Do You Really Need to Spend $400 on a Health-focused Smart Watch?

One of the most popular smartwatches is less than $50 (for real).

, and Gary P Guthrie

October 16, 2025 . 5:18 AM

2 min read

The Takeaway

Big-brand smartwatches cost $250–$400+, but most seniors only need the basics.
Budget watches ($40–$60) track steps, sleep, heart rate, and even blood pressure.
Accuracy is fine for trends, not diagnosis.
Screen size, battery life, and ease of use matter more than brand names.
Always confirm unusual readings with your doctor.

After a recent health scare, my GP suggested I get a smartwatch to keep better track of my blood pressure, heart rate, and daily steps.

So I checked the usual suspects — Apple, Google, and Samsung. The price tags floored me: $250, $300, sometimes even $400. That’s a lot for anyone, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

Instead, I tried a $49 smartwatch I found on Amazon — the FITVII HM57. And you know what? It worked. Steps, heart rate, blood pressure — all right there on my wrist. It wasn’t perfect, but it was plenty good enough to give me peace of mind.

What You Get for Your Money

Feature	Big Brands (Apple, Google, Samsung)	Budget Models (Examples Below)
Heart Rate / Blood Pressure	Clinically validated sensors	FITVII HM57, Amazfit Active 2
Steps & Sleep Tracking	Highly polished apps	Amazfit Bip 6, Amazfit Band 7
Emergency / Fall Detection	Yes	Rare in this class
Battery Life	1–2 days	5–10 days (Bip 6 ≈ 14 days)
Price	$250–$400+	$40–$100

Top 5 Budget Smartwatches for Seniors

Here are five affordable, well-reviewed options worth exploring:

Smart Senior Daily's pick: FITVII HM57 Health & Fitness Tracker — About $49. Tracks HR, BP, SpO₂, steps, and sleep.

Others worth considering based on reviews:

Amazfit Active 2 Sport Smart Watch — ~$90. Bright AMOLED screen, 10-day battery, polished sensors.

Amazfit Bip 6 — $70–$80. 14-day battery, GPS, excellent tracking accuracy.

GARD Pro Health Smartwatch 2 — Currently unavailable on Amazon but can still be found through select online retailers.

Amazfit Band 7 — $50. Lightweight band for simple tracking without the bulk.

The Bottom Line

If your doctor wants you to monitor your health more closely, don’t let the price of a big-name watch scare you away. Today’s budget smartwatches can handle the basics for a fraction of the cost — and many are surprisingly reliable.

Just remember: smartwatch readings are guides, not gospel. If you see something odd, recheck with a proper blood pressure cuff or ask your doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health or lifestyle changes.