Just because you’re looking for the best cheap smartwatch doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Whether you’re trying to monitor your fitness through pedometer readings, get alerts from every app, or just want a bit of connectivity without taking out your phone, there’s a low-cost smartwatch that caters to at least some of what it is you want. For a budget smartwatch, top picks include the Amazfit Active 2 for flagship features, Huawei Watch Fit 4 for design and GPS, and Redmi Watch 5 for fitness tracking; brands like Xiaomi, Haylou, and Oraimo offer good value with long battery life and basic smart features.
What Is the Best Affordable Smartwatch with the world of smartwatches changing from extremely expensive overpriced toys into something affordable that doesn’t skimp too much anymore, there are now many great options you can get without breaking the bank. Whether it be heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, GPS navigation, or water resistance, budget smartwatches now come with impressive feature sets.
In this detailed guide, we’re going to break down what makes a smartwatch great for your money, run through the top competitors on the market, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision based on your budget and needs.
What Makes a Smartwatch Affordable?
If you’ve been following our coverage, we use the term affordable smartwatches to describe those that will range in price between $50 and $200. It’s been a bonanza for buyers who want real smart capabilities but don’t need to cough up the ridiculous sums demanded by the major brand flagships.
The great thing about this class is that they have streamlined things to where the necessary features are generally available, and the fru-fru that balloons costs much of the time is gone.
Affordable doesn’t have to mean “inexpensive” or “cheaply made. Now there are many affordable smartwatches from reputable manufacturers that have streamlined production and kept features to thosethat a user will actually use.
You’ll find devices with bright displays, long-lasting battery life, accurate fitness tracking, and smartphone app compatibility — everything you need in a smartwatch for day-to-day use.
Key Features to Look for in Budget Smartwatches
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The foundation of any good Affordable Smartwatch lies in its ability to monitor your health and fitness accurately. Even in the affordable segment, you should expect comprehensive tracking features.
Look for continuous heart rate monitoring, which provides insights into your cardiovascular health throughout the day and during workouts. Step counting and distance tracking are baseline features, but quality matters—optical sensors vary in accuracy, so checking user reviews helps ensure you’re getting reliable data.
Sleep tracking has become increasingly sophisticated in budget devices, offering insights into sleep stages, duration, and quality. Many affordable smartwatches now include SpO2 sensors that measure blood oxygen levels, a feature that was premium-only just a few years ago.
For active users, multi-sport modes are essential. The best affordable smartwatches support anywhere from 10 to 100+ different activity types, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga, each with tailored metrics.
Display Quality and Battery Performance
Display technology significantly impacts your daily experience. AMOLED screens offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility, while LCD displays are more budget-friendly but still perfectly functional. Screen size typically ranges from 1.3 to 1.7 inches in this category, with resolution being more important than sheer size. A crisp, readable display makes checking notifications and viewing stats effortless, even in bright sunlight.
Battery life is where Affordable Smartwatch often shine compared to their expensive counterparts. Without power-hungry processors and always-on cellular connections, many budget models easily last 5-10 days on a single charge. Some extended battery mode options can stretch this to two weeks or more, though with reduced functionality.
Consider your charging habits—if you forget to charge devices regularly, prioritize models with longer battery life. Quick charging capabilities are also valuable, with some devices offering a full day’s use from just 15 minutes of charging.
Comparing the Top Affordable Smartwatches
| Model | Battery Life | Key Features | Price Range (Approx) |
| Amazfit Bip U Pro | 9 days | GPS, heart rate, sleep tracking | $50–$60 |
| Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite | 9 days | GPS, heart rate, sports modes | $45–$55 |
| Realme Watch 3 | 7 days | SpO2, heart rate, sleep tracking | $50–$65 |
What Is the Best Affordable Smartwatch for Different Users?
Best Overall Value: Amazfit GTS 4 Mini
The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini consistently ranks as one of the best affordable smartwatches for its exceptional balance of features, design, and price. Priced around $100, this smartwatch delivers a stunning 1.65-inch AMOLED display that rivals devices costing twice as much.
The always-on display option ensures you can check the time with just a glance, while the lightweight aluminum alloy body makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
What sets the GTS 4 Mini apart is its comprehensive health suite. It offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, stress level tracking, and detailed sleep analysis with REM stage detection. The built-in GPS allows for accurate outdoor activity tracking without needing your phone.
Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is an absolute steal for Android users. It usually hovers at around $60-80. It’s technically a fitness band, but with its expansive 1.6-inch AMOLED display and full gamut of features,s it’s very much in smartwatch territory.
How to choose: With seamless integrations with Samsung phones and other Android devices mixed in, this is an obvious choice if you’re already entrenched in the ecosystem, as it promisesae richer set of notifications, quick replies, and can be used to control the camera.
The Galaxy Fit3 shines in fitness tracking, providing users with automatic workout detection for more than 100 types of exercises. The sleep coaching feature makes personalized recommendations to help you improve your sleep and optimize rest and recovery.
The battery can last up to 13 days and possesses an aluminum body and 5 ATM waterproof protection for durability. Pair with Samsung Health for detailed analytics and trends to build a holistic perspective of your health and wellness.
Comparing Operating Systems and Compatibility
Operating system choice significantly impacts your smartwatch experience and should align with your smartphone. Wear OS, primarily found on devices like the TicWatch series, offers the most comprehensive app ecosystem with Google integration.
You’ll get access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store, though this comes at the cost of battery life. Wear OS works with both Android and iOS, making it versatile for users who might switch phones.
Proprietary systems like Amazfit’s Zepp OS, Garmin’s Connect IQ, and Fitbit OS offer optimized performance and exceptional battery life. These systems are lighter, more focused on health and fitness, and consume less power.
They work with both Android and iOS through companion apps, though feature sets may vary slightly between platforms. The trade-off is fewer third-party apps, but most users find the built-in functionality more than sufficient for daily use.
Essential Considerations Before Making Your Purchase
Build Quality and Durability Standards
Even affordable smartwatches should withstand daily wear and tear. Look for devices with at least IP68 dust and water resistance, which protects against sweat, rain, and accidental splashes. If you swim, 5 ATM (50 meters) water resistance is essential. The watch body material matters too—aluminum alloy offers durability without excessive weight, while high-quality polycarbonate can be surprisingly robust and scratch-resistant.
Gorilla Glass or similar protection on the display prevents scratches from daily bumps and contact. Check whether replacement bands are readily available and affordable—this extends your watch’s lifespan and allows personalization. Some manufacturers offer limited warranties, typically one year, which provides peace of mind for your investment.
Smart Notifications and Connectivity Features
A Affordable Smartwatch ability to keep you connected without constantly reaching for your phone is fundamental. All decent affordable smartwatches display notifications from calls, texts, and apps, but implementation quality varies. Look for devices that allow you to read full message content, not just previews. Quick reply capabilities, even with preset responses, add significant convenience for Android users (iOS restrictions limit this functionality).
Bluetooth 5.0 or higher ensures stable connectivity with extended range and lower battery consumption. Some budget smartwatches offer music control, allowing you to play, pause, and skip tracks directly from your wrist.
Making the Final Decision: What Is the Best Affordable Smartwatch for You?
Similar to an affordable smartphone, the best Affordable Smartwatch you get depends on your requirements and preferences. Begin by finding your first use case. Do you care more about fitness tracking?
Focus on products with accurate sensors, long battery li,fe and a variety of sport modes. If you prioritize staying in the loop, pay more attention to notification quality, screen legibility, and swift response capabilities.
Consider your smartphone platform carefully. For Android users, the variety of compatible devices is the widest; iPhone users have more constraints on account of Apple’s ecosystem lockdown.
Your daily lifestyle also factors in office workers might want something that looks professional and manages notifications well, while athletes might need robust tracking, water resistance, and durability. Consider features you will actually use over those that may sound appealing but never see the light of day.
Budget smartwatches have come a long way, and the concessions are few for average users. You don’t have to drop $400 to buy a good, feature-rich device that makes your day-to-day life easier.
Final Thoughts
The question of what is the best affordable smartwatch doesn’t have a single answer—it has several excellent options depending on your priorities. The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini offers the best overall package for most users, combining premium features with outstanding value. Samsung Galaxy Fit3 excels for Android users seeking ecosystem integration, while the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 proves you don’t need to spend much for solid functionality.
The smartwatch market has democratized advanced health tracking, smart notifications, and connected convenience. Today’s affordable options deliver features that were premium-only just a few years ago, making it an excellent time to invest in a budget smartwatch.
Don’t let price alone guide your decision—focus on features that matter to your lifestyle, read user reviews, and choose a device from a manufacturer with a track record of software support.
Ready to find your perfect Affordable Smartwatch? Start by listing your top three must-have features, set a realistic budget, and explore the options that match your criteria. Your ideal affordable smartwatch is out there, ready to make your daily routine more connected, healthier, and convenient.
