Amazfit Active 2: The New Budget Smartwatch King

Amazfit may not be widely recognized, but it has consistently excelled in the budget smartwatch market. At CES 2025, the company aims to surpass expectations with the launch of the $99 Amazfit Active 2.

Previously, I was a fan of the Amazfit GTR 4 watch, which, despite its lack of aesthetic appeal, offered remarkable value at $200. It has held the title of our top overall pick in the fitness tracker buying guide for two consecutive years. In comparison, the Active 2 delivers even greater functionality at half the price.

This smartwatch boasts a brilliant 2,000 nit OLED display, enhanced health sensors, updated heart rate and sleep algorithms, and the Zepp Flow AI assistant. Additionally, it features an advanced strength training mode that can automatically detect sets, reps, and rest periods, along with offline maps offering turn-by-turn directions and personalized training plans through Zepp Coach integration. For users with periods, there’s a dedicated app in , which provides dietary and exercise recommendations based on hormonal and menstrual cycles.

The watch also harmonizes with the recently released , optimizing sensor accuracy in tandem with Galaxy Watches similar to the Samsung Galaxy Ring. European users will also benefit from contactless payments through Zepp Pay, a feature that was missing in the GTR 4.

Such a feature set for under $250 is almost unheard of. It’s astonishing that this is available for just $100.

The Active line from Amazfit, introduced last year, effectively takes the place of the popular GTR series (though GTR 4 models are still readily available online). The design shift from the original Active’s square layout to a classic 44mm round watch face is noticeable. The standard model comes equipped with a tempered glass screen, a stainless steel case, and a 20mm silicone sport band. The premium model is priced at $129, boasting a more durable sapphire glass screen and an additional leather strap. The Active 2 also introduces advanced hardware components such as a barometer, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor. While battery life has slightly decreased to 10 days under normal usage, it’s still commendable compared to competitors.

On the surface, the Active 2 appears to be too good to be true. However, after wearing the premium model for several days, I can attest to its quality. The performance has been swift, it feels light on the wrist, and I’ve received numerous compliments from colleagues. Often, budget devices can appear inferior, yet the Active 2 doesn’t come off as cheap for a $100–$150 smartwatch. Although I’m still evaluating the health and fitness features, it has performed admirably during multiple treadmill workouts, and after three days of use, I’ve only consumed about 25 percent of the battery. My only critique is the touchscreen’s responsiveness, which could be improved, but it’s not a significant issue. While it’s premature to make a conclusive assessment of the Active 2, it certainly seems like a strong contender for anyone seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch.

The Active 2 is currently available for preorder in the US and is set to launch globally in February.