Smartwatches are the most revolutionary time-keeping devices that ever existed. They are also the trendiest type of watch that attracts almost all age groups because of everything that they feature. On the other hand, the iPhone has been the leading brand in the smartphone business. Its operating system (iOS) showcases the best quality features in a smartphone.

Now to your main concern — the reason why you are here. Picking the best smartwatch for your iPhone does not necessarily say that you have to buy the latest and the most expensive Apple Watch. There is a wide variety of alternatives out there when it comes to choosing a wearable device that works perfectly fine with iOS.

We listed the top 5 best smartwatches that can be partnered with your iPhone and that are more affordable than the latest Apple Watch.


1. Samsung Gear S3

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier Smartwatch (Bluetooth), SM-R760NDAAXAR

$265.95
in stock
Amazon.com
Updated: July 10, 2026 12:26 am

Features

  • A distinctive steel bezel that you can rotate to access apps and notifications, strap with buckle: 2.76 inches, large strap with holes: 5.12 inches, small strap with holes: 4.33 inches
  • Text, call and get notifications directly from your watch through your bluetooth connected smartwatch. Battery charging method - Wireless charging dock
  • Make payments with Samsung pay almost anywhere you swipe or tap a credit card; Battery type and Size: 380mAh Li ion
  • With military grade performance, the Gear S3 resists water, dust, extreme temperatures and the occasional drop; Typical usage: Up to 3 days
  • Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones (compatible with select Bluetooth capable smartphones using Android OS 4.4 and later with at least 1.5GB RAM as well as iPhone 5 and later with iOS 9.0 and above; Gear S3 supported smartphones may vary by carrier and device; For a list of compatible smartphones and features

The Samsung Gear S3 presents a combination of style and innovation. Its always-on display feature makes it look more like the typical watch. It also comes with a super AMOLED full-color display that is still one of the best in the market. It works with iPhone 5 or later, i.e. iOS 9.0 and above.

The steel bezel can be rotated to navigate through the watch’s features and apps. The round design also makes it possible to choose watch faces that make it look like a traditional wrist watch with the added benefits of modern technology. This watch has a military grade performance and is durable enough to wear on most activities without worrying about any damage.


2. Huawei Watch Two

Huawei Watch 2 Classic Smartwatch - Ceramic Bezel- Black Leather Strap(Us Warranty)

$241.99
in stock
Amazon.com
Updated: July 10, 2026 12:26 am

Features

  • Built-in GPS and continuous heart rate: monitor your heart rate and track your workout routes without your phone
  • Scientific sleep tracking: Huawei TruSleep keeps track of light, deep and REM sleep stages to make your sleep truly restful
  • Workout Coach: get real-time guidance and workout data such as recovery time and Vo2 Max
  • Nfc and Google assistant: make payments and have a personal voice assistant from your wrist
  • Music and power: you can download and listen to music by Google play music on your watch. And you can optimize power consumption settings to get the most out of your device

Huawei certainly caught up with the smartwatch trend and released their own lineup of wearables. One of these is the Huawei Watch Two that takes pride in integrating the latest technology with that look of a classic sports watch. It is made to work with ease with any smartphone. It features a standalone GPS navigation, offline music storage, and a personal running coach.

Are you the type who prefers to listen to music to get into the right mood before starting your workout? This watch can easily sync to your Google Play Music and play your favorite tunes while hitting the gym!


3. Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch

Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch (Bluetooth), Black, SM-R600NZKAXAR – US Version with Warranty

$289.99
in stock
Amazon.com
Updated: July 10, 2026 12:26 am

Features

  • Gear Sport is swim ready and water resistant up to 50 meters/5ATM
  • Get accurate, all day fitness tracking, easy calorie entry and personal coaching
  • With Samsung Pay NFC compatibility, easily make a payment from your wrist
  • Check your updates and receive and reply to calls and texts with a turn of the bezel; Wi Fi : 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
  • Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.Main Display Size:1.2 inch

Another excellent offering from Samsung is the Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch. This is the best choice if your preference is mainly focused on sporting and fitness activities. It tracks your fitness as it observes your body’s calories and notifies you or your progress in real-time.

This smartwatch has a water resistance of up to 50 meters, making it safe to wear while swimming without damaging the interior with water. What’s more, you can control other Samsung products (even appliances!) with the amazing Samsung Connect! This nifty feature allows you to manage compatible smart devices with just a turn if the bezel.


4. Garmin Fenix 5

Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire - Black with Black Band

$429.99
in stock
Amazon.com
Updated: July 10, 2026 12:26 am

Features

  • Premium multi sport GPS watch with elevate wrist heart rate technology; Physical size : 47 x 47 x 15.5 millimeter
  • Fit for adventure with rugged design that features stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case , features Sunrise or sunset times, GPS time sync
  • Put key stats at your fingertips with the performance widget that shows the effects and progress of your workouts. Battery life smartwatch mode upto 2 weeks; GPS/HR mode upto 24 hours. UltraTrac mode upto 60 hours without wrist heart rate
  • Connected features include smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin connect online fitness community and personalization through free watch faces and apps from our connect IQ store
  • Outdoor sensors, including GPS and Glonass satellite reception and 3 axis compass with gyroscope and barometric altimeter

The Garmin Fenix 5 has come out on the market described as a premium GPS smartwatch that features multisport functionalities. You can check your heart rate with the use of its monitor located in its wristband. The good thing is its bands are interchangeable depending on what you feel like wearing on every given day. It perfectly works with the iPhone.

The silicone QuickFit band is a comfortable durable material to wear while doing physical activities or during the hot summer season. Overall, it’s a great smartwatch with specialized sports features that you can easily connect with your mobile phone.


5. Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band

Amazon.com

Features

  • GPS
  • Retina display
  • Swimproof
  • Optical heart sensor
  • Stores music, podcasts, and audiobooks

Of course, who could forget Apple’s very own lineup of smartwatches? The Apple Watch Series 3 may not be the latest from their wearables, but you can still enjoy the best exclusive features that the Apple ecosystem offers. It has a retina display, optical heart sensor, and podcast player.

It has a decent battery life of 18 hours, and is a lightweight smartwatch that definitely feels comfortable on the wrist. You can either choose to have a 38 mm case, or pay a little extra and go for the bigger 42 mm case. When looking for a smartwatch for your iPhone, Apple watches should always be your go-to first before other brands!


For other smart watches, be sure to take a look at our popular waterproof smart watches and budget friendly cheap smart watches!