10 Best Cheap Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out with its Always-On Retina display, offering a large and bright screen that is easy to read. Its design is sleek and lightweight, making it comfortable for everyday wear. However, as an Apple product, it is not exactly 'cheap,' but it does pack a lot of advanced features for its price. The battery life is decent, lasting up to 18 hours with regular use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, though it may need daily charging depending on usage patterns. It charges quickly, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes, which is a plus for busy users.

Its fitness tracking capabilities are robust, with a wide range of workout options and detailed health insights, including ECG and sleep tracking. This makes it a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. The watch is highly compatible with other Apple devices, which is beneficial for users already in the Apple ecosystem. Water resistance up to 50 meters allows for swimming and other water activities without worry. Notifications are handled seamlessly, ensuring you stay connected without needing your phone.

In terms of build quality, the watch is durable, with an IP6X dust resistance rating and crack-resistant glass. The inclusion of safety features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS adds peace of mind. While it excels in many areas, its higher price point compared to other 'cheap' smartwatches and its dependency on being paired with an iPhone may not appeal to all users. Nonetheless, for those invested in Apple products, it offers a comprehensive and high-quality smartwatch experience.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a visually appealing smartwatch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that provides a bright and colorful display. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for extended use without frequent charging. The fitness tracking features are comprehensive, including Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score, personalized sleep coaching, and over 30 built-in sports apps. This makes it a great option for users focused on health and activity tracking.

The watch is also water-resistant, allowing it to be worn while swimming and during other water activities. Compatibility with both iPhone and Android smartphones ensures broad usability, and the ability to make and take phone calls further enhances its convenience. Notifications for calls, texts, and other apps are smoothly integrated, keeping you connected on the go.

The build quality is solid, featuring a soft gold stainless steel bezel and a silicone band, which contributes to both durability and comfort. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The relatively small screen size (1.2 inches) might be a limitation for those who prefer larger displays. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers extensive features, its price might still be higher compared to more basic, budget-friendly options. The inclusion of only 8GB of memory storage capacity might also be insufficient for users who require more storage for apps and music. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Venu 3S stands out as a robust, feature-rich smartwatch well-suited for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a reliable, stylish wearable device.

The Apple Watch Series 10 with a 42mm GPS aluminum case stands out with a bright, always-on Retina display that offers plenty of screen space for easy viewing. Its design is thinner and lighter, making it very comfortable to wear throughout the day. Battery life supports a full day of regular use (about 18 hours), with fast charging that can refill 80% in half an hour, which is handy if you’re in a rush.

Fitness tracking is a strong point, offering detailed metrics for a wide range of activities including swimming, running, and even yoga. It also tracks health signals like heart rate, ECG, sleep stages, and alerts you to irregular rhythms or sleep apnea signs, providing deeper health insights than many budget competitors. Water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance make it durable for active lifestyles.

The watch excels in notifications and connectivity, allowing you to send texts, make calls, and use Siri while on the go. However, it only works with iPhones (XS or newer) running iOS 18 or later, which limits compatibility if you don’t use Apple’s ecosystem. Build quality is excellent, with a crack-resistant screen and premium materials, but this contributes to a higher cost compared to typical cheap smartwatches. If you use an iPhone and want reliable fitness tracking along with strong health monitoring and a durable, stylish watch, the Series 10 is a compelling choice. Those looking for an affordable option under a tight budget or requiring Android compatibility might prefer other models.