Smartwatches have evolved from being simple time-telling gadgets to becoming powerful fitness trackers, communication hubs, and lifestyle companions. There are numerous excellent smartwatches available for under $250 that strike a balance between style, performance, and value.

In this article, we’ll cover the best smartwatches under $250, highlighting their key features, strengths, and drawbacks to help you choose the right one for your needs.

What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Smartwatch

When choosing the best smartwatch under $250, it’s not just about the price tag. You want a device that strikes a balance between performance, style, and longevity. Here are the key factors to consider before making your purchase:

1. Compatibility

• Apple Watches are exclusive to iPhones, which means Android users won’t be able to use them.
• Samsung Galaxy Watches run on Wear OS, making them most seamless with Samsung and Android phones.
• Fitbit, Garmin, and Amazfit typically support both iOS and Android, though some features may work better on one platform than the other.

Always double-check the compatibility list before buying to ensure you get the full range of features.

2. Battery Life

Battery life can vary widely—from less than 24 hours to over two weeks.

• Daily charging: Apple Watch SE and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 usually need charging every 1–2 days.
• Extended use: Garmin and Amazfit models often last a week or more, perfect for users who don’t want the hassle of constant charging.

Think about your lifestyle: Do you prefer always-on displays and advanced apps (which drain the battery faster), or do you value endurance over extra features?

3. Fitness Tracking

At this price point, you can expect:

• Heart rate tracking for workouts and resting measurements
• Sleep analysis to monitor sleep quality
• Built-in GPS for runs, cycling, or hikes
• Step and calorie counting for everyday activity
• Exercise modes that tailor tracking to specific workouts

If fitness is your top priority, consider Garmin or Fitbit for accuracy, while Apple and Samsung offer a balance of health and lifestyle features.

4. Display Quality

A good screen makes all the difference in usability.

• AMOLED and Retina displays are bright, colorful, and easy to read in sunlight.
• Always-on displays let you check the time and stats without raising your wrist.

Keep in mind that higher brightness and always-on functionality usually reduce battery life.

5. Smart Features

Beyond fitness, a smartwatch should make everyday life easier. Standard features in this price range include:

• Notifications for calls, texts, and apps
• Music controls (some models allow onboard storage)
• Contactless payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Fitbit Pay
• Voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa

Consider how much you’ll actually use these features. If you want a device that feels like a “mini phone” on your wrist, go for Apple or Samsung. If you primarily wish to track your health, Garmin or Fitbit may be better options.

6. Durability

Since smartwatches are worn daily, durability is essential.

• Water resistance allows you to swim, shower, or exercise without worry. Look for at least 5ATM or IP68 ratings.
• Scratch-resistant glass (like Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal) keeps the screen safe from everyday bumps.
• Rugged builds are great for outdoor users who hike, run, or play sports.

Durability ensures your watch lasts longer and can handle the demands of an active lifestyle.

Top Smartwatches Under $250

1. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

• Price: Around $249
• Best For: iPhone users who want premium Apple features without the price tag.

Key Features:

• Retina OLED display
• Fall and crash detection
• Fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring
• Seamless iOS integration
• Swim-proof design

Pros: Smooth performance, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and premium design.
Cons: Works only with iPhones, average battery life (18 hours).

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

• Price: Around $229
• Best For: Android users wanting a balance of fitness and innovative features.

Key Features:

• AMOLED display
• Body composition analysis
• Google Wear OS
• GPS and advanced fitness tracking
• 5ATM water resistance

Pros: Strong health features, durable design, wireless charging.
Cons: Works best with Samsung phones, moderate battery life.

3. Garmin Venu Sq 2

• Price: Around $249
• Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who want accurate health tracking.

Key Features:

• GPS + GLONASS
• Heart rate, stress, sleep, and SpO2 tracking
• AMOLED display
• Music storage (on Music Edition)
• Battery life up to 11 days

Pros: Excellent battery life, accurate tracking, lightweight.
Cons: Fewer smartwatch apps compared to Apple/Samsung.

4. Fitbit Versa 4

• Price: Around $199
• Best For: Users focused on lifestyle fitness tracking and ease of use.

Key Features:

• 40+ exercise modes
• Built-in GPS
• Heart rate and sleep tracking
• Google Maps and Wallet support
• Lightweight design

Pros: Affordable, reliable fitness tracking, comfortable to wear.
Cons: Limited app support, not as advanced as premium models.

5. Amazfit GTR 4

• Price: Around $199
• Best For: Long battery life and all-around everyday use.

Key Features:

• 14-day battery life
• Dual-band GPS
• 150+ sports modes
• Always-on AMOLED display
• Alexa integration

Pros: Incredible battery life, affordable, stylish design.
Cons: Limited third-party app support.

Comparison Table: Best Smartwatches Under $250

Smartwatch	Price	Battery Life	Best For	Key Strengths
Apple Watch SE 2	$249	~18 hours	iPhone users	Smooth iOS integration, safety features
Samsung Galaxy 5	$229	~40 hours	Android users	Great health features, Wear OS apps
Garmin Venu Sq 2	$249	Up to 11 days	Fitness tracking	Accurate metrics, AMOLED display
Fitbit Versa 4	$199	~6 days	Lifestyle fitness	Affordable, lightweight
Amazfit GTR 4	$199	Up to 14 days	Battery & everyday use	Long battery life, stylish

FAQs

Q1: Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?

No. Apple Watches are exclusively designed for iPhones and cannot pair with Android devices. Even if you find workarounds, you won’t get access to core features such as iMessage notifications, health syncing with Apple Health, or app compatibility. If you’re an Android user, consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, Garmin Venu Sq 2, or Amazfit GTR 4, which offer excellent performance and are fully compatible with Android smartphones.

Q2: Which smartwatch has the best battery life under $250?

The Amazfit GTR 4 is the clear leader in this price range, offering up to 14 days of battery life on typical usage. This makes it a fantastic choice for travelers, hikers, or anyone who dislikes the hassle of daily charging. Close behind is the Garmin Venu Sq 2, with up to 11 days of use on a single charge.

By comparison:

• The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) lasts around 18 hours and usually requires daily charging.
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 lasts about 40 hours, which means recharging every 1–2 days.
• The Fitbit Versa 4 sits in the middle with up to 6 days of battery life.

So, if endurance is your priority, Amazfit and Garmin are your best bets.

Q3: Which smartwatch is best for fitness tracking?

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 stands out as the most accurate and detailed fitness tracker. It’s built with health enthusiasts in mind, offering:

• Built-in GPS with multiple satellite systems for precision tracking
• Continuous heart rate monitoring
• Sleep and stress analysis
• SpO2 (blood oxygen) measurements
• Dozens of workout modes tailored to different activities

If you want a watch that doubles as a serious fitness companion, Garmin is the go-to choice. However, the Fitbit Versa 4 is also great for casual fitness users, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers solid health tracking with additional innovative features.

Q4: Do these watches support contactless payments?

Yes, several models under $250 support contactless payments, but the service depends on the brand:

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Uses Apple Pay, widely accepted and easy to use for iPhone owners.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Supports Samsung Pay and Google Wallet, giving flexibility for Android users.
• Fitbit Versa 4: Works with Google Wallet, though availability can vary by region.
• Garmin Venu Sq 2 and Amazfit GTR 4: Limited or no support for contactless payments, making them better for fitness over finance.

If paying with your wrist is a priority, Apple, Samsung, or Fitbit are the strongest choices.

Q5: Which one is best for Android users?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 provides the most well-rounded experience for Android users. It integrates seamlessly with Android devices (especially Samsung phones), offering:

• Google Wear OS with access to apps like Maps, Spotify, and Google Wallet
• Advanced health features including ECG and body composition analysis
• Stylish AMOLED display
• Wireless charging

For Android users who value a balance of health tracking, innovative features, and app support, the Galaxy Watch 5 is the best option under $250. If battery life or fitness accuracy is more important, however, the Amazfit GTR 4 or Garmin Venu Sq 2 may be better alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, there isn’t a single “best” smartwatch for everyone—the right choice depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and what features matter most to you. Thankfully, the sub-$250 range offers excellent options that can rival even some premium models. Here’s how to decide:

• Choose the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) if you’re an iPhone user who wants seamless integration with iOS, access to the App Store, and features like crash detection, Apple Pay, and Siri. It’s the best entry point into the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank.
• Go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 if you’re on Android (especially if you own a Samsung phone) and want the perfect balance between innovative features and health tracking. It offers Wear OS, a vibrant AMOLED display, and advanced health tools like ECG and body composition analysis.
• Select the Garmin Venu Sq 2 if fitness tracking and accuracy are your top priorities. With multiple satellite GPS systems, in-depth health metrics, and a battery that lasts up to 11 days, it’s ideal for athletes, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Pick the Fitbit Versa 4 if you want simplicity, affordability, and lifestyle fitness tracking without overwhelming features. It covers the basics well, including heart rate, sleep, and built-in GPS, while maintaining a lightweight and user-friendly design.
• Opt for the Amazfit GTR 4 if long battery life is your number-one concern. With up to 14 days of use on a single charge, dual-band GPS, and Alexa integration, it’s perfect for travelers, hikers, or anyone who doesn’t want to worry about constant recharging.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to spend over $250 to enjoy a stylish, functional, and feature-packed smartwatch. Whether your priority is iOS integration, Android compatibility, advanced fitness tools, affordability, or endurance, there’s a watch in this price range that will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.