Apple Watch SE. Techie Tuneup

The Apple Watch SE checks these boxes, and it's my choice as the best smartwatch for the money in 2023.
Apple has several high-quality offerings, and their newest Apple Watch SE comes with a new motion sensor to make you safe, excellent app support, and the same processor as higher-end models. It has a sturdy casing made from aluminum, it offers a WR50 water resistance rating to withstand heavy-duty use over time, and you can get it in three colors to match your style. It has a stunning OLED display that consistently produces a crisp, bright, and legible image.

However, it lacks always-on functionality to check important information or notifications at a glance. The 18-hour runtime is shorter than other competitors on this list, but it should still get you through the day, and it has a low-power mode to help extend the battery life. Despite its reasonable price, it uses the same S8 chipset as higher-end Apple Watch models. It launches or downloads apps quickly, switches between screens smoothly, and consistently delivers responsive Siri voice commands.