What are the best smartwatches under $300?
While many people prefer using their smartphones for Apps, smartwatches come in major handy for passive use that a smartphone can’t do. Smartwatches are fantastic for health, fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and some can even track stress.
Luckily, technological advancements in the industry helped bring some of the top-tier smartwatches to a reasonable price. After testing and extensive research; We formulated a list of the 8 best smartwatches under $300.
In Short, Here Are The Best Smartwatches Under $300
- Samsung Galaxy SM-R810NZKAXAR
- Fitbit Versa 2
- Garmin Instinct
- Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
- SUUNTO SS014279010
1. Samsung Galaxy SM-R810NZKAXAR
First up, the Samsung Galaxy is a high-quality smartwatch running below $300. This popular and highly-rated watch is a fantastic bang for the buck and recently got a $45 price cut. You can purchase this watch in 3 separate colors; Black, silver, or rose gold. With its Bluetooth capabilities, you are able to connect it to your phone to make calls. Something I really enjoy is the rotating bezel. With it, the watch is much easier to scroll through settings and Apps.
The screen is very well-lit and easy to see regardless of your location. Giving you the ability to flip through settings by swiping left or right, it is very convenient and intuitive to use.
Coming with the purchase is a wireless charger. Requiring roughly 2 hours to charge fully, you get approximately 48 hours of battery life. However, the battery life depends on how often you use it.
Looking more like a real watch rather than a smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy is designed very well. It’s comfortable and fits perfectly on just about any wrist. However, this watch comes in two separate sizes; 42mm and 46mm. Both sizes are below $300. Compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, the Bluetooth pairing is secure and effortless.
One of Samsungs primary focuses on designing this watch is the health aspect. There are breathing features, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, etc. This watch has many useful passive features that come in handy. Some of the useful passive features the Samsung Galaxy offers are schedules, calorie intake, workout detection, pedometer, weather, heart rate monitor, alarms, and sleep tracker.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy is a fantastic smartwatch running below $300. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- Built-in health tracker
- Flip-screen
- Bluetooth capable
- Rotating bezel
- Bright screen
- 3 separate color options: Midnight black, rose gold, or silver
- Available in 2 different sizes
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones: Android OS 5.0 and up, iPhone 5 and up.
- Passive uses: Schedules, calorie intake, workout detection, pedometer, weather, heart rate monitor, alarms, and sleep tracker.
Included Accessories
- Wireless Charger
- Extra straps
2. Fitbit Versa 2
Back in 2009, when the very first Fitbit came out, it took the market by storm. The watch was very beneficial for health tracking and exercise and quickly became popular. However, there were only a few things that needed to change to make the Fitbit a superior smartwatch.
Fitbit took the customer’s critiques very seriously. With a few upgrades, fixing the customer’s complaints, and adding a few extra features; Fitbit launched the new Fitbit Versa 2.
Compared to the original version, the Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch has fewer buttons, a much better screen, much more vibrancy in the colors on the screen, extra storage, Amazon Alexa, and many added features. It has a great battery life that lasts 5-7 days.
With Bluetooth 4.0, it has a reliable and robust connection. You can also connect it via Wifi. With the new NFC feature, you can make payments much more conveniently. It also comes with Amazon Alexa, unlike its previous version.
With 5 gigabytes, you have more than enough storage on this device. Here are some of the Fitbit Versa 2 features; NFC wallet, Amazon Alexa, voice command, Uber, Starbucks, 24/7 heart rate tracking, Spotify, APPs, on-screen workouts, and many more.
This waterproof smartwatch is great for swimmers. It has a water-resistant case and tracks your swim exercises. Overall, the Fitbit Versa 2 is an incredible smartwatch running under $300. We highly recommend it! Be sure to check the reviews below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Vibrant colors on screen
- IP: 50m
- 5 gigabytes (2.5 GB accessible)
- Battery life: 5-7 days non stop
- Bluetooth 4.0
- NFC
- Swim proof/ waterproof
3. Garmin Instinct
Next up, the Garmin Instinct is one of the kings of the smartwatch world. Currently running under $300, this device is one of the highest-rated and reviewed on the market. If you’re the type to go on adventures, the Garmin is one of the toughest and most durable smartwatches created.
They specifically optimized it to withstand vigorous environmental conditions of any sort. The battery life is outstanding. In “smartwatch mode,” it gives you 14 days of battery life. On “GPS mode'” you get 16 days of battery life. Best of all, you get 40 straight days of battery life on UltraTrac battery saver mode.
When we say this watch is designed for adventure, we mean it. The extended battery life, flawless durability, and the plethora of features give you everything you need in a watch for just about any camping, hiking, or traveling trip. It has a built-in barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass. Not only that, the multiple global navigation satellite systems help find more robust environments than the standard GPS.
It also can monitor your stress, heart rate, and activity. Overall, the Garmin Instinct is the perfect smartwatch for those who are active under $300. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- Incredibly durable
- Heart-rate monitor
- Multiple global navigation satellite systems
- Battery life: 14 days on smartwatch mode, 16 days on GPS mode, 40 days on UltraTrac battery saver mode
- Built-in barometric altimeter
- 3-axis compass
- Comes in 8 different colors
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters
4. Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is another great smartwatch below $300. Made of stainless steel, the touch screen is very responsive and intuitive. There is a male and female version of this watch. On the right side, you will see 3 separate buttons that all have their own abilities.
The built-in speaker allows you to take phone calls and audible alerts. On the back is an integrated sensor enabling the watch to monitor your heart rate. Coming in 3 different colors, you can get it in either black, brown, or grey.
Like many high-grade smartwatches, the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle has a heart rate monitor, NFC, smartphone notifications, and GPS. Coming with the purchase is a simple to use the charger which connects to the back of the watch. With only one hour of charge, the watch charges up to 80%.
Something I find very interesting is its various watch faces you can choose from. I also like how it automatically turns on when you lift your wrist upwards when you’re about to look at it. Overall, the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is a solid smartwatch running below $300. It’s very intuitive, has a great design, a decent built-in speaker, and is an excellent value for the price.
Details & Tech Specs
- 44m diameter
- 3 buttons on the right side
- 2 versions: male or female
- Stainless steel
- Built-in speaker
- Heart rate monitor
- Compatible with iPhone and Android phones
- 1 gigabyte ram memory capacity
- Google assistant
5. Garmin vívoactive 3
Just recently, Garmin cut this watch’s price in half. The Garmin vívoactive 3 previously at $250 now runs around $116. First and foremost, the smartwatch is extraordinarily comfortable and lightweight. Many smartwatches are generally bulkier, considering the amount of hardware that goes into each of them. However, the vívoactive 3 is relatively slim and doesn’t even have a bump on the bottom that’s used to monitor your heart rate.
The battery life is decent at approximately 5-7 days. Once connected to a compatible smartphone, you can receive notifications. However, you can’t reply to messages with the watch.
Made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, this watch is extremely durable and nearly scratch-resistant. Automatically coming preloaded on the Garmin vívoactive 3 are 15 GPS and indoor sports apps. A critical feature that comes in handy is its ability to track your stress level.
Stress the silent underlying creator of many sicknesses and diseases. The fact that vívoactive 3 is able to track your stress level is a massive benefit. You are also easily able to see the display in direct sunlight. Overall, the Garmin vívoactive 3 is a fantastic smartwatch running well under $300. Be sure to check out the reviews on Amazon below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Contactless payment
- Removable bands able to be changed
- Touchscreen
- Battery life: 5-7 days
- Smartphone notifications
- 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps
- Stress level tracker
- Able to see the watch display in direct sunlight
- Water-resistant
6. Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
Before we get started on this smartwatch, it’s best compatible with Verizon phone plan users. Barely below $300, the Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE is a reliable smartwatch with a fantastic design. It is incredibly stylish made with a knurled stainless steel bezel. Not only does it look amazing, but the durability is excellent, as well.
With the 810G certified military standard durability and Corning Gorilla 3 glass, the watch is designed for vigorous traveling conditions. The watch and built-in speaker are entirely water/swim proof. On Smart Mode, you get 2-5 days of battery life. With Essential Mode, it gives you roughly 30 days of battery life.
The Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE has many beneficial features for active or passive use. To name a few, you get a 24-hour heart rate monitor, cell connection with Verizon, NFC payments, a sleep tracker, emergency SOS auto-dial, music streaming, cloud sync, etc.
To best track your sleep, download the TicSleep app on the watch. This watch also gives you a plethora of watch faces to choose from. Overall, the Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE is a fantastic smartwatch running below $300.
Details & Tech Specs
- Knurled stainless-steel bezel
- 24h Heart Rate Monitor
- Battery life: Smart mode 2-5 days, essential mode 30 days
- IP68 waterproof/ swim-proof
- US Military Standard 810G certified durability
- Cellular Connectivity for Verizon Phone Plan Users
- 1GB RAM
- Sleep tracker with TicSleep app
- Wear OS by Google
- GPS
- NFC
- Built-in Google Assistant
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Here is another one of the highest-rated smartwatches on the market. Not only is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 currently priced under $300, but they also just took off another $50. You can get the Active2 in one of 3 colors; Aqua black, cloud silver, or pink gold. This is an overall great watch if you intend to reach your goals in fitness.
It has a built-in pace coaching tracker that tells you to either slow down or speed up. Sized at roughly 44mm in diameter, it’s easy to see the bright screen while remaining lightweight on the wrist.
Something I find very beneficial and unique about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is the sleep tracker. Not only does it track your sleep, but it also offers tips to get better sleep. Another great thing is its ability to speed through your APPs by circling the lower part of the screen.
However, you can also swipe if you prefer. This watch immediately brightens up when you turn your wrist towards your face. What I love the most about it is the graphics. Especially for the health Apps, all of the settings have neat displays. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is a great smartwatch for under $300.
Details & Tech Specs
- Pace coaching
- Step counter
- Coming in 3 separate colors: Aqua black, cloud silver, pink gold
- Battery life: 1-3 days with display continuously on
- Sleep tracker
- Stress level monitor
- Diameter: 40mm or 44mm
8. SUUNTO SS014279010
Last up, the SUUNTO SS014279010 is one of the more affordable smartwatches for men on the market. But don’t let the low price fool you. It’s a remarkable choice with a multitude of useful features.
On display, it shows a compass with the direction, the weather, a barometer showing air pressure, an altimeter, and of course, the time. You’ll appreciate its ability to notify you when a storm is approaching, as well.
Coming with the purchase, you get peace of mind with a 2-year warranty. It has a very sturdy build quality, which outperforms its meager price. Overall, the SUUNTO SS014279010 is a very popular smartwatch that’s an excellent bang for the buck. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “The altimeter is very accurate within +/- 10 ft if you set the calibration properly. The digital compass is also very accurate when compared to my magnetic compass. The feature set is what I need, and nothing more. This is a no-frills, no-nonsense watch that feels very durable. I took it on the trail with me from 6000 ft to 11000 ft, temps ranging from 20F to 60F with no glitches of problems. I wore this thing outside my jacket in the rain and snow and it just kept ticking along. All in all, a great watch for the trail.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Weather graph showing trends
- Altimeter
- Alarm for storms approaching
- Barometer
Quick Recap
Here Are The 8 Best Smartwatches Under $300
- Samsung Galaxy
- Fitbit Versa 2
- Garmin Instinct
- Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
- SUUNTO SS014279010
What’s a smartwatch?
A smartwatch is essentially a wristwatch with smart features. While it depends on the brand, some of these smart features might include a heart rate monitor, the ability to text, make phone calls, GPS, sleep monitor, etc.
How much does a smartwatch cost?
With a few exceptions, the cost of smartwatches dramatically varies as you can get them anywhere between $28 all the way up to the $3000’s. However, some of the more popular smartwatches hover in the $200-$500 range.
Do any smartwatches provide GPS and GLONASS?
Very few smartwatches provide GPS and GLONASS. The few that do are Garmin Fenix 5X, Garmin fēnix 5X Plus, Garmin Fenix 6, and Garmin Instinct.