As the new year pushes many to prioritise health and fitness, a surprisingly affordable gadget is emerging as a secret weapon. The Sekonda Track Black Silicone Strap Smartwatch, costing a mere £39.99, is proving itself a formidable rival to more expensive brands like FitBit for keeping January resolutions on track.
Putting a Budget Tracker to the Test
Digital style and shopping writer Faith Richardson has been testing the device throughout January 2026. Her straightforward goals—to move more, drink more water, and improve sleep—were all supported by the watch's features. She found it offered essential tracking for step count, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep quality.
The setup was remarkably quick, taking less than five minutes, and the battery life impressed, lasting around 10 days with constant wear. Customisable reminders were a highlight, allowing users to set hydration alerts at intervals between 20 and 180 minutes, as well as sedentary alerts to encourage movement after long periods of sitting.
Where It Shines and Where It Could Improve
For a device under £40, its performance is notable. It's a lightweight and non-intrusive accessory, comfortable enough for all-day and sleep tracking. Aesthetically, it offers variety beyond the basic black silicone strap, with options in grey, pale pink, and more premium metal bracelet-style straps.
If there is a drawback, it's in the sports mode selection. While it covers running, walking, cycling, tennis, and football, some users might miss dedicated tracking for activities like weight lifting or yoga.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
The market is full of smartwatches with advanced features, but they command significantly higher prices. For instance, H Samuel has a deal on the Garmin Lily 2, reduced by £55 to £194.99, and Boots is offering the Reflex Active Series 12 smartwatch for just £19.95, down from £39.95.
However, for those seeking a straightforward, simple-to-use device that delivers all the vital health metrics without the hefty price tag, the Sekonda Track presents a compelling case. It demonstrates that effective fitness technology doesn't have to break the bank to help you stay on the right path this January.
