Best Budget Smartwatch: Cheap Picks in the Top
When you use a budget smartwatch, you follow the same strict testing guidelines. Their premium counterpartpays more attention to categories where potential trade-offs such as sensor accuracy and software support are seen.
Basics: First, we evaluate how well these watches are maintained for real-world use: notifications, text messages (if available), and phone pairing. We will also review the companion app experience. This is especially important for budget watches. Many of them rely on their own apps for health data and customization. Reviews flag these restrictions, especially for iPhone users, as there may be no advanced phone integration.
Performance and navigation: Low-cost models rarely have the processing power of premium options, but we evaluate how smooth and responsive the typical interface in use is. This includes swiping between menus, launching workouts, syncing to apps, and responding to notifications (if available).
Design and durability: Affordable prices don’t need to mean cheap build quality. We test comfort, fit, and how your watch can withstand daily wear. Most budget models don’t come with military grade durability or high water resistance ratings, so these devices are not “rough” and only lead to ratings allowed, but reviews will fully acknowledge this trade-off.
The Amazfit Bip 6 has a new sensor under the hood that improves the accuracy of your health and fitness tracking.
Battery life: Budget smartwatches tend to be better than premium ones in terms of battery life, but not necessarily given to them. Start the test with a fully charged battery and test how long the watch will last in normal use. This includes sleep tracking, mirroring notifications from your phone, and at least one outdoor (using GPS). Once it is discharged, the time will depend on how long it takes to charge to 100%. Core testing is also done at full capacity (rather than battery saving mode), but it also flags battery saving tactics specific to that model.
Sensor Accuracy: Compare side-by-side with the Gold Standard Tool as sensor quality can be hit or miss in this category. Heart rate is tested against the chest strap during aerobic exercise. For SPO2, a fingertip pulse oximeter is used. For watches with built-in GPS, we evaluate that the GPS is locked quickly for outdoor training and compare its accuracy with a smartphone GPS (apart from paired ones). Calls clear inconsistencies between routes and pursuits.
Ultimately, we are looking for a watch that offers true value, not just a long spec sheet for half baked goods.
The Amazfit Active 2 is a slightly refined and expensive version of our favorite budget choice, Bip 6.