We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
Best fitness trackers of 2025, tested and reviewed
Personal trainers, marathon runners and competitive athletes put 17 gadgets to the test — one product came out on top.
Between tech-embedded gym equipment and what seems like hundreds of new workout apps, technology's foray into the fitness world has transformed the way we approach and monitor our workouts. Now, with the growth of the fitness tracker market, we have more health and wellness data available at our fingertips (or on our wrist) than ever before.
Fitness trackers are worn on your body (or sometimes held, like an iPhone) to measure or estimate data on health-related metrics including heart rate, step count, calories burned, body temperature and sleep time. Some of these trackers also act as an extension of your smartphone, receiving calls and other notifications.
"Fitness trackers use real-time monitoring and can track different types of activities ranging from walking, jogging, cycling and even sleeping. Fitness trackers can increase motivation and can provide more knowledge regarding overall health," says Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, clinic director at Physical Therapy Central in Oklahoma City, Okla.
"Fitness trackers can positively impact long-term health and wellness outcomes. Fitness trackers can provide motivation for increasing daily activity by taking more steps, leading to improved cardiovascular health and weight management. Fitness trackers can also cause changes in behavior, including the adoption of healthier lifestyle changes by prioritizing sleep and increasing exercise. There's a social aspect that increases accountability because there's a sense of pride and excitement around showing or telling others about your tracked fitness accomplishments," continues Trachman.
If data is motivating to you or if you're looking for a way to digitally track your progress toward fitness-related goals, investing in a fitness tracker might be the right step to take to level up your fitness routine and gain insight into your overall health. As a personal trainer, strength coach and yoga instructor, I know that it's important to find and use the right fitness tracker for your needs. But in an ever-growing market filled with a range of devices (rings, bands and watches, oh my!) it can be hard to know where to start. To help make the choices easier to navigate, I and a group of strength coaches, marathon runners, competitive athletes and everyday people joined forces to test 18 popular devices to help you find your activity tracker match. Here's what we uncovered.
Best overall fitness tracker
Garmin
Battery life: Up to 10 days | Metrics tracked: Activities (calories burned, time, distance, steps, sets), sleep, energy, heart rate, skin temperature, HRV, menstrual cycles/health, stress, blood oxygen saturation, respiration, VO2 max | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: Yes | Special features: Send/receive calls, GPS tracking for indoor and outdoor sports/activities, music storage, ECG capabilities, wheelchair mode, waterproof, workout plans or build your own workout capabilities
Garmin's Venu 3S delivers on what Garmin has built a longstanding reputation on: durability, extremely accurate metrics, long battery life and the capability to track workouts across multiple sports and disciplines. This watch ups the ante with detailed health insights, ECG sensors and atrial fibrillation detection, music storage, smartphone notifications (available for both iOS and Android operating systems), a microphone and speaker, and an accessible wheelchair mode.
If you participate in multiple forms of fitness, you'll be thrilled with the activity tracking options on the Venu 3S. The fitness-focused smartwatch has 30 preloaded sports and workouts, which makes it easy to track specific activities. While participating in these modes, the watch offers three screens with varying data, so it's easy to toggle back and forth in real time to see your heart rate, reps, distance or calories burned. If you want to create your own workout, the Garmin Connect app syncs with the watch, so you can load workouts into the watch that are then cued through the device's speakers. Outside of activity, the watch also provides overall health tracking, looking at sleep and stress. While it took a few days to sync to my body, I loved the insight into energy and recovery for a more well-rounded approach to my fitness routine. For an extra recovery boost, the watch also offers programmed meditation and breath work sessions.
And, while it's stacked with nearly every feature imaginable, the Venu 3S is a chic and stylish watch that complements outfits, unlike other, clunkier sports-focused watches.
As one Amazon reviewer raves, "The 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is stunning — vibrant and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. Navigating through the features is smooth and intuitive, making it simple to track workouts, monitor heart rate and check notifications."
- Thirty preloaded sports apps and workouts
- Very accurate data collection across all biometrics and activities
- Ability to create workouts with Garmin Connect app that load to watch
- Larger size
- On the pricier end compared to other models
More fitness trackers we like for 2025
Battery life: Up to 20 days | Metrics tracked: Steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, stress, HRV | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: Yes | Special features: Offline maps, virtual pacer, group tracking, recovery coaching
If you're training for a 5K, a marathon or anything in between, the Coros Pace Pro is a high-tech addition that can boost any training cycle. This incredibly lightweight and durable watch not only integrates with apps like Strava and Nike Run Club, but also offers the ability to plan running routes and download them right into the watch to access offline. The watch's bright, AMOLED display is designed to easily be seen during the sunniest of days as well as during darker morning or evening runs. You can even download music to the watch to access offline too.
The Coros Pace Pro also tracks heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled and steps, all of which are accurate. These metrics are easy to view on the screen, especially with the watch's upgraded processor, which shows these metrics (and maps) quickly.
The Coros Pace Pro does offer additional sport modes outside of running, but our tester found that this library was less extensive compared to other brands. If you are cross-training in addition to running and comfortable being less specific while tracking, this is no issue.
- Extremely accurate GPS tracking and route planning capabilities
- Integrates with apps like Strava, Nike Run Club and Apple Health
- Stores music offline
- Higher price point
- Silicone band can feel rigid
Battery life: Up to five days | Metrics tracked: Sleep, strain, activity, recovery, stress, heart rate, HRV, blood oxygen, skin temperature | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: No | Special features: Health journal, customized tracking
Recovery is key, and Whoop gets that. In addition to tracking heart rate variability (HRV), activity (including time spent in each of the five heart rate zones), blood oxygenation, skin temperature and stress, Whoop provides an overall look at your "strain" and "recovery." Based on these scores, Whoop provides personalized coaching for how to improve sleep, when to work out, how to reduce stress at specific points in the day and more. I liked understanding when I was best prepared for physical activity and noticed marked improvements in my performance based on this.
Whoop's sleep tracking is particularly impressive, with accurate readings on sleep stages, how many times you woke up, sleep trends and sleep schedule planning.
"Trackers that include sleep duration and sleep quality help to round out the health picture, going beyond physical activity alone. When looking to optimize health, we can't ignore the importance of restorative sleep. Inadequate sleep contributes to unhealthy changes in blood pressure, blood sugar control and even impacts weight by increasing hunger hormones that lead to excess caloric intake and cravings for higher-calorie foods," says Dr. Richa Mittal, owner and founder of Radiant Health in Dallas.
While the Whoop band can be tricky to adjust at first, once it fit, I found it comfortable. Similar to the band, the app was slightly challenging to navigate at first. There is so much data to consume, it can be hard to determine which numbers you need to focus on and what to take action on. After a few weeks of testing, this became easier to navigate.
The black strap doesn't have a visual interface, so if you're looking for real-time activity data as you exercise, you might want to opt for a watch that provides metrics at a glance, as the Whoop is keenly focused on optimal recovery.
- Personalized activity and recovery recommendations
- Minimalist, screen-free design
- Customizable tracking
- Requires subscription
- Not ideal for real-time activity metrics (time, distance, heart rate, etc.)
Battery life: Up to seven days | Metrics tracked: Steps, heart rate, calories burned, distance, sleep, stress, blood oxygenation | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: Yes | Special features: Connects to exercise machines, VO2 max tracking, sleep score tracking, call, text and calendar notifications, SmartWake alarm, equipped with Google Maps, Google Wallet and YouTube Music, water resistance up to 50 meters
If you're just diving into the world of fitness trackers and want to log and track your workouts, count steps and keep an eye on your heart rate without getting distracted by additional metrics, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the perfect option for you. Incredibly lightweight and comfortable, it is a straightforward and easy-to-use device at a budget-friendly price point.
The Fitbit Charge 6 has an advanced heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, GPS to track runs, walks, hikes and bike rides, light water resistance and Bluetooth compatibility. Plus, you can also access Google Maps, Google Wallet and YouTube Music through the device. The Fitbit comes with 40 exercise modes and can intuitively recognize when you're engaging with them, which makes tracking workouts a seamless experience. All of this is summarized in a weekly progress report, which is visual and easy to understand.
The device has a small touchscreen, but our reviewer found that the Charge 6's side button was easier to navigate as the touchscreen was more unreliable, especially with gloves on.
While not officially part of the testing, Yahoo Life's Health Editor, Laura Williams, says this is the tracker she gave to her 75-year-old mother to monitor her steps and other basic health data. While her mom isn't a fan of juggling multiple apps or integrating excessive technology into her life, she's called this tracker "incredibly easy to use" and has truly enjoyed having a way to gauge how much activity she's getting.
- Budget-friendly
- Forty workout modes
- Comfortable and lightweight fit
- Select metrics require a Premium subscription to access
- Some users report inaccuracies with heart rate measurement
Battery life: Up to seven days | Metrics tracked: Sleep, activity, temperature, heart rate, stress, VO2 max, HRV, menstrual cycle, steps, calories burned | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: No | Special features: Water resistant up to 328 feet, withstands a variety of temperatures (including saunas and ice baths), integrates with 40+ apps like Natural Cycles
If you're looking to track health metrics outside of your workouts, the Oura Ring is a solid option. This stylish and comfortable smart ring accurately measures heart rate, blood oxygen, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, sleep duration and sleep stages, categorizing them by activity, sleep and stress. While you can't view heart rate, calories burned, distance or time elapsed during a workout, the ring automatically tracks 40 different types of activity and removes the need to manually log exercise. One of the most unique aspects of the Oura Ring is its focus on women's health. With its integration with Natural Cycles, the Oura Ring provides cycle insights, pregnancy insights and fertile window estimates.
All of this data is accessible through the ring's app, which is incredibly easy to navigate. On top of activity, sleep and stress scores, the app also provides personalized insight into your cardiovascular age, sleep regularity and holistic readiness. Similar to the Whoop band, the readiness score was helpful in understanding how to plan workouts and recovery. I also appreciated the app's coaching, recommendations and resources to improve overall well-being and health. I found these more accurate and useful the more I wore the ring.
I was initially hesitant about wearing a ring, wondering if it might feel bulky, but I was pleasantly surprised; I hardly ever noticed the ring was on (and I only felt the sensors when I wore it with mittens or worked out with a kettlebell). It's a stylish addition and very easy to sleep with too. Plus, Oura gives you the option to choose a band color so it can fit your preferred look.
- Minimalist design without interface
- Comfortable fit
- Accurate and intuitive activity and sleep data
- Requires monthly subscription
- Not ideal for real-time activity metrics (time, distance, heart rate, etc.)
Withings
Battery life: Up to 30 days | Metrics tracked: Steps, sleep, menstrual cycles, temperature, blood oxygenation, elevation | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: No | Special features: Tracks irregular heart rate, advanced body temperature tracking
Style is certainly not the No. 1 priority with a fitness tracker, but a visually appealing device can help you consistently wear it. The Withings ScanWatch 2 is an elegant fitness smartwatch that closely resembles a real watch.
The watch specializes in tracking heart rate, temperature and sleep. In addition to providing a daily sleep quality rating with suggestions on how to improve sleep, the watch's advanced temperature tracking also notifies users of any changes that may indicate oncoming illness or other health concerns. Temperature tracking is also utilized in the ScanWatch 2's workout mode. By tracking instances of overheating, the ScanWatch 2 can help you dial in your warm-up and cooldown.
In terms of activity tracking, our tester found the ScanWatch 2 was limited, with no GPS tracking and only seven modes of activities available on the watch at one time. While these can be swapped out on the app, it adds an additional step.
The watch's screen is fairly small, and our tester found that viewing metrics or reading texts was easier on the watch's companion app, which provides a full breakdown of health data.
- Polished and comfortable design
- Accurate biometrics
- Long battery life
- Small screen can be challenging to read
- Upgraded metrics only available in subscription-based app
Battery life: Up to six days | Metrics tracked: Sleep, movement, recovery patterns, heart rate, HRV, body temperature, SPO2, stress rhythm, step count, calories burned, distance, VO2 max | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: No | Special features: Tracks caffeine restriction window, water-resistant
If you're looking for a screen-free tracker, Ultrahuman's Ring Air is a solid choice. This lightweight titanium ring is worn on your finger and looks like a sleek piece of jewelry. The smart ring tracks heart rate, HRV, body temperature, sleep stages, blood oxygenation and movement frequency to provide insight into sleep, movement and recovery. Unlike many smart rings, including the Oura Ring, the Ultrahuman Air does not require a subscription to access any of this data.
Our tester noted that the app can be intimidating for the first few days, especially if you're less tech-savvy. There are lots of metrics that can be hard to digest, but after a few days, our tester found it easier to dissect which numbers to pay attention to and why. In particular, our tester really liked the Stress Rhythm and Movement Indexes that offered a high-level view of how they were doing each day. They also appreciated the suggested sleep patterns for better rest, as well as the caffeine restriction window to boost energy levels throughout the entire day.
While the Ultrahuman Ring Air excels with overall health and movement tracking, it loses some steam with real-time activity tracking. Some users have had to manually input workouts, and viewing heart rate or distance traveled during a workout isn't an option since the device is a screenless ring.
Similar to other rings, the battery lasts around five days (a little less than the "up to six days" the brand states). Pay attention to the battery life on the app — our tester had it run out twice since they found it so comfortable to wear and didn't notice the app.
- No subscription required
- Comfortable fit
- Personalized recovery, movement and sleep recommendations
- Ring can get scuffed easily
- Workout tracking is less intuitive than other products
Battery life: Up to 30 hours | Metrics tracked: Heart rate | Smart tracker: No | GPS functionality: No | Special features: Can be worn with an armband or clipped to goggles, waterproof up to 50 meters, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
If you're not interested in tracking a slew of metrics and are most interested in monitoring your heart rate and intensity level throughout your workouts, the Polar Verity might just be the right fitness tracker for you. This simple device (about the size of a coin) can be slid into the provided armband or goggle clip to wear as you exercise. There are three modes — swimming mode, heart rate mode and recording mode — allowing you to choose which option best suits your needs. With the heart rate mode, you can sync the device with Bluetooth or ANT+ to monitor your heart rate in real time, or with the recording mode you can exercise without your phone or watch on-hand, recording your heart rate throughout the workout so you can sync it at a later time. Swimming mode is more similar to recording mode, as it allows you to track your swimming workout intensity to sync with your phone or other device after you get out of the pool.
Our tester found this monitor to be incredibly comfortable to use and wear for running and strength training workouts. Without a wristband or ring to restrict movement or pinch when grabbing dumbbells, she found herself preferring this armband to other options for strength training workouts. She also liked that she was able to sync the monitor to her treadmill to have more accurate heart rate readings during her treadmill runs.
The main downside? Heart rate is the only thing this device monitors. If you want a tracker that does it all, the Verity may not be the right choice.
- Multiple ways to wear
- Highly accurate heart rate measurements
- Waterproof up to 50 meters; appropriate for swimming workouts
- Comes with a goggle clip to wear while swimming
- Only tracks heart rate
Battery life: 24 hours | Metrics tracked: Heart rate, sleep, distance, calories burned, steps, temperature | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: Yes | Special features: BMI measurements, sleep apnea detection, smartphone notifications, AI-powered workout recommendations, water lock mode for swimming
Here's looking at you, Android users! While this smartwatch tracks basic metrics like heart rate, steps, calories burned and distance traveled, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is also embedded with AI upgrades for personalized recommendations on both activity and sleep (including sleep apnea assessments and coaching if you have a Samsung device). The watch also offers body composition and body fat readings in just a matter of minutes.
The Galaxy Watch 7 is set up to track workouts, with specific modes available for running, hiking, cycling, swimming, circuit training, yoga, Pilates and more. For outdoor activities, our tester found that the GPS tracking was accurate compared to other devices.
Similar to an Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch 7 connects to smartphones to display notifications and calls. The AI technology is also at play here — suggesting replies based on the texts you receive. Unlike some other smartphone-connected watches we tested, this watch features a scratch-resistant oversize screen, so it's incredibly easy to read these notifications or metrics on the move.
The only downside to this watch is its battery life. While it's advertised at 24 hours, most reviewers noted that this was shortened if you are actively using any activity tracking feature.
- Sleep apnea detection
- AI-powered activity and sleep coaching
- Comfortable and lightweight fit
- Inconsistent and short battery life
- Specific metrics and features only accessible for Samsung device users
Battery life: About 24 hours, depending on usage | Metrics tracked: Heart rate, sleep, distance, calories burned, steps, temperature | Smart tracker: Yes | GPS functionality: Yes | Special features: Sleep apnea detection, ECG test, irregular heart beat notification, fertility tracking
A good balance of fitness features with a broad range of smart capabilities. This smartwatch, ideal for those who are already part of the Apple ecosystem, is a practical choice if you want an easy way to sync all your Apple devices. "It's very practical as it’s compatible with other products. It also has many features like GPS, calorie tracking, etc., as well as the ability to send you notifications and progress updates," said Sandra Gail Frayna, founder of Hudson Premier Physical Therapy & Sports.
The Apple Watch stands apart from many other smartwatch or fitness tracker options thanks to its comprehensive health tracking. In addition to steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, you can also take an ECG test at any time, and the watch can be set to notify you if it detects an irregular heart rhythm. In the same vein, the sleep mode can monitor irregularities in sleep patterns that may indicate sleep apnea
Also, thanks to its body temperature tracking capabilities, it's able to provide you information on fertility and estimate your ovulation dates.
As far as fitness tracking, the Apple Watch offers similar features to many of the other monitors we tested. You can set workout goals, track your intensity and choose specific workout modes (like cycling, running, yoga or strength training) to better monitor your every movement. The watch is also water-, crack- and dust-resistant so you don't have to worry about damaging your watch during a workout.
One area where Apple Watch stands out is its integrated safety features. While thankfully our tester didn't need to use them during her trial, she said that they "provided peace of mind, particularly on long runs or bike rides." You see, Apple Watch can auto-detect hard falls or crashes, automatically calling for help and sharing your location with your saved emergency contacts. Likewise, you can set a "check in" notification to be sent to a friend when you arrive at a destination, and you can share your real-time GPS location with friends so someone will always know where you are.
The major downside to this tracker is its battery life, which requires a daily charge. However, a 30-minute charge gives you 80% battery, so while frequent charging is a bit of a pain, you don't have to disconnect for long to be back in business.
- Many smart features that integrate well in the Apple ecosystem
- Expansive fitness tracking and health monitoring
- High level of accuracy
- Comes with three months free of Apple Fitness+
- Battery life is limited
- More expensive than many options
Types of fitness trackers
There are plenty of fitness trackers that suit different needs and personal styles. Here are a few of the most common:
Fitness bands: Fitness bands, like Fitbit devices and Whoop bands, are small, lightweight and worn on the wrist. They typically don't offer a robust visual interface (if any at all). Fitness bands tend to be on the more budget-friendly side of the market.
Smartwatches: A smartwatch merges your smartphone and a standard wristwatch into one device. Smartwatches come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can track data like distance, pace, elevation, heart rate and more, depending on the device. Most offer smartphone connectivity to display notifications, make calls or access apps.
Heart rate monitors: Heart rate monitors are exactly what they sound like — they're designed to specifically measure heart rate in real time. These are typically offered in a chest strap, wristband or armband format.
GPS monitors: GPS trackers record location, speed, distance and elevation during outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking and walking. Some can also map routes ahead of activity. GPS monitors come in the form of smartwatches or clip-on trackers.
Multisport: Multisport fitness trackers are advanced devices that track multiple activities or workouts with specialized modes tailored to specific sports.
Rings: Rings, like the Oura Ring and Ultrahuman, are worn on your finger and do not display a visual interface. These can track metrics like heart rate, sleep, activity and stress, depending on the device.
Factors to consider when making a purchase of a fitness tracker
"Ultimately, the best trackers are the ones you will use consistently and integrate with other health monitoring tools or information with your doctor to provide a complete picture of your health," says Dr. Sajad Zalzala, co-founder and medical director at AgelessRx.
As you consider investing in an activity tracker, keep these factors in mind:
Functionality: "The first step to choosing a fitness tracker is to decide how you are going to use the device and whether it fits with your fitness goals. For most casual gymgoers, smartwatches and/or rings provide basic metric collections like heart rate, oxygen rates, distance and steps traveled, sleep time and quality, and calories burned," explains Kevin Pura, group fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness. He goes on to add that some devices use the standard metrics to provide additional information and scores on factors like physical readiness or stress levels. This type of "summary data," so to speak, can make it easier for users to gauge how to approach their next workout in a safe and effective manner. "It can help users tailor their workouts to go hard when they are well rested or take it easy and avoid injury when more recovery is needed," Pura says. And if you're an athlete training for a specific goal? Pura suggests looking for trackers that offer sport-specific data tracking for options like weightlifting, swimming, cycling and running to better monitor your progress and goals.
Sizing: Fitness trackers come in different sizes. If you have smaller wrists or fingers, you may want a smaller device, and vice versa if you have larger wrists or fingers. Make sure the size of the device does not get in the way of your workouts.
Weight and feel: The most effective wearable is one you will actually wear, so it's important to find one that feels lightweight and comfortable, especially if you are planning to wear it to bed to track your sleep.
Cost: Fitness trackers vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from $25 to $600 (although the products on this list range from $75 to $450). Generally, the more expensive models are able to measure multiple metrics. In addition to the gadget's base price, some trackers, like Whoop and Oura, require a monthly or annual subscription.
Compatibility: While most trackers pair with both iOS and Android devices, some only pair with specific operating systems. For instance, the Evie Ring only pairs with Apple devices, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch only pairs with Android devices and offers additional features for Samsung phone users.
Battery life: Take into consideration the claimed battery life of trackers you are looking into. If charging a device is a hassle for you, look for devices with a longer battery life.
How we chose
It was important to look at a variety of types of fitness trackers when creating this list. First, I consulted with multiple physical therapists, strength and conditioning experts, health coaches and medical professionals for their recommendations on top fitness trackers, as well as features to focus on.
Then, as a certified personal trainer, strength instructor and yoga teacher, I took a handful of devices to test during my daily life and weekly teaching schedule. I also recruited a team of peers of varying age levels with diverse fitness goals to test out additional devices. These individuals were personal trainers, strength coaches, marathon runners, Pilates instructors and competitive athletes.
Over the course of two months, we tested 18 devices during daily life, activity and sleep to determine the best fitness tracker. We assessed the devices on a variety of different factors, including setup, ease of use, comfort, accuracy, features, battery life, price and durability.
FAQs
What fitness tracker is the most accurate?
Fitness trackers are not medical-grade devices, so they may display inaccurate data. A 2020 study found the Apple Watch and Garmin were the most accurate for measuring biometrics (like heart rate), while Fitbit, Apple Watch and Samsung had the most accurate step count measurements. However, all brands considered (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Polar, Samsung, Mio, Xiaomi, Misfit and Withings) had strong interdevice reliability for steps, heart rate and calories burned, which indicates most well-known brands will provide similar data, although it may not be perfect data. Also, not all brands or models have been widely tested, so it's impossible to know exactly which product might be the most accurate, especially since how the product fits can affect the accuracy of the data tested.
Our testers noted that the Garmin, Oura Ring, Coros, Polar and the Whoop band were all fairly accurate as well (in comparison to other devices and medical testing).
Which fitness trackers do not require subscriptions?
A variety of fitness trackers do not require a subscription, including Garmin watches, Coros watches, Amazfit bands, Suunto watches and Polar devices. The Evie Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air also do not require subscriptions.
Can fitness trackers help with weight loss?
Fitness trackers provide insight into health and movement trends that can help inform and guide a weight loss plan. They can also help you track progress along the way and keep you accountable.
"Psychologically, they encourage behavior change by providing immediate feedback, creating accountability and reinforcing habits through gamification or goal tracking. They can be powerful motivators by showing progress in a way that feels rewarding," says Zalzala.
That said, the data alone can't help you lose weight. The power for change remains in your commitment to an achievable plan, not a device.
How do fitness trackers work?
"Fitness trackers use sensors to measure metrics like heart rate, movement and sleep patterns in real time. Scientifically, they collect real-time physiological data that can highlight trends over time, like activity levels or stress. Most fitness trackers use a combination of accelerometers and special light emitters called photoplethysmography, along with sophisticated computer algorithms, to measure the various parameters," says Zalzala.
Some integrate the use of GPS to track distance as well.
Other products we tested
Suunto Race S: The Suunto Race S was durable yet comfortable. Our tester loved the ability to create workouts and training plans (available to download offline), as well as its integration with Strava. The app was a key standout feature and helped our tester understand training and recovery needs. Our tester found that some metrics were slightly inaccurate, including step count, distance and heart rate. For that reason, it didn't make our list.
TicWatch Atlas: The rugged TicWatch Atlas is a durable smartwatch designed for Android users. Our tester found that the watch was easy to customize and use. The GPS and distance tracking was incredibly accurate, but the sleep tracking data fell flat and didn't properly recognize sleep. Our tester noted that the app had room to grow as well.
Evie Ring: Unlike many smart rings, the Evie Ring does not require a subscription. The ring is focused on menstrual cycle tracking, but it fell flat with other metrics like steps, heart rate and activity. While plenty of users love the notched ring design, it got caught in my hair and clothing.
Polar Vantage M3: This smartwatch is stylish with tons of features, including more than 150 activity modes, training load monitoring, sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. With built-in training plans, this watch is a great option for individuals training for specific distances. Our tester noted that the touchscreen functionality was a bit finicky, with more scrolling needed that was less than intuitive.
Armitron Quantum Smartwatch: This budget-friendly option is a nice smartwatch that can flex as both a step tracker and a professional-looking watch. Our tester liked the app but found that the watch itself was on the simpler side. The metal band caused some discomfort during workouts as well.
Amazfit Helio Ring: Our tester was excited to give this ring, an alternative to the subscription-based Oura Ring, a try.?. She found it comfortable to wear, with an intuitive app. The heart rate monitoring appeared highly accurate when compared to Polar and Fitbit devices, and the sleep data was good as well. Unfortunately, the step count data was way off — by thousands of steps per day.
Fitbit Versa 4: The Fitbit Versa 4 is a nice, affordable smartwatch that offers high-quality data on steps, distance, heart rate, daily readiness and sleep. The app is also easy to use and intuitive. Where this watch falls short is in its smartwatch functionality — receiving notifications was hit or miss, although when it worked, it worked well.
Google Pixel Watch 3: If you own a Google Pixel phone, it might be well worth the investment to get the Google Pixel Watch 3. It's a high-quality smartwatch with solid data tracking and smartwatch integrations. The main detractor for our tester? The 24-hour battery life.
Meet our experts
Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, clinic director at Physical Therapy Central
Richa Mittal, MD, owner and founder of Radiant Health
Sajad Zalzala, MD, co-founder and medical director at AgelessRx
Kevin Pura, group fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.