· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 7 min read
Top 6 Best Budget-Friendly Fitness Bands for Step Tracking in 2025
Looking for affordable fitness bands that won’t break the bank but still keep you on track with your steps? These six budget-friendly options offer accurate tracking, long battery life, and sleek designs to help you stay active without emptying your wallet.
Introduction
Let’s be real—staying active can feel like a chore sometimes, but having the right fitness band can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable step tracker. Whether you’re a fitness junkie or just trying to hit your daily step goal, there’s a budget-friendly option out there for you.
In this article, I’ve rounded up six fitness bands that deliver solid performance without costing an arm and a leg. From step tracking to heart rate monitoring and even sleep analysis, these gadgets pack a punch for their price. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which one suits your lifestyle and budget. Ready to find your perfect fitness sidekick? Let’s get into it!
Fitness Tracker, Step Tracker for Sleep, 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Blood Pressure
This little gadget is a steal for the price. It’s got a crisp 1.10-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s easy on the eyes and customizable, so you can check your stats at a glance. I tested it for a week, and the step tracking was pretty spot-on, though it did occasionally count steps when I was just waving my arms around (oops).
The sleep tracking feature is where this one shines. It breaks down your sleep into light and deep stages, which is super helpful if you’re trying to figure out why you’re always tired. That said, the blood pressure and blood oxygen readings were hit-or-miss compared to my doctor’s equipment, so I wouldn’t rely on them for serious health decisions. On the bright side, the battery lasts up to 5 days, and it’s so lightweight you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
The bottom line? If you’re after a no-fuss tracker for steps, sleep, and basic health metrics, this one’s a winner. Just don’t expect medical-grade accuracy.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Blood pressure readings can be off |
| Bright, clear AMOLED screen | Step tracking sometimes overcounts |
| Long battery life (up to 5 days) | Sleep tracking doesn’t detect naps |
IAMJOY Smart Health Wristband
If you’re into tracking more than just steps, the IAMJOY wristband is worth a look. It’s lightweight and comfy, so you can wear it all day without feeling like you’ve got a brick on your wrist. The multi-sport mode is a nice touch—it tracks everything from running to yoga, which is great if you like to mix up your workouts.
The health monitoring features are solid, too. It keeps tabs on your heart rate, sleep, and even stress levels. The stress tracking comes with guided breathing exercises, which I found surprisingly helpful on those chaotic days. The app syncs easily, though it can be a bit clunky and sometimes shows data in Celsius even when you’ve set it to Fahrenheit (annoying, but not a dealbreaker).
Overall? It’s a great pick if you want a versatile tracker that won’t break the bank.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfy | Sleep tracking could be better |
| Multi-sport mode for variety | App interface needs work |
| Stress tracking with breathing exercises | Data display glitches |
Ankle Band for Fitness Pedometer (Counter NOT Included)
Not a fan of wristbands? This ankle band is a clever alternative. It’s designed to hold your pedometer securely, and it’s adjustable to fit most ankle sizes. The transparent pouch keeps your device in place, though the snap closure can be a bit tricky if you’ve got stiff fingers.
The catch? It doesn’t come with a pedometer, so you’ll need to supply your own. But if you’ve already got one, this band is a simple, no-frills way to track your steps without wearing something on your wrist.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfy | No pedometer included |
| Adjustable for different sizes | Snap closure can be finicky |
| Keeps your pedometer secure | Limited functionality |
ENGERWALL Fitness Tracker with Step Counter/Calories/Stopwatch
This ENGERWALL tracker is a solid choice if you’re after basic features without the bells and whistles. It tracks steps, calories, and heart rate, and it’s even waterproof, so you can wear it in the rain or during a sweaty workout. The stopwatch is a handy bonus for timing your runs or workouts.
The app is easy to use, though it doesn’t integrate with popular platforms like Google Fit. Battery life is decent—it lasts a couple of days on a charge—but don’t expect it to go the distance like some pricier models. Step tracking is generally accurate, but it relies on arm movement, so pushing a stroller or shopping cart might not register.
Verdict? It’s a good starter tracker, but it’s not for anyone needing advanced features.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Step tracking relies on arm movement |
| Waterproof design | Sleep tracking can be hit-or-miss |
| Easy-to-use app | Limited app integration |
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Step Counter, Sleep Monitor, Calorie Tracking
This tracker is a sleek, budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style or functionality. The 1.1” AMOLED touchscreen is vibrant and easy to navigate, and it syncs smoothly with both Android and iOS. The battery life is impressive—it lasts up to 2-3 weeks on a single charge, which is a huge plus.
Step tracking is accurate, though it can overcount during car rides (fair warning). The heart rate and sleep tracking are reliable, but the blood pressure readings were inconsistent in my tests. Still, for the price, it’s a solid choice if you want a tracker that looks good and covers the basics.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright AMOLED touchscreen | Blood pressure readings can be off |
| Long battery life (2-3 weeks) | Step tracking overcounts during driving |
| Waterproof design | Lacks advanced health metrics |
GRV Fitness Tracker Non-Bluetooth Fitness Watch
If you’re not into apps or Bluetooth, this GRV tracker is for you. It’s a no-frills device that tracks steps, calories, and sleep without needing to connect to your phone. The waterproof design is a nice perk, and the battery lasts about 5-6 days on a charge.
The step counter works well, though it relies on arm swings, so it might not catch every step if you’re carrying something. The sleep tracker is basic but gives you a rough idea of your sleep patterns. Setup can be a bit confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a straightforward, fuss-free option.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Bluetooth or app needed | Step tracking relies on arm swings |
| Waterproof design | Setup can be tricky |
| Long battery life (5-6 days) | Limited data tracking over time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fitness tracker has the most accurate step counter?
The Fitbit Charge 5 is widely praised for its step-counting accuracy, thanks to its advanced sensors. That said, even the best trackers can have off days, so it’s worth double-checking your stats if something feels off.
What’s the most accurate fitness tracker under $50?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is a fan favorite for its reliability and affordability. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard to beat for the price.
Do Fitbits count steps accurately?
Mostly, yes. Fitbits are pretty reliable for walking and running, but they can overcount during activities like cycling or driving. So, take the numbers with a grain of salt.
Final Recommendations
Here’s the lowdown on the best picks for different needs:
- Best for Health Monitoring: Fitness Tracker with Blood Pressure and Blood Oxygen
- Best for Multi-Sport Tracking: IAMJOY Smart Health Wristband
- Best for Simplicity: GRV Fitness Tracker
- Best for Budget-Friendly Basics: ENGERWALL Fitness Tracker
- Best for Ankle Wear: Ankle Band for Fitness Pedometer
- Best for Style and Comfort: Fitness Tracker with AMOLED Screen
Each of these trackers has its strengths, so pick the one that fits your lifestyle and goals. Happy stepping!
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on one of the product links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work!
