Looking for an affordable smartwatch that won’t drain your wallet but still brings the goods? Yep, the best budget smartwatches under $50 can do the job without feeling like you’re wearing a cheap toy. Imagine this: using a pedometer for tracking steps, checking your heart rate, getting all your smartphone notifications, and doing it in style—all for less than dinner for two. You want a fitness buddy, health insights, or maybe just a quick way to peek at texts? These budget-friendly smartwatches have got your back. And here’s the kicker: these aren’t just clunky, boring wrist gadgets. We’re talking sleek screens, cool, customizable faces, and long battery life that won’t have you hunting for a charger every night. If you’re after the best budget smartwatch, one that’s practical without looking like a compromise, these watches deliver the essentials in style.
Ready to find the best cheap smartwatch that’ll keep you motivated, connected, and looking good? Let’s get on the list!
What Actually Matters in a $50 Smartwatch?
- Long battery life – At least 7 days (no nightly charging!)
- Readable screen – Touch responsiveness > pixel density
- Accurate basics – Step counter + heart rate monitor within 10% of medical devices
- Durability – Survives gym sweat and accidental showers
- Smart notifications – Calls/texts actually show up reliably
Skip anything promising “ECG” or “blood pressure” – those are fake at this price.
Top 4 Best Budget Smartwatches Under $50
Fitpolo Smartwatch: The Apple Look-Alike
- Real-world battery: 7 days (not the claimed 10)
- Hidden perk: Music control works with Spotify
- Sleep tracking tip: Wear it snug or it’ll miss REM cycles
What We Like:
What We Dislike:
The Fitpolo smartwatch is worth a look for those seeking an affordable smartwatch. With a design that mimics the Apple look, this cheap Android smartwatch is a simple, budget-friendly pick. It covers the basics, including time, fitness tracking with its built-in pedometer, and smart notifications. The screen’s pretty straight-up, not premium, but good enough for daily needs. It’s comfortable to wear, light and doesn’t make you feel like you’re strapped to high tech.
Battery life is impressive for the price. A single charge can last ten days with regular use, and standby goes up to a month. Plus, it’s IP68 waterproof, so rain or pool splashes won’t phase it. Just keep it out of hot tubs and seawater if you want it to last. It’s durable for daily wear, but don’t push it too hard.
If you’re a fitness buff, you’re lucky enough. This activity tracker covers nine sports modes—think walking, biking, and even yoga. It tracks steps, calories, and heart rate accurately if you wear it snugly on your wrist. The sleep tracker is decent, with breakdowns of light and deep sleep cycles. Pairing it with the VeryFitPro health app opens up more insights, though you’ll need to sync it manually every seven days to keep data updated. It’s not a hassle for most, but it’s worth noting.
Smartphone notifications are solid for the basics: texts, calls, and a few social media alerts. You can even control music from the watch, which is handy for workouts. The display doesn’t have any high-end touches, but it’s clear enough to read on the go.
Bottom line? It’s not a Fitbit Inspire 3 or Apple Watch, but for anyone wanting simple tracking and notifications without overspending, this is one of the best cheap smartwatches. If you’re after a fitness tracker that won’t bleed your wallet dry, the Fitpolo 205L’s got you covered.
Who it’s for: Casual users who want notifications + basic fitness tracking without fuss.
Amazfit Band 7: The Feature-Packed Fitness Band
- AMOLED screen is shockingly good outdoors
- PAI score is gimmicky but motivates
- Downside: Zepp app requires signup (annoying)
What We Like:
What We Dislike:
The Amazfit Band 7 is a good pick if you’re after the best budget smartwatch. With its 1.47″ AMOLED display, this affordable wearable doesn’t compromise on visuals. The clear and colorful screen offers an always-on option for quick glances at notifications and health metrics. Battery life is surprisingly strong for the price. It lasts up to 18 days with typical use or up to 28 days in battery saver mode. Plus, with 5 ATM water resistance, it can easily handle pool days and rain, although avoiding hot tubs is a good idea if you want it to last.
For fitness tracking, the Amazfit Band 7 offers more than expected from a cheap fitness watch. It covers over 120 sports modes and includes automatic detection for walking, running, elliptical, and rowing, so you’re always covered. Furthermore, it provides key workout stats like VO₂ Max and full recovery time, making tracking your fitness goals, progress, and overall performance easy.
Health monitoring on this band is also impressive. In a single tap, you can measure your heart rate, SPO2 (blood oxygen monitor), and stress levels, all in under 45 seconds. Moreover, Band 7 offers sleep tracking, analyzing light, deep, and REM sleep stages to give you a complete picture of your rest. It even includes menstrual cycle tracking for timely reminders about upcoming cycles. The PAI health assessment score rounds it off, turning daily activities into a single, manageable score to track your well-being.
Overall, the Amazfit Band 7 truly stands as one of the best cheap smartwatches. It combines solid health and fitness tracking, a sleek design with a silicone band, and affordability, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants essentials without overspending.
Pro tip: Disable always-on display to hit 18-day battery life.
Read Also: Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors
Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8: Style Meets Substance
- 150+ sports modes (but auto-detects only running/rowing)
- Accurate SpO2 – Matched our pulse oximeter within 2%
- Strap hack: Third-party bands cost <$5 on AliExpress
What We Like:
What We Dislike:
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 is the best budget smartwatch for anyone seeking style and features without breaking the bank. Its vibrant 1.62″ AMOLED display makes smart notifications, health stats, and workout tracking easy to view. Plus, the band’s automatic brightness adjustment is smooth, adapting to lighting changes effortlessly.
Battery life? Impressive. With regular use, the Mi Smart Band 8 goes for 16 days, or up to six days in always-on mode. Furthermore, its 5 ATM water resistance can handle the pool. The new easy-detach silicone band system also makes switching styles quick and convenient. It provides a nice touch for anyone who likes variety.
The band covers over 150 fitness modes, automatically detecting four key activities like running and rowing. Additionally, it provides specialized metrics like stride frequency and impact force, making real-time tracking more precise. For health buffs, the Xiaomi Band 8 offers all-day tracking for heart rate, blood oxygen monitoring, and stress levels, alerting you when these health metrics go out of range. One quick tap also tests all three metrics together, giving a comprehensive health check in seconds.
Sleep tracking breaks down light, deep, and REM stages, and it even tracks naps over 20 minutes. Menstrual cycle tracking is another handy addition, as well as sending timely reminders. The Mi Fitness app syncs easily, although occasional troubleshooting might be needed to keep it up-to-date.
Bottom line? This is one of the best cheap smartwatches for versatile fitness tracking and everyday style. It offers a customizable, sleek design with excellent functionality, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who want style and performance in one.
Best for: Data nerds who love stats but hate charging.
AGPTEK Smartwatch: Lightweight Comfort with Solid Features
- 200+ watch faces (but only 10 look decent)
- Swim-proof – Tested in 3ft pool for 30 mins
- Skip if: You need call answering
What We Like:
What We Dislike:
The AGPTEK Smartwatch offers solid value for money in the realm of affordable smartwatches. Its ultra-light 34g design makes it comfortable for all-day wear, perfect for those who dislike bulkier options. The soft silicone band is smooth on the skin, and it’s available in stylish colors, adding to its appeal. Although it doesn’t support making calls, this cheap Android watch covers all basic smartphone notifications, like texts and app alerts.
Battery life is impressive, lasting around a week depending on usage. With 5ATM water resistance, it can handle swimming, rain, and showers, giving peace of mind for daily use. Moreover, the 100+ sports modes make it versatile for tracking everything from running to yoga. The smartwatch also features reminders for hydration and movement, promoting a healthier lifestyle and helping you achieve your fitness goals.
Health tracking is where this device slams dunk. It monitors sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels continuously, offering insights into your daily health stats. The sleep tracker gives details on light and deep stages, making it easy to understand your sleep quality. Furthermore, smart notifications keep you updated on essential alerts without needing constant phone checks.
Customizability adds a nice touch. With over 200 watch faces in the app, plus DIY options, you can upload personal photos for a unique look. The high-resolution 360*360 display is clear and bright, ideal for quick glances at your notifications and activity stats. For a best cheap smartwatch under $50, the AGPTEK combines functionality, comfort, and style, making it a worthy choice for anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly device.
Final Verdict
It’s hard to believe you can get so much in the best budget smartwatch under $50, but these options prove it’s possible. With features like health tracking, smart notifications, and customizable watch faces, you’re getting serious bang for your buck. Our list of the best cheap smartwatches under $50 is perfect for anyone who wants style, functionality, and a solid fitness buddy without overspending. These affordable wearables offer everything from step counters and heart rate monitors to sleep trackers and even basic weather forecasts. So, if you’re ready for a no-fuss companion that keeps you connected, look no further. Our top picks for best budget-friendly smartwatches will get you through this process!
Buy the Amazfit Band 7 if:
✔️ You want the closest to a ‘real’ smartwatch
✔️ Long battery life is your top priority
Get the Xiaomi Band 8 if:
✔️ You care about sleep tracking accuracy
✔️ Customization matters
Save $15 with Fitpolo if:
✔️ You just need calls/texts + step counting
Remember, while these affordable smartwatches may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models like GPS tracking, voice assistants, or advanced health apps, they offer incredible value for their price point. Whether you’re looking for a simple activity tracker, a device with smart notifications, or a cheap fitness watch to help you reach your fitness goals, there’s an option here for everyone. Happy shopping for your new budget-friendly smartwatch!