In 2025, budget smartwatches no longer mean compromising on features. Brands like Amazfit, Huawei, and Xiaomi are delivering premium-quality wearables at accessible prices, packing advanced health tracking, sleek designs, and multi-day battery life. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a casual user, or an iPhone loyalist, this guide breaks down the best budget smartwatches of 2025 based on hands-on testing, expert reviews, and value for money.
Top 5 Budget Smartwatches of 2025
1. Amazfit Active 2
Price: $99
Key Features:
- 10-day battery life (21 hours with GPS)
- 1.32” AMOLED display (2,000 nits brightness)
- 120+ sports modes, sleep tracking, and GPS
- IP68 water resistance
Pros:
- Unbeatable value for under $100 .
- Lightweight design (29.5g) ideal for workouts and daily wear.
- Bright, responsive screen outperforms pricier models.
Cons:
- Basic OS lacks third-party apps.
- Sleep tracking accuracy lags behind premium brands.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and Android/iOS users seeking a reliable all-rounder.
2. Huawei Watch Fit 3
Price: $130
Key Features:
- 1.82” AMOLED display (9.9mm ultra-thin design)
- 10-day battery life, 100+ workout modes
- GPS, heart rate, and stress monitoring
Pros:
- Lightweight (26g) and stylish, inspired by the Apple Watch SE .
- Accurate GPS and Strava integration for runners.
- HarmonyOS offers smooth performance.
Cons:
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS.
- Sleep tracking occasionally overestimates duration.
Best For: Users prioritizing design and fitness accuracy.
3. CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2
Price: $69
Key Features:
- 1.32” AMOLED display (up to 14-day battery life)
- Interchangeable bezels, 120+ sports modes
- Heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking
Pros:
- Most affordable option with premium features .
- Unique, customizable design stands out in budget category.
- Surprisingly accurate fitness tracking for its price.
Cons:
- Build quality feels plasticky.
- Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers wanting style and functionality.
4. Xiaomi Watch 2
Price: $129
Key Features:
- Wear OS 3.5 with Google Assistant and apps
- AMOLED display, heart rate, and GPS tracking
- Single-day battery life
Pros:
- Full Wear OS experience at a fraction of the cost .
- Polished design and responsive performance.
- Ideal for Android users wanting app versatility.
Cons:
- Battery life lags behind competitors.
- Limited health features (no ECG).
Best For: Android loyalists seeking smart features on a budget.
5. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Price: $149 (on sale)
Key Features:
- watchOS 11 with crash detection and fitness tracking
- Retina OLED display, 18-hour battery
- iOS-exclusive integration
Pros:
- Seamless pairing with iPhones and robust app ecosystem.
- Safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS.
Cons:
- No always-on display or advanced health sensors.
Best For: iPhone users wanting Apple quality at a lower cost.
How to Choose the Best Budget Smartwatch
1. Compatibility
- iPhone users: Stick with Apple Watch SE or Wear OS watches like Xiaomi Watch 2.
- Android users: Opt for Wear OS (Xiaomi) or Amazfit for cross-platform support.
2. Battery Life
- Prioritize Amazfit Active 2 (10 days) or CMF Watch Pro 2 (14 days) for minimal charging.
3. Health Tracking
- For basic metrics (heart rate, sleep), CMF Watch Pro 2 suffices.
- Advanced users: Huawei Watch Fit 3 offers stress and GPS tracking.
4. Design
- Huawei and Apple Watch SE lead in sleekness; CMF offers customization
FAQs
Q: What’s the best budget smartwatch under $100?
A: The Amazfit Active 2 dominates with its 10-day battery, GPS, and vivid display.
Q: Can budget watches track sleep accurately?
A: Most struggle with naps (e.g., Huawei Watch Fit 3), but the Amazfit Active 2 provides detailed insights.
Q: Are budget smartwatches waterproof?
A: Yes! All picks here are IP68 or 5ATM-rated for swimming.
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