Top 5 Affordable Smartwatches

A smartwatch is a handy tool for tracking activities, health, and notifications. However, it can quickly become an expensive purchase. That’s why we’ve listed the top 5 best affordable smartwatches here, helping you choose the one that suits you best.

What Features Are You Looking For?

The key question is what functionality you want from an affordable smartwatch. You can buy a decent activity tracker very cheaply to monitor your sports and health. Want built-in GPS for running or cycling without your phone? That’ll push the price up quickly.

If you want the full functionality of a smartwatch, like making calls, 5G internet, GPS, and the latest sensors, you’ll need to spend a bit more. Below, we offer a good option for each type, from basic activity trackers to affordable sports watches.

The Best Affordable Smartwatches

The cheapest smartwatch for you depends on the features you need. We’ve compiled a list of smartwatches with various functions, from the bare minimum to the full package. We’ve selected the best option from each category for you.

1. Xiaomi Smart Band 7

Price: From £49.95

The Xiaomi Smart Band 7 is one of the cheapest smartwatches you can buy. It’s more of an activity tracker, focusing on monitoring your health and activity. It’s perfect for someone looking for a sports companion.

The affordable Xiaomi Smart Band 7 tracks movement, sports, health, and includes a sleep monitor. With fewer features, it offers long battery life. Unlike more advanced watches needing daily charging, the Smart Band 7 lasts up to 14 days with regular use.

In this price range, you’ll miss out on a GPS feature. The Smart Band 7 lacks built-in GPS, so you’ll need to carry your phone to track speed and routes while running or cycling.

2. Smart Band 7 Pro

Price: From £84.95

We’re sticking with Xiaomi, as this budget brand offers excellent smartwatches. For the next step up, the Smart Band 7 Pro is the perfect choice. The key difference from the Smart Band 7 is its built-in GPS.

The Smart Band 7 Pro isn’t a full smartwatch but comes with more features than the Band 7. It has a larger screen, and the GPS lets you run or cycle without your phone, tracking routes, speed, and pace.

Like the Smart Band 7, the Smart Band 7 Pro is the cheapest in its category. For the functionality you get, Xiaomi stands out. The Fitbit Charge 5, a similar GPS-enabled fitness tracker, costs nearly double.

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Price: From £139.00

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a true flagship smartwatch. You wouldn’t expect it on a list of affordable smartwatches. However, since the Galaxy Watch 5 launched, the Watch 4’s price has dropped significantly, making it a great value buy.

The Galaxy Watch 4 offers many features, including calls, app installation, and even Whatsapp on the Galaxy Watch 4. It also includes health sensors and a built-in GPS module.

The Galaxy Watch 4 is currently the cheapest ‘full’ smartwatch available. It offers extensive functionality; read more in our Galaxy Watch 4 review. It’s not compatible with Apple, but we have a good alternative for that.

4. Apple Watch SE (2022)

Price: From £299.00

For Apple users, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent option. This budget Apple Watch offers many features at a lower price than the standard model. If you use an iPhone, this is the best choice.

The Apple Watch SE has nearly all the features of the latest Apple Watch, though with an older design. You might miss the newest high-tech features, but the base experience is more than sufficient. Don’t forget to check out an Apple Watch strap.

The price is higher compared to the rest of the list, but for Apple users, it’s worth considering. Not all smartwatches work well with Apple. Investing a bit more might ensure a seamless experience with your familiar ecosystem.

5. Fitbit Charge 5

Price: From £109.00

Fitbit smartwatches are ideal as health-focused watches, and the Fitbit Charge 5 is a high-end fitness tracker. It comes with numerous health sensors and a GPS module to track routes, speed, and pace.

Fitbit watches aren’t the cheapest on the market, but the quality and functionality of the Charge 5 are highly regarded. If you’re looking for a sports watch, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a top-quality choice.

You can easily personalise your Fitbit Charge 5, with a variety of unique Charge 5 straps available. The sleek design of the Charge 5, paired with a stylish strap, makes it one of the most fashionable smartwatches on this list.

Which Smartwatch Suits Me Best?

Below is an overview of our top 5 affordable smartwatches and which one best fits you.

Health info at a low price → Xiaomi Smart Band 7
Sports with GPS → Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro
Full smartwatch → Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Smartwatch with iPhone → Apple Watch SE (2022)
Sports watch with great design → Fitbit Charge 5

Conclusion

There are various levels of what constitutes the cheapest smartwatch. You can find one at a very low price, but you should also consider the features you want. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a basic activity tracker or a full-featured smartwatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which affordable smartwatch is good?
Our list includes a good affordable smartwatch for each category. When choosing, ensure it meets your needs. Always buy from a reputable brand like Xiaomi, Samsung, Fitbit, or Apple.

What’s a good smartwatch brand?
Many brands make smartwatches; good ones include Xiaomi, Samsung, Fitbit, Apple, Huawei, Polar, or Fossil.

How long does a smartwatch last?
A smartwatch’s lifespan depends on usage and quality. On average, you can use one for several years before needing a replacement.