10 Best Budget Smartwatches

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch with strong fitness and health tracking features. It has a bright and colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, making it easy and pleasant to use daily. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t have to charge it often.

It offers detailed health insights including Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep coaching, stress tracking, heart rate, and menstrual and pregnancy tracking, which is quite advanced for this price range. There are over 30 built-in sports apps for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, plus wheelchair mode, showing good inclusivity. The watch is lightweight and designed for comfort, which helps for all-day wear. It connects well with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth.

The design is sleek and modern, fitting well for casual or fitness use, but with a 42mm case, it may feel a bit large for very small wrists. This smartwatch provides excellent value with many health and fitness tools that are easy to use, making it a great pick for budget-conscious buyers wanting more than just basic tracking.

The Garmin Venu 3S is an attractive option in the budget-smartwatch category, bringing a lot of value to the table. Its standout feature is the 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen which offers vibrant colors and clear visuals, enhancing user experience. With up to 10 days of battery life, it performs well in terms of longevity, reducing the need for frequent recharges.

The built-in GPS and diverse fitness tracking features, including a heart rate monitor and sleep monitor, make it a solid choice for health-conscious users. Additionally, its compatibility with Android devices and Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless integration with most smartphones. The Garmin Venu 3S also supports voice functionality and music storage, adding to its convenience and versatility.

On the downside, the smartwatch's compatibility seems limited to Android, which may be a drawback for iPhone users. Though it’s designed to be comfortable and has a lightweight build, the round shape and specific dimensions might not suit everyone's taste. The Garmin Venu 3S offers a good blend of display quality, battery life, and advanced fitness features, making it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded smartwatch.

The Google Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch is a solid choice in the budget-smartwatches category. It features a 1.34-inch digital display that offers clear visuals and a modern square design. The battery life stands out, lasting up to 6 days on a single charge, which is excellent for budget-conscious users who don't want to charge their device frequently. The built-in GPS is a notable addition, providing accurate tracking of outdoor activities without needing a phone connection.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive fitness tracking features, including a Daily Readiness Score, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and over 40 exercise modes. It also offers tools to improve sleep quality with personalized sleep profiles and smart wake alarms. Water resistance up to 50 meters makes it suitable for swimming and other water activities. Compatibility is broad, supporting both iOS (15 or higher) and Android (9.0 or higher) devices, ensuring it works with most smartphones. The watch is designed to be thin and lightweight, enhancing comfort for all-day wear.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The 1.34-inch screen might be considered small for those who prefer larger displays, and while it includes many fitness and health features, some advanced metrics are only accessible through a paid Premium membership after the initial 6-month free period. Furthermore, while the design is sleek, some users might find the square shape less appealing compared to round-faced watches. The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a comprehensive set of features and strong battery life, making it a great value for fitness-focused individuals on a budget.