10 Best Budget Smart Watch 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.