Affordable Top Smartwatch Picks in 2025: Budget-Friendly Wearable Technology That Keeps Your Wallet Intact
In the ever-evolving world of technology, smartwatches have become an essential accessory for many, offering a blend of style, functionality, and health monitoring features. This year, several affordable options have emerged as top picks for those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch. Here's a roundup of the best cheap smartwatches in 2025.
1. Amazfit Active 2: Best Overall Cheap Smartwatch
Priced at just $99, the Amazfit Active 2 offers a classic design, great battery life, a large display, and comprehensive features with very few flaws. It is the best overall cheap smartwatch, providing an excellent budget smartwatch experience.
2. Apple Watch SE 2: Best for iPhone Users
While not the cheapest option, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the best choice for iPhone users. It boasts a fantastic screen, the powerful watchOS operating system, and is the most feature-rich option for Apple users.
3. Fitbit Versa 3: A Strong Fitness-Focused Smartwatch
Now super cheap due to the launch of the Versa 4, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a strong fitness-focused smartwatch. It excels in general fitness tracking and offers good value for its price.
4. CMF Watch Pro 2: Budget-Friendly with Decent Specs
Recommended in budget lists for 2025, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is notable for its design and feature set, though not as highly ranked as the Amazfit Active 2 overall. It offers good specs at a low price point.
5. Garmin Forerunner 165: Best Garmin Option for Runners
For fitness enthusiasts and Android users, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best option. It boasts 13 days of battery life, an AMOLED touchscreen, and detailed training features including stride length, cadence, heart rate zones, and elevation tracking.
6. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Best Cheap Android Smartwatch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the best cheap Android smartwatch, available near the $299 price point and often discounted. It features a slim, lightweight design, a bright AMOLED touchscreen, and advanced AI-backed health and fitness tracking tools, including excellent sleep tracking.
7. Mobvoi TicWatch E3: Affordable Wear OS Watch
A standout cheap Wear OS watch, the Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is available for under $75. It offers wide app support and decent battery life compared to pricier models, with its downsides including a thick bezel, no rotating crown, and lower RAM/storage.
A Closer Look at the Features, Pros, and Cons
| Watch | Features | Pros | Cons | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Amazfit Active 2 | Classic design, long battery, large display | Very affordable, comprehensive features | Minor flaws, less brand recognition | | Apple Watch SE 2 | watchOS, great screen, rich apps | Best for iPhone users, feature-rich | Pricier than some budget options | | Fitbit Versa 3 | Good fitness tracking, affordable now | Great fitness tracking, low price | Older model, fewer smartwatch features | | CMF Watch Pro 2 | Good design, smartwatch basics | Affordable, decent specs | Not best overall, less battery life | | Garmin Forerunner 165| Long battery, AMOLED, advanced running metrics | Excellent for runners, robust tracking | Higher price, focused on fitness | | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7| AMOLED, AI wellness tools, slim design | Excellent display, health tracking | Near $300 price, thicker bezel | | Mobvoi TicWatch E3 | Wear OS, app support, heart rate & SpO2 sensors | Very cheap, responsive software | Thick bezel, no rotating crown |
These smartwatches deliver strong value within budget constraints, with the Amazfit Active 2 and Apple Watch SE 2 standing out for general use and iPhone users respectively, while Garmin and Samsung options cater more to fitness enthusiasts and Android users.
The Amazfit Active 2 and the Samsgung Galaxy Watch 7 are some affordable wearables that provide excellent budget smartwatch experiences, featuring a classic design and a slim, lightweight design respectively. These gadgets, along with other options like the Apple Watch SE 2, Fitbit Versa 3, CMF Watch Pro 2, Garmin Forerunner 165, and the Mobvoi TicWatch E3, offer a blend of style, functionality, and health monitoring features, making them attractive technological choices for many.
