Best for iPhone
Apple Watch SE 3
~$249 at time of writing
What we like
- Smartwatch Insight's best budget pick for iPhone users (2026)
- Full watchOS apps, crash detection and fitness tracking
Keep in mind
- iPhone only
- No always-on blood-oxygen extras of pricier models
Best overall under $200
Amazfit Active Max
~$169 at time of writing
What we like
- Tom's Guide two-month test: bright AMOLED, 170+ workout modes, offline maps
- Excellent battery life
Keep in mind
- Thick case
- GPS accuracy trails Garmin
Best for Android
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
~$200–$250 at time of writing
What we like
- Full Wear OS apps and Samsung Health
- Smartwatch Insight's best budget pick for Android (2026)
Keep in mind
- About 1–2 days of battery
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Best under $100
Amazfit Active 2
~$99 at time of writing
What we like
- GPS, offline maps and about 10-day battery
- Strong fitness tracking for the price
Keep in mind
- Clunkier software
- Heart-rate accuracy is weaker
Best mid-budget fitness watch
Amazfit Active 3
~$140–$170 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall smartwatch list
- Long battery and AMOLED screen (maker)
Keep in mind
- Smaller third-party app selection
Best for runners
Garmin Forerunner 165
~$200–$250 at time of writing
What we like
- Garmin running metrics and training plans
- AMOLED screen with long battery (maker)
Keep in mind
- Fewer smart features than Apple or Samsung
Best for sleep tracking
Fitbit Versa 4
~$150–$200 at time of writing
What we like
- Fitbit sleep and health insights
- Several days of battery
Keep in mind
- Limited third-party apps
Best Google watch on sale
Google Pixel Watch 3
Price varies see current price at the retailer
What we like
- Clean Wear OS with Fitbit health features
- Often discounted after newer models launch
Keep in mind
- Battery about a day
Best Garmin all-rounder
Garmin Venu Sq 2
~$180–$250 at time of writing
What we like
- Garmin health tracking in a square AMOLED watch
- Multi-day battery (maker)
Keep in mind
- Plain design
Lowest price
Amazfit Bip 6
~$80 at time of writing
What we like
- Very low price with GPS (maker)
- Long battery life
Keep in mind
- Basic smart features
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple Watch SE 3 | Best for iPhone | ~$249 | — |
| 2 | Amazfit Active Max | Best overall under $200 | ~$169 | — |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | Best for Android | ~$200–$250 | — |
| 4 | Amazfit Active 2 | Best under $100 | ~$99 | — |
| 5 | Amazfit Active 3 | Best mid-budget fitness watch | ~$140–$170 | — |
| 6 | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Best for runners | ~$200–$250 | — |
| 7 | Fitbit Versa 4 | Best for sleep tracking | ~$150–$200 | — |
| 8 | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Best Google watch on sale | See retailer | — |
| 9 | Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Best Garmin all-rounder | ~$180–$250 | — |
| 10 | Amazfit Bip 6 | Lowest price | ~$80 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: Tom's Guide best cheap smartwatches and Amazfit Active Max review (2026), WIRED best budget smartwatches (2026), Wareable best cheap smartwatches (2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate (checked Oct 19, 2026) and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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