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10 Best Cheap Smart Watches

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS 42mm Smartwatch, AMOLED Touchscreen, All-day Health Monitoring, Advanced Fitness Features, Personalised Sleep Coaching, Music, up to 11 days battery life, Metallic Orchid

10.0  score

Available on
£144.26
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,258
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting a couple of weeks without needing frequent charging.
Fitness Tracking Features
The watch is easy to use and provides a lot more activities to record, including open swim and skiing.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch offers a bright AMOLED touchscreen that enhances the user experience with its vibrant display. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, which can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, making it convenient for users who prefer not to charge their device frequently.

The fitness tracking capabilities are extensive and cater to a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, golf, and even wheelchair-specific workouts. This diversity makes it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Additionally, the smartwatch provides comprehensive health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking, stress monitoring, and personalized sleep coaching, which can give users valuable insights into their overall health and well-being.

Compatibility with both Android and iOS devices ensures that it can be used with a variety of smartphones, enhancing its accessibility. However, it is worth noting that while the smartwatch is water-resistant, which is great for swimming, it may not be suitable for very deep-water activities. The 1.2-inch screen might also be considered small for some users who prefer larger displays. The metallic orchid color and sleek design make it stylish, but preferences for color and design can be subjective. The Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch is a versatile and feature-rich option for those looking for a reliable and comprehensive fitness and health tracking companion.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,258
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting a couple of weeks without needing frequent charging.
Fitness Tracking Features
The watch is easy to use and provides a lot more activities to record, including open swim and skiing.
#2

Garmin Venu 3S, AMOLED GPS smaller sized Smartwatch, All-day Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Voice Functionality, Music Storage, Wellness Smartwatch with up to 10 days battery life, Pebble Grey

9.1  score

Available on
£217.5
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Rating
9.1
Display Type
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Display Type
Upgrading to this model feels like a significant leap, especially with a much sharper and vibrant screen enhancing visibility.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with at least twice the duration compared to previous Garmin models, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Fitness Tracking Features
The ability to customize data fields during workouts adds a valuable level of personalization and depth to fitness tracking.
Compatibility
Integration with external devices like power meters expands the workout data available, enriching the fitness experience.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch featuring a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, which offers clear and vibrant visuals for easy reading and navigation. Its round shape gives it a traditional watch look, which many find appealing. Battery life is impressive for this category, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge, so you won’t need to charge it frequently.

Fitness and health features are strong, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and advanced wellness tools, making it suitable for users focused on health and activity. It also supports voice calls and has 8 GB of music storage, which adds convenience. However, it runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system, which may limit the variety of apps compared to more popular platforms like Apple or Wear OS.

At around 40 grams, it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear daily. While not the cheapest smartwatch on the market, the Garmin Venu 3S provides solid value with its long battery life, detailed fitness tracking, and good display, making it a great pick for people wanting a reliable health-focused smartwatch without a high price tag.

Rating
9.1
Display Type
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Display Type
Upgrading to this model feels like a significant leap, especially with a much sharper and vibrant screen enhancing visibility.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with at least twice the duration compared to previous Garmin models, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Fitness Tracking Features
The ability to customize data fields during workouts adds a valuable level of personalization and depth to fitness tracking.
Compatibility
Integration with external devices like power meters expands the workout data available, enriching the fitness experience.
#3

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS 42mm Running Smartwatch, Easy to use, Lightweight, Training Guidance, Safety & Tracking Features, Black

9.1  score

Available on
£94.99
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Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Compatibility
Battery Life
Great battery life, only needing to charge once every 2 weeks, even with lots of activity.
Fitness Tracking Features
Great entry level sports watch. Tracks everything that I want it to.
Compatibility
Garmin app works brilliantly and syncs data quickly. It also connects to other fitness apps I’m using so I can collate and see my data together.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS 42mm Running Smartwatch stands out as a budget-friendly option in the smartwatch category with several strengths. It features a 1.04-inch round display, which is easy to read and user-friendly. Battery life is impressive with a lithium polymer battery that offers ample usage time, making it convenient for long runs and daily activities.

The built-in GPS is a significant advantage for runners, allowing accurate tracking of distance, speed, and location. Fitness tracking is robust, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity profiles like running, cycling, swimming, and yoga, catering well to various fitness enthusiasts. Compatibility with Android devices ensures smooth integration with most smartphones, and Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless data transfer to the Garmin Connect app.

The watch is also water-resistant, suitable for swimming and handling sweat or rain during workouts. However, the smartwatch's screen size may feel small to some users, and its memory storage capacity of 32 MB is relatively limited, potentially restricting the number of custom apps and data fields that can be stored. Additionally, while the Garmin Coach training plans and advanced wellness features like Body Battery energy monitoring are beneficial, they may be overwhelming for those seeking a more straightforward smartwatch experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 55 offers excellent value for those looking for an affordable, feature-rich smartwatch tailored to fitness and running needs.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Fitness Tracking Features
Compatibility
Battery Life
Great battery life, only needing to charge once every 2 weeks, even with lots of activity.
Fitness Tracking Features
Great entry level sports watch. Tracks everything that I want it to.
Compatibility
Garmin app works brilliantly and syncs data quickly. It also connects to other fitness apps I’m using so I can collate and see my data together.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Smart Watches

When choosing a cheap smart watch, it's important to focus on the features that matter most to you, as budget models may not offer the full range of capabilities found in more expensive options. Consider what you will primarily use the smart watch for, such as fitness tracking, notifications, or simply telling time, and prioritize those features. By understanding the key specifications, you can make an informed decision that balances functionality with affordability.
Display TypeThe display type of a smart watch affects its visibility and battery life. Common types include LCD, OLED, and AMOLED. LCD displays are generally more affordable and offer good visibility in bright light, but they may consume more battery. OLED and AMOLED displays provide vibrant colors and deeper blacks, which can enhance the overall look of the watch, but they might be more expensive. If you prioritize battery life and outdoor visibility, an LCD might be suitable. For better aesthetics and color quality, consider OLED or AMOLED.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the smart watch can operate before needing a recharge. It can range from a day to several weeks, depending on the model and usage. Longer battery life is convenient if you don't want to charge your watch frequently, especially if you plan to use it for tracking activities or sleep. If you use the watch mainly for notifications and occasional checks, a shorter battery life might be acceptable. Consider your daily routine and how often you are willing to charge your device.
Fitness Tracking FeaturesFitness tracking features can include step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more. These features are important if you plan to use the smart watch to monitor your health and fitness activities. Basic models may offer step counting and basic heart rate monitoring, while more advanced ones might include GPS and detailed health metrics. If fitness tracking is a priority, look for watches with the specific features you need, such as GPS for running or advanced heart rate monitoring for workouts.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the smart watch works with your smartphone's operating system, such as iOS or Android. It's crucial to ensure that the smart watch you choose is compatible with your phone to access all features, like notifications and app syncing. Some watches are designed to work best with specific phone brands, while others offer broader compatibility. Check the compatibility details to ensure seamless integration with your existing devices.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the smart watch can withstand exposure to water. This is important if you plan to wear the watch while swimming, showering, or in rainy conditions. Ratings like IP68 or 5ATM provide guidance on the level of water resistance. If you need a watch for swimming, look for higher water resistance ratings. For general use, a basic level of water resistance might suffice to protect against splashes and rain.