10 Best Budget Smartwatches 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a budget-friendly smartwatch particularly aimed at runners, offering a range of impressive features for its price. Its colorful AMOLED display is bright and clear, making it easy to read data during workouts. However, the 1.2-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users. Battery life is a strong point, with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours using GPS, which is excellent for those who don’t want to charge their device frequently.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,381
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking
Most important from
3502 reviews
#2
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display
![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/u68oWsR107ADH6F-sJeIS39hCPc=/0x300/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31G1GuLbQ0L._AC_CX679_.jpg)
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a strong choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that still covers the basics well. Its 40mm Retina display offers bright and clear visuals, making it easy to read notifications and track your fitness stats. The built-in GPS is great for tracking outdoor workouts without needing your phone nearby. Battery life typically lasts about a day, so you'll likely need to charge it each night, which is common for smartwatches in this range.
Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking
Notifications
Most important from
12969 reviews
#3
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a strong contender in the budget-smartwatch category, especially for users focused on fitness and running. Its vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, offering both touchscreen and physical button controls, which makes navigation easy and responsive. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 20 hours when using GPS, which is great if you don’t want to charge daily.
Rating
9.7
Display
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking
Most important from
2618 reviews
Top 10 Best Budget Smartwatches 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black
Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black
Display: 1.2 Inches
Battery Life: 11 days, 19 hours with GPS
Fitness Tracking: Over 25 profiles
Compatibility: Android and Apple
Water Resistance: Sweat and rain resistant
Notifications: Calls and texts
Chosen by 1381 this week
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display
Display: 40mm Retina
Battery Life: about a day
Fitness Tracking: heart rate, sleep, workouts, fall detection
Compatibility: iPhones Xs+ with iOS 17+
Water Resistance: 50m
Notifications: texts, calls, Siri hands-free
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray
Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED, touchscreen, physical buttons
Battery Life: 13 days smartwatch, 20 hours GPS
Fitness Tracking: Training metrics, recovery, activity profiles
Compatibility: Android and Apple smartphones
Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming
Notifications: Calls and texts on wrist
Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Tools to Manage Stress and Sleep, ECG App, SpO2, 24/7 Heart Rate and GPS, Lunar White/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Tools to Manage Stress and Sleep, ECG App, SpO2, 24/7 Heart Rate and GPS, Lunar White/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Display: 43mm
Battery Life: over 6 days
Fitness Tracking: 24/7 heart rate, GPS, SpO2, 40 modes
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Water Resistance: up to 50 meters
Notifications: calls, texts, apps, Bluetooth, Alexa
Build Quality: robust, silicone band
Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Orchid
Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Orchid
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED, 390x390
Battery Life: up to 11 days
Fitness Tracking: 30+ sports apps, sleep, stress, heart
Compatibility: Android & iOS
Notifications: calls, texts, app alerts
Related Products
Up to 33% off
Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Display: 1.58 Inches
Battery Life: 6+ days
Fitness Tracking: 40+ modes, GPS, heart rate, auto tracking
Compatibility: Apple and Android
Water Resistance: up to 50 meters
Notifications: Yes
Build Quality: solid, less premium
Garmin vívoactive® 6, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Lunar Gold with Bone Band
Garmin vívoactive® 6, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Lunar Gold with Bone Band
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED round
Battery Life: up to 11 days smartwatch mode
Fitness Tracking: energy, stress, sleep, 80+ sports, GPS
Compatibility: Bluetooth, works with Garmin app
Notifications: calls, texts, phone alerts
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, Fitness Tracker, 2024, Cream [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, Fitness Tracker, 2024, Cream [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]
Display: touchscreen
Fitness Tracking: advanced fitness, heart rate, sleep monitoring
Compatibility: Bluetooth
Notifications: receive notifications from smartphones
Build Quality: generally good
Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch 46mm, 14 Day Battery, 1.97" AMOLED Display, GPS & Free Maps, AI, Bluetooth Call & Text, Health, Fitness & Sleep Tracker, 140+ Workout Modes, 5 ATM Water-Resistance, Black
Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch 46mm, 14 Day Battery, 1.97" AMOLED Display, GPS & Free Maps, AI, Bluetooth Call & Text, Health, Fitness & Sleep Tracker, 140+ Workout Modes, 5 ATM Water-Resistance, Black
Display: 1.97" AMOLED, 390x450 resolution
Battery Life: 14 days
Fitness Tracking: Heart Rate, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Stress
Compatibility: Android 7+, iOS 14+
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Notifications: Calls, Texts via Bluetooth
#10
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Multi-Band GNSS, Graphite
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Multi-Band GNSS, Graphite
Display: 1.1 Inches, Round
Battery Life: Infinite usage in smartwatch mode with sun
Fitness Tracking: Heart rate, sleep, respiration, Pulse Ox
Compatibility: Android & iOS
Water Resistance: Meets military water resistance standards
Notifications: Supports notifications via Bluetooth
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Smartwatches
When it comes to picking a budget smartwatch, it's important to focus on the features that matter most to you. Budget smartwatches can offer a range of functionalities, from fitness tracking to notifications, but they may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models. By understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs, you can make an informed decision and find a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle without breaking the bank.DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartwatch where you view all the information. It's important because it affects how easily you can read notifications, time, and other data. Displays can be LCD or AMOLED. LCD screens are generally more affordable and offer good visibility in bright light, while AMOLED screens provide better color and contrast but can be more expensive. If you prioritize vibrant colors and deeper blacks, go for AMOLED. If you need something more budget-friendly and readable in sunlight, LCD might be the better choice.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the smartwatch can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial because it affects how often you'll need to charge your device. Battery life can range from a single day to several weeks. If you want a smartwatch that you don't have to charge every night, look for models with longer battery life, typically those that offer at least a week of usage. For those who use their smartwatch heavily for notifications and fitness tracking, a shorter battery life might be acceptable if the other features are worth it.
Fitness TrackingFitness tracking features monitor your physical activities, such as steps taken, heart rate, and sleep patterns. This is important for those who want to keep track of their health and fitness goals. Basic fitness tracking includes step counting and heart rate monitoring, while more advanced features might include GPS tracking, blood oxygen levels, and various workout modes. If you're a casual user, basic fitness tracking should suffice. However, if you're an athlete or someone who exercises regularly, you might want to look for more advanced tracking capabilities.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the smartwatch works with your smartphone's operating system, such as iOS or Android. This is important because it affects the seamlessness of syncing data and receiving notifications. Some smartwatches are designed to work best with specific operating systems, while others are more versatile. Make sure the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your phone to ensure you can use all its features without any issues.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the smartwatch can withstand exposure to water. This is important if you plan to wear your smartwatch while swimming, showering, or in the rain. Water resistance is usually measured in meters or with an IP rating. For basic protection against splashes and rain, look for a smartwatch with an IP rating of at least IP67. If you plan to swim or engage in water sports, look for a higher water resistance rating, such as 5 ATM or more.
NotificationsNotifications allow you to receive alerts from your smartphone directly on your smartwatch. This is important for staying connected without constantly checking your phone. Basic notifications include calls, texts, and app alerts. Some smartwatches also allow you to respond to messages or take calls directly from the watch. If staying connected is a priority, look for a smartwatch with robust notification features. If you prefer a simpler device, basic notification capabilities might be sufficient.