Best Budget Smartwatches for Fitness Tracking
Fitness tracking has become more accessible than ever, and the market is flooded with smartwatches that not only help you monitor your health but also enhance your workout experience without burning a hole in your pocket. From tracking heart rate to providing GPS and sleep monitoring, budget-friendly smartwatches are designed to cater to all types of fitness enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the best budget smartwatches for fitness tracking, perfect for those looking to stay active, track their health, and maintain a balanced lifestyle while keeping costs in check.
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1. Fitbit Inspire 3 – Best Budget Fitness Tracker
Price: $99
Battery Life: 10 days
Water Resistance: 50 meters
GPS: No
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
The Fitbit Inspire 3 has been a top choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts. Its sleek, lightweight design includes an AMOLED screen that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight, which is a rarity in budget models. While it doesn’t come with a GPS, its heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step tracking are incredibly accurate. Moreover, it offers 10 days of battery life, which is impressive for a tracker in this price range.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Excellent battery life
- High-quality AMOLED display
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
2. Amazfit Bip 5 – Best Under $100
Price: $89
Battery Life: 10 days
Water Resistance: IP68
GPS: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
For those looking for a fitness tracker that resembles an Apple Watch but at a fraction of the price, the Amazfit Bip 5 is an excellent choice. Not only does it come with built-in GPS and a vibrant LCD display, but it also offers a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 days. It tracks over 120 activities, making it an ideal choice for those who want to diversify their workouts. Despite its low price, it has a range of advanced features like activity tracking and notifications, hence, it makes a great option for anyone looking to get serious about their fitness goals.
Pros:
- Affordable with great features for the price
- Built-in GPS
- 10-day battery life
Cons:
- Sleep tracking could be more accurate
3. Fitbit Charge 6 – Best GPS Fitness Tracker
Price: $160
Battery Life: 7 days
Water Resistance: 50 meters
GPS: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers built-in GPS, which is a rare feature in budget smartwatches. It’s perfect for runners, hikers, and cyclists who want accurate tracking without needing to carry their phone. The AMOLED display is easy to read in any condition, and the heart rate monitoring is precise. Additionally, it provides Google integrations, allowing users to manage music, maps, and even payments directly from the watch. If you’re willing to stretch your budget just a little, this is a solid choice for fitness tracking.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS for accurate location tracking
- Bright, clear AMOLED screen
- Google integrations for music and payments
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than other budget trackers
4. Garmin Vivosmart 5 – Best Garmin Fitness Tracker
Price: $129
Battery Life: 7 days
Water Resistance: 50 meters
GPS: No (Uses phone GPS)
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
Garmin’s Vivosmart 5 is perfect for anyone who wants a simple, no-frills fitness tracker. While it doesn’t have built-in GPS, it uses your phone’s GPS for accurate location tracking. It excels in sleep tracking, offering detailed insights into your sleep stages, which is a feature Garmin’s premium models are known for. Its OLED screen is crisp and easy to read, and it has a lightweight design that’s comfortable to wear all day and night.
Pros:
- Excellent sleep tracking features
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
5. Amazfit Band 7 – Best Under $50
Price: $50
Battery Life: 12-28 days
Water Resistance: 50 meters
GPS: No
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a fitness tracker that packs a punch, the Amazfit Band 7 is the way to go. For just $50, this tracker includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress tracking. It has a fantastic battery life, lasting anywhere between 12 to 28 days depending on usage. Although it lacks built-in GPS, it provides all the essential features you need to track your daily activities, making it a great choice for casual fitness tracking.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Lacks built-in GPS
- Smaller screen may be difficult to read for some
6. Garmin Forerunner 55 – Best for Running
Price: $199
Battery Life: 14 days
Water Resistance: 50 meters
GPS: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
For runners and athletes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a top contender. This watch offers built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and advanced running metrics that can help you improve your training and performance. With a 14-day battery life, it’s perfect for long-distance runs and multi-day workouts. The Garmin Connect app provides detailed stats and insights, which are incredibly valuable for those serious about their fitness journey.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Long battery life
- Ideal for runners and athletes
Cons:
- More expensive than some other budget options
7. OnePlus Watch 2R – Best for Android Users
Price: $199
Battery Life: 100 hours
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
GPS: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Sleep Tracking: Yes
The OnePlus Watch 2R is a sleek and affordable option for Android users. It boasts an AMOLED display, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity tracking with GPS support. The battery life is incredible, lasting up to 100 hours on a single charge. It’s a great choice for those who want a comprehensive fitness tracker without paying premium prices.
Pros:
- Affordable for a smartwatch with AMOLED display
- Extremely long battery life
- Accurate GPS tracking
Cons:
- Limited third-party app support
Conclusion
When it comes to budget smartwatches for fitness tracking, the market offers a wide variety of options that provide excellent performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a runner looking for GPS, someone who needs accurate sleep tracking, or just someone who wants to stay active throughout the day, there’s a budget-friendly smartwatch to meet your needs.
For best overall performance, the Fitbit Charge 6 stands out, offering a balance of affordability, fitness features, and smart functionalities. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Bip 5 provide solid tracking features for an excellent price. For serious runners, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great option, while the Amazfit Band 7 is a top pick if you’re working within a tight budget. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and fitness goals best.
