I’ve been testing gadgets for years, and let me tell you, the Best Budget Smartwatches for Fitness in 2026 have come a long way. These cheap fitness trackers under $100 pack in features like heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and long battery life that make them perfect for runs, gym sessions, or just keeping tabs on your daily steps. You get good value without the high price tag of premium models.
Based on hands-on testing and reviews from sites like CNET, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and Wirecutter in 2026, these picks shine for everyday fitness fans. We focused on accuracy in tracking, ease of use, and how well they fit into your routine. Keywords like “budget smartwatches for fitness 2026” are hot because folks want reliable options that work well. Wired vs. Wireless Mouse: Which One is Right for You in 2023? No need for overkill features if you’re just tracking hikes or swims. If you’re pairing this with audio gear, check our wireless earbuds guide for more tips. Now, let’s look at the top picks—I’ve got seven that stand out for their fitness focus.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Smartwatches for Fitness Enthusiasts
Amazfit Bip 6
This Amazfit Bip 6 is a solid choice for runners who need GPS without the extra cost. It tracks over 140 workout modes, from yoga to cycling, and the heart rate sensor keeps tabs on your zones during tough sessions. Battery lasts weeks, so you forget about charging mid-week. I wore it on long trails; the GPS locked in quick and stayed accurate. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t bother you during workouts. For budget smartwatches for fitness 2026, this one’s a winner if you want basics done right.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable price around $80 | Single size (44mm may feel bulky) | Battery: Up to 14 days |
| Long battery life | Unintuitive UI and app | Display: 1.97-inch AMOLED, 390×450 |
| Bright AMOLED display | Hard to interpret some metrics | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Android and iOS compatible | No music storage | Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2, GPS |
| Built-in GPS for runs | Screen can be hard in direct sun | Weight: 27.9g |
| Offline maps support | App feels cluttered | Bluetooth: 5.2 |
| Lightweight design | No voice assistant | Dimensions: 46.3×40.2×10.45mm |
| Lots of workout options | – | Colors: Black, Charcoal, Stone, Red |
Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 nails the basics for fitness tracking on a budget. It counts steps spot-on, monitors heart rate around the clock, and dives into sleep data to help you recover better. The app is super easy, with goals and reminders that keep you motivated. I used it for HIIT classes; it caught every spike in my heart rate without missing a beat. Slim design means it stays comfy all day. If you’re after cheap fitness trackers under $100, this fits the bill for daily health insights.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Accurate heart rate and steps | No built-in GPS | Battery: Up to 10 days |
| Great sleep analysis | Small screen limits info | Display: Color AMOLED, 0.7 inch |
| Simple beginner-friendly app | Battery drops with heavy use | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Lightweight and comfy | Short charging wire | Sensors: Heart rate, accelerometer, SpO2 |
| Color touchscreen with always-on | Tiny screen for notifications | Weight: 0.7 oz (17.7g) |
| Comprehensive tracking features | No standalone music | Bluetooth: 5.0 |
| Thinner design than predecessors | No NFC | Dimensions: 1.55 x 0.73 x 0.46 inches |
| Long battery for the size | – | Compatibility: Android, iOS |
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
For Samsung fans, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a cheap way to jump into fitness tracking. It auto-detects exercises like walking or swimming, and heart rate monitoring helps during cardio. Battery stretches a week, and it syncs smooth with your phone for data. I tested it on bike rides; it tracked speed and calories well. Lightweight band feels good on the wrist. As one of the best affordable smartwatches, it’s great if you want seamless integration without extras.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Auto workout detection | No built-in GPS | Battery: Up to 13 days |
| Long battery life | Limited app for non-Samsung users | Display: 1.6-inch AMOLED, 256×402 |
| Works well with Samsung phones | No NFC for payments | Water resistance: 5 ATM/IP68 |
| Accurate heart rate readings | Basic display lacks color pop | Sensors: Heart rate, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, light |
| On-demand blood oxygen | Not compatible with iOS | Weight: 36.8g |
| Lightweight and comfortable | No offline maps | Bluetooth: 5.3 |
| Instant notifications | No voice assistant | Dimensions: 42.9 x 28.8 x 9.9 mm |
| Tracks over 100 workouts | – | Memory: 16MB + 256MB |
Xiaomi Mi Band 9
The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 is tiny but mighty for basic fitness needs. It tracks heart rate, sleep, and steps with good accuracy, and it’s super light for all-day wear. Waterproof design handles swims fine. I wore it for runs; the data matched my phone’s GPS close enough. Under $50, it’s hard to beat for starters. For budget smartwatches for fitness 2026, this keeps things simple and effective.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Super cheap and lightweight | No GPS built-in | Battery: Up to 21 days |
| Solid heart rate and sleep tracking | App can be buggy sometimes | Display: 1.62-inch AMOLED |
| Good battery for quick charges | Small screen limits info | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Bright display with always-on | No NFC outside China | Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2 |
| 150 sports modes | Limited smart features | Weight: 15.8g |
| Smooth user interface | No quick reply for messages | Bluetooth: 5.4 |
| Reliable health tracking | Proprietary band design | Dimensions: 46.5 x 21.6 x 10.9 mm |
| Up to 21-day battery | – | Charging time: 1 hour |
Amazfit Active 2
Amazfit Active 2 looks stylish while packing fitness tools like GPS and an altimeter for hikes. It tracks heart rate zones and over 120 sports modes. Battery holds for 10 days easy. I took it on mountain trails; the elevation data helped plan better. Comfy fit doesn’t slip. If this sounds good for your workouts, grab it below—it’s one of the best affordable smartwatches for active folks.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| GPS and altimeter for adventures | Notifications can be spotty | Battery: Up to 10 days |
| Long battery life | No voice assistant | Display: 1.32-inch AMOLED, 466×466 |
| Sleek design that looks good | App needs more polish | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Bright AMOLED display (2000 nits) | Interface needs improvement | Sensors: Heart rate, GPS, barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope |
| Offline maps and ski maps | Poor heart rate in some tests | Weight: 29.5g (standard) |
| 164 workout modes | No music storage (limited) | Bluetooth: 5.2 BLE |
| Comfortable and lightweight | NFC payments via Curve only | Dimensions: 43.9 x 43.9 x 9.9 mm |
| Affordable at $99 | – | Peak brightness: 2000 nits |
Amazfit Band 7
The Amazfit Band 7 is all about comfort and reliable tracking. It monitors heart rate, workouts, and stress levels, with waterproofing for pool sessions. Battery lasts ages. I used it for swimming laps; it counted strokes well. Slim band feels like nothing on your wrist. For cheap fitness trackers under $100, this delivers without fuss.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Comfy for all-day wear | No GPS | Battery: Up to 18 days (heavy: 12) |
| Accurate tracking for swims/runs | Limited music controls | Display: 1.47-inch AMOLED |
| Impressive battery life | Screen scratches easy | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Continuous heart rate/SpO2/stress | No NFC | Sensors: Heart rate, accelerometer, SpO2 |
| 120 sports modes | No standalone GPS | Weight: 1 oz (28g) |
| Alexa built-in | No WiFi | Bluetooth: 5.2 |
| PAI training metrics | No cellular | Dimensions: 1.7 x 1 x 0.5 inches |
| Affordable under $50 | – | Charging time: 2 hours |
Huawei Watch Fit 4
Huawei Watch Fit 4 brings a big, colorful screen to budget fitness. It covers workout modes, heart rate, and even guided breathing for recovery. Battery goes a week. I tried it for yoga; the animations helped with poses. Easy app syncs data quick. As budget smartwatches for fitness 2026 go, it’s fun for beginners.
| Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrant display for easy viewing | App best with Huawei phones | Battery: Up to 10 days |
| Lots of workout guides | No third-party app support | Display: 1.82-inch AMOLED, 480×408 |
| Good battery for daily use | Bulkier than some bands | Water resistance: 5 ATM |
| Sleek ultra-thin design | No NFC on all versions | Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2 |
| Emotional wellbeing assistant | Limited notifications | Weight: 27g |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No full message view | Bluetooth: 5.2 |
| Compatible with iOS/Android | Crown feels loose | Dimensions: 43.0 x 38.0 x 9.5 mm |
| Offline maps | – | Peak brightness: 2000 nits |
How to Choose a Budget Smartwatch for Fitness
Picking the best budget smartwatches for fitness in 2026 comes down to what you need most—tracking accuracy, battery, or fit. I based these picks on real tests from sources like CNET, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag, looking at heart rate reliability during workouts, how long the charge lasts, and app support for goals. Heart rate should stay accurate even in sweaty sessions; we skipped anything that drifted too much. Top 3 gaming mouse for every kind of gamer
Battery life matters for fitness fans—aim for at least a week to avoid daily plugs. Fit needs to be comfy and secure, with water resistance for swims or rain. App ease helps track progress without hassle. We avoided hype; honest pros and cons show what’s real. For cheap fitness trackers under $100, check compatibility with your phone too. If you’re ready to pick one, the links above make it easy.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, these best affordable smartwatches prove you can track fitness without spending a lot in 2026. My top ones? The Amazfit Bip 6 for GPS lovers and Fitbit Inspire 3 for solid basics. Each shines in areas like battery or tracking, based on reviews from Wirecutter and others. They’re not perfect, but they handle workouts well. Best webcam features reviews for streaming
If budget smartwatches for fitness 2026 fit your needs, snag one that matches your routine. Prices change, so watch for deals. Questions? Leave a comment. For more gear, see our smartphone guide. Stay fit!
