I like a good smartwatch. And while I certainly don’t mind one now and again, the price that comes with it isn’t always my favorite.
Now these watches look pretty on the internet but have my wallet in silent mode creep into another room. Models like the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Garmin and Pixel Watch can be excellent but aren’t always budget friendly. The bright side is these budget smartwatches are no longer the depressing slabs of plastic that they once were.
Gone are the days when you can find a budget watch that is clean, modern and almost premium without spending half your grocery money.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
- Why do cheap smartwatches appear to be expensive
- Budget models that should definitely be on your list
- Top watches for work, fitness and day to day wear
- What are the important features to look before you buy
- What all cheap smartwatches still get wrong
- My honest buying advice
FAQs before you buy
How Cheap Smartwatches Now Look Better
A couple of years ago, a low-priced smartwatch could look like rubbish from halfway across the room. Thick bezels. Dull screens. Strange fonts. Silicone straps that screamed “mystery brand fitness tracker.”
That has changed
In fact, even a decent-quality AMOLED display might be enough for many cheap watches now, with their thinner bodies, metal-style frames, cleaner watch faces and better straps. Display amp; Design Display quality can make a big difference. This certainly makes for sharper icons, brighter colours and watch faces that appear less like smartwatches and more like premium variants.
Not all of the budget smartwatches are good though. Many still have bloated apps, shakily-calibrated sensors or battery life promises coming from what sounds like an overly optimistic meeting.
However, if you actually make the right decision then it is possible to own a watch that feels significantly more premium than what you would expect at that price point.
Amazfit Bip 6: The best overall cheap smartwatch
Amazfit Bip 6 Best Budget Option: The Amazfit Bip 6 is one of my favorites, thanks to hitting the basics. Features a 1.97″ AMOLED display, up to 14 days of battery life, over 140 workout modes, Android & iPhone support. Amazfit has priced it at $79.99 in the U.S.
The design is simplistic, but not basic. That rectangular Apple Watch-like design gives it a bit of familiarity. The screen has enough real estate for notifications, fitness data and glanceables throughout the day.
I would not call it luxury. It’s not merely attractive, I would describe it as eew smart. That’s likely the more valuable of those wins at this price.
The Bip 6 will suit those that want a smartwatch for work, working out, sleep tracking, calls and basic health data without a premium price tag.
Best for: overall value
Style level: clean and modern
Biggest weakness: still lacks the software polish of a premium watch
CMF Watch Pro 2: Best Affordably Stylish
CMF Watch Pro 2 Review: A Budget Smartwatch That Knows How to Present Itself While it features budget specs, the design is more refined than many budget devices. The watch acts more like an actual clock with its round shape, while the AMOLED display helps it on your wrist because things look sharper.
As per the listing on Amazon, it is said that CMF Watch Pro 2 will come with a large 1.32-inch display along with SpO2 monitoring, Bluetooth calls up to 120 sports modes IP68 rating and GPS support.
If you care about looks as much as features, this is a decent pick. It does not exactly scream cheap gadget. Is looks simple, tidy and a bit more upmarket than its price point suggests.
That being said i would still temper expectations. Data is until October 2023. A trendy budget smartwatch for those who just want the bare essentials sorted.
Best for: budgetary fashion
Style level: minimal and modern
Main weakness: limited app ecosystem
Amazfit Active 2Well-priced premium-watch
Thanks to its classic round design, the Amazfit Active 2 looks much pricier than it actually is. The official Amazfit specs for the watch include a 1.32-inch display, 2,000 nits brightness, up to 10 days of battery life, 160+ workout modes (including GPS map navigation), and U.S. price of $99.99.
This is more a watch than a fitness gadget. If you are looking for something which can go with informal outfits, office clothes and the gym gear, that does matter.
I dig this choice for a budget-friendly smartwatch that wont appear like an inexpensive smartwatch. It may sound obvious, but there are still a lot of brands who fail to pick that up.
Ideal For: premium feel below $100
Style level: classic and polished
Key negative: the more expensive end of budget
Redmi Watch 5 Active: Best Large Readability Budget Watch
Redmi Watch 5 Active, for those who enjoy a bigger display. Other features mentioned by Xiaomi are a 2-inch LCD display, Bluetooth calling, dual mic noise reduction as well as battery life of up to 18 days.
It is not the flashiest because it uses an LCD, rather than AMOLED display. Nevertheless, the large display lends it presence. It looks bold on the wrist.
I’d choose this for the users who care more for screen real estate, calls, battery and basic fitness tracking than a high-end display.
Best for: big display & mega battery
Style level: bold and sporty
Weakness: LCD doesn’t appear as luxe as OLED
Best Budget Slim Option: Samsung Galaxy Fit3
This is a fitness band, not a full-on smartwatch (though it does have some smart functions) but we wanted to include it for its clean looks and the fact that it won’t cost you as much as many a smartwatch.
Samsung claims Galaxy Fit3 can monitor workouts, sleep tracking and receive phone notifications. Other specifications highlighted in retail listings are a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen, waterproofing and long battery life.
This is the option I would recommend for someone looking for a more narrow wrist-based device. Its not trying to be an Apple Watch look alike. It slouched back to its narrow, tidy style.
Pretty handy for tracking steps, sleep, notifications and simple health stats But don’t expect full smartwatch functionality.
Best for: slim design
Style level: clean and light
How you use Android for all this fitness: your main weakness is that this is a glorified fitness tracker rather than smartwatch
Fitbit Inspire 3: Best Basic Health Tracking
Then there’s the Fitbit Inspire 3, another fitness tracker rather than a full smartwatch, but a great option for anyone who just wants something small, neat and health-focused.
It does not look flashy. That is part of the appeal. It blends in. It will appeal to those who really don’t want a huge display on their wrist.
If sleep, steps, heart rate, and basic wellness tracking are more important to you than calls, GPS maps or a smartwatch-sized display then this is the one Id go for.
Best for: simple health tracking
Style level: slim and subtle
Main weakness: small screen
Best Older Budget Alternative: Amazfit Bip 5
If you find it at a decent price for some reason, the Amazfit Bip 5 is still worth considering. Amazfit specifications of Bip 5: 1.91-inch screen, 4 satellite positioning systems, it has more than 120 sports Sports modes and monitors heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, Bluetooth calling function, battery life is also great (up to )
The display also is not as premium so it does not look as sharp as the Bip 6. However it could still make sense if the price drops far enough.
An excellent example of how last-generation watches can be smart purchases. You will save some money, but you may lose some polish.
Best for: discounted older model
Style level: casual and sporty
Biggest weakness: display doesn’t look as premium these days
CMF Watch 3 Pro: Best New Budget Option
The latest in CMF’s lineup is the Watch 3 Pro. According to The Verge, it was released at $99 with a bigger 1.43-inch OLED screen, 131 sports modes (as opposed to just 17) as well as AI coaching supports dual-band GPS support and normal-use battery life of up to 13 days.
Its definitely worth a watch as it does impress on quite a few fronts compared to its predecessor, the Watch Pro 2. A bigger, upscaled OLED display makes the watch look more premium and the GPS upgrade positions it as a stronger fitness offering.
If the price hike is slight, I’d take it over the Watch Pro 2. I would avoid the older model unless it was a big discount.
Ideal for: fresh design and GPS
Style level: modern and clean
Key Weakness: Price might sit tight by more recognized brands
Why a Cheap Smartwatch Looks Like an Expensive Watch
You can make a good-looking low-cost smartwatch without having every premium feature. This requires proper visuals
I check the display first. These AMOLED and OLED screens usually appear to be superior at blacks and contrast than LCDs. Which does help the faces appear a lot more shrilled.
The second aspect is the frame. The metal or pseudo-metal case will give an expensive feel to a watch no matter how simple the rest of the body.
The third thing is the strap. Also, a bad strap can destroy a fantastic watch. The look can change completely when you replace the default band to a leather, nylon or stainless-steel-style band.
Fourthly, the-want: it is a watch face. A nice analog-style face can give even the cheapest smartwatches that more polished look. If the hairdo is a cartoonish face with too many icons, it will seem like it arrived free with cereal. No offense to cereal. It has served society well enough.
Cheap Smartwatches: What They Still Get Wrong
Cheap watch markets have got better, but they are still barely functional.
The biggest issue is software. Menus can feel less smooth. Apps can be confusing. So you can expect some surprises while working with the notifications.
The second challenge is health information. A lot of affordable wristwatches compute heart rate, sleep, stress and blood oxygen but the descriptions are often soggy. I want guidance, not mumbo jumbo that requires me to stare at my wrist like it owes me money.
The third problem is phone support. Certain features are better suited for Android than iPhone. For complete integration and if you already use an iPhone, Apple Watch remains the stronger option.
The fourth problem is that you want long-term support. Big brands tend to be better with app updates, bug fixes and warranty support.
My Buying Advice
If I want the best cheap smartwatch that looks expensive, I would recommend starting with Amazfit Active 2 or Amazfit Bip 6.
The Active 2 is the more conventional goodlooking premium face. Bip 6 offers better overall value with its bigger display and very useful features.
If I wanted the best price at a chic look, it would be the CMF Watch Pro 2. I would look for the Redmi Watch 5 Active if I wanted a big display and long battery.
Meanwhile, for something slim I want the Galaxy Fit3 or Fitbit Inspire 3 in hand as a couple of fancier fitness trackers and not really very smart devices.
If you want a few more options, check out my best fitness tracker guide or compare further rugged styles in my best durability smartwatch guide.
Final Verdict
Cheap smartwatches aren’t just for backup anymore These, at least some of them, are okay looking, last days between charges, record workouts, display calls and cost less than fancy dinner for 2.
The Amazfit Bip 6 is my leading recommendation as it gives the good stability of cost, show, battery and functions. The Amazfit Active 2 is my favorite option that looks premium. CMF Watch Pro 2 — ₹3,500 My pick of a budget style item
The only trick is to never buy just by price. Purchase according to display quality, battery life time, consolation stage, app aid and the way your watch sincerely appears in your wrist.
Especially on a budget, smartwatch should save your pennies. It should not shout that fact to the people in the room.
FAQ
Which is the best affordable looking watch for which you will be praised less?
My number 1 choice for the most affordable smartwatch: Amazfit Bip 6 OLED panel, strong battery life, more than enough workout modes and a clean design at an attractive price.
Best looking cheap smartwatch out there?
Amazfit Active 2: Our pick for best premium features Given how fancy its round design, bright display and traditional watch style are, the Amazfit Active 2 appears to be the most premium of the bunch.
Are cheap smartwatches worth buying?
Cheap smartwatches are still worth buying if you want simple fitness tracking, notifications, sleep data, or long battery life. They aren’t great for advanced apps, LTE, ECG or top of the line phone integration.
Cheap Smartwatches: Do They Work With iPhone?
Cheap smartwatches compatible with iPhone: Amazfit and CMF Some features may be trimmed by comparing with Android one.
Check Before Buying A Cheap Smartwatch
Display type, battery life (specially GPS based), mobile compatibility, water resistance, GPS support a proper app to manage data history and health parameters details tracking strap size and return policy etc.
Should you choose AMOLED for affordable smartwatch devices?
AMOLED tends to look better than LCD, in other words, the blacks are deeper, contrast is sharper, and watch faces cleaner. That makes a cheap watch look more expensive.
