# 4 Best Budget Smartwatch Models for Less Than $250 (2026)

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/4-best-budget-smartwatch-models-for-less-than-250-2026/
- Published: 2026-07-30T11:01:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-30T12:10:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/best-budget-smartwatch/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Fitness, Health

## Key points

- Four recommended smartwatches cost $250 or less.
- Nothing’s CMF Watch 3 Pro is the best overall budget pick.
- Apple, Garmin and Fitbit options suit specific users.

## Summary

WIRED recommends four smartwatches priced at $250 or less, arguing that rising prices have not removed affordable options for notifications, fitness tracking and health monitoring. The selection spans general-purpose, Apple-compatible, running-focused and Fitbit devices, with compromises varying by model.

- Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro ($79): WIRED’s overall budget choice, offering calls, a ChatGPT-integrated assistant, GPS, heart-rate tracking and up to 13 days’ battery life, though its app and sleep tracking can be unreliable.
- Apple Watch SE 3 ($249): The most affordable Apple Watch option for iPhone users, with an S10 chip and newer health features including sleep-apnoea notifications and skin-temperature sensing.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 ($250; sometimes discounted to $204): WIRED’s budget recommendation for runners.
- Fitbit Versa 4 ($200; sometimes discounted to $175): WIRED’s preferred lower-cost Fitbit smartwatch.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.