The 7 Best Fitness Trackers of 2024, Tested by a Personal Trainer

The most productive fitness trackers are designed to help you reach your goals and overall well-being. These Spy Kids-like wearables can monitor almost every facet of your health: sleep, recovery, blood oxygen levels, and breathing. rate; some can even track the electrical activity of the center (known as ECG). As a private teacher and qualified weightlifter, I’ve used my experience to analyze thirteen of the best fitness trackers for this guide. The Garmin Venu 3 convinced me as the most productive fitness tracker overall and I discovered several others worthy of praise.

Here’s a list of my winners, after two months of rigorous testing:

During testing, I evaluated the tracker for accuracy, comfort, ease of use, and customizable options. Since these devices are very personal, the most productive fitness tracker for you will depend on your needs, workout goals, and individual preferences. We’ve included a variety of options, ranging from a running-specific tracker to the ultimate productivity Apple Watch, so you can find anything on this list that’s right for you. Read on for my in-depth review of the seven peak productivity fitness trackers. To learn more about how to get the most out of those wearables, read my advisor on how to use a fitness tracker.

What’s remarkable:

What could be better?

The Garmin Venu 3 was my most sensible choice as a fitness tracker after weeks of testing. I’ve turned to this tracker, even on my days off. Of all the trackers I tested, the Venu 3 was the most accurate while still being easy to use. The Garmin Venu 3’s giant 1. 4-inch touchscreen and bright display made it simple to check my workout stats and navigate through other fitness features (of which there are many).

Aesthetically, the length of the Venu makes it less understated than other options. There’s no doubt that this is a watch, but the silicone strap and stainless metal bezel made it one of the best-looking fitness trackers I’ve ever tried. And although it was bulkier, it felt strangely light compared to trackers of similar length.

A step up from Garmin’s Venu 2, the Venu 3 is also aimed at average gym users, but it comes with advanced features like sleep training, post-workout recovery information, and a more complex center rate sensor. I’ve found recovery time forecasting is useful for planning my daily post-workout movements, adding how many walks to take and what time to go to bed. I can also create my workouts in the Garmin Connect app and upload them to the watch, all the way through. Sets, repetitions, and quick exercises. Other notable features come with more than 30 sports apps and preloaded workouts, as well as personalized sleep training. Overall, I’ve found the Garmin Venu 3 to be a complex watch that adopts a holistic technique for getting fit without being intimidating to wear.

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What’s remarkable:

What could be better?

For beginners looking to track their workouts smoothly and manageably, I suggest the Fitbit Charge 6. If you’re just starting out with a regular workout program, the last thing you should do is complicate your regimen by introducing an elaborate exercise program. . tracker. The Charge 6 is the latest version of the brand in its Charge series. Of the trackers I tested, it’s the simplest to use while also providing an unexpected point of versatility and accuracy, given its fundamental design.

When I took the Charge 6 for a walk, it kept up with me.

The Charge 6 can do just about everything that ultimate trackers can do: count steps and distance, track sleep (including sleep stages), recognize when you’re performing one of the other 40 workouts, and monitor key fitness metrics like abnormal heartbeats. Stress, moods, and menstrual cycles. The Charge 6 also has a more complex center-frequency monitor than its predecessors, which paid off with its accuracy point in my tests. It tracked my high-intensity workouts with center frequency, which is the usual case when most trackers fail in their ability to measure what my variable center frequency should look like. I went from 160 bpm (beats per minute) in the middle of a set to about 120 bpm at rest, all within 30 seconds to one. -minutes, and the tracking of the Charge 6 matched my controller consistently with everything (the Polar H10 chest strap).

Unlike other trackers that can make it difficult to perceive the meaning of all the numbers, the Charge 6’s data is straightforward. It gave me updates through weekly progress reports and daily scores for sleep and tension management, all breaking down my stats with the help of great graphs, bright colors, and easy-to-follow data.

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What’s remarkable:

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For Apple users looking for the most convenient option, the Apple Watch Series nine is my most sensible pick. Packed with more features than the SE and more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series Nine ticks all the boxes for high performance. Fitness tracker for daily use. This was just the time for the Garmin Venu 3 for my favorite fitness tracker, thanks in large part to its complex center rate tracking. As it should, my core frequency variability is tracked, adding the time spent in areas, my center rate while walking, and the time it took for my structure to return to normal after exercise.

However, the nine is essentially a smartwatch; it can’t compete with Garmin’s training analytics and feedback or the incredible integration with the Garmin Connect app. While I’ve found that it’s convenient to record all of my workout stats and be available in my iPhone’s Health app, it doesn’t summarize your data. in the same way as the Connect app and does not offer recovery recommendations.

The Apple Watch nine may trip over the taste for which I swim and for how long, which is a unique feature among other fitness trackers I’ve tested.

However, the nine offers something that the Garmin doesn’t, and that’s the ability to automatically trip over movement. I liked how temporarily the Apple Watch Series 9 can trip over the type of workout I was doing, so I never had to manually log activities like outdoor walks or yoga. I even tripped over which stroke I was swimming when I tried it out in the pool. Design-wise, the Series Nine (like other Apple wearables) is a sleek watch that’s aesthetically much more complex than a traditional fitness tracker and bulkier. For Apple users looking for a more complex smartwatch that can track their workouts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Series Nine.

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What’s remarkable:

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If you don’t need to spend more than $100 on a fitness tracker, I suggest the Amazfit Bip Pro 3. While it’s not the best-looking or most feature-rich tracker, it gets the job done and is accurate in terms of hub. frequency, activity tracking, and sleep (for metrics such as time spent in bed and minutes awake). When I first unboxed it, the square demo and thick silicone band reminded me of the Fitbit Versa and based on its comparable tracking options, I can confirm that it’s a pretty fake hoax. (The newest model of the Versa Fitness, the Versa 4, costs $200. )

During my weightlifting sessions, the Amazfit Bip Pro 3 as I should measure my core frequency against my control.

The watch’s interface is intuitive and doesn’t require an undeniable glance at the user manual. I also liked the fact that I can choose from a multitude of activity tracking options. However, post-workout data were mixed. For strength training, they are limited to center frequency data. Cardiovascular activities, such as running on a treadmill, come with more detailed data. Despite the scant data on training, I’ve found it to be an easy-to-use tracker that provides intelligent insights. price for money.

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What’s remarkable:

What could be better?

The tracker with the most features I’ve tested, the Garmin Forerunner 265, is an ideal choice for runners, enthusiasts, and anyone with specific educational goals. As the call suggests, it’s packed with running-focused features like built-in workouts. , fast distance speed strategies, and real-time functionality readings. Although I’m not a big runner, I’ve found some of those features to be useful. The training readiness score recommends the intensity of education discovered in quantity and quality. of your sleep, your voltage level, and your central frequency variability. After a bad night’s rest, for example, my workout readiness score wasn’t as high as after a good night’s sleep, which told me it probably wasn’t the maximum. Productive day for an intense session.

The Forerunner 265 calculates your running force, or the amount of force applied in a run, at points such as speed and wind conditions.

I also let my fiancé, who does long-distance runs and rucks, try. He enjoyed the running strength feature, which predicted how much force he would implement in his run and how to maximize his workouts based on points like wind intensity. (Anyone who has experienced spring in Colorado knows that wind is no joke. )Design-wise, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has a rugged look and a sturdier, more durable feel. For constant-strength athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rugged option, the Forerunner 265 is a transparent winner.

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What’s remarkable:

What could be better?

While most wearables can closely monitor your menstrual cycle, if you need to track your ovulation, peak fertility days, and pregnancy, the Garmin Lily 2 is your most productive option. It’s the smallest tracker I’ve tested, but it comes up against some of the more complex watches on the market.

The Garmin Lily is available in a colorful lilac color, as well as gold, bronze, and silver.

Similar to the Venu 3, this tracker measures energy expenditure by updating your body’s battery with rest times and recommended activity levels, and also highlights the muscles you’ve worked with during physical activity. After a weight education session, Lily’s post-workout app summary indexed the types of workouts I performed, from dumbbell squats to sumo deadlifts. Named the most productive smartwatch for women by consulting firm Forbes Vetted, the tracker also features thoughtful design touches that I appreciated, such as a patterned lens, a hidden demo option, and the selection of a leather or nylon strap that makes it feel less like a piece of fitness tech and more like a fashion accessory. And despite the superlative category named here, this watch is rarely just for women: If you’re looking for a smaller, sleeker wearable device or need one with fertility-tracking features, Lily 2 is the best choice.

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Located at the intersection of fitness tracker and smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offers Android users similar smartphone features to Apple, but with slightly more complex fitness tracking. (The Galaxy Watch6 review was arguably one of the only times I questioned my smartphone selection. ) I liked how I can also set traditional center speed zones, which notified me once I reached my target zone. While this feature is probably more favorable for runners than other types of athletes, I’ve enjoyed employing it for strength training. , especially for workouts where intensity is lacking.

The Samsung Galaxy 6 has a larger face than the other trackers I tested, but it’s still one of the lightest.

Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to adjust, the Galaxy Watch6 feels more like momentary skin. The battery life was a bit disappointing, probably due to its hybrid design. And compared to genuine sports watches like Garmin’s, it has some limitations. While I liked the Galaxy’s custom center frequency tracking, it doesn’t track center frequency variability (or the time between each center beat) like the Garmin Venu 3, Lily 2, or Forerunner 265 do. The Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 also outperformed the Galaxy when it came to GPS tracking and detailed post-workout information. All in all, I’ve found the Galaxy Watch6 to be a wonderful choice for Android users who need to keep tabs on their workouts and health, but in the end prefer a smartwatch design. (and the tracking limitations that come with it) into a true fitness tracker.

Apple Watch SE (7/10): While not up to the Series 9’s features or duration, the SE is a solid choice for Apple users looking to spend a little less. It’s easy to use, accurate, and stylish and offers a similar diversity of watch face and strap options. However, the SE is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker, so it doesn’t provide as much knowledge about sleep and fitness tracking.

Apple Watch Ultra (7. 5/10): I found the Ultra 2’s feature-rich interface to be overkill. More serious athletes would possibly benefit from the compatibility with the additional knowledge and tracking features presented through this watch, but the average one has user compatibility or the user probably. It may not be of much use for most of those functions. The Series Nine is easier to use, less bulky, and costs around $400 less, making it the best choice for most.

Coros Pace 3 (7/10): While Coros offers incredibly detailed tracking of power activities and aerobic workouts, I found the interface to be more complicated to navigate than others, and its bulky length made it difficult to adjust.

Withings ScanWatch Light (6. 5/10): Aesthetically, Withings arguably would have been my favorite fitness tracker; Its subtle design looks more like a watch than others I’ve tried. Unfortunately, center frequency tracking was inconsistent across my workouts, making post-workout knowledge unreliable.

Whoop (6/10): Post-workout data, such as center rate and calorie burn estimation, was not consistent with my tracker and others I tested. I also found the app’s interface to be a bit overwhelming, but for complex athletes or gym-goers eager to spend more. Time with the device would probably find it appealing. The minimalist design was also a deterrent for me. I found it awkward to have to unlock my phone in the middle of a workout to check fundamental metrics like center frequency and elapsed time in the app. However, I appreciated the data from the Whoop Effort Score (similar to Garmin’s Workout Readiness Score). Score), which monitors how much power you’ve exerted and provides recommendations for recovery (even though my score was lower than expected since center frequency tracking was turned off).

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 (5/10): Erroneous and inconsistent tracking for a variety of workouts and activities in this budget tracker.

The most productive fitness trackers deserve to offer accurate tracking, smart battery life, a comfortable fit, and a design that appeals to you. They deserve to contribute to an active lifestyle with a variety of activity and fitness tracking options, and they deserve it. be easy to use. Based on my experience as a private teacher and the weeks I spent testing those devices, I’ve found that you’re less likely to use a tracker if the interface is complicated, you can’t figure it out. the metrics, or if it’s complicated, exercise to use.

“The first thing you need to do is if you really believe the tracker will improve your fitness and your workout experience,” says Josh Honore, a NASM-qualified private teacher and trainer at Row House. “If you have fun doing this [follow-up], all roads lead to success. “

That said, the most productive fitness tracker for you may not be the ideal choice for someone else. I even take into account some fundamental needs before deciding if a fitness tracker would be on my list of winners, but I’ve incorporated other use cases as well. So while a fitness tracker wasn’t ideal for me, I also have an idea about who it might be best suited for. Here’s an in-depth look at the specific criteria I used to determine which fitness trackers are a cut above the rest:

Heart rate accuracy: This is the maximum vital function of a fitness tracker. Without accurate heart rate readings, at maximum all other metrics (calories burned, estimated expenditure, estimated intensity, recovery recommendations, etc. ) will be disabled, resulting in any activity. useless data. To check the accuracy of each tracker, I used a control: the Polar H10 chest strap, which is considered one of the most accurate core frequency monitors on the market, as it measures your core frequency directly, rather than through your legumes.

I put each tracker through a series of workouts that included strength education with gentle cardio, and compared the tracker’s center rate reading to my partner’s app and the Polar H10. I observed and compared major center frequency statistics, such as average. Center Frequency, Maximum Center Frequency, Percentage of Time Spent in Certain Center Frequency Zones, and Estimated Calorie Burn. Since chest center rate sensors are considered the most accurate type of center rate tracking, I expected some variation between my trackers and fitness trackers. The fitness trackers closest to the Polar are the ones I’ve found to be the most accurate.

Battery life: I tested the battery life by charging each of the trackers one hundred percent and then dressed in it for two full days and nights. Some, like the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9, and Samsung’s Watch6, required charging those two-day, while others still had plenty of battery. At a minimum, each tracker had to last the maximum of the day (i. e. , a full night’s rest and a workout the next day) or have a fast-charging option for convenience.

Ease of use: To gauge the ease of use of each monitor, I started by timing the time it took me to unpack and set up the initial settings, taking note of any obstacles. (The Fitbit Charge 6 sets up quickly but required a hard reset before syncing with my phone. ) Most took 5-10 minutes, however, the genuine proof is how simple it is to educate yourself on how to use the app and the watch’s features. If I had figured it out through the time I used it I took it to the gym and didn’t want to know how to examine the other activity features and start, stop, and pause my workout. I imagined it easy to use.

I put every fitness tracker on my bed to check how well I could track my sleep during the night.

Health and Activity Tracking: To check the fitness and activity tracking of one, one, one, I used both, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one, one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one and both activity (or rest period) in between. This gave me a complete overview of the features and accuracy of one one one one one. When reviewing the fitness tracker, I looked at the types of data that both one one one one provides about my sleep, cycle, and stress levels, as well as the specificity of one one one one one. For example, some trackers provided deeper insight into my sleep patterns, adding personalized recommendations for how to get a better rest the next night and my sleep quality. The break affected my ability to recover. I also looked at how both trackers presented this data (sleep scores, tension scores, etc. ) and thought about which ones were useful for contextualizing the data, rather than giving me an arbitrary number without genuine context for how it affected my overall fitness.

For activity tracking, I looked at how many activities or game modes there were and how well each watch tracked my movements in workouts and activities. I looked at the types of measurements recorded for other workouts (strength training, pool swimming, outdoor walks, etc. ), how well this was done compared to my control, and whether the knowledge provided useful data for my current and next workout.

Overall Compatibility & Design: To get an idea of the overall compatibility of each monitor, I wore them in bed, during workouts, and during the day to check for comfort. I thought about points like overall length, strap material, weight, and adjustability. In some cases, as with the Garmin Venu 3, the volume didn’t feel heavy, while others (like the Coros) definitely felt its length. I also took into account the length and design of the watch: the length of the dial and the presence of buttons or buttons that make it less difficult to choose other functions.

It can be tricky (and downright overwhelming) to sift through all the other fitness trackers, from smartwatches to compromised devices. Below, I’ve detailed the key points to simplify your search for the most productive fitness tracker for you.

Consider the goal of using a fitness tracker before browsing. Some fitness trackers work better for specific types of activities, while others are more flexible wearable devices. Do you need a tracker that stands out for running?Or do you need one that can accompany you in the gym and gym?If you have any special fitness issues, are looking to conceive, or are recently pregnant, you need to locate a more complex tracker.

I liked the larger face of the Garmin Venu 3 because it made checking my center frequency quick and easy. . . [ ] in the middle of training.

Fitness trackers range in value from $50 to $800 or more, though maximum features are between $150 and $400. When budgeting, make sure of the features that are most vital to you. Generally speaking, the more features a watch has (including complex GPS tracking, in-depth educational information, the ability to track specific running paces, etc. ), the higher its cost. However, fitness trackers between $150 and $300 offer valuable features for the average person.

Fitness trackers can vary greatly in terms of battery life. Some can last up to two weeks on a full charge, while others can’t last a full 24 hours. Think about how you plan to use your tracker; If you want to take it on a hiking vacation or to an ultramarathon, prefer one with a powerful battery. Some fitness trackers also come with a fast-charging option, which is a smart solution for those who don’t necessarily want a two-week battery. But I also don’t want to be glued to an electrical outlet.

You’ll get more out of a fitness tracker that’s easy to use, comfortable to wear, and pleasing to the eye. Consider your personal tastes in convenience and taste, as well as the overall goal you need your tracker to fulfill. Endurance Athletes can make compromises on length and taste if it means getting more complex GPS tracking, while those who prefer a casual option may prioritize aesthetics.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has a thick silicone band that I found comfortable and easy to adjust.

Also, be aware of the other types of fabrics for the bracelets, as this will be the tracker component that will be placed on your wrist. Most come with a few options, such as silicone, leather, or nylon. In my experience, silicone and nylon are the most comfortable and easy to adjust.

Finally, decide if you need a minimalist design, such as the Whoop or the Oura. “A lot of my clients don’t like the things they wear on their wrists,” says Honoré, who works with dancers who don’t need to be distracted by a screen. You may prefer to have a screen so you can take a look at a workout and check your progress.

I have been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer for up to two years. Throughout my own education and sessions with my clients, I’ve used countless fitness trackers, which has helped me notice the most useful features to look for. I’ve also been active for as long as I can remember: I was a competitive swimmer for thirteen years and now I do walking and weight training.

For this guide, I spoke with Josh Honore, a NASM-qualified private teacher and California-founded Row House coach, about his experience with fitness trackers, both privately and professionally. I also consulted with Laura Rooney, PhD, an associate professor at Marquette University and behavioral psychologist. We discuss the mental and physiological effects of fitness trackers and how they can be used more productively on other people’s equipment, adding those who are new to training and others with chronic physical conditions. among others.

When deciding which trackers to try, I looked at the key features that experts highlighted as vital to getting convenient use of a tracker and then looked at online reviews, drew on my own experience, and tapped into my network of gym friends and outdoor enthusiasts for insights. I prioritized brands known for their accuracy and reliability, and for their roles for others of all fitness levels, not just athletes.

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