For those who are used to leading an active lifestyle, smart watches are not just a fashion accessory. It is a faithful assistant in all workouts, from morning runs to professional sports, from yoga to strength training.
We analyzed the data on purchases of inexpensive smartwatches for 2022 and ranked the best models based on the most popular queries. The analysis used both the results of official tests (Rostest) and reviews of ordinary customers.
Rating of the best budget smartwatches for 2022
Place | Name | Price | Description |
---|---|---|---|
The best budget smartwatches by price/quality for 2022 | |||
one | Amazfit GTS 2e | Ask for a price | The best budget smart watches in terms of price / quality |
2 | HONOR MagicWatch 2 46mm | Ask for a price | Quality budget smartwatches for 2022 |
3 | HUAWEI Watch Fit | Ask for a price | Good budget smart watch according to customer reviews |
The best budget smartwatches for Android | |||
one | WearFit X22 Pro 44mm | Ask for a price | Very good budget smart watch for Android according to experts |
2 | Haylou Solar LS05 (Russian version) | Ask for a price | Good budget smart watch for Android |
The best budget smartwatches with NFC | |||
one | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Wi-Fi NFC UK | Ask for a price | The best budget NFC smartwatches to date |
2 | W&S Smart Watch MO7MAX 45mm | Ask for a price | Reliable budget smart watch with NFC |
The best budget smartwatches with GPS | |||
one | Amazfit Bip U Pro | Ask for a price | Popular budget smartwatches with GPS |
2 | Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite | Ask for a price | Quality budget smart watch with GPS |
The best budget smart watches with blood pressure monitor | |||
one | BandRate Smart BRST500500WB | Ask for a price | The best budget smart watches with blood pressure monitor |
2 | YLC Technology | Ask for a price | Good budget smartwatch with a tonometer |
Best budget smartwatch with heart rate monitor | |||
one | Realme Watch 2 | Ask for a price | Good budget smart watch with heart rate monitor |
2 | Amazfit Neo | Ask for a price | Quality budget smart watch with heart rate monitor |
The best budget waterproof smartwatches | |||
one | Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 Lite Global | Ask for a price | The best budget waterproof smartwatches |
2 | Amazfit GTS | Ask for a price | Reliable budget smart watch with moisture protection |
How to choose a budget smart watch?
When choosing an inexpensive smart watch, first of all, decide on the basic requirements that you place on it.
So, for example, watches with a low water resistance class are suitable for morning jogging and exercising in the gym, which cannot be said about gadgets designed for training in the pool. The main indicators that you should pay attention to when choosing a smart watch:
- design — you can get lost in a variety of materials, shapes and colors;
- smartphone compatibility;
- dust and moisture protection;
- functional;
- case and strap material;
- battery capacity and battery life.
We have analyzed the popular inexpensive smart watches for all the necessary indicators. Our top list contains only the best models for 2022.
The best budget smartwatches by price/quality for 2022
1. Amazfit GTS 2e
The best budget smart watch in terms of price / quality. Smart watch from a Chinese manufacturer, made in a golden aluminum case with a durable silicone strap. Like most products of the Amazfit brand, the GTS 2e is designed for people who lead an active lifestyle.
Compared to its predecessor, the GTS 2, the new model of the series has undergone a number of changes. They concern the possibility of making Bluetooth calls, which the GTS 2e does not have. True, the model has a significant advantage — the battery life is now not 7, but as much as 14 days.
The watch has all the features you need to track your health during physical activity and sleep: measuring heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, monitoring calories.
The device is equipped with a 1.65-inch AMOLED display with scratch-resistant glass. The smart watch is waterproof (IPX7 waterproof). With them on hand, you can safely swim in the pool.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — microphone, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.65 inches;
- body material — aluminum;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 25 g.
Pros:
- there is a temperature sensor;
- model autonomy increased from 7 to 14 days;
- spectacular design;
- bright, easy-to-read display.
Minuses:
- no headphone jack and mobile internet support.
2. HONOR MagicWatch 2 46mm
Quality budget smartwatches for 2022. The smart watch from the leading Chinese brand is powered by the Kirin A1 processor and built on its own operating system.
The external design of the watch is in the best traditions of HONOR: a classic round display with a diagonal of 1.39 inches. A large dial and all the necessary information are placed on the screen, there are no dead zones.
The watch is compatible with iOS 9+ and Android 4.4+. To use the gadget, you need to install the Huawei Health application on your smartphone. Nothing else needs to be installed. Most of the 12 available dials are stylized as chronographs — in addition to time, they display the date, steps and other useful information. To change the dial, just pinch the screen, and then swipe to select the appropriate option. With the same movement, you can turn on the display of widgets: weather, heart rate, activity, music control. The latter is a new feature compared to the previous generation, but only works in conjunction with Android.
A wide range of workouts are available, including water: you can choose to swim in the pool or in the open water.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 9+, Android 4.4+;
- additional functions — speaker, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch, vibration;
- screen diagonal — 1.39 inches;
- body material — steel;
- strap material — leather;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 41 g.
Pros:
- there was a function «music control» in conjunction with a smartphone;
- large bright round display;
- a wide range of workouts — you can choose from several modes of walking, running, swimming;
- the watch independently determines sleep, there is a smart alarm clock that tracks the optimal phase for waking up in a given time period;
- battery life reaches 2 weeks.
Minuses:
- you can not download new watch faces;
- music control does not work on iOS.
3.HUAWEI Watch Fit
Good budget smart watch according to customer reviews. Affordable smartwatch with a bright 1.64-inch AMOLED screen is designed for those who are used to always being on the move. You no longer need to search for exercise videos — the watch has built-in animated tips for 12 types of workouts.
Among them are workouts for press stretching, a complex for those who are at work, and many others. The variety of workouts available is impressive: with Watch Fit, you can effectively practice swimming, running, cycling, yoga. During activity, the watch measures the main indicators: heart rate, calories, the actual duration of the workout.
The functionality of the watch is ideal for any physical exercise. The device is equipped with GPS, has a high water resistance class (5 ATM). The smart watch will track your activity daily and remind you to move more if necessary.
In addition to measuring the pulse, the watch is equipped with a function of continuous monitoring of the level of oxygen in the blood. When the indicator drops to a critically low level, the bracelet begins to vibrate. Of the additional useful functions in the watch, you will find weather, a flashlight, a stopwatch, an alarm clock, a timer and much more.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 9+, Android 6.0+;
- additional functions — microphone, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.64 inches;
- body material — polymer;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 21 g.
Pros:
- 12 types of animated workouts,
- bright AMOLED display with high resolution;
- 96 real-time training modes for 11 professional sports;
- the watch contains all the necessary options;
- It has real-time heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring.
The best budget smartwatches for Android
1. WearFit X22 Pro 44mm
Very good budget smart watch for Android according to experts. Universal inexpensive smart watch looks very similar to the Apple Watch. The case is made of durable metal, and the detachable strap is made of silicone. The device is easily fixed on the wrist thanks to a reliable and convenient mount. Adequately look even on a thin hand.
The device is compatible with iOS and Android, easily connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2. All functionality is available after installing the WearFit app.
The main advantage of smartwatches is the combination of price and functionality. An inexpensive gadget is able to measure the pulse in real time, monitor the number of calories, oxygen levels in the blood, pressure. There is monitoring of sleep and physical activity. The glass monitor is scratch-resistant, and the watch itself has a high degree of moisture protection (IP67 class).
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — stopwatch;
- body material — metal;
- strap material — silicone;
- built-in memory — 128 MB.
Pros:
- the ratio of affordable price and functionality;
- 15 interface options are available, additional ones can be installed through the application;
- charge quickly and hold a charge well;
- Ergonomic and stylish, look good on the hand.
Minuses:
- may suddenly become out of sync with the phone.
2. Haylou Solar LS05 (Russian version)
Good budget smart watch for android. Smart watches from Xiaomi with a menu in Russian are equipped with a bright 1.28-inch screen. 12 sports modes are available for training, including running, rowing, football, cycling, climbing, exercise bike, etc.
In the process, heart rate, calories burned and steps taken are tracked. Thanks to the increased moisture resistance class (IP68), you can also practice in the pool. The watch easily syncs with your smartphone using Bluetooth 5.0.
In addition to activity, using the device, you can monitor sleep and track your heart rate. The 340 mAh battery provides up to 30 days of battery life, which is almost 2 times more than direct competitors. The device is made in a durable metal case with a polished surface. The screen is classic, round.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 8+, Android 4.4+;
- screen diagonal — 1.28 inches;
- body material — metal;
- strap material — silicone;
- moisture protection class — IP68;
- weight — 54 g.
Pros:
- 12 different sports modes are available;
- long battery life;
- increased class of water resistance.
Minuses:
- a small selection of built-in watch faces, new ones cannot be uploaded.
The best budget smartwatches with NFC
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Wi-Fi NFC EN
The best budget smartwatch with NFC today. A small lightweight smartwatch based on Tizen, Samsung’s native operating system. The device looks perfect on any hand.
The watch is compatible with iOS and Android. Made in a metal case and equipped with all the necessary functions: heart rate monitor, accelerometer, GPS, detailed sleep monitoring. In addition to the pulse, this watch can measure blood pressure.
During active training, the data is read automatically. This function starts even during a 10-minute walk.
Runs have detailed tracking and precise GPS navigation. Routes can be saved. Thanks to the waterproof case (5ATM), the watch can be used for training in the pool.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 9+, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — microphone, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch, vibration, barometer.
- screen diagonal — 1.11 inches;
- body material — aluminum;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 25 g.,
- battery capacity — 230 mAh.
Pros:
- stylish and light;
- there is an automatic function of reading data during training
- high accuracy of GPS navigation;
- can be used in water.
Minuses:
- inconvenient navigation in the menu.
2. W&S Smart Watch MO7MAX 45mm
Reliable budget smart watch with NFC. Inexpensive smartwatch with NFC is new in 2022. The gadget has everything you need for active training: a heart rate monitor, a sensor for measuring body temperature, blood oxygen levels, ECG, monitoring of physical activity, calorie consumption, and sleep. You can choose any type of activity: walking, running, football, climbing, cycling, etc.
The device has more than 50 built-in dials, it is possible to upload additional ones. Due to the high class of dust and moisture protection, the watch does not need to be removed when washing hands, in rainy weather, and even while swimming in the pool. The speaker, microphone and Bluetooth 5.2 support allow you to make outgoing calls using your smart watch.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android 4.4+;
- additional functions — microphone, light sensor, timer, pedometer, alarm clock, stopwatch, speaker;
- body material — aluminum, metal, glass;
- strap material — silicone, plastic, rubber;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 55 g.
Pros:
- more than 50 built-in watch faces and the ability to upload new ones;
- variety of sports modes;
- value for money and functionality;
- the ability to make a Bluetooth call.
Minuses:
- There are no obvious flaws in the device.
The best budget smartwatches with GPS
1. Amazfit Bip U Pro
Smart watches from the Amazfit brand will suit everyone who chooses an active lifestyle and goes in for sports. The main advantage of this model is the variety of activity modes: there are more than 60 of them. There are also completely unexpected ones — skipping rope, driving and even eating. Due to the high water resistance class (5 ATM), you can use the watch, including training in the pool.
The first thing that catches your eye is the bright design and unusual colors: in addition to the classic black, the model is made in turquoise and pink shades. The Zepp app, available for Android and iOS, has over 50 display options to choose from.
The watch is multifunctional. Useful options include a camera, music control, receiving incoming calls and messages, an alarm clock, a timer, a stopwatch, weather forecast, etc. The built-in GPS navigator will help you plan your training route. In the process of activity, the gadget monitors the pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, stress level. There is sleep monitoring. With intensive use, the battery of the smart watch holds a charge for up to 9 days.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 10+, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — microphone, vibration, compass, light sensor, gyroscope, stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.43 inches;
- body material — plastic;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 31 g.
Pros:
- more than 60 activity modes, including rare ones;
- 50 display design options;
- built-in GPS-navigator;
- high class of water resistance.
Minuses:
- there is no «always on display» feature.
2. Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite
Quality budget smart watch with GPS. Inexpensive watch with GPS from Xiaomi will please fans of active lifestyle with a bright touch 1.4-inch display. The gadget has 11 training modes, including indoor and outdoor activities.
A high water resistance class (5 ATM) will allow you to use smart watches even in the pool. Mi Watch Lite reacts to your movements in real time, there is a goal setting function.
Accurate tracking of the route, training speed, counting the distance and calories burned is possible thanks to the GLONASS + GPS dual positioning system, as well as smart sensors.
The built-in PPG-sensor is responsible for the continuous measurement of heart rate in a state of activity and rest, as well as to compile reading statistics for 30 days. With sleep monitoring, track the quality of rest in different phases. For relaxation, breathing exercises are provided. The battery lasts for 10 hours of continuous work in sports mode and up to 9 days in normal mode.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android;
- additional functions — compass, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch, barometer;
- screen diagonal — 1.4 inches;
- strap material — thermopolyurethane;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 35 g.
Pros:
- bright touch screen;
- 11 training modes;
- high class of water resistance;
- dual positioning system GLONASS + GPS;
- all the features you need to track your health during activity and sleep.
Minuses:
- periodically out of sync with the smartphone.
The best budget smart watches with blood pressure monitor
1. BandRate Smart BRST500500WB
The best budget smart watch with blood pressure monitor. Unusual smart watch with a tonometer in the case and with a stainless steel strap. Look stylish on the hand. Compatible with iOS and Android. Synchronizes with your smartphone using Bluetooth 4.0.
The gadget is equipped with all the necessary functionality to control physical activity and track health indicators: a tonometer, monitoring of physical activity, calories, sleep, measuring the level of oxygen in the blood, an accelerometer.
Due to the high water resistance class, the watch can be used in the pool.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 8+, Android 4.4+;
- additional functions — vibration, stopwatch;;
- body material — stainless steel;
- strap material — stainless steel;
- dust and moisture protection class — IP67.
Pros:
- original metal case;
- high class of dust and moisture protection;
- all the necessary functions for monitoring physical activity and health status.
Minuses:
- no significant deficiencies were found.
2. YLC Technology
A good budget smart watch with a tonometer. Inexpensive smart watch with blood pressure monitor from YLC Technology IP68 is equipped with everything you need for an active lifestyle. The device is compatible with a smartphone on iOS and Android — they are synchronized using Bluetooth 5.0. Of the additional functionality useful in training — a gyroscope, accelerometer, stopwatch, timer, music control.
During activity, using a smart watch, you can track and control your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure. Due to the high level of moisture protection (IP68), the watch can be used in the pool and in rainy weather.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android;
- additional functions — vibration, gyroscope, stopwatch, timer;
- moisture protection — IP68;
- bluetooth version is 5.0.
Pros:
- bright, stylish design;
- high accuracy of indicators;
- all the features you need to track health indicators.
Minuses:
- no significant deficiencies were found.
Best budget smartwatch with heart rate monitor
1.Realme Watch 2
Good budget smart watch with heart rate monitor. Stylish sports smart watch with a heart rate monitor. Inexpensive and functional. They work through the proprietary Realme Link application. With it, you can set your watch, choose from 100 available watch faces, track your activity.
Due to the high class of moisture protection (IP68), the smart watch can also be used during training in the pool.
With the help of a smart gadget, you can track and analyze all the necessary indicators: pulse, blood oxygen levels, the number of steps taken and calories burned. The smart watch has monitoring of physical activity and sleep. The 1.4-inch IPS screen is covered with scratch-resistant glass.
With minimal activity, a battery with a capacity of up to 315 mAh can work without recharging for up to 12 days.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 11+, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — stopwatch, timer;
- screen diagonal — 1.4 inches;
- body material — plastic, metal;
- strap material — silicone;
- dust and moisture protection class — IP68;
- weight — 38 g.
Pros:
- 100 watch faces are available to choose from;
- convenient application Realme Link;
- long battery life;
- functionality.
Minuses:
- the glossy plastic of which the case is made is too easily soiled;
2. Amazfit Neo
High-quality budget smart watch with a heart rate monitor. Smart watch for fans of retro design and massive shapes. The screen is monochrome, with a diagonal of 1.2 inches, reminiscent of the first Casio models, popular in the 80-90s of the XX century.
At the same time, the functionality of this model fully complies with the requirements for modern smart watches. With Amazfit, you can track your heart rate, count steps taken, calories burned, monitor physical activity and sleep.
The heart rate is monitored continuously thanks to BioTracker PPG and Huami Technology sensors. Next, an intelligent algorithm processes the received data. If deviations are noticed in the state of health, the watch notifies the owner about this.
During sleep, the intelligent recognition of the phases and their duration is automatically turned on. The 160 mAh battery is capable of working without recharging for up to 28 days at full load, which is really impressive. With the economy mode turned on, autonomy increases to 37 days.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.2 inches;
- body material — plastic;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- battery capacity — 160 mAh.
Pros:
- classic retro design;
- convenient application Zepp;
- there is a function «always on display»;
- longest battery life.
Minuses:
- no timer;
- no vibration.
The best budget waterproof smartwatches
1. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 Lite Global
The best budget waterproof smartwatches. If you decide to go in for sports, but you can’t decide which one, you need the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 Lite Global smartwatch model. Here you will find more than 100 training modes: outdoor running, treadmill, hiking, jump rope, rowing and more. A high class of moisture protection allows you to use the gadget for swimming and take a shower with it.
Four major global positioning systems – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS – will help you accurately track your location and plot a route during outdoor training.
With the help of special sensors, the watch monitors the pulse, oxygen level in the blood, stress level. At night, use sleep monitoring to analyze the effectiveness of rest.
Additional functions will help to make the use of smart watches even more comfortable: music control, weather, incoming call notifications, timer and much more.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — microphone, light sensor, timer, gyroscope, stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.65 inches;
- body material — aluminum;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 25 g.
Pros:
- more than 100 training modes;
- four global positioning systems — GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS;
- you can use magnetic charging;
- there are all the necessary functions to track the main indicators of health;
- long battery life — up to 10 days in normal mode, up to 14 hours in sports mode.
Minuses:
- in beige color the strap is very easily soiled.
2. Amazfit GTS
Reliable budget smart watch with moisture protection. Watch with a 1.65-inch square screen that easily fits two modular watch faces with additional information: weather, events, calendar, heart rate. Both a modular information and a modular analog dial are available as the main dial. Other information can be displayed in the central and lower parts of the screen.
The watch not only has a high water resistance rating (5 ATM), but also supports several swimming scenarios, recognizes position on the water, speed, distance, pace and calorie consumption.
For dry land activities, you can choose from 12 training modes, including not only running and hiking, but also, for example, climbing, skiing, elliptical trainer, strength training, etc.
Specifications:
- OS compatibility — iOS 10+, Android 5.0+;
- additional functions — vibration, compass, light sensor, timer, barometer, stopwatch;
- screen diagonal — 1.65 inches;
- body material — aluminum;
- strap material — silicone;
- water resistance class — WR50 (5 atm);
- weight — 24.8 g.
Pros:
- there are two innovative modular dials;
- a large selection of watch faces, both informational and analog, as well as useful widgets;
- high level of moisture protection;
- 12 workout modes.
Minuses:
- lack of nfc module.
Which firm to choose?
In high-quality smart technologies, there are no equal well-known Chinese manufacturers. When looking for the best inexpensive smartwatches, check out the range of Amazfit, Huawei, HONOR, Xiaomi. From Chinese giants, you can find both simple smart watches and those with additional functions — GPS, blood pressure monitor, heart rate monitor, and an increased moisture protection class.
About these and other leading manufacturers of inexpensive smart technology — in our rating.
Useful video
Review of inexpensive smart watches in the video below: