Finding the right fitness smartwatch doesn’t have to break the bank. After testing dozens of models across multiple price points, we’ve identified solid options under $300 that deliver genuine workout tracking, reliable health monitoring, and decent battery life without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a runner tracking marathons, a gym enthusiast monitoring strength sessions, or someone simply wanting to move more throughout the day, there’s a capable option on this list for every fitness goal and budget.
We evaluated each smartwatch over at least two weeks, using them during various workouts including running, cycling, strength training, and swimming. Our testing focused on what actually matters to fitness-focused buyers.
Accuracy of tracking was central to our evaluation. We compared heart rate readings against chest straps and measured GPS distance against known routes to see which devices delivered precise data. Battery life came next—we ran each watch through a standardized usage pattern including daily notifications, one-hour GPS workouts, and sleep tracking to see how long they actually lasted between charges.
We also looked at app ecosystems and companion smartphone experiences, because even the most capable hardware means little if the software is frustrating to use daily. Finally, we assessed comfort during extended wear and evaluated water resistance ratings for swimmers and those who sweat heavily during workouts.
“The best fitness smartwatch is the one you’ll actually wear every day. Features only matter if the device is comfortable enough to become part of your routine.” — Our testing philosophy
The Apple Watch SE remains a strong choice in the sub-$300 category, offering a good balance of features, brand reliability, and software support. At $199 for the GPS model, it delivers most of what makes the flagship Apple Watch great at nearly half the price.
Key Specifications:
The SE tracks your workouts with solid precision, automatically detecting common exercise types and allowing you to manually select from over 100 activity types. The fitness rings provide clear daily motivation to stand, move, and exercise. During our runs, GPS tracking proved accurate within a few hundred meters over 5K distances, which is on par with more expensive competitors.
Health features include heart rate monitoring with high and low heart rate notifications, fall detection, and crash detection. The Sleep app tracks your rest, though you’ll need to charge the watch during shower time since the 18-hour battery won’t comfortably handle overnight wear plus a full day of use.
The main compromises versus the Series 9 are the lack of an always-on display and the older S8 SiP processor. For most users, these differences are minor in daily use. The SE receives software updates for approximately four to five years, giving it decent longevity for the price.
Pros: Good app ecosystem, accurate GPS, reliable heart rate tracking, long software support, bright OLED display
Cons: Requires daily charging, no always-on display, iPhone only
If your fitness focus centers on running—whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR—the Garmin Forerunner 55 stands out as a solid purpose-built option in this price range. Priced at $199, it prioritizes run tracking while remaining approachable for beginners.
Key Specifications:
The Forerunner 55 does what runners need. GPS acquisition is fast, often locking on within seconds of starting your run. Distance and pace tracking proved accurate during our testing, matching the Apple Watch and even some premium Garmin models. The built-in workout suggestions adapt to your fitness level and recovery status, offering guided runs that progress appropriately.
What makes this watch different is its running-specific features. Race predictor estimates your finish times for common distances based on your training data. Recovery time suggestions tell you how long to rest between hard efforts. The body battery feature combines heart rate variability, sleep, and activity data into a single energy metric that helps you decide whether to push hard or take an easy day.
The MIP display isn’t as vibrant as OLED screens, but it’s readable in direct sunlight—a real advantage for outdoor runners. Battery life is good, easily lasting two weeks with moderate use and surviving our longest run at over three hours with GPS engaged.
Pros: Good battery life, excellent GPS accuracy, running-specific features, race predictions, lightweight comfort
Cons: Basic smartphone notifications, no music storage, limited app ecosystem
For users who want comprehensive fitness tracking without the daily charging ritual, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers solid endurance. At $299, it’s the most feature-rich Garmin option under $300 and works well for anyone tired of overnight charging routines.
Key Specifications:
The Vivoactive 5 balances the running-focused Forerunner line with lifestyle-focused smartwatches. It includes advanced health monitoring found in Garmin’s premium models, including Pulse Ox blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, and women’s health tracking. During our sleep testing, the sleep score gave useful insights into rest quality.
The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from previous Vivoactive models, offering vibrant colors and an always-on option that still manages decent battery life. We easily got a full week of use with always-on display enabled, and stretching to eleven days is realistic with power saver settings.
Workout tracking covers the full spectrum—running, cycling, swimming, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and more. The companion app is functional, though not as polished as Apple’s ecosystem. GPS accuracy matches the Forerunner 55, making this a good choice for outdoor athletes who want more than just run tracking.
Pros: Good battery life, AMOLED display, comprehensive health tracking, multi-sport support, lightweight
Cons: No maps or navigation, music storage limited to 500 songs
Android users often struggle to find a quality fitness smartwatch that works well with their phones. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE at $199 fills this gap, offering Samsung’s health and fitness platform at an accessible price point.
Key Specifications:
The Galaxy Watch FE uses Samsung’s BioActive sensor, which combines optical heart rate, electrical heart (for ECG), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (for body composition). This gives it health monitoring capabilities that rival watches costing twice as much. The ECG functionality works independently, while body composition measurements sync with the Samsung Health app.
Fitness tracking covers over 100 workout types, automatically detecting exercises like running, cycling, and swimming. During testing, heart rate tracking proved reliable during both steady-state cardio and interval training. GPS accuracy was solid for a watch in this price bracket, though not quite matching Garmin’s precision during our most technical trail runs.
One advantage: the FE works with any Android phone running Android 10 or higher. Unlike Google Pixel Watch, which locks you into the Pixel ecosystem for full functionality, this offers flexibility for Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and other Android users.
Pros: Good health sensors, works with any Android phone, bright Super AMOLED display, comfortable band
Cons: Battery life falls short of competitors, limited iOS functionality, requires Samsung account for some features
Fitbit built its reputation on health tracking, and the Sense 2 at $249 continues that legacy with the company’s most advanced sensors yet. While it sacrifices some smartwatch features compared to Apple and Samsung, health-focused buyers will find plenty to appreciate.
Key Specifications:
The Sense 2 uses a new multi-path optical heart rate sensor that Fitbit says offers improved accuracy during high-intensity movements. In our testing, it performed well during steady cardio but showed minor lag during rapid heart rate changes typical of HIIT workouts. Sleep tracking remains a strength, with detailed sleep stage breakdowns and a unique Sleep Profile that categorizes your rest patterns.
Health sensors set this watch apart. The on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks nightly variations that may indicate illness or menstrual cycles. The cEDA sensor measures electrodermal activity for stress management, prompting you to breathe when it detects elevated stress levels. The ECG app (where regulatory approved) checks for atrial fibrillation.
Battery life is a real plus—Fitbit’s claim of six days proved accurate in our testing with always-on display disabled. Enable that feature, and you’re looking at three to four days. That’s far better than Apple Watch but falls short of Garmin’s endurance.
Pros: Good sleep tracking, skin temperature sensing, stress monitoring, solid battery, comfortable design
Cons: GPS not as accurate as competitors, limited app selection, some features require Fitbit Premium
The Amazfit GTR 4 at approximately $179 offers strong value, providing features that rival watches costing twice as much. For budget-conscious buyers who want comprehensive fitness tracking without compromise, it’s a compelling option.
Key Specifications:
Amazfit has improved in accuracy, and the GTR 4 shows this progress. Dual-band GPS improves positioning accuracy in challenging environments like tall building canyons or tree cover. Heart rate monitoring proved reliable during most workouts, though it occasionally lagged during sudden intensity changes.
The battery life is a real strength—two weeks of typical use is achievable, with GPS sports tracking lasting around 24 hours. This outlasts nearly every competitor in this price range, making it ideal for anyone who hates daily charging or wants a reliable travel companion.
The Zepp app provides data analysis, though it’s not as polished as Garmin Connect or Apple Health. You get built-in Alexa (in some regions) and offline voice assistant support, plus music storage for listening without your phone.
Pros: Good battery life, dual-band GPS, bright AMOLED display, affordable price, comprehensive sports modes
Cons: App ecosystem less refined than competitors, some features region-locked, health accuracy slightly behind Garmin/Apple
Selecting the best smartwatch for your needs requires honest assessment of how you’ll actually use the device. Consider these factors before making your final decision.
Different watches excel at different activities. Runners will benefit most from Garmin’s purpose-built features like race predictions and pace counseling. Swimmers should focus on water resistance ratings and stroke detection. Those wanting general fitness motivation will appreciate Apple’s activity rings or Fitbit’s sleep tracking.
This matters more than many buyers realize. Apple Watch only works with iPhones, and some Samsung features require Samsung phones. Garmin and Amazfit work universally across iOS and Android. If you switch phones regularly or share devices, this flexibility can be valuable.
A watch that dies mid-workout is useless. Apple Watch requires daily charging for most users. Garmin and Amazfit offer multi-week battery life. Fitbit balances between these extremes. Be honest about your charging habits and choose accordingly.
Do you need ECG? Blood oxygen monitoring? Continuous skin temperature tracking? These features vary significantly across models and may influence both price and availability. Some health features require regulatory approval in different regions.
The sub-$300 fitness smartwatch market has matured, offering quality at accessible prices. The Apple Watch SE stands as the best overall choice for most buyers, combining reliable tracking with a solid app ecosystem and years of software support. Runners should look at the Garmin Forerunner 55, while those who dread daily charging will appreciate the Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Amazfit GTR 4. Android users get a good option in the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, and health tracking enthusiasts will find the Fitbit Sense 2 delivers comprehensive wellness features.
Whatever you choose, you’re getting capable fitness tracking that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. The “best” watch ultimately depends on your specific needs—but any of these options will serve you well on your fitness journey.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Amazfit GTR 4 offer the best battery life, lasting up to two weeks or longer on a single charge. The Garmin Forerunner 55 also does well, particularly for runners who need GPS tracking that lasts through ultra-marathons.
Yes, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) at $199 delivers solid fitness tracking with accurate GPS, reliable heart rate monitoring, and Apple’s activity rings. It remains a top option for iPhone users who prioritize ecosystem integration.
All the watches on this list are water-resistant to at least 5 ATM (50 meters), making them suitable for swimming in pools and recreational water activities. They can track your swims automatically, recording laps, distance, and stroke type.
GPS is valuable for outdoor activities like running and cycling to track distance and pace accurately. However, if you primarily workout indoors on a treadmill or stationary bike, GPS becomes less critical. The Apple Watch SE includes GPS, while lower-priced options without GPS rely on phone tracking.
Garmin watches generally offer consistent heart rate accuracy during high-intensity workouts, with the Forerunner 55 and Vivoactive 5 performing well. Apple Watch SE and Samsung Galaxy Watch FE also provide reliable readings for most workout intensities.
No subscription is required for basic functionality with any of these watches. Fitbit Premium enhances the Sense 2 experience with detailed sleep analysis and personalized insights, but the core features work without paying extra.
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