Best Budget Smartwatches: Top 10 Under $150 That Deliver Big Value

Best budget smartwatches for 2025 — discover feature‑packed picks under $150 with fitness tracking, great battery life, and stylish design without breaking the bank.

Introduction

Best budget smartwatches give you access to health tracking, notifications, style, and useful features without spending a fortune. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a smartwatch “budget” in 2025, key features to look for, detailed reviews of top picks, and how to choose the smartwatch that fits your lifestyle (fitness, sleep, rugged use, or casual). You’ll also get comparison tables, buying tips, and FAQs to make sure you get the best value.

LSI Keywords to Weave In

Below are nine related (LSI) keywords I’ll aim to naturally include:

• fitness tracking 
• heart rate monitor 
• battery life 
• AMOLED display 
• built‑in GPS 
• water resistance 
• sleep tracking 
• sports modes 
• notifications 

What Makes a Smartwatch “Best Budget”

Before going into individual models, let’s define what “budget” means in this context, and what features matter most.

What Is Budget?

• Price range: typically under US$150 (or equivalent in local currencies). 
• Value: getting features normally reserved for more expensive watches. 
• Trade‑offs: simpler build materials, fewer premium extras (e.g. LTE, premium brand prestige), perhaps more basic app ecosystems. 

Key Features to Prioritize

Top 10 Best Budget Smartwatches for 2025

Here are some of the best budget smartwatches available now (or expected) that hit a sweet spot of features and price. Prices are approximate and will vary by region/sale.

*Prices are at typical retail; sales or regional pricing may differ.

In‑Depth Look: What Features Cost More / Less

Here’s a breakdown of how different features affect price, so you can decide what trade‑offs to accept.

Display: TFT vs AMOLED

• TFT / LCD displays are cheaper, less vibrant, less contrast. OK indoors or under shade. 
• AMOLED gives deep blacks, better outdoor readability, sometimes always‑on display. Usually increases cost by ~20‑50%. 

GPS & Built‑in vs Phone Tethered

• Watches with built‑in GPS cost more and consume more battery. 
• If you mostly use tracking with your phone nearby, a tethered approach lowers cost. 

Battery Life

• Simpler watches (less sensor work, more basic display) can last 10‑30 days. 
• Feature‑rich ones (GPS used, always‑on display, frequent health tracking) often last 4‑10 days. 

Sensors & Health Tracking

• Heart rate & step counter are now standard even at low price points. 
• SpO₂ is increasingly common; advanced metrics (ECG, skin temperature, VO₂ max) usually reserved for higher‑end models. 

Build & Water Resistance

• IP68 or 5 ATM are solid for sweat, rain, swimming. Lower ratings may limit usability. 
• Metal cases, better straps cost more. Plastic or cheaper alloys reduce cost. 

 How to Choose the Right Best Budget Smartwatch for You

Even among budget options, different watches are better for different users. Here’s a decision guide.

Step‑by‑Step: Find Your Priority

1. Decide usage type: workouts, casual wear, sleep / health tracking, outdoor use, or fashion. 
2. Set a budget band: e.g. under US$50, $50‑100, $100‑150. 
3. Prioritize features: 
   • If workouts / runs → need built‑in GPS, durable build, good battery. 
   • If style / display → look for AMOLED, good watch faces, design. 
   • If health tracking / sleep → accurate sensors, strong app support. 
4. Check compatibility: with your phone (Android vs iOS), companion apps. 
5. After‑sales / update support: especially if buying lesser‑known brands. 

Feature Checklist

Use this checklist when comparing two watches:

• Display type & quality 
• Battery life (advertised & real user reports) 
• GPS built‑in or not 
• Water / sweat / swim resistance 
• Health sensors: HR, SpO₂, sleep tracking 
• Sports / workout modes offered 
• Notifications / call handling 
• Strap / build quality 

 Region‑Specific Tips (for Countries Like Pakistan, India, etc.)

If you’re buying in Pakistan (or similar markets), or shipping/importing:

• Local prices may include import taxes / duties. So compare total cost. 
• Look for local service warranties. 
• After‑sales support (strap, spare parts) needs to be accessible. 
• Battery replacement / charger compatibility matters. 
• Watch for local sales (special festive sales, tech expos). 

 Best Budget Smartwatches – Comparisons by Use Case

Here are recommendations for specific use cases to help you choose which “best budget smartwatch” suits you.

Real‑World Usage Examples

• If you jog daily and want GPS, something like Amazfit Bip 5 gives you GPS without carrying a phone; expect battery to drop to ~6‑8 days with GPS usage. 
• If you mostly use it for notifications + sleep tracking, a cheaper model (no GPS) might last 2‑3 weeks. 
• If you swim, look for “5 ATM” (or equivalent) or IP68 water rating, and make sure the sensors work when wet (many cheaper models don’t). 

Common Misconceptions About Budget Smartwatches

• “Cheaper = poor accuracy always.” Not always; many budget models have decent sensors, though edge cases (cold, wet, intense sports) may show errors. 
• “You need a big brand like Apple or Samsung to get quality.” Big brands help with support and app ecosystem, but smaller brands often give more features per dollar. 
• “Fancy displays drastically reduce battery life.” They can, but features like “always on display” or adaptive brightness help. Also turning off always‑on or GPS helps conserve battery. 

 Best Budget Smartwatches – Picks & Prices (Local / Global)

Here are some examples (some based on global pricing, some local) of budget smartwatches that have been getting good reviews.

• Amazfit Active 2 — very well‑rounded, excellent battery life. TechRadar+2Trtom+2 
• Huawei Watch Fit 3 — lightweight, attractive screen, good for fitness tracking. Trtom+1 
• Amazfit Bip 5 — large screen, many modes, built‑in GPS. Analytics Insight+1 
• Redmi Watch 3 / Active — good mid‑tier budget, balanced features. theworldreport.org+1 
• CMF Watch Pro 2 — sleek, stylish, newer brand, good value. Android Police+1 
• Haylou Solar LS05 — excellent for long battery and basic fitness tracking. Media Bites+1 

FAQs 

Here are some frequently asked questions with natural style including the focus keyword or LSI terms.

Q1: What features should I look for in best budget smartwatches?
You should focus on fitness tracking, heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, battery life, and built‑in GPS. Even in best budget smartwatches, these features separated the good from the so‑so.

Q2: Can a budget smartwatch’s battery life really last 10‑15 days?
Yes, many models with simpler displays or limited GPS usage can last 10‑15 days. Always‑on display or frequent GPS use tends to drop this to 4‑8 days. Brands like Haylou, Amazfit etc. often advertise long battery life. Media Bites+2Analytics Insight+2

Q3: Is AMOLED display worth paying extra in a budget smartwatch?
AMOLED gives better contrast, deeper blacks, better outdoor visibility, and often more premium feel. If display quality and readability matter to you, yes, it’s worth paying that extra. But be mindful it may reduce battery life a bit.

Q4: Do best budget smartwatches have accurate GPS tracking?
Some do, some don’t. For accurate path tracking, built‑in GPS is necessary. Cheaper models may use phone‑derived GPS or have GPS that drifts under certain conditions. If you plan to use it often outdoors, prioritize a watch with good built‑in GPS.

Q5: How much should I expect to spend for a truly good budget smartwatch?
Typically US$50‑150 for global markets; in local markets, convert based on import and availability. Under $50 gives very basic notifications / fitness tracking; above $100 gets you GPS, better sensors, AMOLED display etc.

Q6: Are cheaper smartwatches durable and water resistant?
Some are. Look for IP rating (IP68, etc.) or ATM rating (5 ATM etc.). Build quality (strap, case materials) may be less premium, but with proper care, many budget watches last a long time.

Q7: Will a budget smartwatch work well with my phone (Android or iOS)?
Generally yes, but there are trade‑offs. Many budget smartwatches support basic notifications, health tracking etc., on both platforms. Features like payments, third‑party app integrations, voice assistants might be more limited. Always check compatibility before buying.

Conclusion

In summary, the best budget smartwatches are now delivering features that used to cost twice as much: health tracking, good battery life, built‑in GPS, and stylish displays. If you define what features matter most—style vs fitness vs battery—you can pick a model that gives you excellent value without compromise.

If you like, I can pull together a list specific to your country or price range (for example under PKR 15,000 or ₹5,000) so you get options that are affordable where you are. Want me to do that?