Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous in the last few years as they can help people monitor their health, form better habits, and foster fitness goals. Whether you’re a self-described couch potato who wants to move more, or you’ve just won the New York City Marathon, these trackers have features designed to benefit people at every fitness level.
Factors to Consider Prior to Purchasing a Fitness Tracker
Design Most fitness trackers on the market are designed as bracelets or watches. However, you can also find devices that clip to your clothing or can be worn as a necklace.Features and Fitness Goals Before jumping on the tracker trend, you should assess your fitness goals. Are you just testing the workout waters or are you training for an Ironman? If your aim is to lead a healthier lifestyle, a simple device that tracks your steps and the number of calories burned will likely suffice. Serious athletes (and exercise devotees) may want to purchase more complex trackers that gauge workout intensity, monitor heart rate, and measure elevation, pace, and more. Some models come equipped with GPS as well, which provides runners with more accurate data. Some also alert you to incoming calls and texts, while others have the ability to store music.Compatibility Fitness trackers are designed to sync with smartphones and most work in conjunction with both Android and iOS. However, there are exceptions. You want to be certain that your tracker will play well with the specific phone you have.Fitness Apps These days, many trackers maintain companion apps that sync and store your data and workout metrics, such as steps and fitness goals. Some apps are more basic and others have advanced features, or are compatible with other third party fitness apps. This may allow you to get more accurate readings, keep track of meals, and even estimate calorie counts. A number of apps also let you connect with friends and compare your health and fitness data so you can challenge and motivate each other.Water Resistance Water resistance is another important option to consider. It’s certainly ideal for individuals who use swimming as their primary form of exercise. And some people appreciate the convenience of not having to worry about taking off their tracker in inclement weather or before showering.Battery life Fitness trackers tend to be powered in two basic ways — bands that need to be recharged roughly every five days, or devices that use a cell battery (which last for around six months). Some people worry about forgetting to recharge their tracker or having it run out of power mid-workout. Others don’t love the hassle of having to purchase new batteries. Think about which you prefer.
Read on for our top picks for fitness trackers.
Best Overall Fitness Tracker
Fitbit Charge 2 Available from Walmart starting at $120
Best Water Resistant Fitness Tracker
Garmin vivosport
Best Budget-Friendly Fitness Tracker
Moov Now Activity and Sleep Tracker and Coach
Best Fitness Tracker for Serious Runners
TomTom Spark 3
Best Fitness Tracker for Music Compatibility
Samsung Gear Fit2 Available from Walmart starting at $150
