4 Best Budget Smartwatch Models for Less Than $250 (2026)

Boutayna Chokrane GearJul 30, 2026 7:01 AMThe Best Budget Smartwatch for Saving Money Without Sacrificing FeaturesYou don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch. These are the best options under $250.Apple; CMF; Garmin; GoogleCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyLike many consumer gadgets and wearables, smartwatches have gotten more expensive in recent months, thanks in part to rising component costs and supply chain pressures. But demand remains high, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Wearables have become extensions of ourselves, much like our phones. We use them as second notification hubs, health and fitness trackers, and, of course, sometimes just to tell the time.But not everyone can (or should) spend half a month’s rent on a smartwatch. In this economy? That’s why I’ve rounded up the best budget smartwatches, all of which cost $250 or less. My picks, including my top choice—the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro ($79)—prove that you don’t have to sacrifice performance just because you’re on a budget.For more recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Smartwatches, Best Fitness Trackers, and Best Apple Watches.Love WIRED? Add us as a preferred source on Google to see more of us.Featured In This GuideBest Budget Smartwatch OverallNothing CMF Watch 3 ProJump to review$79 $73 (8% off) AmazonMost Affordable Apple WatchApple Watch SE 3Jump to review$249 AppleBest Budget Running WatchGarmin Forerunner 165Jump to review$250 $204 (18% off) AmazonBest Fitbit SmartwatchFitbit Versa 4Jump to review$200 $175 (13% off) AmazonJump ToAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronHonorable MentionsBest Budget Smartwatch OverallPhotograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNothingCMF Watch 3 Pro$79 $73 (8% off) Amazon$79 NothingNothing is known for the affordability and retro charm of its headphones and phones, so it was unsurprising to discover that the CMF Watch 3 Pro is both fun to use and very affordable. (CMF is a sub-brand of Nothing.)Why WIRED recommends: This is a feature-packed smartwatch, with wrist-based gesture controls, an onboard microphone for voice calls, a ChatGPT-integrated voice assistant, and a built-in flashlight. Weighing only 51.9 grams (1.8 ounces), it’s super light, but the 1.43-inch AMOLED display is large and bright with more than 120 vibrant watch faces to choose from. The CMF Watch 3 Pro syncs with the Nothing X app on both iOS and Android, and battery life lasts about 13 days.The suite of health features is pretty comprehensive. Its optical heart rate sensor is accurate; former editor Adrienne So tallied the live readings on the Watch 3 Pro with her Oura Ring 4, and they almost always matched exactly. It also has dual-band GPS tracking for more accurate outdoor tracking, detailed workout summaries, and fun animations that appear when you’re measuring your heart rate or doing breathing exercises.The trade-offs: It has a more utilitarian look than most smartwatches. The case is made from precision-milled metal, but it looks and feels more like plastic. The app can be a little wonky, the running coach is less flexible than those on other fitness trackers, and the watch occasionally overestimates sleep by as much as an hour compared with other sleep trackers.SpecsCase Size47 mmDisplay1.43-inch AMOLED displayBattery LifeUp to 13 daysDurabilityIP68 ratedCompatibilityiOS and AndroidConnectivityBluetoothMost Affordable Apple WatchPhotograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAppleWatch SE 3$249 Apple$279 $250 (10% off) Amazon$249 Best BuyIf you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) is the best value in Apple’s lineup. It’s a decent upgrade if you’re coming from an older model and also makes a great smartwatch for your parents or kids.Why WIRED recommends: It has the latest S10 chip, which enables many of the standout health features the previous Apple Watch SE 2 lacked, such as sleep apnea notifications and skin temperature sensing. It