Apple products are costly. This is why I contemplated getting an Apple Watch right after getting my iPhone. Although I have an Apple Watch now, I understand how big of an investment it is.
If you have also got your first iPhone and want a smartwatch but not an Apple Watch, then here are some recommendations. These are promising, work well with Apple, and offer similar benefits.
Best Apple Watch Alternatives For Apple Watch
1. Garmin Venu 3
Garmin has made a big name for itself in the world of athletes and adventurers, and Garmin Venu 3 is no different. Those into fitness can get deep metrics that mainstream watches do not cover. I also like how Garmin Venu 3 offers 30+ built-in sports apps to cater to people with various needs.
I like to use the yoga and cycling feature, but you can also use strength, HIIT, and more.
Other features that make it stand out are its durability and crazy battery life of 14 days. However, when I use Garmin Venu 3 in GPS mode, it lasts for up to 26 hours.
Garmin watches are one of the best Apple Watch alternatives. I will trust them any day over Apple Watches themselves. Garmin Venu 3 watches are compatible with Apple and Android, too. You can also sync data and make payments through Garmin payment options to make your daily life convenient.
I can list its other important features, like wheelchair mode, tracking energy, health, and respiratory wellness, and so on. Although they have a rough look and are not as sleek as Apple Watches, we cannot deny that they are one of the leading smartwatch brands right now.
Pros
- This smart watch has one of the best battery lives among all the ones I have tried. The battery lasts up to 14 days.
- Another innovative feature is that this watch comes with storage.
- It also has built-in speaker and microphone. The Garmin Veu 3 watch allows me to call my friends, which other watches in this list cannot. It also has a voice support system.
- This watch also comes with amazing health and fitness tracking features like HR, GPS, etc.
Cons
- I found out that a lot of people are eeked out by the design of the watch as it is not sleek.
- Just like other Garmin Variants, Garmin Venu 3 watches do not have a huge app ecosystem as Apple Watch.
- Garmin Venu 3 does not have any cellular versions.
2. Fitbit Versa 4
Specially designed for athletes, Fitbit is one of the strongest contenders in the world of smartwatches. Unlike other watches designed for sports, the Fitbit Versa 4 is lightweight, making it stand out. Since I love casual designs, it is great for everyday use.
Offering robust fitness and health tracking metrics, people who enjoy working out or are from the sports field would enjoy this a lot. Also, the metrics from Fitbit watches are FDA-approved, so they are blindly reliable.
But this is not the only selling point, as it also comes with a user-friendly interface. There is also a Fitbit for kids, which is very easy to use. Regarding the battery life, one single charge of the Fitbit Versa 4 lasts around 6-7 days, depending on usage.
As much as I love this smart watch, there are some unique features that only premium members can enjoy. People who get Fitbit Premium get to enjoy insights, personalized guidance from a coach, and advanced analytics. As mentioned, this was designed for athletes; hence, they will find this feature to be very helpful.
Pros
- Has amazing fitness and health features like tracking heart rate, ECG, skin temperature, etc.
- The design is sleek and will attract many users.
- The Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch works smoothly with your iPhone.
- It is much cheaper than the Apple Watch.
- The battery is quite good, and it runs up to 5-6 days.
Cons
- You can only access some of the apps because most are available for Fitbit premium.
- Unfortunately, the Fitbit Versa 4 does not come with cellular or music storage.
- Another disadvantage of this watch is its lack of advanced sensors like ECG or EDA.
3. Amazfit Active 2
Launched in 2025, Amazfit Active 2 watches are very reliable alternatives to Apple Watches. They are inexpensive and have AMOLED touchscreen with premium finishes. I have also heard that this watch boasts about offering in-depth health and workout insights.
Another useful feature of this watch, which I find fascinating, is its AI assistant and Bluetooth calling support. Amazfit Active 2 also has excellent battery life. With one single charge, you can use it for up to 7-14 days.
Pros
- Amazfit Active 2 comes with a good battery life, which could last from 7 to 14 days.
- It is affordable for many.
- Just like the Apple Watch, it comes with fitness tracking and GPS system too.
- To make life easier, it has an inbuilt Alexa in it.
Cons
- I find the watch to be very basic, and it does not have premium, advanced features like the Apple Watch.
- Notifications are limited in this watch since you can only watch all of them but respond only to a few.
- It lacks music storage or streaming facilities in it.
- Users say that the health metrics are not the best or completely reliable as compared to othersmart watches.
4. Boat Chrome Horizon
Boat Chrome Horizon smart watches comes with its unique AMOLED display and a vast range of vibrant colours. Genz would be easily attracted to these watches because they look smooth and are easy to use as well.
It requires only 3 hours of charging and can be used for up to 7 days. Users also love its dust and water resistance ability because who wouldn’t? Like other smart watches on this list, it has health and fitness tracking abilities with over 100 sport modes. However, what’s unique is its Bluetooth calling support system, which is the selling point for me.
Although I love Boat Chrome Horizon, you can also check out Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon, which looks and feels luxurious. It offers the option of customizing watch faces to make it more personalized. Users can also have it crafted with premium metals to their liking. You also get access to a wide range of features and apps to make your everyday life easier.
Pros
- Boat Chrome Horizon allows video calling feature along with personalization of videos or animated faces.
- If you want an FDA-approved smart watch, this is it. It comes with sleep tracking, HR, etc.
- If you are a sports person, Boat Chrome Horizon offers 100 sports modes.
Cons
- The smart watch does not have its own GPS , and it uses the GPS from the iPhone.
- You cannot reply to the notifications.
- It has limited smart features, so it is not suitable for those who are looking for a sleek touchscreen perpetual watch.
5. HuaWei Watch GT 5
Although people find HuaWei Watch GT 5 to be very promising, I have put it at no.6 becuase I did not find any unique features in it. For the price of $310, you get fitness tracking facilities that are similar to other smart watches.
I have to give credit to the slim and lightweight design. However, this watch does not support many Apple apps, which is a big drawback. Although it has a good battery life and is compatible with iOS and Android, I did not find this watch to be ground-breaking. Hence, you can keep this watch as an option, but I would suggest you take a good look at other watches in this list.
Pros
- It is the most affordable smart watch you can find as a replacement for an Apple Watch.
- It has a beautiful and unique design that appeals to many.
- This watch comes with a strong battery life.
Cons
- I find it very disappointing that the app does not have promising features for the price point customers pay.
- You cannot make any payments with this watch.
- The health insights are very poor as well as you only get basic health metrics.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Looking For Apple Watch Alternatives
Price
One of the major reasons why people opt for Apple Watch alternatives is that they are cheaper. This is not just for Apple Watch alternatives; whenever I am looking for anything, I always consider the price point.
Apple Gadgets are a bit expensive, and you can find many promising replacements at or under the same price point. However, do not compromise on features or get scammed. I have friends who have had similar experiences.
Features
Apple Watch allows users to enjoy its special apps. However, if you buy a smart watch from other brands, you won’t have access to this.
Although you can find replacements for apps, some apps of Apple are a must for some users. Apps like wallet and vitals are something that I use on a daily basis. Hence, always double-check if the smart watch allows you to download apps from Apple which you are addicted to.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor in any smartwatch. Apple watch can last upto 18 hours or 36 hours at max. However, there are fitness watches out there that can last up to a week without being charged.
Compromising on battery when getting a smart watch is a big no-no. If you are driven by productivity like me, always double-check the smart watch’s battery life.
Fit And Design
There are some smartwatches out there that look ugly, but I am totally against them. I like my smartwatch to be lightweight and fancy to look at. If you are anything like me, then make sure that you are considering this, or else you will stop wearing it, which would be a waste of money.
Also, this is important because watches like Garmin can be a bit heavier. So, if you’re not a sports person and want something for your everyday life, then you might not prefer a watch like that. Always check the size, strap, and fit, especially if you will wear it at night for sleep tracking, too.
Warranty
Reputable brands like Samsung and Garmin offer warranties. Although there are many smartwatches in the market right now, always go for trusted brands that offer warranties. Watches that do not come with a warranty can be a big loss if they get damaged intentionally or unintentionally.
Also, read reviews, get opinions from your trusted ones, and watch online videos to be sure of your decision.
Privacy Concerns
Low-budget smartphones may require access to public information, which can be harmful in the future. Back in the day, when Google bought Fitbit, there was a huge chaos around it.
Reputable brands would never share or leak your public information, while lesser-known smartphones might. So, I even consider this point when buying a smart watch for myself.
Final Verdict
I hope you read this article with a preconception that Apple watches are the best, but I changed your mind. Apple Watches do have amazing features and advanced technology, but there are many other smartwatches in the market that offer similar features and more at a lower price.
In the hype of Apple Products, I think people need to appreciate other worthy items as well. So, if you are looking for a promising smartwatch, then all these watches are the best in their own way. Based on your needs and requirements, you can narrow down the list and get one that you think will be worth your money.
