Top 10 Apple Smartwatch Alternatives Under $500

Apple has been the go-to brand for wearable technology, preferred by most tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados. But for those seeking cross-platform compatibility, more customization options, or just getting the most value for money, they look for alternatives. We’ll help you find one with this list of the best Apple smartwatch alternatives under $500:

1. Galaxy Watch6 Classic

With its timeless and iconic look, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic is an excellent Apple Watch substitute at around $370. It has a rotating bezel lets you scroll through your apps, text, menus, tiles, and others. It operates on Android Wear OS 4 and has 16GB 2GB RAM on a Li-Ion 425 mAh, non-removable battery.

While its sibling, the Galaxy Watch6, costs less than $100, the difference is well worth it. The classic is made with durable stainless steel and a sapphire crystal front. It is water resistant up to 50 m, ECG certified, and comes with a blood pressure monitor, among many other features.

2. Google Pixel Watch 2

Claiming to provide you with personalized help for your health, safety, and productivity, the Google Pixel Watch 2 steps up to its promise. It has three sensors that give you precise info on your heart rate, skin temperature, and signs of stress.

It runs on Android Wear OS 4 and has an accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer, skin conductance, and more. At around $350, this is an Apple watch substitute that you’ll want to wear day and night, thanks to its sleek and stylish appearance. 

3. Garmin Instinct® 2X Solar

For those who thrive on adventures, the Garmin Instinct® 2X Solar is an excellent Apple smartwatch alternative. At only around $350, it has all the bells and whistles for people who lead rugged and adventurous lives. It comes equipped with an expansive solar charging lens that keeps it going for longer. 

The Instinct is feature-packed with a built-in flashlight, health and wellness monitoring sensors, multi-band GNSS, and many others. Its patented Tracback Routing feature, reference point, and ABC sensors make it a watch built to last.

4. Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit’s most advanced health and fitness smartwatch is the Sense 2. It can help you manage stress, understand sleep, and track your heart rate, among many other unique features. It has a sleek and slim design with raised band attachments for comfort.

Sense 2 can track your health and fitness stats for over six days without charging. At around $250, it offers access to Alexa, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Fitbit Pay, and many more. It has a color touch screen and is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

5. Huawei Watch GT

With its chic and polished look, the Huawei Watch GT is an affordable alternative to the Apple smartwatch at around $197. But don’t be fooled by its price, it is packed with features that make it worth every penny. It has a variety of sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and many others.

The Huawei Watch GT 4 46 mm has a 14-day battery life for maximum usage. It can help you manage your calorie intake, monitor your workout heart rate, and track your routes.

6. Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition Smartwatch

Inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. The Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition Smartwatch is proof of this. At just around $179, you’ll get a trendy and feature-rich Apple smartwatch alternative. This model is equipped with a lilac silicone strap that provides comfort, whether swimming or sleeping.

This Apple substitute provides wellness metrics such as heart rates, sleep insights, SpO2, and VO2 Max. It operates on Wear OS by Google and works with phones using the latest version of Android or iOS. It has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage.

7. Amazfit Active

If you think smartwatches are expensive, you’re very much mistaken. At around $150, Amazfit Active has the looks and features of a watch similar to Apple, but not its price. It has one of the longest-lasting battery life at two full weeks on a single charge. 

Amazfit Active is equipped with Zepp Coach™, an AI-powered training feature. It works with five satellite systems to help you track your route and health and wellness apps to help you on your fitness journey.

8. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

With a classic look, excellent battery life, and a powerful processor, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 will surely give Apple fierce competition. At around $350, this is a cost-effective alternative to an Apple smartwatch. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass and a recessed screen to keep scratches and shattering at bay.

This watch is responsive and fast, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 wearable platform, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. It can go up to 80 hours on its 628mAh battery.

9. Skagen Falster Gen 6

If you want to track your heart rate, sleep, and GPS, the Skagen Falster Gen 6 is an excellent alternative to an Apple smartwatch. It is affordable, costs about $295, and has many beautiful features. It is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.

What makes this Apple watch alternative is its ability to charge faster. You can get 80% of your charge in just around 30 minutes. It comes equipped with the latest Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus chipset, which makes its battery more efficient.

10. Polar Ignite 3

Track and monitor your fitness and wellness journey in style with the Polar Ignite 3. It comes with many exclusive features such as Nightly Recharge™, SleepWise™, and Nightly Skin Temperature, to name a few. It has a heart rate monitor, GNSS, 24/7 activity monitoring, and an ultra-long battery life.

The Polar Ignite can help you train and recover with its calorie counter, fat, protein, carbs breakdown, and many other valuable features. At approximately $330, this Apple alternative is a steal.

Conclusion

If you think Apple is the end-all and be-all of smartwatches, this list of the best Apple smartwatch alternatives list will prove you otherwise.