Finding a quality smartwatch that pairs seamlessly with your iPhone without breaking the bank has never been easier. While Apple’s own watches remain the gold standard for iPhone integration, 2025 has brought us an impressive array of budget-friendly alternatives that deliver exceptional value, outstanding battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities for under $100.
Quick Comparison: Top iPhone-Compatible Smartwatches Under $100
| Watch | Price | Battery Life | Display | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazfit Active 2 | $99 | 10 days | 1.32″ AMOLED | GPS, offline maps, AI assistant |
| Amazfit Bip 6 | $89 | 14 days | 1.97″ AMOLED | Largest display, 140+ sports modes |
| CMF Watch Pro 2 | $69 | 11 days | 1.32″ AMOLED | Interchangeable bezels, ultra-budget |
| Huawei Watch Fit 3 | $130 | 10 days | 1.82″ AMOLED | Premium build, accurate GPS |
The Top Contenders for 2025
1. Amazfit Active 2 – Best Overall Value ($99)
The Amazfit Active 2 stands as the undisputed champion of budget smartwatches in 2025. Priced at just $99, it delivers the most complete budget smartwatch experience available, earning five-star reviews thanks to its classic design, great battery life, and very few flaws.
Why It’s Perfect for iPhone Users:
- Seamless iOS Compatibility: Works flawlessly with iPhone through the Zepp app
- Impressive 10-Day Battery Life: No daily charging required
- Premium Design: Stainless steel construction with sapphire glass option
- Comprehensive Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress monitoring
- GPS and Offline Maps: Navigate without your phone using downloadable OpenStreetMap files
- 160+ Sports Modes: Covers everything from running to strength training
Technical Specifications:
- Display: 1.32-inch AMOLED (466 x 466 pixels)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
- Sensors: BioTracker PPG 6.0, temperature sensor, altimeter
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
- Special Features: AI voice assistant, NFC payments (premium model)
The Active 2 boasts more than 160 sports tracking profiles, an attractive and comfortable design and onboard tech normally reserved for far higher-end models. What sets it apart is its refined software experience and accurate fitness tracking that rivals devices costing twice as much.
2. Amazfit Bip 6 – Best Display and Battery Life ($89)
The Amazfit Bip 6 offers the largest display in this price category and exceptional battery longevity. The Amazfit Bip 6 defies its budget price tag, looking like a high-end smartwatch — it even rivals the sleek looks of the Apple Watch Series 10.
Key Advantages:
- Massive 1.97-inch AMOLED Display: Largest screen under $100
- 14-Day Battery Life: Longest-lasting in this category
- 2000-nit Peak Brightness: Excellent outdoor visibility
- 140+ Workout Modes: Including HYROX functional fitness tracking
- Advanced Sleep Tracking: Improved algorithm with detailed insights
- 5 ATM Water Resistance: Safe for swimming and water sports
Why Choose the Bip 6: Perfect for users who prioritize screen real estate and maximum battery life. The AMOLED screen is a major upgrade over the Bip 5’s TFT display. It’s vibrant and bright, achieving 2,000 nits at full brightness. The square design maximizes usable screen space for notifications and fitness data.
3. CMF Watch Pro 2 – Best Ultra-Budget Option ($69)
The CMF Watch Pro 2 by Nothing represents incredible value at just $69. Priced at just $69, no other smartwatch provides such a unique and stylish design.
Standout Features:
- Interchangeable Bezels: Customize your look with swappable bezels
- Premium Build Quality: Aluminum alloy construction feels expensive
- 11-Day Battery Life: Excellent endurance for the price
- 120+ Sports Modes: Comprehensive fitness tracking
- Bluetooth Calling: Make and receive calls directly from the watch
- Unique Design: Minimalist aesthetic that stands out
Considerations: The unreliable notifications and limited “smart” features make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly. Best suited for users who prioritize style and basic fitness tracking over advanced smartwatch features.
4. Huawei Watch Fit 3 – Premium Alternative ($130)*
*Slightly over budget but worth considering for the features
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 is the best budget smartwatch we’ve tested, and our top recommendation. While it exceeds our $100 target, it offers premium features that justify the extra cost.
Premium Features:
- Apple Watch-Inspired Design: Square form factor with premium aluminum build
- Accurate GPS Tracking: Excellent for runners and outdoor enthusiasts
- Comprehensive Health Suite: ECG, stress tracking, sleep analysis
- 10-Day Battery Life: Reliable daily performance
- 100+ Workout Modes: Extensive fitness tracking capabilities
- HarmonyOS 4.2: Smooth, responsive user interface
Essential Buying Considerations for iPhone Users
Compatibility and Setup
All recommended watches work seamlessly with iPhone through dedicated companion apps:
- Amazfit devices: Use the Zepp app (excellent iOS integration)
- CMF Watch Pro 2: Uses Nothing’s proprietary app
- Huawei Watch Fit 3: Requires Huawei Health app
Battery Life Expectations
One of the biggest advantages of choosing non-Apple smartwatches is battery longevity:
- Amazfit Bip 6: Up to 14 days
- CMF Watch Pro 2: Up to 11 days
- Amazfit Active 2: Up to 10 days
- Huawei Watch Fit 3: Up to 10 days
Compare this to Apple Watch’s 1-2 day battery life, and the value proposition becomes clear.
Fitness Tracking Accuracy
The Amazfit Bip 6 delivers incredibly detailed metrics that rival more expensive fitness trackers. All recommended watches provide:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 continuous tracking
- Sleep Analysis: Detailed sleep stage breakdown
- GPS Tracking: Accurate distance and route mapping
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM rating for swimming
Smart Features and Limitations
While these budget watches excel at fitness tracking, they have limitations compared to Apple Watch:
- No Third-Party Apps: Limited to built-in features
- Basic Notification Handling: Can’t reply to messages (read-only)
- No Apple Pay: Some models offer their own payment systems
- Limited Siri Integration: Use proprietary voice assistants instead
2025 Market Trends and What’s New
Enhanced AMOLED Displays
The AMOLED screen is a major upgrade over previous generation displays. All top recommendations feature vibrant AMOLED screens with excellent outdoor visibility.
Improved Health Sensors
2025 models feature upgraded biometric sensors:
- Advanced PPG Sensors: More accurate heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
- Temperature Sensors: Available on premium models like Active 2
- Enhanced Sleep Algorithms: Better sleep stage detection and insights
Longer Software Support
The new Active 2 smartwatch is set to receive updates until January 2027, ensuring your investment remains current with security updates and new features.
Where to Buy: Best Retailers and Deals
Amazon
All recommended watches are available on Amazon with:
- Prime shipping for fast delivery
- Customer reviews to verify real-world performance
- Return policy for peace of mind
- Regular sales especially during Prime events
Official Brand Stores
- Amazfit US Store: Direct purchasing with warranty support
- Huawei Consumer: Official Huawei retail channel
- Nothing Store: CMF products and accessories
Best Buy and Other Major Retailers
Most models are also available through traditional electronics retailers, often with in-store pickup options.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
For Fitness Enthusiasts: Amazfit Active 2
The perfect balance of features, accuracy, and battery life makes this the top choice for active iPhone users who want comprehensive health tracking without daily charging.
For Maximum Screen Real Estate: Amazfit Bip 6
Choose this if you want the largest, brightest display for easy reading and longest battery life for extended use without charging.
For Style-Conscious Users: CMF Watch Pro 2
The unique design and customizable bezels make this perfect for fashion-forward users who want a distinctive look at an unbeatable price.
For Premium Experience: Huawei Watch Fit 3
Worth the slight budget stretch for users who want the most refined software experience and premium build quality in a budget smartwatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these watches work with all iPhone models? A: Yes, all recommended watches are compatible with iPhone 6s and newer running iOS 12 or later.
Q: Can I receive iPhone notifications on these watches? A: Yes, all models display notifications from calls, texts, emails, and apps. However, you typically can’t reply directly from the watch.
Q: How accurate is the fitness tracking compared to Apple Watch? A: Initial testing saw it only underreport both average and maximum figures by 2-3BPM compared to Garmin and Whoop for heart rate monitoring. GPS accuracy is generally excellent across all recommended models.
Q: Do these watches support cellular connectivity? A: No, these budget models require Bluetooth connection to your iPhone for smart features. GPS tracking works independently for outdoor activities.
Conclusion: The Best Budget Smartwatch Ecosystem for iPhone Users in 2025
The smartwatch market has evolved dramatically, with 2025 offering iPhone users exceptional alternatives to Apple Watch at fraction of the cost. The Amazfit Active 2 is the best cheap smartwatch you can buy in 2025 for less than $100, compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
For most iPhone users seeking the best balance of features, battery life, and value, the Amazfit Active 2 at $99 represents the sweet spot. It delivers premium smartwatch capabilities, week-long battery life, and comprehensive health tracking that rivals devices costing three times as much.
Whether you prioritize the massive display of the Bip 6, the unique style of the CMF Watch Pro 2, or the premium experience of the Huawei Watch Fit 3, 2025’s budget smartwatch market offers compelling alternatives that prove you don’t need to spend $300+ for excellent wearable technology.
The key is choosing based on your primary use case: fitness tracking, style, battery life, or overall features. Any of these recommendations will provide years of reliable service while keeping your wallet happy and your iPhone perfectly synced.