The best smartwatch under $100 in 2026 is the Amazfit Bip 6 for most people. It costs about $80 and gives you a large AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, up to 14 days of battery life and works with both Android and iPhone. If you want more features near $100, the Amazfit Active 2 adds NFC and offline music, and if you only want a cheap tracker, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active costs around $39. Here is how the top options compare.
Key Takeaways
- Amazfit Bip 6 is the best value, with built-in GPS, a 1.97-inch AMOLED display and a battery that can last up to two weeks.
- Amazfit Active 2 is the best for features, with GPS, NFC and offline music for about $99.
- Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active is the cheapest, at around $39, with an 18-day battery but no GPS.
- Fitbit Inspire 3 is a health-first tracker with a polished app, but no built-in GPS.
- Real battery life is usually shorter than the claim, often between 7 and 14 days with normal use.
What Can You Get From a Smartwatch Under $100 in 2026?
A budget smartwatch in 2026 does far more than count steps. At this price you can expect all-day heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, stress and blood-oxygen readings, phone notifications and more than 100 workout modes. The best models add built-in GPS, an AMOLED display and a battery that lasts one to two weeks.
What you give up is premium materials, third-party app stores and the most advanced health sensors. Health readings from cheap wearables are estimates and are not medical devices, so use them to see trends and talk to a doctor about any health concern.
Best Smartwatches Under $100: Quick Comparison
| Watch | Typical price | Battery (claimed) | Built-in GPS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazfit Bip 6 | About $80 | Up to 14 days | Yes | Best value overall |
| Amazfit Active 2 | About $99 | About 10 days | Yes | Most features |
| Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active | About $39 to $45 | Up to 18 days | No | Cheapest and long battery |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | About $80 | About 10 days | No | Health tracking |
| CMF Watch 3 Pro | About $79 | Multi-day | Check the model | Stylish design for Android and iPhone |
Prices are approximate US figures from 2026 reviews. Sales, stock and availability change often, so check the current price before you buy.
What Are the Best Smartwatches Under $100?
1. Amazfit Bip 6: best overall value
The Amazfit Bip 6 launched in March 2025 at $79.99 and quickly became one of the most capable cheap GPS smartwatches. It has a large 1.97-inch AMOLED display, built-in multi-system GPS, 5 ATM water resistance, more than 140 workout modes and Bluetooth calling on some versions. Amazfit claims 14 days of battery life, though real-world use is usually closer to a week or more. Consumer Reports has also recommended it as a budget-friendly choice. It works with Android and iPhone.
2. Amazfit Active 2: best for features
At about $99, the Amazfit Active 2 stretches the budget to include GPS, NFC for contactless payments in supported regions and offline music storage. Battery life is about 10 days and the design looks more like a regular watch. Choose it if you want extras that most cheaper models skip.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active: best cheap and long battery
The Redmi Watch 5 Active costs around $39 to $45 and offers a 2.0-inch display and up to 18 days of battery life. It tracks steps, sleep, heart rate and activity, but it has no built-in GPS, so runs and rides need your phone. It is a good choice if you want a simple, low-cost watch that you rarely need to charge.
4. Fitbit Inspire 3: best for health tracking
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a slim tracker, priced around $80, with a polished app and strong sleep and health tracking. It does not have built-in GPS, and Google is folding the Fitbit brand into Google Health, so check how the app will work before you buy. It suits people who want a simple wellness tracker more than a full smartwatch.
5. CMF Watch 3 Pro: best design for the price
The CMF Watch 3 Pro is priced around $79 and stands out for its stylish look, bright display and everyday utilities such as gestures and voice. It works with Android and iPhone. Check the exact GPS and battery details for your version before you buy.
Other options include the Samsung Galaxy Fit3, which has been listed around $60 for Android users, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, a global slim band at around $50 with a long battery. Stock and availability for some of these vary by region, so check before you plan around them.
How Long Does a Cheap Smartwatch Battery Really Last?
Manufacturers often claim 10 to 18 days, but your own results depend on screen brightness, always-on display, GPS use, continuous heart rate tracking and notifications. Independent coverage of the Bip 6 and Redmi Watch lines suggests that real-world use is often between about 7 and 14 days. Using GPS regularly can cut that sharply.
How to Choose a Smartwatch Under $100: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Check phone compatibility
Amazfit and Xiaomi watches work with both Android and iPhone, while some models, such as the Galaxy Fit3, are made for one system.
Step 2 — Decide if you need built-in GPS
If you run, walk or cycle without your phone, choose a model with built-in GPS, such as the Bip 6 or Active 2. If you mostly track steps and sleep, a cheaper model without GPS is enough.
Step 3 — Pick the battery life you want
For a watch you charge once every two weeks, look at the Redmi or the Bip 6. For more features and a shorter battery life, choose the Active 2.
Step 4 — Think about the app and your data
Smartwatches collect health and location data, so read the privacy settings in the companion app. Turn off anything you do not need, and protect your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Step 5 — Compare prices and buy from a trusted seller
Prices often drop during sales. Buy from the manufacturer or an authorised retailer, and avoid unbranded copies that use the names of well-known watches. For other budget tech, see our guides to the best budget smartphones in 2026, the best tablet under $200 and the best wireless earbuds under $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smartwatch under $100?
The Amazfit Bip 6 is the best overall for most people because of its AMOLED display, built-in GPS and long battery. The Amazfit Active 2 is the best if you want more features near $100.
Which cheap smartwatch has the best battery life?
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active, with up to 18 days claimed, and the Amazfit Bip 6, with up to 14 days claimed, lead on battery. Real use is usually shorter than the claim.
Do cheap smartwatches have GPS?
Some do. The Amazfit Bip 6 and Active 2 have built-in GPS, while the Redmi Watch 5 Active and Fitbit Inspire 3 rely on your phone for location.
Do these smartwatches work with iPhone?
Amazfit and Xiaomi watches work with both Android and iPhone, though some features, such as replying to messages, are more limited on iPhone. Check each model’s compatibility list.
Are cheap smartwatches accurate for health tracking?
They give useful estimates of heart rate, sleep and activity, but they are not medical devices and can be wrong. Use them for trends, and speak to a doctor about health concerns.
Is a smartwatch better than a fitness band?
A smartwatch has a larger screen and more app features, and a band is lighter, cheaper and often lasts longer. Choose a watch if you want a bigger display, and a band if you only want to track activity.
Conclusion
The best smartwatch under $100 in 2026 is the Amazfit Bip 6 for most people, thanks to its GPS, bright display and long battery. Choose the Amazfit Active 2 for extra features, the Redmi Watch 5 Active for the lowest price and the Fitbit Inspire 3 for simple health tracking. Check compatibility with your phone, decide whether you need GPS and compare current prices before you buy.
Related reading: Best budget smartphones in 2026 · Best tablet under $200 · Best wireless earbuds under $50 · What is two-factor authentication?