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Best cheap smartwatches in 2022

By Kate Kozuch published 23 September 2022 Based on our testing, these are the best cheap smartwatches you can buy for less than $200. Included in this guide:1FitbitVersa 3Check Price (opens in new tab)2SamsungGalaxy Watch 4Check Price (opens in new tab)3FitbitVersa 2Check Price (opens in new tab)4GarminLily SportCheck Price (opens in new tab)5FossilSport SmartwatchCheck Price (opens in new tab)6AmazfitBipCheck Price (opens in new tab)7FitbitVersa LiteCheck Price (opens in new tab)8AmazfitT-Rex 2Check Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Tom's Guide) The best cheap smartwatches can help you stay connected without having to spend much for something you wear on your wrist. As with the best smartwatches, these budget models offer such features as smartphone notifications and some fitness tracking capabilities, such as GPS and heart rate monitors. Several of the best cheap smartwatches are simply older versions of other models. So while they might not have all the latest features (their screens might be a bit smaller, and some of their sensors not as sophisticated) they were probably considered the best smartwatches when they first came out, and are still quite good. Our picks for the best cheap smartwatch range from sub-$100 models up to $200, so there's something for everyone who doesn't want to spend too much. Check our our best fitness trackers and best cheap fitness trackers pages if you're looking for something more health-focused, though. See all of the best cheap smartwatches below.

What is the best cheap smartwatch

The best cheap smartwatch overall is the Fitbit Versa 3. With a price of $199 or less, it's at the high end for a cheap smartwatch, but has the most to offer when it comes to apps, notifications, fitness tracking, and more. The best cheap smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy 4, which is also $199, but has fitness tracking features including built-in GPS, plus a great design. The newer Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the premium alternative and the best smartwatch for Android overall. Looking for the best cheap smartwatch under $100? Look no further than the Amazfit Bip line, which costs just $70, yet has a heart rate monitor, GPS, and more. And if you're looking for one of the cheapest GPS sport watches, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 is a great contender to Garmin watches for $199. Also check out our guide on should you buy an Amazfit watch for more on that brand.

The best cheap smartwatches you can buy today

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

1 Fitbit Versa 3

The best cheap smartwatch overall

Specifications

Sizes: One sizeBattery Life (Rated): 6 daysGPS: YesSleep Tracking: YesSwim-Proof: YesHeart Rate Monitor: YesToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Good battery life+Custom training programs (with subscription)+Great sleep analysis

Reasons to avoid

-Can only use one voice assistant at once The best cheap smartwatch for those interested in a full-featured experience Fitbit Versa 3, the next-generation of the popular Fitbit Versa series. The Versa 3's standout upgrade is on-board GPS. Even when you leave your phone at home, the Versa can track your location during outdoor exercise. A curvy, large display is great, too. Plus the Versa 3 has a great motivational workout feature, Active Zone Minutes. Introduced with the Fitbit Charge 4 and now a staple of Fitbit devices, Active Zone Minutes monitors the time you spend in the fat burn, cardio or peak heart-rate zones while exercising. Your goal is to earn the AHA's and WHO's recommended 150 Active Zone Minutes each week. Again you can use your Fitbit Versa 3 for phone calls and speak to voice assistants for queries, but note you can only enable one voice assistant at once. The watch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, which we'd consider a huge perk. Read our full Fitbit Versa 3 review. (Image credit: Future)

3 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

The best cheap smartwatch for Samsung users

Specifications

Works with: AndroidDisplay: 1.4 inch AMOLED (450x450)Heart Rate: YesGPS: YesLTE: YesBattery Life: 24-36 hoursWater Resistance: Swim-proofToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Samsung (opens in new tab)View at Verizon Wireless (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Slimmer design and new watch faces+New Wear OS feels like Tizen, but with more apps+First major smartwatch with body composition analysis

Reasons to avoid

-Battery life can be inconsistent Samsung's fourth-gen Galaxy Watch is the best cheap smartwatches for Android users or people with Samsung's phone. Not only does it look similar to the new Galaxy Watch 5, but it's now available at steep discounts. The Galaxy Watch 4 was the first smartwatch to run the latest Wear OS platform, and offers a full suite of health tracking features. It even has a body composition analysis feature. There aren't many differences between the Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Galaxy Watch 4, making the Galaxy Watch 4 a great choice, especially at a discounted price. Though it's technically been discontinued, you can still find new at many retailers. Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review. Fitbit Versa 2. Credit: Tom's Guide (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

4 Fitbit Versa 2

The best cheap smartwatch for sleep-tracking

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.4 inchesHeart Rate: YesGPS: Connected to phoneLTE: NoBattery Life: Five days (two with always-on display)Water Resistance: Swim-proofMobile Payments: Fitbit PayToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Good battery life+Customized training programs (via subscription)+Sleep tracking

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks on-board GPS-Alexa works inconsistently The Fitbit's Versa 2 makes slight tweaks on the original Versa, including an AMOLED display and built-in Alexa. Fitbit's smartwatch offers all of the features we liked in the original Versa, such as accurate heart-rate tracking, lengthy battery life, colorful touchscreen display and in-depth sleep analysis. That's why the Versa 2 made it to our best cheap smartwatch list and is one of the best Fitbit devices you can still buy. This Versa doesn't have onboard GPS like the newer Fitbit Versa 3, which would make it a more capable Apple Watch rival, and its app store isn't as well-stocked as Apple's. But with five-day battery life, cross-platform compatibility, an affordable price and sophisticated sleep-tracking features, the Versa 2 is a solid smartwatch for most people.Read our full Fitbit Versa 2 review.

(Image credit: Future)

5 Garmin Lily

The best cheap smartwatch for style

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: 1 inchHeart Rate: YesGPS: Connected to phoneLTE: NoBattery Life: Five daysWater Resistance: Swim-proofMobile Payments: NoToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Garmin US (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stylish, lightweight design+Best display of any Garmin lifestyle watch+On-board pregnancy tracking app

Reasons to avoid

-No built-in GPS The Garmin Lily is a small and stylish smartwatch that will make you forget the bulky GPS wearables the brand is best known for. A fashionable offering designed with first-time, female smartwatch users in mind, the $199 Garmin Lily is a gamble for the company that's paid off. In addition to a small and barely-there feel, the display is accentuated by a patterned lens that somehow doesn't obstruct the content you'd want to see at a glance. Of all the best Garmin watches, even the previous lifestyle model attempts made by the company, this one looks the most like actual jewelry. Read our full Garmin Lily review. Fossil Sport. Credit: Tom's Guide (Image credit: Future)

6 Fossil Sport

Best cheap smartwatch from Fossil

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: AMOLEDHeart Rate: YesGPS: YesLTE: NoBattery Life: 24 hoursWater Resistance: 164 feet (swim-proof)Mobile Payments: Google PayToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stylish, lightweight design+Good display

Reasons to avoid

-Google Fit needs work-Performance still lags in some spots Fossil is one of the most prolific Wear OS smartwatch brands, with dozens of models and styles. At $99, the Fossil Sport is one of the least expensive, yet most stylish smartwatches around. While it debuted in 2018, it runs the most current Qualcomm 3100 processor. Plus, it has GPS, a heart-rate monitor, NFC for mobile payments, and Wi-Fi. It's available in multiple colors, and its band is easily replaceable. Wear OS has evolved a good deal since its launch, but it still has a few things we think could be improved, especially when compared to Apple's Watch OS. We also don't recommend a Wear OS smartwatch for iPhone owners, as you simply can't do as much as you could if the watch was paired with an Android phone. Read our full Fossil Sport review. Amazfit Bip. Credit: Tom's Guide

7 Amazfit Bip

Another great cheap smartwatch under $100

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.28 inch (176 x 176)Heart Rate: YesGPS: YesLTE: NoBattery Life: 45 daysWater Resistance: Up to 5 feetMobile Payments: NoToday's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Lenovo USA (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Apple-Watch-like style+GPS, heart-rate monitor, pedometer notifications+Transflective color display is easy on the eyes

Reasons to avoid

-Heart-rate and step-tracking not always precise-Can't respond to notifications The best cheap smartwatch under $100, the Amazfit Bip is a stylish touchscreen watch with smartphone notifications, lengthy battery life and built-in heart-rate monitor, GPS and GLONASS for accurate workout tracking. Cheap heart-rate-tracking devices are notoriously unreliable, but we put the Bip to the test and found it to be almost as accurate as our Garmin Forerunner. You can eke out 45 days of battery life from the Bip without using any of its smart features, but even using the heart-rate monitor and GPS to track workouts, we went two weeks before the watch dipped below 50 percent. That's incredible for a smartwatch. The Bip's 1.28-inch, 176 x 176-pixel color screen isn't stellar, but the always-on display is useful for using the watch as, you know, a watch. The one downside: The Bip lacks an app store, so it's not really playing in the same field as the Apple Watch, Samsung's Tizen OS watches, Fitbit's Ionic and Versa, or Wear OS smartwatches from companies like Fossil and LG. But that's a small price to pay for such a bargain.Read our full Amazfit Bip review.

Fitbit Versa Lite. Credit: Tom's Guide

8 Fitbit Versa Lite

The best cheap smartwatch for basic fitness tracking

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.34 inches (300 x 300)Heart Rate: YesGPS: When connected to phoneLTE: NoBattery Life: Four daysWater Resistance: Splash-proofMobile Payments: Fitbit Pay (with Versa Special Edition, $90 extra)Today's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stellar battery life+Accurate sleep- and fitness-tracking+Fun color options

Reasons to avoid

-Limited app store-No onboard music storage The Fitbit Versa Lite is one of the best cheap smartwatches on the market and offers many of the same features that make the Versa our favorite mainstream smartwatch. It's also more colorful than its higher-priced siblings, with Marina Blue and Mulberry Plum options alongside a classic silver with colorful bands. But the Versa Lite also sacrifices some of the features that make the Versa so well-rounded, including swim tracking and onboard music storage. If those features are less important than price, the Versa Lite is worth buying for the battery life and solid fitness tracking.Read our full Fitbit Versa Lite review
(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

9 Amazfit T-Rex 2

The best cheap smartwatch for outdoor sports

Specifications

Works with: Android, iOSDisplay: 1.3-inch AMOLEDHeart Rate: YesGPS: YesLTE: NoBattery Life: 20 daysWater Resistance: Up to 50 metersMobile Payments: NoToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Affordable for a GPS watch+Rugged design+Impressive battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Bad haptics With a large display, on-board GPS, built-in compass and enough durability certifications to survive Jurassic Park, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 one of the best cheap smartwatches ever made for the outdoors. At $199, it's less than half the price of the Garmin Instinct and other popular GPS smartwatches, making it an affordable alternative. Like other devices on our best sports watch page, the T-Rex offers an impressive battery life, variety of sports modes and sleep tracking – all wrapped in its impenetrable shell. With all the sensors you could want, the T-Rex is a beast to be reckoned with, plus who doesn't want a device named after a dinosaur? Read our full Amazfit T-Rex 2 review.

How to choose the best cheap smartwatch for you

When shopping for a cheap smartwatch, you should look for the same things as if you were shopping for a higher-priced model. First, what kind of smartphone do you have? If you own an iPhone, we recommend sticking with the Apple Watch Series 3 (or some other version), as the Apple Watch is the only smartwatch that fully works with the iPhone. If you have an Android smartphone, your best choice is either a Samsung or Wear OS smartwatch; both of those platforms fully support Android phones, such as making and receiving calls from your wrist, as well as crafting messages. Wear OS has a much larger app library than does Samsung's Tizen-based operating system, but we prefer the interface on Samsung's smartwatches, and they tend to have much longer battery life. After that, you want to find a smartwatch that best fits your wrist or style. You have the most options with Wear OS, as many of Fossil's brands-Diesel, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Misfit, Emporio Armani, and more-all have their own smartwatches, with a multitude of styles, bands, sizes, and more. Both Apple and Samsung offer far fewer options in terms of style and size. You also want to consider what you plan to do with the smartwatch. If you're into fitness, you'll want a smartwatch that's water-resistant and has GPS and a heart rate monitor.

How we test the best cheap smartwatches

We test cheap smartwatches the same way we do pricier models: By wearing them. We first see how well the watches fit on our wrists, and how easy the displays are to read (especially in sunlight and navigate. Depending on its capabilities, we also test the watches' sensors, such as GPS and heart rate monitors. If you need a watch that can track your workouts without your phone, check out our guides to the best GPS watches and best running watches instead. Other criteria that factor into our ratings include the number of apps available for a smartwatch, how well it interacts with our smartphone, and battery life. In all of this, we also take into account the price of the smartwatch. The less a watch costs, the more leeway we're inclined to give it. Still, there are a lot of lousy cheap smartwatches - and plenty of good ones under $200 - so our tolerance only goes so far. Round up of today's best dealsReduced Price (opens in new tab)Fitbit Versa 3 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$229.95 (opens in new tab)$154.81 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$249.99 (opens in new tab)$161.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesDeal ends Tue, Nov 1 (opens in new tab)Fitbit Versa 2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$159.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Garmin Lily Sport (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199.99 (opens in new tab)$149.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesLow StockReduced Price (opens in new tab)Fossil Sport Smartwatch (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$275 (opens in new tab)$169 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Amazfit Bip (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$59.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Fitbit Versa Lite (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$220 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Amazfit T-Rex 2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$216.26 (opens in new tab)$199.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Kate KozuchKate Kozuch is an editor at Tom's Guide covering smartwatches, TVs and everything smart-home related. Kate also appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account (opens in new tab), which you should be following. When she's not filming tech videos, you can find her on an exercise bike, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.
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