Best Budget Smartwatches 2026

Affordable smartwatches delivering flagship features at accessible prices, with the Huawei Watch Fit 4 leading at $150.

Last updated: January 27, 20264 products tested

Our Top Picks

Best OverallHuawei Watch Fit 4

Huawei Watch Fit 4

Huawei

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Best ValueSamsung Galaxy Watch FE

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

Samsung

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Best PremiumApple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3

Apple

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Best BudgetAmazfit Active 2

Amazfit Active 2

Amazfit

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Full Rankings

#1
Huawei Watch Fit 4

Huawei Watch Fit 4

Best Overall

Best Budget Smartwatch of 2025 from Tech Advisor with 9/10 score. Flagship 2,000-nit display matches $400 Apple Watch, dual-frequency GPS, and 10-day battery for just $150. Nothing else competes at this price for pure health and fitness tracking.

Pros

  • Incredible value at $150
  • 2,000-nit display matches Apple Watch
  • Dual-frequency GPS

Cons

  • No third-party apps
  • No Google Maps or WhatsApp
  • Limited in Western markets
#2
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

Best Value

Full Wear OS with Google Play access for Android users needing apps. Frequently discounted 52% off MSRP to $108-160, making it the most affordable full smartwatch experience.

Pros

  • Full Wear OS with apps
  • Google Play access
  • Samsung ecosystem integration

Cons

  • Android-only
  • 1-2 day battery life
  • Best with Samsung phones
#3
Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3

Best Premium

The only viable budget option for iPhone users. Now features always-on display and S10 chip at $249—complete Apple ecosystem integration at the lowest Apple Watch price.

Pros

  • Complete Apple ecosystem
  • Always-on display (new)
  • S10 chip performance

Cons

  • iPhone required
  • 18-hour battery
  • Higher price than Android alternatives
#4
Amazfit Active 2

Amazfit Active 2

Best Budget

Ultra-budget option at $99 with 10-day battery and GPS. For users with minimal requirements who want basic fitness tracking without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Ultra-affordable at $99
  • 10-day battery life
  • Basic fitness tracking

Cons

  • Basic smartwatch features
  • Limited app ecosystem
  • Basic build quality

Comparison Table

ProductValueBattery LifeHealth & FitnessDisplayPrice
#1Huawei Watch Fit 4
1010910$150
#2Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
9688$160
#3Apple Watch SE 3
7589$249
#4Amazfit Active 2
101067$99

Buying Guide

The budget smartwatch category has transformed with watches like the Huawei Watch Fit 4 offering 2,000-nit AMOLED displays (matching $400 Apple Watch), dual-frequency GPS, and 10-day battery for $150. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE provides full Wear OS with apps for Android users at $108-160 on sale. Apple Watch SE 3 at $249 remains the only viable budget option for iPhone users with always-on display and S10 chip.

What We Evaluate

35%

Value

Features per dollar spent

25%

Battery Life

Days between charges

20%

Health & Fitness

Tracking accuracy and sensors

10%

Display

Brightness, visibility, quality

10%

Ecosystem

App support and compatibility

Our Testing Methodology

Rankings based on value proposition, battery life, health/fitness features, and platform compatibility. Prices verified January 2026.

Learn more about how we test →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Huawei Watch Fit 4 worth it without third-party apps?
If app ecosystems (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Spotify) are essential, consider Samsung Galaxy Watch FE. For pure health and fitness tracking, the Huawei Watch Fit 4 is unbeatable at $150.
iPhone or Android budget watch?
iPhone users: Apple Watch SE 3 ($249) is the only viable option. Android users: Huawei Watch Fit 4 ($150) for value or Samsung Galaxy Watch FE ($108-160) for apps.

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