10 Best Cheap Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable smartwatch, especially fitness enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, with over 40 exercise modes, built-in GPS, and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. You'll also appreciate its Daily Readiness Score, which helps you know when to push harder or take a rest day. The device excels in water resistance, rated for up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming or workouts in wet conditions.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting over 6 days on a single charge, which is impressive compared to many smartwatches in its price range. The sleep tracking features are particularly useful, providing insights into your sleep quality with personalized profiles and sleep scores.

On the connectivity side, it offers on-wrist notifications for calls and texts, along with built-in Amazon Alexa for added convenience. The customizable clock faces and Fitbit Pay are nice touches that enhance usability. There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users might find the display size (1.58 inches) to be relatively small, which can make it challenging to read notifications at a glance. Additionally, while it supports both iOS and Android, the full range of features, particularly with Google Maps, is still rolling out, which could limit its functionality for some users. The build quality is decent but may not feel as premium as higher-end models. It's generally lightweight and comfortable, but if you're looking for something that feels more robust, this might not be it. The Fitbit Versa 4 offers great value for individuals focused on fitness and daily health management, but it may not fully satisfy those who prioritize a larger display or premium finish.

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers a robust feature set with its standout Always-On Retina Display, providing a larger, brighter screen which makes it easy to read in various lighting conditions. Its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities include ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, and a suite of fitness apps, making it a valuable tool for health enthusiasts. The watch also provides strong water resistance up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Compatibility with iPhone devices ensures seamless integration for Apple users, though it may not be ideal for those with non-Apple devices. Notifications are comprehensive, allowing users to stay connected with calls, texts, and app alerts. The build quality is high, featuring a durable aluminum or titanium case that's crack and dust resistant, adding to its longevity. Battery life is decent with up to 18 hours of normal use, and it includes fast-charging capabilities.

However, the price point is high compared to other 'cheap-smartwatches', which might not make it the best option for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, its full functionality is best experienced within the Apple ecosystem, which may limit its appeal to non-Apple users. For those seeking a high-quality smartwatch with advanced health features and can fit it into their budget, particularly Apple users, this is a strong contender.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 stands out in the budget smartwatch segment by offering a bright and colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen combined with traditional buttons, making it easy to use both indoors and outdoors. Its lightweight 46 mm design feels comfortable on the wrist. A notable strength is its battery life, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 20 hours with GPS active, which is impressive for fitness tracking and outdoor activities.

When it comes to fitness features, it excels with over 30 built-in activity profiles including running, cycling, and swimming, plus advanced metrics like training readiness, recovery insights, and personalized workouts that adapt based on your performance. These features make it a good choice for fitness enthusiasts who want detailed guidance without a high price tag. Compatibility is broad as it works with both Android and Apple phones, and it supports smart notifications, so you won’t miss calls or texts. Safety features like incident detection add peace of mind when you’re out exercising.

The watch is water-resistant and suitable for swimming and daily wear. Garmin Pay allows contactless payments, which is convenient if you prefer to leave your wallet behind. While the device offers many advanced features, some health and training metrics are estimations rather than precise measurements, so serious athletes might find this limiting. The 8 GB memory is enough for music and apps, but not extensive storage. Also, while it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB, setting up some features requires using Garmin Connect on your smartphone, which might be a mild hassle for beginners. This smartwatch combines solid build quality with rich fitness tools and a vibrant display, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a capable but affordable fitness-focused smartwatch.