Cheapest, a slim band
Fitbit Charge 6
- Google Maps and Wallet
- Up to 7 days
Cheaper alternatives to the Google Pixel Watch 4
Three cheaper picks that last longer. You lose the premium screen and apps.
Updated 13 November 2026
A watch, still Fitbit
Fitbit Versa 4
- Built-in GPS
- Physical button back
Best for running
Garmin Forerunner 165
- Accurate GPS
- Barometric altimeter
The original
Google Pixel Watch 4
Worth it if: You use an Android phone
- Domed, very bright 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
- Domed, very bright screen
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Gemini and Google apps
Worth it if
- You use an Android phone
- You want a smartwatch first, tracker second
Not worth it if
- Your phone is an iPhone
- You'd rather charge once a week
Good to know
Why each one made the list, and our final recommendation.
Fitbit Charge 6
Tom's Guide liked the Google Maps and Wallet support and improved heart-rate readings; Android Central found it comfortable for sleep. TechRadar called the GPS flaky and missed an altimeter. Suits a light tracker wearer.
Fitbit Versa 4
A square Fitbit watch with six-plus days claimed. Les Numériques saw only a timid step on from the Versa 3, and TechRadar didn't rate it as a fitness watch. It suits people who want Fitbit's app on their wrist for less.
Garmin Forerunner 165
It's the cheapest Garmin built around running: Android Central said it gives up very little against pricier models, and Les Numériques liked the OLED screen and altimeter at this level. It's a sports watch first, with simpler notifications.
Final recommendation: The Fitbit Charge 6 is the cheapest and best for sleep. The Versa 4 gives a proper watch screen with Fitbit's app, and the Forerunner 165 is for runners. Keep the Pixel Watch 4 if Android smarts and its screen matter most.
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 | Affordable | Budget | Affordable | Affordable |
| Battery (claimed) | Up to 30 hours AOD on | Up to 7 days | 6+ days | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) |
| GPS | Yes (dual-frequency: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS) | Built-in (GPS + GLONASS) | built-in (GPS + GLONASS) | Built-in, up to 19 hours (GPS-only) |
| Screen | Actua 360 domed AMOLED LTPO, 320ppi, up to 3000 nits | Colour AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED, 1.2-inch |
| Maps | – | No | – | No |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 | Water resistant to 50 m | 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
Is the Fitbit Charge 6 a good Pixel Watch 4 alternative?
For health and sleep tracking, yes. It's a band, so the screen is small and apps are limited.
Does the Forerunner 165 show phone notifications?
Yes, from an iPhone or Android phone. Replies and apps are more limited than on the Pixel.
Which Pixel Watch 4 alternative lasts longest?
The Forerunner 165, at up to 11 days in smartwatch mode by Garmin's figure.
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 Charge 6 specs, Tom's Guide: Fitbit Charge 6 review: a brilliant tracker with more Google, TechRadar: Fitbit Charge 6 review: A fun but flawed modern fitness tracker, Android Central: Fitbit Charge 6 review: Familiar hardware, Googleified, 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.