Should you buy a budget smartwatch or a budget fitness band?

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By Surakshya Acharya

Content Writer

Updated on Feb 19, 2025

Should you buy a budget smartwatch or a budget fitness band?

Alright, folks, here’s the question we’re diving into today: should you go for a budget smartwatch or a budget fitness band? I won’t be handing out the answer on a silver platter (no spoilers here!). Instead, I’m gonna break down the pros and cons of both options, and it’s up to you to decide what suits your vibe. So, let’s get into it!

Budget Smartwatch vs. Budget Fitness Band

Pros and Cons of Budget Smartwatch

One of the first things you’ll notice about budget smartwatches is their variety of designs. Whether you’re into that Apple Watch Ultra look or prefer a more classic metal design, the budget smartwatch world’s got you covered. Seriously, the options are endless! Plus, you’ve got a variety of straps to choose from: silicone, leather, metal, Milanese... you name it, you can wear it. Budget smartwatches let you flex that stylish look without breaking the bank. And wait, there’s more! You can even get the features like “Bluetooth Calling” feature these days. Super Cool!

But here’s the kicker: if you’re wearing a smartwatch for more than just the design, like for health and fitness tracking, ahhh... you might want to rethink. Unfortunately, the health tracking on these budget smartwatches can be, kind of all over the place. The sensors? Let’s just say they're not exactly top-tier, and the user interface is also the meh kind. The same goes with the app support as well. Most of these budget smartwatches come from Chinese ODM manufacturers, which means the software tends to be generic at best. Nothing interesting.

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Pros and Cons of Budget Smart Band

Now, on to budget fitness bands. By now, you’ve probably guessed the main difference: design isn’t exactly their strong suit. If you’re all about stylish, fancy wristwear, a fitness band might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re into actual health and fitness tracking then the smart band is the way to go. The tracking, software, UI, and app support are all reliable, which is why people are less interested in budget smartwatches these days. The sales of budget smartwatches are in decline. Wonder why?
Image : Xioami Smart Band 7 Design

Let's test it!

For the sake of science (and my own curiosity), I tested a budget smartwatch (Alewa Steel) alongside a budget smartband (Huawei Band 9). Talking about the results, let’s just say the differences were noticeable. The heart-rate readings from the smartwatch were all over the place, while the smartband’s heart rate, cadence, and pace were impressively accurate. The funniest part? I’m at the ATM, not even walking, and Alewa Steel says I’m moving at my top speed. This wasn't the case with the band. In terms of software and app support, the fitness band clearly took the crown.

Huawei Band 9 vs Alewa Steel data tracking

1/8

Huawei Band 9 data tracking 1

Budget Smartwatch vs. Budget Fitness Band: Comparision

	Budget Smartwatches	Budget Smart Band
Pros	Available in multiple designs	Good health and fitness tracking
Pros	Relatively affordable	Polished UI and app
Cons	Unreliable health and fitness tracking	A bit more expensive
Cons	Poor Software, app support	The design may not appeal to everyone

Conclusion

So here’s the TL;DR: If you’re all about aesthetics and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of accuracy in your health tracking, budget smartwatches are your best bet. But, if you want reliable data and solid fitness features with a side of no aesthetics, a budget fitness band is the way to go. You do you, my friend!