Best Budget Smartwatches Under £100 in 2026: Why the Amazfit Bip 6 is the New Gold Standard

By early 2026, the gap between “budget” and “premium” smartwatches has narrowed to a thin line. You no longer have to settle for a pixelated screen or a plastic-toy feel just to stay under the £100 mark.

If you’re looking for a device that tracks your marathon training, monitors your heart health, and actually looks like a piece of high-end jewellery on your wrist, there is one clear winner this year: the Amazfit Bip 6.

Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch with AMOLED display on a wrist during a morning jog. — The Bip 6 brings premium AMOLED technology to the budget segment, making it readable even in the brightest UK sun.

The Upgraded Fitness Tracking Experience

In previous years, budget watches were basically glorified pedometers. But in 2026, the Amazfit Bip 6 has integrated dual-band GPS (connected to five satellite systems). This means if you’re running through the dense streets of London or hiking in the Peaks, your map data remains pinpoint accurate.

With over 140 sports modes, it covers everything from standard HIIT and swimming (thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance) to the “HYROX” functional fitness trend that has taken over gyms this year. It even includes Personalized AI Coaching, which looks at your previous seven days of data and suggests whether you should push harder or take a rest day.

Check current price on Amazon UK

Battery Life: The “Two-Week” Promise

The biggest complaint about premium watches like the Apple Watch or Pixel Watch is the “daily charge” headache. The Bip 6 laughs at that.

Thanks to the ultra-efficient Zepp OS 4.5, the 340mAh battery delivers:

14 Days of typical use.
10 Days of heavy use (with all health sensors active).
26 Days in Battery Saver Mode.

In 2026, this is the ultimate “set it and forget it” wearable. You can go on a two-week holiday and leave the charger at home.

Advanced Health Monitoring (For Less)

The Bip 6 features the new BioTracker PPG biometric sensor. This isn’t just for checking your heart rate; it’s a full health dashboard on your wrist.

Blood-Oxygen (SpO2) Monitoring: 24/7 tracking with alerts if levels drop.
Stress Management: Uses Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to tell you when it’s time to take a breath.
One-Tap Measurement: One of my favourite features—you press one button, and in 45 seconds, it tests your heart rate, stress, and SpO2 simultaneously.

How it Compares: The Under £100 Battle

To give you a clear picture of where your money goes, here is how the Bip 6 stacks up against its two biggest rivals in 2026.

Feature	Amazfit Bip 6	Redmi Watch 5	CMF by Nothing Watch 3
Price	~£79	~£89	~£75
Display	1.97″ AMOLED (2000 nits)	2.07″ AMOLED	1.96″ AMOLED
Battery (Typical)	14 Days	24 Days	13 Days
GPS	Built-in (Multi-Satellite)	No Built-in GPS	Built-in
Build	Aluminum Alloy Frame	Plastic/Zinc	Aluminum

The Verdict: While the Redmi Watch 5 has a bigger screen and monster battery, the lack of built-in GPS makes it a tough sell for runners. The Bip 6 offers the most balanced “pro” experience for under £100.

Comparison of Amazfit Bip 6 and Redmi Watch 5 side-by-side on a wooden table. — Choosing between the top budget contenders comes down to whether you prioritize GPS (Amazfit) or maximum battery life (Redmi).

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?

This can be helpful if you’ve been holding out for a “real” smartwatch that doesn’t cost a week’s wages. The Amazfit Bip 6 is the first time a budget watch has truly felt premium. It doesn’t stutter when you scroll, the screen is as bright as a flagship, and the data accuracy is finally reliable enough for serious fitness enthusiasts.

Grab the Amazfit Bip 6 on Amazon here