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10 Best Smartwatch For Your Money 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,215
Display
Connectivity
Battery Life

Most important from
2161 reviews

Display
The AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and sharp clarity, making data easy to read even in bright sunlight.
Connectivity
GPS tracking is impressively precise, providing reliable location data for outdoor workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with several days of use on a single charge, even when GPS and other features are actively used.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Heart rate and pulse oximeter sensors provide accurate readings comparable to dedicated medical devices.
Apps and Features
While the training data is extensive and valuable, some workout features and app integrations feel basic and could benefit from improved customization and smoother user interfaces.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a running-focused smartwatch that also covers general fitness and smart features well. Its bright, colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen makes it easy to read data and use apps, with the added benefit of physical buttons for reliable control during workouts. Compatibility with both Android and Apple phones ensures you can get notifications, calls, texts, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments, adding convenience for everyday use. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and about 20 hours with GPS running, which is great for long training sessions or multi-day use without frequent charging.

Health and fitness tracking stand out here: the watch offers detailed training metrics, recovery insights, and a training readiness score that adapts based on your sleep, heart rate variability, and recent workouts—helping you avoid overtraining and plan your runs smarter. It supports over 30 activity profiles including triathlon and open-water swimming, making it versatile for multisport athletes. The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology means GPS tracking is accurate even in tricky environments like dense city streets or forests, which is crucial for runners and cyclists.

Safety features like incident detection provide peace of mind when training outdoors alone, though they require a paired phone and network coverage. On the downside, while durable and water resistant, the watch isn’t specifically marketed for extreme conditions and heavy-duty use. Also, the advanced training data may be more detailed than casual users need, which can feel overwhelming initially. This watch is best suited for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts who want deep training insights paired with strong everyday smartwatch functions and solid battery life.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,215
Display
Connectivity
Battery Life

Most important from
2161 reviews

Display
The AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and sharp clarity, making data easy to read even in bright sunlight.
Connectivity
GPS tracking is impressively precise, providing reliable location data for outdoor workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with several days of use on a single charge, even when GPS and other features are actively used.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Heart rate and pulse oximeter sensors provide accurate readings comparable to dedicated medical devices.
Apps and Features
While the training data is extensive and valuable, some workout features and app integrations feel basic and could benefit from improved customization and smoother user interfaces.
#2

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS + Cellular 42mm case] Smartwatch with Silver Aluminium Case with Denim Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Rating
9.4
Compatibility
Battery Life
Health and Fitness Tracking

Most important from
15338 reviews

Compatibility
Accessing calls and texts directly from the wrist makes phone-free days surprisingly convenient, especially when on the move.
Battery Life
Battery life holds up well for daily use, though features like maps and vibration can speed up drainage.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Fitness tracking works smoothly, providing reliable data for workouts and health monitoring.
Display
Setting up and customizing the display is intuitive, allowing you to tailor what information appears differently than on the iPhone.
Durability and Water Resistance
A screen protector is recommended for those with busy or rugged lifestyles to maintain the screen's quality.
Connectivity
The cellular version enables leaving the phone behind during hikes or gym sessions while staying connected to calls, texts, and music.
Apps and Features
The sound quality is impressive, with clear calls that feel just like talking on a phone.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a strong choice if you're looking for a feature-rich smartwatch that works best with Apple devices. It offers excellent compatibility, connecting seamlessly with iPhones running iOS 18 or later, and supports handy features like unlocking your Mac and using Apple Pay. The display is bright and clear, with an always-on Retina screen that’s about 30% larger, making it easy to see information at a glance. Battery life provides a full day of use and can be quickly recharged—80% in roughly 30 minutes—which is convenient if you’re active and on the go.

When it comes to health and fitness, this watch shines. It tracks a wide range of workouts, monitors vital signs like heart rate and ECG, and even provides sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications. Safety features such as fall detection and emergency SOS add peace of mind. Durability is solid, with swim-proof water resistance (50m) and dust resistance rated IP6X, so it can handle everyday wear and outdoor activities.

Connectivity includes GPS, cellular options, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, allowing for calls and texting without your phone nearby, which is great for staying connected during workouts or errands. The watch is best suited for users already invested in Apple's ecosystem, as it requires an iPhone for full functionality. Battery life, while good for daily use, may need daily charging if you use many features or cellular connectivity extensively. Its premium price may also be a consideration. This smartwatch is a powerful health and fitness partner with strong safety and connectivity features, ideal for Apple users who want a sleek, durable device that supports an active lifestyle.

Rating
9.4
Compatibility
Battery Life
Health and Fitness Tracking

Most important from
15338 reviews

Compatibility
Accessing calls and texts directly from the wrist makes phone-free days surprisingly convenient, especially when on the move.
Battery Life
Battery life holds up well for daily use, though features like maps and vibration can speed up drainage.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Fitness tracking works smoothly, providing reliable data for workouts and health monitoring.
Display
Setting up and customizing the display is intuitive, allowing you to tailor what information appears differently than on the iPhone.
Durability and Water Resistance
A screen protector is recommended for those with busy or rugged lifestyles to maintain the screen's quality.
Connectivity
The cellular version enables leaving the phone behind during hikes or gym sessions while staying connected to calls, texts, and music.
Apps and Features
The sound quality is impressive, with clear calls that feel just like talking on a phone.
#3

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Display
Fitness and Health Tracking

Most important from
17507 reviews

Battery Life
The Fitbit Versa 4 has an impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days even with GPS usage.
Display
The larger screen size is appreciated, though some find the notification vibrations less forceful.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The watch excels in health monitoring, tracking steps, routes, and offering a variety of features beyond basic fitness tracking.
Customization and Style
The soft, non-irritating band is a plus for those with sensitive skin, though some users may need to switch bands after extended wear.

The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch stands out for its extensive fitness and health tracking features, making it an excellent choice for those focused on improving their fitness and overall well-being. Its Daily Readiness Score, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and 40+ exercise modes cater to a wide range of workout enthusiasts. The watch also emphasizes sleep quality with advanced tracking and personalized insights, which is beneficial for users looking to optimize their rest. Additionally, stress management tools, guided breathing sessions, and menstrual health tracking are notable features that support mental and physical health.

With a battery life of over 6 days, users won't need to charge frequently, adding to its convenience. The inclusion of Bluetooth calls, texts, notifications, and built-in Amazon Alexa enhances its utility beyond fitness. However, the Fitbit Versa 4 does have some drawbacks. The display size of 1.58 inches is fairly standard but might be small for some users. Its reliance on a Premium membership for advanced features and insights can be seen as a downside since it involves additional cost after the initial 6-month trial. The device is also somewhat limited by its OS compatibility—though it works with iOS, some features like Google Maps are Android-only at launch.

Despite these points, the smartwatch is durable and water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for various activities. Customization options, including changeable bands and clock faces, allow users to tailor the watch to their style. All in all, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a robust fitness smartwatch with a comprehensive feature set, ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to track and improve their health metrics.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Display
Fitness and Health Tracking

Most important from
17507 reviews

Battery Life
The Fitbit Versa 4 has an impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days even with GPS usage.
Display
The larger screen size is appreciated, though some find the notification vibrations less forceful.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The watch excels in health monitoring, tracking steps, routes, and offering a variety of features beyond basic fitness tracking.
Customization and Style
The soft, non-irritating band is a plus for those with sensitive skin, though some users may need to switch bands after extended wear.

Buying Guide for the Best Smartwatch For Your Money

Choosing the right smartwatch can significantly enhance your daily life by providing convenience, health tracking, and connectivity right on your wrist. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your personal needs and lifestyle. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a smartwatch.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the smartwatch works with your smartphone's operating system, such as iOS or Android. This is crucial because a smartwatch that isn't compatible with your phone won't be able to sync properly, limiting its functionality. To navigate this, check the smartwatch's specifications to ensure it supports your phone's OS. If you use an iPhone, look for watches that are compatible with iOS, and if you use an Android phone, ensure the watch supports Android. Your choice should be guided by the type of smartphone you own.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the smartwatch can operate before needing a recharge. This is important because it affects how often you'll need to charge the device, which can impact convenience and usability. Battery life can range from a single day to several weeks. If you need a watch for intensive use, such as tracking workouts or using GPS, look for models with longer battery life. For casual use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable. Consider your daily routine and how often you can charge the device when making your choice.
Health and Fitness TrackingHealth and fitness tracking features monitor various aspects of your physical activity and health, such as heart rate, steps, sleep, and workouts. This is important for those who want to maintain or improve their health and fitness levels. Basic models offer step counting and heart rate monitoring, while advanced models include features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and detailed workout tracking. Choose a smartwatch with the health and fitness features that match your goals, whether it's general wellness, specific fitness tracking, or advanced health monitoring.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartwatch, and it affects how easily you can read and interact with the device. This is important for usability and overall experience. Displays can vary in size, resolution, and type (e.g., LCD, OLED). Larger, higher-resolution displays are easier to read and offer better visuals, but they may consume more battery. Smaller displays are more compact and energy-efficient. Consider how you plan to use the watch and whether you need a large, clear display for reading notifications and tracking data, or if a smaller, simpler display will suffice.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance determine how well the smartwatch can withstand physical wear and exposure to water. This is important for those who lead active lifestyles or want to use the watch in various environments. Durability can include scratch-resistant screens and robust materials, while water resistance is measured in ATM ratings or IP ratings. For everyday use, a basic level of water resistance might be enough, but for swimming or outdoor activities, look for higher ratings. Choose a smartwatch that matches your lifestyle and the conditions it will be exposed to.
ConnectivityConnectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sometimes cellular capabilities, which allow the smartwatch to connect to your phone and the internet. This is important for receiving notifications, making calls, and accessing apps. Basic models may only offer Bluetooth, while advanced models include Wi-Fi and cellular options. If you need constant connectivity and the ability to use the watch independently of your phone, look for models with cellular capabilities. For basic use, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi might be sufficient. Consider how you plan to use the watch and the level of connectivity you need.
Apps and FeaturesApps and features refer to the additional functionalities that the smartwatch offers, such as music control, contactless payments, and customizable watch faces. This is important for enhancing the overall user experience and convenience. Some smartwatches have a wide range of apps and features, while others are more limited. If you want a versatile device that can handle various tasks, look for models with a rich app ecosystem and additional features. If you prefer a simpler device, focus on the core functionalities that are most important to you. Your choice should be guided by how you plan to use the smartwatch and which features are essential for your needs.

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