This isnt the case though, as the tech has advanced, the price for it has come down.
Youll likely be surprised by the number of features now available in the budget market.
For just under $100 it can monitor your exercise, heart rate, and sleep.
It provides a broad range of stats, though many of these require a Fitbit Premium subscription.
Its waterproof down to a depth of 50m although the heart rate sensor wont work when underwater.
For example, it consistently overestimates the distance covered in a run and doesnt offer any specific workout advice.
Its waterproof to 50m but doesnt feature a built-in GPS.
The screen is particularly bright, making it great for use outdoors in direct sunlight.
It also comes in a variety of colours.
The Amazfit Bip
The Amazfit Bip is a relatively low-cost budget fitness tracker.
It features a heart rate sensor, GPS, and a workout tracker.
This means it wont be particularly helpful if you tend to do other forms of exercise.
It features a GPS chip that can connect to both GPS and GLONASS satellites.
Its very lightweight at just 32g making it easy on the wrist.
The instruction manual included is very vague and unhelpful.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is an ultralight and super-slim fitness tracker.
The Huawei Band 3 Pro
The Huawei Band 3 Pro is a slim and lightweight fitness tracker.
It does offer a great 12-day battery life though, alongside a sleep tracker and heart rate tracker.
The inclusion of a GPS module points you towards this trackers strong point.
Its great for tracking exercises where you move.
It struggles more for stationary exercise in a gym.
That was our roundup of the best budget fitness trackers in 2021.
Have you recently bought a budget fitness tracker?
What sold you on it and what has your experience been so far?
Let us know down below.
