10 Best Cheap Smartwatches

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a budget-friendly smartwatch tailored for those who prioritize fitness, particularly running. One of its main strengths is its advanced fitness tracking capabilities. It monitors heart rate directly from your wrist and uses GPS to track your location, speed, and distance, which is great for runners who want detailed insights into their performance. The watch also features Garmin Coach, which provides adaptive training plans, and PacePro, a tool for pace guidance, making it very appealing for anyone training for races.

The 1.04-inch round screen is clear but not particularly large, which might not suit everyone. The watch is lightweight at 37 grams, ensuring comfort during long runs or workouts. Battery life is adequate with a 10000 mAh lithium polymer battery, though heavy GPS use could see it drain faster than some would like.

Compatibility is robust, working with Android devices via Bluetooth, and users can download additional apps and watch faces through the Garmin Connect IQ Store, though it might not have as wide a selection as some other platforms. Durability seems solid, but it might not withstand very harsh conditions as robustly as some higher-end models. It's mainly designed for everyday wear and standard sports activities. Notifications for calls, texts, and alerts work as expected, keeping you connected while on the go. While the Forerunner 55 excels in fitness features, those seeking more comprehensive smartwatch functions like a vibrant touchscreen or extensive app ecosystem might find it lacking. For fitness enthusiasts, particularly runners, it offers excellent value for its price, providing essential features and insights to help improve performance.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable smartwatch focused on fitness and everyday use. It features a sharp 4-inch AMOLED rectangular display that’s easy to read and customize with various clock faces. With built-in GPS, it supports accurate tracking for outdoor workouts without needing a phone. The battery life impresses with up to 6 days on a single charge, which means less frequent charging compared to many other smartwatches in this price range.

Fitness tracking is comprehensive, including heart rate monitoring, 40+ exercise modes, sleep analysis, stress management, and even menstrual health tracking, making it suitable for users interested in detailed health insights. It also offers smartphone notifications, calls, and texts right on your wrist, helping you stay connected without pulling out your phone. The watch is lightweight and water-resistant up to 50 meters, so it’s durable enough for swimming and everyday wear. Compatibility is good, working smoothly with both iOS 15 and Android 10 or higher, covering most modern smartphones.

Some users might find the screen size a bit small if they prefer larger displays, and advanced smartwatch features beyond fitness, like apps or music controls, are limited compared to higher-end models. Also, while the included 6-month Premium membership adds value, it requires a subscription afterward for full feature access. The Fitbit Versa 4 presents a well-rounded, budget-friendly option for anyone wanting reliable fitness tracking, solid battery life, and basic smartwatch functions in a stylish and durable design.

The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a stylish, compact smartwatch with a unique patterned lens that hides a bright 1-inch touchscreen—great if you want a watch that looks like jewelry but also works for fitness. Its small size and lightweight metal case make it comfortable for daily wear, especially if you prefer a less bulky device. Battery life is strong for this category, lasting up to 9 days, which means you won’t need to charge it frequently.

Fitness tracking is comprehensive, with built-in GPS to track outdoor activities and a variety of sports apps including yoga, Pilates, and running. It also offers detailed health monitoring like sleep score, heart rate alerts, stress tracking, hydration, and menstrual cycle tracking, providing a well-rounded picture of your wellness. Garmin Coach training plans add value if you want guidance for running events. In terms of connectivity, it pairs via Bluetooth to smartphones, showing notifications for calls, texts, and calendar reminders, helping you stay connected without pulling out your phone. Safety features like incident detection and live location sharing offer extra peace of mind during workouts.

The small screen size may be challenging for users who prefer larger displays for easier readability or interaction. While the watch is stylish and metal-cased, it is not specifically marketed as highly rugged or waterproof for extreme durability. Also, the advanced health metrics are estimates rather than medical-grade measurements. This smartwatch suits users seeking a fashionable, lightweight device that balances fitness tracking and smart features with long battery life, without a steep price tag. If you want a bigger screen or more rugged design, other models might be better, but for a budget-friendly smartwatch focused on style and health, the Garmin Lily 2 Active is a solid choice.