The best Apple Watch alternatives for 2024 may make you forget about Apple altogether
When it comes to smartwatches, it's no secret that the Apple Watch generally reigns supreme. But if you're looking to spend a little less, or if you have an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone, you might want to try something else.
You also might be looking for an Apple Watch alternative now that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 are being sold without their blood oxygen monitoring feature. Thanks to a patent dispute with tech company Masimo, the ban went into effect in January.
Luckily, we've got plenty of alternatives for you, each with a suite of their own options that work just as well as Apple's popular device. And if you have your heart set on an Apple Watch but just can't stomach the price tag of a brand-new Ultra 2, we have something for you too.
No matter your reason for seeking out an Apple Watch alternative, these smartwatches make fine replacements. Best of all, they're available now, with many in stock for overnight shipping.
The best Apple Watch alternatives for 2024
- Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 alternative: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
- Best Android Apple Watch alternative: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Best budget Android Apple Watch alternative: Google Pixel Watch 2
- Best fitness-focused Apple Watch alternative: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
- Best budget fitness-focused Apple Watch alternative: Fitbit Sense 2
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $189 and up (24% off)
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) packs impressive capabilities into a pared-down answer to the core Apple Watch models. If you're not going to be getting an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 anytime soon, this makes a good alternative. The original Apple Watch Ultra is often out of stock at most retailers anyway, and this watch offers better bang for your buck.
It delivers key features like fitness tracking, crash detection, advanced workout metrics and more. Note that blood oxygen measurement is not included. Like pricier models, the SE allows you to handle calls, texts, music streaming and more right from your wrist when connected to your phone. It also provides 50 meters of water resistance.
So if you want solid smartwatch functionality without the premium price tag, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a compelling option to consider.
The Apple Watch SE is available in two sizes. The smaller 40 mm size watch is available at Amazon starting at $189, reduced from $249.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: $250 and up (17% off)
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts a fashionable design that's rounder than the Apple Watch, with a slightly larger screen and excellent outdoor visibility. It also retains all the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch 5 while adding some key upgrades.
With 2GB RAM, the Watch 6 is much quicker and more responsive than previous models, with a smoother UI. The 36-to-48-hour battery life also makes it a great daily driver. For charging, 10-watt fast charging gets you back up and running in no time, so you're not stuck waiting on a boost when you need to get out the door.
Enhanced health and fitness tracking includes improved sleep monitoring, a more precise bioactive sensor and more. The Samsung Health app lets you see and understand all that.
Like the previous model, the Galaxy Watch 6 uses durable sapphire glass for exceptional transparency and scratch resistance. It comes in 40mm, 44mm and 47mm display sizes, along with color options like gold, silver, black and graphite.
Right now, you can snag one starting at $250 for the 40mm Bluetooth option and save 17%.
Google Pixel Watch 2: $350 and up
The Google Pixel Watch 2 brings some notable upgrades compared with its predecessor. and remains one of the slickest-looking smartwatches in the game, thanks to its rounded display, recycled aluminum frame and durable glass construction.
Health and fitness tracking also gets a boost with enhanced sensors that monitor heart rate, blood oxygen, cEDA for stress, and skin temperature. If high stress is detected, the watch provides prompts to log emotions or guides you through breathing exercises. Of course, it handles exercise tracking as well, with automatic detection and heart zone coaching.
The newest Pixel Watch steps up its wellness tracking capabilities and durability while retaining the core Google smartwatch experience. So if you want deeper health insights from your wearable, the Pixel Watch 2 warrants a look, especially if you can't get an Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the Ultra model is mostly out of stock.
The WiFi version will set you back a mere $350 right now at Amazon, while opting for LTE will cost $400.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: $250 and up
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch offers a unique solar charging capability that sets it apart. Simply placing it in sunlight allows the watch to conveniently top up its battery throughout the day without cables. But this wearable is more than just a sun-powered novelty.
With Garmin's accurate Elevate 4.0 sensor, the Instinct 2 Solar provides solid fitness and health tracking. It also touts sturdy construction with water resistance and drop protection. The battery life is simply incredible at up to 28 days of regular use, 65 days in battery saver mode, or 30 hours with continuous GPS.
For active users or anyone seeking maximum convenience by avoiding frequent charges, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an intriguing option. Its solar charging gives you almost unlimited runtime, while still delivering robust activity tracking in a ruggedized package. If you want the freedom of charging without cables, this solar-powered smartwatch warrants a close look.
This smartwatch is currently up for purchase at Amazon starting at just $250 for the smaller 40m model.
Fitbit Sense 2: $250 (17% off)
For Android users seeking great, affordable health tracking (compared with most Apple Watch models), the Fitbit Sense 2 is a top-tier choice. It delivers not only exhaustive wellness insights, but also continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) tracking for all-day stress monitoring. It also includes an ECG sensor for heart rhythm assessments.
Beyond that, the Sense 2 has a skin temperature monitor to detect potential illnesses and their impact on sleep quality. Impressively, it offers a six-day battery life, outlasting many competitors and minimizing constant recharges.
Of course, you still get the expected lineup of smartwatch capabilities. And with its sleek design and bright AMOLED display, it bears a stylistic resemblance to the Apple Watch.
If you want an Android-compatible smartwatch packed with health tracking abilities and lengthy battery life, the feature-filled Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent option to consider. It's available right now at Amazon for just $250, which is 17% off its normal price.
