Best 2022 Smartwatches for value for money

#1 Garmin Forerunner 955
4.7

Value for money was strongly positive for serious athletes because the 955 delivers many premium Garmin features below Fenix-style pricing.

Pros: outdoor visibility, charging speed

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#2 Polar Pacer Pro
4.6

Value for money was one of the strongest themes: reviewers repeatedly said the watch brings higher-end Polar features to a much more attractive price.

Pros: workout tracking variety, activity auto-detection

Cons: onboard music storage, blood oxygen tracking

#3 Polar Pacer
4.5

Value for money is the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Pacer capable, well-priced, and high-value for training features.

Pros: third-party app support, comfort

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#4 Garmin Forerunner 255
4.4

Value was praised by most reviewers because the Forerunner 255 brought high-end training and GPS features to a midrange price, though some still found it expensive.

Pros: durability, cross-platform compatibility

Cons: stress tracking, app ecosystem

#5 Garmin Forerunner 255S
4.4

Value for money was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling the 255S a high-value training watch despite some cheaper rivals.

Pros: step counting accuracy, fit

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, charging convenience

#6 Garmin Vivomove Sport
4.2

Value was broadly positive for users who want style and Garmin wellness data at an approachable price, though a few reviewers questioned value against fuller fitness trackers.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#7 Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.1

Value was generally positive because reviewers saw strong fitness, GPS, battery, and AMOLED upgrades for the price, though some disliked price increases or paid music storage.

Pros: charging speed, coaching features

Cons: ECG functionality, call handling

#8 Coros Apex 2
3.7

Value was highly context-dependent: some reviewers called it a bargain or better value, while others criticized pricing against better-featured competitors or the Pro model.

Pros: resume later function, durability

Cons: watch face quality, call handling

#9 Suunto 9 Peak Pro
3.0

Value for money split reviewers sharply: discounted pricing drew praise, but many felt the launch price was hard to justify against better-equipped Garmin, Coros, or Apple alternatives.

Pros: step counting accuracy, durability

Cons: voice assistant quality, contactless payments

#10 Fitbit Versa 4
3.0

Value for money was highly divided: some reviewers saw a bargain or fair price, while many said better options existed.

Pros: pairing reliability, user interface

Cons: third-party app support, music controls

#11 Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4
2.8

Value for money is the biggest tradeoff: reviewers accept the luxury premium in context, but often call functionality poor value versus cheaper watches.

Pros: contactless payments, pairing reliability

Cons: LTE connectivity, call handling

#12 Polar Ignite 3
2.8

Value for money was mixed to negative overall because praise for features and screen was often offset by lag, GPS issues, missing smartwatch tools, and strong rivals.

Pros: brightness, charging speed

Cons: call handling, third-party app support

#13 Garmin MARQ Gen 2
2.8

Value for money was the most common concern: reviewers loved the watch but often said Epix, Fenix, or Approach models provide much of the same for less.

Pros: pairing reliability, reliability

Cons: size options, call handling

#14 Fitbit Sense 2
2.4

Value for money is mixed-to-negative: the Sense 2 is compelling at discounts, but many reviewers say missing smartwatch features, Premium gates, and cheaper alternatives weaken its value.

Pros: pairing reliability, durability

Cons: music controls, Wi-Fi connectivity