10 Best Cheap Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Venu 3S is a visually appealing smartwatch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that provides a bright and colorful display. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for extended use without frequent charging. The fitness tracking features are comprehensive, including Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score, personalized sleep coaching, and over 30 built-in sports apps. This makes it a great option for users focused on health and activity tracking.

The watch is also water-resistant, allowing it to be worn while swimming and during other water activities. Compatibility with both iPhone and Android smartphones ensures broad usability, and the ability to make and take phone calls further enhances its convenience. Notifications for calls, texts, and other apps are smoothly integrated, keeping you connected on the go.

The build quality is solid, featuring a soft gold stainless steel bezel and a silicone band, which contributes to both durability and comfort. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The relatively small screen size (1.2 inches) might be a limitation for those who prefer larger displays. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers extensive features, its price might still be higher compared to more basic, budget-friendly options. The inclusion of only 8GB of memory storage capacity might also be insufficient for users who require more storage for apps and music. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Venu 3S stands out as a robust, feature-rich smartwatch well-suited for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a reliable, stylish wearable device.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 stands out in the budget smartwatch segment by offering a bright and colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen combined with traditional buttons, making it easy to use both indoors and outdoors. Its lightweight 46 mm design feels comfortable on the wrist. A notable strength is its battery life, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 20 hours with GPS active, which is impressive for fitness tracking and outdoor activities.

When it comes to fitness features, it excels with over 30 built-in activity profiles including running, cycling, and swimming, plus advanced metrics like training readiness, recovery insights, and personalized workouts that adapt based on your performance. These features make it a good choice for fitness enthusiasts who want detailed guidance without a high price tag. Compatibility is broad as it works with both Android and Apple phones, and it supports smart notifications, so you won’t miss calls or texts. Safety features like incident detection add peace of mind when you’re out exercising.

The watch is water-resistant and suitable for swimming and daily wear. Garmin Pay allows contactless payments, which is convenient if you prefer to leave your wallet behind. While the device offers many advanced features, some health and training metrics are estimations rather than precise measurements, so serious athletes might find this limiting. The 8 GB memory is enough for music and apps, but not extensive storage. Also, while it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB, setting up some features requires using Garmin Connect on your smartphone, which might be a mild hassle for beginners. This smartwatch combines solid build quality with rich fitness tools and a vibrant display, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a capable but affordable fitness-focused smartwatch.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical Edition is a robust and durable smartwatch built to meet U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. This makes it a strong option for those who need a rugged device for outdoor activities and harsh environments. One of its standout features is the solar charging capability, which can significantly extend battery life, potentially offering infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with sufficient sunlight exposure. This is a major advantage for users who spend extended periods outdoors without access to charging facilities. The built-in flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes adds an extra layer of utility, especially for nighttime training or emergencies.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive 24/7 health and wellness tracking, which includes heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and respiration tracking, although it should be noted that it is not a medical device. The watch also comes with built-in sports apps for various activities and advanced training features like VO2 max. Navigation is bolstered by multi-band signal reception, a 3-axis compass, and a barometric altimeter, making it reliable for outdoor adventures. Compatibility with both Android and iOS ensures that it can work seamlessly with most smartphones.

However, the 1.27-inch display might feel slightly small for some users, and the design, while rugged, may not appeal to those looking for a more sleek or stylish smartwatch. Additionally, with a weight of 67 grams, it might feel a bit heavy for some users' comfort. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar offers a solid feature set for its price, especially for those prioritizing durability and extensive outdoor functionality.