Best Under $300 · Best iPhone Value
1
Apple
9.2
★★★★★
Editors' Score
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm]
- ✓Price: $249 — most affordable Apple Watch
- ✓Chip: S10 — same as Series 11 and Ultra 3
- ✓Features: All core Apple Watch features: GPS, heart rate, sleep, crash detection
- ✓Design: Compact 40mm — lightest and smallest Apple Watch
- ✓Future-proof: S10 chip ensures years of watchOS updates
- ✗No ECG: Missing ECG, hypertension alerts, and always-on display
The SE 3 is the best entry point into Apple Watch — it does almost everything at 62% of the Series 11 price.— Tom's Guide
The S10 chip is the key here — makes the SE 3 fast, future-proof, and enables Double Tap. An excellent value proposition.— Wareable
Best Under $300 · Best Value Android
2
OnePlus
8.8
★★★★★
Editors' Score
OnePlus Watch 3 (Black Steel)
- ✓Battery: 100 hrs smartwatch / 12 days power-save — best-in-class endurance under $300
- ✓Display: 1.43" AMOLED 466×466 — crisp and always-on capable
- ✓GPS: Dual-band GPS — accurate sport tracking
- ✓Health: Heart rate, SpO2, stress, sleep — comprehensive suite
- ✓Price: ~$280 — premium features at a mid-range price
- ✗Wear OS: Custom OS — fewer third-party apps than Galaxy/Pixel
The OnePlus Watch 3 punches well above its price — exceptional battery life, a sharp AMOLED display, and solid fitness tracking make it the best value Android watch under $300.— Android Authority
If battery life is your top priority and you don't need the full Wear OS app ecosystem, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a standout pick at this price.— The Verge
3
Samsung
8.7
★★★★½
Editors' Score
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm)
- ✓AI: Galaxy AI — Energy Score, sleep apnea detection, wellness tips
- ✓Health: ECG, BIA body composition (rare under $300)
- ✓GPS: Dual-band antenna
- ✓Display: Bright AMOLED, 1.3"
- ✓Price: $249 list, frequently discounted to $199-229
- ✗Battery: ~40 hours — better than Samsung's previous generation
The Galaxy Watch 7 adds Galaxy AI and sleep apnea detection — making it one of the most feature-rich smartwatches under $300.— Tom's Guide
For Samsung Galaxy phone users, the Watch 7 is an excellent value — Galaxy AI features that used to cost $100 more are now in the base model.— Various Experts
4
Garmin
8.5
★★★★
Editors' Score
Garmin Venu Sq 2
- ✓Battery: 11 days — by far the best battery under $300
- ✓Display: 1.4" AMOLED — bright and clear
- ✓Health: Body Battery, Sleep Score, HRV, stress tracking
- ✓Sports: 25+ GPS activity profiles
- ✓Price: ~$199-249 — frequent sales make it excellent value
- ✗Limited apps: No Google Play Store; Garmin Connect IQ is small
The Venu Sq 2 is a great value for the features — especially for long battery life and fitness tracking. At $199 on sale, it's the best budget Garmin.— NBC Select
For non-runners who want long battery, solid health tracking, and don't need a rich app ecosystem, the Venu Sq 2 is unbeatable under $250.— Bandletic
5
Amazfit
8.2
★★★★
Editors' Score
Amazfit Active 2 (Sport 44mm)
- ✓Price: ~$149-179 — best value smartwatch under $200
- ✓Battery: 10 days typical use
- ✓GPS: 5-satellite positioning + free offline maps
- ✓Sports: 160+ workout modes including HYROX Race
- ✓Health: Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress monitoring
- ✗No ECG: Missing advanced cardiac features of pricier watches
The Amazfit Active 2 delivers features you'd expect at twice the price — free offline maps, 10-day battery, and HYROX support in an affordable package.— Various Experts
For budget-conscious buyers who want GPS, health tracking, and long battery without paying premium prices, Amazfit Active 2 is the strongest option.— Various Experts