The smartwatch market has evolved dramatically, bringing premium features to more affordable price points. You no longer need to spend $500+ to get a feature-rich smartwatch that tracks your fitness, manages notifications, and looks great on your wrist. We've tested dozens of smartwatches under $300 to find the best options that deliver exceptional value without compromising on essential features.
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Best Overall Smartwatches Under $300
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm) - $279
The Galaxy Watch 5 offers the best overall package under $300, combining Samsung's refined Wear OS experience with comprehensive health tracking and excellent build quality. The BioActive sensor provides accurate heart rate, blood oxygen, and even body composition measurements.
- Excellent display quality
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Fast wireless charging
- Limited iOS compatibility
- Battery life could be better
Current Price: $279.99
2. Fitbit Sense 2 - $249
Fitbit's flagship smartwatch excels in health and wellness tracking with unique features like stress management, skin temperature sensing, and ECG capabilities. The 6+ day battery life is class-leading, making it perfect for those who hate frequent charging.
- Outstanding battery life
- Advanced stress management
- Excellent sleep tracking
- Limited third-party apps
- Fitbit Premium required for some features
Current Price: $249.99
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts
3. Garmin Venu Sq 2 - $269
Garmin brings professional-grade fitness tracking to the sub-$300 market with the Venu Sq 2. It offers advanced running dynamics, built-in GPS, and over 25 preloaded sports apps, making it the ultimate companion for serious athletes.
- Exceptional battery life
- Professional-grade fitness metrics
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Basic smartwatch features
- LCD display not as vibrant
Current Price: $269.99
4. Amazfit GTR 4 - $199
The Amazfit GTR 4 punches well above its weight class, offering features typically found in watches twice its price. With 150+ sports modes, dual-band GPS, and Alexa built-in, it's an incredible value proposition for fitness enthusiasts.
- Incredible value for money
- 14-day battery life
- Dual-band GPS accuracy
- Zepp app needs improvement
- Limited app ecosystem
Current Price: $199.99
Best Budget Options (Under $150)
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro - $89
60+ sports modes, GPS, 14-day battery
$89.99
Fitbit Versa 2 - $149
6-day battery, Alexa built-in, sleep tracking
$149.99
Honor Watch GS 3 - $139
AMOLED display, 14-day battery, GPS
$139.99
Smart Watch Buying Guide
Compatibility
Ensure your smartwatch works with your phone. Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while Wear OS watches work best with Android but also support iOS with limitations.
Battery Life
Consider your charging habits. Some watches last 1-2 days with always-on displays, while others can go 2 weeks with basic features. Balance features with battery needs.
Health Features
Decide which health metrics matter most: heart rate, GPS, sleep tracking, SpO2, ECG, or stress monitoring. More sensors typically mean higher prices.
Display Technology
AMOLED offers vibrant colors and true blacks but uses more battery. LCD is more efficient but less vibrant. Consider always-on display needs.
Fitness Tracking
Athletes should prioritize GPS accuracy, multiple sport modes, and advanced metrics. Casual users can save money with basic step and calorie tracking.
Water Resistance
Look for at least 5ATM (50m) water resistance for swimming. IP68 protects against dust and splashes but isn't suitable for swimming.
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Battery | Display | GPS | Heart Rate | Water Resist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 5 | $279 | 40 hours | AMOLED | ✓ | ✓ | 5ATM |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | $249 | 6+ days | AMOLED | ✓ | ✓ | 5ATM |
| Garmin Venu Sq 2 | $269 | 11 days | LCD | ✓ | ✓ | 5ATM |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | $199 | 14 days | AMOLED | ✓ | ✓ | 5ATM |
| Amazfit Bip 3 Pro | $89 | 14 days | TFT | ✓ | ✓ | 5ATM |
Final Recommendations
The smartwatch market under $300 offers impressive options for every need and budget. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stands out as our top overall pick for Android users seeking the complete smartwatch experience. iPhone users should consider stretching their budget for an Apple Watch SE or exploring the Fitbit ecosystem.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 offers unmatched sports tracking capabilities, while the Amazfit GTR 4 provides exceptional value with premium features at a mid-range price. Budget-conscious buyers won't go wrong with the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro, which delivers core smartwatch functionality at an unbeatable price.
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