Smartwatch technology has drastically evolved over the years — some of the best smartwatches can even stand alone without a companion smartphone. Affordable smartwatches have also come a long way, offering features found in flagship smartwatches and sports watches at significant savings. The best cheap smartwatches offer advanced fitness tracking, long battery life, stylish design elements, and companion smartphone apps.
Luckily, brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung offer affordable smartwatch models. OnePlus and Amazfit also are major players in the affordable smartwatch game. These wallet-friendly wearables prove that you can stay connected and healthy without spending a fortune. Keep reading to learn which affordable smartwatch is the best fit for you.
In our January update, we replaced three of the watches on our list with the latest and greatest affordable models we’ve tested.
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What is the best cheap smartwatch right now?
We tested some of the top budget-friendly smartwatches that are extremely high performers. Every watch in this list is a capable smartwatch that can be paired to your smartphone and can be found for under $300. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our pick for the best smartwatch overall, we selected the Amazfit Active 2 as our best cheap smartwatch because of its extremely low price, ability to connect with iPhone and Android smartphones, solid health and wellness features, and long battery life.
Also: The best Android smartwatches: Expert tested
The best cheap smartwatches of 2026
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Why we like it: The Amazfit Active 2 is tough to beat when it comes to a value smartwatch. Compared to its predecessor, the 2023 Active, it features a round form factor, including a barometric altimeter and ambient light sensor, a brighter 2,000 nits display, and additional indoor and outdoor sports, including ski maps. The watch costs just $99 and often even less on sale.
During the few weeks I tested the Active 2, I was very impressed by the quality of the smartwatch, with its stainless-steel bezel, sapphire glass screen, and brilliant AMOLED display. It also features actionable complications on the watch face, so you can tap right on the complication and go straight to the widget showing more details.
Review: I recommend this budget Amazfit smartwatch over pricey models
Who it’s for: The Amazfit Active 2 includes heart rate and sleep tracking, which I found to be accurate compared to other watches I’ve tested. It can honestly be overwhelming to wrap your head around the broad range of activities that are supported by the watch. It includes over 160 workout modes including Hyrox racing, strength training, running, yoga, and 50-meter water-resistance for swimming. You can customize the data pages and other specific settings after you select and launch each activity on the watch.
If you have ever considered a smartwatch but haven’t made the move to try one, you really can’t go wrong spending the $99 for a watch that performs well, looks good, and lasts for up to 10 days between charges. The Active 2 is available in both round and square form factors, so that should satisfy customers too.
Who should look elsewhere: If you are looking for a smartwatch with third-party apps, they are limited in the Amazfit ecosystem. The Active 2 is also fairly small, but check out the new Amazfit Active Max for a larger watch with longer battery life.
Amazfit Active 2 tech specs: Display: 1.32-inch 390 x 390 pixels | Battery life: 10 days | Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.39 in. | Weight: 1.04 oz. | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option: No
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Why we like it: While I personally prefer big watches, millions of other people look for a small, unobtrusive smartwatch that offers a refined user interface at a lower price. The Apple Watch SE has a majority of the same features and functions as the larger Apple Watch models. It can even be purchased with cellular support.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is also marketed towards families, as it can fit well on kids’ wrists, and Family Setup lets you support multiple watches with one parent’s iPhone. There is also a new wrist temperature sensor on the watch to help with nightly sleep tracking and collecting data in the Vitals app.
Also: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why I recommend this model the most
Who it’s for: This watch is packed with features with a particular focus on health and fitness, including heart health monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, cycle tracking, and even crash detection. It’s waterproof for up to 50 meters, so you can take it along for swimming laps, and it allows you to stream music. You get to pick your case color from two options, and it is easily compatible with the other best Apple watch bands.
The base SE is 40mm, but you can also pick up a slightly larger 44mm model for $30 more. GPS and Wi-Fi models are available with cellular selling for $50 more, plus an associated cellular plan from your preferred wireless carrier.
Who should look elsewhere: If you are not an iPhone user, don’t even consider an Apple Watch Ultra 3 since it doesn’t connect to an iPad or MacOS computer. There are great options from Google and Samsung if you own an Android smartphone.
Apple Watch SE 3 tech specs: Display: OLED Ion-X glass | Battery life: 18 hours | Dimensions: 40 x 34 x 10.7mm and 44 x 38 x 10.7mm | Weight: 26.4 and 32.9 grams | Water/Dust resistance: 50m | LTE cellular option: Yes
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Why we like it: The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is a great, less-expensive Google Wear smartwatch. Despite a slightly smaller battery than the OnePlus Watch 3, the 43mm version still offers long battery life and is likely to fit better on most people. It also competes with GPS sports watches that have AMOLED displays.
Review: This Android wearable lasts for days, and left my Samsung Galaxy Watch in the dust
Who it’s for: The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm supports more than 100 sports modes. However, the data screens that appear in those modes are not customizable and are limited to some default standard metrics. But after your workout, you can find a lot of data in the eHealth app, like running dynamics, heart rate, and running power. OnePlus has not yet gained FDA approval, so ECG measurements are not provided in the US or Canada.
The OnePlus Watch 3 is incredibly durable, with IP68 and 5ATM ratings, along with MIL-STD-810H certification. It’s a beautiful, functional smartwatch, particularly for the $300 price tag.
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don’t even think about the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case so you need an Android phone to use this watch.
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm tech specs: Display: 1.32-inch 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: Up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode | Dimensions: 43.2 x 43.2 x 11mm | Weight: 37.8 grams (without band) | Water/Dust resistance: IP68/5 ATM | LTE cellular option: No
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The current Samsung flagship is the Galaxy Watch 8 series, but Samsung still has the excellent previous year model available, and it starts at just $250 for the 40mm model.
Why we like it: The Samsung Watch 7 is a sleek and stylish watch that supports the powerful Samsung Health ecosystem with a focus on wellness. The smaller watch is perfect for sleep tracking, and the Energy Score helps you plan for the day ahead.
The Galaxy Watch 7 features a 40mm or 44mm watch face and comes in green and silver. Like the Galaxy Watch 8, the Watch 7 features a Sapphire Crystal glass face.
Also: Hands-on with the Galaxy Watch 7
Who it’s for: The Galaxy Watch 7 runs the Samsung-powered Google Wear OS 6.0 with One UI Watch 8.0, meaning it still looks like a Samsung smartwatch, but also supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.
It has an operating system optimized for the round watch design with a virtual rotating bezel. Fall detection, messaging, phone calls, and more are available on the watch, with advanced fitness data such as VO2 Max and advanced running dynamics data also supported.
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don’t even think about the Galaxy Watch 7. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case, so you need an Android phone to use this watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 tech specs: Display: 1.3-inch 432 x 432 pixels Super AMOLEDl | Battery life: 40 hours| Dimensions: 40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7mm | Weight: 28.8 grams | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option:Yes
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Why we like it: One way to enjoy a less expensive smartwatch is by buying a previous model. Google now offers the flagship Pixel Watch 4, but the Pixel Watch 3 is available for a reasonable $250 for the 41mm model and $300 for the larger 45mm model. Offering two sizes was one of our favorite upgrades in the Pixel Watch 3, so more people should be able to find a watch that fits them best.
Who it’s for: While it is clearly the best Fitbit made, it also challenges every other watch regarding support for runners. Google incorporated a running workout builder that gathers your health data over a two-week period and then creates a program that adapts to your data regularly. Real-time guidance is provided as you run, advanced metrics are tracked and then Google shows you how to improve the metrics, a Daily Readiness Score is provided even if you are not a Fitbit Premium subscriber, and Cardio/Target load features are available. The Cardio and Target load features may even trump some of the best sports watches.
Bottom line: If you’re a Fitbit fan and are looking for the latest and greatest Fitbit in a watch form factor, then the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the wearable for you. If you also enjoy Google’s take on wearables and want years of updates, then this is the watch to consider.
Review: Hands-on with the Pixel Watch 3: The three features Google got right
One of the best functions of the Pixel Watch 3 that even beats out the Apple Watch is the focus on safety. While the Apple Watch can appear in your Find My application, and you can share your location with family and friends, that’s a passive setting that requires people to physically check the app to find you. The Pixel 3’s Safety Check feature allows you to set a check-in timer whenever you’re moving from point A to B and want your emergency contacts to be notified if anything goes wrong — the most reliable feature I’ve seen on any wearable I’ve tested. It also supports immediate emergency alerts/SOS and fall detection alerts, similar to the latest Apple Watches.
The new Loss of Pulse Detection feature is available for US owners. This feature has the potential to save lives and I look forward to hearing of success stories soon since my own father could have possibly been saved by this feature.
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don’t even think about the Pixel Watch 4. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case, so you need an Android phone to use this watch. It’s also not the best option for those looking for a rugged watch due to its proud display and minimalist form factor.
Google Pixel Watch 3 tech specs: Display: 1.2-inch (41mm) and 1.45-inch (45mm) AMOLED | Battery life: 24 hours with AOD | Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm and 45 x 45 x 12.3mm | Weight: 31 g (without band) and 37 g | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes
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With its built-in GPS and daily fitness suggestions, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is our pick for the best cheap smartwatch for runners. The powerful Garmin Connect smartphone app and Garmin ecosystem help make this watch an amazing option for runners and for fans of smaller elegant watches.
Liz Ho, founder of Camping Guidance, says she takes the watch with her on the trail. “I have used various smartwatches in my escapades in the great outdoors, but I found the Garmin Forerunner 55 to be especially useful for nature enthusiasts such as myself,” she said.
Also: The best Garmin watches
The Forerunner 55 includes a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and dedicated apps for hiking and other activities. There are daily suggestions for your workouts and personalized guidance based on your own activity levels. To keep you plugged in, the color display is designed to show up well in the sun so you can still see your messages and alerts outdoors.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, I was also a fan of the Garmin Forerunner 165.
Garmin Forerunner 55 tech specs: Display: 1.04-inch 208 x 208 pixels memory-in-pixel | Battery life: 14 days | Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 11.6mm | Weight: 37 grams | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option: No
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ZDNET’s pick for the best cheap smartwatch is the Amazfit Active 2. It offers all the usual features including advanced health and wellness tracking, message triage support, and applications. The long battery life and very low price set it apart and make it our pick for the best cheap smartwatch available today.
To see how the Amazfit Active 2 compares, here is a bird’s-eye view of the best cheap smartwatches.
Best cheap smartwatch
Cost
Screen size
Water resistance
Amazfit Active 2
$100
33.5 millimeters
50 meters
Apple Watch SE 3
$249
40 millimeters, 44 millimeters
50 meters
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm
$300
43.2 millimeters
50 meters
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
$250
40 millimeters, 44 millimeters
50 meters
Google Pixel Watch 3
$250
41 millimeters, 45 millimeters
50 meters
Garmin Forerunner 55
$168
26 millimeters
50 meters
It isn’t always easy to figure out which cheap smartwatch is best. These are my expert recommendations to help find the best smartwatch for you.
Choose this best cheap smartwatch…If you want…Amazfit Active 2The cheapest smartwatch on this list with integrated GPS and plenty of health and wellness features for iPhone and Android phone users.Apple Watch SE 3An affordable smartwatch for Apple iPhone users. This top smartwatch brings incredible value.OnePlus Watch 3 43mmA flagship smartwatch for Android users that may be the best Google Wear OS watch available today.Samsung Galaxy Watch 7A reliable Google Wear OS watch for your Samsung phone. It supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.Google Pixel Watch 3A compelling smartwatch for Pixel and Android smartphones. The Pixel Watch 3 also serves as the best Fitbit available, along with possibly the best watch for helping keep you safe.Garmin Forerunner 55A smartwatch to keep up with your runs. This smartwatch has specific features to benefit runners.
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Smartwatches serve as companions to our smartphones, and there are several things to consider as you explore the many options available. Several factors will help you quickly narrow down available candidates, so let’s take a closer look and help you select the best smartwatch for you.
Operating system: Both Apple and Android are available as the smartphone companion operating systems for cheap smartwatches. Before you choose the best cheap smartwatch, consider what kind of phone you use, as an iPhone will pair best with an Apple Watch, while an Android phone will work best with a Google, Samsung, or OnePlus watch. Garmin and Amazfit are device-agnostic.Display: Cheap smartwatches come in multiple screen sizes. While some smartwatches offer a compact design, others may boast a larger design for easier viewing when it comes to messages. Before you choose the best display size, however, be sure to consider the size of your wrist so you can find a comfortable fit.Features: Whether it is fitness tracking, sleep tracking, or even health monitoring, several additional features may come with the best cheap smartwatch. If you plan to use your smartwatch while swimming or showering, look for a model that is waterproof. Battery life: The battery life of a cheap smartwatch is an important consideration because this is an area where some companies can slack. Before you buy, think about how often you can charge your battery, and look for a cheap smartwatch with a battery life that will work within that timeframe. Cost: The cost of smartwatches can vary significantly, so I looked for cheap smartwatches priced below $300. The cheapest smartwatch on the list is the Amazfit Bip 6 at $80, while the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch SE are both about $250 each.
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The smartwatches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested in the real world by the ZDNET team. When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
Daily wear: We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it was our only smartwatch.Application selection and performance: One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. Apple excels in third-party application support with Google’s Play Store improving each year. Garmin, Amazfit, and others also are expanding the number and selection of apps available on watches.Workouts: Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take our smartwatch out for running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.Sleep and activity tracking: Sleep tracking has improved with smartwatches over time and we evaluate them as compared to smart rings and other watches. Nighttime is also a good time to charge your smartwatch, so you may choose not to use your watch to track sleep so your watch can serve faithfully all day and into the night.
For more on our testing process, check out our full smartwatch testing methodology.
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Latest news on cheap smartwatchesAmazfit launched another affordable, larger watch with the Amazfit Active Max, and there is likely more to come from Amazfit in 2026. We will see new flagship smartwatches this year, with many of the last generation moving to this cheap smartwatch list.
Google Wear OS watches used to work with both Android and iPhone devices, but the new Wear OS 4 and later watches from Samsung, OnePlus, and Google only support Android smartphones. iPhone users should stick with the Apple Watch, while Android phone users should seriously consider a Google Pixel Watch, OnePlus Watch, or Samsung Galaxy Watch model.
Garmin, Amazfit, and several others work flawlessly with both Android and iPhone devices.
It seems everyone today lives with a smartphone, and rather than having your face buried in your phone display, a smartwatch can serve as a reliable companion to triage your incoming communications so you can focus on people, places, and things around you instead of your phone display.
Smartwatches today also have advanced sensors that provide actionable insights to your health and wellness as well as serve as a consistent and reliable tracker. If you’re interested in access to that information, then yes, a smartwatch can be a helpful investment.
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Latest UpdatesJanuary 2026: We replaced the following picks on our list: The best cheap Apple Watch changed from the Apple Watch SE 2 to Apple Watch SE 3, the best cheap Samsung smartwatch changed from the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, and the best cheap Pixel smartwatch changed from the Pixel Watch 2 to the Pixel Watch 3. We also updated the article to match ZDNET’s most current template. August 2025: Added the Garmin Lily 2 to alternatives, and verified our recommendations are all available and still represent the best picks on the market. We made small edits for clarity.Other cheap smartwatches
CHEAP, STYLISH GARMIN WATCH
Garmin Lily 2 – Best cheap smartwatch for style
The Lily 2 smartwatch from Garmin is as much a fashion statement as it is a piece of tech, with a hidden display and a patterned lens or traditional watch face when you aren’t interacting with the watch. It’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to choose between leather, nylon, and silicon band styles, and can last up to five days on a single charge.
It features health monitoring with a focus on heart rate, notifications, GPS, contactless payments, and various fitness and sports tracking apps.
View at Garmin
If you’re looking for the best ways to get the most out of wrist-worn tech, check out our picks for the best Android smartwatches, our favorite Apple Watch, and the best bands for Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, here’s a handy video for how to use low power mode on your Apple Watch.
Smartwatches Reviewed & Compared