Cheapest, still Google's Fitbit
Cheaper alternatives to the Google Pixel Watch 4
Three cheaper watches that last far longer on a charge. You lose Google's smarts.
Updated November 13, 2026
Built for runners
Garmin Forerunner 165
- Up to 11 days
- AMOLED screen
All-round fitness
The original
Google Pixel Watch 4
Worth it if: You live in Google's apps on Android
- Bright domed AMOLED screen
- Dual-frequency GPS
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What are you actually paying extra for with the Pixel Watch 4?
What the extra money buys
- Bright domed AMOLED screen
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Deep Google apps and Gemini
Worth it if
- You live in Google's apps on Android
- You want a watch that looks like jewelry
Not worth it if
- You use an iPhone
- Charging every couple of days annoys you
Good to know
Why each one made the list, and our final recommendation.
Fitbit Versa 4
It keeps Fitbit's health tracking and adds a physical button back. TechRadar felt it fell short as a fitness watch, and Les Numériques saw only a modest step from the Versa 3. It suits sleep and step tracking on a budget.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Android Central called it the best budget running watch, with GPS and heart-rate accuracy good enough for serious runners. Les Numériques notes the barometric altimeter. It suits someone training for a 5K or marathon who cares more about pace data than apps; smart features are thinner than the Pixel's.
Garmin vívoactive 6
TechRadar found a lot of fitness features in a slim, light body; Android Central pitched it at casual gym-goers. Les Numériques liked its OLED screen and long battery. Best for people who want Garmin's coaching without a running focus.
Final recommendation: The Fitbit Versa 4 is the cheapest way to keep Google's health tracking. Runners should pick the Forerunner 165, and the vívoactive 6 suits all-round fitness. Keep the Pixel Watch 4 if you want the best Android smartwatch and don't mind charging often.
Side by side
Specs from each maker. Price levels come from shop prices we checked recently; tap through for today's price.
| Model | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price level | Premium | Affordable | Affordable | Affordable |
| Battery (claimed) | Up to 30 hours AOD on | 6+ days | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) |
| GPS | Yes (dual-frequency: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS) | built-in (GPS + GLONASS) | Built-in, up to 19 hours (GPS-only) | Built-in, up to 21 hours (GPS-only) |
| Screen | Actua 360 domed AMOLED LTPO, 320ppi, up to 3000 nits | AMOLED | AMOLED, 1.2-inch | AMOLED, 1.2-inch |
| Maps | – | – | No | No |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 | Water resistant to 50 m | – | – |
| Works with | Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
| Shop | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
Questions people ask
How long does the Pixel Watch 4 battery last?
Google quotes up to 30 hours with the screen always on. Les Numériques got about two and a half days.
Does the Pixel Watch 4 work with iPhone?
No, it needs an Android phone. The Versa 4 and both Garmins work with iPhone and Android.
Is the Fitbit Versa 4 still worth buying?
For sleep and step tracking on a budget, yes. Reviewers found it light on new features as a fitness watch.
Related guides
How we reached this
We compared the Google Pixel Watch 4 with the alternatives most often recommended by independent reviewers, then checked each against the makers' own specs and current prices.
We haven't tested these products ourselves. Our picks weigh independent expert reviews against each maker's published specs and the prices we checked. Opinions are ours; facts link to where they come from. How we choose.
Sources: Google: Google Pixel Watch 4 specs, TechRadar: Google Pixel Watch 4 review: Big design changes make for a great smart companion, Les Numériques: Test Google Pixel Watch 4 : la montre gagne en autonomie et en IA, Google: Fitbit Versa 4 specs, TechRadar: Fitbit Versa 4 review, Les Numériques: Test Fitbit Versa 4 : la montre de fitness évolue timidement, Garmin: Garmin Forerunner 165 specs, Android Central: Garmin Forerunner 165 review: Barely a compromise, Les Numériques: Test Garmin Forerunner 165 : une montre running d'entrée de gamme convaincante, Garmin: Garmin vívoactive 6 specs, TechRadar: Garmin Vivoactive 6 review: A feature-stuffed pocket rocket, Android Central: Garmin Vivoactive 6 review: For the casual fitness-goer, Les Numériques: Test Garmin Vivoactive 6 : une montre connectée élégante et compétitive.