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
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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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- Fitbit Inspire 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker
Our Top Pick### Fitbit Inspire 3
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Specifications: 39.3mm x 18.6mm, 11.75mm thick, 10-day battery life (reduced with always-on display), Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, swim, sleep, and step tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Bright AMOLED touchscreen, long battery life. Cons: Some advanced features require a subscription.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 offers excellent value. Its vibrant display and comfortable design make it ideal for all-day wear. Comprehensive tracking features include heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and automatic exercise tracking. While lacking advanced smartwatch features, it provides essential fitness data at an affordable price.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Best Ultra-Cheap Fitness Tracker
### Xiaomi Smart Band 9
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Specifications: 46.53mm x 21.63mm, 10.95mm thick, 21-day battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, swim, sleep, and step tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Over 150 sports modes, impressive battery life. Cons: Tracking accuracy may not be perfect.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 punches above its weight. Its extensive sports modes and remarkably long battery life are standout features. While the tracking accuracy might not match high-end devices, it provides a solid overview of your fitness activities at an incredibly low price.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with GPS
### Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
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Specifications: 43.27mm x 32.49mm, 10.8mm thick, 21-day battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitor, GPS, SpO2 sensor, swim, sleep, and stress tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Accurate built-in GPS, large AMOLED display. Cons: No NFC.
An upgrade over the Smart Band 9, the Pro model adds built-in GPS for precise workout mapping. It retains the long battery life and comprehensive tracking features while boasting a larger, more visually appealing display.
- Amazfit Band 7: Best Budget Fitness Tracker with Health Monitoring
### Amazfit Band 7
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Specifications: 37.3mm, 12.2mm thick, 18-day battery life, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, swim, period, and sleep tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Extensive tracking features, including stress and sleep monitoring; Amazon Alexa integration. Cons: No built-in GPS.
The Amazfit Band 7 offers a compelling combination of features and affordability. Its impressive battery life and comprehensive health monitoring capabilities make it a strong contender in the budget segment.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Best Budget Apple Watch
### Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
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Specifications: 40mm x 34mm, 10.7mm thick, 18-hour battery life, Cellular (optional), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, heart rate monitor, GPS, accelerometer, swim, sleep, and period tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Wide app selection, safety features (crash detection), built-in GPS. Cons: Fewer sensors than other Apple Watches.
For those within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a more affordable entry point into the smartwatch world. It retains many key features of its more expensive counterparts, including GPS and crash detection.
- Garmin Venu 3: Best Budget Fitness Tracker for Workouts
### Garmin Venu 3
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Specifications: 45mm, 12mm thick, 14-day battery life, Bluetooth, 802.11n connectivity, heart rate monitor, GPS, temperature sensor, swim, sleep, stress, and energy tracking, water resistance up to 50m.
Pros: Highly accurate GPS and heart rate monitor, Body Battery feature. Cons: Limited app selection compared to other smartwatches.
The Garmin Venu 3 is a premium option within this budget range. Its highly accurate sensors and insightful features make it ideal for serious fitness enthusiasts. The Body Battery feature provides valuable data on your energy levels.
Choosing the Right Tracker:
The best fitness tracker depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider whether you primarily need basic step counting and heart rate monitoring, or if you require advanced features like GPS and comprehensive health tracking. If you desire smartwatch functionality, an Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) might be a better fit.
