Xiaomi Mi Band 7 directly available in the US but buyer beware while the Mi Smart Band 6 and Amazfit Band 5 make cheaper alternatives for now

The Xiaomi Smart Band 7 is now on sale in the UK and Europe, with buyers in those locations being able to purchase the activity tracker at special early bird discounted rates – £44.99 in the UK until June 24 (£10 off) while shoppers in Europe enjoyed a €10 discount (€49.99) until June 23. Fans of the OEM in the US can also purchase the seventh-generation band directly from Amazon US, but apart from the not inconsiderable current price tag of US$69.59 (from the Xiaomi store) it also comes with the catch of apparently being the Chinese variant – a Mi Band 7 rather than the global Xiaomi Smart Band 7.

In terms of basic features there is really no difference and, of course, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 can deliver its multiple functions in English for US buyers. However, reviewers on the Amazon page for the fitness tracker have expressed difficulty with pairing the Band 7 with other devices. Along with the product name, the date first available of “June 1” also indicates that this is the Chinese variant of the Mi Band 7 despite being directly sold via Amazon US and with immediate availability (and free delivery). It might be worthwhile for shoppers to consider alternatives while waiting for the global Smart Band 7 variant to turn up.

Unsurprisingly, the Mi Smart Band 6 is one of those alternatives. It may not have the Band 7’s continuous blood oxygen sensor and comes with a slightly smaller display (1.56-in vs. 1.62-in), but it does feature a 24-hour heart-rate monitor and two-week battery life for a current price of US$44.87 on Amazon US. An even cheaper and still decent option is the very similar Amazfit Band 5, which Amazon has on sale at the moment at just US$29.88. This tracker offers Amazon Alexa built-in and the related Zepp app has been praised for its better overall presentation in comparison with the Mi Smart Band 6’s Mi fitness app.

Buy the Amazfit Band 5 on Amazon