10 Best Smartwatch For Your Money 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a solid choice for those looking for a rugged smartwatch that handles outdoor activities well. Its standout feature is the solar-charged display, which helps extend battery life significantly—ideal if you spend a lot of time outside and want to avoid frequent recharging. The 0.9-inch round screen is not large or flashy but is durable and functional enough for quick glances during activities.

Health and fitness tracking are thorough, including heart rate, sleep monitoring, and Pulse Ox, with the understanding that this data provides estimates rather than medical-grade measurements. The watch is built tough with a fiber-reinforced case and metal bezel, plus it meets high water resistance and military standards for shock and thermal durability, making it suitable for outdoor and rugged use.

Connectivity-wise, it supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments, but it relies on your smartphone for smart notifications and emergency features, so it is not fully independent. The inclusion of a built-in flashlight is a valuable bonus for outdoor adventures. For those who prioritize durability, long battery life, and reliable outdoor tracking over flashy screens or extensive app ecosystems, the Garmin Instinct 3 offers good value for the money.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a solid choice if you're looking for a smartwatch that works seamlessly with iPhones (iPhone Xs or later). It offers a bright and always-on Retina display that's larger and clearer than before, making it easy to see your stats and notifications at a glance. The battery life supports a full day of typical use, with a handy fast charging feature that can juice it up to 80% in about 30 minutes, which is great if you're in a hurry.

Health and fitness tracking are strong points here. It covers a wide range of activities from running and swimming to yoga and dance, and provides advanced health insights like ECG readings, sleep tracking (including sleep apnea alerts), heart rate notifications, and menstrual cycle tracking. Safety is also a focus, with fall and crash detection plus emergency SOS features to keep you connected when it matters most.

Durability is impressive with 50-meter water resistance and dust protection, so you can wear it through workouts, swimming, or in dusty environments without worry. Connectivity options include GPS for precise location tracking, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi, though this GPS-only model requires an iPhone nearby for calls and texts. The watch supports Apple Pay and some handy Apple services, but the experience is best if you already use Apple products. The battery lasts up to 18 hours with regular use, which might feel short if you want multi-day use without charging. It is relatively pricey compared to other smartwatches, and some advanced features need the iPhone to function fully. The watch’s aluminum case is lightweight and comfortable but less premium feeling than titanium options. This smartwatch is an excellent fit for iPhone users who want a reliable companion for health, fitness, and safety, packaged in a stylish, durable design with a bright display. If you’re after long battery life or don’t use Apple devices, there might be better options elsewhere.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch offers a solid mix of features and performance. It excels in fitness and health tracking, with advanced heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and wellness tips provided by Galaxy AI. The Energy Score feature is a unique addition, helping you gauge your readiness for the day based on previous activities.

This smartwatch is compatible with a wide range of devices, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, though it lacks built-in cellular connectivity, which could be a drawback for some users. Battery life is decent, though not among the best in the market, and will likely require daily charging with typical use. Its display is clear and responsive, benefiting from a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day. Customization options are good, with a stylish cream color and interchangeable straps.

Durability and water resistance are adequate for everyday use, but it may not be the best choice for extreme sports enthusiasts. The app ecosystem is robust, offering a variety of apps and features to enhance the user experience. In short, this watch is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and stylish smartwatch focused on fitness and health tracking, but it may not suit those needing extended battery life or standalone connectivity.