The best fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes. While some smart wearables focus predominantly on tracking your vital stats — such as the budget-friendly Xiaomi Smart Band 7 or the innovative Oura ring — others can be a convenient one-stop shop for all your needs. For example, many of the best Garmin watches can map your running trails, tell the altitude, and even warn you when the weather conditions are about to change. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, can act as a handy extension to your phone, thanks to smart features like contactless payment solutions, notification alerts or music playback.
The right fitness tracker can be invaluable to achieving your health and fitness goals. It is like having a pocket-sized personal trainer — it will help you make better fitness decisions and hold yourself accountable, Nathan Kennedy, a certified personal trainer, told Live Science. If you want to know more about the potential benefits of using fitness trackers, or how reliable they really are, scroll down to our Fitness tracker FAQs section to see what the experts say.
We know that picking the right fitness tracker can be tricky, especially now when plenty of models get discounted ahead of Black Friday. This is why we have spent countless hours trying and testing some of the best fitness trackers on the market. We looked at design, features, comfort, durability and performance, as well as looks, ease of use, and connectivity with third-party devices. You can check our How we test section down below for more information on our fitness tracker testing protocol.
The quick list
Best for iPhone users
This Apple Watch has all the best of Apple's high-end features and design tweaks while costing considerably less than the newer models. The caveat? One-day battery life.
Best for tracking workouts
This rugged multisport GPS smartwatch offers some of the best fitness tracking features money can get. However, it is quite chunky and expensive.
Best under $50
This sleek-looking fitness tracker is packed to the brim with health tracking features and it costs less than $40 — but it compromises on accuracy and screen responsiveness.
Best running watch
Designed with runners in mind, the Forerunner 965 boasts a sleek and durable design, excellent navigation systems, and plenty of features to help boost your running performance.
Best for wellness
One of the lightest watches we have tested, the wallet-friendly Amazfit Balance impressed us with its compact build, range of apps for stress management, and accurate health tracking features.
Best for sleep tracking
Light and compact, yet brimming with advanced health tracking features, the Charge 5 is a great choice for those who want to improve their sleep hygiene.
The best fitness trackers we recommend in 2024: Fully tested by our expert team with hands-on, real-world experience
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best fitness tracker for iPhone users
✅ You want accurate health tracking features: You can trust Apple's sensors — particularly when it comes to their heart rate measurements.
✅ You need a great all-rounder: It comes with countless apps and additional features, and it is comfortable to wear, too.
✅ You want to track your menstrual cycle: It features top-class temperature sensors and relevant software.
❌ You want a long battery life: It lasts just one day on a single charge.
❌ You are an Android user: Only compatible with other Apple devices.
If you are looking for great GPS and heart rate hardware, The Apple Watch Series 8 is a fantastic fitness tracker and our favorite of all the watches we have tested. We liked it so much that we gave this iconic wearable a massive 4.5 stars in our Apple Watch Series 8 review — and we even prefer it to the newer, more expensive Apple Watch models.
Apple really does offer best-in-class when it comes to health and safety features. In the Series 8, you will find an ECG monitor that can detect abnormal heart rhythms, a blood oxygen monitor and sleep tracking too. There is also an advanced gyroscope for fall detection, as well as ovulation tracking for those with a menstrual cycle. These are all features that you can find in other trackers, but in our experience the heart-tracking capabilities of Apple outstrip its competitors.
On top of that, the watch has an app library that’s bigger than all of its rivals put together. You can find second-party apps that will improve your yoga flows, help track your workouts and guide you on meditations. Compared with its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8 also offers more in-depth data on activities like running, including heart rate zones. You can even create custom workouts and save them to your watch.
But it is not without its faults; the watch is only compatible with iPhones and battery life only lasts for one day. Still, we think the model is the best combination of value, features and performance available on the market.
- Read our full Apple Watch Series 8 review
Best smartwatch for tracking workouts
✅ You want a detailed overview of your exercise performance: It is a great wearable for data-driven fitness fanatics.
✅ You need accurate navigation systems: This watch boasts reliable GPS tracking and detailed on-watch maps.
✅ You want long battery life: It can last up to 18 days on a single charge.
❌ You are on a budget: It costs nearly $800.
❌ You want an unobtrusive watch: This bulky wearable feels heavy on the wrist.
A Garmin Fenix 7 is the best fitness tracker to get if you want the most comprehensive set of built-in exercise features available. These stand out when you bring other hardware into the mix.
During our Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar review, we were thoroughly impressed with its performance and functionality. This rugged watch can connect to heart rate straps and foot pods, bike turbo trainers, and even Garmin’s bike lights. We liked that you can download continents’ worth of maps to the watch’s internal memory and plan hike, bike and run routes so you can leave your phone at home.
It lets you download music and podcasts from some of the most popular music services, including Spotify and Deezer. And the MiP screen only becomes clearer in bright sunlight, so tracked outdoor sessions won’t kill the long-lasting battery.
Its heart rate and GPS accuracy are great, and the presentation of stats like training load and VO2 Max seems tailored for the fitness enthusiast.
A Garmin Fenix 7 may be a bit much if you just want to track 5km runs a couple of times a week. It is not light and it is not cheap. The bulk isn’t ideal for sleep tracking, so consider Garmin’s Versa 2 if you like the sound of Garmin’s style but would prefer something smaller.
That said, Garmin’s watches are less intimidating than they once were. The Fenix 7 has a touchscreen and a quick swipe up from the watch face gives you a neat run-down of all your important daily stats. It has encyclopedic features, but works well for casual all-day tracking too.
- Read our Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar review
Runner-up
Best for tracking workouts: Runner-up
The Polar Ignite 3 Titanium offers plenty of in-depth workout tracking features, light and durable design, and up to five days of battery life — and it is cheaper than the Fenix 7 by a hefty $400. However, it lacks smartwatch features and its app connectivity can be patchy.
For
- Stylish and comfortable to wear
- Good heart rate accuracy
- Durable
Against
- No smartwatch features
- Slow data syncing
- App connectivity can be patchy
Best budget fitness tracker
✅ You are looking for great value for money: It strikes a great balance between functionality and affordability.
✅ You want a long battery life: This watch can last up to two weeks on a single charge.
✅ You want to track your menstrual cycle: It features an advanced period tracker.
❌ You want highly accurate tracking features: Sleep and workout metrics may be imprecise.
❌ You like high-intensity workouts: The screen may get unresponsive upon contact with sweat.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 7 has joined the flock of one of the most popular wearable brands in the world, offering users features often reserved for premium-priced wearables. It may not be the highest rated watch in this guide — it scored 3.5 stars in our Xiaomi Smart Band 7 review — but for $39.95, this fitness tracker is hard to beat for the sheer number of its features.
It looks good, too. Closely resembling the Fitbit in design, the crisp 1.62'' AMOLED high-resolution display is glare-resistant and 25% larger and brighter than its predecessor – the Xiaomi Smart Band 6.
The Smart Band 7 is iOS and Android compatible, pairing with its own Mi app to give access to data like heart rate, oxygen monitoring, sleep, and workout analysis. You can also follow guided meditations via the app and check in on your daily stress level data. Xiaomi has thrown the kitchen sink at fitness enthusiasts, offering GPS tracking and 110 sport and fitness modes, including swimming (the watch is 50 meters waterproof) and yoga.
We loved the female health management feature that allows you to track your periods and form patterns between your workout data and health stats. However, we found that a few features lacked accuracy, including sleep (and sleep stages) data and workout stats like calories and distance. The touchscreen also became unresponsive during sweaty workouts, which could be frustrating for activities like running or CrossFit.
- Read our full Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7 review
Best fitness tracker under $150
✅ You want accurate health tracking: It does a good job at measuring heart rate, sleep and steps.
✅ You want long battery life: This smartwatch can last up to 30 days on the battery-saving mode.
✅ You are on a budget: It costs $129.99.
❌ You are looking for exceptional durability: It features a rather delicate, plastic-feeling frame.
❌ You want accurate strength training features: It may underestimate the amount of reps and sets.
Smartwatches tend to be pricier than fitness trackers, simply because they pack more features and have a more robust design. However, some models can still offer all the bells and whistles of premium smartwatches — but with a much more wallet-friendly price tag. The Amazfit Active is one of those rare exceptions.
There is plenty to like about this budget-friendly smartwatch. It is feather-light, compact, comfortable to wear, and packed to the brim with tracking features. During our Amazfit Active smartwatch review, it thoroughly impressed us with its long battery life — up to a whopping 30 days in the battery-saving mode — and the good accuracy of its heart rate and movement sensors. We also liked its intuitive controls and an exceptionally bright, detailed and colorful display.
The Amazfit Active measures your heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, blood oxygen, steps, breathing rate, stress level and sleep quality. This smartwatch can also track up to 120 sports activities, and thanks to its AI-powered coaching apps, even help you boost your exercise performance. Moreover, it features GPS navigation, compass, Alexa voice assistant, phone call extension, and a myriad of other apps.
However, the Amazfit Active may not perform well in challenging outdoor conditions. That is because this model comes with a rather delicate, plastic-feeling frame, and its display is not strengthened with Gorilla glass or Sapphire Crystal. In addition, some of its features are hidden behind a paywall.
- Read our full Amazfit Active smartwatch review
Best running watch
✅ You are looking for good value for money: It offers all the high-end Garmin features, but at a reasonable price.
✅ You want a long battery life: This watch can last up to 23 days on a single charge.
✅ You want accurate tracking features: It features an excellent GPS, and you can rely on its health sensors, too.
❌ You are a keen swimmer: It will not survive deep dives.
❌ You need an ultra-sturdy watch: Not as durable as more premium Garmin models.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an excellent choice for runners thanks to its user-friendly design, excellent navigation, and a wealth of features designed to boost your exercise performance. It is also more affordable than some of the more premium Garmin models — which is why we gave it a strong 4.5 stars in our Garmin Forerunner 965 review.
The Forerunner watches have won our seal of approval multiple times, even despite the ever-increasing retail prices. We loved the Garmin Forerunner 955, but had to admit it was slightly too expensive for a watch with a plastic shell. The Forerunner 965 has stepped up its design, though — while the main part of the shell is still made from a plastic “resin”, its bezel is now crafted from rock-hard titanium.
The Forerunner 965 screen boasts the biggest OLED Garmin has put into a watch to date, a 1.4in panel of 454 x 454 pixels. The display is also crisp, bright and colorful, making it easy to track your stats and follow the route on-the-go.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is packed to the brim with features that can help you level up your running performance. There is a good range of reliable health and activity stats to give you valuable insights into your cardiovascular health, exercise performance and recovery time. The Forerunner 965 is also equipped with excellent navigation systems and detailed maps, so you'll not veer off the track and get lost when running through unfamiliar places. Mind you, this model currently has the 8.8GB Europe Topo maps pack installed, but you can freely install others if you like.
You also have 32GB on which to store any music you might want to carry around with you, smart notifications and handy workout suggestions to spruce up your exercise routine.
- Read our full Garmin Forerunner 965 review
Best fitness tracker for wellness
✅ You are on a budget: This feature-packed smartwatch costs a reasonable $220.
✅ You want a long battery life: This watch can last up to two weeks on a single charge.
✅ You want accurate tracking features: Its heart rate and body composition sensors are top-class.
❌ You are an outdoor adventurer: It may not be durable enough to survive extreme conditions.
❌ You do not want to pay for extra subscriptions: Some features are behind a paywall.
The budget-friendly Amazfit Balance is a great option for those who want to better manage their sleep hygiene and stress levels. This sleek fitness tracker is packed to the brim with wellness apps and advanced health tracking features designed to help you boost your post-exercise recovery and live a more mindful lifestyle. It also comes with a whopping 14-day battery life, crisp AMOLED display, dual-band GPS navigation, compass, altimeter, and many other features typically reserved for more premium models.
During our Amazfit Balance review, it thoroughly impressed us with its performance and stylish, unobtrusive design. This smartwatch accurately measured our heart rate, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and body composition, and did a great job at picking up on our stress levels, sleep duration, and overall sleep quality.
We also liked its easy-to-use, colorful display and comfortable, buttery-soft strap. Not to mention, it was one of the lightest and most compact smartwatches we have ever tested.
For roughly two hundred dollars, the Amazfit Balance offers great value for money. However, some of its additional features, such as the AI-powered fitness coach chatbot, are locked behind a paywall. Moreover, the display in the Amazfit Balance does not feature Gorilla Glass or any other sturdy materials, so it may not be the best choice for those who engage in extreme sports or heavy manual tasks.
- Read our full Amazfit Balance review
Best smartwatch for sleep tracking
✅ You want an unobtrusive watch: It is light, compact, and comfortable to wear while sleeping.
✅ You want good value for money: This watch packs a lot of advanced tracking features, but it remains relatively affordable.
❌ You want music playback options: No music apps.
❌ You need a big display: It is crisp and bright, but on the small side.
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that can help you get a more restful shut-eye, you can't go wrong with the Fitbit Charge 5. It’s rare to see a fitness tracker this small that is so comprehensive in the stats it can gather, and Fitbit’s sleep tracking is among the best on the market — which is why we gave it a strong 4-star rating in our Fitbit Charge 5 review.
But it is not just the extensive sleep metrics that make the Charge 5 stand out among competitors — it is one of the best Fitbit models out there, we dare say. If you have your heart set on a Fitbit, you just have to decide whether you would prefer this or the bigger, more expensive Fitbit Sense. This model is much smaller, as it is more of a band than a watch. And you do not get the downloadable apps available on Fitbit’s Versa and Sense — like Spotify, for example. If you want to go for a run and listen to music, you will have to use your phone if you are using a Charge 5.
However, the sheer amount of stuff Fitbit packs into the Charge 5 is impressive. It has full GPS, for phone-free route tracking. It has the EDA stress sensor Fitbit introduced in the Sense watch, and even an ECG sensor. This analyses your heart rhythm to check for abnormalities, using hardware completely separate from the optical heart rate reader on the back.
Mind you, to see the Fitbit Charge 5 at its full strength you will need to sign up for Fitbit Premium. It costs $9.99/£7.99 a month and the watch includes a 6-month trial. While a Charge 5 works fine without it, fitness plans and even blood oxygenation readings sit behind this paywall.
- Read our Fitbit Charge 5 review
Best fitness tracker for seniors
✅ You want accurate health tracking: It provides accurate measurements of heart rate and body composition.
✅ You need a big display with large icons: No need to strain the eyes — its screen is bright and easy to read.
❌ You are an iPhone user: This smartwatch is only compatible with Android devices.
❌ You want a long battery life: It only lasts one day between charges.
It is not our all-time favorite. During our Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review, we found its workout tracking features to be imprecise and the watch itself quite uncomfortable to wear. We were not impressed by its poor battery life, either — just like its younger sibling Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, it does not last more than a day on a single charge. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 may be one of the best fitness trackers for seniors right now. It features a colorful, crisp display with large, easy-to-read icons and widgets, and it comes with a host of accurate health tracking features — including ECG (a measurement of electrical impulse activity in the heart) and body composition.
Moreover, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 comes with built-in emergency features that could be particularly useful for those who are frail or require frequent medical assistance. It can detect falls and send SOS signal to emergency services, and in case of an accident, the Galaxy Watch 6 will display the user’s medical information to first responders and medical staff.
We liked its smartwatch capabilities, too. The watch features contactless payments, GPS navigation, and a handy phone extension that allows you to text and take calls. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is also compatible with third-party apps.
It may not be the most advanced or thoughtfully designed fitness tracker on the market, but it delivers good value for less than $300.
- Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review
Best screen-free fitness tracker
✅ You are a keen swimmer or weightlifter: Its unique design makes it less prone to structural damage.
✅ You want detailed health and fitness tracking: This wearable provides a wealth of in-depth data.
✅ You want hassle-free charging: You can charge the battery straight from your wrist.
❌ You are an endurance athlete: No way to quickly check the heart rate.
❌ You are on a budget: The membership is quite pricey.
The Whoop 4.0 does not resemble any other fitness tracker on the market — but that's what makes it so special. This peculiar-looking wearable lacks a giant touchscreen or bulky buttons; instead, it comes with a discrete “sensor suite” and a woven, elasticated strap. It may come as a surprise, but the Woop 4.0 does not count steps, either. What you get, however, is continuous monitoring of health metrics including heart rate, skin temperature and heart rate variability, as well as in-depth sleep tracking. This data is then combined and analysed to produce three easy-to-understand daily scores; strain, sleep and recovery.
During our Whoop 4.0 review, we tested it for nearly a month, and found this alternative approach had both benefits and drawbacks. This fitness tracker will not find any devoted fans among endurance athletes, since it does not have a screen, in-built GPS or other features that display stats while running. On the other hand, its discreet, screenless design will appeal to swimmers and weightlifters.
The Whoop 4.0 feels sturdy, durable and shows no signs of damage after being smacked with a dumbbell or submerged in a swimming pool.
The strain, sleep and recovery scores allowed us to get the most out of our training sessions without having to ponder on the individual metrics. But if you like your numbers, you can still get plenty of in-depth data on the Woop's dedicated app.
- Read our full Whoop 4.0 review
Best looking fitness tracker
✅ You need a watch that goes with formal attire: It is one of the most elegant fitness trackers on the market.
✅ You want detailed health and fitness tracking: This watch comes with multiple advanced tracking features.
✅ You want a long battery life: It lasts up to 30 days on a single charge.
❌ You are on a budget: It costs around $400.
❌ You want a touchscreen: It features a regular display.
We have tested both the Withings Scanwatch and the newer Withings ScanWatch Horizon — and the original model remains our favorite. It expertly blends a fashionable wristwatch design with high-tech health and fitness tracker.
We loved testing this sophisticated watch during our Withings ScanWatch review — we thoroughly enjoyed playing with features like on-the-spot oxygen and ECG monitoring, sleep and fitness tracking, and basic metrics on calories and step count. It is brilliant for gathering comprehensive data on your health, helping to provide a holistic picture of your wellbeing.
The crown on the side of the watch flicks through features on a small digital screen within the clock face, bringing old and new together into one medical-grade wearable.
The Withings ScanWatch is iOS and Android compatible and partners with the Health Mate app, where you have access to a dashboard of data like blood pressure, average heart rate, and more in-depth sleep analysis. You can also link up to third-party apps including Strava and Apple Health, and set up weight loss goals, macro tracking, or step count. It’s even waterproof (up to 50 meters) if you fancy taking it for a swim, but it’ll set you back a cool $249.95/£279.95.
- Read our full Withings ScanWatch review
Best smart ring
✅ You want in-depth sleep tracking: It is impressively accurate and insightful.
✅ You need an ultra-discreet fitness tracker: No chunky design or heavy machinery.
✅ You want a long battery life: It lasts up to 7 days on a single charge.
❌ You have sensitive fingers: It is bulkier and heavier than a regular ring.
❌ You need highly accurate workout tracking: Some measurements may be imprecise.
❌ You are on a budget: It costs over $300.
We were impressed with the performance of the Oura ring during our month-long testing period, and we consider its accurate sleep tracking to be the real stand out feature. During our Oura ring Generation 3 review, we found that whenever we woke up feeling groggy and poorly rested, this sleek wearable was able to show us exactly when our rest had been disturbed and how it had affected our REM sleep.
The ring is able to take this data and make suggestions too. For example, our tester was advised to shift their workouts to earlier in the day and found that doing so had a positive impact on their sleep latency (how long it took them to fall asleep.)
As the ring is so small, it does not have a screen. Instead, you will have to rely on a companion app to look at most of your health data. We did not find this to be a massive issue, although it does mean there is no easy and quick way to check things like your heart rate when you are in the middle of a workout.
There is an impressive amount of data gathered by the ring. It measures your heart rate at various intervals throughout the day, along with your heart rate variability at night, to help check for potential health problems. And it has a helpful ‘readiness’ feature that will let you know if you should prioritise exercise or rest.
We did find that it is not 100% accurate at tracking all health metrics. For example, we found it massively over estimated calorie burn during our testing period. And its ‘auto-detect’ feature often attributed the wrong exercise to our workout, for example recording a HIIT session as a weights session.
Despite this, we really like it, thanks to its unusual design and brilliant, unmatched sleep-tracking ability.
- Read our full Oura ring Generation 3 review
Runner-up
Best smart ring: Runner up
The stylish Ultrahuman Ring AIR is jam-packed with tracking features, ultra-light and comfortable to wear, and at $349, it is matching the price of the Oura Ring Gen 3. However, its app connectivity could be better.
For
- Comfortable to wear
- No app subscription
- Accurate sleep tracking features
- Optional blood glucose tracking
Against
- Patchy app connectivity
- The outer paint is easy to scratch
- Heart rate can be imprecise during intense exercise
Best Garmin alternative
✅ You want good value for money: Functionality of the high-end Garmin watches, but without the hefty price tag.
✅ You want a light yet durable outdoor watch: It will not overload your wrist, and it will not break down easily, either.
❌ You want music playback options: This smartwatch does not feature any music apps.
❌ You are a keen swimmer: It may not survive deep dives.
The Coros Apex 2 strikes a perfect balance between quality and affordability which is why we gave it a strong 4-star rating in our Coros Apex 2 review. And although this rugged smartwatch was designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, it can pull some serious weight in the gym, too. The Apex 2 is relatively light and compact, looks good on the wrist, comes with a long-lasting battery life, and boasts an eye-pleasing design — we reckon it can easily compete with the top offerings from Garmin, Fitbit and Apple.
In addition, the Coros Apex 2 is one of the least expensive ways to get a dedicated fitness watch with true on-watch mapping that does not need any kind of internet connection to work. And yes, Garmin’s mapping features may be more advanced and detailed, but the price of entry is higher for those. And the Coros Apex 2 beats such models with its use of durable materials like titanium and sapphire.
In our view, its health tracking abilities fall slightly behind those of the best from Garmin or Apple, but this mostly seems to affect all-day readings. But if you do not mind these tiny discrepancies, the Coros Apex 2 can be an invaluable companion on hiking trails.
- Read our full Coros Apex 2 review.
Runner-up
Best Garmin alternative: Runner-up
The Suunto Race GPS watch is another great alternative to rugged Garmin wearables. It boasts excellent health tracking accuracy, precise GPS navigation and long battery life, and it is in the same price bracket as the Coros Apex 2. However, its display is underwhelming, and the watch itself feels very chunky .
Our expert consultants
Nathan Kennedy is a UK-based certified personal trainer, online fitness coach, and a representative for Bio-Synergy, a sports nutrition brand. He told Live Science about the potential health and fitness benefits of using fitness trackers.
Dr. Alka Patel is a lifestyle medicine physician and longevity expert based in London. She achieved a distinction in the MRCGP (Membership of the Royal College of GPs) and 10 more titles including a Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine. For this piece, Dr. Patel commented on the validity of calorie measurements and sleep tracking features.
Dr. Mark Estes III is a Pittsburgh-based cardiologist and past chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific publishing committee and Council on Clinical Cardiology. For this piece, he commented on the use of fitness trackers for detecting cardiovascular problems.
Best fitness trackers: Frequently Asked Questions
Garmin vs Fitbit: which is better?
Garmin vs Fitbit, which should you choose? Generally, Garmins are for fitness nerds, Fitbits are for those who would prefer a tracker with a more friendly face. That has been the traditional take on these two brands, and it still mostly holds up in 2024.
Garmin’s trackers tend to offer significantly better core stat accuracy and reliability than Fitbits. The latest models also have more advanced GPS navigation. However, Fitbits tend to have a more deliberate sense of style, and their prices don’t reach anything like the heights of the top Garmin trackers. The Fitbit Sense 2 and Charge 6 also have a couple of features not seen in Garmin rivals, such as ECG/EKG hardware to monitor sinus rhythm.
Fitbit vs Apple Watch: which is better?
Fitbit vs Apple Watch, which is better? Fitbit makes a wider array of wearables than Apple. Conversely, all Apple Watches look roundly similar aside from how much of the front is covered by a screen. The Fitbit Versa and Sense watches get much closer to the Apple Watch style. However, even these last significantly longer than Apple’s watches off a charge.
This makes Fitbits better for sleep tracking, and Fitbit has one of the best sleep-tracking features on the market. On the other hand, an Apple Watch will have a better heart rate sensor than a Fitbit’s. It also has the best app ecosystem of any watch.
Are fitness trackers worth it?
In short, yes. "Fitness trackers have many useful features and have helped myself and my clients with data collection you can then use to make better fitness decisions," Nathan Kennedy, a certified personal trainer, told Live Science. "Most fitness trackers track number of steps taken, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Some also have connected apps that allow you track your overall progress, set goals as well as offer guidelines to help you achieve your fitness goals."
Many fitness trackers have “stress” monitoring, and guided mindfulness breathing exercises to help you lower that stress level. Even cheap models will also relay notifications received, and this can be a useful if you want to spend less time on your phone after work.
Can fitness trackers make you fitter?
Fitness trackers can help you get fitter and healthier. Studies have shown that using smart wearables can help you increase physical activity levels and improve body composition, according to a 2022 meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet Digital Health.
"Fitness trackers not only encourage exercise and weight loss, but may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes and other health conditions," Kennedy told Live Science.
Do fitness trackers help with motivation?
In short, yes, they can. "Accountability is much higher when using a fitness tracker as you get the sense personal motivation or if you’re in a group challenge with your friends," Kennedy said. "Trackers can provide feedback to help people monitor their progress toward activity goals and can remind wearers of them. Some trackers come with or integrate with mobile apps that inspire a variety of behavior changes. Ideally, trackers can help users to develop lifestyles that make it easier to integrate physical activity into daily life. The easier it is for the user to get into a lifestyle that works for them the bigger the chance of them achieving their end goal is."
More info
Are fitness trackers accurate?
Fitness trackers record a bunch of metrics, each of which introduces accuracy headaches. For step counting, how does a tracker separate steps from hand movements while you work sat at a desk? How can a yoga tracking mode really judge calories burnt when it does not know your muscle tension or perhaps even the positions you adopt?
The best fitness trackers now offer good reliability in a few crucial areas, though, heart rate and location — which look at the distances you run or walk.
We find Apple Watches and some of the latest Garmin watches, like the Fenix 7, are top-tier performers for heart rate tracking. Apple led the pack for years, but others are starting to catch up. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found the Apple Watch offered “clinically acceptable accuracy” for HR tracking during exercise, a higher standard than it might sound — and that was for an old Apple Watch variant. However, it also found the watch overestimated calories burnt.
Almost all fitness trackers with GPS will provide fairly good distance stats, particularly if you give them time to lock-on properly before starting your session.
A lot of other trackers still struggle a little with heart rate readings, though. Interval training and very high exertion in general can be problematic, although in truth this is not a huge issue for most people. Are you really going to pore over the heart rate graph in your tracker’s app?
SpO2 (blood oxygenation) readings can be more problematic, because we find most wearables can throw out highly suspect results at times. You will often get better results on a second or third attempt, but we frequently see readings that suggest we should head straight to the hospital from high-end trackers.
That said, a study published in Nature concluded the old Apple Watch Series 6 is a reliable enough way to monitor SpO2 in patients with lung conditions.
The best way to approach a fitness tracker’s stats is to compare your exercise results to your own, from previous sessions. Comparing with a friend’s tracker will expose the way different brands’ algorithms color the results.
You should also make sure your tracker’s strap is snug and firmly strapped on before starting a tracked exercise session. This will get you the best results from the heart rate sensor.
Do fitness trackers accurately count calories?
Most fitness trackers can tell you how many calories you burn, and some models can even guide you on the choice of activity that matches your energy requirements. However, these calorie measurements may not be entirely accurate, according to a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers pulled results from 60 studies and found that, on the whole, fitness trackers tended to underestimate energy expenditure, especially during sedentary and household tasks. They also noted that different wearables can produce vastly different readings.
That is because fitness trackers do not measure calories directly — they use a combination of different data points to assess your approximate energy expenditure. These metrics often include physical activity levels, heart rate and basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning the minimum number of calories the body needs to maintain normal bodily functions, such as breathing or pumping blood, Dr. Alka Patel, a lifestyle medicine physician and longevity expert based in London, told Live Science.
Most devices calculate your BMR based on height, weight and age, and then put this information into a complex algorithm. This means that calorie values obtained by a fitness tracker may not be as accurate as those obtained through validated clinical tests. However, these devices may still be useful for monitoring calorie trends, meaning changes in energy expenditure over time, Patel said.
To make sure your fitness tracker is as accurate as possible, keep your device close to the body, Patel noted. Most wearables use optical sensors, meaning they use light to detect changes in blood flow under the skin. “If you're wearing a loose-fitting bracelet or loose-fitting ring, the readings are not going to be accurate,” she said.
Can fitness trackers measure blood pressure?
Right now there’s only one mainstream consumer wearable that has true standalone blood pressure monitoring, the Huawei Watch D. And it is not widely available.
Samsung has offered blood pressure readings in its top watches since 2020’s Galaxy Watch 3. However, the feature is only unlocked in certain countries/markets, and is much more limited than the Huawei Watch D’s version.
Where the Huawei Watch D adopts the method used by blood pressure cuffs with a specialist strap that inflates, the Galaxy Watch uses the heart rate reader on the back to evaluate pulse transit time. Fitbit is researching a similar method, using pulse arrival time.
However, such methods that do not demand bespoke hardware do need to be regularly recalibrated using a traditional blood pressure cuff. Samsung says results should be taken with one every four weeks, for example.
Rumors of a blood pressure feature for Apple Watches have circulated for a while, but the latest report suggests we won’t see it released until September 2024. However, you can use an Apple Watch to log blood pressure readings taken elsewhere, in the Apple Health app. Apple sells Withings’s BPM Connect smart blood pressure cuff at the Apple Store.
Blood pressure via a wearable? It’s not quite there yet. And as the Huawei Watch D is expensive, hard to get hold of, and something we have not tested, you are better off with a more traditional cuff-style design for now.
Can fitness trackers detect sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes repeated bouts of breathlessness or shallow breathing during sleep. Around 30 million people in the US may have this condition, but the vast majority of cases are not diagnosed and treated, according to the American Medical Association. That is because the key symptoms of sleep apnea — gasping for air, loud snoring and lapses in breathing — occur throughout the night, and people with this disorder are not awake when they happen.
So given that many fitness trackers come with sleep tracking features, can smart wearables detect sleep apnea?
In short: not yet. Devices currently available on the market are not accurate enough to provide a valid diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, fitness trackers have potential to be used in the future, according to a 2020 review published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease.
Fitness trackers provide several data points that, when combined and interpreted together, can indicate whether someone has sleep apnea, Dr. Alka Patel, a lifestyle medicine physician and longevity expert based in London, told Live Science. People with this condition often sleep for fewer hours and have worse quality of sleep than individuals without sleep apnea. For example, they tend to spend less time in deep (non-REM) sleep, the stage of sleep critical for growth and recovery, she said.
During an episode of sleep apnea, the heart rate and oxygen saturation levels may drop, and then increase and recover after the episode is over. People with sleep apnea also tend to toss and turn in their sleep. All of these parameters can show up on a fitness tracker. However, it is for a healthcare professional to put these metrics together, interpret them and then confirm the sleep apnea diagnosis with clinically-approved tests, Patel said.
That is because commercially available fitness trackers often under- or overestimate sleep duration and may not accurately distinguish whether someone is awake or not. They may also fall short of providing reliable cardiovascular measurements or accurately detecting sleep stages, the 2020 review authors noted.
If you are concerned about the readings on your fitness tracker, it is best to consult your doctor.
Can fitness trackers detect heart problems?
Fitness trackers can tell you a lot about the inner workings of your heart, such as the frequency of your heartbeat. Some devices can even help you choose the best activities to boost your cardiovascular health. But can fitness trackers detect heart problems, too?
The answer to this question is not straightforward.
“There have been many advancements in the technology used in fitness trackers, and the ability for people to track their heart rate is helpful, but it shouldn’t be a replacement for medical care,” Dr. Mark Estes III, a Pittsburgh-based cardiologist and past chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific publishing committee and Council on Clinical Cardiology, told Live Science by email.
Smart wearables tend to use photoplethysmography, a technology that employs optical sensors to detect blood flow and determine heart rate. If you look at the underside of a smartwatch, you might see a bright light emitted by one of these sensors. Studies have shown that heart rate measurements picked up by fitness trackers tend to be relatively accurate. Still, they are not as precise as electrocardiogram (ECG) ― a recording of electrical signals in the heart obtained by placing electrodes on the skin, which is used to diagnose conditions like coronary heart disease and arrhythmias — according to a 2020 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.
The accuracy of heart rate readings also varies between different devices, and may depend on activity. For example, fitness trackers tend to be more precise at measuring heart rate during sleep than during high-intensity exercise, such as running.
Lastly, heart rate alone may not be enough to identify a cardiovascular condition, Peter Charlton, a British Heart Foundation Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge, told Live Science.
However, certain smart wearables may be able to detect signs of atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or has an irregular rhythm.
“Some fitness trackers can identify an irregular heart rhythm, and their accuracy is sufficient to warrant a further clinical investigation,” Charlton said. But again, wrist-based devices cannot fully substitute for an ECG test, he cautioned.
For example, a 2022 study published in the journal Circulation found that some Fitbit devices were highly accurate at predicting whether someone may have atrial fibrillation. However, these fitness trackers could not identify the condition during exercise. That is because photoplethysmography sensors could only detect heart rhythm irregularities during periods of inactivity, the study authors noted.
The takeaway? “If you receive any alerts from your fitness tracker about possible abnormalities or experience any other symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath, it’s important to contact your doctor for further testing,” Estes said.
Why is GPS important in fitness trackers?
GPS is arguably the most powerful tool for fitness trackers. It’s why runners, keen walkers and cyclists should make sure their next fitness tracker has it.
GPS triangulates your position with the help of satellites. One of these satellite arrays is called “GPS”, but today’s best watches also support others like GLONASS and Galileo. Each of these satellite arrays is maintained by a different country, or set of countries.
By tracking your location, fitness trackers can produce maps of your runs, hikes and rides. These make historical records much more useful, so you can actually remember which workout an entry refers to.
Accurate distance data is also important because it affects so many other readings. If the recorded distance is too low, the tracker will think you are slower than you are. And this in turn could affect fitness metrics like VO2 Max. It works the other way around too, of course — too long a recorded distance and the tracker will say you are faster than you really are.
We always recommend a full GPS watch to runners in particular, but there is a second type of GPS. It’s Connected GPS. This is where the tracker does not have its own GPS chip, but can take GPS data from your phone, over Bluetooth.
Many cheaper trackers without GPS have Connected GPS. And if you plan on running with your phone anyway, to listen to music or podcasts, it’s a decent stand-in.
With no GPS at all, your tracker has to extrapolate distance using its motion sensors. It can count your strides and evaluate the pace of them to differentiate between running and walking. This can work pretty well with a good algorithm running behind the scenes, but GPS is better. And considering how cheap Connected GPS wearables get, we don’t recommend entirely non-GPS watches to many folks these days.
How we tested these fitness trackers
How we test the best fitness trackers
Our reviewers. We know a great deal about the best fitness trackers — we use them all the time at Live Science. As highly experienced fitness professionals and exercise enthusiasts, we know firsthand the amazing benefits of progress tracking, and only pick the very best wearables to put on our wrists. However, no single fitness tracker does it all. Many of our expert reviewers have at least several favorite models, depending on how and where they intend to use them. You can trust us here — we have tested dozens of fitness wearables over the years, so we know which models are worth the money and which tend to fall behind expectations, whether it is for high-octane outdoor adventures or general fitness.
We pride ourselves on being as objective as possible in our reviews, which is why we test all fitness trackers to the exact same standard, using the same procedures. After spending at least a week with each wearable, we rank it across the following categories:
Design. We look into the tracker's size, weight, durability, appearance and overall functionality. We assess whether it is comfortable to wear, intuitive to use and compatible with a range of outfits. We also make note of its general appeal and the ability to withstand scuffs and scratches. In short, we want to know who this fitness tracker was made for.
Display. This is where we deep dive into the heart of a fitness tracker — its display. We look into the size, sturdiness and resolution of the screen, and check how bright, colorful and easy to read it is in various circumstances (for example, at night or in direct sunlight). We also assess the touchscreen's responsiveness and report any lags or issues we experienced during testing.
Features. We make note of every single setting of the fitness tracker in question. For example, how many activity modes and workout tracking features does it have? How in-depth are its health tracking features? Does it come with any connected apps and smart features? Can it store music, pay for your groceries or guide you on the trail? Also, can it provide personalized health advice, and if so, is it useful and easy to understand?
Performance. We put the wearable through its paces to get a full picture of its battery life, fitness tracking performance and connectivity with third-party devices. We wear it during the day, while doing various strength and cardio workouts, and during sleep, regularly switching between different modes and settings. Lastly, we carefully assess the accuracy of its heart rate tracking features using a chest-strap heart rate monitor (such as the Polar H9), and (if applicable) compare its GPS readings to a more high-end navigation system.
Value for money. Finally, we give our answer to the key question: is this fitness tracker worth the money?
After testing, we use these categories to calculate a final score out of five, and decide whether the fitness tracker has what it takes to land in our roundup of the best fitness trackers on the market.
