Choosing the Right Budget Fitness Tracker: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're starting a fitness journey or seeking deeper workout insights, a fitness tracker can gamify exercise and provide valuable data. Fortunately, many affordable options exist, ranging from feature-rich devices rivaling top smartwatches to basic step counters and heart rate monitors. This guide explores several budget-friendly choices for all wrist sizes.
TL;DR – Top Budget Fitness Trackers:
Our Top Pick: Fitbit Inspire 3 See it on Amazon
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 See it on Amazon
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro See it on Amazon
Amazfit Band 7 See it on Amazon
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) See it on Amazon
Garmin Venu 3 See it on Amazon
Contributions by Kevin Lee
1. Fitbit Inspire 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker
Our Top Pick: Fitbit Inspire 3 See it on Amazon
The Fitbit Inspire 3 proves that excellent fitness trackers don't need a hefty price tag. For under $100, it boasts a bright AMOLED display and a comfortable, durable band suitable for sleep. Its 10-day battery life (reduced in always-on mode) minimizes charging needs. Navigation is intuitive via touchscreen and haptic buttons.
Fitness tracking features include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, step counting, SpO2 measurement, and movement reminders. Automatic exercise tracking and sleep monitoring enhance data collection. Basic smartwatch functions like phone notifications and a find-my-phone feature are included (via Bluetooth). Note that advanced features may require a subscription.
2. Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Best Ultra-Cheap Fitness Tracker
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 See it on Amazon
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9, priced under $50, offers a surprising array of features. Its 1.62-inch AMOLED display and exceptional 21-day battery life are highlights. It includes a pedometer, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, and sleep monitoring. Over 150 sports modes provide detailed workout data (accuracy may vary compared to higher-end devices).
3. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with GPS
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro See it on Amazon
An upgrade to the Smart Band 9, the Pro model features a larger (1.74-inch) AMOLED display and a surprisingly accurate built-in GPS for workout mapping. It retains 24/7 heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, and over 150 sports modes. Smartwatch features include music playback and phone notifications (no replies or NFC).
4. Amazfit Band 7: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with Health Monitoring
Amazfit Band 7 See it on Amazon
The Amazfit Band 7, priced around $50, packs a large 1.47-inch always-on AMOLED display into a slim, comfortable design. Its 18-day battery life (28 days in battery saver mode) is impressive. It supports over 120 sports modes (four with automatic recognition), is water-resistant to 50m, and offers heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring, along with sleep tracking. Smartwatch features include notifications and Amazon Alexa integration.
5. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Best Budget Apple Watch
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) See it on Amazon
This budget-friendly Apple Watch utilizes the same S8 SiP chipset as the Series 8, providing speedy performance at a lower cost. It includes an optical heart rate sensor, built-in GPS, automatic workout detection (including swimming), and 32GB of storage for apps from the App Store. Full smartwatch capabilities—answering calls, responding to messages, contactless payments, and music streaming—are included, along with crash detection.
6. Garmin Venu 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker for Workouts
Garmin Venu 3 See it on Amazon
While the most expensive on this list, the Garmin Venu 3 justifies its price with its comprehensive fitness tracking. It offers precise data via GPS, heart rate monitor, ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensors, supporting over 30 preloaded sports apps and animated workouts. Its Body Battery feature provides insights into energy levels. Smartwatch functions include notifications and contactless payments, though app selection is more limited than Apple or Google watches.
Choosing Your Fitness Tracker:
Consider your needs when selecting a fitness tracker. Basic trackers like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 suffice for step counting, heart rate monitoring, and timekeeping. GPS is essential for runners and hikers. For broader functionality beyond fitness tracking, a smartwatch offers a larger screen, storage, app access, and communication features. Remember to consider hardware quality, comfort, software, and tracking accuracy.
