Introduction:
This is where our guide to the 7 best budget Apple Watches for 2024 comes in. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who simply wants to stay on top of notifications without constantly reaching for your phone, there’s an Apple Watch that fits your needs and budget. We’ll explore models that offer excellent value for money, balancing performance, durability, and style, without breaking the bank. From slightly older versions still packed with powerful features to newer models available at discounted prices, we’ve got something for everyone.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, staying connected, informed, and healthy has never been easier, thanks to smartwatches. Among these, the Apple Watch stands out not only for its sleek design and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem but also for its wide range of features that cater to various lifestyles. However, with the latest models often carrying a hefty price tag, finding a budget-friendly Apple Watch that doesn’t compromise on essential features can be a challenge.
7 Best Budget Apple Watches
1. Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 45mm
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smart Watch w/Silver Stainless Steel Case with White Sport Band - M/L. Fitness ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71kbgfN7vWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] is a versatile smartwatch with a silver stainless steel case and white sports band. It features advanced health monitoring tools like blood oxygen and ECG apps, and a bright, always-on Retina display. The watch is water-resistant and durable, with IP6X dust resistance and a WR50 swimproof rating.
It offers cellular connectivity, allowing you to text, call, and stream music without your iPhone. The watch is customizable with various bands and watch faces. It seamlessly integrates with Apple devices, supporting features like unlocking your Mac and using Apple Pay. The Series 8 requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version. With 32 GB storage and built-in GPS, it’s designed to be your essential companion for a healthy and connected life.
2. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm]
![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L. Fitness & Sleep T...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fkjgSHKaL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] is a budget-friendly smartwatch with a Midnight Aluminum Case and Midnight Sport Band. It offers essential features like fitness and sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and crash detection. Priced competitively, it is a value-packed option for those looking to stay connected and monitor their health.
Key features include built-in GPS, 50m water resistance, and compatibility with Apple devices, enabling seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The watch runs on watchOS 10, which provides redesigned apps and the Smart Stack feature for easy access to information.
The Apple Watch SE is carbon neutral and customizable with various bands and watch faces. It’s swim-proof, stylish, and comes with a free three-month trial of Apple Fitness+. This model is a versatile and eco-friendly choice for Apple users.
3. Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm]
![Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OSc6IfGcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] offers advanced features and a sleek design with a Midnight Aluminum Case and Midnight Sport Band. It is priced as a premium smartwatch, reflecting its cutting-edge capabilities.
Key features include a superbright Always-On Retina Display, which ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight, and the powerful S9 chip that enhances performance. The watch is carbon neutral, highlighting Apple’s commitment to sustainability.
Health features are extensive, including ECG monitoring, heart rhythm notifications, sleep tracking with detailed sleep stages, and temperature sensing for overall well-being insights.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is highly customizable, offering various band styles and fully customizable watch faces. It integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, supports Apple Pay, and includes a free three-month trial of Apple Fitness+, making it an ideal companion for both health tracking and everyday convenience.
4. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case & Midnight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness & Sleep Trac...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lG7br7k1L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Key Features
- Fitness & Health: Track workouts, sleep, monitor heart rate, and get notifications for irregular heart rhythms.
- Safety: Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS.
- Performance: 20% faster processor, enhanced workout metrics.
- Customization: Choose from various sizes, colours, watch faces & bands.
- Seamless Connectivity: Works with iPhone (8 or later) for unlocking Mac, finding devices, and Apple Pay.
- Durability: Swimproof (50 meters), three finishes, redesigned back case with a reduced carbon footprint.
- Apps: Access tens of thousands of apps on your wrist.
- Fitness Partner: Enhanced Workout app with new training modes and advanced metrics. Includes 3 months free Apple Fitness+.
Top Apple Watch Features You Need to Know About
Apple Watches are packed with innovative features that make them stand out in the world of smartwatches. One of the top features is fitness tracking, which offers comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even ECG readings. Apple Watches also provides accurate activity tracking, encouraging users to stay active with features like Activity Rings and personalized coaching.
Another standout feature of Apple Watches is their seamless integration with other Apple devices. This allows users to easily respond to messages, answer calls, and control music right from their wrist. The Apple Watch Series 7 and later models offer an always-on Retina display, making it easy to check the time and notifications without raising your wrist.
Water resistance is another crucial feature, allowing users to wear their Apple Watches while swimming or working out in various conditions. Additionally, the fall detection and emergency SOS features provide added safety, automatically alerting emergency services if you experience a hard fall.
Lastly, Apple Watches offers a vast selection of customizable watch faces and bands, allowing users to personalize their devices to match their style and needs. With these features, Apple Watches remains a top choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performing smartwatch.
5. Apple Watch Series 8
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, Bloo...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ulah9iIwL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Apple Watch Series 8: Key Features
- Advanced Health: Blood oxygen & ECG apps, temperature sensing (for women’s health), sleep stages tracking.
- Safety: Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS.
- Display: Always-on Retina display for easy viewing.
- Customization: Variety of sizes, materials, bands, and watch faces.
- Connectivity: Seamless integration with Apple devices and services.
- Durability: Crack-resistant, dust-resistant, swimproof.
- Fitness: Enhanced Workout app with new training modes and advanced metrics, 3 months free Apple Fitness+.
6. Apple Watch Ultra 2
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Ocean Band. Fitness Tracker, Precisi...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71eBoSK6WmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a super-rugged smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. It boasts a massive, bright display, a nearly indestructible titanium case, and a long-lasting battery (up to 72 hours!). Built-in cellular lets you call, text, and use maps even without your phone. Advanced fitness features and GPS help you track workouts with incredible accuracy. Special bands cater to specific activities, while the Compass app guides you outdoors. This watch is built for pushing limits and exploring the world.
7. Apple Watch SGPS 45mm]eries 9[
![Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Silver Aluminum Case with Winter Blue Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, Blood O...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OjeU5w-aL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Key Features.
- Environmentally Friendly: Made with recycled materials and carbon neutral with Sport Loop ban
- Super Bright Display: The S9 chip allows for a bright, easy-to-read display with new interactive features.
- Advanced Health Features: Blood oxygen, ECG, sleep stages tracking, temperature sensing (women’s health), mindfulness tracking.
- Fitness Partner: Enhanced Workout app with advanced metrics, 3 months free Apple Fitness+.
- Safety Features: Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS.
- Seamless Connectivity: Works with iPhone XS or later for unlocking Mac, finding the phone, and Apple Pay.
- Customization: Variety of watch bands and customizable watch faces.
Health and fitness are at the forefront of why Apple Watches are indispensable. They provide comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate tracking, ECG readings, and blood oxygen levels, all from your wrist. This makes Apple Watches an ideal companion for those focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, Apple Watches ensures you stay connected without needing to constantly check your phone. You can receive and respond to texts, calls, and notifications directly on your wrist, making them incredibly convenient for busy individuals.
The customization options also make Apple Watches a standout accessory. With a wide range of watch faces, bands, and third-party apps, you can tailor your Apple Watch to match your style and needs.
Whether it’s for health tracking, staying connected, or personal style, Apple Watches are more than just a gadget—they’re an essential accessory for modern living.
Choosing the right Apple Watch doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget to its limits. As our list of the 7 best budget Apple Watches for 2024 shows, plenty of options offer the perfect blend of functionality, style, and affordability. Whether you’re drawn to the fitness tracking capabilities, the convenience of on-the-go communication, or simply the aesthetic appeal of an Apple Watch, a model on this list will meet your needs without emptying your wallet.
By focusing on what matters most to you—battery life, water resistance, app compatibility, or health monitoring—you can make an informed decision that will enhance your daily life without overspending. The key is to prioritize the features that align with your lifestyle and to take advantage of deals and discounts that make owning an Apple Watch more accessible than ever. With the right choice, you can enjoy the benefits of Apple’s cutting-edge technology while staying within your budget.