TechRadar’s latest review reveals budget-friendly running watches now offer advanced GPS and health tracking, disrupting the high-end sports watch market with models like Amazfit Active 2 and Fitbit Charge 6 leading the charge.
TechRadar’s latest round-up of affordable running watches suggests that runners no longer need to pay premium prices to get dependable GPS, heart-rate tracking and route mapping. In a market where even budget models now offer training tools once reserved for high-end sports watches, the main trade-off is less about core tracking and more about the depth of analysis, battery life and comfort.
At the top of TechRadar’s list is the Amazfit Active 2, which the site says combines a refined design with unusually strong running features for the price. The watch includes a stainless steel bezel, full-colour maps and GPS performance that TechRadar says was comparable in testing to the far more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 2. It also recorded heart-rate readings within one beat per minute during tests, according to the review, while the Premium version adds a leather strap and NFC support. The model is sold in Ukraine from 4,299 hryvnias, making it one of the most accessible options for runners looking for detailed tracking without a large spend.
TechRadar places the Amazfit Active 3 Premium close behind, describing it as a more feature-rich option that brings dual-frequency GPS, turn-by-turn navigation, 170 sports modes and a wider set of running metrics. The review says the watch can measure details such as stride length and ground contact time, while the Zepp app helps explain the data in more practical terms. It also highlights the HybridCharge system, which combines sleep, activity, heart-rate and recovery information, alongside an AMOLED display, sapphire glass and battery life of up to 12 days. In Ukraine, the model starts at 6,249 hryvnias.
The Fitbit Charge 6 rounds out the selection as a device that sits between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch. It offers ECG, stress sensing and built-in GPS, but independent reviews suggest its running performance is more mixed than the Amazfit models. Android Central found that it could undercount distance and distort pace in some runs, while PhoneArena reported unreliable GPS when the strap was worn tightly. OutdoorGearLab was more positive, saying its performance was steadier on open trails and that it remained a capable daily-use tracker. TechRadar’s broader guidance is that the best choice depends on whether a runner values map-based navigation, battery endurance, training tools or a compact design.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
