Looking for a capable smartwatch without draining your wallet? You’re not alone. The sub-$50 smartwatch market is booming, offering an impressive array of features that were once exclusive to high-end models. From tracking your daily steps to monitoring your sleep and keeping you connected, these affordable wearables are challenging the notion that you need to spend a fortune for decent tech on your wrist.
But with so many options available, a crucial question remains: are these budget-friendly smartwatches actually worth your investment, or are they just cheap gadgets in disguise? We’ve done the research to separate the true gems from the duds. This roundup highlights eight of the best smartwatches under $50, detailing what they do well and helping you decide which one might be the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.
The Best Smartwatches Under $50
- Popglory Smart Watch with Blood Pressure Monitor
- Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
- Willful Smart Watch for Android and iOS
- LETSCOM Fitness Tracker HR Smartwatch
- Kospet Smart Watch for Android and iOS
- MorePro Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor
- YAMAY Smartwatch for Android and iOS Phone
- LinTeK Fitness Tracker Smart Watch
Popglory Smart Watch with Blood Pressure Monitor
For those who want to keep a closer eye on their vital signs, the Popglory Smart Watch stands out. It goes beyond standard fitness tracking by incorporating blood pressure and blood oxygen monitoring. The data is recorded in the companion HeroBandⅢ app, allowing you to track changes and trends in your body’s metrics over time. This feature set makes it a strong candidate for users who are health-conscious.
This watch also serves as a perfect personal partner for your daily routine. The full-touch screen is responsive and can be customized with a variety of watch faces to match your style. You can stay connected with call, text, and app notifications directly on your wrist. It also includes a suite of convenient tools like a sedentary reminder, music control, and a find-my-phone function, adding significant value to your day.
Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Built for an active lifestyle, this Fitness Tracker Watch is designed to be your health advisor. It automatically monitors your heart rate throughout the day and provides detailed analysis of your sleep quality, breaking down your night into deep sleep, light sleep, and awake times. With a 5ATM waterproof rating, you don’t have to worry about wearing it while swimming or in the rain, making it highly versatile.
The tracker supports 9 different sport modes, including running and walking, to accurately record your specific workout data. It keeps track of all your essential activity metrics like steps, calories burned, and distance. As a smart companion, it keeps you updated with smart notifications for calls, SMS, and social media apps, ensuring you stay connected even when your phone is tucked away.
Willful Smart Watch for Android and iOS
The Willful Smart Watch is a popular choice for its balance of essential features and user-friendly design. It provides comprehensive activity tracking that covers all the basics, from step counting to calorie burn and sleep analysis. Its compatibility with both Android and iOS phones makes it a universally accessible option for a wide range of users looking for a straightforward fitness watch.
This model keeps you in the loop with incoming call and message alerts, so you can decide when to pick up your phone. It also includes practical sport modes to help you track different types of exercises. The long battery life is a significant advantage, reducing how often you need to charge it and ensuring it keeps up with your busy schedule.
LETSCOM Fitness Tracker HR Smartwatch
LETSCOM is known for delivering reliable performance at an accessible price point. This Fitness Tracker HR Smartwatch features a bright, clear display that makes checking your stats easy, even in direct sunlight. It tracks your heart rate continuously and offers detailed insights into your sleep patterns, helping you maintain a healthy routine.
With multiple sport modes at your disposal, this tracker can accurately monitor a variety of physical activities. It also provides smart notifications for calls and texts, ensuring you never miss an important alert. The comfortable band and lightweight build make it easy to wear all day and night, providing consistent tracking without getting in the way.
Kospet Smart Watch for Android and iOS
The Kospet Smart Watch often stands out with its sleek design and robust feature set that rivals more expensive models. It typically includes a high-resolution, full-touch screen that offers a smooth user experience. You can customize the watch face to your liking, giving you control over the look and feel of your wearable device.
Beyond aesthetics, it is equipped with strong health monitoring capabilities, including heart rate and sleep tracking. It keeps you connected by displaying notifications from your smartphone, and often includes additional functions like music control and weather display. This combination of style and substance makes it a compelling option in the budget category.
MorePro Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor
MorePro focuses on delivering accurate health and fitness data in a compact form factor. Its heart rate monitor works automatically to track your beats per minute throughout the day, providing a clear picture of your cardiovascular health. The sleep monitoring function analyzes your rest to help you improve your sleep habits for better overall wellness.
This tracker is built to be a dedicated workout companion, supporting various exercise modes to capture the specifics of your activity. It is also designed to be water-resistant, handling sweat and splashes with ease. The simple, intuitive app syncs your data seamlessly, allowing you to review your progress and set new fitness goals.
YAMAY Smartwatch for Android and iOS Phone
YAMAY offers a no-fuss, effective smartwatch that covers all the fundamentals. It accurately tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned, encouraging you to stay active. The all-day heart rate monitor and sleep tracker provide valuable insights into your daily health patterns, all presented in an easy-to-understand format.
You can receive call and message notifications on the display, which is handy for checking alerts at a glance. The watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for workouts and daily wear. With a focus on long battery life, the YAMAY smartwatch is a set-it-and-forget-it device that reliably supports your fitness journey.
LinTeK Fitness Tracker Smart Watch
The LinTeK Fitness Tracker is designed for those who want a simple and effective tool to monitor their activity. It tracks key metrics like your step count and calorie expenditure, helping you stay accountable to your fitness objectives. The heart rate sensor provides continuous monitoring, giving you a window into your effort levels during the day.
This watch keeps you connected by relaying notifications from your paired smartphone directly to your wrist. Its slim and lightweight design ensures comfort during prolonged wear, whether you’re at the office or the gym. It represents a straightforward approach to smartwatch functionality, focusing on the features that matter most for everyday use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Smartwatch Under $50
When you are looking for the best smartwatches under $50, it is important to manage your expectations. You are not getting the seamless power of a high-end Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. What you are getting is a surprisingly capable device for basic tasks, and knowing what to prioritize is key to being happy with your purchase. I have tested many of these budget-friendly watches, and here is what I think you should focus on.
First, consider the battery life. This is a huge one. Many of these watches boast about “long battery life,” but that can mean different things. Some last about a week on a single charge with minimal use, while others with more vibrant displays or always-on features might need a charge every two to three days. Think about your habits. If you hate charging devices frequently, look for a model that emphasizes a power-saving mode or a simpler display technology like an LCD instead of an AMOLED.
Next, look at the compatibility and app support. Almost all budget smartwatches work with both iOS and Android, but the level of integration can vary. The companion app is where you will change watch faces, manage notifications, and see your health data. Check app store reviews for the companion app (like Da Fit, VeryFitPro, or FitCloudPro). A clunky, poorly rated app can ruin the entire experience. A good app makes setting up and using your watch simple and straightforward.
The display quality and durability are also crucial. You will be looking at this screen all day, so you want it to be clear and bright enough for outdoor use. Look for terms like “HD” or “IPS” display. Also, check what the screen is made of. A tempered glass face is more resistant to scratches than basic plastic. Some watches even come with a pre-applied screen protector, which is a nice bonus. The build material of the band and case matters too—silicone bands are comfortable for workouts, while a metal case feels more premium.
Finally, think about the health and fitness features that matter to you. Most watches under $50 will have a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and multiple sports modes. It is vital to understand that these are not medical-grade devices. They give you a good general idea of your activity level and sleep patterns, but do not rely on them for precise medical data. If you are a casual walker, a basic step counter and heart rate monitor are plenty. If you swim, you absolutely need one with a proper IP68 waterproof rating. By focusing on these key areas—battery, app, display, and the right features for you—you can find a fantastic smartwatch under $50 that feels anything but cheap.
FAQ
Can I actually get a decent smartwatch for under $50?
Yes, absolutely. While it will not have all the bells and whistles of a $400 model, a smartwatch under $50 can be a great device for its price. You can expect core functions like call and text notifications, basic fitness tracking (steps, heart rate, sleep), and a variety of watch faces. For the price, it is a solid way to get into the smartwatch game without a major financial commitment.
How accurate are the health sensors on budget smartwatches?
You should view the health data from a budget smartwatch as a helpful estimate rather than clinically accurate information. The heart rate monitor is generally okay for tracking trends during daily activities or light exercise, but it may struggle with high-intensity interval training. The sleep tracking gives you a basic overview of your sleep patterns. For casual users, this level of data is often perfectly sufficient to get a better understanding of their general health and activity.
Do these cheap smartwatches work with the iPhone?
Most of them do, but with some limitations. Brands like Willful, Letsfit, and others create watches that pair with a dedicated app on the iPhone. You will typically get notification alerts, activity syncing, and the ability to change watch faces. However, you likely will not get deep iOS integration like you would with an Apple Watch, such as the ability to reply to iMessages directly from your wrist.
What is the typical battery life for a $50 smartwatch?
Battery life can vary a lot. Some models focus on longevity and can last 7-10 days on a single charge with moderate use. Others with more colorful, bright screens might need to be charged every 3-4 days. It is rare to find one that lasts less than two days. Always check the product specifications and user reviews to get a real-world idea of what to expect before you buy one of the best smartwatches under $50.
Are they really waterproof?
Many are, but you need to pay close attention to the rating. Look for an IP68 rating, which means the watch can be submerged in water up to a certain depth (usually 1.5 meters) for 30 minutes. This makes it safe for hand washing, swimming, and getting caught in the rain. However, “water-resistant” is not the same as “waterproof” and usually only protects against splashes. Never assume your watch is swim-proof unless it explicitly states an IP68 or higher rating.