Amazfit Active 2 Is Les Numériques’ Value Pick
The Amazfit Active 2 is currently listed at €125.99 on Amazon and has been named the best value smartwatch in Les Numériques’ comparison of 135 laboratory-tested models. For endurance athletes who want dependable wrist heart-rate readings, an AMOLED display and straightforward day-to-day usability without stepping into higher-priced Garmin territory, that is a strong proposition. It is a lifestyle watch with sporting intent, rather than a stripped-back training computer. And for plenty of runners and gym regulars, that distinction works.
What makes the Active 2 compelling
The headline is the heart-rate sensor. Les Numériques calls the cardio sensor “very reliable” and says Amazfit has fitted a newer, more precise sensor in this revised Active 2. That matters far more than an extensive feature checklist: if wrist heart rate is unstable, pacing and intensity data quickly become less useful. We would still treat any wrist-based reading with the normal caution during intervals, hard strength work and fast changes of pace, but strong lab feedback is encouraging at this price.
The rest of the package sounds unusually complete. Les Numériques highlights a bright AMOLED panel, a compact and light build, and interfaces on both the watch and Zepp app that are quick to understand. There is also a built-in microphone and speaker, plus comprehensive health tracking. The result is a watch that should disappear on the wrist during normal life, then be easy to operate when training starts. That natural wearability is not a minor point for athletes who want continuous data rather than a device that lives in a drawer between runs.
A sensible alternative to the Vivoactive 5
Les Numériques places the Garmin Vivoactive 5 second for value, with listed prices beginning at €189.99. Its review praises the Garmin’s effective interface and accurate heart-rate performance during endurance sessions. So this is not a simple case of cheap versus good. The Active 2 is the more affordable choice in this comparison, while the Vivoactive 5 remains a credible option for athletes who prefer Garmin’s ecosystem, including the wider world of Connect IQ apps and tools we covered in our guide to [Connect IQ 9’s new athlete-facing capabilities](/en/articles/garmin-connect-iq-9-six-new-capabilities-explained-for-athletes-2026-06-26).
There is a useful warning in the Vivoactive 5 assessment, too: Les Numériques reports strange measurements during interval training and the lack of a barometric altimeter. A barometric altimeter uses air pressure to estimate elevation, so its absence matters to runners and cyclists who care about reliable climbing data. The source does not identify an altimeter specification for the Active 2, which means we should not assume Amazfit solves that particular problem. For hilly trail training or elevation-led cycling analysis, verify the watch’s tools before buying.
The compromises are visible
The Active 2 is not flawless. Les Numériques criticises its fragile tempered glass, somewhat flashy stainless-steel dial, unfinished-feeling details, and touch display and on-screen responsiveness. Slow interactions can become irritating when trying to start a session in the cold or move through workout screens mid-run. Also, while the source says the Active 2 launched at €99 and describes it as compelling below €100, the current Amazon listing cited is €125.99. Buy the watch on its present price and merits, not on an old launch-price claim.
Verdict: the Amazfit Active 2 looks like the value-first pick for everyday runners, fitness athletes and endurance beginners who prioritise reliable heart-rate tracking, comfort and a bright screen. Choose it over the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if those basics matter more than Garmin’s platform; look elsewhere if interval precision, rugged finishing and elevation data are central to training.
