There’s never a bad moment to start a new exercise regimen or improve the one you currently follow. While hiring a personal trainer may not be an option for everyone, we reside in the 21st century, where technology provides numerous alternatives. Enter fitness trackers — your contemporary workout ally.
Whether you’re getting your first fitness tracker or upgrading to a more recent version, these useful gadgets offer a variety of advantages. From losing a few pounds to preparing for a marathon, fitness trackers can support you in reaching your objectives. And even if you’re not in active training, they deliver important insights into multiple health and wellness metrics, such as sleep patterns and body composition.
The real challenge is identifying the right tracker for your needs. With varying lifestyles, schedules, and budgets, it’s essential to select a device that fits your criteria. Fortunately, we’ve conducted the research for you and assembled a list of top fitness trackers, paired with some tips to assist your decision-making process.
Why contemplate a fitness tracker?
Tracking your fitness achievements isn’t limited to athletes or marathon runners. It’s increasingly becoming an essential part of daily wellness for many individuals. The best fitness trackers are crafted to keep you accountable not just during workouts but throughout your day. The beneficial effects these wearable devices can have on your overall lifestyle are truly impressive.
What capabilities do fitness trackers possess?
Fitness trackers have advanced significantly beyond mere step counting and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the model, they can track and provide insights on sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, energy, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycles, BMI, and more. For fitness buffs, they can formulate workout plans, monitor calories burned, track your progress, and even coach you toward achieving personal records. Devices equipped with GPS can map your runs and suggest paths. Many also offer smartphone integration, enabling you to receive text and call alerts straight on your wrist.
Fitness tracker vs. smartwatch: What distinguishes them?
A fitness tracker is generally a band fitted with sensors that gather data and synchronize it to your phone for thorough analysis. These devices frequently depend on your phone for GPS and music. In contrast, a smartwatch essentially functions as a mini smartphone on your wrist. It features built-in GPS, app downloads (like Spotify or even Tinder), and advanced functionalities such as voice messaging and calls. For instance, an Apple Watch lets you send texts or engage in full conversations via iMessage.
If your main emphasis is on fitness tracking and you favor a simple, low-maintenance device that doesn’t require frequent recharging or complicated setups, a fitness tracker might be the more suitable, cost-effective option. Therefore, we’ve included both fitness trackers and smartwatches in our suggestions.
Are fitness trackers water-resistant?
Most contemporary fitness trackers are engineered to manage a little rain or perspiration without any problems. In fact, many now flaunt a 5 ATM rating, meaning they can tolerate water pressure of up to 50 meters (164 feet). This renders them suitable for showers, swimming, or even a dip in the hot tub.
However, swimmers should seek trackers with integrated GPS and specific modes for pool or open-water swims. These attributes ensure precise tracking of laps, distance, and pace. Keep in mind that even the most robust trackers may not be suitable for extreme water sports or deep, high-velocity immersion.
What is the top fitness tracker?
With countless options available, there exists a fitness tracker for every requirement and budget. We’ve examined the leading devices on the market to present you with a curated list of the finest selections, showcasing popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.
Here are the top fitness trackers to consider in 2025.