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5 Best Cheap Smartwatches for 2024

As with everything, you get what you pay for. Most cheap smartwatches are junky knock-offs from China that are frustrating to use and lack good features. For this article, I sought out affordable smartwatches that offer good value without a high price. Specifically I looked for smartwatches under $200. I also included one very cheap option for people on a tight budget. Usually, when it comes to technology like smartwatches, you aren’t going to find a good quality item at a low price. If these watches are out of your budget, consider getting a cheap fitness tracker instead.

Check out our comparison chart and then the reviews.

Cheap Smartwatches Comparison Chart

Check out our comparison chart for the best cheap smartwatches. If you want to read our in-depth review of each tracker, scroll down to the next section.

Name	Rating	Features
Aeifond	4.5 Star Rating	Pedometer, Calls, SMS, Remote Camera Control
OneTouch Go	4 Star Rating	Customizable face & bands, iOS & Android compatible, waterproof
Amazfit Bip	4 Star Rating	GPS, Heart Rate Monitoring, 30 Day Battery Life, Sport Modes
ZenWatch 2	4 Star Rating	Android Wear, Waterproof, Pedometer
Ticwatch	4 Star Rating	Android Wear, Waterproof, Heart Rate Monitoring, GPS

Want to compare all of the fitness trackers we’ve reviewed? Check out our Fitness Tracker Comparison Chart.

The Best Cheap Smartwatches Reviews

The reviews are presented from cheapest to most expensive at the time of this writing. Note that online prices frequently fluctuate.

Aeifond Cheap Smartwatch

If you’re looking for a budget pick that still provides many of the features most people look for in a smartwatch, this model from Aeifond should work for you. Designed to look similar to an Apple Watch at a fraction of the price, this smartwatch can sync via Bluetooth to Android or Apple phones. It also has an optional Sim card slot so you can use it without a smartphone. Either way, you can make calls and send text messages from the watch. The watch can display most notifications from your phone, so you never miss an important call or message. There are also tons of useful features built directly into the Aeifond like a calculator, timer, alarm clock, calendar, and compass. If you like taking selfies, you’ll enjoy the remote camera control.

If fitness tracking is important to you, the Aidfond has all the basic tracking features like step counting, calories burned, and sleep tracking. If you’re looking for more in-depth fitness and workout tracking or heartrate monitoring, you will need to buy a more expensive smartwatch. If you’re on a budget and want something really affordable, this is one of the better cheap smartwatches available.

One important thing to note: not all features are available if you sync with an iPhone. You will not be able to send text messages, use the remote camera option, or the vibration.

Available colors: Black, Brown, Silver, White

Fitness Tracking: Pedometer, Calories Burned, Move Reminder, Sleep Monitoring

Notable features: Text Messages, Phone Calls, Calculator, Timer, Alarm Clock, Calendar, Camera Control, Micro SD Slot, Optional Sim Card, “Lost” alert, Compass

Pros:
Very affordable price.
Lifetime warranty.
Sim card slot means you can use without pairing to a smartphone.
Built-in basic pedometer and sleep tracking.

Cons:
Some features do not work with iPhone.
Not waterproof.
No advanced workout tracking or heart rate.
No downloadable apps.
Must buy a sim card and SD card separately.

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Alcatel OneTouch Go Smartwatch

If you’re looking for an affordable, no fuss smartwatch with great fitness tracking abilities, Alcatel’s OneTouch Go may fit your needs. With a design similar to a traditional sports watch, Alcatel has incorporated many awesome features found in today’s cheap smartwatches. If you’re someone who hates the square shaped screens of other smartwatches, you may be pleased with the OneTouch Go’s round face.

Unique features of the OneTouch Go include an “emotion” feature where you can long press the home button and it will give you an “emotion command.” This is basically a prompt to go do something, which is based off of your activity data for the day. So if you’ve had a sedentary day, it will give you suggestions to get up and moving. This smartwatch is also incredibly customizable. You can change the casing and the bands, as well as setting a custom image for the watch face and backgrounds.

Overall, the Alcatel OneTouch Go is a decent cheap smartwatch, but the limited functions and apps may leave many users wanting.

Available colors: Black/Red, White/Gray, White, Blue/Lime Green

Fitness Tracking: steps, heart rate, sleep

Notable features: 3 day rechargeable battery, customizable casing and bands, Android & iOs compatible, IP67 waterproof, message and call notifications, weather reports, music controls, emotion feature, timer, stopwatch, lost phone alert

Pros:
Compatible with Android and Apple iOS.
Waterproof and shockproof.
Personalized backgrounds and watch face

Cons:
Limited smart functions.
No apps.

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Amazfit Bip Smartwatch

A little more expensive, the Amazfit Bip is a fantastic budget smartwatch option with more of a fitness focus. Made by Huami, this isn’t some no-name Chinese knock-off (they make the popular low-price Mi Band fitness tracker). With a sleak, unique design, the Bip features a scratch resistant Gorilla Glass LCD touchscreen. The focus is on fitness, with most of the features realted to tracking workouts. This smartwatch has built in heart rate monitoring and GPS which make the real time activity tracking and sports tracking even more acurate. In addition there are four sport modes for advanced tracking of running, treadmill, cycling, and walking. (Unfortunately, while the Bip is waterproof, there is no specific swim tracking program.)

The Bip syncs with your phone and the Mi Fit app for all of your sports tracking. In addition, you can receive call and text notifications from your phone (all calling and responses need to be done on your phone though). It also has a built-in weather app, alarm clock, and sleep tracking. The always on display does not compromise the battery (you get over 30 days on one charge) and offers a variety of customizable watch faces. For fitness-focused users, the Bip is an affordable option that packs a lot of great features and fantastic battery life.

Available colors: White Cloud, Onyx Black, Cinnabar Red, Kokoda Green

Fitness Tracking: Steps, distance, calories burned, 4 sport modes, heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS, sleep tracking

Notable features: Customizable watch faces, always on display, call and message notifications, 30-day battery, 2.5 hour charge time, waterproof, stopwatch, alarm, timer, screen readable in sunlight

Pros:
Always on display.
30 day battery life.
Waterproof.
Built-in GPS & heart rate monitoring.
24 hour fitness and sleep tracking.

Cons:
Cannot take calls or send messages from the smartwatch.
No downloadable apps.
Regular GPS use reduced battery life to ~1 week.
Bands cannot be changed.

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ASUS ZenWatch 2

If you’re searching for cheap smartwatches with sleek designs and awesome features, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 will meet your needs. Competing in many ways with the Apple Watch, it has a gorgeous stainless steel casing available in a variety of colors and customizable band options, you can easily match the Zenwatch to your personal style. You can also use the Face Designer to fully customize and change the design, layout, and info displayed on the watch. This ranges from classic watch faces to modern sport faces and everything in between.

If fitness tracking is important to you, the Zenwatch 2 has plenty of features to get you up and going–including a sedentary alert when you’ve been sitting too long. As expected, it has a built-in pedometer and you can use the Wellness app to see activity summaries and track your activity over time. It also has a workout coach that helps you track a variety of workout types and help you meet fitness goals. This model does not have a heart rate monitor, so the accuracy of fitness tracking is not as accurate as other smartwatches.

As a smartwatch, there are plenty of features to keep you productive on the go. Built on Android Wear, you can receive messages, meeting notifications, and other alerts right on your wrist. You can also dictate replies to texts, instant messages, and emails to your watch without getting your phone out. Even though the Zenwatch 2 comes with Android Wear, it works with both iOS and Android phones. It’s a more affordable alternative to expensive smartwatches that will make many users very happy.

Available colors: black, silver, rose gold

Fitness Tracking: Step counter, calories burned, workout tracking,

Notable features: Android Wear and Google Apps, Hypercharge (60% charge in 15 mins, full charge in 1 hour), 48 hour battery life, waterproof, move reminders, custom watch faces, make and receive calls, message and app notifications, remote camera, find my phone and forget phone warnings

Pros:
Waterproof.
Two screen size options.
Built in speaker for receiving alerts.

Cons:
Android Wear not as convenient for iPhone users.
Lacking a heart rate monitor and other fitness tracking.

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Ticwatch Smartwatch

Here’s another Android Wear option that’s quite affordable for a smartwatch. The Ticwatch is for all those people out there who hate the square-shape that dominates a lot of smartwatches. Perfect for sporty Android users, the Ticwatch has customizable faces and bands, so it looks good whether you’re at the gym or on a night out on the town.

To keep you fit, the watch automatically tracks your steps and heart rate, but you can also use a variety of apps, including Google Fit to coach you to your fitness goals. It’s also waterproof, so you can shower or swim with the Ticwatch without damaging it. The built-in GPS allows you to track running and cycling more accurately.

Google Assistant makes it easier to get done everything no matter where you are. Use “OK Google” to send messages, set reminders, looking up info, and more. Plus there’s hundred of other apps to assist you with all your needs. While the Ticwatch is compatible with iPhones, limited functionality is available.

Available colors: Shadow, Knight, Lemon, Aurora, Glacier

Fitness Tracking: step counter, speed, distance, workout tracking, heart rate, GPS, sleep tracking

Notable features: Android Wear 2.0, waterproof, custom watch faces, interchangeable watch bands, Google Play music

Pros:
Tons of app options through Android Wear.
Waterproof.
Working out tracking and heart rate monitoring.

Cons:
Limited functunality for iPhone users.
Bluetooth connectivity has a weak range.

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Not sure a smartwatch is right for you? Check out these cheap fitness tracker.

Still searching for the perfect activity tracker? Check out our fitness tracker comparison chart or discover options through activity tracker features or best trackers by activity type.

5 Best Fitness Trackers Under $100

Everyone seems to be into fitness trackers now because they’re great for staying active and helping you reach your fitness goals. Because of their popularity, there are a lot of different activity trackers available on the market now at a variety of price points. While usually, only fitness fanatics are interested in the more expensive exercise trackers on the market, many shoppers want more affordable trackers that only have the essential features. There are many cheap fitness trackers available for tight budgets, but if you can afford to spend a little more you can get better features and better quality. For this article, we’ve searched for the best fitness tracker under $100 and found five fantastic candidates to help you meet your fitness goals.

Check out our comparison chart to find the best fitness tracker under $100 and then read the reviews below. Note: At the time of writing all of these activity monitors were under $100. Since online prices are volatile, they may go over that threshold. We do our best to keep this article up to date.

Fitness Trackers Under $100 Comparison Chart

Check out our comparison chart for the best fitness trackers under $100. If you want to read our in-depth review of each tracker, scroll down to the next section.

Name	Rating	Features
Fitbit Flex 2	4 Star Rating	Waterproof, sleep tracking, silent alarm, auto exercise tracking, 5 day battery, smartphone app, move reminders
Garmin Vivofit 3	3.5 Star Rating	Water resistant, 1 year battery, move reminders, smartphone app, time display
Misfit Shine 2	3 Star Rating	Waterproof, 6 month battery, vibration notifications, interchangeable bands
Garmin Forerunner 15	4 Star Rating	Waterproof, GPS, 8 hour/5 week battery life, Garmin Connect
Xiaomi Mi Band	4.5 Star Rating	Wrist Based Heart Rate, Sleep Tracking, LED Display, Move Reminders, Auto Workout Tracking, Splash Resistant

Want to compare all of the fitness trackers we’ve reviewed? Check out our Fitness Tracker Comparison Chart.

Best Fitness Tracker Under $100

Fitbit Flex 2 Activity Tracker

Fitbit’s are still one of the most popular bands of fitness trackers, and luckily they have a model available for every budget (check out our reviews of all of the Fitbit Trackers). For a fitness tracker under $100, the Fitbit Flex 2 is your best bet. Besides the quality of the product, all Fitbit trackers come with their free smartphone app, which allows you to track steps and sleep, but also has the SmartTrack auto exercise recognition to track any activity to you do all day long. Automatic move reminders plus call and text notifications are great bonus features.

The Flex 2 stands out from the other Fitbit offerings because (at the time of writing) it is the only waterproof Fitbit available. This makes it the best model for swimmers or forgetful types who forget to take their activity tracker off before they shower. As far as its design goes, this is one of the most versatile trackers Fitbit offers. While it comes to you in the waterproof band, the tracker itself is a small pill that can be removed and used with third party bands or dressed up and worn as an attractive necklace or bracelet.

Like other trackers in the under $100 price range, the Flex 2 does not feature GPS or heart rate tracking, but if those features aren’t essential to you, this is a great option for an affordable activity tracker.

Available colors: black, lavender, magenta, navy

Good for: swimmers, fashion conscious users, tracking a variety of exercise types

Tracks: steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, sleep quality and quantity

Notable features: silent alarm, swappable wristband, automatic sleep monitoring, 5-day rechargeable battery, syncs wirelessly to computers and smartphones, waterproof, SmartTrack auto exercise tracking, waterproof, move reminders

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Garmin Vivofit 3 Activity Tracker

Garmin offers plenty of activity trackers for a variety of lifestyles and budgets. We’ve found the Vivofit 3 is the best choice out of their fitness trackers under $100. This tracker is great for monitoring a variety of activity types, which makes it good for people who like variety in their workouts. The Garmin Connect mobile app includes Move IQ which automatically detects different types of fitness activity and records it. The Vivofit 3 also offers the standard step and sleep tracking. If you’re an office worker who needs to be reminded to take breaks, the move bar on the display gives you a quick update on how you’re doing with your daily step goal. The band also features an move alarm to remind you to get up periodically.

If you hate charging your band, the Vivofit 3 has a one-year battery life, so you can just wear your band 24/7 without worrying about battery levels. It’s also waterproof so you don’t have to take it off when you shower. This fitness band also has a built-in display that shows your current step count, calories burned, and the time of day. Garmin’s Vivofit is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quality tracker at an affordable price. The only big features it’s missing are GPS and heart rate monitoring.

Available colors: black, white (additional colored accessory bands available)

Good for: People who do a variety of activities, if you hate charging your band

Tracks: steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, sleep, inactivity

Notable features: 1 year battery life, silicone band, water proof 5 ATM, auto activity detection, move bar and move reminders, displays time of day & steps, personalized daily goals, Garmin Connect app

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Misfit Shine 2 Fitness Tracker

If you’re looking for a minimalist tracker at an affordable price, check out the Misfit Shine 2. This tracker is a smooth aluminum disc that has no traditional display. Instead it features a ring of lights that can show your up-to-the-minute stats, or you can sync it with your smartphone for the full details on your steps, activity, and sleep. Like the Fitbit Flex 2, the tracker disc can be worn in a variety of ways: as a wristband, as a clip, or even as jewelry. This flexibility means it can be worn on various parts of your body for more acurate tracking of activities like cycling where your wrist doesn’t move.

The Mistfit Shine 2 uses a coin cell battery that lasts for 6 months, which means you can wear it all day, all week long, without worrying about charging. Since it’s waterproof, this is also a great tracker for swimmers. If you want more connectivity with your tracker so it’s closer to a smartwatch, the Shine 2 also can connect with and control your smartphone, Nest, Logitech Harmony and other smart devices. This is a stylish tracker with a ton of features at an affordable price. It is missing the GPS and heart rate monitoring that is hard to find at this price point.

Available colors: pure silver, carbon black, rose gold (other third party replacement bands are available)

Tracks: steps, calories burned, distance, activity types, sleep quality and duration

Good for: swimmers

Notable features: waterproof up to 50 meters, interchangeable bands, vibration alarm for text and call alerts, move reminders, 6 month replaceable battery

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Garmin Forerunner 15

If you’re a runner and GPS tracking is essential for your daily jog, don’t dispair! There is a fitness tracker under $100 that has GPS tracking! The Garmin Forerunner line is loved by many runners, and their Forerunner 15 is priced under $100 and has the features runners need. What looks like a digital watch provides much more than the current time, this tracker uses GPS to track your distance and route, which can be easily viewed on a map if you sync with Garmin connect. In between runs, it also tracks general activity, tallying steps taken and alerting you of inactivity. Since it’s waterproof, this tracker is also great for running in the rain or taking a swim.

Features specifically designed for runners include an auto lap function that beeps whenever you complete a mile and instantly gives your mile time. The GPS is used to record your time, pace, and distance for outdoor runs. (If you train indoors during the winter, connecting a foot pod can provide the same info). It also tracks your stats to let you know when you set a personal record for run time or fastest mile.

If heart rate monitoring is essential for your tracking, this model is also available with an optional heart rate strap, though it does increase the price. Depending on current pricing and the color/size you select that may boost the price over $100. The big con we find with this model is it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t sync automatically with your smartphone. Instead, after each run, you need to connect it to a PC or Mac to sync your data to Garmin Connect. If this is an issue for you, consider one of the other trackers in the article or one of the higher-priced Forerunners.

Available colors: black/blue, black/green, red/black, teal/white, violet/white

Good for: runners, people who run occasionally and want all day activity tracking

Tracks: steps, calories, distance, GPS route, auto mile time (optional heart rate)

Notable features: waterproof 5 ATM, auto-lap function, inactivity indicator, 8 hour battery life in training mode, 5 week battery life in watch/activity tracking mode, syncs with Garmin Connect, indoor training with optional foot pod

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Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Fitness Tracker

The Xiaomi Mi Band is priced a lot cheaper than the other trackers on this list. Xiaomi has consistently produced some of the best cheap fitness trackers on the market, and they’re worth considering if you’re searching for the best fitness tracker under $100.

While the Xiaomi Band doesn’t have some of the fancier features of higher-priced fitness bands, it has the features most users need. It covers all the basics like step counting, calories burned and sleep tracking, as well as the bonus of heart rate tracking (which is usually impossible to find in a tracker at this price point). All of this information is available in the free smartphone app, which helps you track your progress and set exercise targets to help you meet your fitness goals. The latest model also adds a few great features like a waterproof design and real-time display of exercise stats right on the band.

The Xiaomi Band is one of the few fitness trackers that displays steps on the band or the current time on its OLED display screen. It also has a touch button to switch between displays. Add in a smart alarm that wakes you during the best point in your sleep cycle and the 20 day battery life, this is an excellent choice for an affordable fitness band.

Available colors: black (but replacement bands in a variety of colors are available)

Good for: Office workers who want to be more active, runners who want to monitor speed and heart rate

Tracks: steps, heart rate, running speed, sleep duration and quality

Notable features: LED display, real-time exercise stats on band, time, heart rate monitor, move reminders, auto-work out tracking, auto sleep tracking, waterproof, Bluetooth syncing, compatible with Android 4.4+ and iOS 7+, Android only: phone text and call alerts, 20 day battery life

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On a budget? Check out the best cheap fitness trackers.

Still searching for the perfect activity tracker? Check out our fitness tracker comparison chart or discover options through activity tracker features or best trackers by activity type.

5 Best Pedometers & Step Counters for 2024

Before fancy fitness trackers with GPS and heart rate monitors became all the rage, simpler slip on pedometers were the main way people tracked their daily step count. While you can drop hundreds of dollars on a fitness tracker with all the bells and whistles, basic pedometers and step counters are still available for a fraction of the price. There are a ton of these trackers available, so for this article, we’re focusing on the five best pedometers available for tracking steps and activity.

Many people just want to make sure they’re reaching their step goal each day as walking is their main form of exercise. They may not want to deal with the fancy features of more expensive fitness trackers. Some people do not own or do not want to have to sync a fitness band to a smartphone to see their steps. If you’re looking for a simple pedometer that counts steps, is easy to use, and does not require syncing to another device, there are many options available. Here are the best pedometers available to help you keep track of your daily walking goals.

Best Pedometers and Step Counters

OZO Fitness SC 3D Digital Pedometer

Ozo makes a very affordable pedometer that features all the basics you need in a step counter without any extra fluff. The latest design is a modern update on their previous model. This tracker easily clips onto your clothes (recommended to be worn on your waistband) or can be worn on a lanyard and counts your steps all day. The 30 day memory log keeps all your data for a month so you can keep track of your progress. The built-in clock is convenient.

If you work out at the gym, this pedometer will be able to record steps from treadmills and elliptical machines, just like normal walking. This easy to use pedometer is perfect for seniors, kids, or adults who just want a no-frills step counter. This is one of the best pedometers available at an affordable price.

Available colors: blue, black, pink

Tracks: steps, miles, calories burned, exercise time

Notable features: Auto-shut off function to preserve battery life, 1 year battery life, low battery warning, 30 day memory log, wear as lanyard or clip

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Omron Alvita Tri Axis Pedometer

This basic pedometer from Omron uses tri axis technology to give you an accurate step count from any position, whether you have it clipped to your belt, in your pocket, or held in your hand. It can also tell the difference between different types of steps, like a leisurely walk or a brisk jog, and tracks them accordingly to count how many calories are burned.

The Alvita comes in several different models, so if you want a wireless activity tracker, or one that tracks steps per minute you can upgrade to that model.

Available colors: black

Tracks: steps, aerobic steps, distance walked, calories burned

Notable features: stores 7 days of step data, resets count automatically at midnight, smart sensor technology for accurate step count

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3DTriSport Walking Pedometer

If you’re looking for 3D tri-axis sensor technology with a few more features, you may want to consider buying this step counter from 3DTriSport. Not only will this pedometer track your steps on your belt, in your pocket, or in your bag, you can also wear the included wristband while you walk or run.

This pedometer also tracks 30 days of step and calorie history–which is one of the longest we’ve seen for pedometers that don’t need to sync to a smartphone. This helps keep you motivated and on track to reach your fitness goals. Also, this is a great pedometer for walking and running.

Available colors: pink/magenta, grey/black, white, black

Tracks: steps, walking distance (miles or kilometers), exercise time, calories burned

Notable features: 30 day step history memory, belt clip or wristband

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Elegiant Wireless Pedometer Fitness Band

This is the fanciest activity monitor we’re going to include on this list. It does much more than a basic pedometer, but it’s affordable price point and easy to use features make it worth considering. Its wristband form is also great to consider for people who do not want a clippable pedometer.

Made from silicone, this fitness tracker has a USB connection to charge the battery and upload data to your computer. It tracks all the basics like steps and calories burned, but it has some other amazing features that usually only see in much pricier models. The OLED screen is tap enabled so you can swipe through your activity history, and also use it for text message and call notifications.

It also features sleep monitoring and a silent alarm that vibrates to wake you up. The newest version also features a heart rate monitor to give you more accurate stats. This band is also waterproof, which means you can shower and swim with it on. It’s truly a 24/7 fitness tracker.

Available colors: black, blue, red

Tracks: steps, calories burned, sleep, heart rate

Notable features: USB charging, touch/tap screen, waterproof, move reminders, find your phone, camera remote control, SMS and call notifications, sleep tracking, vibrating alarm

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Fitbit Zip

If you’re looking for a pedometer that’s a little flashier, has wireless capabilities allowing for more long-term tracking, but still has the basic functions of a pedometer, you should considered the Fitbit Zip.

The LCD display conveniently shows the current day’s step count and also the time. When you reach your step goal for the day it buzzes in congratulation. Sync it with the free Fitbit app and track your daily stats to improve your activity over time.

This makes a great gift for older parents who aren’t very tech-savvy but are looking for an easy way to track their activity and steps over time. Since it has the option to sync to a computer, it’s also great for people who don’t use smartphones.

You can wear it clipped to any piece of clothing: your belt or waistband, bra strap, or inside your pocket.

Available colors: blue, charcoal, lime, magenta

Tracks: steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes

Notable features: syncs wirelessly to computers or smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth, clips to clothing, displays daily step count on device, battery lasts 6 months, water resistant

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FAQs about Pedometers and Step Counters

How much is a pedometer?

Prices vary based on features, but the most basic models are quite affordable. If you’re looking at basic step counters that clip-on, usually you can find something priced between $10 – $25. The more features the pedometer has, the higher the price will be. If you are interested in pedometers with heart rate monitors

Where can I buy a pedometer to count my steps?

You can find some models at local sports and outdoors stores or general stores like Wal-Mart or Target. You will find the best selection online. Amazon has one of the biggest selections of simple pedometers and step counters. Shopping on Amazon also gives you a chance to read reviews and find the best step counter available. They also have a good return policy if you have an issue or decide a pedometer is not right for you.

How does a pedometer help people reach their fitness goals?

Many people have trouble fitting regular exercise into their days. With a lot of the population working office jobs that require sitting at a desk all day, people are more sedentary than ever. Pedometers and fitness trackers help you track how active you are each day through the number of steps you take. Once you’re aware of your general activity level it’s easy to set achievable goals to improve your daily step count over time.

Many people find pedometers and fitness trackers help them “gamify” their activity and fitness goals. By seeing in real time how close or far they are from reaching their goal, it may motivate them to take a walk in the park or take the stairs instead of the elevator. These subtle changes and choices help add extra steps and create real lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier life.

Another stumbling block for many people trying to achieve new fitness goals is being consistent with the habit. A tracker helps them set goals and track them. If they choose to be lazy on the couch one day it will show in their numbers and help motivate them to do better the next day.

This fitness tracking can also help create competition among friends or family members. Comparing stats and setting group goals is a fantastic way to be active and meet fitness or weight loss goals.

How many pedometer steps are in a mile?

While it seems like there should be a simple answer to this question, the truth is that it varies. A person’s stride length will affect how many steps it takes for them to reach a mile. On average, most people have a stride length of 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means it takes over 2,000 steps to reach a mile. The daily goal of 10,000 steps is equivalent to five miles.

The way your pedometer measures the steps will also vary based on the brand and model you use, and also whether you’re wearing a clip on at your waist or a wristband. To figure out how many steps your pedometer registers per mile, start with your pedometer at zero and walk normally for the distance of one mile. When you finish, check the count on your pedometer. You may want to do this several times to get a more accurate number.

If tracking exact miles is important to you, purchase a pedometer like the Ozo Fitness Pedometer which tracks both steps and miles.

What are the best pedometers for kids?

If your child is older, any basic pedometer will work well to help them track their steps and be more active. Some kids, especially pre-school and elementary aged children, may not be particularly motivated by a boring step counter. There are some activity trackers and pedometers designs specifically for kids. They feature fun games and animations to engage kids and rewards systems they appreciate. They’re particularly good for motivating kids who like to stay inside all day playing videos games rather than exercise.

If you just want cheap pedometers for kids, any of the models reviewed on this page are a great choice.

Still searching for the perfect pedometer or activity tracker? Check out the best cheap fitness trackers and the best fitness trackers under $100 for more affordable options.

5 Best Cheap Fitness Trackers for 2024

Fitness trackers are now one of the most popular pieces of lifestyle tech on the market. It’s common to see sports fanatics, soccer moms, and students alike sporting smartwatches, activity trackers, or pedometers. While workout enthusiasts may be willing drop big bucks on wearable with lots of features, a lot of people only need a basic activity tracker or step counter to deliver the data on their day-to-day fitness and activity. Luckily there are many affordable and cheap fitness trackers available that have all the basic activity tracking features most consumers need. Many people worry that if they want an affordable fitness tracker they’ll be stuck with a clip-on pedometer that can’t do more than count your steps. In reality, there are plenty of cheap fitness bands available with lots of great features.

One of the concerns that comes up when shopping for low-budget activity tracker options is whether the items you’re considering are good quality or just a cheap knock-off that won’t deliver the performance and the features you need. We looked at the most popular affordable fitness trackers on the market today that sell under $50 and found the ones that offer the most bang for your buck. We focused on cheap fitness trackers the basic features that most people use like step counting, move reminders, smartphone syncing, and battery life. If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with a specific feature or designed for specific exercises or activities, we have other articles that explore those in depth. For now, check out our recommendations for the best cheap fitness trackers. Our comparison chart is next, scroll down to read the in-depth reviews for each tracker.

Cheap Fitness Trackers Comparison Chart

Name	Rating	Features
Xiaomi Mi Band	4.5 Star Rating	Wrist Based Heart Rate, Sleep Tracking, LED Display, Move Reminders, Auto Workout Tracking, Splash Resistant, Android Smart Notifications
3DTriSport Pedometer	4.5 Star Rating	Step Tracking, Walking Distance, 30 Day Step History Memory
Amazfit Band	4 Star Rating	Step Counting, Sleep Tracking, Heart Rate, Move Reminders, Water Resistant, 15 Day Rechargeable Battery
ENGERWALL	4 Star Rating	Step Tracking, Heart Rate, Calories Burned, Heart Rate LED Tap Display, Smart Notifications, Rechargeable Battery
Stiive	4 Star Rating	Step Tracking, Calories Burned, Sleep Tracking, LED Display, Water Proof

5 Best Cheap Fitness Trackers

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Fitness Tracker

One of the most recently cited brands that comes up when experts discuss cheap fitness trackers under $50 is Xiaomi. Many are unaware of this Chinese company that is well known in Asia for making affordable and budget technology products. Their Mi Band is now available in its newest version, bringing all the basic functionality most people look for in an activity tracker and adding some features that are hard to find in budget trackers.

This wrist-based activity tracker has a new design and an improved pedometer algorithm for more accurate tracking. However, the biggest upgrade for the Mi Band is the wrist-based heart rate sensor, which allows for more accurate tracking of exercises and calories burned. This new version also features idle alerts: the band vibrates when you have been sitting too long so you know to take a short break and walk around. The 20 day rechargeable battery is fantastic in comparison to many other wristband trackers.

The band features an OLED display, so if you don’t like having to pull out your phone to see your stats, you’ll be pleased. By tapping the button it will cycle through time, step count, and heart rate. The built-in auto workout tracking means you don’t have to futz with settings to record your activity. Just wear the band and go. If you want more data, you can access the Mi Fit app at any time to monitor speed and heart rate. This tracker also automatically records your sleep, tracking light and deep sleep based on your heart rate.

This newest model is waterproof up to 50m, making it a good choice for swimmers. While it may be great for most people, it won’t work for runners who want a GPS watch.

Available colors: black (but replacement bands in a variety of colors are available)

Good for: Office workers who want to be more active, runners who want to monitor speed and heart rate

Tracks: steps, heart rate, running speed, 6 workouts, sleep duration and quality

Notable features: Touchscreen OLED display, time, heart rate monitor, move reminders, auto-work out tracking, auto sleep tracking, waterproof, Bluetooth syncing, compatible with Android 4.4+ and iOS 7+, Android only: phone text and call alerts, 20 day battery life, weather reports

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3DTriSport Walking Pedometer

If you’re hunting for a budget activity tracker has you flustered by features and apps you’re not interested in, then the 3DTriSport is for you. At it’s simplest it’s a pedometer, but it’s better than those generic clip-ons you can buy at a local pharmacy. This tracker features tri-axis 3D sensor technology to accurately count your steps. Not only will this pedometer track your steps clipped on your belt, in your pocket, or in your bag, you can also wear it on the included wristband while you walk or run.

This pedometer also tracks 30 days of step and calorie history–which is one of the longest we’ve seen for pedometers that don’t need to sync to a smartphone. This helps keep you motivated and on track to reach your fitness goals. All of the stats are displayed on the screen. This is a great option if you’re shopping for your parents or grandparents and want an easy way for them to track their steps.

Available colors: pink/magenta, grey/black, white, black

Good for: people who walk or jog for exercise, no fuss step counting, seniors who don’t want to use an app for tracking

Tracks: steps, walking distance (miles or kilometers), exercise time, calories burned

Notable features: Tri-axis 3D sensor, 30 day step history memory, belt clip or wristband, miles or kilometer tracking

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Check out more pedometers and step counters.

Amazfit Band 5

If you’re on a budget but want big features, AmazFit offers a lot with an affordable price tag. In addition to the normal step and distance tracking, the Amazfit has 11 sports modes for tracking your favorite exercises. The 24/7 heart rate tracking gives you more accurate sleep and exercise data. The band also features 5 ATM water resistance, perfect for swimming or showering. If you’re interested in overall wellness, the stress tracking and breathing exercises will help you relax when life gets hectic.

Beyond the typical features of cheap activity trackers, the Amazfit has Amazon’s Alexa built-in, so you can ask her questions, set alarms, check the water, and even control smart home devices from your wrist. The band also comes with 45 customizable watch faces. Once it’s synced with your smartphone you not only receive call and message alerts (text message, Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Wechat), it can also control your music (great for when you’re in the middle of a workout or run and out of reach of your phone) and be used to take pictures remotely (no more arms-length selfies!). Some users won’t need these extra features, but the band is so competitively priced with other fitness trackers under $50 that it’s worth buying the Amazfit if you want these features.

Available colors: black, olive, orange

Good for: office workers, people who workout while listening to music

Tracks: steps, calories, distance, blood oxygen level, heart rate, sleep

Notable features: Alexa built in, 15 day battery life, Health Assessment System, 11 sport modes, menstrual health tracking, stress monitoring, breathing exercises, 5 ATM water resistance, 45 customizable watch faces

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ENGERWALL Fitness Tracker

ENGERWALL has recently released an excellent budget pick if you’re shopping for cheap fitness trackers. Don’t be fooled by the affordable price, it packs a lot of essential features into an affordable price–including real time heart rate monitoring. This easy to use tracker syncs with your smartphone or it displays up to the minute stats on the LED display. You just tap the screen to cycle through all the info. Once it’s synced with your phone, you can receive smart notifications and even use the band to find your phone.

For fitness tracking, it covers all the basics you expect. It also has a built-in stopwatch for easy on the go timing of laps or regular activities. It also has built-in wrist-based heart rate monitoring, which makes other stats like calories burned more accurate. Move reminders are great for office workers and the sleep tracking will help you make sure you’re getting enough rest. It also features IP68 rated waterproofing, so swimmers can use it as well.

No matter what type of exercise you enjoy, you can track it easily thanks to the 16 sport modes. THe battery life is one to two weeks, so you’ll never be stressed about charging. The USB charging port is built into the device, revealed once you take off the band. That way you never have to worry about having a charging cable nearby.

Available colors: Black/Purple, Silver/Purple, Silver/Black, Silver/Blue, Silver/Blush Pink, Silver/Aqua (no HR monitor)

Good for: Office workers, counting steps or tracking walking/running distances

Tracks: Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, Active Minutes, Sleep, Heart Rate, 16 Sport Modes

Notable features: LED Tap Display, Vibrating Alarm, Clock, Stop Watch, Interchangeable Bands, Smartphone Notifications, Wrist Sense Screen, Smartphone app (iOS 7.1+ & Android 4.4+), Built in USB Charger

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Stiive Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor

Another affordable fitness tracker, this one packs in a lot of features at a great price. With a similar design to other trackers, it’s comfortable to wear and easy to use. It has a tap display to see all of the basic stats like steps, calories burned, and distance.

The Stiive is compatible with the “VeryFitPro” app for iOS and Android, which tracks your activity and sleep stats over time. You can also use it to utilize the GPS on your phone to track runs and walks outdoors. The app also has a built in exercise tracker with 14 different exercise modes. It also has a customizable Sedentary Alert function that will remind you to move after a period of your choosing (smallest period of time is 15 minutes). This is a great entry level activity tracker for anyone looking to get fit or count their steps.

Available colors: Black, Blue, Purple, White, Light Green, Pink

Good for: Casual fitness enthusiasts, office workers, tracking walking

Tracks: Steps, Heart Rate, Calories Burned, Distance, Sleep, 14 Exercise Modes

Notable features: Exercise GoalsTime Display, Smart Notifications, Move Alerts, Silent Alarm, Water Resistant, Rechargeable Battery (2 hour charge time), Built in USB Charger, IPX7 Water Resistant, Bluetooth, Smartphone App for iOS 9+ and Android 4.4+

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Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Activity Trackers

Do I need to buy an expensive fitness tracker?

The answer to this depends on your lifestyle, what kind of exercise you do, and what kind of tracking you’re looking for. Cheap fitness trackers usually have enough features for basic step counting, calorie burn tracking, and sleep tracking. This is great for desk workers who want to be more active to counter-act a sedentary lifestyle or people who walk or jog for exercise. More and more of the budget activity trackers on the market also include heart rate monitoring for more accurate exercise and sleep data. These affordable options make great gifts for parents, grandparents, kids, and teens who want some basic activity tracking but aren’t necessarily tech-savvy or need the frills offered by expensive brands like Fitbit.

These affordable activity trackers are also a great entry-level fitness band for people who aren’t sure if they’ll get any benefit from having their steps and sleep tracked. Many people find once they have a device tracking their daily activity and reminding them to move and be active that they automatically start making changes to their life to meet the goals set by the tracker. This helps people lose weight, make better food choices, and live a healthier lifestyle overall.

If you’re a swimmer, runner, cyclist, or spend a lot of time at the gym, you may want to invest in a fitness tracker for your types of exercises. If you don’t care about exercise specific trackers, you may get enough data from cheap fitness trackers.

Should I be worried about buying a tracker by an “unknown” brand?

Not necessarily. Many companies like Fitbit, Garmin, and Sony spend a lot of money on advertising to increase sales and awareness of their brand. Those increased advertising budgets add on to the cost of the individual trackers and don’t necessarily mean they are better quality than comparable “no-name” devices. Instead, you should take into consideration what features are important to you in a fitness tracker and then do research reading articles like this and the reviews on Amazon to decide whether the band or clip you’re interested in is a good quality. You can save major money by ignoring name brands and looking at what customers think of each wearable.

How much should I spend on an activity tracker?

With the number of trackers available today, there are plenty of options in a variety of price ranges. You should consider your personal budget and the features you need when deciding how much to spend. If you only need basic tracking (steps, calories, sleep, smartphone syncing), you will easily find a tracker you like in the $20 to $50 range. You may even be able to find some advanced features like wrist-based heart rate monitoring and waterproof fitness bands when looking for activity trackers under $50.

If you want more advanced tracking like workouts, swimming, running, and cycling specific tracking, you may need to consider fitness trackers under $100 or up to $200. If you want more advanced features like wrist-based GPS, you may need to spend more than $200.

If you want more features but still want to save money, you can try a few different things. Often you’ll find name brand fitness trackers available for cheaper prices on Amazon. You may also be able to find refurbished activity trackers on Amazon for a fraction of the price of a brand new one. A certified refurbished fitness tracker is one that has been returned to the manufacturer for some sort of defect or problem. These may be tech issues or cosmetic issues. The manufacturer then repairs or replaces the defective part, tests it under the same conditions it uses for new trackers to ensure it is working properly and meets all of their quality standards. It’s then sold to consumers at a discount with the same warranty and protections as a new fitness tracker. Some people don’t like to take the risk, but those who do are often pleased by the quality and the money saved.

Still searching for an affordable fitness band? Check out the best fitness tracker under $100.