Best Smartwatches Under $200_ Budget-Friendly Options

Why Choose a Smartwatch Under $200?

Let's face it, not everyone wants to drop a fortune on a smartwatch. The good news is, you don't have to! There's a growing market of smartwatches under $200 that offer a surprising amount of functionality without emptying your wallet. These budget-friendly options are perfect for first-time smartwatch users, students, or anyone looking for a basic fitness tracker and notification hub.

Key Features to Look For in a Budget Smartwatch

Before diving into specific recommendations, here's what to keep in mind when shopping for a smartwatch under $200:

• Fitness Tracking: Most budget smartwatches offer basic fitness tracking, including step counting, distance tracking, and calorie burn estimates. Some may also include heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.
• Notifications: A key function of any smartwatch is the ability to receive notifications from your smartphone. Make sure the watch is compatible with your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) and that you can customize which notifications you receive.
• Battery Life: Battery life can vary significantly between models. Look for a smartwatch that offers at least a few days of battery life on a single charge.
• Display: The display is your window into the smartwatch's functions. Consider the size, resolution, and brightness of the display. A brighter display is especially important if you plan to use the watch outdoors.
• Water Resistance: If you plan to wear your smartwatch during workouts or in wet conditions, make sure it has a decent water resistance rating (e.g., IP67 or 5ATM).
• App Support: While you won't find the same level of app support as you would on a higher-end smartwatch, some budget options offer access to a limited selection of apps.

Top Smartwatch Recommendations Under $200

Amazfit Bip 3 Pro: Best Overall Value Smartwatch Under $200

The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is a standout choice for its comprehensive features and affordable price. It boasts a large color display, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a wide range of sports modes. Plus, it offers impressive battery life, often lasting up to two weeks on a single charge.

• Key Features: Built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, 60+ sports modes, SpO2 measurement, 5 ATM water resistance, long battery life.
• Use Case: Ideal for everyday fitness tracking, outdoor activities, and receiving notifications on the go.
• Pros: Excellent battery life, built-in GPS, comprehensive fitness tracking.
• Cons: Limited app support, screen can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
• Price: Around $70.

Xiaomi Mi Band 7: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with Smart Features

While technically a fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 offers many of the same features as a smartwatch at an even lower price point. It has a vibrant AMOLED display, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, and a variety of workout modes. It's lightweight, comfortable to wear, and offers excellent battery life.

• Key Features: AMOLED display, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, 120+ sports modes, 5 ATM water resistance, long battery life.
• Use Case: Perfect for basic fitness tracking, monitoring sleep, and receiving notifications.
• Pros: Very affordable, vibrant display, long battery life.
• Cons: Smaller screen, limited app support.
• Price: Around $50.

Fitbit Inspire 3: Best for User-Friendly Fitness Tracking

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a simple and easy-to-use fitness tracker that's perfect for beginners. It offers basic fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management features. It also has a clear and easy-to-read display and long battery life.

• Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking, stress management features, long battery life, easy-to-read display.
• Use Case: Ideal for users who want a straightforward fitness tracker with a focus on health and wellness.
• Pros: User-friendly interface, long battery life, comfortable to wear.
• Cons: Limited features compared to other smartwatches, requires a Fitbit account.
• Price: Around $100.

Realme Watch 3 Pro: Best Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling

The Realme Watch 3 Pro stands out with its Bluetooth calling feature, allowing you to answer calls directly from your wrist. It also boasts a large AMOLED display, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a variety of sports modes.

• Key Features: Bluetooth calling, AMOLED display, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, 100+ sports modes.
• Use Case: Great for users who need to take calls on the go and want a smartwatch with comprehensive fitness tracking features.
• Pros: Bluetooth calling, large AMOLED display, built-in GPS.
• Cons: Battery life is shorter than some competitors, interface can be a bit clunky.
• Price: Around $80.

TicWatch GTH Pro: Best Smartwatch for Advanced Health Monitoring

The TicWatch GTH Pro focuses on advanced health monitoring, including arterial stiffness detection and exercise pulse wave analysis. It also offers heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, and a variety of sports modes. While the display isn't as vibrant as some competitors, the health tracking features are impressive for the price.

• Key Features: Arterial stiffness detection, exercise pulse wave analysis, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, 14 sports modes.
• Use Case: Ideal for users who are interested in advanced health monitoring and want to track their cardiovascular health.
• Pros: Advanced health tracking features, comfortable to wear.
• Cons: Display isn't as vibrant as some competitors, limited app support.
• Price: Around $80.

Smartwatch Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Smartwatch for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best smartwatch under $200 for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you, such as fitness tracking, notifications, battery life, or specific health monitoring capabilities. Read reviews and compare specs to find the perfect fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Where to Buy These Budget-Friendly Smartwatches

You can find these smartwatches at major online retailers like Amazon, as well as directly from the manufacturers' websites. Be sure to check for sales and discounts to get the best possible price!