Do you need to drop big bucks for a feature-packed smartwatch? Think again. The budget smartwatch scene has leveled up, and you no longer have to settle for laggy interfaces, dull displays, or sensors that feel more like a guessing game.
I’ve spent weeks testing some of the best smartwatches under ₹5000; surprisingly, some blew me away. From smooth touchscreens to unexpectedly accurate heart rate tracking, these watches make you wonder why premium brands charge so much.
People love watches for many reasons: some are fitness junkies, some are addicted to notifications, and many want a sleek wrist upgrade. If any of this sounds like you, I’ve got picks that might be what you’re looking for.
Let’s look at the top contenders that make you feel like you’re wearing a flagship without breaking the bank.
When I first strapped on the Fastrack Astor FR2 Pro, the first thing that instantly impressed me was the display. The colors pop, and the clarity is what you’d expect from premium models. The watch feels comfortable on my wrist, as it’s not too heavy or bulky, and the design is sleek. The SingleSync BT Calling feature makes it easy to take calls without my phone. This function is super convenient when I’m on the go. The functional crown is smooth and responsive, so navigating the apps feels like a breeze.
I also appreciated the AI Voice Assistant, which makes multitasking easier. Setting reminders or controlling music feels like having a mini assistant on my wrist. The health features, including the heart rate monitor and SpO2 tracking, provide a solid overview of my well-being.
The battery doesn’t quite last the full five days as advertised. Also, while fitness tracking works well for casual workouts, it tends to be inaccurate during high-intensity activities.
The Redmi Watch 5 Lite drew me in with its appealing design and big, bright display. The display is bright enough for sunny days, which is nice. The Redmi Watch 5 Lite has the added advantage of modern integrated GPS, so it stands out from the Titan Zeal I looked at previously and is ideal for those who like running or hiking outdoors. On a related note, GPS accuracy could be better; tracking my routes has not been as accurate as I expected. The Bluetooth calling capability with AI noise reduction ensures that voices can be understood, even if I'm outside.
One of the watch's drawbacks is the absence of an auto-lock feature, which may result in inconvenient accidental touches. Additionally, the display lacks an auto-brightness adjustment feature.
When I switched to the Titan Zeal model, the first thing that hit me was its design. The watch feels more like a statement piece with its premium body and sleek mesh strap. The 1.85” display feels massive compared to my previous watches and is the highlight. It’s bright and vibrant, and the Always-On Display makes it even better for glances.
One of the key differences I noticed between the Zeal and the Fastrack Astor FR2 Pro is the size and screen clarity. The Zeal feels more like a modern, fashion-forward gadget, whereas the Astor is more compact and fitness-focused. The SingleSync BT Calling is solid, and its AI Voice Assistant works well when multitasking. The watch also comes with 100+ sports modes, which is fantastic if you're into tracking various workouts.
Using the Always-On Display at frequent intervals reduces battery performance and requires users to recharge the device more often. A large watch looks fashionable yet may not suit people with small wrist sizes. Athletes should use dedicated fitness trackers to confirm their stats when relying on fitness tracking through the Apple Watch as their primary method.
I was immediately impressed by the Fire-Boltt Rise's 1.85" HD display and elegant, high-end metal body. The vibrant, clear screen is simple to use. Additionally, the Neon UI gave the experience a fashionable touch. It's ideal for working out and casual wear.
One of my favorite features is Bluetooth calling. Taking calls directly from my wrist was a significant upgrade in convenience. Regardless of where I am, it saves me from constantly reaching for my phone. Plus, the rotating crown lets you navigate smoothly, making it feel like you're using a premium device.
It has 120+ sports modes, so I had no trouble tracking various activities, from walking to running and even yoga. The SpO2 and heart rate monitoring gave me a solid performance overview, and the sleep tracking was surprisingly accurate. Compared to other smartwatches in this range, the Fire-Boltt Rise provides a polished user interface, much better than others with clunky menus or laggy performance.
The battery drains faster than expected because of this device's excellent features. Some of the sports modes feel similar and seem repetitive. Fewer but better apps would be ideal, so your device doesn’t feel bloated.
The Noise Halo Plus immediately caught my attention with its modest 1.46" display, especially compared to the larger ones I’ve been trying. The rest is pretty great, too. The resolution is sharp and crisp, and it has the always-on-display feature.
The stainless steel build adds a premium touch, and I loved how sleek and lightweight the watch felt. The straightforward Bluetooth calling feature was another highlight for me. I could easily take calls while on the move, which is incredibly convenient.
One of the most practical aspects of the Noise Halo Plus is its health and fitness features. The Noise Health Suite™ tracks heart rate, sleep, and SpO2 levels. It also has 100+ sports modes, covering everything from cycling to swimming. As someone who enjoys staying active, this was a huge plus. Compared to other smartwatches, the Noise Halo Plus delivers fantastic battery life. I could go up to 7 days on a single charge, even with calling activated for a few days.
The watch lacks built-in music storage, so you’ll always need your phone for offline playback. The fitness tracking is solid, but the advanced metrics serious athletes might look for are missing.
While premium and expensive watches have their place, there are times when we need to make an impact without actually wearing a watch that costs a bomb. I’ve discussed some of the best smart watches under 5000 that look nothing short of their premium counterparts. You cannot go wrong with these; they’ll fit in your collection!
