6 Best Smartwatches Under $200 in 2021 [Value for Money]

$200 isn’t going to get you the greatest smartwatch experience, but if you’ve decided to not spend more than it and are looking for the best possible option, then you’re at the right place. Because after spending huge time researching, reviewing, and testing 51 intelligent timepieces, here are the 6 best according to us.

One mistake that most of us make is decide the budget before knowing our requirements. Although, you’ve decided a budget now, I’d suggest you to make a list of features you’re looking in your next smartwatch and make sure that the one you’re getting has them all. Afterall, is there any point in purchasing something that doesn’t serve the purpose of purchase?

Based on my research, most of them looking for a sub-$200 smartwatch are purchasing it for the first time. If this is your first smartwatch, you need to understand that it is not a replacement for your smartphone but an additional accessory to go with it.

There are a ton of good options under this price and choosing the right one can be tricky. To make this easier for you, I’ve selected the best smartwatches you can buy for under $200. All of the products cover the important health & fitness tracking, don’t compromise on features, and have good connectivity options.

Best Smartwatches Under $200 in 2021

I’ve evaluated a huge number of devices based on a variety of factors and finally came up with the ones I think are the best of the best right now. The options here have an exact or lower price tag and don’t compromise on essentials. In some cases, you’ll even find some of the premium stuff that is found on pricier devices.

1. Best Fitbit: Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is not just the best Fitbit watch under $200, but also is much better than other smartwatches in this price point. It has a boatload of features, access to the Fitbit ecosystem, and thanks to being a generation older, it is often available on sale.

Compatibility & Connectivity

The Fitbit Versa 2, like the other Fitbits are compatible with both iOS-based iPhones & Android devices from OnePlus, Motorola, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc. However, connectivity is a bit tricky as the device still uses the Bluetooth 4.0 which is quite old but definitely does the job. The device also has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi alongside GPS/GLONASS for navigation and tracking.

Design & Build

The design is a classic Fitbit with a squircle case with the top glass wrapped around the corners. The access button is located on the right with the sensors being located at the bottom and there is also a microphone for voice inputs.

The Aluminum construction is sturdy and it holds up pretty well. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and holds up well against scratches. However, the thick black bezels may distract you.

Speaking of protection, the company claims that the device can survive under up to 50 meters of water (5 ATM). That makes it perfect for swimming, surfing, or walking in the rain. If you take it for skin diving, now that will kill it. Other than that, it should hold up just fine.

Display

The 1.34-inch OLED panel is bright, vibrant, and it is also lighter on the battery. You do get the perfect blacks that look awesome with Fitbit’s UI and outdoor visibility is also not an issue.

The only thing that might bother you is the square shape which looks odd in the middle of the squircle case. It may take some time to get used to that but, after some time you won’t really notice it.

Performance

Fitbit isn’t really known for making high-performance smartwatches and that trend didn’t leave out the Versa 2. The internals are powerful enough to get the job done without any major hiccups.

If we compare the Versa 2 with Apple Watch 6 or even Samsung smartwatches, it gets blown away. Thankfully Fitbit OS doesn’t require a lot of processing power and thanks to the dedicated app store, you can get many third-party apps.

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness is something that the company does better than most of its competition. The device comes with Blood Oxygen Monitoring which is often found on more expensive options.

Other than that, it does Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Tracking, Distance Tracking, Workout Tracking, Step Counting, dedicated Sport Modes, Guided Breathing Sessions, and more. This is definitely the most comprehensive fitness smartwatch under the desired price.

Battery life

The watch offers a long battery life of more than 6 days of mixed-use on a single charge. You’ll find this to be pretty accurate but, in case you’re using too much GPS or maybe listening to music on the go, the battery will indeed drain faster. Also, it will be slightly different for each use as everyone has their own usage habits.

What Do I Think?

So, if you want to get the best fitness smartwatch within $200 price segment that doesn’t compromise on features, have access to detailed information on your health & fitness (via. Fitbit Premium), and can go almost an entire week on a single charge, the Fitbit Versa 2 is the one you should go for.

2. Best Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music

Garmin is generally known for its excellent sports & fitness-focused wearables. These devices often come for a good chunk of money but, thanks to its successor, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is available at big discounts. The Verizon Connected edition is also one of the cheapest smartwatches with 4G LTE support.

Compatibility & Connectivity

Compatibility has never really been an issue with Garmin’s wearables and the Vivoactive 3 is indeed compatible with both iOS and Android ecosystems. For connectivity, it has 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, ANT+ with GPS, GLONASS & Galileo.

As you may have guessed, you’ll need to use Verizon 4G so, in case you’re not okay with that, save some more money and get the regular variant. If you don’t have an issue with Verizon, you can enjoy wireless connectivity on the go.

Design & Build

The design resembles most other Garmin devices out there. The circular case has a glass top with a shiny bezel around the display, a single button on the side, and the monitoring sensors at the bottom.

The build material is a Fiber-reinforced Polymer which is essentially a type of hard plastic and the bezel is made out of Stainless Steel. The device feels sturdy and should be able to handle some abuse.

Unlike some of Garmin’s premium offerings that come with a 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance rating, the Vivoactive 3 is rated for up to 5 ATM (50 meters). That still makes it perfect for showers, swimming & surfing so, don’t worry about it.

Display

The display is also different as the Vivoactive 3 uses a 1.2-inch Transflective MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) panel which is a type of LED-backlit panel and it is also not super sharp or as bright as some of the competition.

It does the job just fine but isn’t necessarily pleasing to look at compared to a high-res OLED display. Also, the resolution and sharpness are lower. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’re gonna be just fine with the display.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the device performs day-to-day tasks without any major hiccups. The UI is pretty simple and does not require a lot of processing power to function. So, navigation through menus is smooth and apps opening times are also pretty decent. The 8GB of internal storage is quite enough.

Health & Fitness

Just like most Garmin smartwatches, the Vivoactive 3 has a lot of health & fitness features. This is the only device under this price point to feature a body temperature sensor and it also has access to the company’s exclusive Golfing, Running & Biking features.

Other than that, it does all the basic stuff like Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Tracking, Swim Tracking, Step Counting, Distance Tracking, and more. The exclusive running feature that I talked about earlier, is called Pace Pro which super-customizes your running pace.

Battery Life

Garmin claims around 5 days of battery life with mixed usage and that’s mostly what you’re gonna get. Less-demanding features & a lighter UI do not require a ton of battery but, using 4G LTE & GPS simultaneously, will drain the battery faster and if you’re also listening to music, the battery life can be as low as 4 hours.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re looking for the Garmin exclusive sports features or you need 4G connectivity on your wrist, or maybe you need ANT+ for some reason, then the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a fantastic choice. In case the mediocre display sets you off, get something else.

3. Best Value for Money: Amazfit GTS 2

For those who need a thin and premium smartwatch, that isn’t circular and has necessary health & fitness features, then the Amazfit GTS 2 is a great option. It has everything you expect from a semi-premium smartwatch while costing less.

Compatibility & Connectivity

Amazfit provides support for iPhones and Android smartphones, so your current device should be compatible. The connectivity side also holds up strong with Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and GPS+GLONASS. Considering how some of the competition is still using Bluetooth 4.2, Amazfit pulls ahead in connectivity.

Design & Build

The design is what makes the GTS 2 stand out. The rectangular case has rounded corners and the top glass has cured around the sides with the curve being a little more prominent on the left & right sides.

There is a single button on the side and all the monitoring sensors are located at the bottom which is made out of hard plastic. The top Aluminum construction feels sturdy and the device looks premium.

The device can survive under up to 50 meters of water (5 ATM). This makes it perfect to take swimming or surfing with you and of course, it can survive daily splashes, showers & even rain. If you are getting it wet a lot though, maybe wipe with a soft cloth afterward to keep it clean.

Display

The company has gone with a 1.65-inch AMOLED panel for the GTS 2 and it looks gorgeous. The texts and images look sharp, the blacks are perfect, the colors look great, and it doesn’t demand a lot of power.

This is one of the bigger displays you’re going to get in this price segment. You can also try out different clock faces and stick with the one you like the most. If you have a black watch face, it’ll just blend with the AMOLED display which looks awesome.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the device handles day-to-day tasks pretty well. There are no noticeable slowdowns during moving across menus & apps with decently fast app opening times.

You don’t get access to third-party apps but, there is 3GB of storage to import some offline music and you can also control Spotify running on your phone. Amazfit UI is easy to use and their own apps work really well.

Health & Fitness

The GTS 2 does really well in this department with Blood Oxygen Monitoring support, Stress Monitoring, and more than 90 sports modes to choose from. The device also does all the regular stuff like all-day Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep tracking, Distance Tracking, Step Counting, Workout Tracking, and more.

Battery Life

Battery life is also great with up to 7 days of mixed-use or up to 3 and a half days of heavy use. This beats out a lot of the competition coming out at the top of the list. You can take a maximum of 5 hours of calls over Bluetooth so, unless you want to charge it every day, don’t do that a lot.

Should You Get It?

The Amazfit GTS 2 is a great middle-ground between features & convenience. On one hand, you lose access to third-party apps & music streaming over the internet but, on the other hand, you have a premium-looking device with top-end health & fitness features. So, if that sounds like a reasonable compromise, get the GTS 2.

4. Best for iOS Users: Apple Watch Series 3

Apple has never been into making super affordable smartwatches but, they did reduce the price of Watch Series 3. Yes, the device is slightly old as of today but, it is running the latest version of WatchOS and has most of the major health & fitness stuff. If you’re an iPhone user, this is going to be your best option.

Compatibility & Connectivity

All the Apple Watches including the Watch Series 3 are only compatible with iPhones so, in case you want to use it with your Mac, iPad, or Android smartphone, it’s not going to work.

On the connectivity side, we have Bluetooth 4.2 & 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi for wireless communications alongside, GPS/GNSS for navigation. Apple is no longer selling the LTE variant of this device.

Design

When it comes to design, the Apple Watch 3 is a bit different compared to SE and other new models. It is still using a rectangular frame with rounded corners but is comparatively narrow and the looks aren’t as modern with limited color options.

Also, you can’t really get premium case options as Apple is only selling Aluminum cases for the Watch Series 3. The build quality on the Aluminum model is pretty good so I won’t stress that a lot.

Thankfully, you don’t get any compromises on protection. The device is certified for up to 50 meters underwater which means daily splashes, rain, swimming sessions & even surfing can’t damage it. So, water-damage is a highly unlikely scenario.

Display

The display is a bit different as well. The 1.65 (42mm)/1.5 (38mm) inch OLED panel on the Series 3 is not using the LTPO tech like the newer models and that will affect the battery life in some scenarios.

Although the brightness is 1000 nits, the device also doesn’t have an always-on mode. Anyway, the panel itself is pretty good with infinite contrast, vivid colors, and sharp texts. So, figure out if not having an always-on display is a dealbreaker for you.

Performance

The third-generation Apple S3 chip is great when it comes to performance. Of course, it isn’t as good as some of its latest siblings but still handles tasks with ease. The 768MB of RAM holds up fine and the 8GB Internal Storage should be enough for most people.

As far as WatchOS goes, it is easy to use and there aren’t any major hiccups with swiping through menus or opening apps. You also get access to the App Store with access to a boatload of third-party apps.

Health & Fitness

Apple is definitely one of the best in the business when it comes to doing health and fitness tracking properly. Even though this is an older variant, all the necessary things like Heart rate monitoring, Sleep Tracking, Distance Tracking, Swim Tracking, Step Counting, Workout Tracking, Sport Modes, and more.

Although you don’t get ECG or Blood Oxygen Monitoring, you’re not missing out on the essentials. Also, when it comes to accuracy, the Watch Series 3 doesn’t disappoint either. It even shows readings of your blood glucose levels, monitored using the Dexcom G6.

Battery Life

Keeping up with a hyper-active UI and so many features takes a toll on the battery. The Watch Series 3 can do up to 18 hours on a single charge. Now, this will vary from user to user based on what exactly they do on a daily basis.

Pushing the device hard is going to reduce the battery life significantly. So, you’ll be needing to charge every day. Unlike the newer models, the Series 3 doesn’t support fast charging so, you may want to be a little careful with that.

Is It Really Worth It?

In case you’re an iPhone user and you’re low on budget, it can’t get any better than the Apple Watch Series 3. It is running the latest software and has all the essential health & fitness features with seamless integration into the Apple Ecosystem.

So, if you don’t mind having a slightly older design with limited color choices, and no always-on option, the Watch Series 3 is going to be a great fit for you.

5. Best from Samsung: Galaxy Watch Active 2

The Samsung range of wearables are also getting some serious improvements over the generations and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is one of the best yet, coming from the South Korean giant. It has almost all of the latest features and it costs significantly less compared to the flagship Galaxy Watch 3.

Compatibility & Connectivity

The device supports Samsung Galaxy smartphones such as Galaxy S21, Note 20, iPhones, and other Android smartphones so, whatever phone you may currently have, should be compatible. The connectivity side is also solid with Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi alongside GPS/GLONASS for tracking and navigation.

If you do get the cellular variant, you can use it on 4G LTE but that only works if you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone & costs more. So, non-Galaxy users can skip it and get the regular variant instead.

Design

The design is subtle with a circular frame, an edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass layer on top of the display, two buttons on the, a microphone for voice input, and the sensors at the bottom. The frame is made out of Aluminum but, you can pay slightly more to get a Stainless Steel variant.

The black bezel area around the display is a touch-sensitive strip that can replicate the same functionality as the rotating-bezel from previous Samsung smartwatches. You can achieve the exact same functionality by moving your finger around the strip.

The Watch Active 2 is certified for both 5 ATM water-resistance and IP68 water & dust resistance. That means you don’t need to worry about your watch in the pool, dusty roads, sandy beaches, or while surfing on top of the ocean waves. You still can’t take it skin-diving with you in case you’re thinking about doing that.

Display

Samsung makes the best OLED displays for smartphones and wearables and the 1.4-inch (1.2-inch in the smaller 40mm) panel in the Watch Active 2 is excellent. The colors look punchy, the blacks are pitch-perfect, the texts & visuals look extremely sharp, and it doesn’t require a lot of your battery juice.

There is also an always-on mode but, that’ll definitely drain slightly more battery compared to when it is turned off. So, in case you want to save more battery, just turn that off.

Performance

Samsung has improved a lot in the performance department and the Exynos 9110 is their latest powerhouse. It flies through day-to-day tasks and app opening times are pretty quick as well. Now, the amount of RAM varies as the LTE variant comes with 1.5GB of RAM while the non-LTE variant only comes with 768MB.

You won’t really notice this while doing day-to-day tasks but, what you’ll notice is the fact that all variants come with 4GB of internal storage which is definitely not enough to save a lot of apps and their data.

Health & Fitness

When it comes to health & fitness, the Watch Active 2 offers a lot. If you live in the US, the device can take ECG measures but it won’t work outside the US right now, although the hardware is there.

Other than that, it can also do Heart Rate Monitoring, Stress Tracking, Workout Tracking, Sleep Tracking, Distance Tracking, Swim Tracking, Step Counting, Sports Tracking, and more.

All these features and the hyper-active UI means that the battery life is significantly lower compared to something like a Fitbit. You can go up to a full day on a single charge with mixed usage. Now, in case you’re using a lot of GPS or listening to music, or taking calls on 4G, the battery will drain significantly faster.

What Do I Think?

In the end, this is the most powerful device on the list and it is also the only one to support ECG under this price segment. So, in case you like what Samsung is offering here or you want your smartwatch to seamlessly integrate with your Galaxy smartphone, get the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and you will love it.

6. Best with Wear OS: Moto 360 3rd Gen

Now, for those who want something inside the Google Wear OS ecosystem, the Moto 360 3rd Gen is all you need. It is extremely well built, has all the necessary health & fitness features, can install third-party apps from the Google Play Store, and it’s within your budget.

Compatibility & Connectivity

For those worrying about Wear OS not supporting iPhones, Google is supporting both Android & iOS-powered smartphones, so even if you use an Apple iPhone, your phone will still be supported.

On the connectivity front, we have Bluetooth 4.2 & 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi alongside GPS, GLONASS & Galileo for tracking & navigation through Google Maps. The older Bluetooth version is a bit disappointing considering the product is from a mainstream tech company like Motorola.

Design

The design is stunning with a circular frame made out of Stainless Steel with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on top. That’s not the only premium materials Motorola is using though. The screws on the device are made from Titanium which is crazy strong.

All of this makes up for a premium & sturdy build which is something we don’t really see under this price segment. This separates this device from the rest of the options on the list considering you don’t get any other such premium option under this price.

Unlike all the other options on the list, the Moto 360 is only certified to survive under a maximum of 30 meters (3 ATM) of water. However, that does not change much for the end consumer as it is still good to go in pools, rain, showers & surfing sessions. So, when it comes to water-resistance, this one is just as good in real life.

Display

Coming to the display, the 1.2-inch OLED touch panel is pretty good with excellent colors & contrast, great outdoor visibility, better battery efficiency over LCD panels, and it’s also great for texting.

One of the main advantages of an OLED panel is the perfect black levels and if you pair that with the dark UI elements & watch faces, the elegance is just going to emerge at that point.

Performance

With the Snapdragon 3100 & 1GB RAM onboard, the device also has great performance. Swiping through menus is fast & smooth, app opening times are quick, and there are no noticeable hiccups along the way. The 8GB of Internal Storage is enough to store a bunch of third-party apps and their data.

Health & Fitness

The basics in the health & fitness department are also covered as the device supports all-day Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep tracking, Distance Tracking, Swim Tracking, Step Counting, and more. You do miss out on Blood Oxygen Monitoring so, unless you care about that, you’re going to be just fine.

Battery Life

Battery life has never been a strong suit for the Wear OS powered devices and following that trend, the Moto 360 can do up to an entire day on a single charge. Now, that is of course with mixed usage.

If you push the device hard, you may need to charge it in the middle of the day but, it does support fast charging so, that isn’t a huge issue. In case you want to use sleep tracking, it’s better to find the charger before bedtime.

Final Thoughts

The Moto 360 3rd Gen is my personal favorite among the Wear OS powered smartwatches and that has everything to do with how the company managed to fit such a premium construction & necessary features under a value-for-money price tag. So, if you are deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem, this is the one to get.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

If you’re looking for a smartwatch under $200, you’re already in a pretty great place as far as options go. Considering the fact that you made it this far, you probably know which one of these options suits you the best. But, in case you’re still confused about that, let me make this easier for you.

• If you’re looking for the most feature-rich device for the money, go for the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
• In case you want the most fitness-focused device, get the Fitbit Versa 2 or the Garmin Vivoactive 3.
• If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 3 is the best option for you.
• In case you’re looking for something in Google’s ecosystem, the Moto 360 3rd Gen is the only one that I can recommend.
• For those who want to go for a sleek & premium-looking smartwatch on a budget, you can get the Amazfit GTS 2.

That’s all you need to consider. Remember, the best smartwatch for you is always the one that attends to your personal needs. Once you got that figured out, you have the perfect smartwatch for yourself.

I hope this article did help you find the right smartwatch for you and in case you would like to explore other options with different features & other rice points, we have tons of articles on the site, so, maybe check those out as well.