10 Best Budget Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a strong choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that still covers the basics well. Its 40mm Retina display offers bright and clear visuals, making it easy to read notifications and track your fitness stats. The built-in GPS is great for tracking outdoor workouts without needing your phone nearby. Battery life typically lasts about a day, so you'll likely need to charge it each night, which is common for smartwatches in this range.

Fitness tracking is solid, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and detailed workout metrics, alongside safety features like Fall and Crash Detection that add peace of mind. It’s swimproof with 50m water resistance, so you can wear it while swimming or in the rain without worry. However, the watch only works with iPhones (Xs or later running iOS 17+), so it’s not suitable if you use Android devices.

Notifications and connectivity functions work smoothly if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, letting you send texts, take calls, and use Siri hands-free. While it lacks some advanced health sensors found on pricier models, this smartwatch offers excellent value, especially if you want a reliable, versatile device that blends fitness tracking and smart features in a stylish, customizable design.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice in the budget smartwatch range, especially for those focused on fitness and health. It features a bright 1.58-inch square touchscreen that’s easy to read and navigate. Battery life is impressive, lasting over six days on a single charge, which means less time plugged in and more time using it. Fitness tracking is comprehensive, with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, continuous heart rate monitoring, and automatic exercise detection, making it great for both casual users and fitness enthusiasts. The watch also offers helpful health tools like sleep tracking with personalized insights, stress management scores, and SpO2 monitoring.

It works well with iOS devices, though some features like Google Maps are limited to Android for now. Water resistance up to 50 meters means you can wear it swimming or in the rain without worry. Notifications for calls, texts, and apps come through smoothly on the wrist, keeping you connected without having to pull out your phone. On the downside, while the Versa 4 is feature-rich, some users may find the interface a bit less intuitive compared to other brands, and advanced smartwatch functions can require a Fitbit Premium subscription after six months.

The charger and bands included mean you’re ready to go, but the watch is a bit heavier than some competitors. This makes it a dependable and feature-packed option for anyone wanting a budget-friendly smartwatch that emphasizes fitness and wellness tracking with decent battery life and solid daily usability.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a budget-friendly smartwatch particularly aimed at runners, offering a range of impressive features for its price. Its colorful AMOLED display is bright and clear, making it easy to read data during workouts. However, the 1.2-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users. Battery life is a strong point, with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours using GPS, which is excellent for those who don’t want to charge their device frequently.

Fitness tracking is comprehensive, with over 25 activity profiles including running, cycling, and strength training. Additionally, it provides personalized daily workout suggestions and recovery insights, which can be very beneficial for users aiming to improve their fitness levels. Compatibility with both Android and Apple smartphones ensures a wide user base can enjoy its features, and smart notifications mean you won't miss calls or texts.

With water resistance, it stands up well to sweat and rain, making it suitable for various environments. One downside could be its lightweight design, which, while comfortable, might feel less sturdy compared to more premium models. Another potential drawback is the reliance on Bluetooth for connectivity, which might limit some functionalities if the smartphone is not nearby. Despite these small drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded, budget-friendly smartwatch with extensive fitness tracking features.