Top 5 smartwatches under $100 in 2025
Honestly, diving into the world of smartwatches without burning your budget can feel like a treasure hunt. smartwatches under 100 in 2025, the market’s flooded with options, but snagging a good smartwatch for under $100? That’s a real win. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or just want something to keep notifications handy without breaking the bank, I’ve put together a list of five solid contenders that punch way above their price.
Why Budget Smartwatches Matter
Let’s face it, dropping hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch isn’t for everyone. For many, it’s about getting the basics done right — step counting, heart rate monitoring, some notifications, and maybe a few fitness modes. I mean, why pay more if you’re just starting or if your lifestyle doesn’t demand ultra-advanced features? Plus, if you’re like me and tend to lose or damage gadgets, spending under $100 makes upgrading less painful.
That said, budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for junk. The watches here have been tested for real-world use — from jogs in the park to managing busy days — and they deliver on value, durability, and performance. Now, let’s get into the details!
1. Amazfit Active 2 – The Underdog That Surprises
The Amazfit Active 2 is honestly one of my favorite picks in this price range. When I first strapped it on, I was impressed by the crisp AMOLED display — vivid colors, sharp text, and brightness that held up well even in sunlight, which, trust me, is a big deal when you’re out running early mornings. It’s lightweight and comfortable, so I almost forgot I was wearing it during long sessions.
The battery life blew me away. I managed to squeeze out almost 10 days on moderate use — with notifications on, a couple of workouts tracked, and occasional GPS. Speaking of GPS, this watch has a built-in GPS module that tracked my running route accurately when I took it out for a weekend jog. The heart rate sensor is mostly reliable, although I noticed minor lag during high-intensity intervals, which is understandable at this price point.
One quirky thing: syncing the watch to my phone via Bluetooth wasn’t always seamless. Sometimes I had to toggle the Bluetooth connection a couple of times, but this minor hiccup didn’t bother me much. The Amazfit app is straightforward, though not packed with a massive variety of third-party apps like Apple Watch, but hey — that’s a fair trade-off at under $100.
If you want a smartwatch that feels more premium than its price, with solid fitness tracking and great battery life, this is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- Vibrant and clear AMOLED display
- Up to 10 days of battery life
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Multiple sports and workout modes
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear
Cons:
- Bluetooth connectivity can be temperamental
- Limited third-party app ecosystem
Buy Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon
2. Huawei Watch Fit 4 – Fitness and Style Combo
The Huawei Watch Fit 4 has a way of blending style and functionality that caught my eye immediately. It’s got that sleek, modern look with a larger AMOLED display that makes everything pop — whether you’re scrolling through notifications or checking your workout stats. The design feels premium and fits nicely on the wrist without feeling bulky.
For fitness fans, this watch is a treasure trove — it supports over 100 workout modes, which might be more than most people will ever need, but for those who like to switch up their routine, it’s a huge plus. I personally tested the running and yoga modes, and found the tracking pretty consistent and detailed. The heart rate and SpO2 sensors worked well when compared against my medical devices, but as always, budget trackers aren’t perfect medical tools.
That said, I noticed the watch operates best when paired with a Huawei phone. On other Android phones, I experienced occasional notification delays and minor syncing issues. Also, no NFC means no contactless payments — a feature I’ve grown fond of but isn’t make-or-break at this price. If you’re into health metrics and want a solid, stylish watch, this one’s worth serious consideration.
Pros:
- Large, bright AMOLED screen with vibrant colors
- 100+ workout modes for diverse fitness tracking
- Accurate heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
- Lightweight and elegant design
Cons:
- Limited NFC and payment features
- Best performance with Huawei phones
- Occasional syncing delays on non-Huawei devices
Buy Huawei Watch Fit 4 on Amazon
3. CMF Watch Pro 2 – Premium Looks That Don’t Cost Premium
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much from the CMF Watch Pro 2 when I first heard about it, but it quickly proved me wrong. The first thing you notice is the build quality — an aluminum alloy case that feels sturdy and classy, definitely not your typical budget plastic. I even got compliments when wearing it out casually. The watch supports Bluetooth calls and has built-in GPS, which are features often missing in this price range.
The battery life was solid for me — about 11 days on average, though I turned off some notifications to stretch it longer. Step counting, cycling, and basic fitness tracking were on point, making it great for everyday use. However, the heart rate sensor showed some inconsistencies during high-intensity workouts, with occasional spikes that didn’t match how hard I was actually working.
Bluetooth call quality is decent but can struggle in noisy environments — so if you’re expecting crystal-clear conversations, you might want to keep your phone handy. Still, for under $100, the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers a lot of bang for the buck, especially if you care about style and basic smart features.
Pros:
- Premium aluminum alloy design
- Supports Bluetooth calls and built-in GPS
- Battery life up to 11 days
- Multiple sport tracking modes
Cons:
- Heart rate sensor accuracy can fluctuate during intense workouts
- Bluetooth call quality drops in noisy environments
4. Amazfit Bip 5 – The Simple, Reliable Workhorse
If you want a smartwatch that just works without fuss, Amazfit Bip 5 is a fantastic pick. Its interface is clean and intuitive, perfect if you don’t want to waste time figuring out complex menus. The display is reasonably sized, bright enough to read even outdoors, though not AMOLED like the pricier models.
The standout feature here is the battery life — I got nearly two weeks out of it with everyday use, which is amazing. The watch tracks your heart rate, sleep quality, and activity stats well enough for casual users. But it lacks built-in GPS, meaning you’ll need your phone nearby if you want to track outdoor runs or walks accurately.
This watch supports both Android and iOS, making it versatile, and the app is easy to use. I passed this one on to my sister who’s not very tech-savvy and she found it straightforward and reliable for daily use, especially for tracking steps and sleep.
Pros:
- Long battery life (up to 14 days)
- Simple, easy-to-navigate interface
- Basic but reliable fitness and sleep tracking
- Affordable and compatible with Android/iOS
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
- Display quality is basic compared to AMOLED rivals
- Limited smartwatch features beyond fitness
5. Fitpolo AR-01 – Budget Basic, No Frills
Last but not least, Fitpolo AR-01 is about as basic as it gets — but that’s exactly why it’s appealing if you just want to try a smartwatch without overthinking it. It covers the essentials like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and notifications. The screen is LCD and not very vibrant, but perfectly serviceable.
Battery life clocks in at around a week with normal use. The watch is light and comfortable for daily wear, making it a solid pick for someone dipping their toes into the smartwatch world or wanting a secondary watch just for fitness tracking. I lent this to a friend who’s not into tech but wanted to monitor daily activity — she appreciated how simple and straightforward it was.
Just don’t expect built-in GPS, NFC, or a ton of workout modes. This is pure no-frills fitness tracking and notifications on a budget.
Pros:
- Super affordable price
- Basic health tracking including heart rate and sleep
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Decent battery life for the price
Cons:
- Limited workout modes (only 9 sports)
- No GPS or NFC
- Screen lacks brightness and color vibrancy
Final Thoughts
So yeah, picking a smartwatch under $100 in 2025 isn’t as scary as it sounds. Each watch here has its own flavor and strengths. If you want bright, sharp screens and GPS tracking, Amazfit Active 2 and CMF Watch Pro 2 are excellent. Huawei Watch Fit 4 impresses with workout options and style. Amazfit Bip 5 offers simplicity and reliability. And if you just want to test the waters, Fitpolo AR-01 keeps it basic and budget-friendly.
Take a peek at the links, compare prices, and pick what suits your wrist and lifestyle. Smartwatch tech is getting good, even at lower price points!
FAQs
Can these smartwatches track my sleep accurately?
They do a decent job for casual sleep monitoring — tracking duration and sleep phases. But they’re not medical devices, so expect some margin of error.
Are these watches compatible with iPhones?
Yes, all support both Android and iOS, though some features may vary depending on your phone’s OS.
Can I swim with these watches?
Some models have water resistance good enough for swimming (like Amazfit Active 2 at 5 ATM). Check each model’s specs to be sure.
How long does the battery last?
Depending on the watch and usage, battery life ranges from around 7 days to 14 days.