If you’re hunting for the best budget Smartwatches 2025 that won’t die mid-week and still nails the essentials—heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, stress, and GPS—you’re in the right place. This in-depth guide rounds up the affordable smartwatches with health tracking that deliver long battery life, accurate fitness metrics, and everyday convenience without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re in the US, UK, India, or looking for the best budget smartwatches in Ghana, I’ve included price guidance, availability notes, and practical pros/cons. You’ll also find comparison tables, short reviews, and FAQs to help you pick a fitness smartwatch under $100 or under $200 that actually fits your lifestyle.
Why battery life matters in Smartwatches 2025
Smartwatches have gotten smarter—voice calls, GPS runs, stress tracking, notifications, and even AI coaching. But all those Smartwatches are useless if your watch is dead by dinner. In 2025, the big win for budget buyers is that several sub-$200 watches now last a week or more per charge while still tracking heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, and workouts. A few models even stretch to two weeks or beyond with moderate settings and without an always-on display.
Quick picks (TL;DR)
Best overall under $200: Redmi Watch 5 — huge battery, big screen, great core health tracking for the price.
Wareable
Phandroid
NextPit
Best under $100: CMF Watch 3 Pro (by Nothing) — strong value, up to ~13-day battery, dual-band GPS, Bluetooth calls.
Engadget
Nothing Tech
Cinco Días
Best “Apple-style” budget look: Huawei Watch Fit 3 — slim, square design, rated ~10 days, reliable health features.
TechRadar
GadgetMatch
Best budget band alternative: Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 — simple, lightweight, 5–12 days depending on settings.
Reddit
Runner-friendly under $200: Garmin Forerunner 55 — accurate GPS, ~2 weeks smartwatch / ~20 hrs GPS, great training tools.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Amazon
Best value from Amazfit: Amazfit Bip 5 (or Amazfit Active) — ~10–14 days headline life; excellent app and metrics for the price.
Amazfit
GearLab
Amazon
Ghana shoppers: look for Redmi and CMF on Jumia/Jiji and local electronics retailers like Franko Trading. Stock and pricing vary but these models are commonly listed.
Jumia Ghana
Jiji Ghana
+1
Franko Trading Enterprise
What to look for (so you buy once, not twice)
Battery life: Aim for 7–14 days (without always-on display). If you run outdoor GPS daily, expect shorter life.
Health essentials: 24/7 heart rate, SpO₂ (spot or continuous), sleep stages, stress.
GPS: Built-in GPS (preferably dual-band) if you run/walk/cycle outside.
Display: AMOLED is brighter/contrast-y, LCD saves cost.
App & ecosystem: Reliable syncing, easy export/share, workout analysis, and steady updates.
Water rating: 5ATM is common—fine for rain and swimming.
Compatibility: iOS and Android support if you ever switch phones.
Price anchors: “Under $100” = great for casual fitness. “Under $200” = better screens/sensors/GPS.
Top budget smartwatches of 2025 (detailed reviews)
1) Redmi Watch 5 — battery king under $200
Why it’s great: Xiaomi bumped endurance again this year. Reviewers report up to 24 days typical (less with always-on and heavy GPS), making it one of the strongest long-life choices in the budget tier. It’s a large, bright display with reliable core health tracking and Bluetooth calling on some variants.
Wareable
NextPit
Phandroid
Pros
Class-leading battery for the price (up to ~24 days typical).
Big, readable screen; easy UI.
5ATM, plenty of sport modes.
Cons
Software is “basic smart”—no third-party apps.
AOD (always-on display) trims endurance significantly.
Some features vary by regional versions.
Best for: Battery-first buyers who want a long battery life smartwatch with solid health tracking and don’t need premium app ecosystems.
2) CMF Watch 3 Pro (by Nothing) — best under $100
Why it’s great: CMF’s 2025 model adds a 1.43″ AMOLED, dual-band GPS, and up to ~13-day typical battery life, with strong value at $79–$99. Bluetooth calling, AI coaching, and a clean interface round it out. For under $100, it’s hard to beat.
Nothing Tech
Engadget
Cinco Días
Pros
Superb value; long battery for the price.
Dual-band GPS for better outdoor tracking.
Crisp AMOLED; lightweight, comfortable.
Cons
App ecosystem is still growing—limited third-party integrations.
Always-on display reduces battery to a few days.
Digital Reviews Network
Best for: Bargain hunters who still want GPS, calls, and affordable smartwatches with health tracking.
3) Huawei Watch Fit 3 — slim, stylish, and capable
Why it’s great: Square, Apple-style design with rated ~10-day battery life and dependable health tracking. A sweet spot for casual fitness, sleek looks, and comfort. (Availability varies by region; limited official US channels.)
TechRadar
Pros
Lightweight, comfortable; bright display.
Solid health features and coaching tips.
Battery life often exceeds rating depending on settings.
GadgetMatch
Cons
Some features depend on Huawei’s ecosystem/region.
No rich app store.
Best for: Anyone who wants a refined long battery life smartwatch that feels premium without the price.
4) Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 — the “just works” fitness band
Why it’s great: Technically a fitness band, but it covers the essentials—heart rate, sleep, stress, workouts—with 5–12 days reported by users depending on settings. Great if you prefer minimal, lightweight, and simple.
Reddit
Pros
Comfortable and unobtrusive; clean Samsung Health integration.
Good battery for a slim band.
Affordable and widely available.
Cons
No third-party apps; simpler metrics vs. full smartwatches.
Smaller display than watch-style devices.
Best for: Casual fitness, sleep tracking, and people who want fitness smartwatches under $100 in a sleeker band form.
5) Amazfit Bip 5 (or Amazfit Active) — value champs with deep metrics
Why it’s great: Amazfit watches are known for endurance, sport profiles, and a solid Zepp app. Bip 5 advertises ~10 days typical (heavier GPS drains faster), while Amazfit Active claims ~14 days typical. Great data density for the money.
Amazfit
GearLab
Amazon
Pros
Strong battery life with smart features.
Zepp app: insightful sleep/stress reports and fitness analysis.
Plenty of sport modes; comfortable, light.
Cons
GPS battery drain on Bip 5 can be steep under continuous tracking.
GearLab
UI feels utilitarian vs. premium brands.
Best for: Data-curious users who want affordable smartwatches with health tracking and long life.
6) Garmin Forerunner 55 — runner’s pick under $200
Why it’s great: Garmin’s training tools (suggested workouts, recovery, VO₂-based pacing hints) plus ~2 weeks smartwatch and ~20 hours GPS at this price are incredibly compelling for new runners.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Pros
Accurate GPS and heart-rate-driven guidance for runners.
Light, comfortable; dependable buttons for sweaty workouts.
Garmin Connect is excellent for training history and insights.
Cons
Display is functional, not flashy.
Smart features are basic; no app store like Wear OS/Apple.
Battery will drop faster with daily GPS runs (as expected).
Outdoor Gear Lab
Best for: New or intermediate runners who value training tools and GPS accuracy more than smartwatch bells and whistles—an excellent fitness smartwatch under $200.
At-a-glance comparison: Smartwatches
Battery & health features (core picks)
| Model | Typical Battery | Health Tracking | GPS | Water | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Watch 5 | Up to ~24 days typical (less with AOD) | HR, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Yes | 5ATM | Under $200 WareableNextPit |
| CMF Watch 3 Pro | Up to ~13 days typical | HR, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Dual-band | IP68 | Under $100 Nothing TechEngadget |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | Rated ~10 days (often more) | HR, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Yes | 5ATM | Under $200 TechRadarGadgetMatch |
| Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 | ~5–12 days depending on settings | HR, sleep, stress | Connected GPS / basic | 5ATM | Under $100 Reddit |
| Amazfit Bip 5 | ~10 days typical (GPS drains faster) | HR, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Yes | 5ATM | Under $150 AmazfitGearLab |
| Amazfit Active | ~14 days typical | HR, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Yes | 5ATM | Under $150 Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | ~2 weeks watch / ~20 hrs GPS | HR, sleep, stress, training | Yes | 5ATM | Under/around $200 Outdoor Gear Lab |
Tip: Always-on displays (AOD), frequent notifications, continuous SpO₂, and long GPS workouts can cut battery life by 30–70% on any device. Turn off AOD and trim notifications for multi-week endurance.
Under $100: Best picks and who should buy them
CMF Watch 3 Pro — the “full-fat” budget smartwatch
Why buy: AMOLED, calls, dual-band GPS, ~13-day battery. It’s unusually complete for the money.
Nothing Tech
Engadget
Skip if: You need a mature app store or medical-grade metrics.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 — minimalist fitness that lasts
Why buy: Comfortable, reliable sleep and step tracking, long battery, simple UI.
Reddit
Skip if: You want a big screen, maps, or rich smart features.
Redmi Watch 5 Active / Lite — the cheapest battery monsters
Why buy: Many users report ~18–25 days depending on model and settings; fantastic endurance for the price.
Amazon
Reddit
Skip if: You need polished third-party app integrations.
Under $200: Best picks and who should buy them
Redmi Watch 5 — battery boss with a big screen
Why buy: It’s the sub-$200 battery king with solid health tracking.
Wareable
Phandroid
Skip if: You need NFC/payments or premium integrations.
Huawei Watch Fit 3 — sleek everyday health
Why buy: ~10-day battery, accurate basics, slim design.
TechRadar
Skip if: Limited availability/support in your region.
Amazfit Bip 5 / Active — practical endurance + deep metrics
Why buy: Great dashboards, long life, lots of sports.
Amazfit
Amazon
Skip if: You want full smartwatch ecosystems or LTE.
Garmin Forerunner 55 — structured training on a budget
Why buy: Proven GPS accuracy and running tools, ~2 weeks watch / ~20 hours GPS.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Skip if: You want flashy AMOLED or app stores.
Real-world Smartwatches battery expectations
Notification-heavy + AOD on: Expect 3–6 days on most budget watches.
Balanced (no AOD, HR on, some workouts): 7–14 days typical for Redmi/CMF/Amazfit/Huawei.
Wareable
Nothing Tech
Amazfit
TechRadar
Runner’s week (daily GPS workouts): Battery can drop 40–60% faster; models like Garmin still fare better thanks to efficient GPS modes.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Buying in Ghana: availability & quick tips
Where to look:
Jumia Ghana often lists Redmi and Xiaomi wearables (including Watch 5 Active, Smart Band 9).
Jumia Ghana
Jiji Ghana typically has CMF/Nothing and Redmi listings from local sellers. Compare prices and check seller ratings.
Jiji Ghana
+1
Franko Trading and other local electronics shops regularly stock Xiaomi/Samsung wearables—call ahead to confirm model/price.
Franko Trading Enterprise
Tips for Ghana buyers
Favor models with widely available replacement bands/chargers.
Check regional app support (Huawei health features may vary by region).
TechRadar
Look for 5ATM water resistance if you swim or get caught in heavy rain.
Pros & cons: budget smartwatch category in 2025
Pros
Multi-week battery is now realistic without sacrificing basic health tracking.
Wareable
Nothing Tech
You can get GPS + calls + AMOLED for under $100 (CMF Watch 3 Pro).
Nothing Tech
Health suites (sleep, stress, SpO₂) are very capable for the price.
Cons
App ecosystems are limited (no Wear OS/Apple app stores).
AOD & constant SpO₂ can cut endurance sharply.
Digital Reviews Network
Some models have region-dependent features/availability.
TechRadar
Frequently asked questions in Smartwatches (FAQ)
What is the best budget smartwatches 2025 for battery life?
For raw endurance under $200, the Redmi Watch 5 stands out with claims and testing around up to ~24 days typical usage (less with AOD or heavy GPS). Under $100, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is exceptional with ~13 days typical and dual-band GPS.
Wareable
Phandroid
Nothing Tech
Which budget smartwatches has the most accurate health tracking?
For runners, Garmin Forerunner 55 offers very dependable GPS and training features. For general wellness, Huawei Watch Fit 3, Amazfit models, and Redmi Watch 5 provide solid everyday accuracy for HR/sleep/stress—good enough for lifestyle use (not medical diagnoses).
Outdoor Gear Lab
TechRadar
Amazfit
Do I need dual-band GPS for Smartwatches?
If you frequently run in cities with tall buildings or dense trees, dual-band GPS (like on CMF Watch 3 Pro) improves track stability. For casual walks/runs, standard GPS is fine.
Nothing Tech
Can these Smartwatches replace a medical device?
No. Consumer wearables are for wellness and fitness. Use them to spot trends (resting HR, sleep duration), not to diagnose medical conditions.
What’s the difference between a fitness band and a smartwatch?
Bands (e.g., Galaxy Fit 3) are slimmer with smaller displays and longer life, focusing on tracking and notifications. Smartwatches (e.g., Redmi Watch 5) have bigger screens, more features (calls, larger app settings), but can use more battery.
Reddit
What about under $100 vs under $200—where’s the sweet spot?
Under $100: You can get long battery + GPS + calls now (CMF Watch 3 Pro). Great for value seekers.
Nothing Tech
Under $200: Better screens/sensors, smoother UI, and overall polish (Redmi Watch 5, Huawei Watch Fit 3, Amazfit).
Wareable
TechRadar
Amazfit
Are these watches good for Ghana (climate, availability)?
Yes—most have 5ATM water resistance and good heat tolerance. For availability and local pricing, check Jumia/Jiji and retailers like Franko Trading.
Jumia Ghana
Jiji Ghana
+1
Franko Trading Enterprise
Longest Smartwatches battery overall: Redmi Watch 5 (typical up to ~24 days).
Wareable
Under $100, feature-packed: CMF Watch 3 Pro (AMOLED, GPS, calls, ~13 days).
Nothing Tech
Slim & stylish daily wear: Huawei Watch Fit 3 (~10 days).
TechRadar
Light & simple fitness: Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 (5–12 days).
Reddit
Training-centric: Garmin Forerunner 55 (2 weeks watch / 20 hrs GPS).
Outdoor Gear Lab
Best app insights under $150: Amazfit Bip 5/Active (10–14 days).
Amazfit
Amazon
How to stretch your Smartwatches battery to two weeks or more
Disable AOD and use raise-to-wake.
Trim notifications to essentials (calls, messages, calendar).
Lower the screen timeout/brightness; enable auto-brightness where available.
Use GPS selectively (download routes, log longer runs less often).
Schedule charging during a shower or morning routine—10–30 minutes can top up several days on many budget models. (Reviewers note Redmi/CMF can often go many days between full charges.)
Wareable
Nothing Tech
Conclusion: the right budget smartwatch in 2025
If you value battery life first, the Redmi Watch 5 is the safest play under $200—it’s the long battery life smartwatch to beat, with capable health tracking and an easy interface. If you’re strictly under $100, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is shockingly complete: AMOLED, dual-band GPS, calls, and ~13-day endurance. Prefer a slimmer, stylish square watch with balanced features? Huawei Watch Fit 3 nails everyday wear with around 10 days of life. Runners should still consider the Garmin Forerunner 55 for training tools and reliable GPS. And if you love rich sleep/stress charts and long life, Amazfit Bip 5/Active deliver excellent value.
