How to Choose a Smartwatch Under £100

Let’s be honest: finding a good smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that tracks your steps, shows notifications, and maybe even looks decent on your wrist – all without spending a fortune. Here is the deal: the market for budget-friendly wearables has gotten seriously good. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose a smartwatch under £100, and highlight four top contenders that actually deliver real value. No fluff, just the stuff that matters.

How to Choose a Smartwatch Under £100: The Key Features

Before we dive into specific models, let’s quickly cover what you should look for. The short version: battery life, fitness tracking accuracy, display quality, and compatibility with your phone. For under a hundred quid, you won’t get every bell and whistle, but you can still snag a solid daily driver. Honestly, most people just need step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and the ability to see texts without pulling out their phone. All four of these watches nail that.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Okay, it’s technically a fitness band, but hear me out. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 punches way above its price tag. You get a vibrant AMOLED display, 24/7 heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, plus over 150 workout modes. Battery life is a beast – up to 14 days on a single charge. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and the companion app is clean. If you prioritise fitness tracking over flashy features, this is your pick.

Display: 1.62-inch AMOLED
Battery: ~14 days
Best for: Activity tracking and battery life

Check the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 price on Amazon

Huawei Watch Fit 3

If you want a smartwatch that actually looks like a watch (square-ish, with a crown), the Huawei Watch Fit 3 is a stylish contender. It’s slimmer than its predecessor and comes with a 1.82-inch AMOLED screen that’s bright and responsive. The fitness tracking is solid – built‑in GPS, heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring. The battery lasts around 7–10 days depending on usage. It also has a nifty “clamshell” design that makes it feel more premium than its price suggests.

Display: 1.82-inch AMOLED
Battery: ~7–10 days
Best for: Style and built‑in GPS

Check the Huawei Watch Fit 3 price on Amazon

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite

Here is a watch that balances price with a proper smartwatch experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite offers a 1.96‑inch large display, making it easy to read texts and notifications. It has built‑in GPS, over 100 workout modes, and a decent 10‑day battery life. The interface is smooth, and it’s fully compatible with both Android and iOS. Honestly, for under £100, you’re getting 95% of what premium watches do – just without the brand tax.

Display: 1.96-inch TFT (bright and sharp)
Battery: ~10 days
Best for: Large screen and value

Check the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite price on Amazon

Honor Watch 4

The Honor Watch 4 is the underdog that surprises you. It features a 1.75‑inch AMOLED display with slim bezels, giving it a chic, polished look. Fitness features include a heart rate sensor, SpO2, sleep tracking, and a “coach” mode for running. Battery life hits around 14 days, and the lightweight design makes it comfy to wear all day. Plus, it supports always‑on display – a rare perk at this price point.

Display: 1.75-inch AMOLED
Battery: ~14 days
Best for: Sleek design and always‑on display

Check the Honor Watch 4 price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make calls with these smartwatches?

Not directly on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 – it’s a band, so no speaker. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite, Huawei Watch Fit 3, and Honor Watch 4 all support Bluetooth calling. You can take calls directly from your wrist as long as your phone is nearby. The short version: if calling is important, go with the Redmi Watch 5 Lite or Honor Watch 4.

2. Which one has the best fitness tracking accuracy?

All four are solid for step counting and sleep tracking. For GPS accuracy during runs, the Huawei Watch Fit 3 and Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite have built‑in GPS, so you can leave your phone at home. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 relies on connected GPS (phone needed), but its heart rate sensor is reliable. Honestly, for casual training, any of them will do the job.

3. Do they work with iPhones?

Yes, all four work with both Android and iOS. The experience is slightly smoother on Android for Xiaomi and Huawei watches, but you’ll still get notifications, weather, and core fitness features on an iPhone. Just note that some advanced watch face customisation or third‑party app support may be limited on iOS.

Conclusion

So, what’s the final verdict on how to choose a smartwatch under £100? It comes down to what you value most:

Battery life and fitness focus? Grab the Xiaomi Smart Band 9.
Style and built‑in GPS? Go with the Huawei Watch Fit 3.
Big screen and all‑round value? The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite is your friend.
Sleek design with always‑on display? The Honor Watch 4 won’t disappoint.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. They each deliver the essentials without the premium price tag. Pick the one that fits your wrist and your lifestyle, and you’ll be set. Happy watch hunting!