Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) ($229 – $279).
- Last year's model or the lighter 'SE' versions give most features for less.
- Choose a watch that works with your phone: some only pair with one platform.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good smartwatches. These are the cheapest smartwatches we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) | Buy | 8.6/10 | $229 – $279 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch7 | Consider | 8.2/10 | $250 – $330 |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $299 – $449 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth) | Buy | 8.7/10 | $299 – $349 |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) | Buy | 8.5/10 | $349 – $399 |
Budget picks in detail
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
Value Apple Watch · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $229 – $279
Why we like it: Core Apple Watch features for much less.
Pros: Fast chip and always-on display · Crash and fall detection · Much cheaper than Series 11
Cons: Fewer health sensors · Smaller screen options
Buy it if you want an Apple Watch for activity, notifications and safety features without paying for the flagship.
Skip it if you want ECG, a blood-oxygen sensor or the largest screen.
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $250 – $330
Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is worth considering if it suits your needs exactly or drops below its usual $250 – $330, but it is not our first choice.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Runners · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $299 – $449
Why we like it: Multi-day battery and serious training data.
Pros: Long battery life · Accurate GPS with multi-band support · Excellent training metrics · Works with iPhone and Android
Cons: Limited third-party apps · No speaker for calls
Buy it if you run or train seriously and want accurate GPS, training readiness and a battery that lasts about two weeks.
Skip it if you want a smartwatch first, with lots of apps, calls and a voice assistant.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth)
Android owners · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $299 – $349
Why we like it: Slim, bright watch with strong health tracking.
Pros: Thinner, lighter design · Bright AMOLED display · Gemini voice assistant built in · Detailed sleep coaching
Cons: About a day and a half of battery · Some health features need a Samsung phone
Buy it if you use an Android phone, especially a Galaxy, and want a full-featured smartwatch with good sleep and health tracking.
Skip it if you use an iPhone; Galaxy Watch does not support iPhone.
Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm)
Pixel and Fitbit fans · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $349 – $399
Why we like it: Fitbit tracking in a sleek domed watch.
Pros: Bright domed display · Fitbit health and sleep tracking · Faster charging than before
Cons: Some features need Fitbit Premium · Android only
Buy it if you use an Android phone, like Fitbit-style health tracking and want a clean, modern design.
Skip it if you want multi-day battery life or the lowest price.
How to save money
Last year's model or the lighter 'SE' versions give most features for less.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Choose a watch that works with your phone: some only pair with one platform.
Common mistake: Buying a feature-packed watch you will not want to charge every night.
Compare more options
Search smartwatches on Amazon See top-rated smartwatches on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap smartwatches in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm), typically $229 – $279.
Are cheap smartwatches worth it?
Last year's model or the lighter 'SE' versions give most features for less. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Choose a watch that works with your phone: some only pair with one platform.
When are smartwatches cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.