10 Best Budget Smartwatches

The Garmin Venu 3S is an attractive option in the budget-smartwatch category, bringing a lot of value to the table. Its standout feature is the 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen which offers vibrant colors and clear visuals, enhancing user experience. With up to 10 days of battery life, it performs well in terms of longevity, reducing the need for frequent recharges.

The built-in GPS and diverse fitness tracking features, including a heart rate monitor and sleep monitor, make it a solid choice for health-conscious users. Additionally, its compatibility with Android devices and Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless integration with most smartphones. The Garmin Venu 3S also supports voice functionality and music storage, adding to its convenience and versatility.

On the downside, the smartwatch's compatibility seems limited to Android, which may be a drawback for iPhone users. Though it’s designed to be comfortable and has a lightweight build, the round shape and specific dimensions might not suit everyone's taste. The Garmin Venu 3S offers a good blend of display quality, battery life, and advanced fitness features, making it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded smartwatch.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch with a focus on fitness tracking. Its 1.04-inch round display is clear, though smaller than some competitors, which might affect ease of use for some users. The watch is lightweight at 37 grams, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Its design is simple and functional, suitable for both casual and athletic wear. The battery life is commendable, with the lithium-polymer battery lasting several days on a single charge, depending on usage. This is a key strength for users who prefer not to charge their devices frequently.

Fitness tracking features are where the Forerunner 55 truly shines. It offers comprehensive heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and a variety of built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, and swimming. The Garmin Coach training plans and PacePro feature are excellent for those looking to improve their running performance. Advanced wellness features such as stress tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring add value for health-conscious users. Compatibility with both Android and iOS via Bluetooth ensures broad appeal, and the ability to customize with watch faces and apps from the Connect IQ Store is a plus. The watch is water-resistant, suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

However, the 32 MB memory storage capacity might be limiting for users who wish to store lots of data or apps directly on the watch. One drawback is the lack of certain features found in higher-end models, like music storage and playback, which could be missed by some users. Additionally, the small screen size may not be ideal for those who prefer larger displays. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great budget smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts, offering a range of useful features and solid performance in a lightweight, comfortable package.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch with strong fitness and health tracking features. It has a bright and colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, making it easy and pleasant to use daily. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t have to charge it often.

It offers detailed health insights including Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep coaching, stress tracking, heart rate, and menstrual and pregnancy tracking, which is quite advanced for this price range. There are over 30 built-in sports apps for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, plus wheelchair mode, showing good inclusivity. The watch is lightweight and designed for comfort, which helps for all-day wear. It connects well with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth.

The design is sleek and modern, fitting well for casual or fitness use, but with a 42mm case, it may feel a bit large for very small wrists. This smartwatch provides excellent value with many health and fitness tools that are easy to use, making it a great pick for budget-conscious buyers wanting more than just basic tracking.