Best Fitness Trackers: Where Functionality Meets Style
The best way to stay fit and healthy is by tracking moves and monitoring your body. Fitness trackers allow you to check your heart rate, sleeping pattern, temperature, and more. With so many excellent options, it may be hard to find the right pick. We have researched the best fitness trackers to help you choose!
Fitbit Inspire 2 Health and Fitness Tracker with a Free 1-year Fitbit Premium Trial, 24/7 Heart Rate, Black/black, One Size (S and L Bands Included)
Best overall
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the best fitness tracker that helps you stay healthy and in shape. It allows you to set long-term goals and track progress, which makes it worth the money.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Slim and sleek design
- Helps you measure weight, heart rate, saturation, and calories
- Helps you track your sleeping pattern
- Long-lasting battery
- Good value for money
Cons
- Some users report that pedometer is not accurate
Review
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is your ultimate fitness companion to stay fit as a fiddle. It empowers you to prioritize your health and add style to your personality, providing great value for money.
This tracker comes in a slim and sleek design and offers multiple color options to choose from. Another feature it offers is “zone minutes,” which allows you to earn credits depending on the intensity of your workout. It helps you enjoy the feeling of being active!
This fitness tracker looks beautiful on your hand, not bulky or large. The small, sleek screen is easy to use and allows you to scroll smoothly. The good part is that you can choose from various eye-pleasing styles and screens.
With this fitness tracker, you can track your daily activities. You can count your steps, keep an eye on hourly activity, track your distance – and even set your long-distance goals and check the number of calories burnt. In addition, you can leverage more than 20 exercise modes to set better goals.
The Fitbit Inspire 2 helps you track your heart rate throughout the day – literally 24/7. It helps you know how well your heart and body are coping with your fitness regimes, so you do not stress yourself out.
Even the battery run time is great. It can run anywhere between 7 to 10 days after you charge it to full to help you progress your daily regime without any hindrance.
The best part is that this fitness tracker comes with a free 1-year premium app trial for all premium users. This app empowers you to set an exercise routine, track water and food intake, monitor weight over time, improve sleep quality, manage your menstrual cycle, and much more. You can get personalized nutrition programs, insights, guides, and sleep tools. This app is compatible with all iOS and Android devices; you only need a Google account.
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is undeniably a great choice for fitness enthusiasts, but some complaints exist. Some users have shared that the pedometer often malfunctions, and after some time of use, you start getting inaccurate readings. Some buyers also feel that this fitness watch should be cheaper.
Besides this, we think the Fitbit Inspire 2 fitness tracker makes a great purchase and provides value for money.
HUAWEI Band 7
Best for women
Take your fitness game to the next level with this HUAWEI Band 7 fitness tracker. With all the smart features, its various styles and color options make it an ideal tracker for women.
Pros
- Comes with a bezel-less screen
- Super lightweight
- Built-in smart fitness features
- Sleek and elegant design
- Long-lasting battery life
- Value-priced option
Cons
- The app sometimes lacks connectivity
Review
There are no ifs and buts regarding HUAWEI Band 7– it is just reliability and performance. Huawei is the fitness tracker you need in your life if you are a fitness enthusiast who likes to monitor your daily health.
This smart fitness tracking watch comes in a beautiful, sleek, and lightweight design. The breathable strap wraps around your wrist in style without any hassle.
The bezel-less touchscreen runs smoothly and allows you to easily use and navigate all features. The super narrow bezels enhance the onscreen content and provide a full-view active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display that pleases the mind and eyes alike.
This ultra-modern fitness tracker comes with a health and fitness TruSeries, including TruRelax (stress monitoring), TruSport (tracks high-level metrics like running ability index, VO2Max, training effect, etc), TruSleep 2.0 (identifies scientifically proven six major sleep-related issues), and TruSeen 4.0 (heart rate and blood saturation monitoring).
If your oxygen level or heart rate fluctuates, and if you are under stress, this TruSeries tracker gives you a “vibration” alert and also shows up breathing exercises to calm you down.
Along with the TruSeries, you get all basic features like helping you monitor your weight, exercise routine, and calorie count. You can continuously monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels to ensure your health is not falling behind amidst your busy routine.
The best part is that you can access 96 exercise modes – from swimming to running, walking, cycling, and others; you can find your best pick. This Huawei Band 7 has a built-in high-end fitness tracking system that measures running time, recovery time, results, and training effects and provides many other useful metrics.
You may tire out after all the running, but this fitness tracker’s battery will not. With a battery life of 10-14 days on a single charge, it can handle your long-haul trips and help you avoid annoying “forgot-to-charge-my-device” situations. HUAWEI Band 7 also has fast charging, which gives you a sustainable 2-day use only after a five-minute charge.
You can view your calls and messages, text back, control the volume, take pictures, get updates about the weather, and much more. All you need to do is connect this fitness tracker app to your phone.
While Huawei has done a lot of this right with their Band 7, we found some user reviews that report an issue with the app. The buyers have been complaining that the app connectivity freezes or disrupts too frequently, making it hard to enjoy the features.
Overall, we think this HUAWEI Band 7 fitness tracker is your best companion and a value-priced option for managing and improving your health.
Amazfit Band 5 Fitness Tracker with Alexa Built-in, 15-Day Battery Life, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate, Sleep Monitoring, Women’s Health Tracking, Music Control, Water Resistant, Black, Small
Budget pick
The Amazfit Band 5 is your fitness buddy when money is tight, but health is your priority. This smartwatch is user-friendly and keeps track of your health at an unbelievably affordable price.
Pros
- Smooth and easy-to-use touchscreen
- Amazing display with customizable faces
- Sleek and water-resistant design
- Built-in health assessment system
- Long-lasting battery life
- Affordable option
Cons
- Some functions are difficult to use
- Difficult to set up
Review
Your money should not cost you your health – not when you have such an amazing and affordable option for a fitness tracker, the Amazfit Band 5.
This smartwatch is a total game-changer. With a wide array of functions, it is waterproof and comes with a unique health assessment system that monitors your sleep quality.
This small, compact fitness tracker comes with a full HD, AMOLED display touchscreen that is fully customizable and enables you to enjoy a clearer, bigger view. You can choose your theme display from two built-in faces or the other 45 downloadable watch faces available on the app.
The AmazFit smartwatch keeps a sharp “watch” on your health by monitoring your heart rate and blood oxygen level. Any drop or rise alerts you to manage the stress or handle the situations before your health worsens. This feature is extremely beneficial, especially for those who love to indulge in high-intensity workouts, trekking, or hitchhiking at high or low altitudes.
The built-in Huami-PAI health assessment system is a blessing in the “smart” disguise for all. It converts the big data from your daily activities, heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep-related issues, and others into an intuitive yet single numerical score. This enables you to understand your everyday health and fitness status easily.
This fitness tracker seamlessly helps you monitor sleep quality, stress level, and menstrual cycle, particularly for women. In addition to sleep monitoring, it detects and highlights any issues to improve your sleep. A good night’s sleep today is a great day’s start tomorrow.
Moreover, it has a robust battery life that can last up to 2 weeks on a single charge – perfect for your business trips or long-haul vacations.
Some users do find it difficult to use and connect some functions from the app to their phone, which often leads to inaccurate readings. Moreover, some users also find it a “little too technical” to set up the app. Nevertheless, once they get the hang of it and know what functions they need, the problems often resolve independently.
As per our research, it is safe to say that if you are on a low budget, there is no better option than the AmazFit Band 5 fitness tracker.
Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Features GLONASS and Galileo, Heart Rate Monitoring and 3-axis Compass, Graphite
Best premium
For all fitness enthusiasts who want quality with style, there is no better pick than the Garmin Instinct. This premium quality smart watch comes with some rare features making it worth the money.
Pros
- High quality and durable design
- Easy to read in bright sunlight
- Bigger, clearer and better screen display
- Highly accurate and reliable
- Thermal, shock and water resistant
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated app and software
Review
The Garmin Instinct fitness tracker is not just a smartwatch; it is a way of healthy living. With its premium quality design and highly sophisticated smart features, it helps you stay active.
This impeccable smartwatch comes with a built-in Galileo satellite, GPS, and GLONASS, expanding the smartwatch’s capacity to help you track more challenging paths. It has a unique but functional barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass, which helps you navigate and keep your bearings. With the TracBack features, you will never lose your way or health.
The Garmin Instinct has a tech-savvy touch, which is shock, thermal, and waterproof. This feature aligns with the U.S. military standard 810G.
The touch screen provides a bigger, better, and clearer display. You would not have difficulty reading the watch’s face, even in bright sunlight.
You can use this smart fitness tracker to monitor, manage and control everyday activities while checking your heart rate, blood saturation levels, stress, calories, and even your sleeping pattern. If there is something wrong with your health, this watch will smartly alert you so you can take the necessary measures.
You can also leverage the preloaded activities such as running, biking, cycling, swimming, and other exercise regimes to boost your energy and improve overall health, including sleep quality.
You can connect the app to your phone, and with the help of smart notifications, you can track every move and activity and upload the data automatically.
The long-lasting battery keeps you “on the go” for as long as you like. The battery can last up to 14 hours in the smartwatch mode, but in GPS mode – up to 16 hours. The UltraTrac battery saver mode can extend the battery life up to 40 hours.
Undoubtedly, this smartwatch has some great features, but as it is slightly pricier, it is not a good budget fit for everyone. Moreover, some users have complained that the app and software can get technical and “too much” to set up and handle. It takes time to wrap their heads around the system before getting used to it.
To sum it up, this Garmin Instinct fitness tracker is hands down one of the best purchases you can make; it is worth every penny.
BIGGERFIVE Vigor 2 Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids Girls Boys Ages 5-12, Activity Tracker, Pedometer, Heart Rate Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Calorie Step Counter Watch
Best for kids
The easiest yet fun way to introduce the concept of health and fitness to your kids is by getting them this BIGGERFIVE Vigor 2 smartwatch. Specifically designed for kids, it is a value-priced option.
Pros
- Easy to use and read
- High-quality health assessment features
- Accurate and reliable pedometer
- Shockproof and water-resistant
- Highly comfortable and child-friendly
- Good value for money
Cons
- No home button
- Low battery life
Review
The BIGGERFIVE Vigor 2 fitness tracker is the perfect gift for kids aged 5-12. It helps them train and indulge in healthy activities while you can keep track of and control what your kid does.
This stylish yet skin-friendly and durable smartwatch is specially designed for the comfort and health of kids. It comes with a wide array of child-friendly features. It is a one-size-fits-all wearable with an adjustable fitness tracker strap – perfect for growing kids.
This unisex smart fitness tracker has 5 built-in watch faces that your kid can easily switch between. Moreover, this fitness tracker provides a safe yet fun and healthy ecosystem with smart activity tracking so your kids and even you can calculate their steps, calories burned, movements, and even their sleep quality.
The continuous heart rate monitoring and a sleep tracker feature help you stay aware of your kids’ health and to detect any issues so that you can manage them accordingly. For instance, if your kid is under stress or not sleeping well at night, you will get an alert immediately.
The best part is that this smartwatch also comes with a built-in stopwatch, alarm clock, and walk-around reminders to keep your kids active and on schedule.
This fitness tracker is waterproof, so it stays good even if your kid goes swimming, has a run in the rain, or washes their hands.
The family account allows you to connect to your kid’s smartwatch and keep track of their activities from anywhere.
With all this smartwatch’s amazing features, some users have complained that its battery drains too quickly and often does not last for even 5 days.
Overall, we think that this BIGGERFIVE Vigor 2 is a perfect gift for your kids and provides good value for money.
Fitness trackers buying guide
Today’s fitness bracelets are more intelligent, more accurate, and do more than just track your steps. However, it’s important to note that not all of them are worth your money. So, if you’re looking for your first gadget, we recommend finding one that fits your requirements. See our smart bracelet buying guide for your help.
What is the difference between a smartwatch and a smart fitness bracelet?
Smartwatches are accessories that link to the phone and enable users to manage phone functions straight from the watch. Smart activity trackers are similar to smartwatches but are more of a bracelet than a watch. A smart bracelet may also include a screen, fitness sensors, and link to a phone.
The two gadgets also vary in the following ways.
The area of use
A smartwatch resembles a regular watch. So smartwatches are appropriate for daily use. Some are even more stylish than ordinary timepieces, with interchangeable straps (stainless steel, leather, buckle-like, rubber, etc.).
Fitness trackers are designed to be worn during sports or leisure activities and often feature rubber straps. Fitness trackers are intended for certain situations but not for others. For example, you’d agree that a smartwatch, not a smart bracelet, should be worn to a business meeting.
Design
The smartwatch, as its name implies, resembles a regular watch. Its display is designed to show information, messages, icons and access to the equipment’s functionalities. This makes it heavier than the Smart bracelet, which has no hardware connected.
A smart bracelet is thinner and lighter than a smartwatch and supports physical activities. It offers a practical type of support in a subtle form made of lightweight materials.
Functionality
Smartwatches function without being constantly linked to a smartphone. Instead, it can respond to mobile app alerts, make calls, and manage music streaming apps. So it offers additional features and a more refined technical experience.
On the other hand, the Smart bracelet provides more conventional features like time, alarm clock, and stopwatch, along with excellent assistance for athletic activities. In addition, it is constructed of lighter material to encourage physical activity and displays data regarding performance, speed, and even the user’s pulse.
Working time
Its battery life is clearly lower because the smartwatch has greater autonomy, resources, and a more prominent display. So the refill rate is somewhat greater.
In terms of performance, the smart bracelet’s battery is extremely robust. Modern versions may last up to 30 days without recharging.
Software
A smartwatch has a rich dial and numerous apps. It can display a lot of content, make phone calls, and transmit and receive data than a smart bracelet. The phone card can be inserted into many smartwatches. However, a smart bracelet is more durable than a smartwatch.
Why does understanding the use case for fitness watcht matter?
It is critical to know what physical activities will need to be monitored. The action determines the smart bracelet’s characteristics. Sensor type, materials, IP rating, and more
Here are the key features to look for in a smart bracelet for activity monitoring.
Swimming
The majority of fitness bracelets on the market now are waterproof, which appeals to many individuals, particularly those who work or exercise near water.
Running including the trail running through the woods/mountains
Motion detection, often known as motion monitoring, is a fundamental smart bracelet feature. This function tracks steps, distance, trajectory, and calories. In addition, its built-in three-axis smart acceleration sensors and flash memory chip allow it to monitor the number of steps.
Cardio/HIIT workouts
An incorporated reflective photoelectric sensor may shine a beam of light (typically LED) on your skin to measure the reflected light to calculate your pulse.
Long hikes or cycling
Use motion-detection for workout monitoring, recording and guidance. The smart bracelet can track the wearer’s activity times, calories, and other statistics in real-time. It will then evaluate the exercise data to determine the user’s activity trend over time.
Mixed-use
The smart bracelet’s Bluetooth module allows it to quickly sync and upload data to a phone, tablet, or PC. A smart bracelet can encourage healthy living by synchronizing data with an app on a phone or tablet.
What to look for when buying a smart bracelet
Smart bracelets are available in a variety of styles, forms, and sizes. So, if you don’t know how to go about it, determining the best one may be difficult. Fortunately, you’ll find detailed advice on what to look for while purchasing smart bracelets in this area. So, let’s have a look at them!
Sensors
The kinds of sensors that your smart bracelet should include are listed below.
3-axis accelerometer
An accelerometer sensor measures velocity and location inertially. It can detect inclination, tilt, and body orientation on three axes in most cases. Naturally, this is critical for any fitness tracker since this sensor will record most of the individual’s steps.
Gyroscope
A gyroscope may be used for navigation and angular velocity measurement. For example, a ‘6 degree of freedom motion tracking system may be created by combining a three-axis gyroscope with a three-axis accelerometer. Most reputable fitness trackers use this combination to understand a person’s 3D exercise movements better.
Altimeter
An altimeter is used in mountain ascending altitude measurement. An improved variant of the aneroid barometer, pressure altimeters are used to measure pressure. Because there is a perfect connection between the barometer and the altimeter, the altimeter displays the height. Unless a smart bracelet is mainly intended for mountain climbing, it may not have an altimeter.
Optical sensors (heart rate monitor)
The pulse is measured by shining light on the skin. The sensors may be used to determine the heart rate by monitoring how blood is pumped through the capillaries. Most makers of popular fitness trackers prefer them to galvanic skin response – they are the bit LEDs that sit flush with the skin and detect the pulse.
Actigraphy (sleep monitoring)
It’s typically a bracelet-worn gadget that monitors movement while you sleep. The motions are then translated into periods of sleep and wakefulness via software. Actigraphy is a simple method for individuals with sleep disorders or general sleep disturbances to have their sleep patterns examined by a clinic without sleeping in the lab.
GPS
GPS is a common and widely used technology that uses signals from different satellites circling the Earth to precisely locate a place or area. It’s been used in a variety of electrical devices, including fitness bracelets. Furthermore, the bracelet with the GPS positioning system should be referred to as a watch since the costs are usually greater.
Size
You should think about size in terms of the following:
Display
You should look for a gadget with a decent display that can be read even in direct sunlight. It’s essential to have a large display to show vital information like step statistics in legible font size.
Wrist strap size
To select the appropriate smart bracelet for your wrist, you must first determine the size of your wrist. You’ll be able to choose an excellent watch that looks beautiful and feels comfortable once you know your wrist size.
Water resistance
This is quickly becoming a requirement for all fitness wearables. Of course, swim-proofing isn’t necessary unless you’re a swimmer, but it’s ideal to have a wearable that works in the shower or during a workout while it’s raining.
Connectivity
New connection functions have been introduced to smart fitness bracelets. Built-in GPS, which allows you to monitor your path throughout your exercise without taking your phone with you, is one of the essential features. If this function is missing, you may have to link your watch to your phone each time manually.
Material
Silica gel is very elastic, soft to the touch, and cheap. As a result of its poor transparency and inability to be recycled, it is the most often utilized substance. TPE has mostly replaced silica gel.
TPU is oil, water, and mold resistant and recyclable. High-end goods typically utilize medical-grade TPU. The secondary material is 100% recoverable. TPU formability is inferior to TPE but cheaper.
TPE is pleasant, soft, and supple, much like skin. It bonds nicely to PC plastic. It is somewhat more recyclable than TPU, but it does not age well, is easily scratched, and has poor wear resistance.
Battery life
Battery life is another essential factor to consider. One week of battery life is a respectable number for basic smart fitness bracelets. Four to five days is a decent length of time for fitness watches. Two days of battery life is sufficient for fitness bracelets.
Charging time
You should be able to keep your smart bracelet’s battery charged for about 60 to 90 minutes every day while wearing it during the day and at night to monitor your sleep if you charge it for around 60 to 90 minutes every day.
Conclusion
Fitness trackers are powerful devices that include technology to monitor various aspects, such as exercise, sleep, and stress. Before purchasing one, consider the following characteristics: size, sensors, water resistance, battery life, and GPS.
