Best Budget Smartwatch: The ultimate comparison guide
Smartwatches have been one of the most notable recent trends of consumer electronics. Encompassing a range of impressive features in such a compact yet useful design, the best smartwatches are not just practical but also fashionable. Although they have historically been a product associated with high price tags and luxurious gimmicks, developments, and high market competition has led to waves of budget smartwatch options. With a relatively small amount of money, you can get your wrist wrapped by some very impressive smartwatch technology. Yes, smartwatches are highly variable in their quality and features. This article has brought together the best of true smartwatches, fitness trackers and fashion statements into one place.
Related: Best Women’s Smartwatch
Contents
Budget Smartwatch Comparison Table
| View on Amazon | Design | Smartwatch |
|---|---|---|
| Check Price |  | Tic Watch E |
| Check Price |  | Polar M200 |
| Check Price |  | Garmin Forerunner 35 |
| Check Price |  | Fitbit Blaze |
| Check Price |  | Amazfit Bip |
| Check Price |  | Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro |
| Check Price |  | Padgane Dz09 |
Tic Watch E
The TIC Watch E is not the cheapest smartwatch on this list but it is very well equipped and still affordable to many consumers. This sporting Wear Os is compatible with both Android and iOS device, also giving access to all iOS apps which are available on Google Play. Connectivity to your smartphone is mediated by WiFi or Bluetooth. There is a GPS and a heart rate sensor making it a solid option for tracing fitness metrics, yet it is possible to wear it on classier occasions. Robust in nature and comfortable through its design, the TIC Watch E is highly waterproof, dust resistant and easy on the wrist. A full charge of battery lasts for around 2 days before needing a recharge. A particularly solid option of wearable that is well catered for fitness activities, this is one of the best budget smartwatches.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Stylish
- Excellent Companion App
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Fitness tracking
- Voice control
- IP67 water and dust resistant
Cons
- Dated Screen
- Design is not premium
Polar M200
The Polar M200 is one of the cheapest smartwatches available in this list. Accordingly, it is no surprise that it is very far from being the most premium and having the richest and most impressive set of smartphone-related features. For example, it doesn’t even have a push notification setting. That said, where it sticks out is the quality of fitness features taking into account the price. Well adapted to multiple activities, waterproofing, an accurate GPS and extensive battery life makes the Polar M200 a strong option for tracking fitness metrics. Although marketed as a smartwatch this is one of the wearables that is more of a fitness tracker than a smart phone addition.
Pros
- Multi-activity focus
- Accurate GPS
- Good Battery life
- Activity monitoring
- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity
- Waterproof
Cons
- Dated design
- Doesn’t have notifications
- Design is not premium
Garmin Forerunner 35
As stated in the product name, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a budget smartwatch designed specifically for runners. If your focus is set on running and you have a particular interest in running-related metrics, this is the budget smartwatch for you. The Forerunner 35 also has modes and features that are relevant for cycling as well as strong water resistance, making it a potential option for triathletes. If your focus is on a more general and wide-ranging set of sports, you may want to consider some of the other budget smartwatches. An accurate GPS and heart rate monitor are the stick out features of the Forerunner 35. No touchscreen and relatively limited battery life may be off-putting for those who value those features.
Pros
- Quality dedicated App
- Clear screen
- Runner orientated
- Vibration alerts
- ATM5 water resistance
Cons
- No touchscreen
- Limited battery life
Fitbit Blaze
The Fitbit Blaze is a borderline fitness tracker rather than an actual smartwatch, the closest to the former out of the list. This is more related to the fact it lacks true smartwatch features, although it has some impressive fitness features. It is very well priced and without a doubt worth a mention and provides a wearable option that may be of preference to you. It has a heart rate tracker, as well as the perks that come along with the well established Fitbit brand. The Fitbit app is a real perk of this budget smartwatch as the company behind it are well known and revered for their quality. Fitbit has developed its own OS for their smartwatches that does the trick when catering to the fitness market.
Pros
- Has a stylish design
- Fitbit app
- Heart rate monitoring
- Multi-sport
- GPS
- Fitness metrics
Cons
- Auto-pause functional feature doesn’t work
- Fiddly user interface
Amazfit Bip
The Amazfit Bip is a very reasonably priced smartwatch with some very good hardware and features. Designed in a very similar way to the Apple Watch Series, the feel of this budget smartwatch is premium. Impressively it boasts 45 days of battery life with consistent use, and according to Amazfit, it can last up to 4 months just tracking sleep and steps. Solid smartphone add on features and a host of fitness-related metrics from GPS and sensors, Amazfit has produced a very solid smartwatch that is one of the most advanced here.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Solid battery life
- Good Companion App
- Heart rate monitoring
- GPS
- 30 day battery life
- Phone notifications
Cons
- Auto-pause feature is non-functional
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro
This is a well known classic and affordable smartwatch that has been around for some time. Samsung’s Gear range varies in price and capabilities, but the Fit is the budget option which doesn’t match the expensive prices of the other models in the series. It smoothly operates alongside Samsung smartphones although the WearOS makes it compatible with Android devices. It has classic features including a fitness tracking ability, and notifications. One shortfall to be particularly wary of is the absence of waterproofing which limits its use in some outdoor activities.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Water resistant up to 50 meters
- Music storage
- Fitness apps
- Fitness metrics
Cons
- Not waterproof
Padgane Dz09 Smartwatch
Padgane is known for producing quality yet affordable smartwatches with some very neat features. For one it has a camera which tends to be a more of a luxurious feature. Whilst this is very impressive the quality is somewhat limited. It can operate as its own phone entity as it has a micro sim insert. As well as an HD display for reading and scrolling through information, this budget smartwatch can read texts. It has a classic look with a few coloring options reflecting a traditional design, including white, gold or white band. One problem is that the quality for the price means that breakages aren’t uncommon.
Pros
- Incredibly cheap
- Has a camera
- Good battery life
- Micro Sim insert
- HD display
- Bluetooth calls
Cons
- Requires a lot of care
- Prone to break
Final Word
Smartwatches don’t have to be an overly expensive piece of kit. This list of budget smartwatches gives you some options which cover different ground, whether it be the style of design, smartphone-related or fitness tracking features. However, don’t expect to pay zilch, these features are technologically advanced.
FAQ
In this section, we will answer the most commonly asked questions people have about budget smartwatches.
What is the best budget smartwatch?
The TIC Watch E is a smartwatch that is affordable yet comes with many decent features that make it a high-performance smartwatch. It can connect to your smartphone via WiFi and Bluetooth, has GPS and a heart rate monitor and is durable with a couple of days of battery life. For fitness, smartphone features and style, the TIC Watch E is a top choice of an affordable smartwatch.
Is a smartwatch worth it?
This completely depends on what you expect and want to get from a smartwatch. If your keen on tracking fitness and health metrics and like technology, then yes it is a great gadget. Otherwise, smartwatches aren’t as attractive as real watches and can be expensive.
How much worse are budget smartwatches?
Budget smartwatches are not as good as premium smartwatches, as you would expect. The quality of features tends to be less accurate or limited to specific goals such as fitness. In addition to this, the quality of the companion app, the design of the watch and the reliability of more expensive smartwatches are higher.
