The Best Budget Smartwatches for fitness

Good smartwatches no longer have to cost half the price of a smartphone. Technology is becoming cheaper, and today the budget segment offers devices with great design and a solid set of features.

Amazfit Active 2

The affordable gadget market is going through great times, and this model is direct proof of that. The engineers packed smart features into an elegant stainless-steel body. The metallic shine of the edges and the classic watch faces make the device look like an expensive traditional watch. The sports functionality includes more than 160 workout modes.

The algorithms accurately analyze sleep and recovery. The heart-rate sensor occasionally shows strange readings, so professional athletes probably will not find it suitable. The interface works quickly and smoothly. A version with contactless payment exists, but you have to pay extra for the NFC module.

Amazfit Bip 6

The Bip lineup has always been known for a good balance between price and features. The sixth generation has taken a big step forward. The gadget received a vivid AMOLED display measuring almost two inches. The picture became brighter, and the watch itself looks far more premium than its predecessors. You can now answer calls from your wrist and use transport cards. The built-in GPS module tracks outdoor running routes very accurately.

The system can measure heart rate, estimate blood oxygen levels, and warn about high stress. An unexpected bonus for such an affordable device is support for free offline maps. The battery lasts up to two weeks with moderate use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

Samsung engineers took the proven hardware from the fourth-generation model and refreshed the software. The result is an excellent alternative to flagship devices. The watch is sold in a single 40 mm size and features a bright Super AMOLED display. Inside is a full version of Wear OS. You can easily download apps from Google Play and use familiar navigation services. The workout section offers around 100 activity types and a convenient virtual coach. The device can even record ECG readings. However, this medical feature requires pairing with a Samsung smartphone.

Xiaomi Watch 2

This is the most affordable entry into the world of Wear OS. The slim aluminum body pairs well with different straps. Water resistance lets you confidently jump into the pool. The screen supports an always-on display mode. Inside is a powerful Qualcomm processor, while 2 GB of RAM ensures perfectly smooth navigation.

The spacious storage easily holds your favorite music. The interface offers many workout modes and accurate navigation. The heart-rate sensor can lag slightly during intense activity, but sleep tracking works perfectly. The main downside of the model is weak battery life. The gadget consistently needs charging every evening.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

The compact format is perfect for those who do not like heavy devices on their wrist. The manufacturer removed physical buttons. All controls work through touches on the elongated bright screen. The gadget reliably displays notifications and switches music tracks on your phone.

A nice bonus is support for integration with Apple Health and Strava. The geolocation sensor handles casual walk tracking quite well. Heart-rate accuracy during active movement is slightly behind market leaders.

The brand claims up to 21 days of battery life. In practice, with notifications enabled, the charge lasts about a week.