Looking for a fitness tracker that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck! 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for affordable wearables. We’ve checked out a bunch of options to find the best activity tracker under $50. Whether you’re just starting out or want to keep tabs on your daily steps and sleep, there are some solid choices out there that offer a lot for a little. Let’s see what made our list.
Key Takeaways
- Many affordable trackers now offer features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, which used to be found only in pricier models.
- Battery life on these budget-friendly devices is often impressive, frequently lasting a week or more on a single charge.
- While smartwatches offer more, fitness trackers provide essential health data in a more compact and long-lasting package.
- Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Bip 5 are noted as strong contenders in the budget fitness tracker space.
- When choosing, consider if features like built-in GPS or automatic workout detection are important for your needs.
1. Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Alright, let’s talk about the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. If you’re looking to get into fitness tracking without spending a fortune, this one is definitely worth a look. Honestly, for the price, it’s pretty impressive what you get. You’re looking at something that tracks your basic activity – steps, heart rate, that sort of thing – and it does a decent job. The screen is an AMOLED, which means colors pop and it’s generally easy to see, even when you’re outside. Plus, the battery life is pretty solid; they claim up to 21 days, and while you might not hit that exactly, it’ll certainly last you a good while between charges.
Now, it’s not going to replace a high-end smartwatch. There’s no built-in GPS, so if you’re a runner who needs precise route tracking without your phone, this isn’t it. Setup can be a little fiddly, too, which is a minor annoyance. But for everyday use, checking notifications, or controlling music from your wrist, it’s a handy little gadget.
Here’s a quick rundown of what it offers:
- Activity Tracking: Steps, distance, calories burned.
- Health Monitoring: Heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring.
- Display: Bright AMOLED screen.
- Battery Life: Up to 21 days on a single charge.
- Connectivity: Smartphone notifications and music control.
Overall, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a fantastic entry-level option that gets the fundamentals right. It’s a great way to start tracking your fitness if you’re on a tight budget.
2. Amazfit Band 7
Alright, let’s talk about the Amazfit Band 7. If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that won’t break the bank, this one is definitely worth a look. It really hits a sweet spot for value, packing in a lot of features for its price point.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the screen. It’s a decent size, and while it’s not the brightest thing out there, especially if you’re trying to read it in direct sunlight, it gets the job done for most situations. The battery life, though? That’s where this thing shines. You can easily go two weeks, maybe even more, without needing to charge it, which is pretty awesome.
When it comes to tracking your daily activity, it’s generally reliable. It keeps tabs on your steps, heart rate, and even your sleep patterns, giving you some useful insights without being overly complicated. The app that goes with it is pretty straightforward too, making it easy to see your progress over time. It also monitors blood oxygen levels and stress, which is a nice bonus.
However, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t have built-in GPS, so if you’re a runner or cyclist who needs precise distance and route tracking, you’ll need to bring your phone along. Also, while the heart rate tracking is okay for general trends, it might not be accurate enough for super intense interval training where every beat counts. And if you’re hoping for a lot of third-party app support, you won’t find it here.
Here’s a quick rundown of what it offers:
- Battery Life: Expect around 12-28 days on a single charge.
- Display: A 1.5-inch AMOLED screen.
- Tracking: Steps, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen (SpO2), stress.
- Connectivity: Works with both Android and iOS.
- Water Resistance: Rated for 50 meters.
Overall, the Amazfit Band 7 is a solid choice if you want basic fitness tracking, good battery life, and a comfortable fit without spending a lot of money. It’s a great option for casual users or anyone new to fitness trackers.
3. Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a solid choice if you’re just getting into fitness tracking or if you want something straightforward without breaking the bank. It really nails the basics, like counting your steps and keeping an eye on your heart rate. Plus, it tracks your sleep stages, which is pretty neat for understanding your rest.
One of the standout things about the Inspire 3 is its battery life. Many users report it lasting around a week, sometimes even longer, which means less time tethered to a charger. It also has a bright, colorful AMOLED screen that’s easy to see, even when you’re out and about. It’s not the biggest screen, but it gets the job done.
While it doesn’t have its own GPS, it can use your phone’s GPS to map out your runs or walks, which works well enough for most people. It also comes with a year of Fitbit Premium, giving you access to more guided workouts and health insights. It’s a good package for the price, especially if you’re new to fitness trackers.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Accurate Step and Heart Rate Tracking: It’s surprisingly precise for its price point.
- Sleep Stage Monitoring: Get a better picture of your sleep quality.
- Long Battery Life: Expect about a week of use on a single charge.
- Color AMOLED Display: A bright and clear screen for easy viewing.
- Phone GPS Connectivity: Tracks outdoor activities when paired with your phone.
It’s a no-fuss tracker that does what it promises, making it a great starting point for anyone looking to get more active.
4. Amazfit Bip 5
Alright, let’s talk about the Amazfit Bip 5. Honestly, for the price, this thing is pretty impressive. It really does look a lot like an Apple Watch, which is kind of neat if you’re going for that vibe without the hefty price tag. The screen is bright and responds well when you touch it, which is always a good start.
What I really liked was how it handles tracking your activities. You get over 120 different types of activities to choose from, which is a ton. Plus, the built-in GPS is surprisingly accurate, and it plays nicely with the Zepp app, making it easy to see all your stats. If you want a tracker with GPS that won’t break the bank, the Bip 5 is a solid contender.
Now, it’s not perfect, of course. If you’re hoping for super detailed weekly reports generated by AI, you’ll need to pay extra for a subscription. And while it tracks sleep, it’s not the most precise out there. For really in-depth sleep analysis, you might want to check out brands like Garmin or Fitbit. But overall, for what you’re paying, the Amazfit Bip 5 is a really good deal. It’s hard to find a fitness tracker this capable at this price point. It’s a great companion for daily activity monitoring, and you can check out other Amazfit fitness trackers if this one doesn’t quite fit the bill.
5. Amazfit Active 2
Okay, so the Amazfit Active 2 is technically more of a fitness watch than a simple band, but honestly, for the price, it totally fits the bill for this list. It’s packed with a ton of features that you usually see on much pricier devices. We’re talking 164 sports modes, which is pretty wild, and it even has a special mode for Hyrox events. Plus, if you’re into running or hiking, the offline maps are a really nice touch.
This watch is a fantastic option if you want a lot of bang for your buck. It’s got an AI voice assistant, onboard GPS, and the battery life is seriously impressive, often lasting around 10 days. The screen is bright and easy to see, which is always a plus. While it might not sit perfectly flush on every wrist, and some advanced features like NFC payments are reserved for a premium version, for the price, it’s hard to beat. It really feels like a steal, especially with all the workout tech and that handy to-do list function.
Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:
- Screen: Yes
- Heart Rate Tracker: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Activity Tracking: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 10 days
6. Huawei Band 7
Okay, so the Huawei Band 7. This one is a bit tricky for folks in the US because of, well, you know, Huawei’s situation over here. But if you can get your hands on it, it’s a really solid choice for the price. The screen is surprisingly big and bright for a tracker in this category. It’s a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, and it makes everything look pretty sharp.
When I was testing it, the step tracking seemed to be right on par with some much pricier watches, which was cool. It also packs in a lot of health features, like SpO2 monitoring for blood oxygen levels and some pretty detailed sleep tracking. It breaks down your sleep into different stages, which is neat if you’re trying to figure out why you’re always tired.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Display: 1.47-inch AMOLED
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2, sleep stages, stress levels
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days (though real-world use might be closer to 7-10 days, especially if you use it a lot)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, compatible with Android and iOS
- Extra Features: Smartphone notifications, music control
It’s also really thin and light, so you barely notice it on your wrist. The battery life is pretty good too, usually lasting around a week or so with regular use. It’s a shame it’s not more widely available in the US, because it’s a genuinely good fitness tool for the money. If you’re looking for a capable tracker and can find one, it’s definitely worth considering. You can check out some of the Huawei Band 7 options if you’re curious.
7. Garmin Vivoactive 5
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 really hits a sweet spot if you’re looking for a device that does more than just count steps but doesn’t break the bank. It’s got that solid Garmin fitness tracking we’ve come to expect, but it also throws in some pretty useful smartwatch features. You get notifications, you can even store music right on the watch, which is pretty neat for workouts without lugging your phone around.
What I really like is how it pulls together your activity, sleep, and stress levels to give you a ‘Body Battery’ score. It’s not just a static number; it actually updates throughout the day, giving you a better idea of your energy levels. It’s a nice way to see how your daily choices impact how you feel.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- AMOLED Display: Bright and easy to read, even in sunlight.
- Onboard Music Storage: Leave your phone behind and still have tunes.
- Nap Detection: It automatically tracks naps, which is a cool addition.
- Body Battery Energy Monitoring: A dynamic score based on sleep, activity, and stress.
It’s comfortable enough to wear all day and night, and the Garmin Connect app provides really detailed insights into your sleep patterns, which is something you often have to pay extra for with other brands. If you want a capable fitness tracker with smarts that feels like a real smartwatch, the Vivoactive 5 is a strong contender. It’s a good example of Garmin’s commitment to providing detailed health data without a subscription, unlike some competitors that lock features behind a paywall. You can check out more about Garmin’s approach to fitness tracking here.
8. Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 really steps things up, especially if you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between a basic tracker and a smartwatch. It’s got a nice, bright AMOLED screen that’s easy to see even when you’re outside. What’s cool is that it now has a physical button again, which makes navigating menus much smoother, especially when your fingers are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves.
This tracker comes packed with features. You get over 40 different exercise modes, which is a big jump from older models. Plus, you can now send your heart rate data directly to compatible gym equipment like Peloton bikes using Bluetooth. That’s a pretty neat trick if you use those machines regularly.
Beyond just workouts, the Charge 6 integrates some handy Google apps. You can use Google Maps for directions, Google Wallet for payments, and even control YouTube Music. It does require a Google account to use, which is something to keep in mind.
Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:
- Display: AMOLED
- Water Resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- GPS: Built-in
- Health Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, ECG, EDA
While it’s great for tracking distance and steps, and the built-in GPS is a big plus for phone-free runs, some users have reported occasional GPS connection issues. Also, the heart rate sensor can sometimes struggle with very rapid changes in heart rate, though it’s generally fine for average readings. Still, for its price point, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers a lot of functionality and is a solid choice for many fitness enthusiasts. You can find more details about its performance in our Fitbit Charge 6 review.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Finding a good activity tracker without spending a lot of cash is totally doable in 2025. We looked at a bunch of options, and honestly, it seems like you can get a lot of bang for your buck these days. Whether you just want to count your steps or keep a closer eye on your sleep, there are solid choices out there that won’t break the bank. Remember to think about what features matter most to you – like battery life or whether you need GPS – and pick the one that fits your daily routine best. Happy tracking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a fitness tracker good for under $50?
A good fitness tracker under $50 should reliably track your basic activities like steps and sleep. It’s a bonus if it can also monitor your heart rate and has a decent battery life, lasting at least a week. Look for clear displays and comfortable bands.
Do these trackers have GPS?
Most fitness trackers under $50 do not include built-in GPS. This means you’ll likely need to bring your phone along if you want to map your runs or bike rides. Some slightly pricier options might offer GPS, but it’s not common in the cheapest models.
Can I track different kinds of workouts?
Yes, many of these trackers can record various activities like walking, running, cycling, and even swimming, as they are often water-resistant. They usually count your steps, distance, and calories burned during these activities.
How accurate are these cheaper trackers?
For basic tracking like steps and sleep, they are generally quite accurate. Heart rate monitoring can vary, but many offer good estimates. For super precise data, especially during intense workouts, you might need to look at more expensive options.
What’s the battery life like on these trackers?
You can expect pretty good battery life from trackers under $50. Many will last anywhere from 7 days to over two weeks on a single charge, which is much longer than most smartwatches.
Do I need a smartphone to use a fitness tracker?
While you can often check basic stats like step counts directly on the tracker’s screen, you’ll usually need a smartphone and a companion app to see detailed reports, track your progress over time, and access all the features.
