Best Inexpensive Smart Watch (2024)
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
When it comes to smartwatches, you don't have to break the bank to get a feature-packed device that can help you stay on top of your fitness goals and daily activities. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best inexpensive smartwatches on the market, all tailored to your specific needs and budget.
#1 Best Under $100: Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
What's the best part?
At only US$69.99, Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is an affordable smartwatch that doesn't compromise on features or functionality. You get to access data for 61 different sports modes, including running, cycling, dancing, yoga, basketball, and even the more unusual options like fishing, fencing, bowling, roller skating, sailing, and many others.
For Outdoor Running and Treadmill sports modes, the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro even offers an exclusive feature called Target Pace, which allows you to set a target pace so you can easily monitor your running progress and stay motivated to reach your goals.
The watch is also water-rated to 5 ATM, meaning that it can withstand water pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
What else does it offer?
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro doesn't disappoint when it comes to health monitoring features. It supports 24/7 heart rate and stress level monitoring, as well as spot checks for blood oxygen saturation levels. The sleep monitoring feature is also very comprehensive, allowing you to track your sleep stages, sleep breathing quality, sleep score, and even daytime naps.
PAI Health Assessment System is another unique feature that provides a personalized health score based on your physical activity and health data, taking a more comprehensive approach to monitoring your overall health and fitness.
In terms of smartwatch features, the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro provides most of the essential functions you would expect, such as notifications, weather forecasts, music control, to-do list, and more. Perhaps, the most interesting one is the camera control function, allowing you to take pictures remotely from your wrist when the watch is paired with an iPhone or Android phone.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
Best Under $100
✓ 1.69" Large Color Display
✓ 61 Sports Modes
✓ PIA Health Assessment System
✓ 5 ATM Water-Resistance
#2 Best for Lifestyle: Fitbit Versa 4
Fitbit Versa 4
What's the best part?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch to streamline your day-to-day activities and overall lifestyle, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a fantastic option that won't break the bank. At US$199.95, it has a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can take calls directly from your wrist via Bluetooth when your phone is nearby.
The Versa 4 is also equipped with Alexa Built-in, allowing you to use your voice to set alarms, check the weather, control your smart home devices, get answers to your questions, and more. Other smartwatch features that can make your life easier include notifications, contactless payments, on-wrist Google Maps with turn-by-turn directions, and Find My Phone.
Unfortunately, Versa 4 lacks some features that were previously available in Versa 3, such as Google Assistant and music playback. The Versa 3 is also worth considering, especially with the even lower price tag. However, note that Fitbit is no longer selling Versa 3 on their official website, so you'll need to purchase from third parties like Amazon.
What else does it offer?
Fitbit Versa 4 offers 40+ exercise modes, allowing you to track you stats for a range of activities from strength training to kayaking. You can view your Active Zone Minutes and get motivated to stay active.
Fitbit Versa 4
Like a typical health-monitoring smartwatch, the Versa 4 also track heart rate in real time and provide alerts when the number is outside the usual range. However, Versa 4 sets itself apart with the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, which specifically notifies you of potential signs of AFib (atrial fibrillation), an irregular heart rhythm condition that can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Early detection can help you mitigate risks and quickly seek help from healthcare professionals.
Another interesting feature is guided breathing sessions, which allow you to relax by following the breathing prompts on your wrist. This shows Versa 4’s suitability for people who wants to improve their overall wellbeing instead of just physical fit. You can even log your mood to reflect on your daily emotions with the Reflections feature.
Other features include SpO2 tracking, sleep monitoring with stages and score, stress score, skin temperature variation, and more. You can also unlock even more comprehensive features with the premium membership, including mindfulness sessions, workout videos, Daily Readiness Score, Wellness Report, Sleep Profile, and more.
Fitbit Versa 4
Best for Lifestyle
✓ 24/7 Heart Rate & Alerts
✓ 40+ Exercise Modes
✓ Built-in Speaker & Microphone
✓ Built-in Alexa
#3 Best for Running: Garmin Forerunner 55
Garmin Forerunner 55
What's the best part?
As the name suggests, Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed with runners in mind. It goes beyond tracking basic stats like distance, pace, and intervals to provide more advanced running metrics and training tools to help you improve your running performance, all for only US$199.99.
For example, instead of just tracking a general Running activity, it also supports Treadmill Running, Outdoor Track Running, Indoor Track Running, and Virtual Running. You can also measure Cadence, a metric that counts how many steps you take per minute in real time.
If you want to join a competitive running race, Garmin Coach will provide adaptive training plans to guide you to your goals. You can also get daily run recommendations of varying intensities with the Daily Suggested Workouts feature. On race day, you can also get finish time prediction with the Race Predictor feature or use PacePro Pacing Strategies for grade-adjusted pace guidance.
What else does it offer?
Other than running, the Forerunner 55 also offers built-in sports apps for a range of sports like biking, pool swimming, pilates, yoga, HIIT, cardio, and more, making it a versatile sports watch for those who enjoy a variety of activities.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Garmin Forerunner 55 is also equipped with a range of safety and tracking features, including Incident Detection, Assistance, and Livetrack, which can send your real-time location to emergency contacts when an accident is detected, such as a sudden fall or impact during a workout. It's like having a guardian angel on your wrist, looking out for you while you push yourself to the limit.
You can also monitor key health metrics during and outside your workout, like heart rate, VO2 Max (during the run), respiration rate, stress level, and even sleep. As with most other Garmin watches, the Body Battery energy monitoring is also a helpful tool to track your energy levels throughout the day.
Don't forget that you can also enjoy a range of smartwatch features like smart notifications, music controls, calendars, weather forecasts, and more with the Garmin Connect app.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Best for Running
✓ Built-in Sports Apps
✓ 24/7 Health Monitoring
✓ PacePro Pacing Strategy
✓ Safety and Tracking Features
#4 Best for Outdoor Adventure: Suunto Core
Suunto Core
What's the best part?
The Suunto Core's got a few tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from the other budget watches out there. It packs an altimeter, barometer, and compass - three handy tools also known as ABC sensors, which are usually available in high-end adventure watches like Garmin Instinct 2 and Garmin Fenix 7. However, with the Suunto Core, you can get these features at a more affordable price point of only US$199.
The altimeter measures your current altitude, making it a valuable tool for hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and other outdoor activities that involve changes in altitude. The barometer monitors atmospheric pressure changes during your adventure, recommended for use when surfing or sailing. Meanwhile, the compass helps you navigate and find your way in the wilderness.
What else does it offer?
Suunto Core has a 30m water resistance, making it suitable for water sports. It even features a Depth Meter, which shows your current depth when snorkeling. However, note that the watch can only measure depth up to 10 meters, so it's not suitable for deep diving.
Suunto Core
Another feature that makes Suunto Core a great outdoor adventure watch is a Storm Alarm. You'll get notified when a storm is approaching, giving you time to find shelter or prepare for the changing weather conditions.
There is also a Weather Trend Indicator, a small arrow that shows you the current barometric trend, helping you predict weather changes over the next few hours. The Temperature feature is also valuable when planning your outdoor activities or monitoring your environment during adventures.
Unfortunately, the Suunto Core lacks health monitoring features like heart rate readings or blood oxygen saturation monitoring. Smartwatch features are also very limited to an alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and sunrise and sunset times. However, for adventure enthusiasts, enjoying the great outdoor scenery is perhaps more exciting than getting features like music playback or contactless payments.
Suunto Core
Best for Outdoor Adventure
✓ Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
✓ Storm Alarm
✓ Weather Trend Indicator
✓ 30m Water Resistance
Best Inexpensive Smart Watch
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
Best Under $100
✓ 1.69" Large Color Display
✓ 61 Sports Modes
✓ PIA Health Assessment System
✓ 5 ATM Water-Resistance
Fitbit Versa 4
Best for Lifestyle
✓ 24/7 Heart Rate & Alerts
✓ 40+ Exercise Modes
✓ Built-in Speaker & Microphone
✓ Built-in Alexa
Garmin Forerunner 55
Best for Running
✓ Built-in Sports Apps
✓ 24/7 Health Monitoring
✓ PacePro Pacing Strategy
✓ Safety and Tracking Features
Suunto Core
Best for Outdoor Adventure
✓ Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
✓ Storm Alarm
✓ Weather Trend Indicator
✓ 30m Water Resistance
Final Thoughts
Fitbit Versa 4
When it comes to affordable smartwatches, the options we've covered offer a range of features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a lifestyle-focused watch like the Fitbit Versa 4, a running companion like the Garmin Forerunner 55, an outdoor adventure watch like the Suunto Core, or a budget-friendly Amazfit Bip 3 Pro at under $100, or there's an inexpensive smartwatch out there for you.
By considering your priorities and the key features you need, you can find the perfect smartwatch to enhance your lifestyle without breaking the bank.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smartwatches
Best Smart Watch for iPhone
Best Garmin Watches
Best Fitbit Smartwatches & Trackers
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