When you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch seems like the most logical smartwatch companion. But it’s expensive any way you slice it. Yes, there are more affordable options like the Apple Watch SE models. You can also get an older model that still supports the latest operating system (with watchOS 27, which only dates back to the Apple Watch Series 9, however), or you can consider a refurbished option. But there are plenty of cheaper smartwatches that also work well with iPhones. They have similar capabilities although you can’t do things like access Apple Wallet, Apple Music, Siri, and seamlessly track Apple Fitness+ workouts.
If you don’t want to take advantage of all the benefits of the ecosystem, cheaper smartwatches have advantages that are worth considering. The Apple Watch is a fantastic smartwatch with many benefits, but it’s not the only choice you have and you can save big with other brands.
Cross-platform compatibility
While you could call yourself an iPhone owner forever, there are some compelling Android phone options on the market that might tempt you to make the switch. What if you did? If you use a work-issued phone and your company switches to Android, your Apple Watch effectively becomes useless. Plus, if you want to pass it on to a family member or friend, or even sell it after you upgrade, your only option is other iPhone users.
Smartwatches from brands like Garmin and Amazfit work with both iOS and Android. Both brands, along with others like Mobvoi, Withings, Fitbit, and Huawei, offer a full range of smartwatches at various price points. While many cheaper Android smartwatches only work with Android, models like the Fitbit Sense and CMF Watch 3 Pro also work with iPhones. Many of them are much cheaper than any Apple Watch, but offer many of the same features and reliable tracking. Many can also sync with Apple Health so you can always view all your data in one place. It’s worth considering if you also want to connect the smartwatch to a tablet, so you’re not limited to just Apple devices.
Similar feature set and accuracy
These days, almost all smartwatches track the basics, like steps, calories burned, movement, sleep, heart rate, and workouts. Many also capture blood oxygen level, respiratory rate, stress, temperature and even ECG readings. In fact, some brands are surpassing Apple Watch with additional measures in certain areas – like Garmin’s focus on runners, AI integration with brands like Amazfit, or even Fitbit’s Google Health Premium, which also works on iPhones.
Besides the specific ecosystem features, only Apple Watches have few features. But in some cases, these features are available on competing smartwatches in different forms. For example, while you can’t access Apple apps on non-Apple Watches, you can usually access the same features through the watch manufacturer’s own apps. You can’t integrate as seamlessly with Apple and Beats headphones, but you can connect any pair of Bluetooth headphones and enjoy sound in the same way.
It’s worth mentioning that hypertension notifications are currently unique to Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 and above. But not everyone will see this as the only reason to get an Apple Watch, unless they have serious concerns about its condition. Likewise, some people might benefit more from health features exclusive to other brands and not available on the Apple Watch, although they are generally less common with budget-focused smartwatches.
Longer battery life
The only big problem with an Apple Watch is battery life. Any way you slice it, you’ll need to charge your Apple Watch daily, or at least every day and a half. The only exceptions are Ultra models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 which can last up to 72 hours in low power mode, but these are also the most expensive models. I’ve had my Apple Watch Series 11 for a while now, and while its battery life far exceeds that of my Apple Watch Series 8, I’m still at around 20% in the evening and need to recharge to ensure full sleep tracking.
Other brands blow Apple out of the water with battery life that lasts several days, some up to a week, and solar-powered options that last even longer. In fact, some hybrid smartwatches like the Withings ScanWatch 2 can last up to about a month. Even if the smartwatch lasts a few days, reducing your charging time to just a few times a week makes a world of difference for busy people. This is especially true if you use very strenuous features like GPS to track runs, walks and cycles, or for turn-by-turn navigation.
Cheaper to replace
If you lose or damage your smartwatch, you may find that it is cheaper to replace or repair a smartwatch from another brand. Apple offers repair services for the Apple Watch with an average cost ranging from $99 for a new battery to $399 for more extensive damage. You can get AppleCare, but it increases the total cost and still incurs service fees. While other smartwatches may have similar warranty periods, repairs or replacements may be easier. Rather than repairing its products, Garmin most often offers a replacement product.
Even if you don’t want to spend money on repairing a smartwatch from another brand, there is the option of buying a new one that doesn’t cost as much as the cheapest Apple Watch. It won’t be as hard a pill to swallow as damaging or losing your Apple Watch and having to replace it. Plus, you have tons of choices and can choose a new model that better suits your needs, whether it’s a step-down or higher model or one with specialized features. In comparison, the Apple Watch line is fairly standard, with only a few variations between models.
Choose different form factors
The Apple Watch line’s relative lack of variety goes hand in hand with the fact that, in addition to offering different models with different feature sets (like Garmin’s Forerunner series for runners and Withings’ hybrid watches for people wanting something more discreet), cheaper alternatives can give you a lot more choice when it comes to aesthetics. The Apple Watch has its rounded rectangular design for each model – there is no variation. In contrast, other brands offer watches with “circle” shaped bodies, circular faces, squares, square rectangles and everything in between. You can find models with rotating bezels, multiple buttons on each side, or even no buttons at all. Some have physical watch hands for a more analog look, and overall designs range from slim and sleek to bulky and sturdy.
Smartwatches aren’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, so it’s important to have a choice when it comes to looks. Apple hasn’t significantly changed its design since the watch’s creation, instead opting for very subtle tweaks that have improved but not radically changed the look and feel. It’s still the same signature style. Beyond that, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a smartwatch from another brand – one that works with both iPhone and Android – while still getting many of the same feature benefits.
