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10 Best Budget Smartwatches 2026 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

Garmin vívoactive® 6, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Lunar Gold with Bone Band

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,229
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking
Compatibility

Most important from
1537 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting long enough to avoid constant charging and supporting active daily use seamlessly.
Fitness Tracking
Actionable health insights like sleep coaching, stress tracking, and body energy levels come without requiring any subscription, offering more depth than many competitors.
Compatibility
Setup is straightforward and quick, allowing immediate use with easy syncing through QR code scanning.
Notifications
Smart notifications and alerts are reliable and comfortable, with vibration strong enough to wake without disturbing others.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch with strong fitness and health tracking features. Its bright 1.2-inch AMOLED round display delivers clear and vibrant visuals, which is a bit unusual at this price point and great for easy readability outdoors. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t need to charge it constantly, which is convenient for everyday use.

This watch focuses heavily on health insights, providing detailed data like body energy levels, stress, sleep quality with coaching tips, and even nap tracking. It supports over 80 sports and fitness activities including swimming and golf, making it versatile for different workout preferences. The built-in GPS helps track outdoor activities accurately, and features like animated workouts and personalized training plans add real value if you want guided exercise.

In terms of compatibility, it connects via Bluetooth and works well with Garmin’s app for syncing and customizing your experience. Notifications from your phone are supported, so you can see calls, texts, and alerts on the watch without pulling out your phone. This smartwatch is especially good for fitness enthusiasts who appreciate detailed health insights and a variety of sports modes, though if you need extensive app support or robust water resistance, you might want to explore alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,229
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking
Compatibility

Most important from
1537 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting long enough to avoid constant charging and supporting active daily use seamlessly.
Fitness Tracking
Actionable health insights like sleep coaching, stress tracking, and body energy levels come without requiring any subscription, offering more depth than many competitors.
Compatibility
Setup is straightforward and quick, allowing immediate use with easy syncing through QR code scanning.
Notifications
Smart notifications and alerts are reliable and comfortable, with vibration strong enough to wake without disturbing others.
#2

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Rating
9.1
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
18008 reviews

Display
The Versa 4's screen is bright and easily readable even in the brightest light.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days even with GPS usage.
Fitness Tracking
The watch offers a plethora of features that make it a comprehensive health and fitness companion.
Compatibility
Setting up and syncing the watch with a Samsung phone was straightforward and easy.
Notifications
The notification vibrations are not as strong as expected, but features like Google Maps and Google Wallet add significant value.
Build Quality
The build quality may feel less premium, but the watch remains reliable and functional.

The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch is a feature-packed option for those seeking a comprehensive fitness companion on a budget. Its 1.58-inch display is crisp and clear, offering an excellent size for viewing fitness stats and notifications. The battery life is impressive, lasting over six days, so you won't need to charge it frequently. Fitness tracking is robust with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and automatic exercise tracking, making it ideal for anyone serious about tracking their physical activities.

Additionally, it includes tools for measuring sleep quality and managing stress, which are great for overall wellness. The smartwatch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing you to swim or shower without worry. It is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, ensuring broad usability. On the downside, the Fitbit Versa 4's build quality is solid but feels less premium than higher-end models. Notifications work well, but the experience can be slightly limited compared to more expensive smartwatches due to the Fitbit OS.

While the smartwatch offers excellent value with features such as on-wrist calls, texts, and payment options, some users may find the additional 6-month premium membership trial to be less useful once it ends, as it requires a subscription for continued use. The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a lot for its price and is particularly well-suited for fitness enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet capable smartwatch.

Rating
9.1
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
18008 reviews

Display
The Versa 4's screen is bright and easily readable even in the brightest light.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days even with GPS usage.
Fitness Tracking
The watch offers a plethora of features that make it a comprehensive health and fitness companion.
Compatibility
Setting up and syncing the watch with a Samsung phone was straightforward and easy.
Notifications
The notification vibrations are not as strong as expected, but features like Google Maps and Google Wallet add significant value.
Build Quality
The build quality may feel less premium, but the watch remains reliable and functional.
#3

Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch 46mm, 14 Day Battery, 1.97" AMOLED Display, GPS & Free Maps, AI, Bluetooth Call & Text, Health, Fitness & Sleep Tracker, 140+ Workout Modes, 5 ATM Water-Resistance, Blush

Rating
8.5
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
4094 reviews

Display
The bright and sharp 1.97-inch AMOLED display makes it easy to check stats outdoors without any strain.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting up to two weeks under typical use and even longer with moderate use.
Fitness Tracking
The watch reliably tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep stages, and offers timely reminders to stay active.
Compatibility
The Amazfit Bip 6 offers excellent connectivity via Bluetooth, maintaining a strong connection even within large homes.
Water Resistance
Water resistance up to 5 ATM enables safe swimming and use in wet environments without worry.
Notifications
Notifications for calls, texts, and various apps come through smoothly, with the ability to answer or decline calls directly.

The Amazfit Bip 6 is a strong contender in the budget smartwatch category, especially for those who want good fitness tracking without a high price tag. Its large 1.97-inch AMOLED display is bright and sharp, making it easy to see your stats even outdoors. The watch boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 days on a single charge—meaning you won’t need to worry about daily charging.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the 140+ workout modes and detailed health monitoring, including heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and stress tracking. The built-in GPS is accurate and supports multiple satellite systems, plus it offers free maps and navigation to help you stay on track during outdoor activities. With 5 ATM water resistance, it’s safe for swimming and everyday use around water. It also handles notifications well, including calls and texts via Bluetooth, keeping you connected. The Zepp OS is user-friendly, though it may have fewer apps compared to more expensive smartwatches.

The watch doesn’t come with a USB Type-C cable for charging (only a magnetic base), and while it covers many fitness features, it might lack some advanced smartwatch functions like contactless payments or a wide app ecosystem. The Amazfit Bip 6 suits users seeking a stylish, durable, and versatile smartwatch focused on fitness and long battery life, all without breaking the bank.

Rating
8.5
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking

Most important from
4094 reviews

Display
The bright and sharp 1.97-inch AMOLED display makes it easy to check stats outdoors without any strain.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting up to two weeks under typical use and even longer with moderate use.
Fitness Tracking
The watch reliably tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep stages, and offers timely reminders to stay active.
Compatibility
The Amazfit Bip 6 offers excellent connectivity via Bluetooth, maintaining a strong connection even within large homes.
Water Resistance
Water resistance up to 5 ATM enables safe swimming and use in wet environments without worry.
Notifications
Notifications for calls, texts, and various apps come through smoothly, with the ability to answer or decline calls directly.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Smartwatches

When it comes to picking a budget smartwatch, it's important to focus on the features that matter most to you. Budget smartwatches can offer a range of functionalities, from fitness tracking to notifications, but they may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models. By understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs, you can make an informed decision and find a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle without breaking the bank.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartwatch where you view all the information. It's important because it affects how easily you can read notifications, time, and other data. Displays can be LCD or AMOLED. LCD screens are generally more affordable and offer good visibility in bright light, while AMOLED screens provide better color and contrast but can be more expensive. If you prioritize vibrant colors and deeper blacks, go for AMOLED. If you need something more budget-friendly and readable in sunlight, LCD might be the better choice.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the smartwatch can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial because it affects how often you'll need to charge your device. Battery life can range from a single day to several weeks. If you want a smartwatch that you don't have to charge every night, look for models with longer battery life, typically those that offer at least a week of usage. For those who use their smartwatch heavily for notifications and fitness tracking, a shorter battery life might be acceptable if the other features are worth it.
Fitness TrackingFitness tracking features monitor your physical activities, such as steps taken, heart rate, and sleep patterns. This is important for those who want to keep track of their health and fitness goals. Basic fitness tracking includes step counting and heart rate monitoring, while more advanced features might include GPS tracking, blood oxygen levels, and various workout modes. If you're a casual user, basic fitness tracking should suffice. However, if you're an athlete or someone who exercises regularly, you might want to look for more advanced tracking capabilities.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the smartwatch works with your smartphone's operating system, such as iOS or Android. This is important because it affects the seamlessness of syncing data and receiving notifications. Some smartwatches are designed to work best with specific operating systems, while others are more versatile. Make sure the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your phone to ensure you can use all its features without any issues.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the smartwatch can withstand exposure to water. This is important if you plan to wear your smartwatch while swimming, showering, or in the rain. Water resistance is usually measured in meters or with an IP rating. For basic protection against splashes and rain, look for a smartwatch with an IP rating of at least IP67. If you plan to swim or engage in water sports, look for a higher water resistance rating, such as 5 ATM or more.
NotificationsNotifications allow you to receive alerts from your smartphone directly on your smartwatch. This is important for staying connected without constantly checking your phone. Basic notifications include calls, texts, and app alerts. Some smartwatches also allow you to respond to messages or take calls directly from the watch. If staying connected is a priority, look for a smartwatch with robust notification features. If you prefer a simpler device, basic notification capabilities might be sufficient.

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