Top Fitness Smartwatches Under $200 with VO2 & Coaching

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on Jul 17,2025

Where the balance between budget and leading-edge health features is concerned, looking for the best fitness smartwatch under $200 in the U.S. can prove surprisingly satisfying. As an experienced runner, weekend hiker, or just starting on your fitness track, today's smartwatches now arrive with high-end features such as VO2 max monitoring, smartwatch training coach assistance, swimproof casing, and even contactless payments, without sacrificing a fortune.

In this in-depth guide, we examine the best and most feature-packed smartwatches below $200 with VO2 and coaching support. We shall point out their fitness tracking feature, strength, NFC support, and swimproof ratings to enable you to make an informed decision.

Why a Fitness Smartwatch Is a Must-Have for Your Wellness Journey

A fitness smartwatch is no longer just a step-counting device. It's become an entire wellness companion. For less than $200, most smartwatches now provide:

  • VO2 max estimates for aerobic capacity
  • Integrated smartwatch training coach modes for goal-setting training
  • Rugged designs appropriate for wearing outdoors

NFC payment features for convenience

Swimproof fitness watch designs are perfect for water workouts

These features, previously reserved for $300+ wearables, are now more affordable than ever, particularly in the U.S. market.

Best Fitness Smartwatches Under $200 in the USA - Top 6

Let's take a look at the best fitness photos, under $200, based on the VO2 max, training coach, quality of construction, and additional features.

1. Amazfit GTR 4

Best Overall Fitness Watch with VO2 Max in the USA.

  • Price: ~$199
  • VO2 Max: YES
  • Smartwatch coach: YES 
  • NFC payments: NO 
  • Swimproof: (5 ATM): YES 

The Amazfit GTR 4 has flagship spec in a value package that won't break your will! With VO2 max estimate support, integrated training coach, and more than 150 sport modes, this watch caters to performance seekers who don't want to break the bank.

Top Features:

  • Powerful VO2 max tracking powered by Zepp algorithms
  • AI-powered running coach that adjusts according to your fitness level
  • Swimproof fitness tracker with 5 ATM water resistance
  • Dual-band GPS for accurate outdoor monitoring
  • Up to 14 days battery life

This is among the best fitness smartwatch options under $200 in the US, ideal for everyday athletes and users.

2. Garmin Forerunner 55

Budget Fitness watch for Runners under $200

  • Price: ~$179
  • VO2 Max:YES 
  • Smartwatch training coach: YES 
  • NFC payments: NO
  • Swimproof: YES (5 ATM)

If you are into running or cardiovascular exercise, the Forerunner 55 might be on this recommendation list to help enhance your performance. The Forerunner 55 has training plans- based on the Garmin training plans and VO2 max monitoring- which enhance your running performance fitness watches, and a ruggedly built fitness watch to perform in any environment.

What's Good:

  • Personalized coaching plans via Garmin Coach
  • VO2 max estimates to monitor aerobic efficiency
  • Rugged build (2-week battery life)
  • Swimproof watch for pool workouts
  • GPS tracking, heart rate, recovery time tracking

One of the few rugged fitness watches under $200 that track performance data and smart coaching options.

3. Fitbit Charge 6 (Best Fitness Smartwatch with NFC Payment)

  • Approximate Cost: ~$159
  • VO2 Max: YES 
  • Training coach smartwatches: YES 
  • NFC Payments: YES  (Google Wallet)
  • Water resistance: YES 

The Fitbit Charge 6 steps up your fitness watch with coach workouts, Google integration, and VO2 max stats.

Key Features:

  • Built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes
  • VO2 max cardiorespiratory fitness score
  • Google Maps and YouTube Music control
  • NFC support through Google Wallet
  • Swimproof fitness watch with 50M water resistance

If contactless pay is essential, this is among the top fitness smartwatches under $200 with NFC payments and complete health solutions.

4. Coros Pace 2

Budget Price for Elite Performance

  • Price: ~$199
  • VO2 Max:YES 
  • Smartwatch Training Coach: YES 
  • NFC Payments:  NO 
  • Swimproof: YES  (5 ATM)

The Coros Pace 2 is a favorite among triathletes and serious runners for its light weight and solid training data. It includes VO2 max, lactate threshold estimates, and training effect feedback.

Best For:

  • Competitive athletes who require real-time data
  • Structured training plans via the Coros app
  • Long battery life (20 days smartwatch mode)
  • Swimproof fitness watch for open water and pool swimming

It's an actual fitness smartwatch gem under $200 that doesn't hold back on pro-level features.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm)

A Smart Fitness Coach That Can Also Be Worn as a Watch

  • Price: ~$199
  • VO2 Max: YES 
  • Smartwatch Training Coach: YES
  • NFC Payments: YES  (Samsung Pay)
  • Swim-proof:  YES  (IP68 + 5 ATM)

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 satisfies the need for smartwatch convenience and fitness tracking capabilities, providing VO2 max, coaching modes, and NFC payment convenience using Samsung Pay.

Megastars:

  • Built-in smartwatch training coach programs
  • Live VO2 max and live body composition monitoring
  • Android Google Wear OS for app support
  • Swim-proof fitness watch with an IP68 and 5 ATM rating
  • NFC payments and voice assistant support

The most flexible smartwatch on the list, combining fitness, on-the-go convenience, and smart integration.

6.TicWatch E3

A Great Affordable Watch For Android With VO2 Max Maybe Plus Uses NFC

  • Price: ~$149
  • VO2 Max: YES 
  • Smartwatch Training Coach: YES 
  • NFC Payments: YES  (Google Pay)
  • Swim-proof: YES  (IP68)

The TicWatch E3 uses the Wear OS operating system and is a smartwatch that provides a versatile fitness smartwatch experience with VO2 max, guided workouts, and even NFC payment options (which would be quite rare for a watch at this price).

High Points:

  • Google Fit and built-in fitness suite
  • VO2 max estimation and part of the dynamic heart rate tracking
  • NFC via Google Pay
  • Swim-proof fitness with IP68 certification
  • Smooth Wear OS experience and Google Assistant

This is a good option for Android users who want premium features for an affordable price.

Key functions to look for in a fitness smartwatch under $200

female athlete connected her smartphone with smartwatch

Important features to make sure you can make the most from your smart fitness watch:

VO2 Max Measurement

This measurement evaluates the maximum amount of oxygen you can consume during your most intense training, primarily useful to runners, cyclists, and endurance sports.

Smartwatch Training Coach

A smartwatch training coach provides specific fitness schedules and real-time feedback to stay on pace and assist in avoiding injuries.

Swim-proof

A swim-proof sport watch is perfect if you swim or are looking for shower-proof ability.

Toughness

For the gym-trainer, trail-runner, or hiker, a tough fitness watch for under $200 that is shock-resistant should cover most things you are likely to come up against.

NFC Payments

Want to leave your wallet at home? An NFC payment smartwatch could be perfect for the convenience of payments on the run.

Final Verdict: Which Fitness Smartwatch Should You Use?

If you're looking for the best smartwatch for fitness under $200 in the U.S., here's a quick recap:

  • Amazfit GTR 4 – Best overall combination of features
  • Garmin Forerunner 55 – Runner-up for runners and tough use
  • Fitbit Charge 6 – Most value with NFC pay
  • Coros Pace 2 – Best for performance athletes
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 – Best smart capabilities + VO2
  • TicWatch E3 – Good Wear OS option with wide features

All three models provide VO2 monitoring, training coach of some sort in smartwatch, and swimproof fitness watch. It simply depends on what combination of features is best suited to your training style, platform use (Android or iOS), and daily activities.

FAQs about Smart Fitness Watches Under $200

Are there budget smart watches that accurately fetch VO2 max data?

Yes, there are some sub $200 smart watches that accurately provide VO2 max data based on reliable fitness algorithms, such as Garmin, Amazfit, and Fitbit.

Do these watches work with iPhone and Android?

Most do. But devices such as the Galaxy Watch 4 and TicWatch E3 function optimally with Android, while Fitbit and Garmin enjoy superior cross-platform compatibility.

Are these smartwatches tough enough for hard use?

Definitely! The Garmin Forerunner 55 and Coros Pace 2 are very sturdy and tough rugged fitness watches.

Are smartwatches like these usable for purchases?

Yes, many smartwatches including the Fitbit Charge 6, Galaxy Watch 4, and TicWatch E3 facilitate NFC payments using Google or Samsung Pay.

Conclusion

Choosing the top fitness smartwatch for under $200 means you will not have to give up premium health features. Whether VO2 max data and smartwatch training guides or NFC payments and swimproof construction, these affordable options in the U.S. pack tremendous value for money.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, there is a match made in heaven waiting to enable you to train more intelligently, recover more effectively, and live healthier—with your wallet intact.


This content was created by AI