case and customizable bands that offer both style and comfort. Notifications are reliable and interactive, allowing calls, texts, and music control directly from the watch. On the downside, the GPS-only model means you always need your phone nearby for data, and the price, while lower than some higher-end Apple Watches, might still be on the higher side compared to other budget smartwatches.

If you’re an iPhone user looking for a well-rounded, stylish smartwatch with strong fitness and safety features, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a great choice. However, if you want longer battery life or wider device compatibility, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.7
Fitness Tracking
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
14324 reviews

Fitness Tracking
The fitness tracking is impressively accurate, closely matching specialized heart rate monitors and reliably recording workouts across various activities including swimming and gym machines.
Display
The watch offers a bright, clear display that activates with a wrist gesture, though it lacks the always-on feature found in higher-end models, balancing convenience with battery life.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts about a day, requiring nightly charging, but the charging speed is quick and having multiple chargers is recommended for convenience.
Build Quality and Design
Its lightweight aluminum case and customizable bands provide both comfort and style, fitting well even on smaller wrists while complementing everyday wear and jewelry.
Notifications and Connectivity
Connectivity options allow for seamless interaction with calls, texts, music, and streaming podcasts directly from the wrist, enhancing hands-free convenience.
Compatibility
The watch pairs best with an iPhone, requiring it for setup and syncing workout data, which limits usability for Android users but offers a smooth experience for Apple ecosystem users.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now