Apple products are costly. This is why I contemplated getting the Apple Watch right after getting my iPhone. Although I have it now, I understand how big an investment it is.
And I’m not just talking about investment in terms of money. Daily charging, constant notifications and being locked into one seamless, albeit limiting ecosystem, require time and energy. While Apple Watch optimizes apps and ecosystem integration, not everyone wants a mini smartphone on their wrists.
Many users would much rather go for a longer battery life, deeper fitness insights or a more classic watch design instead. That’s where Apple Watch alternatives come in.
If you have also got your first iPhone and want a smartwatch but don’t want to spend the money, then here are some recommendations of the best Apple Watch alternatives for iPhone. These are not clones, but they are promising, work well with the Apple ecosystem and offer similar, if not better, benefits.
Best Apple Watch Alternatives
1. Garmin Venu 3
Best in: Fitness
Garmin Venu 3 is for users who value in-depth fitness insights over smartwatch experiences.
Garmin has made a big name for itself in the world of athletes and adventurers, and the 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 the 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 a 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 like the Apple Watch.
- Garmin Venu 3 does not have any cellular versions.
Price: $449.99 USD
2. Fitbit Versa 4
Best in: Budget Fitness
Similar to Garmin, but a much cheaper alternative, the Fitbit Versa 4 is for people who are looking for a fitness-focused tracker without the complexities of a smartwatch.
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.
Price: $199.95 USD
3. Amazfit Active 2
Best in: Battery
If you want a longer battery life within budget, the Amazfit Active 2 is a great alternative to the Apple Watch.
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 in-built 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.
- Users say that the health metrics are not the best or completely reliable as compared to other smart watches.
Price: Starts at $99.99 USD
4. HuaWei Watch GT 5
Best in: Design
The Huawei Watch GT 5 has a beautiful design and battery life, rather than app depth.
Although people find the HuaWei Watch GT 5 to be very promising, 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 groundbreaking. 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 smartwatch 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, and you only get basic health metrics.
Price: $230 USD
5. Garmin Fenix 8
Best in: Outdoor and Expedition
Much like other Garmin models, the Fenix 8 is built for serious training and outdoor endurance rather than lifestyle convenience.
Launched in 2024, the Garmin Fenix 8 is one of the best Apple Watch alternatives you can buy, especially if you are an outdoors enthusiast or training seriously. This watch is more of a fitness tool rather than a lifestyle smartwatch. The two variants- AMOLED and solar-powered- give the users plenty of flexibility based on how they use it.
The reason why I’m calling it an Apple Watch alternative is because of how deep Garmin goes into fitness and recovery data. You already know my stance on the Apple Watch and how I mainly use it for tracking my workouts more than my sleep and recovery. But Garmin is even better. The battery life is unmatched and the advanced metrics it gives while training, built-in GPS and a huge list of sports modes make it even better than the Apple Watch.
That said, it is not replacing the Apple Watch as a smartwatch because the app support is limited, LTE is missing on most versions and its 51mm AMOLED version will burn a $1999.99 hole in your pocket. But if fitness is your priority, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the strongest Apple Watch alternative available in the market.
Where Apple Watch prioritizes lifestyle apps and ecosystem convenience, Garmin Fenix 8 prioritizes training depth, endurance, and outdoor navigation.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Detailed sports and training insights
- Built-in maps and navigation
- Suitable for outdoor use
Cons:
- The price is very high compared to the Apple Watch
- Smartwatch features are limited
- Not suitable for people who want a smartwatch and are not into sports
- Sleep and stress tracking could be better
Price: $1,199.99 USD
6. Withings ScanWatch 2
Best in: Analog-first alternative
ScanWatch 2 is designed for users who want health tracking without a digital-first look.
If you don’t want a smartwatch but are still looking to track your health metrics, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is a great Apple Watch alternative that does not look like a mini smartphone on your wrist. The look of this watch is of a classic, analog watch, but it quietly tracks your health in the background.
I love how discreet this watch is and how you can take it from a workday outfit to a dinner party. A small monochrome OLED display shows the notification and stats without being too distracting. It is also a great alternative for senior citizens as it focuses on heart rate monitoring, has ECG support for AFib detection, sleep tracking and breathing analysis during sleep.
With up to 30 days on a single charge, the battery life is where the ScanWatch 2 beats the Apple Watch. However, you do miss out on apps, payments, music and other advanced smartwatch features.
Pros:
- Battery life of up to 30 days
- ECG and heart rate monitoring
- Classic watch design without looking like a mini smartphone
- Accurate core health metrics
Cons:
- Does not support apps or contactless payments
- Automatic workout detection is not the best
- Sleep accuracy is decent but not as good as its competitor
- Not for people who want smartwatch features
Price: $369.95 USD
7. Garmin Venu X1
Best in: Fitness-centric with a bigger screen display
Garmin Venu X1 targets users who want premium materials and advanced training metrics.
With a premium titanium case, a sleek watch case and a bright AMOLED display, the Garmin Venu X1 feels the closest to an Apple Watch alternative in Garmin’s lineup.
You get the advanced fitness insights that Garmin is known for, along with features like Training Status, Body Battery and running analytics that are very detailed. The GPS and heart rate accuracy of this watch is also very impressive. The offline maps and coaching features make it a great alternative to the Apple Watch for serious athletes and people who are into fitness.
The downside of this watch is the battery life. As impressive as the other variants mentioned in this article are with their battery life, the Venu X1 lasts only around 2 days with the always-on display enabled. And although the price tag is high, it misses a few expected features like ECG and multi-band GPS.
Pros:
- Titanium design with AMOLED display
- Accurate GPS and heart rate
- Advanced training metrics
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Up to 2 days of battery life with an always-on display
- Expensive
- No ECG sensor
- No multi-band GPS
Price: $799.99 USD (Launch price)
8. Google Pixel Watch 4
Best in: Ecosystem-driven alternative
If you are in the Android ecosystem, the Google Pixel Watch 4 offers the best operating system in a smartwatch.
The improved haptics and domed display feel refined and are a true experience. The user interface is also smooth and visually pleasing, with a decent battery life of up to 40 hours.
The fast charging dock also makes topping up quick and easy. As for the health and fitness features, the integration of Fitbit is a huge plus, although some advanced features are stuck behind a paywall.
Pros:
- Smooth and polished user interface
- Design and display are very pleasant to use
- Fitbit integration makes fitness tracking impressive
- Fast and convenient charging
Cons:
- Fitbit Premium is required for some advanced health and fitness features
- Average battery life
- Not fully compatible and smooth with an iPhone
Price: $299.99 USD
Apple Watch Alternatives That Aren’t Smartwatches
If you don’t want a smartwatch, a smart ring or a fitness band is a great alternative to the Apple Watch because they don’t have a screen and continuously record your data in the background.
9. Oura Ring
Best in: Sleep tracking
The best Apple Watch alternative for recovery, sleep, and long-term health.
If you are interested in advanced health tracking without the inconvenience of wearing a mini phone screen on your wrist, the Oura Ring Gen 4 is your answer. Unlike a smartwatch that aims to do everything possible and more, the Oura Ring 4 does the thing the brand does best: it tracks data quietly.
For people who find the Apple Watch too bulky or uncomfortable for sleep tracking, Oura makes a far more natural fit. It tracks sleep cycles, resting heart rate, HRV, temperature trends, recovery scores and even menstrual cycle and pregnancy insights.
The battery life of 5-7 days is also a huge plus. The user interface is where you would feel a huge difference from the Apple Watch. There is no screen, notifications or app to begin a run. Everything is recorded behind the scenes and is displayed in the companion app on the iPhone. The data also syncs seamlessly with Apple Health.
However, there is a drawback- it requires a monthly subscription to access all this data. Without the subscription, the ring is pretty useless in my humble opinion.
Pros:
- Excellent sleep and recovery tracking
- Comfortable and screen-free design
- Excellent battery life
- Seamless integration with Apple Health
Cons:
- Monthly subscription required
- No in-built GPS or workout-centric features
- Not designed to track fitness in real time
- Not suitable for lifting weights and heavy training
Price: Starts at $349 USD
10. Ultrahuman Ring AIR
Best in: Metabolic health and actionable recovery data (no subscription)
A no-subscription Apple Watch alternative that focuses on metabolism.
Some might call it a dupe of the Oura Ring, but I don’t agree. The Ultrahuman Ring AIR especially wins on the grounds of not hiding its data behind a paywall. Their philosophy is different: sharper insights, faster feedback and a strong focus on how your body responds to stress, food and training.
But what really sets the Ring AIR apart is its laser focus on actionable health data. It’s sleep tracking, HRV, resting heart rate, skin temperature and movement, then translating into daily recovery and readiness insights. The ring is extremely light, comfortable to wear all day and night and lasts around 4-6 days on a single charge.
Once you buy the ring, you get full access to your data. It integrates very well with Apple Health, but the biggest plus for me will always remain the no-subscription model.
Pros:
- No subscription required to access the data
- Recovery data is very detailed
- Sleek and comfortable to wear all day and night
- Apple Health integration is seamless
Cons:
- Not appropriate for people who focus on activity and training since rings are not comfortable to wear during workouts
- Battery life could be better
Price: $349 USD (Currently not available in the US)
11. WHOOP 5.0
Best in: Serious training, strain management, and athletic recovery
For serious training and recovery monitoring.
The Whoop Band is designed keeping in mind those who do not care much about time, screens or notifications, but rather a lot more about performance, recovery and strain. The Whoop Band is one of the Apple Watch alternatives with a focus on athletes and active individuals who are keen to know how their bodies react to exercise and stress.
Whoop monitors heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, sleep, effort and recovery on a minute-by-minute basis. The most impressive aspect, by a large measure, is its coaching analysis, where it gives you a reading on when to give it your all and when to give it a rest.
Unlike most wearable monitors, Whoop does not feature a screen. You wear it, forget it, and look at the results on your iPhone, much like a smart ring. The battery life is good and thanks to its on-body charging design, it never has to be removed and the data won’t be compromised. It does, however, work on a subscription model.
Pros:
- Outstanding recovery and strain insights
- Designed to be worn continuously
- Strong coaching and performance analytics
- Integrates well with Apple Health
Cons:
- Subscription required
- No display or smartwatch features
- Not intended for casual or lifestyle purposes
Price: Starts at $149/year (WHOOP One)
How to choose the right 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 alternatives to the Apple Watch, whenever I am looking for any new gadget, 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 smartwatch from other brands, you won’t have access to this.
Although you can find replacements for apps, some Apple apps 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 that you are addicted to.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor in any smartwatch. Apple Watch can last up to 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 on 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 smartwatch 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.
If you’re looking for more smartwatch suggestions, here is our guide on:
- 5 Best Smartwatches for Heart Monitoring – ECG, HRV & Alerts
- Best Wearables with Offline Maps for Hiking, Diving & Travel
- Best Smart Watches For Seniors With Fall Detection!
- Best Fitbit For Small Wrists | Find The Top Fitbit For You!
