Best Smartwatches Under $100 That Are Actually Worth It

The best smartwatches under $100 right now include the Amazfit Bip 5, CMF Watch Pro 2, Fitbit Inspire 3, and Samsung Galaxy Fit 3. If you want a cheap smartwatch that still feels useful, these are the models most people should look at first because they offer the best balance of battery life, health tracking, and everyday features without wasting money.

Quick Answer: Best Smartwatches Under $100

If you want the short version, these are the best cheap smartwatch picks for most US buyers:

1. Amazfit Bip 5 – Best overall under $100
2. CMF Watch Pro 2 – Best for design + AMOLED display
3. Fitbit Inspire 3 – Best for simple fitness tracking
4. Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 – Best for Samsung users
5. Amazfit Band 7 – Best ultra-budget fitness-first pick

Why This Article Is Different

Most “cheap smartwatch” articles waste your time with vague advice.

Here’s the real answer:

1. If you want the best all-around value, get Amazfit Bip 5
2. If you want something that looks more premium, get CMF Watch Pro 2
3. If you mostly care about fitness and sleep tracking, get Fitbit Inspire 3
4. If you use a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a strong low-cost option

Tom’s Guide recently highlighted that cheap smartwatches in 2026 have improved a lot, with some sub-$100 options now offering features that used to be “premium-only,” and it specifically notes that Amazfit Active 2 can dip under $100 depending on deals.

1. Amazfit Bip 5 — Best Overall Under $100

Best for: Most people who want a real smartwatch feel without overspending

Key Specs

1. Display: 1.91-inch large screen
2. Battery: Up to around 10 days (varies by usage)
3. GPS: Built-in GPS on many retail listings
4. Features: Calls, notifications, fitness tracking, sleep tracking

Why It’s Worth It

This is the smartwatch I’d recommend first for US readers on a budget because it feels like a “real smartwatch” instead of a cheap toy. The bigger screen makes it easier to read texts, see workout stats, and use daily.

Pros

1. Big display for the price
2. Good battery life
3. Usually very competitive pricing
4. Great value for first-time smartwatch buyers

Cons

1. App ecosystem isn’t as strong as Apple or Samsung
2. Accuracy is “good enough,” not premium-level

2. CMF Watch Pro 2 — Best for Premium Look on a Budget

Best for: Buyers who want a stylish watch that doesn’t scream “budget”

Key Specs

1. Display: AMOLED screen
2. Battery: Multi-day battery life
3. Features: Bluetooth calling, health tracking, notifications
4. Design: More premium-looking than many cheap smartwatches

Why It’s Worth It

If you hate the look of most cheap wearables, this is the one to check first. It’s one of the better-looking budget smartwatch options and often gets attention because it doesn’t feel as “cheap” as the price suggests.

Pros

1. Premium-looking design
2. AMOLED display looks better than basic LCDs
3. Good value under $100

Cons

1. Software polish may not match bigger brands
2. Not the best for serious athletes

3. Fitbit Inspire 3 — Best for Fitness Basics

Best for: Simple, reliable health and activity tracking

Key Specs

1. Battery: Up to 10 days
2. Display: Bright OLED
3. Features: Steps, sleep, stress tools, heart-rate alerts

The Verge recently noted the Fitbit Inspire 3 hit around $69.95 during a sale and highlighted its strong basics, including step tracking, sleep insights, stress tools, and up to 10 days of battery life.

Why It’s Worth It

This is not the flashiest pick, but it’s one of the safest. If you want a device that focuses on health basics and doesn’t overcomplicate things, it’s still a smart buy.

Pros

1. Strong health basics
2. Comfortable to wear
3. Great battery life
4. Often discounted

Cons

1. More “fitness tracker” than full smartwatch
2. Fewer smart features than bigger-screen rivals

4. Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 — Best for Samsung Users

Best for: Android users, especially Samsung owners

Why It’s Worth It

If you already use a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Fit 3 makes a lot of sense because it fits nicely into that ecosystem and keeps the learning curve low.

Pros

1. Lightweight and easy to wear
2. Good value for Android users
3. Solid health basics

Cons

1. Better for Samsung than iPhone users
2. Not as “full smartwatch” as some alternatives

5. Amazfit Band 7 — Best Ultra-Budget Pick

Best for: People who want to spend as little as possible

Why It’s Worth It

If your budget is tight, this is one of the easiest recommendations. It’s less about “smartwatch luxury” and more about practical everyday tracking.

Pros

1. Very affordable
2. Excellent battery life
3. Good health basics

Cons

1. Smaller display
2. Less premium feel

What to Look for Before Buying a Cheap Smartwatch

If you’re buying under $100, focus on:

1. Battery life (7+ days is ideal)
2. Display type (AMOLED looks better than basic LCD)
3. GPS (important for runners)
4. Phone compatibility (Android vs iPhone)
5. Fitness vs smartwatch use (some are really just fitness bands)

Final Verdict

If you want the safest pick, go with Amazfit Bip 5.

If you want a more premium look, choose CMF Watch Pro 2.

If you care mostly about fitness and sleep tracking, Fitbit Inspire 3 is still one of the best budget buys.

Best Overall Winner: Amazfit Bip 5

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FAQ

Are smartwatches under $100 actually worth buying?

Yes — but only if you pick the right one. In 2026, budget models are much better than they used to be, especially for battery life and basic health tracking.

What’s better under $100: a smartwatch or a fitness tracker?

If you care about notifications and calls, go smartwatch. If you care more about steps, sleep, and battery life, a fitness tracker can be the better buy.

Is Fitbit Inspire 3 a smartwatch?

Not really in the full sense. It’s better described as a fitness tracker with smart features.