When it comes to getting in better shape this year, fitness trackers can be useful tools for getting more active, getting better rest, as well as getting a better understanding of your health. Besides tracking your progress, they can also offer guidance on how hard you should push yourself.
Fitness trackers can measure your heart rate, and your blood oxygen levels, accompany your swimming and tell you if you're well-rested. Some fitness trackers can also be used for paying for groceries, playing music, answering texts, and much more when you're not exercising.
You may find it difficult to choose the best fitness tracker or fitness watch for your needs with so many options available. Below are all of the best fitness trackers and fitness watches. If you need something more advanced, check out our guide to the best smartwatches.
What Are The Best Fitness Trackers?
Fitbit Charge 5 is currently the best fitness tracker on the market. GPS and extensive health tracking features, as well as sports, sleep, and wireless payment capabilities, are built into the device. The swim-proof design has a touchscreen display that responds instantly to swipes and taps. Heart rate monitoring is one of the watch's features, a feature usually reserved for more expensive trackers.
How would the product be if it had more features? Garmin Venu 2 plus includes 25 workout modes in addition to all the features you expect from a Garmin product. Making and answering calls as well as summoning Siri or Google Assistant is possible with your wrist connected to your phone.
Fitness Trackers: How To Choose The Right One
The first step to buying a fitness tracker is to assess your needs. What are you planning on tracking? You can get by fine with a simpler, less expensive fitness tracker if you only need to count your steps and heart rate at the gym.
In the event that you plan on doing more outdoor activities, like running or biking, you might consider getting one with built-in GPS, so you know where you're going, as well as where you've been. The page of the best GPS watches will also be useful to runners and athletes.
If To make sure your fitness tracker works for swimming, you'll want to make sure it's not only waterproof, but that it can track your laps in the pool, as well. Several smartwatches also have fitness trackers as well as additional features like text message replying and payment options. These features can be costly, however. The average smartwatch, however, is more expensive and has a shorter battery life than dedicated fitness trackers.
The Best Fitness Trackers: What We Look For
Fitness trackers are evaluated according to their hardware design and comfort; they need to be comfortable to wear all day, and some large trackers are difficult to wear on smaller wrists. The device should be readable in bright sunlight, especially if it has a touchscreen. If your fitness tracker has a multi-screen interface, you don't want to have to use multiple screens when running.
Furthermore, step counting, sleep monitoring, distance calculations,, and GPS accuracy (when applicable) are evaluated. The real-world testing also shows how well manufacturers' battery life claims stack up. Last but not least, we evaluate the experience of using a device with the app that comes with it. The device's app should support coaching and diet tracking, and sync data with third-party apps, such as MyFitnessPal.
A fitness tracker that is currently the best on the market.
Apple Watch Series 7
https://www.apple.com
Even though the Apple Watch Series 6 is a less expensive watch, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still a great smartwatch and well worth the upgrade. It has 14 different quick-start workout modes, including running, cycling, walking, and strength training, plus you can add new workouts through the Workout app. This year, it added automatic outdoor cycling tracking and Tai Chi, which detected when you hopped on your bike and enabled a workout. A modification of the cycling algorithm has also been made to accommodate metrics for best electric bikes, which are less strenuous to ride than regular bikes. Apple Fitness Plus features hundreds of workouts. With the Apple Watch, you get an 18-hour battery life, which is less than some of the other trackers on this list.
Fitbit Charge 5
https://www.fitbit.com
Fitbit's Charge 5 tracker comes with a number of exciting features typically only found in more expensive devices, such as an ECG heart rate monitor. Testers found that the always-on color screen is a vast improvement over the Fitbit Charge 4, is easy to read in bright sunlight and is great to use during a HIIT workout or hike. However, the lack of physical buttons made it cumbersome to use when running. With the Fitbit Charge 5, you can also use Fitbit's 'Daily Readiness Score' feature, which measures fitness fatigue, heart rate variability, and sleep deprivation to anticipate your readiness for a big workout.
Amazfit Band 5
https://www.amazfit.com
Amazfit Band 5 is a $50 fitness tracker that promises many of the features found on this year's premium smartwatches, but for a fraction of the cost. With this device, you can monitor your blood oxygen level (SpO2), stress, heart rate, sleep, and other tools commonly found in high-end devices.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
https://www.samsung.com
Even if you're not a Samsung phone owner, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an impressive piece of hardware for anyone who wants to monitor their health from their wrist. The watch features a 3-in-1 health sensor that can measure heart rate, take ECGs, and read body composition - and it's the first major smartwatch to support bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), so you can keep track of your health. The watch has all the features you need to keep track of your daily activities, including automatic workout tracking. With GPS and activity tracking enabled, we found the battery life did not last at the full 40 hours Samsung suggests. However, unless you're planning on running an ultramarathon, you shouldn't be bothered by this.
Whoop 4.0
https://www.whoop.com
What makes Whoop 4.0 different is that it isn't something you purchase, but rather something you subscribe to. The Whoop band has no screen or GPS, instead it measures recovery and heart rate to give you a better idea of how hard you've been training. For anyone looking for enhanced health insights, the Whoop 4.0 is undoubtedly a superb health tracker. The world's top athletes often have one on their wrist or around their bicep - for a coach, this data would be invaluable. It's also possible to use skin temperature as a metric to determine when you're getting sick or if you're sleeping too much. The information this tracker provides is among the best in the industry. Having said that, if you're looking for a fitness tracker you can wear in the gym or on your run to get live feedback, it isn't the one for you. Although it takes a bit to get used to, the Whoop 4.0 has its own unique place in the market.
Polar Grit X
https://www.polar.com
The Grit X multisport watch, which was followed by the Grit X Pro in 2021, was Polar's entry into the great outdoors. The device boasts a familiar rugged design, with toughened sapphire glass and a MIL-STD-810G-certified housing, promising 40 hours of battery life coupled with GPS and heart rate monitoring. Aside from the features carried over from the original Grit X - like running power, sleep tracking, smartphone notifications, turn-by-turn navigation, and more - the Pro offers always-on dashboards, making key information more visible to you when you're out on the trail, like a compass, sunrise/set times, and more. Grit X Pro and Polar Flow (the company's training management tool) generate extensive insights. The sheer volume of data, however, might be overwhelming to new users.
Amazfit Bip S
https://www.amazfit.com
For $69.99, the Amazfit Bip S is a good choice if you're looking to save a little money. Even though it's not the most attractive tracker out there, you get a lot of features you won't find on a device under $100. It features GPS, in-depth sleep tracking, continuous heart rate monitoring, an always-on display, and a battery life of about two weeks. There is no doubt that the Fitbit Charge HR is more like a fitness tracker than a smartwatch, but you have the option to change the watch face, get notifications, and change the music controls. The price is quite reasonable. As a watch, the Bip S does not win awards for looks, but the results it delivers are on par with more expensive timepieces. Those who miss Pebble's simple and cheap smartwatches will find this a worthy replacement.
Garmin Fenix 7s/7/7x
https://support.garmin.com
Garmin's flagship Fenix 7 series is not to be taken lightly. This device has a built-in multi-band GPS, weeks worth of battery life, touchscreen navigation, topographical maps, and an enormous amount of data. There is also real-time stamina tracking in the game. Depending on the model, you might also find a built-in LED flashlight and solar charging capability. With the Fenix, Garmin focuses on providing extensive, precise metrics like its other wearables. Coaching programs are included as well as excellent recovery metrics. This is a free feature. Watches start at $699.99, so that's good news. The GPS signals are picked up so quickly by the Fenix 7. Training in the dead of winter demands it. Durability is also a plus. Durability is also a plus. This rugged fitness watch series is less of an eyesore due to its attractive colorways. Being able to use a watch as a daily driver is convenient for many people. Compared to the Transflective screen on the Garmin Epix 2, the OLED screen on the Epix 2 is more comfortable. Those who don't have large wrists will find the Fenix 7 series of watches a more versatile choice. Despite its higher price tag, it makes a great choice for people who spend many hours outdoors.
Oura Ring Gen 3
https://ouraring.com
Most fitness trackers are worn on the wrist, but the $299 Oura Ring is not. Those looking for something a little more discrete may prefer a smart ring. As it lacks a screen and doesn't forward push notifications, it is also less distracting than other wrist-based options. The Oura Ring tracks multiple metrics even though it's smaller than most wearables, such as heart rate variability and body temperature. With its third iteration, the device also adds SpO2 sensors as well as heart rate monitoring throughout the day. Activity tracking (you currently must import activities) and blood oxygen levels will also be added in future updates. A guided meditation session can also be tracked on the Oura Ring if you're looking for some stress relief. The Oura Ring measures typical metrics — such as steps taken and calories burned — but its focus is on sleep and recovery. There are three sets of scores each day for readiness, sleep, and activity. It offers a holistic view of your overall health, and is ideal if you prefer to manage your data passively.
Apple Watch Se
https://www.apple.com
The Apple Watch SE is a mid-tier smartwatch that excels at fitness tracking. It lacks many of Apple's flagship features like EKGs, an always-on display, and SpO2, but offers a lot more. Since the SE still alerts you of abnormal heart rates if you are relatively healthy, an EKG isn't necessary. Apple has yet to figure out how it will best utilize the SpO2 sensors. The SE still includes GPS, cellular connectivity, contactless payments, and fall detection. Fitness Plus is also supported. The vast majority of consumers will get the same experience on the SE as they will on the flagship Series 7. If the bigger screen is easier on your eyes, if you must have the always-on display, or if your doctor thinks you would benefit from an EKG, we'd recommend the Series 7 over the SE.
Fitbit Sense
https://www.fitbit.com
Fitbit's Sense smartwatch adds a lot of health features at the top of the line. The hypochondriac's smartwatch, it's so full of warnings, but there are also many features that can help you identify health problems and improve them. Some might think mindfulness is weird or a burden for those with too much free time, but there is no denying that stress is detrimental to us all and can be managed in a way that will benefit both our mental and physical health in the long run. Fitbit Sense has it all when it comes to track physical and mental health, provided you can afford the high price.
Garmin Forerunner 245
https://www.garmin.com
The Forerunner 245 makes one of the best sports watches, and we recommend it highly. Running watches usually have a lot of bells and whistles. However, this running watch is small and light with built-in GPS and an easy-to-read color screen. You don't even have to carry your smartphone with you if you want to listen to tunes while running with the Forerunner 245's onboard music storage. As part of the 245's functionality, it calculates your V02 max score and provides a recovery advisor to help you determine when to rest between runs. The watch also lasts about a week of workouts on a single charge, which isn't too bad for a fully-functioning GPS watch. The Garmin watch is an excellent choice for runners, especially beginners - it is far less expensive than some of the other best Garmin watches, it is all-weather, and it has the ability to download Garmin's training plans, which will help you race and run smarter.
Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra Gps
https://www.mobvoi.com
When it comes to smartwatch-like fitness tracking experiences for Android users who are not Samsung users, there is very little choice. In that case, my recommendation is the $299.99 Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, if you're determined to take this route. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 chip. It's significant because it's one of the few watches that we know will get Wear OS 3 when it arrives later this year. Furthermore, it is equipped with fitness-focused features that the Fossil Gen 6 lacks. It also has greater durability and provides a more comprehensive sleep tracking feature. There is also an atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeat detection feature, as well as a stress management feature.
Fitbit Luxe
https://www.fitbit.com
Fitbit Luxe is the best fitness tracker. The company's top-end device is not this device, but it is our favorite overall package at an affordable price. The Fitbit Luxe has a sleek design and a large AMOLED display, which we particularly appreciate. Among the best options for those looking for a trim option is the Fitbit Luxe. It won't topple your wrist like most smartwatches, but its slim design can make it harder to read your stats than a device with a larger screen. It's possible to dig deeper into the information using the Fitbit app. The app works well on Android phones, and we especially like how much data it provides throughout the day, including your resting heart rate, sleep stats, activities, and more. Even beginners will be able to use the Fitbit app without much difficulty. Fitbit estimates it will take around five days of continuous use for the Luxe's battery to drain. Its heart rate tracker is outstanding, and the battery life is great. One of the biggest problems with the Luxe is that it does not have GPS. With the GPS technology built into it, you can track your location with your phone.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
https://www.mi.com
With the latest version of the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi threads the needle, in terms of features versus value, in a way few other trackers can, and that holds true for the Mi Band 6 as well as for its predecessors. With the company's latest budget fitness tracker, users can not only count steps and monitor heart rate, but also record sleep, and receive app notifications, all as before, with new features that compete with fully-fledged smartwatches - like the Apple Watch - with blood oxygen tracking. Five of the 30+ workout modes on the Band 6 now automatically detect workouts, and it is rated for swimming and other water sports. Despite the underwhelming quality of the TPU bands, the 1.5in AMOLED touchscreen makes for a more premium and insightful user experience.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
https://www.garmin.com
A fantastic fitness-tracking smartwatch, the Garmin Venu 2 was improved this year with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. As part of the latest Venu line, Garmin added voice assistants and on-voice calls to compete with some of its biggest competitors. A smartwatch that's even more intelligent. With 25 different workout modes and all of the run tracking features you're used to from Garmin, the Venu 2 Plus also offers the ability to store up to 650 songs on the watch, place and receive calls from your wrist, and invoke Siri or Google Assistant. With a price of $449, it's no longer the cheapest smartwatch on the market, but if you want a connected watch that still has all the workout tracking power of a Garmin, it's hard to go wrong.
Withings Scan Watch
https://www.withings.com
Aside from a lack of GPS, Withings' ScanWatch is a compelling hybrid tracker, with a classic design and rich tracking capabilities. The name relates to its ability to more accurately get a read on your heart health than any other tracker here, albeit for a premium that makes it more of a niche proposition. AFib detection, an SpO2 sensor and the ongoing promise of sleep apnea detection via a future update are smart inclusions, while the small PMOLED display grants some degree of smartwatch-like functionality on top of its fitness-tracking skillset.
Fitbit Inspire 2
https://www.fitbit.com
One of the best fitness trackers overall is the Fitbit Inspire 2. It is one of the best Fitbits for those on a budget. Essentially, it's a slightly slimmed-down, pared-down version of the Charge 3, which is ideal for those interested in tracking their activity and sleep. The Inspire 2 has many of the same features as the Charge 3 and Charge 4, such as the OLED touchscreen display (though it is a little smaller here), smartphone notifications, swim tracking and sleep tracking. Inspire HR doesn't have GPS built in, but you can use your phone's GPS to track your outdoor activities if you wish.
Redmi Watch 2 Lite
https://www.mi.com
Here's another budget option from Redmi, which offers a good range of features at a much lower price than other options. There are a few fitness features on it, but it's much more for those looking for the basics than a top-end Garmin or smartwatch. While the design is sturdy, the LCD screen isn't one of the most attractive you'd find on any device on our list. Wearing it was comfortable and it looked more expensive than its price might suggest. Redmi Watch 2 Lite is impressive in its fitness mode, as it can track over 50 different types of exercise. Among them are traditional activities like running, cycling, swimming, and yoga, as well as a few strange ones you might find unlikely to use. GPS comes built-in, and it's very accurate. Redmi Watch 2 Lite is a step above the Mi Band 6 for only a touch more money if you don't want to spend a lot on your next fitness tracker.
Huawei Watch GT 3
https://consumer.huawei.com
As if the luxurious design and the promise of up to 14 days of battery life weren't enough to convince you, the Huawei Watch GT 3 also features some of the most comprehensive fitness tracking technology in the series. While its lack of smart features makes it a tough recommendation on our Best Smartwatches chart, it fits right in our list of the Best Fitness Trackers currently available on the market. More than 100 workout types are supported, including heart rate, VO2Max, altitude, pace, and calories burned. Furthermore, the running coach powered by AI and Healthy Living Shamrock are also on hand to help improve well-being and fitness. With two casing sizes (46mm and 42mm), the GT 3 series offers an impressive range of design options.
Garmin Vivomove Sport
https://www.garmin.com
With the Vivomove Sport, you get the same great features as the Vivomove HR Sport, but with some improvements that make it easier to use. The Vivomove Sport is more than just a pretty face; it lets you track ten different activities, as well as your sleep, hydration, and menstrual cycle. The hidden display is only visible when you move your wrist, as with the other Vivomove smartwatches. When moved, the date and digital time light up in a small, discreet font in white. On the contrary to other Vivomove watches, however, you can swipe left on the time to view your stress levels, body battery, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and menstrual cycle from your wrist. The watch can also measure your hydration levels, track your respiration, and do some mindful breathing exercises. Vivomove Sport is a little fiddly to use on the go, so it won't be the best if you're looking to track your runs or bike rides on the go. In addition, there is no built-in GPS, so you will need to use your phone to locate yourself.
Fitbit Versa 3
https://www.fitbit.com
With the Fitbit Versa 3, the next generation of the Fitbit Versa 2, you can track your sleep with ease. This model comes with an on-board GPS. With the Versa, you can now track your location even when you leave your phone at home while exercising outside. It also features a flatter, larger display. The Versa 3 has also been updated with the Active Zone Minutes workout feature. Active Zone Minutes, introduced with the Charge 4, measure how long you spend exercising in fat-burning, cardio, and heart-rate zones. Each week, you should aim for 150 Active Zone Minutes, as recommended by the American Heart Association and World Health Organization.