At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Amazfit unveiled the eagerly awaited Active 2 smartwatch, which promises top-tier technology wrapped inside sleek and stylish design—with features typically found on models costing significantly more.
The Amazfit Active 2 is available at two price points: the base version for $99 and the premium model for $129. The premium version showcases upgraded features including sapphire glass for enhanced durability, alongside cushier construction with a stainless steel case. Regardless of choice, both models offer impressive specifications for those new to smartwatches or seasoned users alike.
The smartwatch's standout feature list includes over 160 sports tracking profiles, comprehensive health monitoring tools, and support for offline mapping. Given the breadth of capabilities, the Active 2 is being marketed not just as another wearable device but as an indispensable fitness companion.
Visually, the Amazfit Active 2 takes inspiration from higher-end watches such as Apple’s SE and Google’s Pixel Watch, transitioning from the original Active's square shape to a more refined circular design. Weighing less than 30 grams, and with dimensions of just under 44mm, its aesthetic appeals to those who favor both style and comfort.
According to Tom's Guide, the smartwatch boasts well over 160 different sports tracking profiles as well as proactive features for health monitoring. "The Amazfit Active 2 boasts more than 160 sports tracking profiles, attractive design, and onboard tech normally reserved for far higher-end models," they noted. This amalgamation of fitness and tech functionalities is believed to be what sets the Active 2 apart from competitors.
“Amazfit has established a strong reputation for cramming high-spec features... the Active 2 continues this trend,” remarked Wareable, emphasizing the brand's focus on delivering feature-rich wearables at competitive pricing.
One intriguing aspect of the Active 2 involves its mapping capabilities. Users can download specific offline maps through the companion Zepp app, which takes roughly 15 minutes for coverage of up to 20 by 30 miles of terrain. Given the popularity of hiking and biking, such features can be truly beneficial during workouts.
The Active 2 can track various workouts effectively, offering reliable metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, and distances traveled. During trials, it showed solid performance, aligning closely with metrics acquired from other well-established competitors. The watch showcased precision during walks and runs, but elevation gain data was occasionally inflated. For example, during a 7,000-step comparison, the Active 2 measured elevation gain at 152 feet greater than the Apple Watch SE.
The health monitoring features of the Active 2 include SpO2 and temperature sensors, which capture data efficiently and provide insights on users’ heart rates and stress levels. Users can also gauge their overall health with one-tap insights, which report multiple metrics—including breath rate, stress levels, and heart rates.
Battery life stands out as another compelling feature. With the ability to last up to ten days on basic functions, five days with heavy usage, and around 21 hours with GPS tracking, the Active 2 is hard to beat for fitness enthusiasts constantly on-the-go. Testing reflected strong battery performance—users experienced only 10% charge drop during nearly three hours of GPS activity. Recharge time remained competitive, taking just over two hours using the included magnetic charging puck.
The design of the strap has drawn mixed feelings. While the premium version offers stylish leather, the silicone strap on the standard variant can be cumbersome. Nevertheless, the watch allows interchangeable bands, accommodating personal style preferences.
Moving onto software, users may notice some quirks with the watch's operating system, Zepp OS. While it offers commendable features and controls, performance can lag at times, especially with navigation. Touchscreen responsiveness has experienced mixed reviews, causing frustration during multitasking or when attempting to interact with available apps.
Despite its limitations, the Amazfit Active 2 maintains numerous perks for consideration. It supports calling and messaging directly from the watch—features typically less common among budget-friendly models. The integration of NFC payments adds to its allure, encouraging convenient transactions when required.
Even with its shortcomings, the Active 2 stacks favorably against established competitors. Unlike more expensive watches from brands like Apple and Samsung, it offers substantial battery life, multiple sports profiles, and health monitoring all for under $100. The Apple Watch SE delivers more dynamic applications and functionalities but lacks several tracking features of the Active 2.
Overall, the Amazfit Active 2 is packed with enticing features, making it the prime choice for budget-conscious consumers who desire advanced health metrics and performance. While some might question the accuracy of specific sensors, the combination of its price, aesthetic, and functionality suggest it deserves recognition as one of the best options for sub-$100 smartwatches available.
For buyers eager to explore fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities without overspending, the Amazfit Active 2 ensures value doesn’t come at the expense of quality.