Whether you're starting a fitness journey or seeking deeper workout insights, a fitness tracker can make exercise engaging and provide valuable data. Fortunately, many of these devices, often simplified versions of smartwatches, are budget-friendly. From feature-packed models that rival top-tier smartwatches to basic options for step counting and heart rate tracking, there’s a wide range of affordable fitness trackers for every wrist size.
Quick Picks – Top Budget Fitness Trackers:
Our Top ChoiceFitbit Inspire 3
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Xiaomi Smart Band 9
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Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
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Amazfit Band 7
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Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
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Garmin Venu 3
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1. Fitbit Inspire 3
Top Budget Fitness Tracker
Our Top ChoiceFitbit Inspire 3
0Fitness trackers don’t have to break the bank, and the Fitbit Inspire 3 proves it.See it at AmazonThe Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out in the budget fitness tracker market. Priced under $100, it offers a vibrant AMOLED display and a sleek, comfortable band ideal for all-day wear, including sleep. Its 10-day battery life means fewer charges, though using the always-on display shortens this. Navigation is smooth with touch controls and two haptic buttons.
Designed for fitness, the Fitbit Inspire 3 includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, step tracking, blood oxygen measurement, and movement prompts. Automatic workout detection ensures you never miss logging a session, while sleep tracking provides detailed rest insights. It also offers basic smartwatch features like phone notifications and a find-my-phone tool via Bluetooth, though it lacks music storage or contactless payment options.
2. Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Most Affordable Fitness Tracker
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
0A budget-friendly tracker with a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, long-lasting battery, and support for 150 sports modes.See it at AmazonPriced under $50, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 delivers impressive features for its cost. Its slim design houses a pedometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and sleep tracker. With over 150 fitness modes, including running, HIIT, kickboxing, and swimming, it provides detailed metrics like calories burned and workout duration, though accuracy may not match premium devices with GPS.
The latest model boasts a 21-day battery life with moderate use and a brighter 1.62-inch AMOLED display, reaching 1,200 nits for clear visibility in sunlight. Touch controls are responsive for accessing fitness data or limited smartwatch features like call and message notifications and music control. Pairing with phones can occasionally be inconsistent.
3. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
Top Budget Tracker with GPS
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
0Features built-in GPS for workout mapping, plus 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress tracking with multiple sports modes.See it at AmazonFor those wanting more from the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, the Pro version steps up with a larger 1.74-inch AMOLED display and accurate built-in GPS for tracking runs, rides, and hikes. It retains core features like 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress monitoring, plus support for over 150 sports modes, though some modes only track basic metrics like heart rate and time.
Despite its fitness focus, it includes limited smartwatch features like music playback and notifications when paired with a phone, but lacks NFC and response capabilities. Priced under $100, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro offers a stylish design, responsive interface, and strong battery life.
4. Amazfit Band 7
Top Budget Tracker for Health Monitoring
Amazfit Band 7
0An affordable tracker with robust health monitoring, long battery life, and sleep tracking for under $50.See it at AmazonThe Amazfit Band 7 packs a surprising amount of functionality for just $50. Its 1.47-inch always-on AMOLED display is easy to read, while the slim band ensures comfort. Battery life lasts up to 18 days with typical use or 28 days in power-saving mode, and 50m water resistance supports swimming.
It tracks over 120 sports modes with smart recognition for four, plus heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep monitoring. Smartwatch features include notifications and Amazon Alexa integration, though it lacks built-in GPS.
5. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Best Budget Apple Watch
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
0A cost-effective Apple Watch with the S8 SiP chipset for fast performance and robust features at a lower price.See it at AmazonThe Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) balances fitness and smartwatch capabilities. It includes an optical heart rate sensor, GPS, and automatic workout detection for activities like swimming. With 32GB of storage, you can download apps from the App Store to enhance its fitness features.
As a full smartwatch, it supports calls, messaging, contactless payments, and music streaming. Crash detection adds safety by auto-dialing emergency services. Its slim design and decent battery life make it a versatile budget option.
6. Garmin Venu 3
Top Budget Tracker for Workouts
Garmin Venu 3
0Tracks workouts with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and animated workout guides, plus smart features like notifications and payments.See it at AmazonGarmin’s Venu 3 is ideal for dedicated fitness enthusiasts, though it’s the priciest budget option here. It tracks over 30 sports, including swimming and cycling, with precise GPS, heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors. Animated workout guides for pilates, HIIT, and cardio, plus the Body Battery feature, provide insights into energy levels based on activity, stress, and sleep.
Its AMOLED touchscreen and 14-day battery life (shorter with always-on display) enhance usability. Smart features include calls, assistants, and texts when paired with Android phones, though app options are limited compared to Apple or Google watches.
Key Features to Seek in a Budget Fitness Tracker
When choosing a fitness tracker, look beyond step counting or sleep tracking. Consider hardware quality, comfort, software, and tracking accuracy. Higher-priced models often include heart rate monitors, GPS, or OLED displays, but affordable options can still deliver robust health data.
Which Fitness Tracker Suits Your Needs?
Your ideal fitness tracker depends on your goals. For basic step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and time display, an ultra-affordable band like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers color displays, long battery life, and features like sports modes and notifications.
For runners, cyclists, or hikers, a tracker with GPS is worth the extra cost. If you want more than fitness tracking, a smartwatch provides a larger screen, app access, and call or text functionality. Active users may also benefit from pairing their tracker with quality earbuds for a seamless workout experience.
