{"id":844427,"date":"2026-09-11T19:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T19:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/844427\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T19:00:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T19:00:38","slug":"best-cheap-smartwatches-in-2026-expert-tested-and-approved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/844427\/","title":{"rendered":"Best cheap smartwatches in 2026: Expert tested and approved"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The best cheap smartwatches in 2026 do nearly everything their pricier counterparts do, like keep you connected, monitor your health and fitness, help you navigate new terrain, pay for items from the wrist, and more.<\/p>\n

Best of all, some of the best cheap smartwatches in 2026, like the Amazfit Active 2<\/a>, cost less than $100. Others, like my overall pick for iPhone users, the Apple Watch SE 3<\/a>, start at $249 but frequently go on sale for much less.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After hundreds of hours testing dozens of budget-minded smartwatch models, these are my five favorite cheap smartwatches in 2026, with a little something for everyone.<\/p>\n

It’s smartwatch release season! Which means there are new wearables from Apple, Google and Samsung all hitting shelves (or about to). None of the major brands released a dedicated budget model this year, so if you have an iPhone, I’d still recommend the Apple Watch SE 3<\/a> (even though the heart rate tracking is much improved on the Apple Watch Series 12<\/a>) and likely steer clear of this year’s Google Pixel Watch 5<\/a> and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9<\/a>, and these are very modest improvements on the older versions, which are going to drop in price now. <\/p>\n

Best cheap smartwatch under $100<\/p>\n

\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

\"Editor's\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Best cheap smartwatch under $100<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: Android, iOS<\/p>\n

Sizes: 44mm<\/p>\n

Battery life (rated): 10 days<\/p>\n

GPS: Yes<\/p>\n

Sleep tracking : Yes<\/p>\n

Swimproof: Yes<\/p>\n

Heart rate monitor: Yes<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

Starts at $99<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Lots of workout, sleep and health-monitoring features for the money<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Bright AMOLED screen<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Slender and attractive design<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

160-plus sports\/exercise profiles<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Onboard GPS<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Support for offline maps with a useful backtrack feature<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Impressive battery life<\/p>\n

Reasons to avoid-<\/p>\n

Limited smartwatch features and third-party apps<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Questionable heart rate and elevation data<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Clunky user operating system<\/p>\n

The Amazfit Active 2 is the best cheap smartwatch you can buy in 2026 for less than $100. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, it boasts an impressive set of fitness, health, and sleep-tracking tools, outstanding battery life, a stylish and comfortable design, and a handful of useful smart features like storage for offline music and NFC payments.<\/p>\n

That said, the operating system isn’t as refined as the latest watchOS or Wear OS builds, but for under a Benjamin, the Active 2 punches well above its price class. It also features onboard GPS for location tracking without a smartphone, support for offline maps, a moderately-useful AI voice assistant, and a surprisingly gorgeous display.<\/p>\n

Did I mention it’s just $99?<\/p>\n

Best cheap Apple Watch<\/p>\n

\n

\"Apple<\/p>\n

\"Editor's\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

The best cheap Apple Watch <\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: iOS only <\/p>\n

Sizes: 40mm\/44mm<\/p>\n

Battery Life (Rated): 18 hours<\/p>\n

GPS: Yes<\/p>\n

Sleep Tracking: Yes<\/p>\n

Swim-Proof: Yes<\/p>\n

Heart Rate Monitor: Yes<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

Great value for $249 (often on sale for less)<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Always-On display<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

5G connectivity<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Robust health tracking<\/p>\n

Reasons to avoid-<\/p>\n

No ECG readings or hypertension alerts<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

18 hours of battery\u00a0<\/p>\n

The third-generation Apple Watch SE 3<\/a> is the best cheap smartwatch you can buy in 2026 if you own an iPhone, with most of Apple’s best wellness, fitness, sleep tracking, and safety features, the latest S10 processor, an always-on display, and 5G connectivity, all for under $250.<\/p>\n

Battery life is still just 18 hours per charge, like its predecessor; however, you can bump that to 24 hours per charge by switching to low-power mode. The screen brightness is also nothing to write home about, and the case is a little chunky, but those downsides aside, the SE 3 represents tremendous value when you consider all the features you’re getting for the price. Better yet, it goes on sale frequently for $50 or more off.<\/p>\n

It also works with all of Apple’s latest on-wrist AI tools, including the personalized fitness coach, Workout Buddy<\/a>, and live message translations.<\/p>\n

Best cheap Android smartwatch<\/p>\n

\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

\"Editor's\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The best cheap smartwatch for Android users<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: Android only<\/p>\n

Sizes: 40mm\/44mm<\/p>\n

Heart Rate: Yes<\/p>\n

GPS: Yes<\/p>\n

LTE: Yes<\/p>\n

Battery Life: 24 hours (40 hours in low-power mode)<\/p>\n

Water Resistance: 50 meters<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

On sale often<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Accurate and detailed sleep insights<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Useful AI-powered wellness features<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Slim, comfortable design and responsive user interface<\/p>\n

Reasons to avoid-<\/p>\n

24 hours of battery<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

One generation old <\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Some holistic tools require a Samsung Galaxy phone<\/p>\n

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8<\/a> may be out, but the Galaxy Watch 7 remains an attractive value proposition for Android smartphone owners. It boasts a slim, lightweight, and comfortable design, two size options, a bright and responsive AMOLED touchscreen, and excellent health and fitness tracking features backed by AI.<\/p>\n

Like the Apple Watch SE 3, there are an impressive number of third-party apps to try out, as well as the option to add LTE connectivity. However, compatibility is limited to Android devices only, and some features, like sleep apnea detection, require a Samsung Galaxy phone.<\/p>\n

That said, when it comes to AI features, the Galaxy Watch 7 beats all of the other smartwatches in this guide thanks to its support for Google’s genuinely useful Gemini AI voice assistant.<\/p>\n

Best cheap smartwatch for fitness<\/p>\n

\n

\"Garmin<\/p>\n

\"Editor's\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The best cheap smartwatch for fitness tracking<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: Android, iOS<\/p>\n

Sizes: One size<\/p>\n

Heart Rate: Yes<\/p>\n

GPS: Yes<\/p>\n

LTE: No<\/p>\n

Battery Life: 2 weeks (smartwatch mode), 20 hours (GPS mode)<\/p>\n

Water Resistance: 50 meters<\/p>\n

Mobile Payments: n\/a<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

Impressive training and recovery insights <\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Tough-built case design with plenty of physical buttons<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Easy to read stats<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Two weeks of battery<\/p>\n

Reasons to avoid-<\/p>\n

Limited smart features<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Could be replaced soon (launched in 2021)<\/p>\n

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the brand’s most entry-level running watch, but don’t let that dissuade you. This thing is absolutely brimming with high-end training features, health sensors, and holistic insights. These include tools to help you stay on pace while training, effectively recover after particularly challenging workouts, and prep for upcoming events.<\/p>\n

The watch’s battery life and build quality also impress. However, non-workout features are virtually non-existent. For example, there’s no NFC for mobile payment or onboard storage for music. That said, you do get accurate GPS tracking and a super-rugged, comfortable overall design.<\/p>\n

Best cheap smartwatch for golf<\/p>\n

\n

\"a\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

Best cheap golf watch<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: Android, iOS<\/p>\n

Size: 43mm<\/p>\n

Heart Rate: No<\/p>\n

GPS: Yes<\/p>\n

LTE: No<\/p>\n

Battery Life: 30 days<\/p>\n

Mobile Payments: No<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

Most affordable Garmin golf watch<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Dependable GPS accuracy<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Long-lasting battery life<\/p>\n

Golf watches can be pricey, and especially for new or casual players, the upfront cost of the game tends to add up. So for the $199 Garmin Approach S12 to pack many of the key game features found in the brand\u2019s higher-tier devices \u2014 including 43,000 preloaded courses, shot-distance measurements, and compatibility with Garmin\u2019s other golf accessories \u2014 its value is hard to beat. That’s why it’s one of the best cheap smartwatches for golfers, if not the best overall.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t have the finesse of Garmin’s higher-end golf watches, and the lack of a heart rate monitor means it can’t replace your fitness tracker. But for mirrored notifications and a simple, yet customizable watch face, there’s plenty of versatility on and off the green.<\/p>\n

Best screenless smartwatch<\/p>\n

\n

\"Close-up\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

An affordable, accurate, screenless fitness tracker<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/p>\n

Works with: Android, iOS<\/p>\n

Size (without strap): 35 x 17 x 8 mm<\/p>\n

Heart Rate: Yes<\/p>\n

GPS: No<\/p>\n

LTE: No<\/p>\n

Battery Life: 7 days<\/p>\n

Mobile payments: No<\/p>\n

Reasons to buy+<\/p>\n

Distraction-free health and fitness tracking<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

$99 and subscription-free for primary features<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Smaller and lighter than the competition<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Remarkably comfortable<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Wide selection of attractive straps; swapping straps is a breeze<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Lots of valuable wellness insights; top-notch sleep reports<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Easy-to-navigate app<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

Compatible with Android and iOS<\/p>\n

+<\/p>\n

One week or more of battery per charge<\/p>\n

Reasons to avoid-<\/p>\n

No onboard GPS or altimeter for location\/elevation data without carrying a smartphone<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Automatic workout tracking only kicks in after 15 minutes; limited to a small number of exercises<\/p>\n

While this is more of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch, I felt it deserved a place on this list for anyone who’s looking for a cheap, screenless alternative to a smartwatch that allows you to focus on your fitness goals with no other distractions.<\/p>\n

At just $99, it offers excellent value for money. While it does include a subscription model for personalized AI-backed health and fitness insights and deeper dives into your holistic trends (and many fitness bands do), it isn’t necessary. You can still access the Fitbit Air’s core features without it via the Google Health app. Plus, if you did want to access these insights, it’s fairly inexpensive compared to other fitness subscriptions at $9.99 a month or $99 a year.<\/p>\n

In terms of tracking, the Fitbit Air offers sleep tracking insights on par with the best fitness trackers<\/a> and best smartwatches<\/a>, and even has an app for tracking holistic trends, including resting heart rate, average calorie burn, step count, heart rate variability, menstrual cycles, and daily readiness. Its fitness tracking is reliable, too \u2014 in testing, we found that Fitbit Air tracks your heart rate with similar reliability to the Garmin Forerunner 70<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Overall, we found it to be smaller and lighter than alternatives from Whoop, Amazfit, and Polar, meaning it’s comfortable to wear, too.<\/p>\n

There are a couple of downsides, however. There’s no built-in GPS or altimeter, which means you can’t track your location or elevation data without carrying a smartphone. Additionally, during testing, we discovered that its automatic workout tracking only kicks in after 15 minutes. Plus, we found its list of activities that can be manually inputted on the Fitbit app to be lacking when compared with other fitness trackers.<\/p>\n

Still, if you want a screenless fitness tracker, the Fitness Air is a comfortable, affordable option.<\/p>\n

How we test<\/p>\n

We test cheap smartwatches the same way we do pricier models: By wearing them. We first see how well the watches fit on our wrists and how easy the displays are to read, especially in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n

Depending on its capabilities, we also test the watches’ sensors, such as GPS and heart rate monitors. If you need a watch that can track your workouts without your phone, check out our guides to the best GPS watches<\/a> and best running watches<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n

Other criteria that factor into our ratings include the number of apps available for a smartwatch, how well it interacts with our smartphone, and battery life. In all of this, we also take into account the price of the smartwatch.<\/p>\n

The less a watch costs, the more leeway we’re inclined to give it. Still, there are a lot of lousy cheap smartwatches \u2014 and plenty of good ones, even under $100 \u2014 so our tolerance only goes so far.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Round up of today’s best deals<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The best cheap smartwatches in 2026 do nearly everything their pricier counterparts do, like keep you connected, monitor…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":844428,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[166,74],"class_list":["post-844427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gadgets","tag-gadgets","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=844427"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844427\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/844428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=844427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=844427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=844427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}