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Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year: Tech Advisor Awards 2025–26

The Huawei Watch Fit 4 won Tech Advisor’s Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year award for 2025–26, ahead of the CMF Watch 3 Pro and Amazfit Active 2.
Estimate7–9 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Tech Advisor’s Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year for 2025–26 is the Huawei Watch Fit 4. The CMF Watch 3 Pro was the first runner-up, while the Amazfit Active 2 took second place. Tech Advisor published the award on January 1, 2026, after reviewing new budget smartwatches launched during 2025.

This is an editorial award, not an independently administered industry title. “Budget” is also not given a fixed price ceiling in the award article, so the practical comparison here covers affordable watches generally selling in the roughly $70–$150 range. Prices, availability, NFC support and software features vary by country.

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Why the Huawei Watch Fit 4 won

Tech Advisor gave the Huawei Watch Fit 4 a 9/10 review score and selected it because it combines features usually associated with more expensive fitness watches with a relatively low price. The award coverage highlights its full-colour maps, dual-band GPS, health and wellbeing improvements, new watch faces, bright display, comfortable design, 5 ATM water resistance and claimed battery life of up to 10 days.

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The Watch Fit 4 also improves on the previous Watch Fit generation. Its rectangular body makes room for a large display without making the watch particularly heavy, and Tech Advisor considered its core package better value than the more expensive Watch Fit 4 Pro. When the award was published, the watch was also widely discounted.

#1 Best Overall
2026 Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Fitness Tracker
  • 📞 【Bluetooth 5.3 Calls & Smart Notifications】 Make and answer calls directly from your smartwatch with stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Receive vibration alerts for calls and messages from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and more.
  • ⌚ 【1.96 HD Touch Screen & 200+ Watch Faces】 Enjoy a large 1.96 HD full-touch display with smooth operation and clear visuals. Choose from 200+ watch faces in the GloryFit app or customize the screen with your favorite photo.
  • 💖 【24/7 Health Monitoring】 Track heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, sleep and daily activity with built-in sensors. View your health and activity data in the GloryFit app to better understand your daily wellness.
  • 🏊 【110+ Sports Modes & IP68 Waterproof】 Supports 110+ sports modes including running, walking, hiking, cycling, basketball and fitness. Tracks steps, calories, distance and heart rate during workouts. IP68 waterproof for daily exercise, sweat and hand washing.
  • 🚀 【7-Day Battery & Multiple Smart Features】 Enjoy up to 7 days of use and about 30 days of standby after a 2-hour charge. Includes alarm, timer, stopwatch, music control, weather, camera control, calculator, sedentary reminder and more. Compatible with Android and iPhone.

Huawei’s biggest advantage is the balance: it offers built-in navigation features, long claimed endurance and a large AMOLED screen without requiring daily charging. Its limitations are equally important, however. Tech Advisor describes its core smartwatch functions as a mixed bag, and NFC is restricted to particular variants and markets. Huawei’s app ecosystem is not equivalent to watchOS, Wear OS or Samsung’s platform.

Read Tech Advisor’s award coverage.

Huawei Watch Fit 4: key specifications

Feature Huawei Watch Fit 4
Dimensions 43.0 × 38.0 × 9.5mm, excluding the sensor area
Weight Approximately 27g without the strap
Display 1.82-inch AMOLED, 480 × 408 pixels, 347ppi
Brightness Up to 2,000 nits according to Huawei laboratory testing
GPS GPS/GNSS with dual-band support cited by Huawei and Tech Advisor
Water resistance 5 ATM
Compatibility Android 8.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or later
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.2; NFC on supported variants
Battery claim Up to 10 days under Huawei’s stated test conditions

These are specifications from Huawei’s Qatar regional product page. Colours, NFC availability, software features and sales support can differ by market. Check Huawei’s regional specifications before ordering.

Battery life is not a guarantee

Huawei’s “up to 10 days” figure is based on defined test conditions, including limited Bluetooth calling and music playback, always-on heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, approximately 90 minutes of exercise per week and specified notification levels. Always-on display use, frequent GPS workouts, calls, music and intensive health monitoring will reduce endurance.

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Maps, GPS and fitness features

The Watch Fit 4’s full-colour maps and dual-band GPS are central to its award appeal. Dual-band positioning is not merely the same as having a built-in GPS chip: it can use additional satellite frequencies to help positioning in difficult environments. It still does not guarantee perfect tracking in dense tree cover, urban canyons or poor weather.

Similarly, map support should not be interpreted as universal turn-by-turn navigation in every country. Check which maps, routes and services are available in your region before relying on the watch for an unfamiliar journey.

Rank #2
Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate, No App No Phone Required, Pedometer
  • No APP & Phone Required Fitness Tracker Watch: This Fitness Tracker watch doesn't require any App or smartphone connections! It's as simple to use as a regular watch but smarter. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy fitness tracker without the hassle of smartphone setups.
  • Heart Rate and Sleep Monitoring: The Fitness Tracker monitors your heart rate automatically all day, and you can select manual mode through the App. The fitness Watch also monitors your sleep at night, providing a detailed analysis of your sleep quality (deep sleep, light sleep, awake time). It is a health advisor for women men in daily life.
  • Multi Sport Modes with Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker features 9 sport modes like running, walking and more. Additionally, the activity tracker records daily steps, calories burned, walking distance and active time throughout the day. You can also set a daily steps goals through the App to track your progress.
  • Smart Notification Reminder: You can get SMS messages, and SNS notifications directly on your wrist including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail ect. You won't miss any important calls and message and stay updated. Please note: the smart watch can not make calls or text.
  • Long Battery Life and IP68 Waterproof: This smart watch only requires 2 hours of charging and can be used for 5-7 days continuously, IP68 waterproof rating can withstand daily sweat, washing hands and rainy day, allowing you to fully enjoy your workouts.

The drawbacks you should understand

  • Smartwatch apps: the Watch Fit 4 is primarily a fitness and notification watch, not a full Wear OS or Apple Watch replacement.
  • NFC and payments: Huawei lists NFC only for supported variants; the cited regional specification identifies the Grey version. NFC hardware does not prove that contactless payments work with your bank or in your country.
  • iPhone limitations: Android and iOS compatibility does not mean identical notification replies, apps, integrations or payment features.
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM is suitable for ordinary swimming-related use within Huawei’s guidance, but it is not a licence for scuba diving or deep-water activities. Water resistance can deteriorate through wear, impact and exposure to chemicals. See Huawei’s water-resistance guidance.
  • Health features: the sensors provide wellness information, not medical diagnoses. Results depend on fit, skin contact, movement, exercise type and software.

The runners-up

CMF Watch 3 Pro: the value alternative

The CMF Watch 3 Pro was Tech Advisor’s first runner-up. The review praised its design, software, battery life and affordability. It is the strongest alternative if the lowest purchase price matters more than payments or a broader smartwatch ecosystem.

Nothing’s US product page lists a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, built-in dual-band GPS and battery life of up to 13 days. A price signal of $79 reduced from $99 was shown on the retrieved US product page, but sale pricing can change.

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The major compromise is that the watch has no NFC, according to Tech Advisor, so it should not be chosen by buyers who want contactless payments. The interchangeable bezel feature found on the previous generation is also absent. Its software is deliberately simpler than a full smartwatch platform, which can be an advantage for buyers who mainly want notifications, activity tracking, calls and fitness features.

See the CMF Watch 3 Pro on Nothing’s US site.

Amazfit Active 2: the fitness-focused alternative

The Amazfit Active 2 was Tech Advisor’s second runner-up. It offers a stylish round design, a strong selection of fitness features, a good display and solid claimed battery life. Amazfit’s US page lists more than 160 workout modes, built-in GPS, offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, Zepp app support and up to 10 days of typical-use battery life.

The standard round model was listed at $99.99 on the retrieved US page, while a premium version was listed at $129.99. These are different variants: materials, straps and included features may differ, so make sure a retailer’s listing matches the model being compared.

Rank #3
Sale
aeac Smart Watch for Women, AMOLED Ultra-Clear Screen Activity Trackers with Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2 Monitor, Smartwatch for iPhone/Samsung/Android, 110+ Sport Modes (Rose Gold, S/M/L, Rose Gold)
  • 【Crystal-Clear Communication】AEAC smartwatch delivers clear call quality with high-definition speakers and microphones. Built with an AI assistant, it enables smooth voice commands and hands-free calls.
  • 【Comprehensive Health Monitoring】The AEAC smartwatch tracks vital health metrics—blood oxygen, heart rate, stress, and sleep analysis—providing you with valuable insights for enhanced well-being.
  • 【Long-Lasting Battery】Enjoy up to 10 days of use on a quick 2-hour charge. Will monitor your heart rate, steps, activity routes, and calorie burn around the clock, offering a complete view of your health and fitness.
  • 【110+ Sports Modes & Waterproof】With 110+ sports modes, this fitness watch supports a wide range of activities, from yoga to swimming. Its 3ATM water-resistant design ensures reliable performance in wet conditions.
  • 【1.32" AMOLED Touchscreen】 Features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display for sharp visuals and smooth responsiveness. The watch face measures 43 mm, offering a clear and comfortable viewing area. Choose from 200+ watch faces or personalize with your own photos, making the watch uniquely yours

Tech Advisor’s main reservations were the lack of NFC on the regular model and heart-rate accuracy that it considered less reliable than ideal. That is a review assessment, not a medical conclusion, but it matters if workout heart-rate data is your main reason for buying.

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See the Amazfit Active 2 and compare the Active range.

Huawei Watch Fit 4 vs CMF Watch 3 Pro vs Amazfit Active 2

Criterion Huawei Watch Fit 4 CMF Watch 3 Pro Amazfit Active 2
Tech Advisor position Winner First runner-up Second runner-up
Battery claim Up to 10 days Up to 13 days Up to 10 days typical use
GPS Dual-band support Built-in dual-band GPS Built-in GPS
Maps Full-colour maps highlighted by Tech Advisor Check the local navigation feature set Offline maps and turn-by-turn directions
NFC Variant and region dependent No NFC according to Tech Advisor No NFC on the regular model according to Tech Advisor
Display 1.82-inch AMOLED 1.43-inch AMOLED 1.32-inch AMOLED
Main concern Mixed smartwatch features and regional payment limits No NFC and no interchangeable bezel Heart-rate concerns and no NFC on the regular model
App platform Huawei Health CMF/Nothing software Zepp

The battery figures are not the result of a controlled head-to-head test. Huawei’s number uses specified test conditions, CMF’s is a manufacturer maximum and Amazfit labels its figure as typical use.

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Which one should you buy?

Choose the Huawei Watch Fit 4 if you want the best overall package

Buy the Huawei if you want the award winner, a large bright display, built-in GPS, map features, long claimed battery life and a light rectangular design. It is the most balanced choice of the three, provided Huawei Health works properly with your phone and the exact model sold in your country supports the features you need.

Choose the CMF Watch 3 Pro if price is the priority

The CMF is the more compelling value option when it is substantially cheaper than the Huawei and you do not need NFC. Its dual-band GPS, AMOLED screen and long battery claim make it attractive for basic fitness and everyday notifications.

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Rank #4
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Monitor Sleep Tracker Activity Trackers
  • 【Superb Visual Experience & Effortless Operation】Diving into the latest 1.58'' ultra high resolution display technology, every interaction on the fitness watch is a visual delight with vibrant colors and crisp clarity. Its always on display clock makes the time conveniently visible. Experience convenience like never before with the intuitive full touch controls and the side button, switch between apps, and customize settings with seamless precision.
  • 【Comprehensive 24/7 Health Monitoring】The fitness watches for women and men packs 24/7 heart rate, 24/7 blood pressure and blood oxygen monitors. You could check those real-time health metrics anytime, anywhere on your wrist and view the data record in the App. The heart rate monitor watch also tracks different sleep stages for light and deep sleep,and the time when you wake up, helps you to get a better understanding of your sleep quality.
  • 【120+ exercise modes & All-Day Activity Tracking】There are more than 120 exercise modes available in the activity trackers and smartwatches, covering almost all daily sports activities you can imagine, gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. The all-day activity tracking feature monitors your steps, distance, and calories burned all the day, so you can see how much progress you've made towards your fitness goals.
  • 【Messages & Incoming Calls Notification】With this smart watch fitness trackers for iPhone and android phones, you can receive notifications for incoming calls and read messages directly from your wrist without taking out your phone. Never miss a beat, stay in touch with loved ones, and stay informed of important updates wherever you are.
  • 【Essential Assistant for Daily Life】The fitness watches for women and men provide you with more features including drinking water and sedentary reminder, women's menstrual period reminder, breath training, real-time weather display, remote camera shooting, music control,timer, stopwatch, finding phone, alarm clock, making it a considerate life assistant. With the GPS connectivity, you could get a map of your workout route in the app for outdoor activity by connecting to your phone GPS.

Choose the Amazfit Active 2 for fitness variety and a round design

The Active 2 makes sense if you prefer a conventional round watch, want broad workout support, offline maps and the Zepp ecosystem, and are comfortable without NFC on the regular model. Treat its heart-rate results as wellness data rather than a substitute for medical equipment.

Consider another category if you need more

These three watches may not be suitable if you require dependable contactless payments, extensive third-party apps, cellular connectivity, mature voice assistants, advanced emergency features or medical-style functions such as ECG. Buyers deeply invested in Apple, Samsung or Google phones may get better integration from those manufacturers’ ecosystems, but the right alternative depends on current compatibility, pricing and regional support.

Check these points before ordering

  1. Confirm the exact variant: colour can affect NFC availability, while standard and premium versions can differ in materials and accessories.
  2. Check your country: verify official availability, warranty coverage, returns and delivery.
  3. Check the companion app: confirm that Huawei Health or Zepp is available for your phone and region.
  4. Verify payments: NFC is not the same as a working wallet. Check supported banks, services and countries.
  5. Check phone compatibility: Android or iPhone support does not guarantee feature parity.
  6. Compare the live price: manufacturer discounts and retailer listings change frequently. Treat the cited prices as observed signals, not permanent prices.
  7. Confirm navigation features: built-in GPS, dual-band GPS, offline maps and turn-by-turn directions are separate capabilities.

Verdict

The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is Tech Advisor’s Best New Budget Smartwatch of the Year for 2025–26, and its combination of maps, dual-band GPS, display quality, comfort and battery endurance explains the decision. The CMF Watch 3 Pro is the better value play when NFC is irrelevant, while the Amazfit Active 2 is a strong fitness-oriented alternative with a round design and offline navigation.

The award identifies Huawei as the winner of Tech Advisor’s tested field; it does not make the Watch Fit 4 universally best. Regional NFC and payment support, phone compatibility and app ecosystems should decide the final purchase.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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