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The best cheap smartwatch for most people in the US is the Amazfit Active 2. At $99.99 for the standard version, it offers the features that matter most at this price: a bright AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, offline maps, sleep and heart-rate tracking, extensive workout modes, 5 ATM water resistance, and up to 10 days of claimed typical battery life. Its main compromise is that Zepp OS is a smart fitness platform, not a full alternative to watchOS or Wear OS.
The best choice still depends on your phone and priorities. iPhone owners should consider the Apple Watch SE 3; Android users who want Google apps, payments, and a proper app store should wait for a sale on the Samsung Galaxy Watch7. For long battery life, choose the Amazfit Bip 6 or CMF Watch 3 Pro. For running, step up to the Amazfit Active 3 Premium or Garmin Forerunner 165. Prices and availability below are US-focused and checked for August 9, 2026.
Quick recommendations
There is no single best cheap smartwatch because the term covers two very different products: a full smartwatch with apps and payments, and a fitness watch that provides notifications, GPS, and health tracking but has little or no third-party software.
| Best for | Model | US price context | What you get | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most buyers | Amazfit Active 2 | $99.99 standard | AMOLED display, built-in GPS, offline maps, health tracking, 5 ATM, up to 10 days | Few third-party apps; NFC payments require the Premium version |
| Lowest-cost smart fitness watch | CMF Watch 3 Pro | $79 official sale price; $99 list price | Large AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, Bluetooth calls, quick replies, up to 13 days | No NFC, LTE, or swimming; limited app platform |
| Battery and large display | Amazfit Bip 6 | About $80 | 1.97-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, calls, 5 ATM, up to 14 days | Large rectangular design and less polished software |
| iPhone owners | Apple Watch SE 3 | From $249 | watchOS apps, Apple Pay, calls, safety features, always-on display, GPS | iPhone-only and roughly an 18-hour battery |
| Full Android smartwatch | Samsung Galaxy Watch7 | $299.99 list for 40mm; buy on sale | Wear OS apps, Google services, calls, payments, GPS, optional LTE | Android-only; some health functions require a Samsung Galaxy phone |
| Budget running and navigation | Amazfit Active 3 Premium | $169.99 | Sapphire glass, 3,000-nit display, maps, running metrics, up to 12 days | Smaller app ecosystem than Garmin, Apple, or Wear OS |
| Established running ecosystem | Garmin Forerunner 165 | $249.99 MSRP | Garmin Coach, recovery guidance, running metrics, Garmin Pay, up to 11 days | Expensive at full price; base model has no music storage |
| Small health-first tracker | Fitbit Charge 6 | $159.95 original price; sales can be lower | Small design, built-in GPS, Google Wallet, sleep and heart-rate tracking | Not a full smartwatch; some advanced Fitbit insights require Premium |
Prices are manufacturer or current official-store prices where available, not permanent guarantees. Sales, cellular versions, case sizes, colors, and regional availability can change the comparison.
What counts as a cheap smartwatch?
For buying purposes, it helps to divide the market into three bands:
Under $100: smart fitness watches
Models such as the Amazfit Active 2, Amazfit Bip 6, and CMF Watch 3 Pro generally provide notifications, steps, heart-rate and sleep tracking, workout modes, watch faces, and long battery life. Some also include built-in GPS and Bluetooth calling.
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- STYLISH DESIGN, VIBRANT DISPLAY: The lightweight aluminum build blends effortless style with workout durability, while the vivid 1.97" AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
- ALL-IN-ONE ACTIVITY TRACKING: The Amazfit Bip 6 fitness tracker watch offers 140+ workout modes including HYROX Race and Strength Training, plus personalized AI coaching and 50m water resistance.
- UP TO 14 DAYS BATTERY LIFE: The Amazfit Bip 6 smart watch powers through your training and recovery for up to two weeks at a time - no nightly charging needed.
- ACCURATE GPS TRACKING & NAVIGATION: Stay on course with free downloadable maps and turn-by-turn directions. Support from 5 satellite systems ensures precise tracking of every move and fast GPS connection.
- 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch provides precise, real-time monitoring of heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen and stress, empowering you with actionable insights to optimize your health and fitness.
What usually disappears at this price is a mature app store, reliable contactless payment support, LTE or eSIM, a full voice assistant, and flexible message replies. These watches are best thought of as fitness watches with smart features. The Active 2 and CMF Watch 3 Pro illustrate the trade-off clearly: both cover everyday essentials, but neither is a low-priced Apple Watch or Wear OS replacement.
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$100 to $200: the value sweet spot
This is where displays, materials, GPS, maps, and training tools become noticeably better. The Amazfit Active 3 Premium costs $169.99 and adds sapphire glass, a brighter display, physical controls, offline maps, and more serious running features. It is a particularly strong option for someone who wants a training watch but does not need a large app ecosystem.
$200 to $250: real smartwatch platforms begin
At this level, buyers can start getting a genuine smartwatch experience: app stores, better notifications and replies, wrist calls, contactless payments, and more complete phone services. The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 in the US. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE launched at $199.99 for Bluetooth and $249.99 for LTE, while the more capable Galaxy Watch7 can sometimes be discounted into this range. Compare the live price rather than assuming the older FE is automatically the better bargain.
Best overall under $100: Amazfit Active 2
The Amazfit Active 2 is the most balanced budget choice. Its standard US version costs $99.99 and combines a stainless-steel 44mm case with a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen rated for up to 2,000 nits. It has built-in GPS, offline maps with turn-by-turn directions, more than 160 workout modes, sleep and heart-rate tracking, and 5 ATM water resistance. Amazfit claims up to 10 days of typical battery life. The watch works with Android 7.0 or later and iOS 14 or later. See the official Active 2 specifications for the current configuration.
Why it wins
- It covers the essentials: notifications, exercise tracking, sleep tracking, GPS, maps, and a conventional round-watch design.
- It is more substantial than many sub-$100 watches: the stainless-steel case and bright AMOLED panel do not feel like the absolute bottom of the market.
- It works across phone platforms: it is a practical choice for a household that uses both Android and iPhone, although smart features are not equivalent to Apple Watch on an iPhone.
- Battery life is a meaningful advantage: charging every several days is more convenient for sleep tracking than a watch that needs daily charging.
Important variant warning
The $99.99 standard model should not be advertised as having NFC payments. Amazfit associates NFC payment support with the more expensive $129.99 Premium leather version. Check the exact product variant and payment availability in your country, bank, and card network before buying.
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Skip the Active 2 if you specifically need Google Play or watchOS apps, a full keyboard, LTE, or a proven payment platform on the base model. Zepp OS has fewer third-party apps than Wear OS and watchOS. Heart-rate and other health readings are useful for trends, but they should not be treated as clinical measurements; some hands-on coverage has also identified heart-rate performance as a weakness rather than a class-leading strength.
Best alternatives under $100
CMF Watch 3 Pro: best for a large screen and simple smart features
The CMF Watch 3 Pro is attractive when the sale price is $79, although its list price is $99. It has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, built-in dual-band GPS, Bluetooth calling, notification support, quick replies, 131 sports modes, and a manufacturer claim of up to 13 days of typical battery life. CMF lists compatibility with iOS 13 or later and Android 8 or later. Its official product page has the current price and specifications.
Choose it over the Active 2 if you want a larger display, phone-based calls from the wrist, and a minimalist interface. CMF says it has no NFC and no eSIM, so it cannot replace a payment card or provide independent cellular service. Quick replies and preset responses are useful, but they are not equivalent to composing messages in a full messaging app.
Battery claims need context: CMF lists up to about 4 to 4.5 days with the always-on display, depending on usage, and about 10 days under its heavy-use scenario. Its IP68 rating also does not make it a swimming watch. CMF advises against swimming, deep water, hot showers, saunas, diving, and high-pressure water. IP68 and swim suitability are not interchangeable.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAmazfit Bip 6: best for battery life and a very large display
The Amazfit Bip 6 is the better choice if you want a large rectangular watch and the longest battery life possible for around $80. Its 1.97-inch AMOLED display is rated for up to 2,000 nits. Amazfit claims up to 14 days of typical battery life, up to six days with heavy use, up to 26 days in battery-saver mode, and up to 32 hours of continuous GPS. It includes built-in GPS, five satellite-positioning systems, a microphone and speaker, offline maps, 5 ATM water resistance, and Android 7.0/iOS 14 compatibility. The Bip 6 technical listing gives the detailed figures, including its 340mAh battery and 27.9g body weight without the strap.
The drawbacks are its larger, less traditional shape and a companion app that some reviews find busy, with occasional software quirks. It remains a strong practical buy for notifications, basic workouts, calls, and battery life, but it does not have the app ecosystem of Apple Watch or Wear OS.
Fitbit Charge 6: choose this instead if you want a tracker
The Fitbit Charge 6 is not a conventional smartwatch. It is a compact health and fitness tracker with built-in GPS, Google Wallet, heart-rate tracking, sleep tracking, and a claimed battery life of up to seven days. Google lists its original price as $159.95, though temporary sales have brought it as low as $99.95. Always-on display use and continuous GPS reduce battery life.
Choose the Charge 6 if a small, light wearable and Fitbit’s health dashboards matter more than wrist apps, a large screen, or extensive replies. Core tracking works without paying for Premium, but some advanced insights and coaching features are subscription benefits.
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Best cheap smartwatch for iPhone: Apple Watch SE 3
For iPhone owners, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the best inexpensive route to a full smartwatch experience. It starts at $249 for the US GPS model and includes a mature watchOS app ecosystem, an always-on OLED display, built-in GPS, Apple Pay, Siri, calls through the iPhone, sleep tracking, fall and crash detection, and other safety features. It uses Apple’s S10 chip and comes in 40mm and 44mm case sizes.
The compatibility requirement is strict: Apple says the SE 3 requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 or later. It will not pair with Android. Cellular models can operate more independently, but they cost more and require a compatible carrier plan.
The central compromise is battery life. Apple rates it for up to 18 hours of normal use or up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode; fast charging reaches approximately 80% in about 45 minutes. That makes sleep tracking possible with a charging routine, but it does not offer the carefree multi-day battery life of Amazfit or CMF.
The SE 3 includes sleep-apnea notifications and wrist-temperature sensing, but it does not include the ECG app found on higher-end Apple Watch models. Treat health features as wellness and screening tools, not diagnoses.
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- BIGGER DISPLAY. MAX CLARITY: Active Max features a shine brighter screen with a 3,000-nit display engineered for ultimate clarity, even under the harshest sunlight. See your data clearly on a large 1.5″ ultra-bright AMOLED display built for easy readability in any condition — from the gym to the mountains.
- BIGGER BATTERY, MAX ENDURANCE: Go longer between charges with reliable power built for every routine. With up to 25 days of battery, the Active Max smart watch keeps up with your routine day and night.
- BIGGER STORAGE. SMARTER MAPS: With 4GB of onboard storage, you have more space for your favorite music and downloaded maps with turn-by-turn directions — all accessible right from your wrist.
- BIGGER TRAINING, SMARTER INSIGHTS: From strength sessions to long runs, the Active Max tracker adapts to how you train with 170+ workout modes and personalized Zepp Coach running plans.
- BIOCHARGE ENERGY MONITORING: Your BioCharge score adjusts based on your daily workouts and stress levels to help you understand when to push harder and when to rest, so you can train smarter and recover better.
Best full Android smartwatch: discounted Samsung Galaxy Watch7
The Galaxy Watch7 is the Android choice when you want a proper smartwatch rather than an Android-compatible fitness watch. It runs Wear OS powered by Samsung and supports third-party apps, Google services, calls, payments, GPS, and optional LTE. It is Android-only, and Samsung notes that some health features require a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone.
Samsung’s US purchase page lists the Galaxy Watch7 at $299.99 for the 40mm model and $329.99 for the 44mm model, although Samsung has also shown pricing from $249.99 before trade-ins or promotions. That is why it belongs here only when a current sale places it around $200 to $250. At full price, it is better considered a mainstream Android smartwatch rather than a cheap model.
The Galaxy Watch FE has a lower launch price, but it uses older hardware. If a discounted Watch7 costs the same as or less than an FE, the Watch7 is normally the more sensible purchase. Check the current Watch7 price and compare the exact Bluetooth or LTE configuration.
Best budget running watches
Amazfit Active 3 Premium: best value for entry-level runners
At $169.99, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium is the step-up recommendation for runners who want maps and structured training without paying Garmin money. It has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display rated for up to 3,000 nits, sapphire glass, a stainless-steel frame, five-satellite positioning, offline maps, more than 170 sports modes, and 5 ATM water resistance.
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Amazfit says it supports running power, lactate threshold, VO2 max, training load, running dynamics, structured workouts, Zepp Coach, and external workout peripherals. Battery claims are up to 12 days in typical use, seven days with heavy use, four days with the always-on display, and 24 hours of continuous GPS. The Active 3 Premium product page has the current feature list.
Its four physical buttons are useful in rain or during hard workouts, and sapphire glass is a worthwhile durability upgrade. The trade-off is software: it has much less of a third-party app ecosystem than Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, or Wear OS. The extra $70 over the standard Active 2 mainly buys better running, navigation, display, and durability features—not a dramatically better messaging or app experience.
Garmin Forerunner 165: best established training ecosystem
The Garmin Forerunner 165 costs $249.99 at suggested retail, with a $299.99 Music version. It offers a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, up to 11 days of smartwatch battery life, up to 19 hours in GPS mode, Garmin Coach, adaptive training plans, running power, running dynamics, recovery guidance, Garmin Pay, and 5 ATM water resistance.
Choose it over the Active 3 Premium if Garmin Connect and structured training matter more than offline apps or general smartwatch features. The base Forerunner 165 does not include music storage; the Music model is separate. It is a running watch with smart features, not an Apple Watch-style app platform. Its Garmin comparison page shows the configuration differences.
Choose by phone before comparing features
If you use an iPhone
- Want the most complete experience: choose the Apple Watch SE 3, provided you have an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later.
- Want long battery life and a lower price: choose the Amazfit Active 2, Bip 6, or CMF Watch 3 Pro, but accept fewer apps and less complete phone integration.
- Do not buy a Wear OS watch expecting it to pair with your iPhone: modern Wear OS compatibility is Android-only.
Amazfit, CMF, Fitbit, and other cross-platform wearables may work with both phone platforms, but compatibility does not mean feature parity. An Amazfit watch paired with an iPhone will not reproduce Apple’s watchOS integration, Apple Pay experience, or messaging behavior.
If you use Android
- Want Google apps, payments, calls, and a proper app store: look for a discounted Galaxy Watch7 or another current Wear OS watch.
- Want long battery life and essential tracking: the Amazfit Active 2, Bip 6, or CMF Watch 3 Pro is usually better value.
- Use a non-Samsung Android phone: Galaxy Watch7 will work with Android, but some Samsung Health functions require a compatible Galaxy phone.
Built-in GPS: check the wording carefully
Built-in GPS means the watch can record outdoor distance, pace, and route without your phone nearby. Connected GPS means the watch borrows location data from the phone, so you need to carry the phone for a route recording.
All of the main recommendations in this guide have built-in GPS: Amazfit Active 2, Amazfit Bip 6, CMF Watch 3 Pro, Amazfit Active 3 Premium, Garmin Forerunner 165, Apple Watch SE 3, Galaxy Watch7, and Fitbit Charge 6. The difference is endurance and positioning capability. Amazfit lists up to 32 hours of continuous GPS for the Bip 6 and up to 24 hours for the Active 3 Premium. Garmin lists up to 19 hours for the Forerunner 165. These are manufacturer scenarios, not directly comparable laboratory results.
If GPS is essential, confirm it in the exact model specification before buying. Product listings sometimes use the word GPS while describing phone-assisted tracking.
Calls, replies, payments, and music
Calls
The Apple Watch SE 3 supports calls through the iPhone, and cellular versions can work more independently with a carrier plan. The CMF Watch 3 Pro supports Bluetooth calls through a paired phone, and the Bip 6 has a microphone and speaker. Galaxy Watch7 supports calls, including through optional LTE configurations. For the Active 2, check the exact variant and current firmware rather than assuming every listing has identical calling support.
Message replies
CMF Watch 3 Pro supports short replies and personalized preset responses. That is useful for quick acknowledgments, but it is not the same as a full keyboard and messaging app. Apple Watch and Wear OS watches provide the more complete notification and reply experience.
Contactless payments
- Apple Watch SE 3: Apple Pay.
- Galaxy Watch7: payment support through its smartwatch platform, subject to country, bank, card, and configuration.
- Garmin Forerunner 165: Garmin Pay, subject to supported banks and regions.
- Fitbit Charge 6: Google Wallet.
- CMF Watch 3 Pro: no NFC.
- Amazfit Active 2: NFC payment support is associated with the Premium version, not the $99.99 standard model.
Never assume that a watch with an NFC chip will work with your bank. Payment availability can depend on the country, card issuer, bank, and exact device variant.
Music
Music control is not the same as offline music. CMF Watch 3 Pro controls music playing on the phone and does not directly connect to Bluetooth headphones. The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music has local music storage, while the base model does not. Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch have richer music options, but individual apps and streaming services may require their own subscriptions. Check whether you need to run without a phone before choosing a model.
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Every battery figure below is a manufacturer estimate. Always-on display, GPS, calls, high brightness, continuous health monitoring, notifications, and LTE can reduce runtime substantially.
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- STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN: The lightweight stainless steel frame ensures the Amazfit Bip 5 Unity smartwatch is able to stand up to the rigors of daily life, and adds a stylish touch.
- UP TO 11 DAYS OF BATTERY LIFE: Go for up to 11 days with typical usage, or even 26 days in battery saver mode - without stopping to recharge.
- 70+ DOWNLOADABLE MINI APPS: The enhanced Zepp OS 3.0 provides access to an even deeper ecosystem of mini apps and games, all of which can be downloaded to the smart watch from the Zepp App, and easily installed or uninstalled at any time.
- TRACK STEPS, DISTANCE, CALORIES: Get moving with a choice of over 120 sports modes, from walking, running, cycling, yoga, strength training and more.
- RELIABLE HEALTH MONITORING: Track heart rate, blood oxygen, stress level, and sleep quality, and get sedentary reminders to help you stay active. You can even track menstrual and fertile periods.
| Model | Claimed battery | More realistic qualification from the specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Amazfit Active 2 | Up to 10 days | Typical-use estimate; GPS, brightness, and health monitoring reduce it |
| CMF Watch 3 Pro | Up to 13 days | About 4 to 4.5 days with always-on display, depending on use |
| Amazfit Bip 6 | Up to 14 days | Up to six days heavy use; up to 32 hours continuous GPS |
| Amazfit Active 3 Premium | Up to 12 days | Up to seven days heavy use; up to four days with always-on display |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Up to 18 hours | Up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode; fast charging helps but does not eliminate daily charging |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Up to 11 days | Up to 19 hours in GPS mode |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Up to seven days | Always-on display and continuous GPS reduce runtime |
For sleep tracking, a watch with several days of battery life is easier to live with because you can charge it during a shower or while getting ready instead of choosing between overnight data and a charged watch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Swimming and water resistance
Do not use the words waterproof and swimproof interchangeably. A 5 ATM rating generally indicates resistance to pressure equivalent to a static depth of 50 meters under test conditions. It does not mean scuba diving, high-pressure water, or unlimited use in every aquatic environment.
The Amazfit Active 2, Amazfit Active 3 Premium, Apple Watch SE 3, Garmin Forerunner 165, Fitbit Charge 6, and Bip 6 are positioned for swimming or swim-related use subject to their manufacturers’ instructions. The CMF Watch 3 Pro is the important exception: although it has IP68 protection, CMF says not to use it for swimming or deep water. Read the CMF water-use guidance rather than treating IP68 as a swimming endorsement.
Health tracking: useful for trends, not diagnosis
Budget watches can be useful for observing trends such as steps, resting heart rate, sleep duration, stress estimates, and workout load. Some models also offer irregular-rhythm, sleep-apnea, or other health-related notifications. Those features do not make the watch a medical diagnostic device.
The FDA distinguishes general-wellness products from medical devices and cautions that consumer pulse oximeters are not necessarily evaluated for clinical decision-making. The FDA also warns consumers not to use smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose without piercing the skin. See the FDA’s general-wellness guidance, pulse-oximeter information, and blood-glucose safety communication.
Use these watches to support exercise habits and identify changes worth discussing with a clinician. Do not use a cheap watch to diagnose sleep apnea, arrhythmia, hypertension, low blood oxygen, or diabetes, and do not change treatment based solely on a wearable reading.
Subscriptions and ongoing costs
- Fitbit: core tracking is available without Premium, but advanced insights and coaching features may require Fitbit Premium.
- Apple Watch: basic watch use does not require an Apple subscription. Apple Fitness+ is optional.
- Garmin: the core Garmin Connect platform is generally usable without a subscription, although some third-party services or premium features can cost extra.
- Amazfit and CMF: their primary companion apps are advertised as free, though specific services can vary by region.
- Cellular models: an LTE Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch requires a compatible carrier plan if you want independent cellular service.
When comparing a $249 smartwatch with a $100 fitness watch, include the cost of any carrier plan or premium health service over the period you expect to keep the device.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSoftware support matters more than a low launch price
Budget hardware can remain attractive while its software support becomes the weak point. Google lists security support for the Fitbit Charge 6 through at least February 2028, although that date can be extended while the device remains sold. By contrast, Google’s support table lists Fitbit Versa 3 security support as ending in December 2025. In August 2026, a Versa 3 should not be presented as a normal new-buy recommendation; only consider one used or refurbished if the price is exceptionally low and you accept the support risk.
Amazfit’s software-updates notice says older Active 2 and Bip 6 hardware will receive only critical functions and optimizations because of memory limitations. That does not make either watch an immediate bad buy, but it is a reason to consider whether the Active 3 Premium’s higher price is worthwhile for its newer feature headroom. No manufacturer support policy should be described as future-proof unless a specific commitment is published.
How to choose without being misled
- Start with the phone. Apple Watch requires an iPhone; Wear OS watches require Android. Cross-platform watches work more broadly but offer less complete integration.
- Decide whether you need apps. For Google Play, watchOS apps, robust replies, calls, and payments, choose Apple Watch or Wear OS. For notifications, fitness, sleep, GPS, and battery life, Amazfit or CMF may be better value.
- Confirm built-in GPS. Do not confuse independent GPS with connected GPS that depends on your phone.
- Check the exact payment variant. The Active 2 standard model is not the same as the NFC-capable Premium version, and payment support also depends on region and bank.
- Check water instructions. IP68 does not automatically mean swimming is allowed. Look for the manufacturer’s permitted activities and an appropriate ATM rating.
- Compare battery scenarios. A headline claim with the always-on display disabled is not equivalent to daily use with GPS, calls, and high brightness.
- Check the case size. Large 44mm-to-46mm watches can overwhelm small wrists. The Apple Watch SE 3 has a 40mm option, and the Forerunner 165 is approximately 43mm.
- Check control methods. Physical buttons are easier than touch controls in rain or during intense exercise. The Forerunner 165 has five buttons, and the Active 3 Premium has four.
- Check music wording. Phone music control does not mean the watch stores music or connects directly to headphones.
- Check support and returns. For used or refurbished models, verify battery condition, activation-lock removal, charger availability, current phone compatibility, update status, and the seller’s return policy.
Who should buy each model?
- Buy the Amazfit Active 2 if you want the best balance of design, GPS, health tracking, battery life, and price.
- Buy the CMF Watch 3 Pro if a $79 sale price, large display, Bluetooth calls, and simple notifications matter more than payments or swimming.
- Buy the Amazfit Bip 6 if you want the biggest screen and longest battery for roughly $80 and do not mind a rectangular case.
- Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you use an iPhone and want a real smartwatch platform, Apple Pay, safety features, and apps.
- Buy a discounted Galaxy Watch7 if you use Android and need Wear OS apps, Google services, calls, and payments.
- Buy the Amazfit Active 3 Premium if you are an entry-level runner who wants maps, physical controls, durable glass, and longer battery life.
- Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if Garmin’s training ecosystem matters more than general smartwatch apps and you can find it below its $249.99 MSRP.
- Buy the Fitbit Charge 6 if you want a small tracker and Fitbit’s health app rather than a large watch with an app store.
What to avoid
Be cautious with no-name marketplace watches promising medical-grade ECG, blood-pressure readings, noninvasive blood-glucose measurement, or several weeks of battery while also claiming LTE, a full app store, and an always-on display. Look for an identifiable manufacturer, a real water-resistance standard, clear phone requirements, a published support policy, and specific regulatory documentation for any medical claim. The FDA’s warning about noninvasive blood-glucose claims is especially clear: no smartwatch or smart ring should be trusted to measure blood glucose on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amazfit Active 2 a real smartwatch?
It is a smart fitness watch rather than a full watchOS or Wear OS smartwatch. It has notifications, GPS, maps, health tracking, workout modes, and watch faces, but Zepp OS has a much smaller third-party app ecosystem. The $99.99 standard version should not be assumed to support NFC payments; that feature is associated with the Premium version.
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What is the cheapest smartwatch that works well with an iPhone?
The Amazfit Active 2 is the best lower-cost cross-platform option for most people. If you want Apple Pay, watchOS apps, stronger notification integration, and safety features, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the better choice, but it starts at $249 and requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 or later.
Can I swim with an IP68 smartwatch?
Not necessarily. IP68 describes protection against dust and certain water exposure, not a universal swimming rating. CMF specifically says not to swim with the Watch 3 Pro despite its IP68 rating. Follow the manufacturer’s water-use instructions and look for an appropriate ATM rating when swimming matters.
Do cheap smartwatches require a monthly subscription?
Most basic Amazfit and CMF features do not require a monthly subscription. Fitbit keeps core tracking available without Premium but puts some advanced insights and coaching behind Fitbit Premium. Apple Fitness+ is optional, while LTE versions of Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch require a separate carrier plan for cellular service.
The Bottom Line
The practical buying rule is simple: spend about $80 for the CMF Watch 3 Pro if you want a stylish basic watch, or the Amazfit Bip 6 if battery and screen size come first. Spend about $100 for the Amazfit Active 2, the best overall value. Spend $169.99 on the Active 3 Premium for running and navigation. With an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE 3 is worth the jump to $249 if you want a complete smartwatch. With Android, buy the Galaxy Watch7 when a sale brings it near $200–$250 and you need apps, payments, and Google services. If you mainly want a small health wearable, choose the Fitbit Charge 6.
