10 Best Budget Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a strong contender in the budget-smartwatch category, especially for users focused on fitness and running. Its vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, offering both touchscreen and physical button controls, which makes navigation easy and responsive. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 20 hours when using GPS, which is great if you don’t want to charge daily.

The watch excels in fitness tracking with detailed training metrics, recovery insights, and a variety of built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, and swimming. It also offers advanced features like personalized workout suggestions and a training readiness score, helping users train smarter rather than just harder. Compatibility with both Android and Apple smartphones allows you to receive smart notifications like calls and texts directly on your wrist, and it supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, which is convenient for everyday use. Safety features include incident detection and location sharing when paired with your phone. The watch includes reliable multi-band GPS for accurate positioning, even in tricky environments.

Some advanced tracking features might be more detailed than what casual users require, and the watch needs a smartphone nearby for certain functions such as emergency assistance and notifications. It provides water resistance suitable for swimming, making it appropriate for moderate water exposure rather than deep diving. This watch delivers substantial value for those seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich smartwatch focused on fitness and running without overwhelming complexity.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a solid budget smartwatch that offers a variety of features aimed at fitness enthusiasts and those looking to monitor their health. One of its standout traits is its advanced fitness tracking capabilities, powered by Galaxy AI. This feature allows users to compare their performance on activities like running and biking, which can be motivating for those looking to improve. Additionally, the watch boasts impressive heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, even detecting sleep apnea, which can be a significant plus for health-conscious individuals.

Battery life is another highlight, although specific usage time may vary. The watch is lightweight and has a touchscreen display that is user-friendly, making it appealing to those who might not be very tech-savvy. Its compatibility with various devices via Bluetooth is a significant benefit, allowing users to receive notifications seamlessly from their smartphones.

On the downside, while the smartwatch provides a good range of features, it may not be as rugged as some users might prefer, especially if they lead an active lifestyle. Water resistance is present, but checking the specific rating is advisable if you plan to engage in water activities. Furthermore, while the wellness tips and personalized insights offered are valuable, some users may find that they prefer more direct interaction with their health data. In terms of build quality, while it’s generally good, it’s essential to consider that being a budget option, it may not have the premium feel of higher-end models. This smartwatch is ideal for those who want a blend of fitness tracking and daily smartwatch functionalities without breaking the bank.

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.