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COLMI P81 Voice Calling Smart Watch
I picked the COLMI P81 Smart Watch after spotting it among the bestsellers in the budget smartwatch category on AliExpress. What initially caught my eye was the combo of voice calling, a 1.9″ display, and over 100 sports modes—all for a price that’s significantly lower than any US alternative. I figured, for under $40, even if it was average, it would still be worth a shot.
The delivery was surprisingly fast—arrived in 11 days to my address in California, well-packaged and with zero damage. Out of the box, it looked sleek and had a modern design. The display is crisp, not Apple Watch quality obviously, but shockingly good for the price. I paired it with my iPhone with zero hassle.
I mainly bought it for the fitness features and hands-free calling. Heart rate tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, step count, and even sleep tracking worked better than expected. Bluetooth calling is smooth and clear as long as you’re within 5–8 meters of your phone. Battery life lasted me 5 days on regular use (with calling on), which is totally fair.
Pros: Affordable, accurate fitness tracking, good display, Bluetooth calling works well, solid battery life. Cons: The companion app feels a bit clunky; some readings like blood oxygen can lag. Price Comparison: Similar smartwatches in the US (with these features) start at $70–$90. Verdict: Met and actually exceeded expectations for the price. Great value buy for casual users.
US $15.38
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Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
The Redmi Watch 5 Active stood out because of the Xiaomi name (I trust their quality) and the promise of 18-day battery life and 140+ workout modes. I got it for daily wear and serious workout tracking. I also liked that it’s 5ATM waterproof, as I swim 2–3 times a week.
Shipping took a little longer—about 14 days—but no issues with the packaging. The display is a beautiful 2″ screen—larger than most smartwatches in this range. The strap is comfortable, and the interface is intuitive. Once paired with my Android phone, it auto-synced workouts and data.
Workout tracking is phenomenal. I tried swimming, walking, and cycling modes—they’re all accurate. The battery lasted me a full 13 days, even with heavy notifications and heart rate tracking turned on. It doesn’t support third-party apps, but the built-in features are honestly enough for 90% of people.
Pros: Long battery, reliable fitness tracking, waterproof, stylish design. Cons: No third-party app support, no music storage. Price Comparison: Easily $30–$40 cheaper than any US brand with these features. Verdict: Worth every cent. If you’re looking for a solid fitness watch without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic option.
US $44.2
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Zeblaze Btalk 3 Plus Smartwatch
The Zeblaze Btalk 3 Plus was an impulse buy. I wanted a smartwatch that looked a bit more premium without the premium price. The 1.39″ HD screen and voice call support caught my eye, plus it had tons of solid reviews.
It showed up in 12 days, packed securely, and looked even better than the listing photos. It’s got a round face with a metallic finish—super sleek. Once charged, I set it up in less than 5 minutes. The UI is user-friendly, and the display is vivid, even outdoors.
I’ve been using it mainly for notifications, calls during work, and daily step/sleep tracking. Calls are impressively clear—people don’t even realize I’m talking from a watch. Step count seems accurate. I don’t rely on the blood pressure monitor though, seems a bit off.
Pros: Stylish design, reliable calling, responsive touchscreen, affordable. Cons: Slightly weak vibration for alerts; health sensors not super accurate. Price Comparison: About half the price of Fossil or Galaxy watches with similar looks. Verdict: If aesthetics and casual use matter to you, this is a great buy.
US $18.27
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COLMI P71 Smartwatch
I bought the COLMI P71 for my partner, mainly because of its sleek design and promise of IP68 waterproofing. The price was unbeatable, and I liked that it was unisex with voice assistant features. Perfect as a gift.
It arrived in just 10 days—one of the fastest shipments I’ve had on AliExpress. Setup was smooth. The screen isn’t as big as others on this list, but it’s crisp and vibrant. Voice assistant integration is basic but functional—good for setting reminders or asking for the weather.
Health features work well. Step tracking, heart rate, and sleep tracking have all been consistent. It connects to notifications smoothly—calls, WhatsApp, messages. My partner especially liked the minimalist style.
Pros: Compact design, waterproof, solid health features, great gift option. Cons: Smaller screen, no onboard storage for music. Price Comparison: In the US, a similar feature set would cost at least $70. Verdict: A strong all-rounder for anyone who wants a no-fuss smartwatch with good essentials.
US $10.41
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HAYLOU Watch S6 Smartwatch
The HAYLOU Watch S6 caught my attention due to its bold 2.01″ screen and brand reliability. I’d heard good things about HAYLOU watches and decided to give this one a shot. I needed something durable, bright, and voice-calling capable.
Shipping was average—about 13 days. The watch looks amazing. It feels light yet durable. The screen is bright even under sunlight, and touch response is snappy. The app UI (Haylou Fun) could be better, but syncing was smooth.
Voice calling and notification handling are top-notch. Fitness tracking is accurate—I’ve tested step count, heart rate, and sleep. IP68 waterproofing works—I wore it in the shower and during light rain. Battery lasted around 6–7 days with calling active.
Pros: Big screen, reliable call quality, sleek design, waterproof. Cons: App UI isn’t the best, no always-on display. Price Comparison: Way cheaper than similar Fitbit models in the US. Verdict: It’s now my daily wear. Looks good, works better.
US $19.71
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Zeblaze GTS 3 Smart Watch
I picked the Zeblaze GTS 3 mainly for its massive 2.03″ display and customizable watch faces. I like variety, and this one offered over 200+ face options. Also, the build looked rugged—great for everyday use.
It took 12 days to arrive. First impression—huge screen! It’s like wearing a mini phone on your wrist (in a good way). It’s got a premium vibe to it. Setup took a little longer than others, but once connected, it ran smoothly.
The watch faces are addictive. I’ve changed them almost daily. The display is beautiful—super colorful and easy to read. Fitness features work reliably, though I wouldn’t use it for serious medical monitoring. Battery lasted 7–8 days with moderate use.
Pros: Massive screen, tons of watch faces, good battery, solid Bluetooth calling. Cons: Slightly bulky for small wrists, a bit heavy for sleep tracking. Price Comparison: Easily $50–$60 cheaper than Samsung’s larger smartwatches. Verdict: A power-packed watch for anyone who loves a big screen and lots of options.
US $15.62
Overall Impression
Honestly, I went in with modest expectations, but I’m impressed by how solid these watches turned out. All six offered something unique, and none of them felt “cheap” in use. They’re not medical-grade devices or top-tier wearables, but for daily use, casual fitness tracking, and call handling—they deliver excellent value. Would I recommend them? Absolutely—especially if you’re tired of overpaying for big-brand watches in the US. I’ll definitely be ordering more—probably to gift to friends and family. AliExpress surprised me—in a good way.
