Best budget smartwatch: Apple Watch SE: MUST BUY

For those seeking an affordable Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE offers a near-identical experience to its more expensive counterparts, minus a few premium features.

Key Features:

Design: Features a modern Apple Watch design and offers heart rate and sleep tracking, along with fall and crash detection.

Display: While not as bright as the Series 9, it still delivers a solid visual experience.

Performance: Powered by the older S8 chip, it lacks features like the Double Tap gesture and on-device Siri but still provides an excellent smartwatch experience.

Battery Life: Matches the Series 9 with 18 hours of battery life.

The SE is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the core functionality of an Apple Watch without breaking the bank.

Price: Starting at $170 on Amazon.

Other Notable Smartwatches Tested

Apple Watch Ultra 2: For outdoor adventurers or those willing to splurge, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a premium experience with advanced features, especially in GPS and durability.

Price: $799 at Amazon.

Google Pixel Watch: If you’re an Android user, particularly with a Pixel phone, the Pixel Watch provides solid fitness tracking and a sleek design at an affordable price, though newer models are more refined.

Price: $180 at Best Buy.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Offering enhanced durability and GPS features, the Watch 5 Pro is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, though most users will find the Galaxy Watch 6 a better fit.

Price: $330 at Samsung.

How We Tested

Our smartwatch testing process involved daily use across multiple days, ensuring the watches could handle real-world scenarios like workout tracking, battery life, and wear over time. We also assessed comfort, customization options, and overall durability, with special attention to how well the devices held up during intense physical activity. Battery life was tested by wearing each watch for several days, simulating normal usage combined with workouts