Fitness is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, and wearable fitness trackers have become an increasingly popular way to monitor daily activity levels. These devices are designed to track various metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep quality. They come in various forms, including wristbands, watches, and clip-on devices.
When it comes to choosing the best wearable fitness tracker, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the type of activity you will be doing. Some trackers are designed for specific activities such as running or swimming, while others are more general-purpose. Another critical factor to consider is the battery life of the device, as some trackers may need to be charged daily, while others can last for several days or even weeks.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten wearable fitness trackers to identify the ones that provide the most accurate and comprehensive data. Our top picks include devices with long battery life, accurate heart rate monitoring, and a variety of features such as GPS tracking, sleep tracking, and water resistance. With our recommendations, you can find the perfect wearable fitness tracker to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Best Wearable Fitness Trackers
We know how important it is to track your fitness progress, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best wearable fitness trackers on the market. From tracking your steps to monitoring your heart rate, these devices will help you stay on top of your fitness goals. We’ve done the research and testing so you don’t have to. Check out our top picks below.
Amazfit Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your health and fitness management, then the Amazfit Band 5 activity fitness tracker is a great option. It offers a wide range of features, including blood-oxygen-level measurement, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep quality & stress level tracking, breathing exercise, and menstrual cycle tracking. The Amazfit Band 5 also comes with a professional health assessment system called PAI, which offers a single score to understand your overall physical health. With built-in 11 sports modes, this fitness tracker is perfect for tracking your workouts and exercises. It even works underwater with 5 ATM water resistance.
Pros
- Amazon Alexa built-in for added convenience
- Impressive 15-day battery life
- Blood oxygen saturation monitor for high-intensity workouts
Cons
- Accuracy can be questionable at times
- Smartwatch capabilities are limited
- Small font can be difficult to read
We’ve been using the Amazfit Band 5 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its features and performance. The built-in Amazon Alexa is a great addition, allowing us to ask questions, set alarms, and control our smart home devices with ease. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 15 days on a single charge. The blood oxygen saturation monitor is particularly useful during high-intensity workouts, and the 24/7 heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking are great for keeping an eye on our overall health.
However, we have noticed that the tracker’s accuracy can sometimes be questionable. For example, it has sometimes indicated that we were sitting when we were actually standing or that we were walking when we were actually standing still. Additionally, the smartwatch’s capabilities are limited, and the small font can be difficult to read.
Overall, the Amazfit Band 5 is a great option for those looking for a feature-packed fitness tracker. While it may not be perfect, it offers a lot of value for its price point and is definitely worth considering.
WHOOP 4.0 Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker
If you’re looking for a comprehensive wearable fitness tracker, the WHOOP 4.0 is worth considering.
Pros
- The WHOOP 4.0 offers continuous monitoring of various physiological data, including heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, daily activity, and sleep.
- It’s personalized for your goals, providing clear next steps and a science-backed approach to help you understand and improve your overall health and optimize performance.
- The WHOOP community offers support and inspiration from other users, including professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as well as expert resources and guidance.
Cons
- The initial purchase includes only a 12-month WHOOP membership, and you’ll need to purchase additional memberships to continue using the device.
- The device doesn’t have a screen, so you’ll need to use the accompanying app to access your data.
- The WHOOP 4.0 is relatively expensive compared to other wearable fitness trackers on the market.
In our experience, the WHOOP 4.0 is a great option for those looking for a comprehensive wearable fitness tracker. The continuous monitoring of various physiological data provides a holistic view of your health, while the personalized approach helps you understand and improve your overall wellness. The WHOOP community is also a great resource for support and inspiration.
That being said, the initial purchase includes only a 12-month WHOOP membership, and you’ll need to purchase additional memberships to continue using the device. Additionally, the lack of a screen may be a downside for some users who prefer to see their data at a glance. Finally, the WHOOP 4.0 is relatively expensive compared to other wearable fitness trackers on the market.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a comprehensive wearable fitness tracker and are looking for a personalized approach to wellness, the WHOOP 4.0 is a great option to consider.
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker
If you’re looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker that connects the dots between your activity, sleep and stress, then the Fitbit Charge 5 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Daily Readiness Score is incredibly useful for optimizing your workout routine.
- The on-wrist EDA sensor mindfulness session is a great way to manage stress.
- The built-in GPS is accurate and saves you from carrying your phone during outdoor activities.
Cons
- The battery life could be better
- The interface can be a bit temperamental at times
- The Fitbit ECG app is not available in all countries
We’ve been using the Fitbit Charge 5 for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its features. The Daily Readiness Score is a standout feature that reveals if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on recovery. This is incredibly useful for optimizing your workout routine and avoiding injury.
The on-wrist EDA sensor mindfulness session is a great way to manage stress. By tracking your body’s response to stress, you can take steps to improve your levels and feel better overall. We found this feature to be very helpful for our mental health.
The built-in GPS is accurate and saves you from carrying your phone during outdoor activities. We appreciated the convenience of being able to leave our phones at home while still tracking our pace and distance.
While the battery life could be better, we found that it lasted around five days with moderate use. The interface can sometimes be a bit temperamental, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to navigate. It’s worth noting that the Fitbit ECG app is not available in all countries, so check if this is an important feature for you before purchasing.
Overall, we think the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker with advanced features for managing stress and optimizing workouts.
Fitbit Flex 2 Smart Fitness Activity Tracker
If you’re looking for a sleek, waterproof, and affordable fitness tracker, the Fitbit Flex 2 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
- Swim-proof and life-proof, allowing you to wear it in the ocean, shower, pool, and beyond.
- It automatically tracks sleep and wakes you up with a small vibration.
Cons
- Does not track heart rate.
- It only comes with one clasp for two bands.
- The LED display is not very bright.
We’ve been using the Fitbit Flex 2 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its functionality and durability. The ultra-thin, removable tracker can be hidden in bands, pendants, and bangles, making it a versatile accessory that complements any outfit. The wristband is made of a flexible, durable elastomer material similar to that used in many sports watches. It also has a surgical-grade stainless steel clasp that ensures a secure fit.
The Fitbit Flex 2 is also swim-proof, which means you can wear it in the pool without worrying about damaging it. It can also track your swimming workouts, making it an ideal companion for water-based activities. The Smart Track feature automatically recognizes and records select workouts in your Fitbit app, making it easy to keep track of your progress.
One of the things we love about the Fitbit Flex 2 is its automatic sleep-tracking feature. It can tell you how long and how well you slept, waking you up with a small vibration much gentler than a traditional alarm clock. The LED display lights up when you get calls, texts, and reminders to move, and it shows you how close you are to your daily goal with a simple tap.
Overall, we highly recommend the Fitbit Flex 2 for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable fitness tracker. It’s perfect for people who want to keep track of their daily activity levels and sleep patterns without breaking the bank.
Garmin Vivosmart 4 Activity Tracker
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that’s both fashionable and functional, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a great option.
Pros
- The slim design with stylish metal accents makes it a fashionable accessory.
- The bright and easy-to-read display is perfect for outdoor activities.
- The Advanced sleep monitoring with REM sleep and wrist-based pulse ox sensor is great for tracking sleep quality.
Cons
- The button navigation can be tricky to get the hang of at first.
- The strap material can irritate sensitive skin.
- The battery life could be longer.
We recently got our hands on the Garmin Vivosmart 4 activity tracker and were impressed with its features. The fitness and health monitoring tools, including estimated wrist-based heart rate, all-day stress tracking, relaxation breathing timer, VO2 max, and body battery energy monitor, are all great for tracking your overall health and wellness. Additionally, the dedicated activity timers for walks, runs, strength training, yoga, pool swims, and others make it easy to track your workouts.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is the advanced sleep monitoring with REM sleep and a wrist-based pulse ox sensor. While it’s not a medical device and not intended for diagnosis or monitoring any medical condition, it can still give you a good idea of your sleep quality and blood oxygen saturation levels during the night.
The vibration alerts for all notifications, including calls, text messages, and more (text replies available for Android device users), are also a nice touch. And if you’re someone who likes to track your outdoor walks and runs, you can connect the Vivosmart 4 to your compatible smartphone’s GPS for accurate tracking.
Overall, we recommend the Garmin Vivosmart 4 activity tracker to anyone looking for a fashionable and functional fitness tracker with advanced sleep-monitoring features.
Buying Guide
When looking for a wearable fitness tracker, several factors must be considered to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for a fitness tracker:
Design and Comfort
The design and comfort of the fitness tracker are important factors to consider, especially if you plan on wearing it for extended periods. Look for a lightweight, comfortable tracker that fits securely on your wrist. Also, consider the style and color options available to ensure it matches your personal taste.
Tracking and Monitoring Features
A fitness tracker’s tracking and monitoring features make it a valuable tool for fitness enthusiasts. Look for a tracker that offers accurate activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. Some trackers also offer features like GPS tracking, which can be useful for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration when choosing a fitness tracker. Look for a tracker that offers a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about charging it frequently. Some trackers can last up to a week on a single charge, while others may only last a few days.
Compatibility
Compatibility is another important factor to consider when choosing a fitness tracker. Look for a tracker that is compatible with your smartphone and the apps you use to track your fitness goals. Some trackers may only be compatible with specific operating systems or apps, so make sure to check before making a purchase.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase, and fitness trackers are no exception. Look for a tracker that fits within your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price. Keep in mind that more expensive trackers may offer additional features and better accuracy.
In summary, consider the design and comfort, tracking and monitoring features, battery life, compatibility, and price when looking for a wearable fitness tracker. By considering these factors, you can find a fitness tracker that meets your needs and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
