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This $99 discreet, subscription-free fitness band is a good budget Whoop tracker alternative

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Amazfit Helio Strap The Amazfit Helio Strap isn’t trying to be a high-powered training tool, but instead a comfortable, distraction-free fitness and health tracker that delivers solid wellness insights without the bloat of a screen or the burden of a subscription. If you're after a low-maintenance wearable that quietly does its job and lets you focus on your day, it’s a great value at $99.

I’m a screen fiend as much as the next shopper, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a distraction-free wearable. Amazfit’s Helio Strap is the latest minimalist fitness tracker designed for those who want passive, no-fuss monitoring. At just $99 with no subscription fees, it’s an attractive, budget-friendly option with a good amount to offer. After spending some time with it, I can say it’s not going to topple Whoop anytime soon, but it holds its own as a solid activity tracker that stays out of your way.

Screen-free and comfortable all-day wear

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Amazfit’s new Helio Strap drops into the landscape with an unassuming build and a complete lack of display. The result is a noticeably lightweight design. At just 20 grams, it’s one of the lightest wearables I’ve worn.

The strap itself is adjustable with a velcro closure, officially listed as fitting wrist sizes from 145mm to 205mm. It’s very slightly big for my wrist, which is just shy of 145mm, so you’ll see in the photos how I have to pull the closure all the way up alongside the tracking device. This looks a little less refined than it would otherwise, and it tended to catch on things, but it’s still comfortable overall and stayed put throughout my review. If I’m being picky, I would have preferred the logo in a more subtle tone like gray or white, rather than the brand’s iconic orange.

Unlike Whoop, Amazfit doesn’t offer any alternative ways to wear the tracker secured in clothing, but the company’s site does tease an armband option coming soon. For now, the simple nylon strap wristband is comfortable for all-day wear. My only complaint is that, like all fabric bands, it takes a long time to dry out, which meant after a sweaty gym session, I was left with that gross feeling akin to wearing socks after you’ve stepped in a kitchen puddle. The material comes in two colorways. I tested the black option, which still looks good after a week of use. I can’t imagine the white colorway would hold up quite as well on the hikes and outdoor workouts I completed.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The tracker itself is loaded with sensors to monitor heart rate, HRV, SpO₂, skin temperature, and stress levels, providing continuous, behind-the-scenes tracking while you forget you’ve even strapped it on. Compared to testing a new smartwatch or traditional tracker, the strap feels incredibly low-maintenance. It doesn’t tempt me to tap through arbitrary settings or distract me with notifications. There’s a vibration alert available for alarms (which I really appreciate), but otherwise, no pings or pulls on my attention.

First and foremost, the Helio Strap is a distraction-free fitness tracker.

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