Looking for your first running watch? These are the budget fitness bands and watches we'd recommend to get you on the right track

Date:
Sat, 09 May 2026 08:50:00 +0000

Description:
Some simple stats can go a long way to helping you find your running groove.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter My running pace isn't going to set the race world alight. And while I'm a big proponent of taking things at your own speed, I would like to improve my stats just a smidge and a fitness tracker is how I'm going to do that. So far, I've either not tracked my runs at all, or used a phone-based app to gather information that I can look at after I've finished. Some on-wrist information, I think, would help me become more aware of my progress, and ultimately, how to improve it.

So I'm in the market for a wearable. Today's best fitness trackers and smart watches are crammed with tech and data, but I don't need something particularly advanced, and I also don't want to splash too much cash. If you're in a similar position to me, I've gathered some top options below. These are highest-rated, budget running trackers we've tested at TechRadar, any of which would fit the bill perfectly. In the affordable smartwatch
arena, the standout is the Amazfit Active 2 , which is bafflingly cheap and earned a perfect five stars in our review. Of the fitness bands we've tested, the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is the shining star (provided you don't live in the
US or have an iPhone), or the efficient and beginner-friendly FitBit Inspire
3 .

Read on for more options and hit the View Details button to find out more information about each one. On your marks... 25% OFF Samsung Galaxy Fit3 44
59 shop now View details Amazfit Active 2 85.49 shop now View details 10% OFF Xiaomi Smart Band 10 35.99 39.99 shop now View details 41% OFF Fitbit Inspire 3 49.99 84.99 shop now View details Garmin Vivosmart 5 114.99 shop now View details 38% OFF Polar Pacer Pro 185.38 299 shop now View details 33% OFF Garmin Forerunner 165 167.72 249.99 shop now View details 19% OFF CMF Watch Pro 3 80.19 99 shop now View details Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/looking-for-your-fir st-running-watch-these-are-the-budget-fitness-bands-and-watches-wed-recommend- to-get-you-on-the-right-track


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