Top Affordable Smartwatch of the Year: Tech Advisor’s 2025-26 Winner

In today’s market, you no longer need to spend a fortune to get a quality smartwatch. The budget wearable sector is thriving, offering great value that allows you to purchase smartwatches for your entire family at the price of one high-end model.

These budget smartwatches are not just affordable but also durable, with impressive design, unique features, and extended battery life. In 2025, several excellent cheap smartwatches were introduced, and after thorough testing, we have identified the top three models that stood out to us the most.

Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year – Winner: Huawei Watch Fit 4

Huawei’s Watch Fit 4 has secured the title of the Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year in 2025, with a remarkable review score of 9/10.

The fourth-generation of the Watch Fit series has elevated the smartwatch to new heights, offering significant upgrades that make it a better value proposition than its Pro counterpart. With features like free full-color maps, dual-band GPS support, enhanced health monitoring capabilities, and new watch faces, the Huawei Watch Fit 4 delivers up to 10 days of battery life, a vibrant display, and excellent waterproofing. Its comfort, availability at a reduced price, and minimal downsides further solidify its position as the top budget smartwatch of the year.

Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year – First Runner Up: CMF Watch 3 Pro

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

Despite experiencing a slight setback, the CMF Watch 3 Pro, from CMF’s budget brand, remains an excellent choice and the first runner-up for the Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year award. While it lacks the interchangeable bezel feature and NFC, the Watch 3 Pro shines in design, software, and affordability.

Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year – Second Runner Up: Amazfit Active 2

Britta O’Boyle

The Amazfit Active 2 secures the position of the second runner-up this year, offering a comprehensive package with a sleek design, abundant fitness features, a quality screen, and reliable battery life. While lacking NFC on the regular model and not having the most accurate heart rate sensor, the Active 2 remains a strong contender in the budget smartwatch category.

Explore all our top picks for 2025.