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The Best Budget Smartwatches

Updated May 2026·Experts: The Verge, Tom's Guide

Best Overall Budget Smartwatch

Amazfit Active 2

$100-$130
$100-$130 at Amazon→

If you want a smartwatch that punches way above its price tag, the Amazfit Active 2 is the obvious answer, experts and the community agree it's the best sub-$100 smartwatch you can buy right now.

What holds up

  • 2,000-nit OLED display looks premium for the price
  • 8-9 day real-world battery life vs. 1-2 days for competitors
  • Built-in GPS with access to five satellite systems
  • Zepp Coach creates personalized training plans that sync to the wrist
  • GPS and heart rate accuracy comparable to Apple Watch Ultra 2 in testing

What to know

  • Touchscreen becomes unresponsive with sweaty fingers during workouts
  • Voice assistant (Zepp Flow) requires exaggerated enunciation and has limited commands
  • Cannot edit workouts after the fact, a surprising omission
  • AI chatbot features require a $77/year Zepp Aura subscription for full access
Expert verdict
This is a stacked feature set for under $150. It's bonkers. There isn't even much of a catch.
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
In 2025, Amazfit is the budget smartwatch brand to beat, and the Active 2 is my favorite sub-$100 model
Tom's GuideView source
Get it for $100-$130
Read the full breakdown →
Best Cheap Apple Watch

Apple Watch SE 3

$249-$299
$249-$299 at Amazon→

If you're on iPhone and want the real Apple Watch experience without the flagship price, the SE 3 is the only logical choice, the ecosystem integration alone justifies the premium over cheaper alternatives.

What holds up

  • Full Apple Watch ecosystem with crash detection and fall detection
  • Seamless iPhone integration for notifications, Siri, and Apple Pay
  • Optional cellular LTE connectivity for an extra $50
  • Proven Apple health platform with ECG-adjacent safety features
  • Strong app ecosystem via watchOS

What to know

  • Only works with iPhone, no Android compatibility
  • 1-2 day battery life vs. 8-10 days on Amazfit competitors
  • No always-on display at this price point
  • More expensive than comparable Amazfit options with similar fitness features
Expert verdict
Best cheap Apple Watch, the most affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with crash detection and fall detection built in
Tom's GuideView source
Expert verdict
Cellular connectivity is optional and costs an extra $50 on models like the Apple Watch SE 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.
Tom's Guide (best smartwatch guide)View source
Get it for $249-$299
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget Android Smartwatch

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

$110-$130
$110-$130 at Amazon→

For Android users who want actual Wear OS apps and solid fitness tracking without spending $350 on a Galaxy Watch, the TicWatch Pro 5 is the community's go-to recommendation.

What holds up

  • Full Wear OS support means access to Google Play apps
  • Strong fitness tracking features for the price
  • Durable build quality for a budget smartwatch
  • Works well with any Android phone, not just Samsung

What to know

  • Mobvoi is typically a step behind Google and Samsung in rolling out Wear OS updates
  • May not use the latest processor generation
  • Bulkier design compared to slimmer budget alternatives
  • Ecosystem features less polished than Samsung or Google's own watches
Expert verdict
Best fitness pick, Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
Mobvoi, for instance, has generally been a step behind Google and Samsung in rolling out the latest version of Wear OS. You should also take note of whether the watch you want is using the latest processor, or a last-gen model.
The VergeView source
Get it for $110-$130
Read the full breakdown →
Best Ultra-Budget Pick

Amazfit Bip 6

$79
$79 at Amazon→

The Bip 6 is the watch to buy if you're not sure you'll actually use a smartwatch, at $79 it's a near-zero-risk entry point that still delivers real fitness tracking.

What holds up

  • Lowest price point of any recommended smartwatch at $79
  • Competitive fitness and health tracking vs. watches 3x the price
  • Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
  • Good battery life typical of Amazfit lineup

What to know

  • Fewer smart features compared to Wear OS or watchOS devices
  • No third-party app support
  • Display and build quality reflect the budget price
  • Limited safety features compared to Apple Watch SE 3
Expert verdict
I tested the $79 Amazfit Bip 6 vs the $249 Apple Watch SE 3 and the cheaper smartwatch is a lot better than I thought
Tom's GuideView source
Expert verdict
Featured as a top pick in the best cheap fitness trackers roundup for 2026
Tom's Guide (cheap fitness trackers)View source
Get it for $79
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget Smartwatch for Fitness

Amazfit Active Max

$130-$160
$130-$160 at Amazon→

If you're a runner or fitness-focused buyer who can't stomach Garmin prices, the Active Max is the most exciting new budget option, it's gunning directly for the Forerunner 55 at a much lower price.

What holds up

  • Targets Garmin Forerunner 55 with advanced running metrics at a lower price
  • Strong GPS and fitness tracking feature set for the price
  • Amazfit's proven battery life advantage over competitors
  • Newer model with updated sensors and software vs. Active 2

What to know

  • Newer release means less long-term reliability data available
  • Zepp OS lacks the app ecosystem of Wear OS or watchOS
  • AI and smart features still lag behind Apple and Samsung
  • No NFC payments in the US market
Expert verdict
I just went hands-on with the Amazfit Active Max, and it could be my favorite cheap smartwatch of 2026
Tom's GuideView source
Expert verdict
5 reasons this cheap smartwatch could be a Garmin Forerunner 55 killer
Tom's GuideView source
Get it for $130-$160
Read the full breakdown →