The fitness tracker market is skyrocketing yearly, and people are spending more money on these health-friendly devices. However, given the multitude of brands and models, it can be challenging for an average consumer to pick the best option for their needs, especially if they never owned one.
If you’re one of those consumers, worry not. This review presents the best fitness trackers available on the market today. We’ll take a detailed look at each product’s highlight features and pinpoint its weak sides to help you make the best possible purchase without surprises.
- Best Fitness Trackers: Reviews
- Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch With GPS
- Amazfit Bip S Fitness Smartwatch
- Garmin Fenix 7S Solar
- Garmin Vivofit
- Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker
- Apple Watch SE [GPS 40mm] Smart Watch
- Apple Watch SE [GPS 44mm] Smart Watch
- TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch
- ZURURU Fitness Tracker
- FITVII Fitness Tracker
- Buyer’s Guide
- FAQ
- Final Verdict
Comparison Chart
Best Fitness Trackers: Reviews
Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch With GPS
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a mid-range, versatile, and robust fitness tracker with many real-time activity tracking features. This gadget is worth exploring for everyone who is after a budget-friendly yet powerful device to keep track of their daily activities and health.
Product Highlights
The Fitbit Versa 3 is packed with useful functions like the Daily Readiness Score, which shows whether you’re ready to start exercising or still need to recover from the previous workout. In addition, the device provides real-time distance and pace data for runs, hikes, biking, and other activities. A built-in GPS allows tracking the workout on a map inside the Fitbit app.
The “Active Zone Minutes” feature gauges exercise effort based on the heart rate and will buzz the tracker when the user steps up the intensity for added flexibility during workouts. In addition, the PurePulse 2.0 technology allows 24/7 heart rate tracking for more precision than the previous models.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is water-resistant (up to 164 feet), an excellent functionality for swimmers. In addition, you can record your indoor or outdoor water activities just as efficiently as those on dry terrain.
Design-wise, the Versa 3 has an upgraded side button (indent on the chassis) that works better on the Fitbit Charge 3. However, the button upgrade on the Versa 3 may require the user to press the button a few times to open the apps while things run much smoother on the Charge 3.
The battery life can last up to six days with a dimmed screen and lasts around three days with an always-on display.
The Good
Fitbit fans will love that Versa 3 finally comes with a GPS. This means you can take your smartphone home and record your run, hike, and other activities on the tracker. Compared to its predecessor (enhanced display), the new design changes are also a big plus.
The Bad
Most of the advanced features available by the tracker can only be unlocked with a Fitbit Premium subscription. This extra cost can be a major downside for users on a budget who can’t afford to spend $80 per year on this plan.
Pros
- Built-in GPS
- Comfortable to wear
- Smooth display
Cons
- Requires Premium subscription for advanced tracking
- No physical side button
- Limited health stats
Amazfit Bip S Fitness Smartwatch
The Amazfit Bip S watch has made our list for being one of the most robust trackers in terms of battery life – up to 40 days on a 2.5-hour charge. The combination of affordable pricing, plenty of fitness tracking features, and ease of use make this one of the best budget fitness trackers on the market.
Product Highlights
This tracker supports 10 sports modes, including running, cycling, treadmill, yoga, swimming, etc. The device can support up to 50 meters of water pressure and has a built-in GPS for daily step counting and traveled distance measurements.
Users can also rely on the relatively accurate calorie burn tracker and measure their sleep quality. Also, the special BioTracker PPG Heart Rate Monitor tech allows for constant tracking of the heart rate with warnings and interval value displays.
The display on this fitness tracker is super bright and colorful, so you won’t have trouble using it outdoors. The 1.28-inch tracker works on an Amazfit OS, compatible with Android (5.0+) and iOS (10.0+) devices. There’s an always-on function available as well.
When connected to the phone, this tracker allows the user to control music playback directly from the watch for greater convenience during exercise.
At only 31 grams, this is also one of the most lightweight smart trackers you’ll find. The watch is comfortable to wear throughout the day and during all sports activities.
The Good
Exceptional battery life (under moderate use) is the biggest advantage of this fitness tracker. Also, the GPS feature in an inexpensive tracker is a pretty good value for the money. If you’re after basic tracking for your daily activities and don’t care about advanced health features, this is certainly one of the best watches.
The Bad
Considering the price to value ratio, this fitness tracker offers more than enough features for an average user. Some downsides worth reporting include the lack of quick reply options for notifications as well as the inability to detect workouts automatically.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Impressive battery life
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Lacks the quick reply feature for notifications
- No automatic workout detection
- Phone app connection could be better
Garmin Fenix 7S Solar
The Garmin Fenix 7S Solar is a premium smart fitness tracker based on innovative solar charging technology. You’re unlikely to find this many advanced health monitoring features with lower-end models.
Product Highlights
The main feature that sets this product apart is its long-running solar-powered battery. You can use this watch in the smartwatch mode for up to two weeks after three hours of direct-sunlight charge (equaling to 50,000 lux) per day. The GPS mode can last up to 46 hours with a solar charge. Of course, you can also charge this beast using its regular physical charger.
Design-wise, this is a beautiful, rugged smartwatch with a 1.2-inch color touchscreen display with a premium look with a case diameter of 42 millimeters.
Other features that set this model apart are its advanced real-time training status, stamina tracking, and next-level performance metrics for over 30 sports.
The Pulse Ox technology is restricted to some countries, but other than this minor flaw, other health, and wellness tracking features are available 24/7, like heart rate, sleep, and stress tracking.
The 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, and multi-GNSS satellite systems make this a safe device for hiking in the woods or other less urban areas.
There are also built-in maps for ski resorts and golf courses worldwide to keep track of your adventures wherever you go.
The Good
If you live in sunny areas, you’ll be thrilled to learn you can power your fitness tracking device simply by spending time outside. This energy-efficient device is also a natural choice for runners and swimmers due to advanced sporting activity tracking.
The Bad
The only “bad” thing about this device is the price. Some of the world’s best smartphones to this date have a lower price tag, which places this product in the premium category that only a tiny percentage of people can afford to buy. The lack of a flashlight and some inconsistency in heart rate accuracy with high-intensity workouts can also be a downside for users who need these functionalities.
Pros
- Solar charging ability
- Advanced sport tracking features
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Too expensive
- No flashlight
- It lacks a mic for hands-free calls
Garmin Vivofit
The Garmin Vivofit is a serious competitor to Amazfit Bip S with its seemingly never-ending battery life. This mid-range fitness tracker has all the basic tracking features you could need, and it offers an excellent value for average users.
Product Highlights
The Garmin Vivofit is a clean, functional, simple fitness tracker with a rubber-like plastic band and an always-on LCD. Users who wish to track basic fitness activities like steps and distance can benefit from this ultra-lightweight and convenient device.
The watch is comfortable to wear due to its thinner design compared to the previous Garmin, and it comes with a secure strap, so it doesn’t fly away from the wrist.
The 0.79-inch display is just enough to provide clear data visibility.
This watch comes with a non-rechargeable battery that lasts up to one year. This non-rechargeable battery can come as an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your specific needs. However, it’s certainly rewarding not to have to think about recharging every other day.
The Vivofit jr. 3 version for children allows straightforward chore management. The parents can schedule alarms, create tasks, and reward their kids for showing responsible behavior. There’s also the option to track the progress of the daily recommended activity for 60 minutes, as well as steps and sleep.
The Good
The Garmin Vivofit has an incredibly long battery life and excellent water resistance features. The always-on display and heart-rate monitor make it an ideal device for people concerned about their health who wish to track their daily performance.
The Bad
The Garmin Vivofit is not a fitness tracker suited for professional athletes, runners, or people who need an advanced fitness tracking device. Also, users have to replace the battery physically after one year, and there are no vibration movement reminders like in most competitors at this price range.
Pros
- Super long battery life
- Low maintenance
- Sleek design
Cons
- Battery replacement needed after one year
- No advanced health tracking features
- No GPS and heart rate tracking
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 5 is an impressive fitness and health tracker with a price of a smartwatch. However, if you’re ready to spend a bit more cash on an advanced device for daily fitness tracking, this gadget is worth considering.
Product Highlights
The Fitbit Charge 5 comes with all the fitness tracking features you could need: GPS, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress management, etc. Its simplistic black or graphite design and sleek screen make this watch easy to pair with just about any outfit. The lightweight design and responsive touchscreen add to its overall convenience.
The Daily Readiness Score shows the user whether they’re ready to kickstart a new workout or have another recovery day from the previous training. However, you must sign up for a Fitbit Premium plan to use this feature.
Some of the features you can use for free include the Stress Management Score, which shows how your body reacts to stress. A unique EDA mindfulness sensor is in charge of tracking this data.
As far as the health tracking features are concerned, there’s the heart rate variability, SpO2, skin temperature variability, and more.
Thanks to the built-in GPS, you can go for a run or record your other activities without carrying your phone in your pocket. The sensor will measure the distance, pace, and calories burned and provide a workout map to track your routes in the Fitbit app.
There’s a six-month free premium plan for new members with personalized insights, guided training, high-level analytics, etc.
The Good
This is a highly versatile health and fitness tracker that can meet the needs of above-average runners and fitness enthusiasts. The abundance of tracking features does come at a bit higher price range but still provides an exceptional value for the money.
The Bad
The Charge 5 lacks some features we see in other competitors, like music control, physical buttons, and customization options for the clock face. Some users may also find the screen to be too small.
Pros
- Great OLED display
- GPS activity tracking
- Advanced health monitoring like SpO2, skin temperature, and HRV
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Advanced features require a subscription
- Lack of altimeter
Apple Watch SE [GPS 40mm] Smart Watch
Apple fans who are into fitness and health and don’t want to spend too much money on the brand’s premium smartwatches can enjoy the Apple Watch SE with great tracking abilities. The 40-millimeter version gives off that premium look without costing a fortune.
Product Highlights
The Apple Watch SE is a fitness and activity tracker with valuable features like heart rate monitoring, step tracker, water resistance, and retina display. This model runs on the Watch OS operating system and is available in GPS-only and GPS + cellular models, a rare offer in fitness trackers.
This watch doesn’t lag behind its older Apple siblings regarding safety features, including Emergency SOS and fall detection. There are also plenty of customization options for the display and bands (dozens of colors, plus thousands of watch faces).
If you’re an iPhone, Mac, or iPad owner, you can seamlessly connect all your data and services like automatic Mac unlocking, device finding, Apple Pay functionality, etc.
The gadget also includes all the necessary sensors to make your fitness tracking convenient, including motivation nudges, elevation stats, heart rate variation, step counting, and more. The GPS and Glonass (Apple’s location accuracy satellite) and 5 atmospheres (ATM) water resistance make this a highly functional tracker for running and swimming.
The new watchOS 7 upgrade comes with even more fitness tracking features in the Workouts app, including Cooldown and Dance added to running, cycling, yoga, and walking. This means higher calorie burn accuracy and greater flexibility in fitness tracking.
The watch can last for up to four days on one charge, fewer than the competitors. Still, users get a decent amount of activity tracking, given that the display works perfectly under bright conditions and there’s no difficulty seeing the time and other data.
The Good
The Apple Watch SE is a fitness tracking beast anyone can benefit from, whether they’re a professional runner or a recreational swimmer. Its high accuracy, many fitness tracking features, and unparalleled design make the watch an extremely valuable fitness tracker that stands out from the crowd.
The Bad
The biggest drawback of the Apple Watch SE is the lack of an always-on display. Users have to raise their wrists to check the time and activity progress. Given the rest of the specs and functionality of this device, this is probably not a major concern for most users.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Plenty of customization options
- Built-in GPS and heart rate sensors
- Full integration with the rest of Apple’s lineup
Cons
- Lack of always-on display
- Still on the pricey side
- Lacks more advanced health monitoring features
Apple Watch SE [GPS 44mm] Smart Watch
The Apple Watch SE 44-millimeter version is a fabulous smart fitness tracker with a premium feel and extensive feature set. A large display, built-in GPS, and super customizable watch face and bands make this product the best bang for your buck.
Product Highlights
There’s hardly a fitness tracker that’s more popular than Apple’s SE in 44 millimeters. The shortcut to Apple’s more expensive smartwatch devices, this gadget has won the hearts of thousands of fitness enthusiasts worldwide, and it’s for a good reason.
Firstly, the design. Everything on this fitness tracker has a premium appeal, from the band quality to display. The 44-millimeter version is twice as fast as the Series 3 model, and it has a 30% larger display.
There’s an SOS Emergency and fall detection alarm for users concerned about safety, like in other Apple smartwatches and iPhones.
As far as customization options are concerned, there are tons of those. You can choose between hundreds of face watches and dozens of bands to match any occasion – training, going out, business meetings, etc.
This fitness tracker comes with water-resistant features, making it suitable for swimming. Much like the rest of the devices in this review, Apple Watch SE has a 5 ATM rating for water resistance.
And the fitness enthusiasts out there who’d like to explore Apple’s Fitness+ program can do so for free for three months with the purchase of this device.
Other notable fitness features include irregular heart rhythm alerts, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, etc.
iPhone users can unlock most of the benefits of this device since they’ll be able to make calls, text, use Siri, and listen to podcasts by connecting the device with their iPhone.
The Good
The Apple Watch SE is a full-package fitness tracking device with both the looks and features any basic to above-average user will appreciate. The premium appeal, all the fitness and health trackers, and fantastic iPhone integration make this an excellent value for iPhone users.
The Bad
Although packed with plenty of fitness tracking features, this Apple Watch still doesn’t come close to competitors even from within its price range. Also, the lack of an always-on display may come as a downside for some.
Pros
- Great battery life
- Water-resistance feature
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Lacks ECG
- Sleep tracking could be better
- No always-on display
TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch
This robust fitness tracker is one of the most versatile solutions currently on the market – and it indeed comes with the price to show that. Still, it offers tremendous value for the money, and it’s a perfect solution for high-end buyers.
Product Highlights
The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra comes with an updated chipset, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 and a dual Mobvoi processor for faster and better performance. The tracker comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM memory to meet and exceed all your sport and health tracking needs. Making NFC payments is also possible with Google Pay.
The special dual-layer display technology powers this beast with up to 72 hours of battery life in Smart Mode and up to 45 days in battery-saving mode. Its backlight is easily customizable and provides an enhanced visual enjoyment regardless of the brightness levels around you.
As far as the fitness-related tracking features, the tracker supports more than 100 sports modes and has an IP68 rating for swimming and water use. It also has a barometer, a speaker, a microphone, can measure blood oxygen saturation, and much more. The 24/7 heart rate monitoring comes with an improved sensor designed to be more accurate. There are also new functions like fatigue assessment, IHB/A Fib Detection, and others.
The design of this advanced fitness tracker is nothing short of amazing. The knurled stainless-steel bezel and a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen are some of the best-looking combinations out there. There’s also a Gorilla cover glass for fingerprint protection.
The Good
This TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra has a fantastic battery life for a device as performance oriented as this one. The speaker is some of the best ones you’ll find in a fitness tracker, and its unique mental energy tracking features can’t be found on any other tracker.
The Bad
The biggest drawback of the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra has to be the lack of ECG functions. The watch also doesn’t integrate well with iOS devices, and it’s on the pricey side.
Pros
- Exceptional power and performance due to solid chipset
- AFib/IHB tracking ability
- 100+ Sport modes
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Lacks ECG monitoring
- Not a great pair for iOS devices
ZURURU Fitness Tracker
The ZURURU Fitness Tracker is the most affordable product on this list, and it’s perfect for users who want a helpful gadget to keep track of their fitness and health activities without breaking the bank.
Product Highlights
The ZURURU fitness tracker has everything a basic device of its kind should have. The heart rate and sleep monitoring function track awake and deep sleep as well as the heart rate throughout the day. You can also monitor your daily steps, workout distance, calorie consumption, and workout time. There’s a dedicated HBand app to see all these metrics, aside from the device itself.
Additionally, the display supports call and message notifications from various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp.
As far as the battery life is concerned, the device needs up to two hours of charging to work for a week. The device uses a USB port to charge and does not support wireless charging.
There are 11 sports modes that can be tracked with a GPS on your smartphone, as there’s no built-in GPS sensor in the device. After all, it would be too much to expect one in a budget price range for a fitness tracker.
The IP68 waterproof rating allows users to use this tracker in water (up to three meters deep) and record swimming workout data. Its step counter is relatively accurate, while sleep tracking and heart rate zone functions work surprisingly well too. You can also benefit from the usual sedentary reminders and female health-tracking functions available in most other devices of this kind.
The Good
Waterproof features, a step counter, blood pressure monitor, and GPS support make this an extremely versatile fitness tracker for the price. There’s hardly a device that will have all these features for the same value, making the ZURURU a go-to solution for users with a limited budget.
The Bad
Given that this device is designed to be a very simple fitness and health tracker, it seems ungrateful to talk about the negative sides. If we compare it with its more expensive competitors, then the lack of GPS and advanced health monitoring features like SPO2 and heart rate variations certainly are drawbacks.
Pros
- Automatic footstep record
- Waterproof
- Up to seven days of single charge battery life
Cons
- Slow sync with the phone
- No built-in GPS
- Lacks advanced fitness tracking features
FITVII Fitness Tracker
The FITVII Fitness Tracker is yet another powerful low-end device equipped with essential fitness and health monitoring features. If you’re up for a simple-looking, versatile, and affordable tracker, this is an option worth exploring.
Product Highlights
This fitness tracker has the potential to become an all-time favorite among limited-budget fitness enthusiasts who are after an all-in-one health and activity monitoring device. Available in various styles and colors, this gadget can be easily matched with any outfit.
Performance-wise, the 24-hour heart rate and blood pressure monitoring will help you get to know your heart’s trends. The tracker also monitors blood oxygen saturation levels to understand your physical state better. These features alone make this affordable tracker suitable even for marathon runners and high-intensity workouts.
The sleep tracking feature tracks the time spent in light and deep sleep to clarify your sleep cycle. It also automatically measures walked steps, calories consumed, and distance and is recorded for future use.
This gadget pairs perfectly with Android and iOS devices but won’t work with tablets or iPads.
Battery-wise, you’ll get up to 10 days of usage with a single charge, which is nothing to sneeze at.
The Good
The FITVII Slim Fitness Tracker is a fantastic watch for everyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a health tracking device but still wants to enjoy its basic benefits. Water resistance, automatic step and distance counter, and sleep tracking features for a budget price is an exceptional value.
The Bad
A fitness tracker in this price range is sure to miss some advanced health and fitness monitoring features, but this wasn’t meant to be an advanced tracker in the first place. The battery life could also be better, but a week without charging is still the average result.
Pros
- Color touchscreen monitor
- Automatic step counter
- Fast charging
Cons
- Lacks GPS
- Average battery life
- Not the most accurate blood pressure monitoring
Buyer’s Guide
Style
Fitness trackers come in different shapes and styles. You can find trackers worn in pockets, around the neck, on the belt, or the wrist.
The wrist trackers, which are the most popular ones, come in various designs to fit just about everyone’s preferences and individual style. You can find watches that look like bracelets, traditional watches, or more modern designs. Try to go for trackers that have changeable bands so you can combine different designs to wear on other occasions.
Display
Fitness trackers come with plenty of display types. You can go for trackers that show real-time or date progress on display or a variety with lighted codes that indicate how you’re doing throughout the day. It’s essential to go for a display that will keep you motivated to get those 10K steps, burn your target calorie number, or whatever your fitness or health goal is.
Data and Metrics
Activity data and metrics are different from one fitness tracker to another. Most devices share the same basic features such as step counting, calorie-burning, and sleep tracking. New additions to the market include more advanced metrics like heart rate variation, BPI measurement, or SPO2 monitoring.
Before purchasing a fitness tracker, check the specifications section to see whether or not the device supports metrics or data that’s important to you.
Activity Tracking
Most trackers available today offer some level of activity tracking features. Some of the basic ones include step tracking. The most accurate step trackers use GPS or an accelerometer. Other activity trackers can calculate the calories burned using the same information or personal data. You can also find solutions that track the number of stairs you climbed, the distance you traveled, sleep quality, etc.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is one of the advanced features that offer a more detailed insight into your daily habits. Heart rate monitoring is best used for activities that are hard to track with GPS or accelerometer, like rollerblading or cycling. The benefit of this element is to show you which intensity zone you’re in at the moment so you can easily change zones when necessary.
Battery + Charging
The fitness tracker market is packed with models that have the most diverse battery options. From user-replaceable batteries and solar-powered batteries to simple cable chargers, you can select the best option according to your specific needs. Most average fitness trackers come with a charger and have a relatively short charging time (up to 2 hours) that allows for days of continuous usage. However, if regular charging isn’t something you’re after, you can consider trackers with one-year battery systems like Garmin Vivofit.
FAQ
Are Wrist Fitness Trackers Accurate?
Wrist fitness trackers aren’t 100% accurate, and it’d be wrong to believe they can accurately measure every step, heart rate, and other data precisely. Wrist trackers can be accurate within a couple of hundred steps for step tracking, but they may underestimate the calories burned during daily activities by a lot more. Also, the SPO2 or heart rate variation data shouldn’t be trusted 100%, as the fitness trackers don’t replace actual measurements by medical devices made for this specific use.
Do All Fitness Trackers Need a Smartphone?
In short, no, not all trackers need a smartphone to function properly. However, most options require at least some type of connection with smartphones. We’re starting to see more products that let users use their mobile devices to configure or monitor their exercises, but this isn’t required for the fitness trackers to work.
Can Fitness Trackers Measure Blood Pressure?
Yes, some modern-day fitness trackers have sensors that measure blood pressure. However, the accuracy of those fitness trackers shouldn’t be trusted 100%, nor should users replace their blood pressure devices with fitness trackers when it comes to this important measure. All of the recorded data from your fitness tracker should be used for informational purposes, not diagnostic. A tracker’s blood pressure monitoring feature is no exception.
Is Fitbit Any Good for Running?
The Fitbit is just as good for tracking running data and stats as any mid-range fitness tracker. This means you can get essential monitoring that’s more than enough for an average runner. If you’re looking for advanced running stats and analytics, you should consider more premium options.
Do Fitness Trackers Actually Work?
Fitness trackers, especially modern-day solutions, are reliable tracking devices that provide reasonably accurate data. With each new generation, more advanced sensors for sophisticated health and activity monitoring make these devices worth purchasing for a better insight into a user’s fitness and well-being.
Final Verdict
All fitness trackers reviewed in today’s article are viable health and fitness accessories with numerous benefits. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is the best tracker money could buy in terms of performance and available features.
But if your budget is on the lower end, you can always go for more affordable options like the Amazfit Bip S or the FITVII fitness tracker. Whichever choice you make, you’ll get a super versatile and health-friendly training accessory you can take anywhere.
