An expert at Tech Advisor has compiled a ranking of affordable smartwatches for 2026, selecting 10 devices that handle different tasks particularly well. Good smartwatches in 2026 do not necessarily have to cost several hundred dollars, according to the publication.
The Tech Advisor reviewer named the Huawei Watch Fit 4 as the best budget smartwatch for most people. The device features a thin body, a bright AMOLED screen with peak brightness up to 2,000 nits, dual-frequency GPS, and extensive tools for training and health monitoring. It can run for up to 10 days on a single charge.
Limited support for third-party applications is the main drawback of the Huawei Watch Fit 4. Despite this limitation, the reviewer called it one of the most balanced choices for users seeking a universal smartwatch without paying flagship prices. The model costs around 6,000 UAH in Ukraine.
Alternative budget choices
If price is the main criterion, the expert advised buyers to consider the CMF Watch 3 Pro, which costs approximately 5,000 UAH. The watch features a round 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, a rotating crown, and a modern design that resembles higher-priced devices. It tracks workouts and basic health metrics, though it lacks NFC and full swimming protection.
The Amazfit Bip 6 was highlighted as the top choice for battery life, selling for around 3,000 UAH. It includes a nearly 2-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, Bluetooth calling support, and monitoring for blood oxygen, heart rate, sleep, and workouts. Users report 14 days of battery life, which drops to around six days under active use.
Additional recommended models
The Tech Advisor journalist also highlighted seven other models worth considering in 2026:
- Amazfit Active 2: one of the most stylish options in the affordable segment.
- Apple Watch SE 3: the optimal choice for iPhone owners.
- OnePlus Watch Lite: a thin watch with a stylish design and up to 10 days of battery life.
- Xiaomi Watch S4: allows users to change its appearance using interchangeable bezels.
- Xiaomi Watch 2: the most affordable way to get a full Wear OS watch with Google Play and Google apps.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: provides flagship watch capabilities at a reduced price.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: an interesting hybrid of a fitness tracker and a smartwatch.
Earlier, experts named four smartwatch models that are not worth their price in 2026 due to weak smart features, inaccurate sensors, poor battery life, or an unsuccessful balance of price and features. Additionally, the first Android smartphone fully compatible with the Apple Watch launched last year, though initial setup still requires an iPhone.
