{"id":72345,"date":"2025-10-10T19:18:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T19:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/72345\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T19:18:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T19:18:16","slug":"best-budget-smartwatches-in-2025-seven-cheap-but-capable-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/72345\/","title":{"rendered":"Best budget smartwatches in 2025: Seven cheap but capable options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Top entry-level smartwatches that won’t break the bank<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a budget smartwatch, there\u2019s never been more choice. And unlike in the past, sub-$150\/\u00a3150 smartwatches are now very usable options.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

While the very best smartwatches<\/a>, like the Apple Watch Series 11\u00a0and Google Pixel Watch 4, still command top prices for in-depth health tracking and a wide array of third-party apps, there\u2019s an influx of less expensive devices that are big on features and low on price.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also tested the lot. Below are the top smartwatches that won\u2019t break the bank, along with insight into which new releases are confirmed or rumored to land next.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s next for budget smartwatch releases?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a busy 2025 for budget smartwatches, with major new releases from Huawei and Amazfit now thoroughly tested and included in our recommendations below.<\/p>\n

With the main launch cycles now complete, we don\u2019t expect many more major budget releases in 2025, though a surprise launch from Xiaomi with a Watch S5 is always a possibility. <\/p>\n

For now, the devices detailed in this guide represent the best the market has to offer.<\/p>\n

Confirmed 2025 releases:<\/p>\n

How we tested and chose these smartwatches<\/p>\n

Ranking the best cheap smartwatches is a tricky task. Though choosing the standout picks from our reviews is part of the process, this buyer\u2019s guide also focuses on the value for money. So, it\u2019s not simply a list of the top-rated options we\u2019ve tested under a specific price point.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

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Huawei Watch Fit 4: The best budget smartwatch<\/p>\n

\"huawei(Image credit: Wareable)<\/p>\n

Huawei Watch Fit 4 key features:<\/p>\n

Thin (9.5mm) and light aluminum alloy design<\/p>\n

Bright 1.82-inch AMOLED display (2,000 nits)<\/p>\n

Dual-frequency GPS and offline mapping<\/p>\n

7-10 day battery life<\/p>\n

Supports Android and iOS<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The design punches well above its price, with a refined, soft-touch aluminum case and a stunningly bright AMOLED display that\u2019s 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\u2014features usually reserved for watches costing hundreds more.<\/p>\n

The trade-off for this value is its very basic smart features. You won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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Its only real drawbacks are the lack of official availability in the US due to sanctions and the fact it can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Premium-feeling design and bright display <\/p>\n

Excellent battery life <\/p>\n

Impressive sports tracking <\/p>\n

Very limited smart features <\/p>\n

Huawei Health app can be cluttered <\/p>\n

No official availability in the US <\/p>\n

Amazfit Active 2<\/p>\n

\"amazfit-active-2\"<\/p>\n

Amazfit Active 2 key features<\/p>\n

1.32-inch AMOLED display<\/p>\n

10-day battery life (typical use)<\/p>\n

Tracks heart rate, sleep, GPS & activity with full mapping<\/p>\n

External sensor support<\/p>\n

Zepp Flow AI assistant<\/p>\n

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With a price of just $99\/\u00a399 (or $129\/\u00a3129 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

There are tons of features for the price <\/p>\n

Full mapping and ability to pair external sensors <\/p>\n

Smart features and fitness tracking works well <\/p>\n

The makeover won’t appeal to everybody <\/p>\n

Software lagging is still present <\/p>\n

Heart rate accuracy is still not great <\/p>\n

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Xiaomi Watch 2<\/p>\n

\"Xiaomi(Image credit: Wareable)<\/p>\n

Xiaomi Watch 2 key features<\/p>\n

Single-day battery life<\/p>\n

Wear OS 3.5<\/p>\n

HR, stress, sleep, and blood oxygen tracking<\/p>\n

Android-only<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a couple of years since Xiaomi\u2019s budget-friendly Watch 2 was released, but it remains a compelling option due to being the cheapest device to run Google\u2019s Wear OS platform. And that remains true, with Wear OS 5 making a surprise appearance in an August 2025 update<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s especially important given that the next realistic option, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, remains around $200.<\/p>\n

The build quality and display are superb for a cheaper smartwatch. At the same time, the software\u2014though far from being the Wear OS 6 version capable of the Galaxy Watch FE\u2014was polished and responsive during our original testing.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019d thought was impossible at this price point. <\/p>\n

With no concrete rumors of a follow-up arriving in 2025 (or 2026), it remains worth considering.<\/p>\n

Superb price tag <\/p>\n

Light and attractive design <\/p>\n

HR accuracy is very solid <\/p>\n

Battery life is very average <\/p>\n

Mi Fitness is a glitch-fest <\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t run Wear OS 4 <\/p>\n

Redmi Watch 5<\/p>\n

\"redmi<\/p>\n

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Redmi Watch 5 key features<\/p>\n

2.07-inch AMOLED display with up to 1,500 nits brightness<\/p>\n

Sleek aluminum design with 2.5D glass<\/p>\n

Up to 24 days of battery life<\/p>\n

5ATM water resistance (up to 50m depth)<\/p>\n

Although the Redmi Watch 5 doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s 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\u2019s not a reliable option for those serious about tracking fitness.<\/p>\n

On the plus side, battery life is excellent, potentially lasting for weeks on a single charge \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019t expect it to replicate the tracking performance of others on this list \u2013 or more expensive watches.<\/p>\n

Really likeable design <\/p>\n

Slick Xiaomi HyperOS software <\/p>\n

Battery life has improved <\/p>\n

Heart rate tracking still not great <\/p>\n

Bluetooth call quality is only okay <\/p>\n

Too many half-baked features <\/p>\n

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Amazfit Bip 6<\/p>\n

\"Amazfit_Bip_6_review_maps\"<\/p>\n

Amazfit Bip 6 key features<\/p>\n

Large AMOLED display<\/p>\n

Up to 14-day battery life<\/p>\n

Offline maps & GPS tracking<\/p>\n

External sensor support<\/p>\n

Zepp Flow AI<\/p>\n

The Zepp Health brand has delivered a significant upgrade with the Bip 6, launching at an aggressive $79.99\/\u00a379.99 price point that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The headline addition is offline maps, a feature that is virtually unheard of on a sub-$100 smartwatch (unless it\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Decent sleep tracking <\/p>\n

Zepp Health app is strong <\/p>\n

GPS on board <\/p>\n

Some dodgy workout data <\/p>\n

Chunky and plasticky <\/p>\n

TFT display <\/p>\n

Xiaomi Watch S4 series<\/p>\n

\"xiaomi-watch-s4-daily-activity\"(Image credit: Wareable)<\/p>\n

Xiaomi Watch S4 key features<\/p>\n

Fashion-focused design with swappable bezels (standard model) <\/p>\n

Two unique case sizes and styles<\/p>\n

Bright AMOLED display<\/p>\n

Reliable heart rate tracking<\/p>\n

4-8 day battery life<\/p>\n

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The Xiaomi Watch S4 is a solid option for those who prioritize fashion and design over hardcore fitness tracking. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

The watch\u2019s 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\u2019s a beautiful accessory that handles notifications and casual workouts well, but its tracking issues prevent it from being a top all-around recommendation.<\/p>\n

Fashionable, eye-catching design <\/p>\n

Solid heart rate monitoring accuracy <\/p>\n

Bright and vibrant AMOLED display <\/p>\n

Design isn’t workout-friendly <\/p>\n

Sleep tracking analysis is mixed <\/p>\n

GPS tracking isn\u2019t up to standard <\/p>\n

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Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2<\/p>\n

\"Nothing<\/p>\n

Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2 key features<\/p>\n

Four-day battery life<\/p>\n

Interchangeable bezels<\/p>\n

Android and iOS compatible<\/p>\n

Update, July 2025: The CMF Watch Pro 2 is a top budget watch that we highly recommended in our review process, although the CMF Watch 3 Pro has now replaced it. We\u2019ll leave the entry below intact until our full Watch Pro 3 review is published in October 2025, but we also advise holding off on buying the last-gen device for now.<\/p>\n

Priced at just $69, no other smartwatch provides such a unique and stylish design. It\u2019s light, relatively unisex, and can blend into formal wear, while the interchangeable bezels give it a real novelty factor. It\u2019s a fun watch to wear, which is rare at this price.<\/p>\n

The software is basic but functional, and while some features, such as GPS lock-on, are slow, the fitness tracking is surprisingly good for the price. Heart rate monitoring and workout tracking are present, along with some decent recovery insights. Battery life is also solid, lasting 4-5 days with moderate use. <\/p>\n

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Overall, the Watch Pro 2 is an excellent option for budget-minded users who prioritize design and \u201cgood enough\u201d fitness tracking over advanced features.<\/p>\n

Unique design and software personality <\/p>\n

Largely accurate tracking <\/p>\n

Unrivalled value at $69 <\/p>\n

Battery life isn’t mega <\/p>\n

Mostly basic insights <\/p>\n

Could do with a second button <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Top entry-level smartwatches that won’t break the bank If you\u2019re looking for a budget smartwatch, there\u2019s never been…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":72346,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[203,61,60,80],"class_list":{"0":"post-72345","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gadgets","8":"tag-gadgets","9":"tag-ie","10":"tag-ireland","11":"tag-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72345"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72345\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}