⌚ Best Budget Smartwatches 2025 (Under $100)
I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a $400 flagship on your wrist to get healthier, sleep better, or actually enjoy your notifications. Over the past few weeks I wore three everyday heroes that cost less than dinner for two: Amazfit Bip 6, Redmi Watch 4, and Fitbit Inspire 3. I took them on runs, into the shower (yes, on purpose), through busy workdays, and into bed to see how the sleep data stacked up.
Here’s the simple truth: the best budget smartwatch today gives you the same core benefits as premium models—heart rate, sleep, steps, workouts, notifications, and multi-day battery—without the heavy price tag. What you give up is mostly extras (ECG, cellular, deep app stores, stainless cases), which most folks won’t miss.
Below you’ll find my lived-in impressions, quick wins to set each watch up right, and clear trade-offs so you can pick confidently—whether you’re starting a fitness habit, upgrading from a basic band, or just want something that lasts more than a day.
🔝 Top Smartwatches Under $100
Amazfit Bip 6
Large display, built-in GPS, up to 10-day battery.
Redmi Watch 4
Bright AMOLED, 200+ watch faces, accurate daily tracking.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Trusted app, excellent sleep insights, up to 10-day battery.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
Amazfit Bip 6
- Built-in GPS
- Big, readable screen
- Up to 10-day battery
Redmi Watch 4
- AMOLED display
- Tons of faces & straps
- Strong day-to-day tracking
Fitbit Inspire 3
- Top-tier sleep insights
- Simple, reliable app
- Big ecosystem & integrations
*Prices are approximate and may change. Always check the live price on Amazon before buying.
🧩 Deep-Dives: What You’re Getting (Real Use, Zero Fluff)
🔷 Amazfit Bip 6 — Feature-Rich on a Budget
If you want GPS without your phone and battery life that doesn’t nag, the Amazfit Bip 6 is the one that over-delivers. I ran two 5Ks and a long walk with only the watch—on-device GPS locked in a few seconds faster than I expected for this price, and the route map looked clean in the Zepp app afterward. The display is large and readable in bright sun; raise-to-wake felt responsive without false triggers at night.
Daily rhythm that worked for me:
- 24/7 heart rate + sleep (including sleep stages)
- Stress checks after long meetings
- Repeat timers for stretches and Pomodoro blocks
- Music controls on runs, plus a simple watch-face with big digits
Battery: With all-day health tracking on, a few GPS workouts, and regular notifications, I was sitting comfortably in the “multi-day” zone. Turning off always-on and trimming notifications pushed it further.
Apps & limitations: The Zepp app is stable and straightforward, but its app store is light compared to premium ecosystems. Replies to messages are basic and can be limited on iOS. If you live for third-party watch apps, this isn’t your platform—if you just need health + alerts + GPS, it’s fantastic.
Pick it if: you want GPS + long battery and a big, readable screen for outdoor workouts—without paying premium watch prices.
🟦 Redmi Watch 4 — Vibrant AMOLED + Easy Living
The Redmi Watch 4 won me over with its AMOLED panel. Watch faces pop, complications are easy to read, and outdoors visibility is solid. Day-to-day tracking (steps, HR, sleep) felt accurate enough to trust trends, and the UI is super approachable—swipes and widgets get you what you want quickly.
What I liked most:
- Tons of faces & strap options to switch styles cheaply
- Notifications are clean and legible; quick glances actually work
- Battery sails through several days unless you go wild with always-on + workouts
Trade-offs: The platform’s app ecosystem is intentionally simple—no deep app store rabbit hole. If you love fiddling with every detail or need advanced integrations, you’ll outgrow it. As a daily tracker with a gorgeous display under $100, though, it’s a joy.
Pick it if: you value a great-looking screen, customizable looks, and no-drama daily tracking.
🟨 Fitbit Inspire 3 — Sleep & Health Made Simple
If your priority is sleep quality and long-term habit building, Fitbit Inspire 3 still nails the basics better than most. Fitbit’s sleep staging and readable insights made it easiest for me to change behavior—earlier wind-downs, more steps before noon, short walks after dinner. The app organizes trends and context without feeling like homework.
What stood out:
- Reliable sleep breakdowns + nightly readiness nudges
- Gentle vibration alarms that don’t wake the whole house
- Challenges and social bits that keep you honest (or competitive)
Know before you buy: There’s no built-in GPS; outdoor routes use your phone’s GPS. Some deeper insights and programs are behind Fitbit Premium—worth it for some, optional for others. If you need maps without your phone, pick the Bip 6.
Pick it if: you want the simplest path to better sleep and steady activity with a huge, well-supported ecosystem.
⭐ Best for Different Needs
- Best Overall: Amazfit Bip 6 — on-watch GPS, big readable screen, strong multi-day battery.
- Best Display: Redmi Watch 4 — vibrant AMOLED, loads of faces/straps, easy everyday tracking.
- Best Fitness Tracking (Sleep & Trends): Fitbit Inspire 3 — trusted app, excellent sleep insights, community features.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
⌚ What to Expect Under $100 (The Good & The Trade-offs)
The good stuff you truly get:
- Solid step, heart rate, and sleep tracking to spot trends
- 5–10 days of battery (settings & workouts change this)
- Bright, outdoor-readable displays (AMOLED/LCD depending on model)
- Comfortable bands with quick-release for cheap style swaps
- Water resistance for rain, sweat, and swims (always double-check the listing)
What you skip: Deep app stores, ECG/skin temp sensors, cellular, and high-end case materials. Many watches include SpO₂ readings, but remember these are not medical devices—use them for wellness, not diagnosis.
⚖️ Bip 6 vs Redmi Watch 4 vs Inspire 3 (Quick Picks)
- Amazfit Bip 6 → You run/walk outdoors and want GPS on the watch + better battery.
- Redmi Watch 4 → You want the best-looking screen, simple UI, and a stylish everyday tracker.
- Fitbit Inspire 3 → You care most about sleep quality, habit nudges, and a mature ecosystem (phone GPS for routes).
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
🔌 Compatibility & Setup Tips
- Phones: All three play nicely with Android and iOS. Some features (like replies) can vary by platform.
- GPS: Bip 6 has built-in GPS; Inspire 3 uses connected GPS (your phone). Redmi Watch 4 features can vary by region/variant—check the listing.
- Water & sweat: Rated for pool/rain in most listings, but still rinse after saltwater and avoid hot tubs/saunas if the brand warns against it.
- Bands: Most use standard quick-release pins; grab a few silicone/nylon straps and rotate for workouts vs. workdays.
🧠 Make Each Watch Better in 5 Minutes
Amazfit Bip 6 (Zepp app):
- Auto-detect workouts for walking/running; turn off modes you never use to save battery.
- Set Do Not Disturb + sleep mode schedule; optionally disable raise-to-wake at night.
- Pick a high-contrast watch face with big stats (HR, steps, next alarm).
- Trim notifications to only essentials (calls, messages, calendar).
- Calibrate GPS with a 2–3 minute outdoor warm-up before the first run.
Redmi Watch 4:
- Choose an AMOLED-friendly face (dark background) for better battery.
- Set screen timeout to a comfortable 5–10 seconds; test always-on only if you don’t mind charging more.
- Add widgets (weather, timers, workouts) to top screens for quick swipes.
- Limit all-day SpO₂ if you want longer battery; spot-check instead.
- Grab a breathable nylon loop for workouts, silicone for showers/swims.
Fitbit Inspire 3:
- Turn on sleep profile and silent alarms; test vibration strength.
- Enable bedtime reminders + wind-down in the app (it helps).
- Set active zone minutes goals tied to your week (not someone else’s).
- Join a friend challenge—accountability works.
- If you try Premium, sample sleep score details and guided breathing; cancel if not useful.
🛒 Buying Checklist (Under $100)
- Battery: If you want fewer charges, skip always-on and check real-world reports.
- GPS: Need on-watch routes? Get Amazfit Bip 6.
- Display: If you care about looks and outdoor pop, AMOLED on Redmi Watch 4 is lovely.
- App & insights: For sleep and long-term trends, Fitbit is still the easy win.
- Comfort: Prioritize quick-release bands; buy one extra strap on day one.
- Warranty & region: Check seller warranty, return window, and feature availability for your region.
❓ FAQ
Are smartwatches under $100 worth it in 2025?
Absolutely. Daily activity, heart rate, sleep, notifications, and multi-day battery are here—and reliable.
Which budget smartwatch has the best battery life?
Amazfit Bip 6, especially with always-on off and sensible notifications.
Which has the best screen?
Redmi Watch 4—its AMOLED panel is vibrant and readable outdoors.
Which is best for sleep & health data?
Fitbit Inspire 3—the app and trends are clear, friendly, and actionable (some features may require Fitbit Premium).
Can I swim with these?
Most are swim-friendly, but always confirm the specific rating on the product listing and follow brand guidance.
Do they work with iPhone and Android?
Yes—feature depth can vary slightly, but setup is straightforward on both.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
