This dead simple and dirt cheap Garmin smartwatch is the perfect budget pick

Credit: Garmin Published Aug 17, 2026, 12:08 PM EDT Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. Sign in to your Android Police account Want to try something new in the smartwatch space without much risk? Anything from Garmin is a pretty safe bet. You get reliable tracking, a durable build, strong health tracking, and excellent battery life. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is on sale right now from several retailers, with a steep $80 discount from its MSRP that drops it to $190. It's a good time to pick one up if you've been thinking about grabbing something different. Sleek, powerful, and cheap Smartwatches can easily cost $300 or more. But the Vivoactive 5 hits a sweet spot with its discounted price, offering tons of performance for just $190. It features a bright AMOLED screen and up to 11 days of battery life. That number will easily beat any Wear OS watch on the market right now. The watch provides detailed insights into your health and fitness metrics, while breaking it all down so it makes sense at a glance. The Vivoactive 5 can track your heart rate, pulse, sleep, stress levels, and so much more. If you're having trouble sleeping or maintaining some fitness goals, the Vivoactive 5 can help. It even has on-screen workouts, so you can try some new exercises when you want. As a smartwatch, it brings notifications from your connected phone to your wrist. You can also download music from a select number of services to store it on your watch and leave the phone at home. Garmin Pay also lets you check out at any supported payment terminal. Again, this watch is fairly complete for its low price. We loved it in our review, with our only major complaint being that it only comes in one size. But at $190, it's an absolute steal and worth taking a look at. Garmin Vivoactive 5 $190 $270 Save $80 Case size 42mm Case Material Fiber-reinforced polymer Display 1.2" 390 x 390 AMOLED CPU Slate/Black, Cream Gold/Ivory, Orchid, Navy Storage 4 GB Garmin's Vivoactive 5 builds on the success of its predecessor with a sharp AMOLED screen and plenty of fitness features for tracking your health. With thoughtful features such as a sleep coach and guided meditation sessions, Garmin's flagship wearable aims to put you in touch with your body in ways you've never thought of before. Battery Up to 11 days (AOD off) Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Health sensors Heart rate, SpO2, accelerometer, temperature sensor Dimensions 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm Weight 23g (body only) IP Rating N/A (5 ATM) Strap size 20mm, standard Price $300