The best fitness trackers and watches have helped grow the popularity of wearables exponentially in the last few years, especially as there's perhaps more of an emphasis than ever on our health. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. Fortunately, we've put together a list of amazing fitness wearables to help you find the right device for your lifestyle and training goals.
Like our list of the best running watches, our top picks are based on devices that offer features such as activity tracking, sleep monitoring, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen level tracking - all of which can help you stay on top of your health and fitness. Some even offer ECG readings and can even notify your emergency contacts and/or services in the event of a fall.
We haven't just focused on the technical features though. We know that fitness trackers and smartwatches need to fit your lifestyle and be comfortable to wear. That's why we've also considered factors such as style, battery life, ease of use, and app compatibility during our selection process.
So whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to take your workouts to the next level with an amazing Fitbit or Garmin device, for example, we've got you covered with our list. Who knows, you might just find that wearing one of these devices becomes your new favourite accessory!
Best fitness trackers and watches
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+ 51. Fitbit Charge 5
Best fitness tracker
Are you searching for a fitness tracker that is great value for money and loaded with features? Then this Fitbit Charge 5 could be for you. It's arguably one of Fitbit's most advanced fitness trackers to date, especially as it includes an ECG heart rate monitor and an always-on colour touch screen that is easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
It also provides you with a statistic known as your "Daily Readiness Score", which uses metrics like your fatigue, heart rate variability, and recent sleep to give you an idea of how ready you are to train. Plus, with a built-in GPS, you can easily track outdoor workouts from the device itself.
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But perhaps the most exciting feature of this device is its ability to detect atrial fibrillation, thanks to Fitbit's Heart Rhythm Notifications system. Although this, along with some of Fitbit's other amazing features, requires a Premium subscription, an annual membership on top of the relatively inexpensive cost of the device still makes it great value for money in our opinion.
So, whether you're hitting the gym or going for a hike, the Charge 5 looks up to the task. With its band-like shape and compact size as well, you shouldn't get distracted or feel weighed down during your training or adventures either.
click to enlarge + 52. Garmin fēnix 7X
Best fitness watch
The Garmin fēnix 7X is arguably the most well-rounded Garmin watch for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics around. It comes with a whole host of advanced tracking features that will help you stay on top of your progress, plus its preloaded TopoActive maps mean you can navigate your running route or hiking trails, for example, on the go while training outdoors.
One of the standout characteristics of this device though is its durability. The watch has been rigorously tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. This means it can withstand even the harshest of outdoor conditions, and can even be used for swimming up to a depth of 100M.
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If you're worried about running out of battery, fear not. This particular watch comes with a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire solar charging lens that uses the sun’s energy to extend its battery life. In fact, you can get up to 37 days' worth of charge whilst in smartwatch mode through solar charging, making it an incredibly reliable option for marathon runners and long-distance adventurers.
It is one of the more premium options in Garmin's range, however, we think the price tag is justified given its vast array of features. With preloaded activity profiles for trail running, swimming, running, biking, hiking, rowing, skiing, golfing, surfing, indoor climbing, and more, there's really not a lot to dislike about this amazing Garmin device for fitness.
click to enlarge + 53. Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7
Best budget fitness tracker
If you're just starting your training journey, or you simply don't want to break the bank on a fitness tracker at this stage in time, then we'd recommend checking out the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7.
Its incredibly competitive price mixed with its impressive range of features makes it great value for money in our opinion. For example, it can track your sleep performance, heart rate, VO₂ max. and can even monitor your SpO₂ all day long. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to keep on top of their health metrics daily.
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Moreover, it supports over 110 different sports, and its 1.62'' AMOLED high-resolution display means you can closely monitor your burned calories, heart rate changes, and workout duration on the fly, especially as the display can be set to always-on.
It even features a 5ATM water resistance rating and an impressive 14-day battery life that we'd say is hard to beat for the price you pay. Therefore, the Smart Band 7 is an excellent budget fitness tracker to consider.
click to enlarge + 54. Fitbit Inspire 3
Best mid-range fitness tracker
The Fitbit Inspire 3 looks to be the ultimate device for those who are just starting to build healthier habits with a more active lifestyle and are in need of something a little more advanced to take their training to the next level.
It comes with all the usual health tracking capabilities, including sleep monitoring, 24/7 heart rate tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring, but also features more unique additions like skin temperature analysis that can give you a bit of a heads up when you're starting to fall ill.
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One of the Inspire 3's best additions, however, is its bright AMOLED screen, which can be used to track your Active Zone Minutes, for example, along with other health metrics from the device itself. Active Zone Minutes is great as it monitors the time you spend in different heart-rate zones, which can help you tailor your workouts as you go to ensure they align with your fitness goals.
So, if it's a great health tracker you're after that monitors your steps, sleep, and can also notify you of incoming calls, then the Inspire 3 looks like a great bet. With its impressive features, it is an ideal choice for those who want to keep track of their health and stay motivated.
click to enlarge + 55. Apple Watch Series 8
Best fitness watch for everyday wear
If you're in need of a smartwatch that comes with health tracking features but is still stylish enough to wear every day, then the Apple Watch Series 8 may be the right choice for you.
With 14 workout modes, including cycling, making it a great cycling watch, running, and strength training, the watch is a great fitness companion. It even offers automatic outdoor cycling tracking for bike enthusiasts, and can provide real-time swimming stats for water-based training. If that wasn't enough, you get the option to add new sports in the Workout app as well to tailor the device to your specific fitness needs.
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Unlike our previous entries, the device also features a full keyboard, allowing you to reply to emails and texts on the go. On the health side, it has an optical pulse tracker, a blood oxygen (SpO₂) sensor, and an ECG sensor. It can even detect if you fall suddenly and alert emergency services to your location if you're injured. This is particularly useful when running alone, for instance.
Overall, the Series 8 is an advanced fitness tracker that combines the elegance of a classic timepiece with cutting-edge technology. Whether you're a swimmer, runner, or cyclist, this Apple device has got you covered, especially if you're an iPhone user.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you've encountered any questions along the way, don't worry! We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding fitness trackers and watches below...
What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?
Fitness trackers and smartwatches share some similarities, but there are also some key differences between the two as well.
A fitness tracker is a device that is designed primarily to track physical activity and health-related metrics such as steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep quality. These metrics are then displayed on either a screen or via an accompanying app on a smartphone as fitness trackers tend to be small, compact, and more band-like than a smartwatch.
That said, some fitness trackers also include basic smartwatch features, such as notifications for incoming calls or messages, but they are generally focused on fitness and health tracking.
A smartwatch, on the other hand, is a more versatile device that can perform a wider range of functions beyond fitness tracking. In addition to tracking physical activity and health metrics, smartwatches typically include features such as GPS, music playback, voice control, mobile payments, and access to a variety of apps. Smartwatches tend to have more sophisticated displays than fitness trackers as well, with some models featuring full-colour touchscreens and the ability to display photos, videos, and other multimedia content.
What features should you look for when buying a fitness tracker or watch?
When buying a fitness tracker or watch, there are several features to consider that can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health.
One of the most important features to look for is accurate activity tracking. A good fitness tracker or watch should track your steps, distance traveled, and calories burned throughout the day. Some models also include heart rate monitoring to give you a better understanding of your exercise intensity and overall cardiovascular health. You can even buy devices that have modes tailored toward tracking specific activities like running, skiing, or weightlifting to ensure you're informed on the key metrics for those activities.
Another important feature to look for is sleep tracking. This can help you understand the quality and duration of your sleep, which is important for overall health and well-being. Some models also offer insights and recommendations on how to improve your sleep, which is crucial as sleep has been linked to improved learning and decision-making as well as lowering the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Next up, you need to make sure the fitness tracker or watch you choose is compatible with your smartphone and any apps you use to track your fitness progress. This will allow you to easily view and analyse your data and progress over time.
Lastly, consider the battery life and water resistance of the device. Longer battery life will mean less frequent charging and a more convenient user experience. Water resistance is also important, especially if you plan to wear your fitness tracker or watch while swimming or participating in other water-based activities.
How much should you spend on a fitness tracker or watch?
The amount you should spend on a fitness tracker or watch depends on your specific needs and budget. They can range from double all the way up to triple digits, depending on their features and capabilities.
If you're just looking for basic tracking of steps, calories burned, and sleep, then an inexpensive option may suffice. However, if you want more advanced features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and smartwatch functionality, you may need to invest in a more expensive model.
It's important to consider what features you will actually use and how often you plan to use the device before making a purchase. It's also a good idea to read reviews and compare different models to find one that fits your budget and meets your specific needs.
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