Now, they track sleep, let you sneak a peek at texts during meetings, and sometimes even remind you to stand up before you fuse with your chair. Honestly, they do more than we expected.
But wow, the world of smartwatches is massive. Some of these things cost as much as a used car—or at least a bike that’s seen better days.
If you want the main features without blowing your whole paycheck, watches under $300 hit a pretty sweet spot. Usually, you’ll get health tracking, phone notifications, and maybe even the power to skip songs when you’re pretending to jog.
While shopping, keep a few things in mind. Make sure the battery lasts longer than a few hours and that it actually works with your phone.
Comfort is huge—no one wants a wrist gadget that feels like a medieval shackle. And hey, focus on features you’ll actually use, not just what sounds flashy on the box.
We spent weeks testing, sweating, and sometimes swearing in the name of science to find the best smartwatches under $300.
Best Smartwatches Under $300
We searched high and low for smartwatches that won’t make our wallets weep. Here are our top picks under $300 that still let us feel like secret agents—just without the secret agent paycheck.
If you want a feature-packed smartwatch under $300 that doesn’t make your wallet sob, the Jacoosa is worth a look.
Pros
Big, bright screen that stands out and is easy to read anywhere
Handles calls, messages, and more workout modes than we’ll ever use
Water-resistant enough to survive hand washing
Cons
The app can be confusing and stubborn about syncing
Setup instructions need work (unless you like clicking random buttons)
You can’t send messages from the watch—just read them
We wore the Jacoosa 1.85″ Smart Watch for a week, and honestly, our wrists have felt smarter—and maybe a bit louder. Calls come right through the watch, which is either handy or embarrassing, depending on where you are.
The screen is big and vivid, so even our most farsighted friends could read their texts. With dozens of customizable faces, a built-in voice assistant, and almost too many sport modes, we actually got off the couch just to test them out.
Health tracking is easy to use. It keeps tabs on steps, sleep (or lack thereof), and even blood oxygen. We probably won’t show those results to our doctor, though.
One thing: setting up the app feels like untangling last year’s holiday lights, especially if tech isn’t your thing. If you don’t love reading manuals, be ready to wing it.
Overall, this Jacoosa smartwatch does a lot for the price—and we’re not just saying that because it keeps nagging us to take more steps.
Call and message alerts mean we’ll never “forget” to text mom back
Cons
Not every sensor is laser-accurate (it thinks walking to the fridge is cardio)
Picking from 200 watch faces can be overwhelming
Big screen loves fingerprints
The WeurGhy Smartwatch won us over with its chunky, bright screen. It’s great for those of us who squint at tiny texts.
Calls, messages, TikTok notifications—it’s all on the wrist, and it vibrates too, so there’s no excuse for missing group chats. Customizing the look is fun, but sifting through over 200 watch faces started to feel like shopping for new clothes. Still, it beats staring at the same boring default every day.
We tried several of its 112 sport modes, but let’s be real—walking to the snack cabinet probably shouldn’t count as cardio. The health monitoring extras come in handy. The step counter sometimes gets a little too generous, but the heart rate and sleep tracking seem solid for the price.
The battery just keeps going—almost a week without reaching for the charger. Waterproofing is legit; we didn’t panic when someone splashed coffee (again).
If you don’t mind a few quirks and want all the major perks under $300, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.
If you’re after a budget smartwatch that impresses with features—but not so much with texting—this Gydom model is a top pick under $300.
Pros
Pairs easily with phones and supports Bluetooth calls
Tracks way more sports than we have time for (over 100)
Battery lasts all week between charges
Cons
Can’t send or reply to texts from the watch
Screen scratches a little too easily
Some menus take time to figure out
We tested the Gydom Smartwatch and, honestly, answering calls from our wrist made us feel like secret agents. Alexa is ready to answer questions, set alarms, and play DJ, saving us from fishing our phone out every five minutes.
Tracking steps and sleep actually works, which makes us feel a little less guilty about that second breakfast. Swapping between 100+ sports modes turned us into hobby collectors faster than expected—who knew we needed a mode for badminton?
Sleep and health monitoring dishes out data to help us improve, though we still stay up too late. The touchscreen is big and colorful, but we wish it was a bit tougher—the first scratch hurts.
Setup with the VeryFit app was easy, but some menus left us tapping around like we were cracking a code. If you don’t need to text from your wrist but want calls, tracking, and convenience, this smartwatch is a cheerful companion.
If you want all the key smartwatch features without dropping top dollar, the UAUE-T60 lets you live the connected life and still have pizza money.
Pros
Wide, bright display you can see even without your glasses
Long battery life, so you don’t have to panic when you forget to charge
Makes and receives calls right on your wrist—just like a spy, minus the trench coat
Cons
No built-in GPS, so marathon training will have to wait
Voice assistant access takes some scrolling and button-mashing
Waterproof rating is a little iffy—maybe don’t take it swimming
We opened the box and were surprised at how lightweight the UAUE-T60 feels. It’s comfy for all-day wear, even for folks who usually hate stuff on their wrists.
Setup was simple, and the sharp, colorful screen made group chats and alarms pop. We tried several of the 200+ watch faces, but our favorite was still the one with our pet’s questionable selfie.
During a busy week, we barely had to charge it, and the magnetic charger snapped on with a satisfying click. Calls were clear and totally usable, making us wonder if we even needed our phone in hand.
Getting to the voice assistant took a bit more tapping than we hoped. Sports tracking worked for counting our (mostly imaginary) steps, and sleep tracking made us realize just how many times we hit snooze.
We recommend skipping the pool, since the waterproof claims and the manual don’t really agree. For anyone after a bargain smartwatch that nails the basics and skips the frills, this one delivers.
If you want a smart watch with solid health tracking and a bunch of features—but don’t want to sell a kidney—this is worth a look.
Pros
Monitors heart rate and steps all day, even when you’re not moving much
Handles notifications better than our group text on Thanksgiving
Lets us swap watch faces almost as often as we change our minds
Cons
Some watch faces are all style, no substance (and don’t even show the seconds)
Can’t reply to messages from the watch, so our thumbs still get a workout
The screen looks great, but attracts fingerprints like ants at a picnic
Wearing the Choiknbo Smart Watch felt comfortable, even during a long day of errands. The silicone strap didn’t dig in, and the watch never felt heavy or awkward.
We had fun picking new watch faces, though some were only useful if you have eagle vision. We spent a week counting steps, checking our heart rates, and pretending to monitor our sleep (the watch knew when we stayed up binging old sitcoms).
Getting notifications on our wrist was handy, but we couldn’t reply. Still, for checking texts and group chats, it did the trick.
We used it at the pool and felt confident with its waterproof rating. It survived hand washing and even a light rain, no drama.
Battery life got us through almost two days, even when we forgot to charge it. For anyone who wants loads of smartwatch features without a high price, this is a solid pick—just keep a napkin handy for those fingerprints!
Step counter gets a little too excited about arm swings
Setup instructions could be clearer
When we slipped on the Motast P99, we honestly doubted something this cheap could be useful. Would it just end up in the junk drawer with dead pens?
Surprisingly, the giant display is actually pleasant. We could see our stats while pretending to jog, and swiping through menus felt smooth.
Customizing the watch face gave us an excuse to finally use that goofy dog selfie from last summer. Handling calls and messages from the wrist made us feel like secret agents, even if our only mission was picking up pizza.
We liked all the sports modes—though, we didn’t even realize yoga counted as a sport until now. The fitness and sleep tracking seemed decent, and the heart rate alerts paid a bit too much attention. Maybe it just cares too much.
But the app? It’s like that teammate who always forgets their gear. Connecting was tricky, and some of us got nervous about the weird prompts.
The step tracker was easily fooled. We racked up hundreds of steps just by waving at a friend across the street.
If you want a cheap, colorful smartwatch that’ll make calls (and sometimes invent a workout or two), the Motast P99 is worth a look. Just bring your patience and maybe don’t skip the tiny manual.
If you want to track fitness without breaking the bank, the Fitbit Versa 4 gets the job done and looks good doing it.
Pros
Battery lasts almost forever (well, nearly a week)
Tons of exercise modes, so we almost feel sporty
Super comfy to wear, even when we ignore our step goals
Cons
Some features hide behind a paid subscription (of course)
No music storage, so solo dance parties aren’t as fun
Syncing can be moody at first
Using the Fitbit Versa 4, we got real cozy with health and fitness stuff. The Daily Readiness Score tries to motivate us, though sometimes we just want to snack in peace.
Navigating 40+ exercise modes made us feel like workout pros—even if we mostly stuck to walking the dog. Notifications show up right on our wrist, so it’s harder to pretend we missed a call or text.
Fitbit Pay is handy for quick coffee runs, though our wallets might disagree. Wearing it all day didn’t leave our skin angry, which is a relief for long training sessions or just, well, life.
We really missed having music storage when we forgot our phones. And those six free months of Premium? They go by fast, so get ready to make some decisions.
Still, with battery life around 6+ days, we didn’t feel glued to a charger, and that alone feels like a miracle.
If you want a capable smartwatch without sacrificing a month’s groceries, this one nails the balance of features and price.
Pros
Lets us yell, “Alexa, set my alarm!” into our wrist like secret agents
Handles water like a seasoned lifeguard, so shower panic is gone
Seven-day battery means we forget the charger exists
Cons
Can’t reply to messages, so our witty comebacks stay unsent
Step counter gets a little too optimistic
Big touchscreen can feel clumsy on small wrists
Right out of the box, pairing this Quican smartwatch with our phones was easy. We dodged the usual Bluetooth headaches.
The interface feels smooth, and the large display shows notifications and messages clearly—even if our last unread text is from the dentist. We tested the Bluetooth calling by surprising family with a wrist call; the speaker is decent, but it’s not conference-call material.
Mixing Alexa voice controls with quick access to alarms and timers honestly saves time, especially when we’re running late. Fitness tracking is fun because it supports every activity we’d pretend to do—100+ sports modes make us look more athletic than we are.
Health features like heart rate and sleep monitors nudge us to drink water, stretch, or finally go to bed at a reasonable hour. The battery lasted us a week, so we spent less time charging and more time pretending to exercise.
If you want extra smart features without paying for the fanciest brands, this watch is a solid pick—just don’t expect it to write your texts or brew your coffee.
If you want a smartwatch that does plenty without making your wallet cry, this ISKOVI is a solid choice.
Pros
Clear Bluetooth calling makes us feel like secret agents
Big, bright display isn’t shy in the sunlight
Battery life outlasts our longest to-do lists
Cons
Watch feels light—almost too featherweight for some
Menu takes a little getting used to
Fitness tracking isn’t super advanced for serious athletes
Honestly, this watch surprised us. The screen is like a mini TV for your wrist and doesn’t squint in the sunlight, which is perfect for outdoor walks when we pretend to be on a dramatic fitness journey.
We checked the weather, tracked steps, and even took a call mid-grocery run—no awkward “hello, can you hear me now?” moments. The mic and speaker are that clear.
Changing the wallpaper was more fun than we expected. The “Da Fit” app gave us a bunch of snazzy faces, and we may have wasted five minutes just picking one.
Step and heart rate tracking gave us an excuse to brag about our (sometimes questionable) sleep patterns at lunch. The only time we frowned was with the watch’s super light build—some of us like a bit more heft so it doesn’t feel like it’ll float away.
We needed a minute to figure out the menu, but after a few days, it was second nature. For the price, we can live with a few quirks. It covers all the basics really well.
If you want reliable, fun features under $300, this one deserves a shot.
If you want a smartwatch that handles daily tracking and calling without draining your wallet, this should be on your shortlist.
Pros
Easy to make and take phone calls right from our wrist
Tracks heart rate, sleep, and steps with surprising accuracy
Tons of watch faces and it’s waterproof (no sweat—literally)
Cons
Syncing sleep data can feel trickier than assembling IKEA furniture
No GPS, so our marathon dreams still need our smartphones
The app sometimes takes a nap when logging activities
Out of the box, we couldn’t believe how light the GRV Smart Watch felt. It slipped onto our wrists with zero fuss and instantly felt comfortable.
The HD screen is bright, and when we changed the watch face to our cat’s selfie, we knew we’d made a good call. Customizing watch faces is more fun than it should be (it’s the small joys, right?).
We might not run marathons, but when we walked from the couch to the fridge (more than once), the step counter reliably tallied our “exercise.” Monitoring heart rate and sleep felt easy, though syncing the bedtime stats needed a little extra effort—think of it as a morning brain teaser.
Calls and texts came through nicely, sparing us from fishing for our phones during meetings or snack runs. Waterproofing is a nice touch; we wore it in the rain and while battling dish duty.
The GRV is a great budget pick for anyone who wants their smartwatch to do the basics, look sharp, and survive day-to-day chaos—even if it won’t win Olympic medals for accuracy or app features.
Buying Guide
Picking a smartwatch under $300 shouldn’t make us sweat… unless it’s tracking it, right? Shopping for these gadgets gets confusing fast.
Let’s just keep it simple.
1. Features We Want
Fitness Tracking: We need step counters and heart rate. Sleep tracking? That’s always a plus.
Notifications: Calls, texts, app alerts—having them on our wrist saves a lot of pocket-fishing.
Battery Life: The longer it lasts, the better. Who wants to charge every night?
Compatibility: The watch should get along with our phone, not argue with it.
Water Resistance: Because rain happens, and so do sweaty workouts.
2. Considerations Before Buying
Feature
Why It Matters
Display Quality
We can actually see it outside
Comfort
No one wants an annoying watch
Design
Gotta match our favorite shirt
Price
Wallet stays happy
Some smartwatches try to cram in every feature under the sun. But do we really need all that? If we’re not running marathons, why pay for marathon features?
And honestly, bigger isn’t always better—unless we’re talking pizza. A chunky smartwatch might look cool, but wearing it all day could feel awkward.
Trying on different sizes helps. You never know what’ll feel just right.
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
