Tracking your fitness is the only true measure of progress. It is the primary way that you push yourself to see real results.
Fitness trackers are perhaps the best thing that ever happened to the health and fitness industry. You no longer have to keep a handwritten log to evaluate your performance. Now you can have something as simple as a wearable tracker.
There are lots of high-end models on the market. They make it easy to assume that cheap brands are not reliable. While it is true with some brands on the market, it does not mean you cannot find a useful and practical fitness tracker for less money than the high-end models.
Today, we look into the Best Cheap Fitness Trackers. These models are all well regarded for having good value for the price tag. It is our goal to help you save cash while you stay fit.
Contents
- Features to Consider in Cheap Fitness Trackers
- Best Cheap Fitness Trackers Under $50
- Best Cheap Fitness Trackers Under $100
- Guide to Buying the Best Cheap Fitness Trackers
- Conclusion
Features to Consider in Cheap Fitness Trackers
Calorie Calculator
The calories you burn in a workout is essential to losing weight. Therefore, it is important to find an accurate tracker. It helps prevent you from eating more calories than necessary for the ideal daily intake. Finding an accurate calorie counter is very important.
Steps Counter
One of the must-have features in a tracker is logging the steps you take every day. Some will offer full-day tracking while others only track steps over a specified period. Others will even present you with the distance you walked. Once again an accurate step counter is the most effective at accurately judging workout results.
Companion App and Compatibility
You will want a new fitness tracker that integrates with a smartphone or computer. The integration helps provide a more detailed look at your performance for the day, week, or month. Workout apps also allow you to challenge friends, set goals, and keep up with the challenges you have established. Ideally the device will sync with Android, iOS, or Windows.
Durability
Since you will use the tracker to monitor results during every workout you need something that is durable. It is especially true if you spend a lot of time exercising outdoors, such as hiking, biking, swimming, or surfing. The tracker must withstand the elements you throw at it.
A tracker that features an IP67 water resistance rating is sweat, rain, water, and splash proof. You can now focus on the activity at hand with a durable fitness tracker.
Heart Rate Monitor
There are an increasing number of devices that are capable of monitoring your heart rate. Cheap fitness trackers sometimes provide this feature while other models cut costs by not incorporating it.
A heart rate monitor is useful for checking your cardiac activity. It is really ideal for serious, intense athletes or seniors. The tracker also tracks the calories you burn more accurately. Some monitors will check heart rates 24/7, while others will simply record a resting heart rate in the morning before the device begins tracking.
Best Cheap Fitness Trackers Under $50
1. Lintelek Fitness Tracker
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
The Lintelek Fitness Tracker is an impressive fitness tracker considering it retails for a mere $30. It costs more for two to dine out these days. The fitness track automatically measures your heart rate and sleep habits throughout the day and night. The goal is to create a better understanding of your fitness and sleep patterns in order to improve overall well-being.
The device is considered incredible accurate. Customers rave about dependable information regarding steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and other important fitness data. It helps keep you on the right path to reach your personal goals.
The tracker is designed with a slim look. It is very lightweight and compact, which is an essential of any fitness tracker to avoid a bulky, inhibiting look and feel. The screen is nearly an inch and easy to read. The product is sold with a built-in USB plug to charge and dependable battery life.
Convenient Features
The Lintelek Fitness Tracker is really comfortable to wear. The straps are composed of TPU and the soft material is comfortable to wear on your wrist. The lightweight of the device almost makes you forget you are wearing it.
The device also features a photo function. It allows you to record the landscape of your exercise location. All you need to do is shake the unit and then your phone will take a photo in three seconds.
The fitness tracker can also serve as a personal alarm clock. It will lightly buzz you arm, strong enough to wake you yet not nearly as annoying as an old-school alarm clock. It avoids you missing an alarm or other type of notification.
The Lintelek Fitness Tracker makes for a really great gift. It is extremely affordable, adjustable, and sold in three different colors.
Verdict
The Lintelek Fitness Tracker is one of the most well rounded fitness trackers for under $50. The list of features is very impressive for a device so cheap. The tracker syncs with the VeryFit Pro app and also notifies you of incoming calls, texts, and social media feeds.
- Very accurate tracking of fitness activity
- Built-in heart rate monitor for constant readings
- Extremely affordable device for all its features
- Fairly lightweight and compact to take anywhere
- Syncs with incoming calls, texts, and social media notifications
- Built-in alarm and alert system is helpful
- Not compatible with the popular Fitbit app
2. SkyGrand 2020 Fitness Tracker HR
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
The SkyGrand 2020 Fitness Tracker HR is detailed in its heart rate and sleep monitoring. The device has a built-in Advanced Nordic 51832 chip that has been updated for 2020 in order to deliver lower power consumption, more accurate results, and the highest degree of integration.
Therefore, you can depend on the Skygrand Fitness Tracker to maintain its accuracy with fitness data while producing a longer battery life. The data is presented in real-time and automatically tracked all day long!
Users are able to monitor important data such as steps, distance, miles walked, calories burned, and active minutes. It keeps you motivated from the moment you wake up to the time you crash at night.
The fitness tracker is also connected to GPS which is fairly rare for cheap fitness trackers. There are 14 exercise modes to help you understand more comprehensive exercise data. The GPS assists with stats like pace, distance, and where you are on a walking/jogging/running route.
The Sport Modes include walking, running, cycling, dancing, climbing, treadmill workout, basketball, football, badminton, tennis, and yoga.
Convenient Features
The fitness tracker has been upgraded with a vastly improved battery compared to the 2020 version. The manufacturer advertises the battery as only needing 1-2 hours to fully charge, and responsive for between one to two weeks.
The SkyGrand 2020 Fitness Tracker HR also allows users to receive calls, SMS, SNS, and calendar notifications. The alerts are presented directly on a vivid, easy to read LCD display. The notifications vibrate so they are not too annoying to you or surrounding co-workers or family members.
Lastly, the SkyGrand fitness tracker also has a sedentary alert that gets you moving when activity has turned stagnant. Additionally, the device is waterproof and designed to handle bumps, shakes, and sweat. You can sport the device while washing your hands, bathing, swimming, or getting stuck in a rainstorm.
Verdict
The SkyGrand 2020 Fitness Tracker HR is exceptional value for only $35. It is clearly one of the finest fitness trackers under $50. The device is loaded with a ton of features. Even more importantly the physical fitness data is accurate and dependable. The battery quickly charges and is long lasting.
- Automatic tracking all day for dependable results
- Heart rate monitoring produces readings throughout the day
- GPS is built-into device for helpful route assistance and other info
- Sleep monitor provides important information for healthy living
- Connects to your phone to notify of calls, texts, and social media
- Sedentary Alert lets you know when you should start moving again
- Waterproof device that is durable and very dependable
- The only way to charge the tracker is with USB though is quickly recharges to full strength in only 1-2 hours
3. LETSCOM Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor for Multi-Sport Tracking
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
LETSCOM is one of the few affordable fitness trackers that can track more than just steps. The device features 14 sports modes that can adapt to walking, running, hiking, swimming, and dancing. It can also adjust to more comprehensive sports such as basketball, tennis, and yoga.
The built-in heart rate monitor is essential for getting correct information in real-time. The LETSCOM Fitness Tracker can connect seamlessly to your smartphone GPS to provide detailed data about your route, pace, and distance. Your phone will help map out a route which is relaly beneficial to walkers, joggers, runners, and cyclists.
The tracker also features an OLED display with a built-in clock. You can see the screen clearly in the outdoors, and even during the middle of the day. It will automatically light up as soon as you turn the screen towards you.
Convenient Features
The LETSCOM Fitness Tracker model is feature-packed. It has SNS, SMS, and call alerts. The screen is wide enough to give you information about incoming calls Users may also access text messages directly from the screen. The device also controls the shutter feature on the camera of your phone for improved selfies.
Overall
The LETSCOM Fitness Tracker has a ton of features for only $30. The variety of Sports Modes is excellent. It also quickly syncs your workout data to a companion app. The app is reliable, but it only works with smartphones. The device provides accurate heart rate readings and activity level.
- Tracks 14 different types of sports/activities
- Shows alerts for SMS, SNS, and calls
- Can control the shutter feature on your smartphone
- OLED screen provides clear readings
- The device uses wrist sense technology
- Produced with in-house USB plug
- Tracker only works with smartphones and not with tablets or a PC
4. Original Xiaomi Mi Band 2 Smart Wristband Activity Tracker
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
The Original Xiaomi Mi Band 2 Smart is one of the best fitness trackers under $50. Some bands irritate the skin, but the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 Smart is an exception. It is comfortable to wear even after the band gets wet.
The tracker records data for your steps, calories burned, sleep activity, and distance. You may active the heart rate monitor for select activities like walking and running. The device will not track your heart rate when doing any form of exercise that is not on demand. However, there is no need to press any buttons as all activity on the fitness tracker is recorded automatically. The information then syncs to the Mi Health app for reference.
The OLED display is bright enough that you can see the readings in direct sunlight. The screen is also scratch-resistant glass that will remain in good condition for a long time.
Convenient Features
A button on the band allows you to toggle between the activities you have been tracking for the day. The sleep monitor can recognize your sleep activity such as REM, light, and deep sleep. It can establish a pattern that will give you information about your sleep quality.
The Original Xiaomi Mi Band 2 Smart also presents an IP67 water resistant rating. As a result, the fitness tracker will not get damaged when exposed to direct water splashes, rainwater, dust, and cosmetics.
Overall
Xiaomi Mi Band 2 has useful features, but we find the app is a bit limited. You cannot share your progress with friends on the app – only on Twitter and Facebook. However, you can sync data with Google Fit and Apple Health.
The addition of an OLED screen, real-time watch, and heart rate monitor are some of the features as to why the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 deserves a place on the best cheap fitness trackers with a retail price of only $25.
- It has a heart rate monitor
- Provides detailed tracking of sleep activity
- Works with most Android and iOS smartphones
- IP67 water resistance rating
- The device has a smart reminder for calls, texts, and social media notifications
- The length of the band is adjustable
- The app only has basic data provisions
5. MOOV NOW 3D Fitness Tracker for Personalized Training
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
MOOV NOW is kind of like a personal fitness coach that you can take with you wherever you go for the day. It syncs with your phone and conveniently stays by your side during activities. The MOOV NOW 3D Fitness Tracker is an excellent pick for running, cycling, swimming, and aerobic exercises. The model has three times the amount of sensors as other trackers. The sensors use 3D Omni Motion Technology which allows it to track your exact movement such as pace, laps, strokes, and type of sport (i.e. swimming).
The tracker is adaptable as you can wear it on the wrist or ankle. Users receive coaching and training. The training tutorials are fun, informative, and encouraging. The electronic coach will help build muscles, keep your body in the right form, and notify you when it is time for a break.
Convenient Features
The personal tracker is water and dust proof. It helps provide peace of mind for extreme athletes that exercise in all types of outdoor conditions and environments. The product also has a six-month battery life, so it is designed to last. Additionally, the MOOV NOW 3D Fitness Tracker can track sleep activity and deliver a detailed report the next morning.
Overall
The 3D motion capture is an innovative concept. MOOV NOW has executed it well to provide you with an intuitive way of meeting your fitness goals. Its audio coach also comes in handy to help you perform better since it gives you information about your form and movement in real-time.
- Audio coaching produces better training results
- It is ultralight and comfortable to wear all day
- Battery runs up to six months
- The device tracks sleep activity accurately
- It is water resistant to a high degree
- Isolated complaint about lack of tracking activity intensity
Best Cheap Fitness Trackers Under $100
1. Fitbit Alta Smart Fitness Activity Tracker
Editor’s Rating:
All day Tracking
The Fitbit Alta Smart Fitness Activity Tracker is designed to monitor activity throughout the entire day. The model features a pedometer that tracks your steps, calories burned, and active minutes. It also reminds you to start moving when you’ve been sitting for too long.
The Alta Smart Fitbit is the best motivation for staying fit that you could ever want on a budget. The auto-recognition feature will recognize your workouts like running and aerobic activities. It then syncs the information with a smartphone app.
When running outdoors you don’t need to keep your phone with you. The device presents you with call and text notifications on the OLED screen. It is peace of mind for busy people that cannot afford to miss a call or text.
The Sleep Mode is efficient for night time. The device recognizes sleep trends and helps you work to attain a better sleeping pattern which consequently improves overall health.
Convenient Features
The Fitbit Alta Smart Fitness Activity Tracker has a silent alarm compared to some fitness trackers that produce a very loud, annoying notification sound. The tracker simply vibrates against your arm. It can even serve a gentle alarm clock.
The Fitbit App is a unique companion app that is one of the most widely used fitness apps in the world. Alta allows you to sync your information with the Fitbit app that is available for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. The Fitbit app provides all day data on a single dashboard. You can monitor progress, set new goals, or challenge friends. There is also the option to create personalized workout videos.
The Fitbit Alta Smart Fitness Activity Tracker also features detailed sleep information. The tracker can even provide advanced sleep data like Rapid Eye Movement (REM), deep sleep, and light sleep details.
Overall
Although you don’t get some features like GPS and heart rate monitor, Fitbit Alta is an excellent companion. It is highly accurate when it comes to calories and steps. You will love that it does not have any irritating features like an itchy band. The tracker is comfortable to wear – day and night!
- Provides all day tracking
- It has reliable battery life up to five days
- The band is a very comfortable fit
- Device provides notifications for calls and text messages
- Water resistant but not waterproof
- OLED screen is easy to see in the sunlight and darkness
- Tracker lacks a heart rate monitor and GPS system
2. Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
If you don’t want something that will scream “I am wearing a fitness tracker,” the top choice is the Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker. The model will clip just about anywhere including your belt, pocket, or bra. It avoids making the tracker look so obvious on a wrist if you don’t like the style of most fitness trackers.
The model is capable of monitoring steps, calories burned, and distance. Users may quickly access the screen to track progress. All you need to do is tap on the display to get started. The display is fairly easy to read even in the sun. The Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker also syncs with the popular Fitbit app. The app helps create new goals and track your progress.
The Zip fitness tracker features a 3v coin battery that is advertised to last for up to six months. The long lasting battery makes it easier to not have to remember to recharge the device constantly with a USB cable.
Convenient Features
The Fitbit Zip is sweat, rain, and splash proof. It is convenient for people that prefer to exercise outdoors and may get stuck in some type of storm. There is no need to immediately dart for shelter. All you need to do is wipe the electronic clean and it will remain functional.
Verdict
Fitbit Zip Activity Tracker is a simplified device that will get you moving more every single day. You can track steps, distance, and calories burned which are some of the specs you will need for your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
- Discreet fitness tracker that clips to clothes
- It is water and wear resistant
- Syncs wirelessly with Android and iOS devices
- Ultralight and compact tracker
- The screen is bright in daylight
- The screen only shows three activities, and it does not track sleep
3. Fitbit Flex 2 – Great for Swimming
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
Do you wish you could take your tracker with you to the swimming pool or ocean? Fitbit 2 takes care of your wish by presenting a water-resistant, durable fitness tracker. The device is designed to function extremely well in the water without damaging the interior parts.
It is one of the slimmest and most stylish devices we have seen since you can wear it as a bracelet, pendant, or band. The tracker will record steps, distance, and calories burned. It also automatically recognizes swimming, aerobics, and biking activities like the Fitbit Alta. However, it is not quite as advanced as the Garmin vivosmart HR.
Users are offered a detailed report of all your activities through the Fitbit app. The information includes details like total steps, miles, calories, and progress toward daily goals.
Convenient Features
The Fitbit Flex 2 features intuitive color-coded LED lights that produce crucial alerts like when your phone is ringing or when you have received a text message. It helps you avoid missing an important call, even when the device is set in silent mode.
The Fitbit app is one of the premiere fitness apps on the market. The dashboard does an outstanding job of creating a quick, easy to understand reference for all your fitness activity. For added encouragement you can also share activities and compete with friends. Flex 2 also has a sedentary reminder that will get you moving during extended periods of inactivity.
Verdict
The Fitbit Flex 2 is an excellent value from the stylish design to being waterproof to automatic recognition of activities. It is a thoughtful device that will provide important notifications as well as keep track of your progress using iOS and Android smartphones.
- The tracker is removable and attaches to bracelets, bands, and pendants
- It is swim proof so you don’t have to worry about durability
- Automatically recognizes aerobic and cycling activities
- The LED display is color coded for different alerts
- Syncs with the Fitbit app for the automatic results
- Device has a sleep mode with a sleep reminder
- It may get damaged if soap and household cleaning agents get stuck in the components so you should not use any of these products to clean it. Plain water is recommended for cleaning and rinsing.
4. Garmin vivosmart HR Activity Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
Garmin is a top-performing brand in the fitness industry. The Garmin vivosmart HR Activity Tracker represents one of their most sophisticated designs. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you will surely love this brand.
Garmin has created the Elevate Wrist Heart Rate Technology. It can track your heart from the wrist and does not need to get synced with a separate heart rate monitor. The device will accurately gauge your cardiac activity; thus giving you more precise results for calories burned.
This device can recognize unique activities like climbing stairs thanks to the barometer and altimeter. It can also show activity intensity and intense minutes when going all out in boot camp style activities. The advanced metrics not only detail that you exercised, but how extreme and intense the activities were for workout progress.
Convenient Features
We like Garmin vivosmart HR particularly because of its smart notifications. The transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display is beneficial since you can see alerts even in glaring sunlight. The fitness tracker features vibrations for text messages, calls, Whatsapp, email, and other social media alerts.
It is straightforward to sync the unit with iOS or Android Garmin Connect Mobile. The app challenges you to beat your daily goal, share activity, and connect with friends. You can also sync your Garmin account with the Fitbit app where you can record your meals and have a good comparison of the calories consumed vs. calories burned.
Overall
Garmin is a band to behold thanks to the capability of accurate heart and calorie counting. It is your go-to model when you want to get more out of your tracker without putting a huge dent in your wallet.
- The fitness tracker has a built-in heart rate monitor
- Recognizes advance activities like climbing stairs
- Smart notifications through vibrations
- It is water resistant to 50 meters
- Reminds you when it is time to start moving again
- Its display is visible even when the sun is most intense
- The tracker is a bit heavier than other bands
5. Garmin vivofit Fitness Band
Editor’s Rating:
Design Features
The Garmin vivofit Fitness Band is the ultimate all-day tracker. The battery is advertised to last for a year, so there is nothing preventing you from getting clear and accurate readings all day long. The device monitors activity and informs about progress.
The model is comparable to the Garmin vivosmart HR, but instead of having its own heart rate monitor, the vivofit syncs with a chest heart rate monitor. The lack of a heart rate monitor built into the tracker allows Garmin to keep the cost low and affordable for just about any budget.
The vivofit tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep activity. You can also check your activity and the time on the display. The device also functions well as a wrist watch.
The model is automatic in that it learns your activity level. Every morning you will have new goals and exciting personalized challenges established by the fitness tracker. It is more than just a regular tracker in that the vivofit assists in reaching fitness goals and improving overall well-being.
Convenient Features
The device is water resistant. You can shower with it, and getting caught in the rain wearing it is not an issue. The battery is also water resistant and is not impacted negatively in cold temperatures. When it is time to crash, the Sleep Mode is a useful feature. Sleep Mode provides data regarding sleep quality through the Garmin Connect app. Lastly, the device alerts you when you have been inactive for an hour in order to trigger some body movement.
Overall
The Garmin vivofit Fitness Tracker is an easy model to use as you begin your fitness journey. The inactivity reminder is helpful. It is a tool designed to help improve your lifestyle choices and habits. The 24/7 monitoring and Sleep Mode make the device all the more practical.
- It learns your activity level for new goals each morning
- Device may sync with a heart rate monitor for more fitness tracking
- It can withstand showers and direct water splashes
- The battery lasts for over a year
- The band does not irritate skin after wearing it every day
- Move bar reminds you to walk after an hour of inactivity
- The display does not light up at night
Guide to Buying the Best Cheap Fitness Trackers
There are a few considerations you need to make when shopping for the ideal fitness tracker. The objective is to find an affordable tracker that is under $50 or $100 yet has features of a model that is generally priced higher. Ultimately, you want to discover the best value for your workout needs.
Why do you need a Fitness Tracker?
It is not a good idea to get the first tracker that is within your budget. You first must ask ‘Why do I need a fitness tracker?’
If you are starting your journey to improved fitness, you will want a basic tracker that counts steps, calories, distance, and sleep. There are people that insist all fitness trackers are the same, however, it is not an opinion that we share.
Fitness trackers are really beneficial to helping you become more physically fit. It provides details on your vitals and other exercise essentials, while also serving as motivational accessory and source of encouragement.
Once you progress to more demanding activities like aerobics, cycling, or swimming you may want to upgrade your fitness tracker from a basic version to a more sophisticated model. Some of the best cheap fitness trackers can even automatically recognize the activity and adjust to monitor vitals important to said activity.
Are fitness trackers accurate?
Fitness trackers vary on accuracy and dependency. Of course when you transition into affordable products in any industry you are more prone to run into a few duds. However, that doesn’t mean all fitness trackers are inconsistent. The best cheap fitness trackers that made our list are all known for being accurate.
Additionally, the best fitness trackers can provide advanced metrics such as an accelerometer, barometer, and altimeter. It all depends on how sophisticated your exercise activities are and what you expect of the device.
Are fitness trackers annoying while exercising?
Some athletes that are used to a more old-school way of exercising are concerned that wearing a fitness tracker will inhibit or make working out more difficult. Though some models are annoying and uncomfortable to wear, the top brands and models on the market have sleek designs.
It allows you to comfortably wear the device all day and sometimes forget that you even have it on your body. Some devices are configurable into accessories like the Misfit Ray and Fitbit Flex 2, in order to wear the device like a bracelet, pendant, or watch band. Other trackers are capable of being worn on the ankle or clipped to your clothes. Regardless, if it’s comfortable to you there is no doubt you’ll remain more prone to keep the tracker attached to your body throughout the day.
What type of battery life do affordable fitness trackers offer?
How long does the tracker stay on before it needs recharging or a change of batteries? An energy efficient device will not require recharging for at least four days. Replaceable batteries are favorable because some can power a device for up to a year. You will want to find a delicate balance between the functionality of the device and battery life.
Does a fitness tracker keep you motivated?
You bet. Sometimes you are so engaged in work that you forget to get a little break and stretch those muscles. A fitness tracker with reminders will nudge you and get you back on your feet. Built-in reminders in trackers is one of the most important features the device incorporates to enhance your workouts.
Conclusion
It is not a walk in the park to find the Best Cheap Fitness Tracker with so many options on the market. As a result, we have rounded up what we consider the 10 best cheap fitness trackers available for 2020.
These functional and practical models will fit any budget and keep you physically active. There are plenty of different designs and purposes, such as fitness trackers designed for walking, running, cycling, swimming, or playing competitive sports.