Fit for Less: The Best Budget Smartwatches for Fitness Tracking

In 2023, finding the best budget smartwatches for fitness tracking is like searching for a needle in a haystack of wearables! Fret not; we’re here to guide you through the maze of budget smartwatches that’ll make your wallet and your wrist happy. 🎉💸⌚

From heart-thumping workouts to blissful sleep tracking, these best cheap smartwatches will keep you connected without breaking the bank. We’ve curated a list of top fitness trackers that’ll make you wonder why anyone would splurge on expensive models. 🤔💪

From Apple Watch alternatives to Wear OS wonders, we’re spilling the beans on affordable options with top-notch features. So, buckle up, and let’s journey through the land of fitness trackers to find your perfect workout companion without breaking the bank! 🏋️‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Ready to find your perfect budget fitness tracker? Keep reading to unlock the secret to an affordable yet feature-packed smartwatch experience! 🗝️🚀

Definition of smartwatches

In today’s digital age, technology has advanced so much that we can now wear it on our wrists. Smartwatches are the perfect example of wearable technology that allows us to access various features and functions from a single device.

A smartwatch is a computerized wristwatch that performs various tasks besides displaying time. It is designed to be a companion device for your smartphone, allowing you to receive notifications, track fitness activities, make calls, and send messages, among other things.

Importance of fitness tracking in smartwatches

One of the primary reasons why smartwatches have gained immense popularity in recent years is their ability to track fitness activities accurately. Fitness tracking features have become an integral part of modern-day smartwatches, enabling users to monitor their physical activity levels and achieve their health goals efficiently. Smartwatches have numerous sensors such as heart rate monitors, pedometers, accelerometers, and GPS trackers that allow users to track their steps taken, calories burned, distance covered, and even sleep patterns.

This data can be synced with compatible mobile apps or cloud services for detailed analysis and reporting. With this information at hand, users can make informed decisions regarding their fitness routine and work towards achieving better results.

Overview of budget smartwatches for fitness

While high-end smartwatches may come packed with features like LTE connectivity or voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa, they come at a premium price tag that may not be affordable for everyone. Fortunately, plenty of budget-friendly options in the market offer an impressive range of features while not burning a hole in your pocket. Some popular brands offering budget-friendly smartwatches include Xiaomi Mi Band 6, Fitbit Inspire 2, Amazfit Bip U Pro, Honor Band 6, and Realme Watch S. These smartwatches provide heart rate monitoring features, sleep tracking, step counting, calorie tracking, and GPS tracking.

These budget smartwatches for fitness can be an excellent option for those looking to monitor their physical activity levels without spending a fortune. In the following section, we will discuss in detail the top 5 budget smartwatches for fitness currently available.

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Top 5 Budget Smartwatches for Fitness

Are you looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that can track your fitness activities? Look no further than our top 5 picks for the best budget smartwatches for fitness. These watches offer a range of features and specifications, as well as pros and cons, to help you decide which one to choose.

Fitbit Inspire 3

This slim and stylish fitness tracker can measure your heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep score, and active zone minutes. It has a battery life of up to 10 days and an always-on display. It costs $99.99 on Amazon.

Features

• Active Zone Minutes: This feature tracks your heart rate zones and shows you when you’re in fat burn, cardio, or peak zones. It also gives you personalized feedback and nudges to help you reach your goals.
• Stress Management Score: This feature analyzes your heart rate variability, activity level, and sleep quality to give you a daily score reflecting how well you handle stress. It also suggests guided breathing sessions and other ways to cope with stress.
• Sleep Score: This feature tracks your light, deep, and REM sleep stages, as well as your sleeping heart rate and how consistent your sleep schedule is. It gives you a nightly score that reflects the quality of your sleep and offers tips to improve it.
• Health Metrics Dashboard: This feature lets you see trends in your resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin temperature variation, and breathing rate in the Fitbit app. These metrics can help you monitor changes in your well-being and alert you to potential issues.
• SmartTrack: This feature automatically recognizes and records over 20 exercises like walking, running, cycling, and swimming. It lets you set goals, see real-time stats, and get post-workout summaries.

Pros

• It’s easy to use and set up
• It has a bright and colorful display
• It has a sleek and comfortable design
• It has a long battery life
• It has a lot of health and fitness features
• It comes with a free Fitbit Premium trial

Cons

• The screen might be too small for some people
• The scrolling isn’t very smooth or responsive
• The free Fitbit Premium trial is shorter than before
• It doesn’t have GPS or NFC

Source:

(1) Fitbit Inspire 3 | Health & fitness tracker. https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/products/trackers/inspire3.

(2) Fitbit Inspire 3 review. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/fitbit-inspire-3.

(3) Fitbit Inspire 3 vs Fitbit Charge 5: Which fitness tracker should you …. https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/fitbit-inspire-3-vs-fitbit-charge-5-which-fitness-tracker-should-you-buy.

(4) Fitbit Inspire 3 | Health & fitness tracker. https://www.fitbit.com/global/in/products/trackers/inspire3.

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini

The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is a smartwatch that offers health and fitness features in a sleek and lightweight design. Here are some of its main features, pros and cons:

Features

• 1.55-inch AMOLED display with 354 x 306 resolution and always-on mode¹
  • 24/7 heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, stress level monitoring, and sleep tracking¹²
  • 68+ sports modes with built-in GPS and music controls¹²
  • PAI health assessment system that gives you a score based on your physical activity²
  • Menstrual Cycle tracking for women³
  • Alexa voice assistant support (not available in all regions)²
  • Customizable watch faces and notifications¹²

Pros

• Affordable price ($99.99 / £79 / about AU$130)¹
  • Stylish and comfortable design with three color options (black, pink, and green)¹²
  • Bright and colorful screen with good visibility¹
  • Solid battery life of up to 14 days¹²
  • Accurate and comprehensive fitness tracking features¹
  • Useful Pomodoro tracker for productivity¹

Cons

• Heart rate accuracy for high-intensity workouts is questionable¹
  • Lacks some smartwatch features like offline voice assistant, built-in music player, and Bluetooth calls that are available on the GTS 2¹
  • Notification support is still essential and limited¹
  • Misses out on some of the sleeker design elements of the GTS 2, like the curved glass and metal frame¹

Source:

(1) Amazfit GTS 2 Mini review. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/amazfit-gts-2-mini.

(2) GTS 2 mini – Amazfit US Official Online Store. https://us.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-gts-2-mini.

(3) Amazfit GTS 2 mini od 1 223 Kč – Heureka.cz. https://chytre-hodinky.heureka.cz/amazfit-gts-2-mini/.

(4) Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Review. https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/amazfit-gts-2-mini.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

This is a budget-friendly version of the Apple Watch that has most of the features of the flagship model, such as car crash detection, fall detection, noise monitoring, and Siri. It has a bright, responsive display, a fast processor, and a comfortable design. It costs $219.99 on Amazon.

Features

• Fall Detection: This feature can detect if you have a hard fall and automatically call emergency services or your emergency contacts if you’re unresponsive. It also works with car crash detection, which can sense if you’re in a severe car accident and alert first responders.
• Heart Rate Monitor: This feature tracks your heart rate throughout the day and alerts you if it’s too high or too low. It also measures your heart rhythm and can detect irregularities like atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• Fitness Tracking: This feature tracks your activity, calories burned, steps, distance, and workouts. It also gives you personalized goals, reminders, and awards to motivate you. You can choose over 80 workout types, including yoga, cycling, swimming, and dance.
• Sleep Tracking: This feature tracks your sleep duration, quality, and blood oxygen levels at night. It also helps you create a bedtime routine and set a sleep goal. You can see your sleep trends and insights on your iPhone’s Health app.
• Mindfulness: This feature helps you relax and focus with guided breathing and meditation. It also tracks your stress levels and gives you tips to manage them. You can also access Apple Fitness+, which offers a variety of mindfulness classes for different moods and goals.
• Family Setup: This feature lets you pair multiple Apple Watches to a single iPhone, so you can stay connected with your family members. You can make calls, send messages, share locations, set up parental controls, and more.

Pros

• It’s fast and responsive
• It has a lot of smart features and apps
• It has a sleek and comfortable design
• It has a good battery life
• It has a lower price than Apple Watch Series 8

Cons

• It doesn’t have an always-on display
• It doesn’t have an ECG or a temperature sensor
• It doesn’t have an ultra-wideband chip for digital keys or AirTags
• It has a smaller screen size than Apple Watch Series 8

Source:

(1) Apple Watch SE. https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-se/.

(2) Apple Watch SE 2 review. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-watch-se-2.

(3) Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation): Everything you need to know. https://pocketnow.com/apple-watch-se-2/.

(4) Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) – Technical Specifications. https://support.apple.com/kb/SP877?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US.

Huawei Band 4 Pro

A budget-friendly fitness tracker with built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring.

Features

• It has a stunning and colorful display that can be customized with various watch faces¹.
• It monitors your heart rate accurately and provides intelligent vibration reminders if it exceeds the limit¹.
• It tracks your sleep quality, identifies six sleep problems, and provides scientific recommendations¹.
• It has a powerful built-in GPS that lets you leave your phone at home and view your GPS data on the map after completing your outdoor workouts¹³.
• It supports multiple sports modes such as running, cycling, walking, free training, elliptical, rower, and swimming¹.
• It provides professional sports guidance based on the heart rate zone data, VO2 max, and recommended recovery time and training effect¹.

Pros

• It has a long battery life of up to 12 days on a single charge³.
• It has a sleek and comfortable design that fits nicely on the wrist³.
• It has a responsive touchscreen and easy-to-use interface³.
• It syncs well with the Huawei Health app and other third-party apps³.
• It has a good value for money compared to other similar fitness trackers³.

Cons

• It has limited notification support and cannot reply to messages or calls³.
• It has a proprietary charger that is not very convenient to use³.
• It has a low brightness level that makes it hard to see in direct sunlight³.
• It does not have music control or storage features³.
• It may not be compatible with some devices or regions².

Source:

(1) HUAWEI Band 4 Pro – Smart Band Fitness Tracker with 0.95 Inch AMOLED …. https://www.amazon.com/HUAWEI-Band-Pro-Touchscreen-Built/dp/B08179V446.

(2) HUAWEI Band 4 Pro ∣ HUAWEI Singapore. https://consumer.huawei.com/sg/wearables/band4-pro/.

(3) HUAWEI Band 4 Pro: manuals, FAQs, repair services | HUAWEI Support Global. https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/wearables/band4-pro/.

Amazfit Bip U Pro

Amazfit Bip U Pro is a budget-friendly smartwatch that offers a range of health and fitness tracking features, intelligent notifications, and voice assistants. It has a 1.43-inch TFT LCD, a polycarbonate case, and a silicone strap. It also has a built-in GPS, SpO2 sensor, heart rate monitor, and Alexa integration.

Features

• Blood Oxygen Level Measurement: This feature measures your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and alerts you if it’s too low or high. It can help you monitor your respiratory health and fitness level.
• 60+ Sports Modes: This feature tracks your activity, calories burned, heart rate zones, and other metrics for over 60 sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, yoga, cricket, and more. It also syncs with the Zepp app to give detailed reports and suggestions.
• 5 ATM Water Resistance: This feature makes the watch water-resistant up to 50 meters so you can wear it for swimming or other water activities. It can also track your swimming strokes, speed, distance, and calories burned.
• 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring: This feature tracks your heart rate continuously and alerts you if it’s too high or low. It also measures your heart rhythm and can detect irregularities like atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• Sleep Quality Monitoring: This feature tracks your sleep stages, duration, quality, and breathing quality. It also gives you a sleep score and insights to help you improve your sleep habits.
• PAI Health Assessment System: This feature uses an algorithm to transform your heart rate data, activity duration, and other health data into a numerical value that reflects your overall health and fitness level. It also gives you personalized guidance to improve your PAI score.
• Alexa Built-in: This feature lets you talk to Amazon Alexa on your watch. You can ask Alexa questions, get translations, set alarms and timers, check the weather, control your smart home devices, and more.

Pros

• It’s affordable and value for the money
• It has a bright and colorful display
• It has a lightweight and comfortable design
• It has a long battery life
• It has a lot of health and fitness features
• It has a built-in GPS and Alexa

Cons

• The app sync issue
• The notification management
• Alexa isn’t instrumental

Source:

(1) Amazfit Bip U Pro review. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/amazfit-bip-u-pro.

(2) Amazfit Bip U Pro – Amazfit US Official Online Store. https://us.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-bip-u-pro.

(3) Amazfit Bip U Pro review: Another budget powerhouse. https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/amazfit-bip-u-pro-review-8278.

Table Comparing the Main Differences between the Smartwatches

Feature	Fitbit Inspire 3	Amazfit GTS 2 Mini	Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)	Huawei Band 4 Pro	Amazfit Bip U Pro
Display	1.43-inch AMOLED color touchscreen	1.55-inch AMOLED color touchscreen	1.78-inch OLED Retina display with Force Touch	0.95-inch AMOLED color touchscreen	1.43-inch TFT LCD color touchscreen
Resolution	320 x 302 pixels	354 x 306 pixels	448 x 368 pixels	240 x 120 pixels	320 x 302 pixels
Dimensions	37.6 x 16.8 x 12.9 mm	40.5 x 35.8 x 8.95 mm	44 x 38 x 10.4 mm	45 x 19 x 11 mm	40.9 x 35.5 x 11.4 mm
Weight	23 g (with strap)	19.5 g (without strap)	36.4 g (without strap)	25 g (with strap)	31 g (with strap)
Battery life	Up to 10 days	Up to 14 days (typical use) or up to 21 days (basic use)	Up to 18 hours (mixed use)	Up to 12 days (typical use) or up to seven days (heavy use)	Up to nine days (typical use) or up to five days (heavy use)
Sensors	BioTracker PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, skin temperature sensor, accelerometer, vibration motor, NFC chip (for Fitbit Pay)	BioTracker PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, ambient light sensor, vibration motor, microphone (for Alexa)	Optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, barometric altimeter, GPS/GNSS, compass, speaker and microphone (for Siri), NFC chip (for Apple Pay)	BioTracker PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, ambient light sensor, GPS/GNSS receiver, NFC chip (for Huawei Pay)	BioTracker PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, ambient light sensor, GPS/GNSS receiver, microphone (for Alexa), vibration motor
Water resistance	Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and swim-proof	Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and swim-proof	Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and swim-proof with water lock mode and eject water feature	Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and swim-proof with swim stroke recognition feature	Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and swim-proof

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Table Comparing the Main Features of the Smartwatches

Name	Price	Features	Pros	Cons
Fitbit Inspire 3	$59.99	Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, active zone minutes, health metrics dashboard, 10-day battery life	Easy to use, sleek design, lots of health and fitness features, free Fitbit Premium trial	Screen is too small for some people, the scrolling not smooth, no GPS or NFC
Amazfit GTS 2 Mini	$99.99	AMOLED display, SpO2, heart rate, sleep, stress, PAI health score, 70+ sports modes, 5 ATM water resistance, 14-day battery life	Affordable, bright display, lightweight design, long battery life	No GPS or NFC, app not very user-friendly, limited smart features
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)	$279.00	OLED display, GPS + Cellular option, heart rate, sleep, fall detection, car crash detection, 5 ATM water resistance	Fast and responsive, lots of smart features and apps, sleek and comfortable design	No always-on display, no ECG or temperature sensor, no ultra-wideband chip
Huawei Band 4 Pro	$49.99	TFT color display, GPS + GLONASS option, SpO2, heart rate, sleep tracking and breathing exercises. 11 sports modes. 5 ATM water resistance. 7-day battery life.	Cheap and cheerful. Colorful display. Magnetic charger. Built-in GPS.	No NFC. App not very intuitive. Accuracy issues.
Amazfit Bip U Pro	$69.99	TFT LCD display. GPS + GLONASS option. SpO2. Heart rate. Sleep tracking and breathing exercises. 60+ sports modes. 5 ATM water resistance. 9-day battery life. Alexa built-in.	Affordable. Bright display. Lightweight design. Long battery life. Built-in GPS and Alexa.	App sync issue. Notification management. Alexa not very useful.

How to choose the best budget smartwatch for fitness?

Choosing the best budget smartwatch for fitness can be daunting, especially when so many options are available in the market. Here are some factors to consider before making a decision:

Factors to consider before buying a budget smartwatch for fitness
 

Compatibility: Ensure the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system.

Battery life: look for a smartwatch with long battery life that lasts at least two days on a single charge.

Fitness tracking features: consider which parts you need, such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, and GPS tracking.

Sensors: check if the smartwatch has sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, or barometer to monitor your physical activities and environment.

Durability: look for a durable watch with good build quality that is water-resistant and rugged enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.

Budget-friendly options vs. high-end models

If you want to purchase a budget-friendly smartwatch without compromising on features, you can opt for one of the top picks mentioned above. You may have to sacrifice high-end features like NFC payment support or voice assistant integration, which comes only in premium models.

However, high-end models are worth considering if you’re willing to spend more and want all the bells and whistles of advanced smartwatches. The main difference between budget-friendly options and high-end models is their price point, but functionality-wise, it on what you need from your wearable device.

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Apple Watch Alternatives: Affordable Fitness Trackers with Style

Love the Apple Watch but not the price tag? You’re in luck! The Apple Watch SE offers many of the same features as its pricier siblings, like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking, at a more budget-friendly price. Other cheap smartwatch options include the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Huawei Watch Fit, both boasting sleek designs and a range of fitness-focused features.

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Feature-Packed Fitness Trackers: The Best Bang for Your Buck

Regarding fitness trackers, there’s no need to break the bank. The highly-rated Fitbit Versa 2 offers heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and compatibility with both Android and iOS at a wallet-friendly price. For a more budget-conscious option, the Amazfit GTS is a great choice, with a fantastic battery life and a vibrant display for easy readability during workouts.

The Wear OS Wonders: Android Smartwatches That Won’t Break the Bank

For Android users, the Wear OS ecosystem offers a variety of affordable smartwatches with fitness features. The Honor Magic Watch, for example, is a stylish option with built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. And if you’re a fan of the great outdoors, consider the Garmin Fenix, which pairs with Google Fit and Garmin Connect to help you conquer your fitness goals, no matter the terrain.

FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing the best budget smartwatch for fitness can be challenging, but with the proper research and understanding of your needs, you can make an informed decision. It’s essential to consider compatibility, battery life, fitness tracking features, sensors, and durability.

Whether you opt for a budget-friendly or high-end model depends on your preferences and lifestyle. With the range of smartwatches available today, one fits your needs and budget.

Investing in a smartwatch for fitness can be a great motivator to lead a healthier lifestyle. With its vast array of features and ease of use, it’s no wonder many people are turning towards this technology to achieve their health goals.