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, sub-$150/£150 smartwatches are now very usable options.
Huawei, Amazfit, and Honor are developing genuinely powerful smartwatches at low prices. Intense competition is also emerging from brands like Redmi, CMF by Nothing, and Realme.
While the very best smartwatches—like the Apple Watch Series 11 and Google Pixel Watch 4—still command 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 also tested the lot. Below are the top smartwatches that won’t break the bank, along with insight into the current state of play and upcoming launches.
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What to expect from budget smartwatches in 2026
The Redmi Watch 6 is expected to launch globally in H1 2026 (Credit: Xiaomi)
Last year was a busy one for budget smartwatches, with major new releases from Huawei and Amazfit. However, we’re expecting even more from brands in this corner of the market in 2026.
With the traditional fitness band form factor showing no signs of a comeback, we’re expecting the budget smartwatch to continue to dominate the entry level of 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.
New features and potential watch releases to keep an eye on
It started at the back end of last year, actually, with CMF’s Watch 3 Pro becoming the first in this bracket to feature dual-frequency GNSS (a GPS tracking feature typically reserved for advanced sports watches).
Expect brands to follow that lead, while also incorporating more advanced AI-driven coaching tools and ongoing iterations of higher-end materials and designs.
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In the first half of 2026, Xiaomi is the most likely company to deliver a new smartwatch. We already know the brand’s Redmi Watch 6 is available in China, ahead of an expected global rollout in H1 2026, but we may also see updates to its S Watch and Wear OS smartwatch lines at Barcelona’s MWC 2026 in early March.
From there, Amazfit, CMF, and Huawei may get in on the act over the summer and into H2 2026—but it’s simply too early to tell, and there are no obvious cycles coming up from any of these brands.
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.
Huawei Watch Fit 4: The best budget smartwatch
(Image credit: Wareable)
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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 is our new top recommendation for those on a budget. It offers an almost unbeatable package of premium design, high-end sports features, and affordability that few rivals can match.
The design punches well above its price, 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.
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Premium-feeling design and bright display
Excellent battery life
Impressive sports tracking
Very limited smart features
Huawei Health app can be cluttered
No official availability in the US
CMF Watch 3 Pro
(Image credit: Wareable)
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/£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.
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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 13-day battery life (AOD disabled) and solid GPS, this is the best bargain on the market.
A design unlike any other smartwatch
Great value for the asking price
Very accessible UI with a clean aesthetic
Limited smart features
It can’t be taken for a swim
Modular bezels have been ditched
Amazfit Active 2
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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 $99/£99 (or $129/£129 for the premium version), 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. However, it puts up an excellent fight against rivals like the Huawei Watch Fit 4.
In short, despite its flaws, the sheer number of features packed into the Active 2 for the price makes it an almost unbeatable option for those on a budget.
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There are tons of features for the price
Full mapping and ability to pair external sensors
Smart features and fitness tracking works well
The makeover won’t appeal to everybody
Software lagging is still present
Heart rate accuracy is still not great
Xiaomi Watch 2
(Image credit: Wareable)
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.
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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.
Superb price tag
Light and attractive design
HR accuracy is very solid
Battery life is very average
Mi Fitness is a glitch-fest
Doesn’t run Wear OS 4
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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 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.
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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.
Really likeable design
Slick Xiaomi HyperOS software
Battery life has improved
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 Bip 6, launching at an aggressive $79.99/£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.
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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 is a massive step up. The addition of an AMOLED screen and offline maps makes it one of the best-value smartwatches available today.
Decent sleep tracking
Zepp Health app is strong
GPS on board
Some dodgy workout data
Chunky and plasticky
TFT display
Xiaomi Watch S4 series
(Image credit: Wareable)
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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. 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.
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Fashionable, eye-catching design
Solid heart rate monitoring accuracy
Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
Design isn’t workout-friendly
Sleep tracking analysis is mixed
GPS tracking isn’t up to standard
