Is it a pain to count your steps with your smartphone in your pocket? We’ve all been there. But it’s time to stop relying on your pedometer and level up your fitness with a tracker you can trust. These sleek wrist buddies are more than just a fancy pedometer; they can also be your personal cheerleader, sleep analyst, and fashion statement. From heart rate monitors to GPS tracking, there’s a fitness tracker for every workout enthusiast (or weekend warrior, no judgement).
Find the perfect wrist companion that will help you reach your goals, avoid the dreaded “lazy” label, and maybe even impress your in-laws with your newfound commitment to a healthy lifestyle (*wink wink*).
Best Fitness Trackers for 2024
![Xiaomi Smart Band 8](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/untitled-design-2000x3000-1-1.jpg)
Best Budget
Xiaomi Smart Band 8
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a fitness tracker with a 1.62-inch display. It tracks your heart rate and is waterproof. It has comfortable interchangeable straps and a long battery life.
- It is budget-friendly and one of the most affordable fitness trackers on the market.
- The large, bright display makes it easy to read even in sunlight.
- It can last up to a week on a single charge.
- It can be worn on the wrist, worn as a necklace, or attached to a shoe (with limited functionality).
- There is no GPS so you will need to carry your phone to track distances more accurately.
Are you thinking about buying a fitness tracker but don’t have the cash? The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 might be perfect for you. It’s one of the most affordable options, but don’t let the price fool you. This little band is packed with features. Let’s start with the basics: heart rate tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep tracking are all included. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 can track over 150 different workouts, so whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or swimmer, this band has you covered.
One of the things we really love about the Smart Band 8 is its display. It’s a large, bright AMOLED panel that’s easy to read even in direct sunlight. Plus, it has an automatic brightness control feature that’s easy on the eyes. And if you’re into variety, the Smart Band 8 comes with a variety of watch faces that you’ll love. You can also customize it further with straps in different colors.
![Fitbit Charge 6](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/untitled-design-2000x3000.jpg)
Great for sleep tracking
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6 tracks your workouts, heart rate, and sleep. It has built-in GPS, music controls, smartphone notifications, and stress management tools. Plus, it’s waterproof and lasts up to 7 days on a single charge.
- The Charge 6 is one of the most accurate trackers for monitoring your sleep stages and quality.
- Lightweight and stylish, it can be worn day or night.
- You can expect up to a week of battery life on a single charge.
- Heart rate accuracy during training is not the best.
Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Fitbit Charge 6 does more than count your steps and calories. It also provides detailed analysis of your sleep patterns to give you insight into how well-rested you are each night.
Fitness enthusiasts will love the variety of exercise modes, from running and cycling to HIIT and surfing. Plus, the tracker can now connect to select gym equipment and transmit your heart rate data directly to the device – no more fumbling around with straps or chest monitors.
Charge 6 monitors your heart rate all day long, even while you’re exercising. While it may not be the most accurate tracker on the market for measuring very intense exercise, it provides reliable readings for most activities.
![Images of Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Smartwatch](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-16.jpg)
Great for runners
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS smartwatch designed for runners. It offers personalized training guidance, daily workout suggestions, and tracks running stats like pace and distance. It also has built-in heart rate monitoring, GPS, and a range of health tracking features.
- Forerunner 55 boasts the highest level of GPS accuracy, essential for tracking distance and pace while running.
- The watch is packed with features to help you become a better runner, including training suggestions, recovery time recommendations and even a race prediction tool.
- It’s easy to use, even if you’re new to fitness trackers.
New to running? Don’t worry! Forerunner 55 is user-friendly and easy to navigate on the go. Plus, it offers workout suggestions based on your progress so you don’t feel overwhelmed. And after a hard run, it even suggests how much rest you need before your next session. No wonder this is one of the best smartwatches on the market right now!
Speaking of running, the Forerunner 55 boasts excellent GPS accuracy, so you can reliably track your distance and pace whether you’re training in the city or on the country roads. Plus, it has built-in race prediction to keep you motivated: See how fast you can complete your next 5K.
But that’s not all. The Forerunner 55 also monitors your overall health. It tracks your daily steps, heart rate, and estimates your energy levels. It even offers female health tracking, allowing you to monitor your cycle right from your wrist. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some super-expensive smartwatches, the Forerunner 55 makes up for it with functionality. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to use, and easy on the wallet.
![Amazfit VIP 3](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/canva-design-6.jpg)
Best Battery Life
Amazfit VIP 3
The Amazfit Bip 3 is a fitness watch with a large 1.69″ display and long-lasting battery. It tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress, and has over 60 sports modes. It’s waterproof up to 5 ATM, can display phone notifications, control music, and provide weather forecasts.
- It can last up to 2 weeks on a single charge.
- It has a large 1.69-inch display that is easy to read even in sunlight.
- It can track a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more.
- Heart rate sensors aren’t the most reliable.
The Amazfit Bip 3 is a fitness tracker that will never disappoint you, especially if you are tired of having to charge your devices frequently. It boasts an incredible battery life that lasts up to 2 weeks on a single charge. No more hunting for your charger right before your morning jog.
Plus, the Bip 3 isn’t just durable: It has a large, colorful display so you can easily see all your stats even when the sun is shining brightly, and if you get bored of the look, you can switch up the different watch faces to suit your style.
This tracker is also your workout companion, recording all your activities from running and cycling to swimming. It also tracks your heart rate, sleep and stress levels to give you a complete picture of your health. Pair it with these earbuds for the best workout possible.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/canva-design-5.jpg)
Best Heart Rate Monitor
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a fitness tracker watch with a large display that tracks your workouts, heart rate, sleep, and body composition, and also lets you control music, calls, and texts from your phone.
- The Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a larger and brighter display than its predecessor, making it easier to see outdoors.
- It has one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market.
- Wear OS offers a wide range of downloadable apps to customize your watch experience.
- Compared to the Galaxy Watch 5, the Watch 6 has significantly less battery life, which could be a deal-breaker for some users.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is your companion on every adventure. Its bright, beautiful display lets you see at a glance whether you’re conquering a hike or checking your notifications on a sunny day. Plus, it tracks all your activities with the highest accuracy, from your sleep cycle to your blood oxygen levels.
Keep in mind, this watch loves to party and will drain the battery quicker than some of its competitors, but if you’re not too concerned about charging it every night, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a handy companion to have on your wrist. Another plus is that changing watch bands is easier than ever thanks to the new one-click release mechanism.
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm]](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/canva-design-4.jpg)
Premium Picks
Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm]
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rugged smartwatch designed for extreme athletes and adventurers, boasting an ultra-bright display, long battery life, and cellular connectivity, as well as advanced health and safety features, GPS tracking, and dedicated bands for hiking, cycling, and water sports.
- It is water and dust resistant and designed to withstand harsh conditions.
- Built-in GPS, compass and depth finder.
- Includes heart rate monitoring, ECG and fall detection features.
- Topographical support is limited.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is similar to the Apple Watch you already know and love. But I’m excited about the adventureIt has an incredibly bright display that’s visible even when you’re hiking in the midday sun – no more squinting to see your messages or how far you’ve gotten.
It has all the features, including waterproof and dustproof. Battery life: It lasts for 55 hours on a single charge, so you can enjoy mountain climbing and cycling without worrying about running out of battery.
Is it perfect? Well, not perfect. The price is quite high, and the support for topographical maps is still lacking. It works in some areas, but not all. But if you’re a serious athlete or outdoor enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice. It’s a trusty companion that can keep up with your active lifestyle, help you reach your goals, and even look good while doing it.
FAQ
Is Garmin better than Fitbit?
Garmin and Fitbit are both great fitness tracker brands, but they target slightly different demographics. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide.
- If you’re a serious athlete who needs advanced training features, GPS tracking, and long battery life, choose Garmin. Garmin also excels in outdoor adventure watches.
- If you’re looking for a user-friendly tracker that focuses on overall health and wellness, choose Fitbit, which is more affordable and has features like sleep tracking and stress monitoring.
What smartwatches do cardiologists recommend?
While cardiologists don’t recommend any particular smartwatch, they generally favor trackers that can monitor your heart health. Notable features include:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Look for a tracker that continuously monitors your heart rate and alerts you if there’s anything abnormal.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): Some smartwatches have an ECG feature that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: While not yet common, some smartwatches are beginning to offer blood pressure monitoring capabilities.
Fitness trackers should not be used for medical diagnosis. If you have any concerns about your heart health, you should always consult with your doctor.
![Collage image showing a book reader, speakers and an iPad](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/wm/2024/06/best-tech-for-college-students-in-2024.jpg)
Next
Best Technology for College Students in 2024
This technology is perfect for any college student.