The advent of pocketable smartphones has brought us closer to our most cherished tech than ever before. Whether for work or play, we stay connected, always ready to take calls, respond to emails, and check notifications, making it hard to leave our phones behind.
Watches, too, have evolved beyond just telling time. Now, they let you check emails, make phone calls, play games, and track almost everything right from your wrist. As smartwatch technology has improved, prices have become more affordable. You can now find top-brand smartwatches for $100 or less.
Top pick
Apple Watch SE
Editor’s choice
Amazfit Bip U Pro
Best value
Fitbit Inspire 3
To identify the best budget-friendly yet high-performing smartwatches, I spoke with users and discovered the top options available.
1. Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a popular choice, renowned as the best affordable smartwatch offering great value. Just ask its users.
“I’ve been waiting for years for Apple to come out with a lower-budget Apple watch option,” says Troy Portillo, who uses his watch to track his activity while managing a busy business day. “It has all the features I need, with all the bugs already worked out, and comes with Apple’s easy-to-use interface and durable design, at a very friendly price point.”
Indeed, this watch is packed with features, especially for health and fitness, including heart health monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, cycle tracking, and even crash detection. It’s waterproof up to 50 meters, perfect for daily laps in the pool, and streaming music to create your own soundtrack is a breeze.
Pros:
- Generous battery
- Excellent fitness tracking
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Lacks always-on screen
- Slow to charge
2. Amazfit Bip U Pro
If you’re looking for a break from the usual Android and Apple operating systems, give the Amazfit Bip U Pro a try. It features a generous 36-millimeter screen with a 302 x 302 pixel resolution and a waterproof design that allows it to be submerged up to 50 meters. Its battery life lasts over a week, offering up to nine days before needing a recharge, greatly simplifying life.
Where this watch truly excels is in its features. It offers over 60 different sports modes, covering a wide range of activities such as Treadmill, Outdoor Cycling, Yoga, Cricket, Table Tennis, and Free Training. The comprehensive health tracker monitors your heart rate 24/7 and tracks your blood oxygen levels. By wearing your watch regularly, you can gain insights into your stress levels and sleep patterns. Women can even track their menstrual cycles with an easy-to-use built-in calendar.
Amazon Alexa is integrated, providing a smart assistant right on your wrist. You can ask questions, check the weather forecast, or control smart devices. Additionally, the watch tracks your steps and distances with its GPS tracker. Bluetooth support is also included.
Pros:
- Fantastic GPS
- Sleep tracking
- Alexa integration
Cons:
- Subpar app
- No third-party app support
3. Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best affordable smartwatch for those who want to closely monitor their fitness.
Melissa Wasserman Baker, a mom who recently bought the Inspire 3 for her child, shares her experience: “I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was not only inexpensive but also packed with functions that keep her busy and healthy.”
And it’s working, Baker says. “She’s been wearing it every day and is eager to see her progress. With its sleek appearance and simple UI, the Inspire 3 is a wonderful choice for children and teenagers.”
This smartwatch is a parent’s dream. It features heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, temperature monitoring, and even a stress management score with guided breathing sessions. Plus, with a ten-day battery life, you’ll spend less time charging and more time enjoying your new affordable smartwatch.
Pros:
- Color touchscreen
- Long battery life
- Excellent health features
Cons:
- Smaller display
- Subscription required for some features
4. Garmin Forerunner 55
With its built-in GPS and daily fitness suggestions, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is the best affordable smartwatch for runners.
Liz Ho, founder of Camping Guidance, takes it with her on the trail. She enthusiastically endorses the Forerunner 55, saying, “I have used various smartwatches during my outdoor adventures, but I found the Garmin Forerunner 55 to be especially useful for nature enthusiasts like myself.”
The features captured her attention. “It comes with an impressive suite of functions tailored for outdoor activities, such as built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and dedicated hiking apps, catering specifically to campers’ needs. I couldn’t have asked for a better and lighter travel companion!”
The watch offers daily workout suggestions and personalized guidance based on your activity to help you maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. The color display is designed to be visible in sunlight, ensuring you can still see your messages and alerts while on the trail.
Pros:
- Superior fitness tools
- User-friendly
- Excellent battery
Cons:
- Okay display
- Single case size
5. Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the best affordable smartwatch for those who prefer an Android operating system. It includes ECG and heart rate monitoring, as well as GPS tracking, allowing you to easily map out your runs or bike rides.
As a naturopathic herbalist, Julius Cermak appreciates the health benefits this smartwatch provides. “I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 because it’s excellent at helping you keep track of your nutrition and fitness,” he explains. “I can record how many glasses of water I drink a day, how many meals I have, and how many steps I’ve taken, thanks to its automatic counter, which makes tracking easier.”
Overall, users recommend this budget-friendly smartwatch for Android users seeking to improve their health.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Fantastic health tracking
- Easy accessibility
Cons:
- Poor temperature sensor
- Mediocre battery
How did I choose these affordable smartwatches?
After considering our testing experience, conducting thorough research, and interviewing current users, we identified several key factors to consider when choosing the best affordable smartwatch for your needs.
Operating System: Both Apple and Android offer operating systems for budget-friendly smartwatches. Before selecting the best smartwatch, consider your phone type. An iPhone pairs best with an Apple Watch, while an Android phone works best with a Google watch.
Display: Budget smartwatches come with various screen sizes. Some offer a compact design, while others boast larger screens for easier message viewing. Before choosing the best display size, consider your wrist size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Features: Whether it’s fitness tracking, sleep tracking, or health monitoring, budget smartwatches can offer various features. If you plan to use your smartwatch while swimming or showering, look for a waterproof model.
Battery Life: Battery life is a crucial consideration, as some companies may compromise in this area. Think about how often you can charge your battery and look for a smartwatch with a battery life that fits your needs.
Cost: The cost of smartwatches varies significantly, so we focused on those priced below $350. The most affordable option on our list is the Fitbit Inspire 3 at $100, while the Apple Watch Series 8, priced around $325, is a more expensive splurge.
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