Finding the perfect fitness tracker doesn't require breaking the bank. This guide explores several budget-friendly options, ranging from basic step counters to feature-rich smartwatches. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there's a tracker to suit your needs and budget.

TL;DR – Top Budget Fitness Trackers:

Our Top Pick: Fitbit Inspire 3 Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro Amazfit Band 7 Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Garmin Venu 3

Contributions by Kevin Lee

1. Fitbit Inspire 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Inspire 3 delivers impressive features at an affordable price. Its bright AMOLED display and comfortable design make it a pleasure to wear all day and night. Key features include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, and automatic exercise recognition. While some advanced features require a subscription, the core functionality is excellent. The 10-day battery life is a significant advantage, though always-on display reduces this.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 39.3mm x 18.6mm
• Thickness: 11.75mm
• Battery life: 10 days
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, SpO2
• Tracking: Swim, sleep, steps
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Bright AMOLED touchscreen, long battery life. Cons: Some advanced features require a subscription.

2. Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Best Ultra-Cheap Fitness Tracker

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 punches above its weight, offering a surprising array of features for its price point. With over 150 sports modes, a vibrant 1.62-inch AMOLED display, and an impressive 21-day battery life, it's a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. While tracking accuracy might not match high-end devices, it provides valuable fitness insights.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 46.53mm x 21.63mm
• Thickness: 10.95mm
• Battery life: 21 days
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, SpO2
• Tracking: Swim, sleep, steps
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Over 150 sports modes, impressive 21-day battery life. Cons: Tracking accuracy may not be perfect.

3. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with GPS

An upgrade on the Smart Band 9, the Pro model adds built-in GPS for accurate workout mapping. It retains the long battery life and extensive sports modes, while boasting a larger, more visually appealing 1.74-inch AMOLED display. The addition of GPS significantly enhances its value for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 43.27mm x 32.49mm
• Thickness: 10.8mm
• Battery life: 21 days
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, GPS, SpO2
• Tracking: Swim, sleep, stress
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Accurate built-in GPS, large AMOLED display. Cons: No NFC.

4. Amazfit Band 7: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with Health Monitoring

The Amazfit Band 7 offers a compelling blend of affordability and features. Its long battery life, comprehensive health monitoring (including stress and sleep tracking), and over 120 sports modes make it a strong contender. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa adds extra convenience.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 37.3mm
• Thickness: 12.2mm
• Battery life: 18 days
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, SpO2
• Tracking: Swim, period, sleep
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Extensive tracking, Amazon Alexa integration. Cons: No built-in GPS.

5. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Best Budget Apple Watch

For those within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a surprisingly affordable entry point into the world of smartwatches. While not as feature-packed as higher-end models, it still provides robust fitness tracking, GPS, and a range of smartwatch capabilities. The inclusion of safety features like crash detection adds an extra layer of security.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 40mm x 34mm
• Thickness: 10.7mm
• Battery life: 18 hours
• Connectivity: Cellular (optional), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, GPS, accelerometer
• Tracking: Swim, sleep, period
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Wide app selection, safety features, built-in GPS. Cons: Fewer sensors than other Apple Watch models.

6. Garmin Venu 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker for Workouts

While the most expensive on this list, the Garmin Venu 3 justifies its price with highly accurate fitness tracking and a wealth of data-driven insights. Its precise GPS, heart rate monitor, and Body Battery feature provide comprehensive workout analysis and recovery guidance. It also offers a range of smartwatch features.

Product Specifications:

• Size: 45mm
• Thickness: 12mm
• Battery life: 14 days
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, 802.11n
• Sensors: Heart rate monitor, GPS, temperature
• Tracking: Swim, sleep, stress, energy
• Water resistance: Up to 50m

Pros: Highly accurate GPS and heart rate monitor, helpful Body Battery feature. Cons: Limited app selection compared to other smartwatches.

Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker:

Consider your fitness goals and desired features when selecting a tracker. Basic trackers suffice for step counting and heart rate monitoring, while GPS is beneficial for outdoor activities. Smartwatches offer broader functionality but come at a higher price.