Magellan is no stranger to the world of tracking devices, and if you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to track your workouts without all the gimmicks of today’s smartwatches, the Magellan Echo is the device for you. At just $20, it’s one of the most inexpensive, name-brand fitness watches you can find.
The Magellan Echo is not new having initially made its debut in 2013. However, in a smartwatch world that’s dominated by ecosystems, this is one watch that focuses on simplicity and compatibility. As we noted in our original review, the Echo acts as a remote control for a fitness app running on iOS and Android devices. It “echoes” the data on your phone’s display directly on your watch, meaning you can leave your smartphone in your pocket while your metrics and still view your metrics on the watch’s 1-inch LCD.
The Echo features a plastic face, four buttons, and a rubberized plastic strap. Although it’s water-resistant up to 30 meters and can be worn during heavy rains and in the shower, Magellan says it’s not suitable for swimming. Unlike today’s power-hogging smartwatches, however, the Echo doesn’t require a daily charge, as it runs on a replaceable CR2032 coin battery. You can also customize the information displayed on your Echo via Bluetooth and the Echo Utility app. Here, you can choose whether you want a digital or analog face, set the background color of the LCD, and choose your preferred language. The Echo even works with multiple fitness apps, including Strava, RunKeeper, MapMyRun, and others.
When in use, the watch face will display three lines of data, each reliant on the activity you’re performing. When running with the Strava app, for instance, you’ll be able to view your distance, run time, and pace. When cycling, you’ll see metrics such as distance, ride time, and speed. The Echo also allows you to start, pause, and finish workouts directly from the watch, and control your music without having to pick up your phone.
The Magellan Echo is currently available in gray, blue, black, orange, and pink. It’s $22 on Amazon, or $20 through the DT Shop.
