Budget Picks: Best Smartwatches Under $150 (2024 Roundup)

Not everyone needs a flagship smartwatch. If your priorities are notifications, basic health tracking, and solid battery life, several budget options deliver excellent value. We tested popular sub‑$150 devices and present the ones that stood out this year.

What to expect in this price range

Under $150 you’ll typically find reliable notifications, basic heart rate monitoring, single‑band GPS (or connected GPS), music controls, and multi‑day battery life. Expect tradeoffs in display brightness, advanced sensors (ECG, SpO2 may be missing or limited), and metal chassis options.

Top budget picks

Runner‑up: Versatile all‑rounder

This category contains watches that do many things well — step counting, sleep tracking, and notifications — with solid battery life and a comfortable strap. They’re ideal for casual users who want smart features without the premium price.

Best for battery life

Some budget watches deliver multi‑day or even week‑long battery life by using monochrome or low‑power displays and limiting continuous sensor use. These are great for travelers or those tired of nightly charging.

Best for fitness beginners

Fitness‑focused budget devices often include guided workout modes, heart rate, and sometimes GPS. They’re suitable for beginners who want structured plans without the cost of premium fitness watches.

What to avoid

Avoid watches with opaque privacy policies, inconsistent firmware updates, or vendors with poor app reviews. Prioritize devices with a clear update roadmap and good customer support, even in the budget segment.

Accessories and value adds

Consider third‑party bands, screen protectors, and charging docks that improve the ownership experience. Often a modest accessory investment improves comfort or protection more than upgrading to a pricier watch.

Final recommendation

For most buyers on a tight budget, choose a watch that nails the basics — reliable notifications, comfortable wear, long battery life, and a clear app experience. You can get a worry‑free daily companion without investing in top‑end hardware.

By Jordan Reed • 2024-02-10