Looking for the best smartwatch under one million in 2024 can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market. We understand the desire to find a cheap smartwatch that not only looks stylish but is also functional and durable. Fortunately, the evolution of wearable technology has created more affordable quality smartwatches that offer advanced features without breaking the bank. This article is designed to help you find a budget-friendly smartwatch suited for daily needs, from basic health tracking to important smartphone notifications, all within the good smartwatch for 1 million price range. We’ll cover the latest recommendations, key features to consider, and tips to ensure your investment in the best smartwatch under 1 million is truly worth it.

Why Choose a Smartwatch Under 1 Million in 2024?

The best budget smartwatches market is becoming increasingly competitive. Manufacturers now recognize the high demand for affordable smartwatches, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. They’re responding with products that balance features and price. Trends in 2024 show significant improvements in display quality (still mostly LCD or TFT), heart rate sensor accuracy, and battery life within this price range. Data from Counterpoint Research (Q1 2024) indicates that the entry-level wearable market (under $70) grew about 15% year-over-year, showing strong interest in cheap but quality smartwatches.

However, there are compromises. Affordable smartwatches under 1 million rarely have premium features like ECG, highly accurate blood oximetry, advanced voice assistants, or premium metal build quality. The main focus is on core functions: phone notifications, basic activity tracking (steps, distance, calories), heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and appealing design. For many users, these features are more than enough to start a healthier lifestyle or simply add convenience to daily life. These cheap advanced digital watches are the perfect entry point for those new to wearables or who don’t need high-end features.

Choosing a cheap but good smartwatch requires careful research. Consider brands with a good reputation for after-sales service and spare parts availability in your country. Check compatibility with your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS). Read local user reviews to learn about real-life experiences, especially regarding sensor accuracy and battery life in daily use. Don’t be fooled by just the design or extremely low prices; make sure the smartwatch is truly reliable as your daily companion.

Must-Have Features in the Best Smartwatch Under One Million

Even at a budget-friendly price, the best smartwatch under one million should meet some essential criteria to be called a low-cost smart technology watch worth buying. Here are the key features that indicate a quality affordable wearable that truly adds value.

Accurate Basic Health Monitoring

This is the core function that must be present. A quality affordable smartwatch should be able to:

1. Monitor Heart Rate: The optical sensor should provide relatively stable and accurate readings during rest and light activities. Accuracy during intense workouts may be limited, but daily resting heart rate trends are very useful.
2. Sleep Tracking: Ability to differentiate sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provide a sleep score. This helps you understand your sleep patterns. A Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study shows consumer sleep trackers, while not as accurate as medical devices, can improve awareness of sleep habits.
3. Automatic Activity Detection: Automatically detects activities like walking, running, or cycling, and consistently counts steps, distance, and calories burned.

SpO2 (blood oxygen level) sensors and stress monitoring (usually based on Heart Rate Variability / HRV) are now increasingly common in affordable smartwatches in this class, although their accuracy varies and is better for trend monitoring than medical diagnosis.

Stable Connectivity and Notifications

The best cheap smartwatches should be a reliable extension of your phone. Connectivity features include:

1. Smartphone Sync (via Bluetooth): The connection must be stable to receive call, SMS, WhatsApp, email, and other app notifications in real-time without annoying delays.
2. Media and Camera Control: The ability to control music/podcast playback on your phone and use the smartwatch as a remote shutter for the phone camera is very practical.
3. Vibration Alerts: Strong and customizable vibrations ensure you don’t miss important notifications.

Some best smartwatches under 1 million even support features like finding your phone or remotely locking it, adding extra practicality.

Recommended Best Smartwatches Under One Million in 2024

Based on user reviews, latest specs, and market availability, here are some good smartwatches for 1 million price range worth considering:

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band Series (e.g., Band 8 or Band 8 Active)

Xiaomi continues to dominate the budget-friendly smartwatch segment with its Band series. Mi Band 8 and Band 8 Active are the top options under 1 million.

1. Bigger, Smoother Display: Band 8 offers a 1.62" AMOLED screen with 60Hz refresh rate, much more responsive and sharper than previous models. Band 8 Active has a decent 1.47" TFT display.
2. Comprehensive Health Tracking: Both have heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress sensors accurate for their price. Band 8 also adds a small running projector and truSleep 3.0 for deeper sleep analysis.
3. Super Long Battery Life: One of their main strengths. Mi Band 8 lasts up to 16 days per charge, while Band 8 Active lasts about 14 days. This makes them one of the most power-efficient affordable smartwatches on the market.

Realme TechLife Watch Series (e.g., Watch 3 or Watch T1)

Realme offers best cheap smartwatches with a design more like a smartwatch (not just a band) in this price range. Realme Watch 3 and Watch T1 are their highlights.

1. Premium-Like Design: Large rectangular display (1.8" on Watch 3, 1.3" AMOLED on T1) with thin bezels gives a more premium feel than a band. T1 especially looks very appealing.
2. Comprehensive Sports Features: Both support 100+ sports modes, including popular ones like running, walking, cycling, badminton, and basketball. Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors enhance tracking accuracy.
3. 24/7 SpO2 and Stress Monitoring: Health features like SpO2 and stress monitoring run automatically all day, providing more comprehensive trend data. For those wanting more frequent passive health monitoring, Realme Watch T1 is an attractive affordable digital watch.

Amazfit Bip Series (e.g., Bip 5 or Bip U Pro)

Amazfit is known for cheap but good smartwatches with amazing battery life and always-on displays. Bip 5 (Bip 5 Unity) and Bip U Pro are solid choices.

1. Large Display & Always-On Display (AOD): Bip 5 has a large 1.91" TFT touchscreen with AOD options, making it easy to see time/info without lifting your wrist. Bip U Pro has a 1.43" screen with AOD support.
2. Built-in GPS: A key differentiator! Both Bip 5 and Bip U Pro have integrated GPS (Bip U Pro: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo; Bip 5: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou). Crucial for accurate running/cycling route tracking without carrying your phone. Built-in GPS makes the Amazfit Bip series a top choice for outdoor sports lovers looking for the best smartwatch under 1 million.
3. 10+ Days Battery Life: Thanks to efficient processors and transflective screens (Bip 5), battery lasts over 10 days with normal use, even with occasional GPS use.

Haylou Solar Series (e.g., Solar Plus LS05)

Haylou, a Xiaomi sub-brand, offers affordable smartwatches with Xiaomi-like quality at even lower prices. Haylou Solar Plus LS05 is their highlight.

1. Clear AMOLED Display: 1.43" AMOLED screen with 466x466 resolution delivers bright and sharp colors, offering an excellent visual experience for the price.
2. Bluetooth Calling Function: Solar Plus’ key feature is the ability to make and receive calls directly from the smartwatch, thanks to built-in microphone and speaker. Very practical when your phone is out of reach.
3. 100+ Sports Modes & Standard Health Monitoring: Comes with heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress sensors, plus support for various sports activities. Solar Plus LS05 proves Bluetooth calling is now possible in the best smartwatch under one million.

Key Feature Comparison of Smartwatches Under 1 Million

Feature	Xiaomi Band 8	Realme Watch T1	Amazfit Bip 5	Haylou Solar Plus LS05
Display Type	Band	Smartwatch	Smartwatch	Smartwatch
Screen Size	1.62" AMOLED	1.3" AMOLED	1.91" TFT	1.43" AMOLED
Always-On Display	Yes (Limited)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	No	Yes	No
Bluetooth Calling	No	No	No	Yes
24/7 SpO2 Monitoring	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	~16 days	~7 days	~10 days	~7 days
Market Price (USD)	$45–60	$50–65	$55–70	$40–55

Tips for Choosing the Best Quality Cheap Smartwatch for You

With so many cheap smartwatches, finding the most suitable one can be confusing. Here’s a practical guide based on specific needs:

1. Prioritize the Features You Use Most:

   • Focus on Basic Health & Long Battery: If the goal is tracking steps, heart rate, sleep, and you don’t want frequent charging, Xiaomi Mi Band 8/Active or Amazfit Bip 5 are the answer.
   • Focus on Outdoor Sports (Running/Cycling Without Phone): Built-in GPS is key. Amazfit Bip 5 or Bip U Pro are best for this category under 1 million.
   • Focus on Notifications & Calls: If you want to answer calls directly from your wrist, look for models with Bluetooth Calling like Haylou Solar Plus LS05.
   • Focus on Display & Design: If you want a premium-like look with sharp AMOLED, Realme Watch T1 or Haylou Solar Plus LS05 offer high aesthetic value at a limited budget.

2. Check Compatibility with Your Phone:

   • Ensure the smartwatch is compatible with your phone’s OS (Android or iOS). Most best smartwatches under one million support both, but some features work better on one platform.
   • Download and check the companion app on the Play Store/App Store. Make sure it has good reviews and is still actively updated. A poor app will ruin the experience even with a cheap advanced digital watch.

3. Check Accessories & After-Sales Availability:

   • Easily available, affordable replacement straps are important for long-term comfort and personalization. Big brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Amazfit usually have more accessible accessories.
   • Ensure the brand has official service centers or partners in your country. This is crucial if something goes wrong with your quality affordable wearable. Established brands are usually safer in this regard.

The takeaway: Don’t just fall for the price or design. Think about how the smartwatch will fit into your daily routine and pick one that truly meets your core needs.

Challenges & Solutions of Using a Smartwatch Under One Million

Owning a cheap but good smartwatch is great, but there are common challenges to anticipate:

• Limited Sensor Accuracy: Heart rate, SpO2, and especially calorie sensors in affordable smartwatches aren’t as accurate as medical devices or premium smartwatches. Solution: Use the data as a trend and relative comparison (e.g., today vs. yesterday), not absolute numbers. Focus on measurement consistency.
• Material & Build Quality: To keep costs low, casing and straps are often plastic and less scratch-resistant than metal. Solution: Use screen protectors and case bumpers (if available). Treat it carefully, avoid heavy impacts. Choose silicone or nylon straps for more comfort.
• Software Support & Updates: Firmware updates and companion apps for best cheap smartwatches may not be as frequent or long-lasting as premium ones. Solution: Buy models released within the last 1–2 years to ensure longer software support. Research if the brand has a history of decent updates for entry-level products.
• Compatibility of Certain Features: Features like contactless payment (NFC) or advanced voice assistants (Google Assistant, Siri) are almost never found in the best smartwatches under 1 million. Solution: Understand what features are NOT included before buying to avoid disappointment. Focus on the available features that meet your needs.

The key is managing expectations. Smartwatches under 1 million are great value smart devices for basic functions but not a replacement for medical devices or flagship smartwatches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Smartwatches Under One Million

Can a smartwatch under 1 million be used for serious sports? Yes, for basic activities like running, brisk walking, casual cycling, or fitness at the gym, quality affordable smartwatches are enough. They can track duration, distance (especially with GPS), average heart rate, and estimated calories. But for in-depth performance analysis, recovery, or advanced sports metrics, accuracy may be lacking.

How long does the battery of a smartwatch under 1 million last? It varies by use and model. Affordable smartwatches generally last 7–10 days with normal use (notifications on, 24/7 heart rate tracking). Band-style models like Xiaomi Mi Band can reach 14–16 days. Heavy GPS or Always-On Display use significantly reduces battery life.

Can you trust the health data from cheap smartwatches? Data like resting heart rate, sleep trends, and step count from good smartwatches in the 1 million price range are generally accurate enough for personal health awareness. However, don’t use them for medical diagnosis. SpO2 and ECG (if available) are less accurate and for general reference only. Always consult a doctor for health concerns.

Are smartwatches under 1 million water-resistant? Most recommended affordable smartwatches have water resistance ratings like IP67 (splash, shower proof) or 5ATM (water pressure up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming). Always check the specific product rating. Even if water-resistant, avoid pressing buttons underwater or exposing to hot water/steam.

Which is better, a cheap smartwatch or a fitness band? Fitness bands (like Mi Band) are smaller, lighter, and have longer battery life, focusing on basic health tracking and simple notifications. Smartwatches (like Realme Watch T1, Amazfit Bip) have larger screens, more traditional watch-like looks, and often more features (though battery life may be shorter). Choose based on design preference and balance of features vs. battery life you want.

Conclusion: Find the Best Digital Companion Within Your Budget

Finding the best smartwatch under one million in 2024 is no longer mission impossible. As discussed, cheap smartwatches now offer core features like basic health monitoring (heart rate, sleep, SpO2), phone notifications, activity tracking, and attractive designs at very reasonable prices. From ultra-compact, battery-saving bands like Xiaomi Mi Band 8, to affordable quality smartwatches with beautiful AMOLED displays and Bluetooth calling like Haylou Solar Plus LS05 or Realme Watch T1, and not forgetting budget-friendly smartwatches with essential built-in GPS like Amazfit Bip 5.

The key to success is understanding your main priorities. Is long battery life the top priority? Or a big screen and watch-like design? Maybe the ability to answer calls from your wrist? Or most importantly, GPS for running/cycling adventures without your phone? By prioritizing the features you’ll use most and managing expectations on absolute accuracy or premium materials, you’ll surely find the best smartwatch under 1 million that supports your daily activities and

healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank. Happy hunting for your best cheap smartwatch!

Key Points to Remember:

• Core Features Are Enough: Step tracking, heart rate, sleep, notifications, and good design are now standard in budget-friendly smartwatches.
• There Are Compromises: Absolute sensor accuracy, premium materials (metal), advanced features (NFC, voice assistant), and long-term software updates are usually sacrificed for the price.
• GPS & Bluetooth Calling Differentiate Models: Built-in GPS (Amazfit Bip 5) or Bluetooth Calling (Haylou Solar Plus) add more value at this price range.
• Long Battery Life Is a Plus: Many models, especially bands, offer 10+ days battery life, hard to match even by premium smartwatches.
• Research & Match Your Needs: Ensure key smartwatch features align with your daily routine. Read local user reviews for real experiences.