Best budget smartwatches with useful features and reliable performance
January 2, 2026
Not everyone wants to spend half their salary on smartwatches, and there's nothing strange about that. Especially if the main things you need are steps, notifications, sleep, and heart rate. The good news is that affordable models can do all of this — and even a bit more. The key is not to be swayed by a flashy box, but to look at how the watch performs in real life: battery life, data accuracy, whether the apps glitch, and how comfortable they are to wear every day.
1. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active Matte Silver
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active is perfect for those looking for simple smartwatches for everyday tasks without overpaying. The model looks neat, has a metal body, sits comfortably on the wrist, and doesn't distract. The rectangular screen is easy to read outdoors, and the interface is clear with no unnecessary elements.
The watch tracks basic health and activity metrics, making it suitable for walks, workouts, and daily use. It has a microphone and speaker, so Bluetooth calls don't require taking out your phone. Compatible with both Android and iOS, and the battery life means you rarely need to think about charging.
Key highlights:
Clear and uncluttered interface
Long battery life without frequent charging
Bluetooth calling support
Works with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Display: LCD
Water resistance: IPX8
Battery: 470 mAh
2. Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro is designed for those who value the balance between design and functionality. The aluminum body has a classic shape, looks restrained, and doesn't draw too much attention. The AMOLED screen is sharp and easy to read both indoors and outdoors.
The model supports GPS, activity tracking, and core health metrics. It includes a microphone and speaker for making calls directly from the watch. The interface is stable, navigation is logical, and there are no complicated settings.
Key highlights:
Round AMOLED display
Built-in GPS for walks and workouts
Calling directly from the watch
Water and dust resistance
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: IP68
Battery: 350 mAh
3. Amazfit Bip 6 Charcoal
Amazfit Bip 6 is ideal for an active lifestyle when you wear the watch from morning till night. The lightweight body is barely noticeable on the wrist. The rectangular AMOLED screen offers good readability and natural color reproduction.
Suitable for sports, walks, and daily use. It features GPS, a microphone, and speaker — you can take calls and track routes without your phone. Battery life remains a strong point even with regular activity.
Key highlights:
Lightweight body for all-day wear
AMOLED screen with excellent readability
GPS and Bluetooth calling
Great for sports and everyday tasks
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Battery: 340 mAh
4. Xiaomi Poco Watch Black
Xiaomi Poco Watch is great for those who want straightforward smartwatches with a basic feature set and minimalist design. The lightweight body and rectangular screen are readable in most conditions. The interface is simple, with minimal buttons and intuitive controls.
It supports basic activity tracking, steps, sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen. Built-in GPS makes it convenient for walks without a phone. You can control music and find your phone from the watch. Compatible with both Android and iOS.
Key highlights:
Compact and lightweight design
Simple, uncluttered controls
Built-in GPS and activity sensors
Compatible with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Battery: 225 mAh
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Green
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a versatile everyday smartwatch with a solid feature set. It runs on Wear OS, supports apps, notifications, and calls. The aluminum body features a round screen with vibrant colors and good brightness.
It tracks sleep, physical activity, heart rate, and blood oxygen. Includes ECG, blood pressure, and temperature sensors. NFC enables contactless payments, and the built-in microphone + speaker allow calls straight from your wrist. Water and dust resistance included.
Key highlights:
Full support for notifications and calls
Sensor suite: ECG, heart rate, temperature
Durable body with clean design
Contactless payment support
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Storage: 32 GB
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: IP68, Shock resistance
Battery: 300 mAh
6. Fitbit Versa 4 Black/Graphite
Fitbit Versa 4 offers lightweight and straightforward smartwatches focused on health and activity. The square screen has calm colors, and the body is neat and not bulky. The interface is clean, controls are simple, and data is easy to read.
Tracks heart rate, sleep, steps, and activity. Features built-in GPS and NFC payments. Interesting additions include an altimeter and skin temperature sensor. Works with Android and iOS, and charges quickly.
Key highlights:
Simplified interface without clutter
GPS and contactless payment support
Sleep, activity, and temperature tracking
Lightweight body for daily wear
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
7. Garmin Approach S12 Neo Tropic
Garmin Approach S12 is best suited for golfers who don't want extra features to distract them. Lightweight with a square display and simple design. The interface is minimal — everything is optimized for the course, with no unnecessary notifications or screen clutter.
Built-in GPS quickly locates your position and shows distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. Supports hundreds of courses and remains readable in sunlight. No smart features like a heart rate monitor — pure focus on simplicity and the game.
Key highlights:
Display readable in any weather
Focused on golf with no extras
Built-in GPS with course database
Compatible with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Display: MIP
Battery: Up to 30 hours (typical use)
8. Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2 Ash Grey
Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2 suits those looking for customizable watches with strong emphasis on appearance. Aluminum body with round screen and interchangeable bezel. AMOLED display with auto-brightness and pleasant, non-irritating colors.
Supports Bluetooth calls with noise reduction and stable GPS. Features activity, sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen tracking. Over 100 sport modes. The interface is straightforward and lag-free. Battery life is decent with a power-saving mode available.
Key highlights:
Metal body and replaceable bezel
GPS and Bluetooth calls with noise cancellation
Sleep, heart rate, and activity monitoring
Sharp screen with auto-brightness
Specifications:
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: IP68
Battery: 305 mAh
9. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 43mm Silver
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic is a smartwatch in a classic design with a rotating bezel. It looks premium yet remains lightweight. Runs Wear OS, syncs seamlessly with Android, and supports app installation without issues. The round screen offers good brightness and is protected by sapphire glass.
Features calls, notifications, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, ECG, body temperature, and blood pressure monitoring. Contactless payments are supported. Battery life varies by usage but is sufficient for daily needs. Responsive interface and water/dust protection included.
Key highlights:
Classic design with rotating bezel
Wear OS with broad app support
Health monitoring + women's health tracking
NFC and Wi-Fi support
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W930
Storage: 16 GB
Display: AMOLED
Water resistance: IP68, Shock resistance
Battery: 300 mAh
10. Amazfit Balance Sunset Grey
Amazfit Balance is ideal for those seeking calm, versatile smartwatches for daily wear and activity. The neat, lightweight body features a round screen that doesn't look bulky on the wrist.
AMOLED display is comfortable to read indoors and outdoors, the interface looks calm and without overloaded elements.
The watch tracks sleep, steps, heart rate, and activity, supports GPS and Bluetooth calls. It has a speaker and microphone, so basic actions can be performed right from your wrist. Works with Android and iOS, suitable for sports and everyday use without the need to constantly monitor the battery.
Key points:
Calm design without unnecessary details
AMOLED screen with good readability
GPS and Bluetooth calls
Support for daily activity and sleep tracking
Specifications:
Memory: 2.2 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Battery: 475 mAh
11. Garmin Approach S10 Black
Garmin Approach S10 is designed for users who value simplicity and focus on a single task. The watch is lightweight, with a square screen and minimal interface. It looks strict and utilitarian externally, without trying to be a universal smartwatch.
The main focus is on golf. Built-in GPS helps navigate the course, the interface shows only the necessary information. Notifications and steps are present, but additional health features are minimal here. This is an option for those who prioritize specialization over a broad feature set.
Key points:
Simple screen without distracting elements
GPS for golf courses
Minimum features, maximum clarity
Lightweight body for long wear
Specifications:
Screen: MIP
Battery: Up to 12 hours (typical usage)
12. Amazfit Pop 3S Silver
Amazfit Pop 3S will suit those looking for affordable smartwatches with basic functions and a large screen. The body is metal, square-shaped, feels more substantial on the wrist than fitness bands. AMOLED screen, information is clear, touch controls.
The watch supports activity, sleep, heart rate, and step tracking. It has a microphone and speaker, so you can take Bluetooth calls. Works with Android and iOS, the interface is simple and clear, no complicated settings.
Key points:
Large AMOLED screen
Bluetooth call support
Basic set of activity features
Simple control without overload
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 300 mAh
13. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 will suit those looking for lightweight and comfortable smartwatches for daily use. It features a rectangular AMOLED display with good brightness — the screen remains readable even outdoors. The body is aluminum, the watch is not bulky and sits comfortably on the wrist. Equipped with basic sensors for daily monitoring — sleep, heart rate, SpO2. Works quickly, responsive interface.
Supports GPS, Bluetooth calls, notifications. You can connect headphones, customize watch faces, track activity. It has a microphone, speaker, linear vibration motor. The watch is water-resistant, withstands rain and swimming pools. Charges quickly, battery life is above average for its class.
Key points:
Bright AMOLED display, clearly visible in sunlight
Support for calls and notifications
Sensors for heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and activity
Over 150 sports modes
Works with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM, IP68
Battery: 550 mAh
14. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 is designed for those who value battery life and Wear OS. It features a dual display: one saves power, the other is bright and detailed. The body is sturdy with a metal frame, the watch has passed tests for moisture, shock, and temperature resistance. Convenient control — includes a rotating crown and haptic feedback.
Runs on Snapdragon W5+, good responsiveness. All sensors are present: heart rate, SpO2, stress level, breathing. Accurate GPS with multiple systems support. Notifications, calls, Google Pay — all available. Supports over 100 sports modes, fast charging, Wi-Fi, microphone, and speaker make it quite versatile.
Key points:
Dual display for power saving
Convenient crown control
Google Pay and Wi-Fi support
Up to 80 hours of operation without recharging
Military-grade protection
Specifications:
Processor: Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: OLED/FSTN
Battery: 628 mAh
15. OnePlus Watch 2R
OnePlus Watch 2R is an option for those who want a stylish round screen and clear interface. AMOLED display, aluminum body, IP68 water resistance. Smooth navigation thanks to Wear OS and Snapdragon processor. Includes essential sensors: heart rate, SpO2, GPS, sleep tracking.
For sports, it has everything: over 100 modes, activity analysis, Bluetooth connectivity. Supports notifications, calls, NFC payments. Battery lasts several days of normal use, and fast charging gets it ready in minutes.
Key points:
AMOLED display with Always On
NFC and Google Wallet
GPS with multi-system support
Over 100 sports modes
Fast charging and Wi-Fi
Specifications:
Processor: Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 500 mAh
16. Realme Watch S2
Realme Watch S2 will suit those who want simple and neat watches for everyday use. The screen is round and bright, sits comfortably on the wrist, and the metal body looks quite restrained. The interface is not overloaded, everything scrolls smoothly, no issues with notifications and basic functions.
Supports heart rate, steps, sleep, basic workouts. No separate “smart” features like payments or GPS here, but it's sufficient for activity and time control. Long battery life, fast charging, protected by IP68.
Key points:
Round screen and metal body
Simple menu and clear interface
Water and dust protection IP68
Support for Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 380 mAh
17. Garmin Forerunner 55
Garmin Forerunner 55 will suit those who run frequently or engage in active sports. The watch is lightweight, plastic body, energy-efficient screen readable even outdoors. Despite the simple appearance, it has plenty of features inside — GPS support, various training types, and workout plans.
Includes heart rate monitor, pedometer, sleep tracking, notifications. Battery life is great — up to a week without charging in normal use. No wireless payment support, but everything needed for training and activity analysis is there.
Key points:
Lightweight, doesn't interfere during runs
GPS and workouts with plans
Notifications and sleep analysis support
Compatible with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: MiP
Protection: Water resistance up to 50 m
Battery: up to 14 days
18. HUAWEI Watch GT 4 46mm
HUAWEI Watch GT 4 46mm will suit those who want a combination of classic design and extended functionality. Steel body, AMOLED screen, HarmonyOS interface — everything looks well thought out. You can switch between workouts, track heart rate, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, and even breathing during sleep.
The watch supports NFC, GPS, wireless charging, call answering, and overall feels like a full-fledged assistant. High battery life — you can easily wear it for over a week without recharging. Suitable for both active lifestyle and office use.
Key points:
Steel body with classic design
GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 support
Advanced health tracking features
Long battery life, compatible with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 524 mAh
19. HUAWEI Watch Fit 3
HUAWEI Watch Fit 3 will suit those looking for lightweight and easy-to-use smartwatches for daily wear. The display is bright, colors saturated, responsive interface — readable even in sunlight. The body is light, barely noticeable on the wrist, and thanks to the compact shape, it doesn't interfere during workouts or sleep.
Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and activity. Plenty of sports modes inside — from regular walking to swimming. Has GPS, microphone, and speaker for taking calls. Supports both Android and iOS. Holds charge normally, body withstands water and dust per 5 ATM standard.
Key points:
Lightweight body and bright AMOLED display
Many sports modes, including swimming
GPS and Bluetooth call support
Comfortable to wear even during sleep
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 400 mAh
20. CMF by Nothing Watch Pro
CMF by Nothing Watch Pro looks strict and neat, aluminum body, large screen that reads softly without eye-straining brightness. The interface is not overloaded, everything is in place — notifications and health functions. Feels like regular watches on the wrist, not heavy or bulky.
With it, you can track sleep, steps, heart rate, and SpO2. Has GPS, microphone, speaker — you can talk via Bluetooth. IP68 water resistance, Android and iOS support. Battery lasts longer than usual, especially in power-saving mode. Overall — a practical option if you want a bit more features at a reasonable price.
Key points:
Large AMOLED display and aluminum body
Call and GPS support
Up to 13 days in standard mode
Works with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 340 mAh
21. Motorola Moto Watch 40
Moto Watch 40 — compact watches with minimalist design and simple interface. LCD display, no frills, but everything is clear. Replaceable strap, lightweight body. Simple controls, quickly enable workout modes, view sleep or heart rate.
Standard functions: steps, heart rate, SpO2, sleep. No GPS here, but suitable for daily activity control and notifications. IP67 water protection, fast charging. Moto Watch OS runs stably, supports both Android and iOS.
Key points:
Compact body and light weight
Simple controls and basic health features
iOS and Android support
Up to 10 days of battery life
Specifications:
Screen: LCD
Protection: IP67
Battery: 240 mAh
22. Garmin Vivoactive 5
Garmin Vivoactive 5 will suit those who prioritize training and simplicity. Round AMOLED screen, concise interface, lightweight body with protective glass. Supports wireless payments, audio player, and various activity modes.
Main metrics supported: heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, breathing. Includes GPS and animated workouts. Long battery life. Adaptive features present, including mode for wheelchair users.
Key points:
Round AMOLED display and lightweight body
GPS, audio player, payments via Garmin Pay
Many sports and adaptive modes
Up to 11 days of battery life
Specifications:
Memory: 4 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Battery: Up to 21 days (typical usage)
23. HUAWEI Watch Fit 4 Pro
HUAWEI Watch Fit 4 Pro will suit those who want watches with navigation, good screen, and advanced health monitoring. AMOLED display with sapphire glass, sturdy yet not bulky body. Simple interface, nylon strap included.
The watch tracks heart rate, SpO2, sleep, temperature, stress. Has GPS, barometer, altimeter, and color maps for navigation. Over a hundred activity modes. Voice control supported, decent battery life.
Key points:
Rectangular AMOLED display with sapphire glass
Full set of sensors and GPS with maps
Call and notification support
Compatibility with Android and iOS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: Up to 7 days (typical usage)
Conclusion
Good budget smartwatches are not necessarily a compromise. Nowadays, even in the affordable segment, you can find models that don't annoy with slowness, don't demand charging every evening, and don't look like toys. They do their job: count steps, remind you to move, show notifications, and help you understand how much you actually slept.
Each of these watches has its own character. Some emphasize battery life, others — the screen, and for some, the ability to answer calls is a nice bonus. The main thing is to understand what exactly you lack. Then the choice doesn't turn into guesswork. And even if it's not the most expensive gadget on your wrist, using it should be comfortable.