Top entry-level smartwatches that won't break the bank
If you’re looking for a budget smartwatch in 2026, there’s never been more choice. And unlike in the past, budget-friendly smartwatches are now very usable options.
Brands like Hume Band, WHOOP, and Withings are developing genuinely powerful smartwatches at low prices. While the best smartwatches are still commanding top prices for in-depth health tracking and a wide array of third-party apps, there’s an influx of less expensive devices that are big on features and low on price.
We’ve performed numerous tests. Below are the top smartwatches that won’t break the bank.
At a glance: Best cheap smartwatches
- Hume Band: Best for longevity
- WHOOP 5: Best for workouts
- Withings ScanWatch Light: Best elegant budget watch
- Huawei Watch Fit 4: Best option with a display
- CMF Watch 3 Pro: Best stylish option
- No money constraints? Check out the best smartwatches
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What to expect from budget smartwatches in 2026
Last year was a busy one for budget smartwatches, with major new releases from WHOOP and Amazfit. However, we’re expecting even more from brands in this corner of the market in 2026. We’re expecting the budget smartwatch to continue to dominate the entry-level of the wearables market.
These devices won’t necessarily deliver better smart features than we’ve seen in the past—you’ll still have to pay upwards of $200 for an improvement there—but we will see more advanced tracking features trickle down to sub-$150 watches.
How we tested and chose these smartwatches
Ranking the best cheap smartwatches is a tricky task. Though choosing the standout picks from our reviews is part of the process, this buyer’s guide also focuses on the value for money. So, it’s not simply a list of the top-rated options we’ve tested under a specific price point.
We’ve leaned on our experiences in comprehensive, in-depth testing (typically conducted when a device first launches), where we rigorously analyze the design, features, health monitoring, activity tracking, and manufacturer claims.
Hume Band: The best budget smart band for longevity
Hume Band key features
- Thin, lightweight, screenless design
- Up to 5 days of battery life
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- One-time purchase, no subscription required
If you are looking for a device that won’t overwhelm you with distractive notifications, screenless fitness devices are solid options. Among them, Hume Band stands out as a screenless tracker that is not only budget-friendly but also offers unique insights based on longevity practices.
In general, Hume Band is considered to be more than just a mere tracking device. It packs unique metrics, such as Metabolic Momentum and Metabolic Capacity, to improve the wearer’s wellness with personalized insights. Via the Hume Band app, users can see how their habits are influencing their aging process, which is estimated using a wide range of health metrics tracked by Hume Band.
Some of the things you can track with Hume Band are heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and sleep stages. All of it is included in a one-time hardware purchase, which helps Hume Band stand out in a market increasingly dominated by subscription models.
Compared to other affordable fitness trackers, Hume Band is not the cheapest option, currently priced at $249. However, given its value for the price, Hume Band is still one of the best options to explore if you are on a tighter budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive longevity-focused insights | App and ecosystem are still maturing |
| Can be purchased in installments (via the official website) | Not the cheapest option on the market |
| No subscription needed | |
| 45-day refund policy |
WHOOP 5.0: The best smart band for recovery tracking
WHOOP 5.0 key features
- Up to 14-day battery life
- Screenless sleek design
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Family plans available
WHOOP has long been the gold standard for athletes who care about recovery and strain management, and the 5.0 model represents its most ambitious update yet. Launched in mid-2025, it packs significantly more sensor technology into an even smaller body than the 4.0. Additionally, it nearly triples the battery life, lasting over 14 days instead of just 5.
The WHOOP experience remains unmatched for understanding the balance between training load and recovery. And the new Healthspan suite brings longevity-focused metrics that compete directly with newer entrants like Hume Band.
However, the main caveat of WHOOP is its membership-based model. To use the tracker, you must have a WHOOP Peak subscription, which costs $239. While the subscription includes the WHOOP 5.0 itself, the device will become unusable once you stop paying the subscription fee.
- Check out our full WHOOP 5.0 review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Insights for managing training load | Requires a subscription to be operational |
| Game-changing battery life upgrade | Overkill for those who are more casual about their fitness |
| Haptic alarm function | |
| Offers a free 30-day trial with a refurbished device |
Withings ScanWatch Light: Best elegant smartwatch
Withings ScanWatch Light key features
- Battery life up to 35 days on a single charge
- Heart rate, HRV, and respiratory rate tracking
- Compatible with Android and iOS
The Withings ScanWatch Light is the most compelling option on this list for anyone who wants a health tracker that looks like a real watch. Featuring an elegant analog design, it doesn’t look like a fitness monitor at first glance, though it has a small DeepGray OLED display for app notifications and incoming calls.
At 37mm and just 27.1g, it’s remarkably lightweight and comfortable for all-day (and all-night) wear. With up to 35 days of battery on a single charge, it is made to be put on and forgotten.
However, where it shines in its design, it lacks in tracked metrics. Withings ScanWatch Light doesn’t include several metrics, such as blood oxygen, heart rate variability, and temperature tracking, although these can be tracked with more expensive Withings models.
Withings ScanWatch Light still offers impressive sleep tracking features, with stages, duration, quality score, and breathing quality index, just like its more expensive counterparts. For the price of $249.95, it can be considered an entry model, especially for its timeless design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The best battery life on this list | Extra features require an additional Withings+ subscription |
| Excellent companion app | Lacks some common metrics |
| Solid for sleep tracking |
Huawei Watch Fit 4: Best affordable smartwatch with a display
Huawei Watch Fit 4 key features:
- Thin (9.5mm) and light aluminum alloy design
- Bright 1.82-inch AMOLED display (2,000 nits)
- Dual-frequency GPS and offline mapping
- 7-10 day battery life
- Supports Android and iOS
The Huawei Watch Fit 4 design punches well above its price of $134.45, with a refined, soft-touch aluminum case and a stunningly bright AMOLED display that’s a joy to use. But its real strength lies in its sports tracking. In a rare move for a budget device, the Fit 4 includes accurate dual-frequency GPS and offline mapping with route import—features usually reserved for watches costing hundreds more.
The trade-off for this value is its very basic smart features. You won’t find a robust app store or contactless payment support here. However, this compromise allows for excellent battery life; you can comfortably get a whole week of typical use, or four days with the always-on display active.
Its only real drawbacks are the lack of official availability in the US due to sanctions and the fact it can’t compete with Wear OS/watchOS in terms of smarts. A more expensive Pro model is also available, but this standard version offers the best value.
- Check out our full Huawei Watch Fit 4 review
Pros
- Premium-feeling design and bright display
- Excellent battery life
- Impressive sports tracking
Cons
- Very limited smart features
- Huawei Health app can be cluttered
- No official availability in the US
CMF Watch 3 Pro: Best stylish watch on a budget
CMF Watch 3 Pro key features
- 13-day battery life; 4-5 days with AOD enabled
- Dual-frequency GNSS tracking
- Android and iOS compatible via Nothing X app
Priced at just $99, the CMF Watch 3 Pro sets a new bar for budget aesthetics.
While the modular bezels of the Pro 2 are gone, the Watch 3 Pro feels more refined, with a standout orange variant and a meticulously designed UI that mirrors Nothing’s signature monochrome style. It is easily the best-looking watch in this price bracket.
The software is basic, but the UI is incredibly snappy. During our testing, the dual-frequency GNSS was a highlight, with many of our test sessions showing tracking on par with that of watches three times the price.
Heart rate accuracy is also good enough for casual workouts and for those just starting out, though we did find it sometimes lagged poorly on gym sets and interval running sessions. The bigger compromise, though, might be the durability; it has an IP69 rating but isn’t recommended for swimming.
Still, for those who want a stylish, functional watch with a 13-day battery life (AOD disabled) and solid GPS, this is the best bargain on the market.
- Check out our full CMF Watch 3 Pro review
Pros
- A design unlike any other smartwatch
- Great value for the asking price
- Very accessible UI with a clean aesthetic
Cons
- Limited smart features
- It can’t be taken for a swim
- Modular bezels have been ditched
Amazfit Active 2
Amazfit Active 2 key features
- 1.32-inch AMOLED display
- 10-day battery life (typical use)
- Tracks heart rate, sleep, GPS & activity with full mapping
- External sensor support
- Zepp Flow AI assistant
With a price of just $79.99 – $104.99, the Amazfit Active 2 redefines what to expect from a budget smartwatch. It punches well above its weight, incorporating high-end features like full offline mapping and the ability to pair external sensors, which are exceptionally rare at this price point.
The new round design is a departure from the original and might divide opinion, but the AMOLED screen is bright and clear. During our testing, GPS accuracy proved decent for casual use, although the onboard heart rate tracking still lags behind that of premium rivals. This is where an external sensor pairing can prove helpful, as it allows you to link up a more accurate external sensor.
The main trade-off is the user experience, which can feel sluggish when using demanding features like the new mapping function. Nonetheless, the sheer number of features packed into the Active 2 for the price makes it an almost unbeatable option for those on a budget.
- Check out our Amazfit Active 2 review
Pros
- There are tons of features for the price
- Full mapping and ability to pair external sensors
- Smart features and fitness tracking works well
Cons
- The makeover won't appeal to everybody
- Software lagging is still present
- Heart rate accuracy is still not great
Xiaomi Watch 2
Xiaomi Watch 2 key features
- Single-day battery life
- Wear OS 3.5
- HR, stress, sleep, and blood oxygen tracking
- Android-only
It’s been a couple of years since Xiaomi’s budget-friendly Watch 2 was released, but it remains a compelling option due to being the cheapest device to run Google’s Wear OS platform. And that remains true, with Wear OS 5 making a surprise appearance in an August 2025 update.
This limits it to Android phone users only, but it also means anybody previously priced out of the Wear OS ecosystem (and the third-party apps that come with it) has a worthy option to consider. That’s especially important given that the next realistic option, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, remains around $200.
The build quality and display are superb for a cheaper smartwatch. At the same time, the software—though far from being the Wear OS 6 version capable of the Galaxy Watch FE—was polished and responsive during our original testing.
As you would expect at this price, there are compromises. Battery life is limited to a single day, and Xiaomi has made no room for features like LTE. Still, the Xiaomi Watch 2 offers a mix of usability and build quality we’d thought was impossible at this price point.
With no concrete rumors of a follow-up arriving in 2026 (at least at the time of writing), it remains worth considering.
- Check out our full Xiaomi Watch 2 review
Pros
- Superb price tag
- Light and attractive design
- HR accuracy is very solid
Cons
- Battery life is very average
- Mi Fitness is a glitch-fest
- Doesn’t run Wear OS 4
Redmi Watch 5
Redmi Watch 5 key features
- 2.07-inch AMOLED display with up to 1,500 nits brightness
- Sleek aluminum design with 2.5D glass
- Up to 24 days of battery life
- 5ATM water resistance (up to 50m depth)
Although the Redmi Watch 5 doesn’t offer many upgrades over its predecessor, the vivid AMOLED display was a definite highlight and a key differentiator during our testing. It provides sharp visuals and excellent visibility, giving the watch a more premium feel than the affordable price of $39.45 suggests.
However, it’s not a smartwatch without issues. It adequately handles essential smartwatch functions, such as notifications and music control, but fitness tracking remains a mixed bag. Heart rate readings during exercise proved inconsistent, similar to the Watch 4, meaning it’s not a reliable option for those serious about tracking fitness.
On the plus side, battery life is excellent, potentially lasting for weeks on a single charge – a significant advantage over many on this list. The UI also remains intuitive and easy to navigate, while sleep tracking accuracy proved solid despite being backed by limited insights.
If you’re primarily after a stylish smartwatch for everyday wear, with basic activity tracking and excellent battery life, the Redmi Watch 5 is a decent option. However, don’t expect it to replicate the tracking performance of others on this list – or more expensive watches.
Pros
- Really likeable design
- Slick Xiaomi HyperOS software
- Battery life has improved
Cons
- Heart rate tracking still not great
- Bluetooth call quality is only okay
- Too many half-baked features
Amazfit Bip 6
Amazfit Bip 6 key features
- Large AMOLED display
- Up to 14-day battery life
- Offline maps & GPS tracking
- External sensor support
- Zepp Flow AI
The Zepp Health brand has delivered a significant upgrade with the Amazfit Bip 6, launching at an aggressive $79.99 price point that’s even lower than its predecessor. It fixes the biggest complaint of the Bip 5 by swapping the dated TFT panel for a vibrant, colourful AMOLED display, which instantly makes it feel like a much more expensive device.
The headline addition is offline maps, a feature that is virtually unheard of on a sub-$100 smartwatch (unless it’s an Amazfit device, of course). GPS tracking is present, but not the most accurate. And while exercise heart rate has improved, serious athletes will appreciate the new ability to pair an external heart rate sensor for even better results (much like with the Active 2 above).
The build quality also sees a welcome upgrade, with an aluminium alloy frame giving it a more premium feel than its all-plastic predecessor. Battery life remains a strong point, as it comfortably lasts around 10 days with regular use. The new Zepp Flow AI assistant replaces Alexa, although its performance can be inconsistent in its current form.
While it still makes compromises on performance to hit its price, this smartwatch represents a massive step up. The addition of an AMOLED screen and offline maps makes it one of the best-value smartwatches available today.
- Check out our full Amazfit Bip 6 review
Pros
- Decent sleep tracking
- Zepp Health app is strong
- GPS on board
Cons
- Some dodgy workout data
- Chunky and plasticky
- TFT display
Xiaomi Watch S4 series
Xiaomi Watch S4 key features
- Fashion-focused design with swappable bezels (standard model)
- Two unique case sizes and styles
- Bright AMOLED display
- Reliable heart rate tracking
- 4-8 day battery life
The Xiaomi Watch S4 is a solid option for those who prioritize fashion and design over hardcore fitness tracking.
Its standout feature is its stunning, premium look that punches well above its budget price of $121.99 . The elegant 41mm model is perfect for smaller wrists, while the standard 48mm version features a unique and fun swappable bezel system.
In our testing, the AMOLED display was vibrant, and the heart rate monitoring proved surprisingly reliable, making it a solid companion for activities such as gym sessions or walks. However, this style comes at a cost to substance.
The watch’s GPS performance is very inconsistent, making it a poor choice for serious runners or cyclists. Smart features are also very basic, and the sleep tracking analysis can be mixed. It’s a beautiful accessory that handles notifications and casual workouts well, but its tracking issues prevent it from being a top all-around recommendation.
- Check out our full Xiaomi Watch S4 (41mm) review
Pros
- Fashionable, eye-catching design
- Solid heart rate monitoring accuracy
- Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
Cons
- Design isn't workout-friendly
- Sleep tracking analysis is mixed
- GPS tracking isn’t up to standard
Bottom line
These days, you don’t have to break the bank to purchase a well-functioning smartwatch. Budget-conscious consumers have options to explore, with brands like Hume Band and WHOOP offering solid devices at reasonable prices.
With prices starting at $39.49, you don’t have to sacrifice quality to fit a smaller budget, although cheaper devices usually offer less functionality. If you are looking for the best cheap smartwatch, I recommend identifying which metrics or features are your priorities and basing your purchase decision on that.
