Whether you're embarking on a new health journey or seeking to enhance your workout insights, a fitness tracker is an excellent tool to gamify exercise and provide valuable data. The good news is that many of these wearables, often resembling smartwatches, are available at affordable prices. From feature-packed models that rival the best smartwatches to basic options focusing on essentials like step counting and heart rate monitoring, there are numerous budget-friendly fitness trackers suitable for all wrist sizes.

TL;DR – The Best Budget Fitness Trackers:

Our Top Pick### Fitbit Inspire 3

0See it at Amazon### Xiaomi Smart Band 9

0See it at Amazon### Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

0See it at Amazon### Amazfit Band 7

0See it at Amazon### Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

0See it at Amazon### Garmin Venu 3

0See it at AmazonContributions by Kevin Lee

1. Fitbit Inspire 3

Best Budget Fitness Tracker

Our Top Pick### Fitbit Inspire 3

0Smartwatches and fitness trackers don't have to break the bank, and the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a prime example of this. At under $100, it features a vibrant AMOLED display and a durable, sleek band that's comfortable enough for sleep. With a battery life of up to 10 days (though reduced with the always-on display), and easy navigation using touch and haptic buttons, it's an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize39.3mm x 18.6mmThickness11.75mmBattery life10 daysConnectivityBluetoothSensorsHeart rate monitor, SpO2TrackingSwim, sleep, stepsWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSBright AMOLED touchscreenLong battery lifeCONSSome advanced features require a subscriptionThe Fitbit Inspire 3 excels in fitness tracking with features like 24/7 heart rate monitoring, step counting, blood oxygen level measurement, and movement reminders. It also includes automatic exercise tracking and sleep monitoring to provide insights into your sleep quality. Additionally, it offers basic smartwatch functions such as phone notifications and a find my phone feature, although it lacks music storage and contactless payment capabilities.

2. Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Best Ultra Cheap Fitness Tracker

### Xiaomi Smart Band 9

0For under $50, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 delivers an impressive 1.62-inch AMOLED display and a remarkable 21-day battery life, alongside basic tracking and over 150 sports modes. It's a fantastic value for those seeking an affordable fitness tracker that doesn't skimp on features.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize46.53mm x 21.63mmThickness10.95mmBattery life21 daysConnectivityBluetoothSensorsHeart rate monitor, SpO2TrackingSwim, sleep, stepsWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSOver 150 sports modesImpressive 21-day battery lifeCONSTracking isn't always 100% accurateThe Xiaomi Smart Band 9, despite its low cost, offers comprehensive health monitoring and a sleek, slim design. It includes a pedometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen saturation, and sleep monitoring. With over 150 fitness modes, it caters to various activities, providing data on calories burned, average heart rate, and workout duration. While not as precise as higher-end smartwatches with GPS, it still offers valuable workout insights.

The latest model boasts enhanced battery life and screen brightness, reaching 1,200 nits for visibility in sunlight. The colorful, responsive AMOLED display supports quick access to fitness metrics and limited smartwatch features such as call and message notifications and music playback control, though phone pairing can be finicky.

3. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

Best Budget Fitness Tracker with GPS

### Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

0Featuring a built-in GPS, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro tracks your workouts, heart rate, and SPO2 levels, along with sleep and stress monitoring and various sports modes. It's a feature-rich option for those looking for a bit more from their fitness tracker without breaking the bank.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize43.27mm x 32.49mmThickness10.8mmBattery life21 daysConnectivityBluetoothSensorsHeart rate monitor, GPS, SPO2TrackingSwim, sleep, stressWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSAccurate built-in GPSLarge, full-color AMOLED displayCONSNo NFCThe Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro builds on its predecessor with a larger, 1.74-inch AMOLED display and a built-in GPS for precise tracking of runs, bike rides, and hikes. It retains 24/7 heart rate and SPO₂ monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, and supports over 150 sports modes, although some modes provide basic metrics.

While not a full smartwatch, it offers limited smartwatch features like music playback and notification display, though it lacks NFC support for contactless payments. At under $100, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a stylish, feature-rich fitness tracker with a responsive screen and impressive battery life.

4. Amazfit Band 7

Best Budget Fitness Tracker With Health Monitoring

### Amazfit Band 7

0The Amazfit Band 7 offers a wealth of features at an ultra-affordable price, including long battery life, health monitoring, and sleep tracking. It's an excellent choice for those who want comprehensive health insights without a hefty price tag.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize37.3mmThickness12.2mmBattery life18 daysConnectivityBluetooth 5.2SensorsHeart rate monitor, SpO2TrackingSwim, period, sleepWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSTons of tracking including stress and sleepAmazon Alexa and other smartwatch features built-inCONSNo built-in GPSThe Amazfit Band 7 packs a punch with its 1.47-inch always-on AMOLED display and slim, comfortable design. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 days, or 28 days in battery-saver mode. With over 120 sports modes and automatic smart recognition for four of them, it's versatile for various activities, including swimming.

Health monitoring features include heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress, while sleep tracking provides detailed sleep quality insights. The band also supports smartwatch functionalities like on-watch notifications and Amazon Alexa integration, making it a well-rounded choice for budget-conscious users.

5. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Best Budget Apple Watch

### Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

0The 2nd-gen Apple Watch SE offers a budget-friendly option with the same powerful S8 SiP chipset as the Apple Watch Series 8, providing speedy performance at a fraction of the cost. It's a versatile choice for those who want the Apple ecosystem without the premium price tag.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize40mm x 34mmThickness10.7mmBattery life18 hoursConnectivityCellular (optional), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3SensorsHeart rate monitor, GPS, accelerometerTrackingSwim, sleep, periodWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSHuge selection of appsSpecial safety features, like crash detection and built-in GPSCONSFewer sensors than other Apple Watch optionsThe Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is more than just a fitness tracker; it's a full-fledged smartwatch. It features an optical heart rate sensor and built-in GPS, automatically detecting various workouts, including swimming. With 32GB of storage, you can download additional fitness apps from the App Store if needed.

Beyond fitness, it supports answering calls, responding to messages, making contactless payments, and streaming music. It also includes safety features like crash detection, which can automatically call emergency services. Despite its robust feature set, it maintains a slim, comfortable design with decent battery life for an Apple Watch.

6. Garmin Venu 3

Best Budget Fitness Tracker for Workouts

### Garmin Venu 3

0The Garmin Venu 3 goes beyond basic exercise tracking with GPS, a heart rate monitor, and animated workouts. It also offers phone notifications and contactless payment capabilities, making it a top pick for those serious about their fitness regimen.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsSize45mmThickness12mmBattery life14 daysConnectivityBluetooth, 802.11nSensorsHeart rate monitor, GPS, temperatureTrackingSwim, sleep, stress, energyWater resistanceUp to 50mPROSHighly accurate GPS and heart rate monitorHelpful Body Battery featureCONSLimited app selection compared to other smartwatchesGarmin is renowned for its detailed health and fitness tracking, and the Venu 3 is no exception. Though it's the priciest of our budget picks, it's packed with features for serious athletes. It supports over 30 preloaded sports apps, working with highly accurate GPS, heart rate monitoring, and other sensors. The Body Battery feature provides insights into your body's rest levels based on activity, stress, and sleep.

The Venu 3 also functions as a smartwatch, with a bright AMOLED display and up to 14 days of battery life (though this decreases with always-on display and automatic workout detection). It supports receiving calls, smart assistants, and responding to texts when paired with Android phones, though its app selection is more limited compared to Apple and Google smartwatches.

What to Look for in a Budget Fitness Tracker

When choosing a budget fitness tracker, consider more than just step counting and sleep tracking. Evaluate the hardware quality, comfort, software capabilities, and the accuracy of the tracking features you need. Higher-priced models often include advanced features like heart rate monitoring, GPS, and OLED displays, but even basic trackers can provide a wealth of health data at a lower cost.

What kind of fitness tracker do I need?

The type of fitness tracker you choose depends on your intended use. For basic tracking such as steps, heart rate, and time, an ultra-cheap, compact band like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is sufficient. These models often feature color displays and long battery life, along with various sports modes, sleep tracking, and phone notifications.

For activities like running, biking, and hiking, consider spending a bit more for GPS support. If you're looking for a device that goes beyond fitness tracking, a smartwatch with a larger screen, built-in storage, and access to more apps might be ideal. It can handle calls, texts, and other notifications, enhancing your overall experience.

If you're an active runner or gym-goer, pairing your fitness tracker with a great pair of earbuds can further enhance your lifestyle and workout experience.