Top 6 Best Budget Smartwatches Under $300 in 2026
The 6 best cheap smartwatches for iPhone and Android — Apple Watch SE 3, Galaxy Watch FE, Amazfit, Garmin and CMF — ranked with pros, cons and what you give up.
The verdict
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best budget smartwatch for iPhone; the Galaxy Watch FE is the pick for Android.
You do not need to spend $400 or more to get a great smartwatch. Today’s affordable models track workouts and sleep, show notifications, support contactless payments on some platforms and often last longer on a charge than flagships.
We ranked the six best smartwatches under $300 for iPhone and Android, explaining what you give up compared with premium watches — and what you do not.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best for iPhoneApple Watch SE 3
- Best for AndroidSamsung Galaxy Watch FE
- Best battery lifeAmazfit Active 2
- Best fitness-focusedGarmin Venu Sq 2
- Best under $100CMF Watch 3 Pro
- Best cheap and simpleAmazfit Bip 6
| Model | Why we picked it | Where to buy |
Apple Watch SE 3 |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch FE |
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Amazfit Active 2 |
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Garmin Venu Sq 2 |
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CMF Watch 3 Pro |
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Amazfit Bip 6 |
How we chose
We compared each budget smartwatche against its closest rivals at the same price using manufacturer specifications, independent test data and long-term owner feedback from verified buyers. Every pick is scored out of 10 on performance, value, build quality and longevity — see our editorial policy. We never accept payment for placement.
The 6 best budget smartwatches in 2026
1. Apple Watch SE 3 — Best for iPhone
The SE 3 gives iPhone owners the core Apple Watch experience for much less, now with an always-on display and a faster chip. Activity tracking, notifications, Apple Pay and safety features are all here.
It lacks some advanced health sensors of the Series 11. See our Series 11 vs Ultra 3 guide for premium options.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE — Best for Android
The Galaxy Watch FE brings Samsung’s smartwatch experience — Wear OS apps, solid health tracking and payments — to a budget price.
Battery life is about a day and a half, and some health features need a Samsung phone.
3. Amazfit Active 2 — Best battery life
The Active 2 is a stylish, affordable watch with a bright display, built-in GPS and battery life that lasts well over a week — far longer than Apple or Samsung.
Its app ecosystem is limited compared with Wear OS or watchOS.
4. Garmin Venu Sq 2 — Best fitness-focused
The Venu Sq 2 brings Garmin’s excellent fitness and health tracking — Body Battery, sleep and stress — to a square-screen smartwatch with days of battery life.
Smart features are more basic than Apple or Samsung.
5. CMF Watch 3 Pro — Best under $100
Nothing’s CMF brand offers a surprisingly capable smartwatch for very little money, with a bright AMOLED screen, built-in GPS and long battery life.
Apps and payments are very limited.
6. Amazfit Bip 6 — Best cheap and simple
The Bip line has long been a favourite cheap smartwatch, offering the essentials — notifications, fitness and sleep tracking, GPS and long battery — at a very low price.
It is basic, but reliable.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Best for | Our score |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 | iPhone owners on a budget | 8.8/10 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | Android on a budget | 8.5/10 |
| Amazfit Active 2 | Long battery and fitness | 8.4/10 |
| Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Fitness and health data | 8.3/10 |
| CMF Watch 3 Pro | Maximum value | 8.0/10 |
| Amazfit Bip 6 | Simple tracking for less | 7.9/10 |
What you give up with a budget smartwatch
- Advanced health sensors such as ECG or temperature may be missing.
- Premium materials like titanium and sapphire glass.
- LTE connectivity is rarer on cheap watches.
- App ecosystems are limited on Amazfit and CMF models.
For most people these are acceptable trade-offs — the essentials of notifications, fitness tracking and sleep data are excellent even at low prices.
Buying tips
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap smartwatch for iPhone?
The Apple Watch SE 3 — it offers the full Apple Watch experience with an always-on display at a much lower price.
What is the best cheap smartwatch for Android?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for full apps, or the Amazfit Active 2 for longer battery life.
Are cheap smartwatches accurate?
For steps, heart rate and sleep trends, yes. For medical-grade features and advanced training metrics, premium models are better.
Want the best overall? See our best smartwatches guide.
Smart on a budget
Budget smartwatches see steep discounts during major sales — check today’s prices.
