Gone are the days when smartwatches were seen as pricey tech accessories reserved for fitness fanatics or hardcore gadget lovers. These days, you don’t need to splash out hundreds of pounds to get your hands on a reliable, feature-packed smartwatch. Whether you’re tracking your steps, keeping an eye on your heart rate, or simply looking to stay connected without checking your phone every five minutes, there are plenty of affordable options out there.
Here are five of the best budget smartwatches available right now that strike a perfect balance between performance, style, and price.
If you`re after a smartwatch that covers all the essentials and then some, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is a strong contender. Priced around £60–£70, it delivers impressive value.
The Bip U Pro’s lightweight design makes it extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day and even during sleep. It pairs with the Zepp app, offering a clean and easy-to-read dashboard of your daily stats. The battery life is another big plus – you’ll get around 9 days on a single charge with regular use.
Best for: Fitness tracking enthusiasts who don’t want to spend a fortune.
Xiaomi has a knack for producing high-quality tech at budget-friendly prices, and the Redmi Watch 3 Active is no exception. It retails for under £50 and still manages to pack in a lot of functionality.
Design-wise, this watch punches above its weight. The large display and slim build give it a modern look, and the UI is smooth and responsive. Although it doesn’t have built-in GPS, it can connect to your phone’s GPS for accurate tracking during runs or walks.
Best for: Casual users who want a stylish smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Realme might be better known for its smartphones, but the Realme Watch 3 Pro shows it knows how to deliver quality wearables too. Costing around £65, it’s one of the few budget options that offers both built-in GPS and Bluetooth calling.
What sets this smartwatch apart is its AMOLED screen – a rare find in this price range. That, combined with calling features and detailed health tracking, makes it excellent value for money. The companion app also allows for watch face customisation and detailed workout reports.
Best for: Users who want GPS and calling features without paying premium prices.
The Huawei Watch Fit SE is ideal for those who want a sleek design paired with strong health-tracking capabilities. Priced around £70, it feels much more expensive than it actually is.
The elongated screen makes it stand out from the usual square or round smartwatches, and it’s surprisingly easy to navigate. It supports animated workouts, guiding you through stretches and exercises right on your wrist – a great bonus for beginners or anyone working out at home.
Best for: Style-conscious users who also want guided workouts.
Fitbit has long been associated with quality fitness trackers, and the Inspire 3 sits at the more affordable end of their range – priced at around £80. It’s technically more of a fitness band than a traditional smartwatch, but it includes enough smart features to make the list.
The Inspire 3 focuses more on wellbeing than apps and smart controls, but for those wanting accurate health data and an excellent app ecosystem, it’s a solid choice. The Fitbit app is one of the best on the market for health tracking, offering guided meditations, sleep scores, and workout suggestions.
Best for: Users focused on health and wellness tracking with minimal distractions.
When shopping on a budget, it’s important to focus on the features that matter most to you. Here are a few things to consider:
You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to get a decent smartwatch. Whether you’re tracking your workouts, keeping tabs on your sleep, or simply want notifications on your wrist, there’s a budget-friendly smartwatch out there for you.
The five watches listed above prove that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With solid features, stylish designs, and impressive battery life, they’re perfect for anyone looking to get into the smartwatch game without the hefty price tag.
So go on – give your wrist an upgrade without draining your wallet!
