Introduction
In recent years, smartwatches have evolved from luxury gadgets into mainstream everyday companions. While premium devices like the Apple Watch Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Pro dominate headlines, not everyone wants—or needs—to spend upwards of $500 on a smartwatch. The good news? The affordable smartwatch market has exploded with options that deliver excellent performance, fitness tracking, and connectivity at a fraction of the cost.
In 2025, the demand for budget-friendly smartwatches is stronger than ever. Whether you’re looking for fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep analysis, or even ECG and SpO2 sensors, there are now plenty of affordable models under $200 (and even under $100) that rival the features of flagship devices.
This guide covers the best affordable smartwatches available in 2025, offering detailed reviews, comparisons, and buying advice to help you choose the right one.
What to Look for in an Affordable Smartwatch
Before diving into the top picks, it’s important to understand what separates a great budget smartwatch from a disappointing one.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio – Don’t just buy the cheapest; look for watches that give the most value for the money.
- Battery Life – Many affordable smartwatches outperform premium models in this area, lasting from a week to two weeks.
- Health & Fitness Features – Heart-rate tracking, step counting, sleep analysis, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sometimes ECG.
- Build Quality & Comfort – Lightweight but durable designs, often using aluminum or polycarbonate instead of stainless steel.
- Compatibility – Ensure the watch works seamlessly with your Android or iOS device.
- App Ecosystem – While cheaper watches may lack third-party apps, look for strong companion apps with solid analytics.
Top 10 Best Affordable Smartwatches in 2025
1. Amazfit Bip 5
The Amazfit Bip series has long been one of the best values in wearables, and the Bip 5 continues this tradition. With two-week battery life, built-in GPS, and Zepp OS 2.0, it offers exceptional health tracking.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days
- Features: Heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, stress tracking, over 120 workout modes
- Price: ~$89
- Best For: Users wanting long battery life and fitness features on a budget
2. Fitbit Versa 4 Lite
The Versa 4 Lite is Fitbit’s affordable option for 2025, bringing Fitbit’s signature health insights and Fitbit Premium compatibility without the high price tag.
- Battery Life: 6 days
- Features: Step tracking, guided workouts, sleep analysis, heart-rate monitoring
- Price: ~$149
- Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who love Fitbit’s app ecosystem
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition) in 2025, making Galaxy Watch features more accessible. It retains Wear OS, GPS, and health tracking but cuts costs with a polycarbonate body.
- Battery Life: 2 days
- Features: ECG, heart rate, SpO2, Google apps, NFC for payments
- Price: ~$199
- Best For: Android users wanting the Samsung experience at a lower price
4. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, 2025 Refresh)
The Apple Watch SE continues to be Apple’s most affordable smartwatch. It delivers the core Apple Watch experience—notifications, fitness tracking, Apple Pay, and seamless iPhone integration—without premium features like blood oxygen sensors.
- Battery Life: 18 hours (1.5 days with optimized mode)
- Features: Fall detection, heart-rate monitoring, Apple Pay, iOS integration
- Price: ~$249 (sometimes discounted to $199)
- Best For: iPhone users on a budget
5. Garmin Venu Sq 3
Garmin is known for its premium sports watches, but the Venu Sq 3 offers affordable GPS fitness tracking with Garmin’s excellent analytics.
- Battery Life: 10 days (6 days with heavy GPS use)
- Features: GPS, advanced workout metrics, stress tracking, hydration reminders
- Price: ~$179
- Best For: Runners and outdoor fitness enthusiasts
6. Amazfit GTR Mini
The Amazfit GTR Mini provides a stylish circular AMOLED display and impressive battery life. It’s one of the most elegant budget-friendly options.
- Battery Life: 14 days
- Features: SpO2, stress monitoring, GPS, 120+ sports modes
- Price: ~$99
- Best For: Users who want style + functionality at a budget price
7. Huawei Watch Fit 3
Huawei’s Watch Fit series offers affordable slim smartwatches with solid fitness features and large AMOLED screens. The 2025 edition brings new workout tracking modes.
- Battery Life: 12 days
- Features: Sleep analysis, SpO2, heart rate, workout coaching
- Price: ~$120
- Best For: Users wanting a stylish, lightweight smartwatch
8. TicWatch E3 Lite
Mobvoi’s TicWatch line offers Wear OS smartwatches at budget prices. The E3 Lite comes with Google apps, fitness tracking, and customizable faces.
- Battery Life: 2 days
- Features: Google Assistant, Play Store apps, health tracking
- Price: ~$149
- Best For: Android users wanting Google’s ecosystem at a lower price
9. Realme Watch 4 Pro
Realme has been pushing aggressively into wearables, and the Watch 4 Pro brings a premium design at an entry-level price.
- Battery Life: 10 days
- Features: Heart rate, SpO2, Bluetooth calling, AMOLED display
- Price: ~$85
- Best For: Affordable smartwatch with premium design
10. Amazfit Pop 3S
The Amazfit Pop 3S is a super-budget smartwatch with essential features. It’s ideal for first-time smartwatch buyers.
- Battery Life: 10 days
- Features: Fitness tracking, SpO2, sleep monitoring, music control
- Price: ~$59
- Best For: Entry-level smartwatch users
Comparison Table of Affordable Smartwatches
| Model | Battery Life | Features | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazfit Bip 5 | 14 days | GPS, fitness, SpO2 | $89 | Long battery life |
| Fitbit Versa 4 Lite | 6 days | Sleep, steps, HR, Fitbit app | $149 | Fitness fans |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | 2 days | ECG, Google apps, NFC | $199 | Android users |
| Apple Watch SE (2025) | 1.5 days | iOS integration, Apple Pay | $199–249 | iPhone users |
| Garmin Venu Sq 3 | 10 days | GPS, sports tracking | $179 | Runners |
| Amazfit GTR Mini | 14 days | AMOLED, 120 sports modes | $99 | Stylish users |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | 12 days | Coaching, SpO2, sleep tracking | $120 | Lightweight design |
| TicWatch E3 Lite | 2 days | Wear OS, Google apps | $149 | Android Wear OS fans |
| Realme Watch 4 Pro | 10 days | AMOLED, calling | $85 | Affordable premium look |
| Amazfit Pop 3S | 10 days | Basic fitness, SpO2 | $59 | First-time users |
Pros & Cons of Affordable Smartwatches
✅ Pros:
- Lower prices, great value
- Longer battery life than many premium watches
- Solid fitness & health tracking
- Stylish designs becoming more common
❌ Cons:
- Limited app ecosystems compared to premium watches
- Some lack advanced sensors like ECG
- Build quality may be less premium (plastic instead of steel)
- Shorter software update cycles
FAQ
Q: Are affordable smartwatches worth it in 2025?
Yes. Many budget models now include features like SpO2, stress tracking, GPS, and AMOLED displays, making them excellent value for money.
Q: Can I buy a good smartwatch for under $100?
Absolutely. Models like the Amazfit Bip 5 and Realme Watch 4 Pro offer strong performance at under $100.
Q: Do cheap smartwatches work with iPhones?
Yes, many affordable watches like Amazfit, Fitbit, and Garmin models work with both Android and iOS.
Q: Which affordable smartwatch has the longest battery life?
The Amazfit GTR Mini and Bip 5 lead with up to two weeks of battery life.
Conclusion
The market for affordable smartwatches in 2025 is more exciting than ever. Whether you’re an iPhone user who wants the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, an Android fan looking for the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, or simply want maximum battery life from an Amazfit, there’s an option for every budget.
For most users, the Amazfit Bip 5 is the best balance of features and price. However, if you’re deeply invested in fitness tracking, the Fitbit Versa 4 Lite or Garmin Venu Sq 3 will serve you well. And for those wanting a stylish smartwatch under $100, the Amazfit GTR Mini and Realme Watch 4 Pro are fantastic choices.
At the end of the day, an affordable smartwatch is not about cutting corners—it’s about finding the right balance of performance, features, and style without overspending.