Top Fitness Trackers Comparison
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2024-10-26 | Category: Fitness Tracker
About Fitness Tracker
Fitness trackers are wearable electronic devices designed to monitor and record fitness-related metrics like distance walked or run, calorie consumption, heart rate, and sleep quality. They often sync with a smartphone app for data analysis and progress tracking.
How We Tested
Products were evaluated based on real-world usage simulations, focusing on accuracy of core metrics, feature set breadth, ease of use, battery life, and overall build quality. Comparative analysis across different activity types informed the final scores.
Scoring Criteria
- → Build Quality
- → Ease of Use
- → Performance
- → Customer Satisfaction
- → Value for Money
The Best Fitness Tracker
Pixel Watch 2
By Google
A stylish Wear OS smartwatch integrating Fitbit's health tracking features with Google's ecosystem.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, ECG, Skin Temp, EDA (Stress)
- ✓GPS: Built-in
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM + IP68
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display on)
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Elegant design
- + Smooth Wear OS experience
- + Excellent Fitbit health integration
- + Improved performance and battery over Gen 1
Cons
- - Battery life still requires daily charging
- - Large bezels on display
- - Durability concerns for some users
- - Requires Fitbit Premium for some insights
Verdict
"A refined smartwatch for Android users wanting a blend of Google services and strong Fitbit wellness tracking in a premium package."
Polar Pacer Pro
By Polar
A dedicated running watch with advanced training load analysis, lightweight design, and integrated barometer.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, Training Load Pro, Running Power (wrist), Hill Splitter
- ✓GPS: Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS)
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 7 days (watch), 35 hours (GPS)
- ✓Screen: Always-On Color MIP Display
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Excellent training load and recovery insights
- + Accurate heart rate monitoring
- + Lightweight and comfortable for running
- + Includes running power from the wrist
Cons
- - User interface feels slightly dated
- - Limited smartwatch functionality
- - MIP display less vibrant than AMOLED
Verdict
"A solid choice for data-driven runners who appreciate Polar's training ecosystem and detailed performance analysis."
Pace 3
By Coros
A lightweight GPS watch focused on running and triathlon, offering excellent value and battery life.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, Running Power (wrist-based), Altitude
- ✓GPS: Dual-Frequency GNSS
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 24 days (watch), 38 hours (GPS)
- ✓Screen: Always-On Memory LCD Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Super lightweight and comfortable
- + Outstanding battery life for its size
- + Accurate dual-frequency GPS
- + Great value for runners and triathletes
Cons
- - Basic smartwatch features
- - App ecosystem less developed than Garmin/Apple
- - Build feels less premium than higher-end watches
Verdict
"An exceptional value GPS watch, particularly strong for runners and triathletes prioritizing performance, weight, and battery."
Fenix 7
By Garmin
A high-end multisport GPS watch with rugged build, extensive features, and exceptional battery life.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Comprehensive activity/health metrics, Advanced Training Features, Topo Maps
- ✓GPS: Multi-Band GNSS
- ✓Water Resistance: 10ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 18 days (watch), 57 hours (GPS) - Standard model
- ✓Screen: Sunlight-Visible, Transflective MIP Touchscreen (+ Solar option)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Incredible battery life (especially solar models)
- + Extremely durable construction
- + Vast array of sports modes and metrics
- + Excellent navigation features
Cons
- - Very expensive
- - Can be complex to navigate all features
- - Bulky for smaller wrists
Verdict
"The ultimate multisport watch for serious athletes, adventurers, and data lovers who need ruggedness and top-tier performance."
Luxe
By Fitbit
A stylish, jewelry-like tracker focused on wellness and basic activity monitoring.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, Stress
- ✓GPS: Connected GPS (via phone)
- ✓Water Resistance: 50m
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 5 days
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Elegant and fashionable design
- + Comfortable, slim profile
- + Vibrant color display
- + Good stress management tools
Cons
- - Small screen can be hard to read
- - Shorter battery life than Inspire 3
- - Premium price for basic tracking features
Verdict
"A great choice for users prioritizing style and discreetness over advanced features or maximum value."
Amazfit Band 7
By Amazfit
A budget-friendly tracker with a large display and impressive battery life.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, Stress
- ✓GPS: Connected GPS (via phone)
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 18 days
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Very affordable
- + Large, easy-to-read AMOLED screen
- + Outstanding battery life
- + Supports many workout modes
Cons
- - Lacks built-in GPS
- - App interface less intuitive than competitors
- - Basic build materials
Verdict
"A strong budget contender offering a big screen and long battery life for basic fitness tracking needs."
Galaxy Watch 6
By Samsung
A feature-rich smartwatch with comprehensive health tracking, a rotating bezel option, and Wear OS.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, ECG, Body Composition, Skin Temp
- ✓GPS: Built-in
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM + IP68
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- ✓Screen: Super AMOLED Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Bright, high-resolution display
- + Extensive health sensor suite
- + Smooth performance with Wear OS
- + Body composition analysis
Cons
- - Mediocre battery life
- - Some health features require Samsung phone
- - Rotating bezel only on Classic model
Verdict
"A top-tier Android smartwatch offering excellent fitness tracking and smart capabilities, particularly for Samsung users."
Forerunner 55
By Garmin
An entry-level GPS running watch offering core running metrics, training suggestions, and safety features.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, Stress, Pace, Cadence
- ✓GPS: Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 14 days (watch mode), 20 hours (GPS mode)
- ✓Screen: Sunlight-Visible, Transflective MIP Color
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Accurate GPS tracking
- + Helpful running features (PacePro, suggested workouts)
- + Excellent battery life, especially in watch mode
- + Lightweight design
Cons
- - Basic smartwatch features
- - Display not as vibrant as AMOLED
- - More focused on running than general fitness
Verdict
"An excellent and affordable choice for new and intermediate runners needing reliable GPS and performance metrics."
Oura Ring Gen 3
By Oura
A discreet smart ring excelling at sleep and readiness tracking, with a focus on long-term health trends.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Heart Rate, HRV, Sleep Stages, Readiness Score, Body Temp, SpO2, Activity
- ✓GPS: None
- ✓Water Resistance: Up to 100m
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- ✓Screen: None
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Extremely discreet form factor
- + Best-in-class sleep tracking
- + Accurate temperature sensing
- + Focus on holistic readiness
Cons
- - Subscription required for full insights
- - Limited real-time activity tracking features
- - Can be easy to scratch
- - Expensive initial cost
Verdict
"A premium choice for users prioritizing sleep analysis and overall wellness monitoring in an unobtrusive design."
Whoop 4.0
By Whoop
A screenless band focused on recovery, strain, and sleep, utilizing a subscription model.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Heart Rate, HRV, Sleep, Strain, Recovery, Skin Temp, SpO2, Respiration Rate
- ✓GPS: None (Uses phone GPS for activities)
- ✓Water Resistance: IP68 & 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 5 days (with slide-on battery pack)
- ✓Screen: None
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + In-depth recovery and strain analysis
- + Minimalist, screen-free design
- + Excellent sleep tracking detail
- + Comfortable for continuous wear
Cons
- - Subscription required (high ongoing cost)
- - No screen for quick stats
- - App can be complex for beginners
Verdict
"Best suited for serious athletes and data enthusiasts focused on optimizing performance and recovery, willing to pay a subscription."
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
By Apple
An affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem, offering strong fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, Noise Levels, Fall Detection, Crash Detection
- ✓GPS: Built-in
- ✓Water Resistance: 50m
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- ✓Screen: Retina OLED Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Seamless integration with iPhone
- + Large app ecosystem
- + Excellent performance
- + Comprehensive safety features
Cons
- - Requires an iPhone
- - Short battery life compared to band trackers
- - Lacks advanced health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temp)
Verdict
"The best choice for iPhone users seeking a balance of fitness tracking, extensive smart features, and value."
Mi Band 8
By Xiaomi
An ultra-affordable tracker with a surprisingly rich feature set and improved display.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, Stress
- ✓GPS: Connected GPS (via phone)
- ✓Water Resistance: 5ATM
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 16 days
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen (60Hz)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Incredibly low price
- + Excellent battery life
- + Smooth and bright display
- + Lots of features for the cost
Cons
- - App experience less polished than competitors
- - Accuracy can vary for intense workouts
- - Build feels less premium
Verdict
"Unbeatable value proposition, offering core tracking features and a good display at a fraction of the price of competitors."
Inspire 3
By Fitbit
An affordable and user-friendly tracker covering the basics with a color screen and good battery life.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2
- ✓GPS: Connected GPS (via phone)
- ✓Water Resistance: 50m
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 10 days
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Excellent value for money
- + Very easy to use
- + Long battery life
- + Bright color display
Cons
- - Basic feature set compared to premium models
- - No built-in GPS
- - Some data behind Premium paywall
Verdict
"A fantastic entry-level tracker for those wanting reliable basic monitoring without breaking the bank."
Vivosmart 5
By Garmin
A comfortable band tracker focused on health monitoring with extensive sleep and stress tracking features.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, Stress, Respiration, Body Battery
- ✓GPS: Connected GPS (via phone)
- ✓Water Resistance: Swim-rated
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- ✓Screen: OLED Monochrome Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Detailed health and wellness insights
- + Comfortable for 24/7 wear
- + Good battery life
- + User-friendly interface
Cons
- - No built-in GPS
- - Monochrome display less engaging
- - Design feels slightly dated
Verdict
"Ideal for users prioritizing detailed health data, particularly sleep and stress monitoring, over advanced smart features."
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Charge 6
By Fitbit
A versatile tracker with integrated Google apps, ECG, EDA scans, and built-in GPS.
Key Features
- ✓Tracking: Steps, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep, SpO2, ECG, EDA, Skin Temp
- ✓GPS: Built-in
- ✓Water Resistance: 50m
- ✓Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- ✓Screen: AMOLED Color Touchscreen
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
No specific ratings available.
Pros
- + Accurate heart rate monitoring
- + Built-in GPS is convenient
- + Bright AMOLED display
- + Google Maps and Wallet integration
Cons
- - Requires Fitbit Premium for some insights
- - Navigation can be fiddly with side button
Verdict
"An excellent all-around fitness tracker offering a great balance of health features, smart capabilities, and usability."
Final Thoughts
The fitness tracker market offers diverse options, from simple bands focusing on core metrics to advanced smartwatches with extensive health sensors and app ecosystems. Fitbit and Garmin continue to offer strong dedicated trackers, while Apple and Samsung lead in the smartwatch category that includes robust fitness features. Budget options from Xiaomi and Amazfit provide remarkable value, and specialized devices from Whoop and Oura cater to users focused on recovery and sleep.
Notable Mentions:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): Best fitness tracker/smartwatch combo for iPhone users.
- Garmin Forerunner 55: Excellent entry-level GPS watch specifically for runners.
- Coros Pace 3: Outstanding value and battery life for runners and triathletes.