Finding the right fitness smartwatch doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re training for a marathon, tracking your daily steps, or just want to keep an eye on your heart rate during workouts, Walmart has solid options across every budget. Here’s what I’d recommend after looking at what’s actually worth buying right now.
These devices have become must-haves for a reason. A decent fitness smartwatch tracks your heart rate around the clock, monitors your sleep, counts your steps, and many models include built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking during runs and bike rides.
The difference between a basic fitness tracker and a proper smartwatch usually comes down to app ecosystem, display quality, and smart features like notifications and music control. Walmart’s selection ranges from budget models under $50 to feature-packed options over $200.
“The best fitness smartwatch is the one you’ll actually wear daily. Features mean nothing if the device sits in a drawer after two weeks.” — fitness technology reviewer
Price at Walmart: Around $199-$249
For most people who want the complete package—good fitness tracking, smooth phone integration, and a premium feel—the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the way to go.
This model gives you the S8 chip, the same processor you’ll find in the flagship Series 8. It tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep stages. It also has Crash Detection and Fall Detection—safety features that could actually matter one day.
Fitness features include workout detection for dozens of activities: running, cycling, swimming, yoga, you name it. The swim-proof design handles up to 50 meters, so it’s fine for pool workouts. Apple Fitness+ integration gives you guided workouts if you want them, though it’s optional.
The always-on altimeter is handy for hikers and trail runners, giving real-time elevation data. Battery life is about 18 hours with typical use—charge it overnight and you’ll be fine.
One thing: this watch needs an iPhone. If you’re on Android, look elsewhere.
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Price at Walmart: Around $59-$69
If you want solid fitness tracking without spending much, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a good pick. This slim fitness band tracks your daily activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and over 100 workout types.
The bright AMOLED display shows your stats clearly, even outdoors. One useful feature: automatic workout detection figures out when you’re walking, running, cycling, or swimming without you doing anything.
Sleep tracking is surprisingly decent for the price. It monitors sleep stages, gives you a Sleep Score, and tracks blood oxygen overnight.
Battery life is the real draw here—up to 13 days on a single charge. You can wear it continuously without constant charging. If you hate charging devices every day or two, this alone makes it worth considering.
The Galaxy Fit 3 works best with Samsung phones but functions fine with any Android device or iPhone, though some features need a Samsung phone for full functionality.
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Price at Walmart: Around $199-$249
Serious runners and athletes should look at the Garmin Forerunner 55. This running watch focuses on performance tracking rather than smart features.
Garmin built the Forerunner 55 for runners. It has built-in GPS with GLONASS and Galileo support for quick, accurate tracking. Route tracking stays reliable even in urban areas or forested trails. The watch shows pace, distance, and time in real-time.
Training features go beyond basic tracking. The Forerunner 55 provides daily suggested workouts based on your fitness level and recovery time. It tracks training load, measures heart rate variability (HRV), and estimates VO2 max.
The Race Predictor estimates your finish times for various distances based on your training history. If you’re preparing for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, this helps set realistic goals.
Battery life is excellent: up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. You can track a full marathon and still have battery left.
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Price at Walmart: Around $69-$79
For under $80, the Fitbit Inspire 3 gives you the essentials: step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and basic workout recognition—without extra complexity.
The Inspire 3 tracks your heart rate 24/7, showing resting heart rate trends over time. Sleep tracking includes light, deep, and REM stages, plus a Daily Sleep Score. The device automatically recognizes walking, running, and cycling.
One nice bonus: this budget model includes SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, usually found on pricier devices. It’s not medical-grade, but it gives useful context.
Battery life is about 10 days, which is solid for a feature-rich tracker.
The Fitbit app provides trends and insights over time. For someone building healthier habits, this data-driven feedback helps with consistency.
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Price at Walmart: Around $249-$299
Google’s Pixel Watch 2 gives you a refined Android experience with solid fitness capabilities. If you use an Android phone, this smartwatch integrates well with your digital life.
The Pixel Watch 2 runs Wear OS, giving you Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. Notifications come through clearly. The design is sleek—a circular face with curved glass.
Fitness tracking uses a redesigned optical heart rate sensor that’s more accurate than the first generation. It tracks exercise automatically and supports GPS via your phone or connected earbuds. The watch measures skin temperature overnight and provides personalized sleep insights through Fitbit.
Safety features include Fall Detection, Safety Check, and Emergency SOS.
Battery life runs about 24 hours with always-on display enabled—good for a full day but you’ll need to charge it nightly. This is standard for full-featured smartwatches.
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Here’s how the five stack up:
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Galaxy Fit 3 | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Fitbit Inspire 3 | Pixel Watch 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199-249 | $59-69 | $199-249 | $69-79 | $249-299 |
| GPS | Phone | No | Built-in | No | Phone |
| Battery | 18 hours | 13 days | 20+ hours | 10 days | 24 hours |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 50m | Swim-proof | 50m | 50m |
| Phone Required | iPhone | Any | No | No | Android |
This matters a lot: Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Google Pixel Watch works best with Android phones. Samsung and Fitbit work with both platforms, though some features restrict to specific phones.
There’s usually a trade-off. Basic fitness bands like the Galaxy Fit 3 and Inspire 3 last over a week but lack GPS and advanced features. Full smartwatches like Apple Watch and Pixel Watch need charging every 1-2 days.
If you run or cycle without your phone, built-in GPS matters. The Garmin Forerunner 55 has it built in. Other models can use your phone’s GPS, but that means carrying your phone.
Prices range from under $50 to over $500. The sweet spots are: under $80 for basic tracking, $150-250 for solid fitness features, and premium options if you want the full smartwatch experience.
Walmart stocks these in-store and online. Online shows more options, while in-store pickup gets you the device same-day if available. Check Walmart.com for current pricing and availability.
Many models qualify for free store pickup, same-day delivery in eligible areas, or free shipping.
The “best” smartwatch depends on what matters to you. For most people, the Apple Watch SE offers the best balance of tracking, features, and design. Budget buyers get good value from the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 or Fitbit Inspire 3. Runners should consider the Garmin Forerunner 55 for its training features.
One thing I’d keep in mind: Walmart lets you see these in person before buying. Take advantage of that. Try on different sizes, see which interface works for you.
A fitness smartwatch only helps if you actually wear it. Get one that fits comfortably, has features you’ll use, and stays charged so it’s ready when you need it.
Which has the best battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 and Fitbit Inspire 3 last 10-13 days. If battery is your priority, these beat pricier smartwatches.
Can I track runs without my phone?
Yes, but you need built-in GPS. The Garmin Forerunner 55 has it. Apple Watch and Pixel Watch can use connected GPS through your phone or earbuds.
Are cheap fitness trackers worth it?
Budget trackers like the Fitbit Inspire 3 provide good value for basic tracking. Worth it if you don’t need GPS or advanced smart features.
Do I need a smartwatch if I have a phone?
Not necessarily, but they add convenience. Continuous heart rate monitoring and automatic workout detection are genuinely useful for fitness.
Which is best for swimming?
All five are water-resistant. Apple Watch SE and Garmin Forerunner 55 are particularly strong for pool tracking with dedicated swim modes.
Can I use Samsung or Fitbit with an iPhone?
Yes, both work with iPhones, though some features may be limited compared to Android.
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