Best Cheap Smart Watches Summary

Fitbit Charge 6

• Features: Health metrics, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, GPS, ECG, good battery life
• Pros: Detailed health tracking, decent battery life, various health features
• Cons: Sleep score requires premium subscription, concerns about Google reducing feature set
• User Quote: "Fitbit would give you what you want including the temps, ecg, gps, decent battery life (up to 7 days)"

Apple Watch SE

• Features: Bluetooth connectivity, notifications, calls, texts, health features
• Pros: Good smart features, compatible with iPhone, LTE functionality available
• Cons: Limited health features compared to competitors
• User Quote: "You can buy an apple watch without LTE and you still will be able to get notifications when you are in Bluetooth range."

Garmin Vivoactive 5, Instinct 2, Forerunner 165

• Features: Health metrics, GPS, fitness tracking
• Pros: Detailed fitness tracking, long battery life, no reliance on Google
• Cons: Lacks some health features (ECG, temp monitoring), no voice assistant
• User Quote: "Garmin - vivoactive 5 / instinct 2 / forerunner 165 are good choices based on what you want"

Huawei Smart Watch

• Features: HR monitoring, decent battery life
• Pros: Good heart rate tracking, comparable to Fitbit
• Cons: Lacks advanced health features like ECG or temp monitoring
• User Quote: "Huawei - outside option - don't think there are any VA, and most don't have ecg or temp"

Garmin Forerunner 55

• Features: Swimming tracking, fitness tracking
• Pros: Suitable for swimming tracking, affordable option
• Cons: May lack some advanced features
• User Quote: "How about the cheapest Garmin, the Forerunner 55? It can also track swimming."

Xiaomi Smart Watches

• Features: Basic smartwatch capabilities
• Pros: Affordable option
• Cons: Concerns about privacy and data security
• User Quote: "Hell no, avoid Xiaomi at all costs if you care about your privacy."

PineTime and Bangle.js Smartwatches

• Features: Open-source design, basic functionality
• Pros: Privacy-focused, affordable
• Cons: Limited advanced features
• User Quote: "Check out the PineTime and Bangle.js, good open-source smartwatches without data harvesting."

General Privacy Tips for Smart Watches

• Avoid linking the watch with internet and phone
• Consider using private networks, VPN, or TOR for data security
• User Quote: "It's better to not link it with the internet and the phone I guess."

Overall, for a cheap smartwatch with basic health features, Fitbit Charge 6 or Garmin Forerunner 55 could be good options. For privacy-conscious users, PineTime or Bangle.js offer open-source alternatives. Xiaomi watches are affordable but may raise privacy concerns.