Best Refurbished Smartwatches to Buy in 2026: Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch or Garmin?

Best Refurbished Smartwatches to Buy in 2026: Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch or Garmin?

A refurbished smartwatch can be one of the best-value tech purchases in 2026. Apple Watch remains the obvious choice for iPhone owners, Samsung Galaxy Watch offers deep Android integration, while Garmin can be particularly attractive for runners and people who value much longer battery life. The best refurbished watch is therefore not simply the newest model you can afford — it is the one that fits your phone, fitness needs, expected battery life and budget.

There is also another side to the refurbished-watch market.

Every person buying a previous-generation smartwatch creates demand for somebody else's old technology.

If you upgraded recently and an Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch or other wearable is now sitting unused, it may still have resale value.

Sell My iPhone's live catalogue already includes smartwatches alongside phones and tablets, with products such as Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro appearing on the site.

Check what your old smartwatch could be worth

Quick answer: Choose a refurbished Apple Watch if you use an iPhone and want the deepest Apple integration. Consider Galaxy Watch if you use Android, particularly Samsung. Garmin becomes especially attractive if running, GPS performance or multi-day battery life matters more than having a miniature phone on your wrist.

Why refurbished smartwatches make sense in 2026

Smartwatch development has matured.

New models still add faster chips, brighter screens, AI features and increasingly sophisticated health functions. However, the core jobs people expect from a smartwatch have existed for several generations.

A good previous-generation model can still provide:

• notifications;
• heart-rate tracking;
• sleep tracking;
• GPS;
• workouts;
• contactless payments;
• music controls;
• timers and alarms;
• calls and messages on supported models.

That makes wearables particularly well suited to the refurbished market.

The latest models make older watches cheaper

Apple's current UK Watch range includes Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Samsung's current UK range now includes the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, alongside the Watch8 Classic.

Those launches do not make Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2, Galaxy Watch7 or earlier watches useless.

Instead, they create a larger pool of previous-generation devices.

That is exactly where refurbished buying can become attractive.

What is the best refurbished smartwatch in 2026?

There is no single winner for everybody.

A sensible shortlist looks more like this:

The important point is that ecosystem matters almost as much as the watch itself.

Is a refurbished Apple Watch worth it?

For an iPhone owner, often yes.

Apple Watch offers the strongest integration with Apple's ecosystem, including notifications, Apple Pay, Health, workouts and other iPhone-connected features.

However, you do not necessarily need Apple's newest model.

Apple Watch Series 9 is still particularly interesting

Apple's forthcoming watchOS 27 remains compatible with Apple Watch Series 9, as well as Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3 and SE 3.

That makes Series 9 an interesting refurbished target.

It is no longer the newest mainstream Watch, yet it remains within Apple's latest major software-support group.

For someone who wants a modern Apple Watch without paying current-model pricing, that combination can be attractive.

Apple Watch Series 10 is another strong option

Series 10 is newer again.

Some refurbished examples may therefore offer a useful balance between remaining software life, battery age and second-hand price.

The key is comparing the actual price difference.

If a clean Series 10 costs only slightly more than a Series 9 with significantly heavier use, buying newer may make sense.

If the price gap is substantial, Series 9 may be the stronger bargain.

What about Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Ultra range presents a different proposition.

Apple currently sells Ultra 3 as its flagship outdoor watch, with features including extended battery life, dual-frequency GPS and a rugged 49mm titanium design.

That makes the previous Ultra 2 especially interesting on the refurbished market.

Buy Ultra for its actual advantages

An Ultra or Ultra 2 makes sense if you value:

• larger display;
• more rugged construction;
• longer battery life than standard Apple Watch models;
• stronger outdoor positioning;
• dual-frequency GPS;
• Action button;
• diving and water-focused features.

Do not pay a premium merely because it says Ultra.

For somebody mostly checking messages at a desk, a standard Series Watch may provide nearly everything they need for much less.

Is Apple Watch SE a good refurbished buy?

It can be one of the strongest value choices.

Apple Watch SE removes some of the premium health and display features but keeps much of the core smartwatch experience.

A refurbished SE can therefore suit:

• first-time smartwatch buyers;
• teenagers;
• casual fitness users;
• people who mainly want notifications and Apple Pay;
• buyers who simply want a cheaper Apple Watch.

Check software support carefully

Apple's watchOS 27 compatibility list is unusually important here.

The currently published list includes SE 3 but does not include every historic Apple Watch generation.

Therefore, buyers looking at particularly old Watches should check Apple's current compatibility page rather than assuming all working Apple Watches still receive the newest software.

Check Apple's current watchOS compatibility list

Is a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch worth it?

For Android users, yes — particularly if you use a Samsung phone.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch line has matured into one of the strongest alternatives to Apple Watch.

The newest Galaxy Watch9 illustrates how far the range has developed.

Samsung's 2026 model uses Wear OS 7, provides Google Play access, offers up to 40 hours of quoted use with the always-on display disabled on the relevant version and includes 32GB of storage. Samsung lists security support through July 2031 for the current Watch9 models.

That context is useful when buying refurbished.

You do not necessarily need Watch9 to get a strong smartwatch experience.

Galaxy Watch7 and Watch8 can make more sense second-hand

Previous generations can provide many of the functions buyers actually care about:

• exercise tracking;
• sleep;
• heart-rate monitoring;
• GPS;
• Google Maps;
• Spotify;
• Google Wallet;
• Samsung Health;
• notifications.

Therefore, compare the price of a refurbished previous generation against the newest Watch before deciding.

A substantial saving can easily outweigh incremental improvements you may barely notice.

What about Galaxy Watch Ultra?

Samsung also now competes directly at the rugged premium end of the market.

Its newest Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an 800mAh battery, and Samsung quotes up to 60 hours of use along with more rugged water and dust protection.

That makes the previous Galaxy Watch Ultra potentially interesting refurbished.

An older Ultra can be good value

The same logic that applies to Apple Watch Ultra applies here.

Premium outdoor watches start expensive.

Once the first owner absorbs part of that depreciation, the hardware can become much more attractive.

However, inspect an Ultra carefully.

A watch marketed towards running, hiking and outdoor use may genuinely have spent its life outdoors.

Look at:

• case damage;
• screen scratches;
• strap wear;
• buttons;
• charging;
• battery performance.

Premium original pricing does not guarantee premium second-hand condition.

Is Garmin better than Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch?

For some buyers, absolutely.

Garmin takes a somewhat different approach.

Apple and Samsung watches lean heavily towards smart features and phone integration.

Garmin's strongest appeal often lies in:

• GPS;
• training metrics;
• running;
• cycling;
• endurance sports;
• battery life.

Battery life can be dramatically different

Consider Garmin's Forerunner 265.

Garmin quotes up to 13 days in smartwatch mode for the standard Forerunner 265 and up to 15 days for the smaller 265S.

The Venu 3 is rated for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.

Those figures are not directly comparable with every Apple or Samsung usage scenario, and real battery life always depends on features used.

Nevertheless, the difference in product philosophy is obvious.

Garmin can suit people who hate daily charging

If you mainly want:

• running statistics;
• GPS;
• training readiness;
• heart-rate tracking;
• long battery life;

a refurbished Garmin can make more sense than an Apple Watch.

Someone heavily invested in apps, messaging and phone integration may prefer Apple or Samsung instead.

Apple Watch vs Galaxy Watch vs Garmin

The broad comparison looks like this:

There is no objective universal winner.

The right answer starts with what you want the watch to do.

Which refurbished smartwatch is best under £200?

Prices move constantly, so a specific model cannot be guaranteed below £200 at all times.

However, this is a useful search strategy.

Instead of asking:

"What is the newest smartwatch under £200?"

ask:

"What was a good premium smartwatch two or three years ago that now costs under £200 refurbished?"

That can open up much better hardware.

Look one or two generations back

Potential candidates can include previous:

• Apple Watch Series models;
• Apple Watch SE;
• Galaxy Watch models;
• Garmin Forerunner;
• Garmin Venu.

Condition matters just as much as generation.

A pristine slightly older Watch can be better value than a newer model with a heavily degraded battery and scratched screen.

Battery condition matters more than most buyers realise

Smartwatch batteries are small.

They also experience frequent charging.

That makes battery ageing one of the most important considerations in the refurbished market.

Apple gives buyers one useful benchmark

Apple states that Apple Watch batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions.

Battery condition can also affect service eligibility under applicable Apple coverage.

For second-hand buyers, the practical lesson is simple:

check battery condition, not just cosmetic grade.

A watch that looks perfect but cannot comfortably make it through your normal day can become irritating very quickly.

How do you check Apple Watch battery health?

On a compatible Apple Watch:

Settings → Battery → Battery Health

Look at Maximum Capacity.

That figure compares the battery's current capacity with when it was new.

An older Watch does not need to show 100%.

However, a lower figure should influence how much you are willing to pay.

Battery health affects sellers too

If you are selling an old Watch, do not assume the buyer cares only about scratches.

Sell My iPhone's wider device valuation process considers device condition, while its site displays different grades for smartwatches.

Accurate condition information helps avoid unrealistic expectations.

How do you judge Galaxy Watch battery condition?

Samsung watches do not necessarily present battery ageing to consumers in exactly the same format as Apple Watch.

Therefore, real-world testing becomes particularly useful.

Watch for:

• unexpectedly fast drain;
• a watch that cannot survive a normal day;
• sudden percentage drops;
• overheating;
• unreliable charging.

Compare actual runtime with what would be reasonable for that model and age.

Do not expect an older battery to reproduce the manufacturer's original launch-day figures exactly.

Check the screen before buying any refurbished smartwatch

Smartwatches live in a difficult environment.

They sit exposed on the wrist all day.

Doorframes, desks, gym equipment and everyday knocks eventually leave marks.

Light scratches are not the same as damage

A few superficial marks may be perfectly acceptable if the price reflects them.

More serious concerns include:

• cracked glass;
• dead areas;
• touch problems;
• deep scratches;
• discolouration;
• severe OLED burn-in;
• damaged bezels.

Turn the screen on and inspect it rather than judging a watch from a black display.

Check the Digital Crown and buttons

Physical controls matter.

For Apple Watch, test:

• Digital Crown rotation;
• Digital Crown press;
• side button;
• Action button on Ultra models where applicable.

For Galaxy Watch, test physical buttons and bezel controls where present.

For Garmin, test every physical button because many sports-oriented Garmin models rely heavily on button navigation.

A touchscreen can work perfectly while another control has begun failing.

Check the charger is included

This is particularly important when selling through Sell My iPhone.

Its current preparation guidance specifically says that while ordinary phones do not require chargers or original packaging, smartwatches should include the charger and strap.

Therefore, find the charger before selling.

A watch that has been sitting unused for a year may still have value, but searching through drawers for the charger after you have already created the trade-in creates unnecessary hassle.

Read Sell My iPhone's device preparation guide

Do smartwatch straps affect resale value?

They can.

A heavily worn strap makes the overall package less attractive.

More importantly, some trade-in routes require a strap.

Sell My iPhone specifically asks smartwatch sellers to include one.

Fortunately, straps are often easier to replace than the watch itself.

Therefore, do not reject an otherwise excellent refurbished smartwatch simply because you dislike the supplied band.

Factor the cost of another strap into the price instead.

GPS or Cellular: which should you buy?

Apple and Samsung both offer watches with cellular options.

That lets supported models access mobile functions away from the paired phone when used with a compatible network plan.

However, cellular is not valuable to everybody.

Cellular can be useful if you run without your phone

Someone who wants to:

• stream music while running;
• make calls;
• receive messages;
• remain reachable without carrying a phone;

may appreciate cellular capability.

GPS-only can be better value

If your phone is almost always nearby, you may rarely use cellular.

In that case, a cheaper Bluetooth/GPS configuration may represent better value.

For refurbished buyers, make sure you compare the exact variant rather than assuming two visually identical watches are the same specification.

Should you buy an older premium watch or a newer budget watch?

This is one of the best questions in refurbished technology.

Imagine choosing between:

• an older Apple Watch Series model;
• a newer Apple Watch SE.

Or:

• an older Galaxy Watch flagship;
• a newer basic fitness wearable.

Older premium hardware can win

It may provide:

• better materials;
• better screen;
• additional sensors;
• premium features.

Newer budget hardware can win too

It may provide:

• younger battery;
• longer remaining software support;
• lower risk of accumulated wear.

Therefore, do not rank watches purely by their original retail price.

Buy based on remaining useful life.

How old is too old for a refurbished Apple Watch?

Software support provides one useful boundary.

Apple's current watchOS 27 compatibility list includes Series 9, 10 and 11, Ultra 2 and 3, and SE 3.

That does not make every older Apple Watch unusable.

However, a watch that no longer receives Apple's newest major operating system deserves a lower valuation from a buyer planning to keep it for several years.

Short-term buyers can still benefit

Someone wanting a cheap Watch for a year may care less.

Someone planning to keep it for four years should care more.

That is why refurbished-buying advice cannot be reduced to:

"Never buy anything older than X."

Price and planned ownership period matter.

Does an old smartwatch still have resale value?

Potentially, yes.

Sell My iPhone's homepage currently features smartwatch models including Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Its older Watch listings also provide condition options ranging from New through Faulty.

That is a good reason not to assume a smartwatch has become worthless simply because you upgraded.

Search for your smartwatch on Sell My iPhone

Why do people leave old watches in drawers?

Because smartwatches occupy an awkward middle ground.

They feel too valuable to throw away.

Yet once replaced, they rarely have an obvious use.

The previous watch then becomes:

"a backup."

Six months pass.

It has not been worn once.

Meanwhile:

• its battery ages;
• newer models arrive;
• software support progresses;
• resale demand changes.

Sell My iPhone's FAQs make the basic depreciation point clearly: devices generally fall in value as they become older.

That does not mean you should sell something you genuinely use.

It means keeping an unwanted smartwatch is rarely an investment strategy.

When is the best time to sell an old smartwatch?

Usually, once you know you no longer need it.

That often happens immediately after upgrading.

Do not sell too early

Keep the previous Watch until:

• the new one is set up;
• your data has transferred;
• you know you are keeping the replacement.

Then deal with the old device.

Do not wait for years either

Once you are certain the old Watch is redundant, check its value.

Sell My iPhone currently guarantees a quoted price for 14 days when the received device matches the condition described.

Therefore, request the quote when you are actually ready to send it.

How do you prepare an Apple Watch for sale?

Do not just factory-reset it.

The Watch should also be unpaired properly and removed from the associated Apple account.

Sell My iPhone already has a dedicated guide explaining the process.

How to Unpair Your Apple Watch Ready to Sell

Apple's current system uses Activation Lock to stop another person from easily using a Watch still tied to the original owner's account.

Therefore, account removal is essential.

What should Galaxy Watch owners do before selling?

The principle is similar.

Back up any information you need.

Remove relevant accounts and locks.

Unpair the watch from the phone where appropriate.

Then factory-reset it according to Samsung's current instructions.

Sell My iPhone's general preparation guide also tells sellers to remove cloud accounts and locks before sending devices.

Prepare your device for sale

Can you sell a scratched smartwatch?

Potentially.

Cosmetic wear does not automatically eliminate value.

Smartwatches are especially likely to collect marks because owners wear them exposed on the wrist.

The important distinction is between ordinary wear and serious functional damage.

Examples of cosmetic wear

• light case scratches;
• small bezel marks;
• strap wear.

More serious faults

• cracked display;
• broken touch response;
• faulty buttons;
• charging problems;
• serious battery issues;
• damaged sensors.

Choose the condition honestly.

Sell My iPhone's smartwatch product pages already provide multiple condition levels, including a Faulty option.

Can you sell a smartwatch with a poor battery?

Possibly, depending on the model and buyer.

However, battery degradation reduces utility.

A buyer may need to factor servicing or replacement into the economics of the device.

Do not hide poor battery performance when selling privately.

For trade-in, choose the most appropriate condition and allow the buyer's inspection process to determine the final valuation.

What about water damage?

Be cautious.

A smartwatch may have originally carried a water-resistance rating.

That does not mean water resistance remains guaranteed forever.

Age, impacts and repairs can affect seals.

Sell My iPhone's broader FAQ guidance says the company avoids water-damaged devices because it does not consider them reliably repairable.

If you know a watch has suffered liquid damage, describe that honestly.

A practical example: upgrading from Apple Watch Series 8

Imagine you own an Apple Watch Series 8.

You buy a newer Watch.

The Series 8 still works perfectly well.

Option one: keep it as a spare

That is useful if you genuinely need a backup.

Option two: give it to somebody

A family member may get more value from using it than you would get by selling.

Option three: sell it

Sell My iPhone currently has a specific Series 8 45mm GPS trade-in page with multiple condition grades.

So you:

1. check the exact model and size;
2. check the condition;
3. unpair it;
4. remove Activation Lock;
5. find the charger and strap;
6. request a current valuation.

Option four: leave it unused for three years

That is the easiest option.

It is also likely to expose you to more depreciation and battery ageing.

If you know you will not wear it again, checking its value now is more rational.

A practical example: buying a refurbished running watch

Now imagine you want a watch mainly for running.

You have £200–£250 to spend.

You could buy a highly smart-focused Watch.

Alternatively, a previous-generation Garmin may give you:

• multi-band GPS on supported models;
• training readiness;
• running metrics;
• much longer battery life.

Forerunner 265, for example, supports multi-band GPS and Garmin quotes up to 13 days of smartwatch use.

The Apple or Samsung option may still provide better phone integration.

Neither is objectively better.

The correct purchase depends on whether you want a smartwatch that also tracks running or a running watch that also has smart features.

That distinction is extremely useful when shopping refurbished.

Which brand holds its value best?

There is no fixed percentage that works across every watch and date.

Resale depends on:

• brand;
• generation;
• condition;
• case material;
• cellular capability;
• battery;
• current supply;
• current demand.

Apple Watch can benefit from a large established ecosystem.

Premium Garmin models can retain interest among sport-specific buyers.

Samsung has a strong Android audience.

However, model-specific demand matters more than broad brand generalisations.

The best way to understand current value is to search the exact watch.

Does the box increase smartwatch value?

Usually, the functional device matters more.

However, a complete set can become more attractive, particularly with premium watches.

For Sell My iPhone specifically, its current preparation guidance is clearer about what actually matters: smartwatches should include the charger and strap.

Therefore, prioritise those before hunting for a cardboard box.

What if your smartwatch has no value?

Do not put it into ordinary household rubbish.

Smartwatches contain electronics and rechargeable batteries.

If no realistic reuse or resale option remains, use an appropriate electrical recycling route.

Sell My iPhone's own recent old-tech guide takes the same general approach: reuse first where practical, then recycle when useful life genuinely ends.

Read: What to Do With Old Tech in 2026

Refurbished smartwatch buying checklist

Before paying for a used or refurbished Watch, check the following.

Compatibility

• Does it work with your phone?
• Does it support the software features you need?

Battery

• Does it comfortably last through your expected usage?
• Is there meaningful battery degradation?

Screen

• Any cracks?
• Dead pixels?
• Touch problems?
• Severe scratching?

Controls

• Crown?
• Buttons?
• Bezel?
• Action button?

Connectivity

• GPS?
• Bluetooth?
• Wi-Fi?
• LTE/cellular where applicable?

Sensors

• Heart-rate tracking?
• GPS?
• Other health or sport features you specifically need?

Account status

• Has the previous owner's account been removed?
• Has Activation Lock been disabled on Apple Watch?

Accessories

• Charger included?
• Usable strap?

Seller protection

• Warranty?
• Returns policy?
• Clear grading?

This checklist matters far more than the word refurbished by itself.

How to choose between Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch and Garmin

Use one simple question:

Do you own an iPhone?

Start with Apple Watch.

Apple explicitly states that its current Watch models pair with iPhone, and Apple Watch is designed around that ecosystem.

Do you own a Samsung or Android phone?

Galaxy Watch deserves serious consideration.

The current Watch9 runs Wear OS and gives access to Google apps such as Maps, Gmail, Spotify and Google Messages.

Do you care more about training and battery than apps?

Look at Garmin.

Models such as the Forerunner 265 and Venu 3 demonstrate the company's emphasis on multi-day battery life and fitness features.

That will narrow the field much faster than comparing twenty specifications.

The key takeaway

Refurbished smartwatches can offer excellent value in 2026 because many previous-generation models still provide the functions most people actually use.

For iPhone owners, Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 are particularly interesting places to start.

Android users should compare previous Galaxy Watch generations against Samsung's new Watch9 rather than automatically buying the latest model.

Runners and endurance-focused buyers should look seriously at Garmin, where battery life and GPS-focused functionality can outweigh some of the deeper smart-app integration offered by Apple and Samsung.

Whatever brand you choose, check:

• compatibility;
• software support;
• battery;
• screen;
• buttons;
• sensors;
• charging;
• account locks;
• warranty.

And if you already own a smartwatch that has become redundant, do not automatically consign it to a drawer.

Sell My iPhone currently accepts smartwatches and already lists older Apple and Samsung models on its trade-in platform.

Check what your old smartwatch is worth today

Frequently asked questions

Buying refurbished smartwatches

Are refurbished smartwatches worth buying?

Yes, they can be excellent value. Focus on remaining software support, battery condition, physical condition and compatibility rather than simply buying the newest generation.

What is the best refurbished Apple Watch to buy in 2026?

Series 9 and Series 10 are strong places to start because they remain relatively recent. Apple's published watchOS 27 compatibility list includes both models.

Is a refurbished Galaxy Watch worth it?

Often, yes. Previous-generation Galaxy Watch models can provide Wear OS apps, fitness tracking, GPS and Samsung ecosystem integration for less than Samsung's newest models.

Is Garmin better than Apple Watch?

It depends on your priorities. Apple Watch offers much deeper iPhone integration, while many Garmin watches focus more heavily on GPS, training and long battery life.

Battery and condition

How important is battery health on a used smartwatch?

Very important. Smartwatches use small rechargeable batteries and are charged frequently. Battery degradation can have a larger impact on everyday usability than minor cosmetic scratches.

Should I buy a smartwatch with a scratched screen?

Light scratches can be acceptable if the price reflects them. Cracks, dead pixels or touch-response faults are more serious and deserve caution.

Selling an old smartwatch

Can I sell an old Apple Watch?

Potentially, yes. Sell My iPhone currently lists older Apple Watches including Series 8 and SE models.

Search for your Apple Watch

Can I sell a Samsung Galaxy Watch?

Potentially. Sell My iPhone's current homepage includes Samsung Galaxy Watch devices such as the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Do I need the charger when selling a smartwatch?

Sell My iPhone's current preparation guidance says smartwatches should include both the charger and strap.

Should I unpair my Apple Watch before selling it?

Yes. Remove the Watch from your account and disable Activation Lock through the proper unpairing process before passing it to a new owner.

Read Sell My iPhone's Apple Watch unpairing guide

Sources and further reading

Apple — watchOS 27 compatibility

Apple — Compare Apple Watch models

Samsung — Current Galaxy Watch range

Samsung — Galaxy Watch9

Garmin — Smartwatch and sports-watch range

Sell My iPhone — Search and value your device

Sell My iPhone — Prepare your device for sale

Sell My iPhone — How to unpair an Apple Watch

Sell My iPhone — Frequently Asked Questions

Sell My iPhone — What to Do With Old Tech in 2026