THE WIRECUTTER BEST FITNESS TRACKER FULL
THE WIRECUTTER BEST FITNESS TRACKER PLUS
THE WIRECUTTER BEST FITNESS TRACKER SERIES

However, it also took longer than other trackers to reach a full battery charge. In our testing, we found the battery did last a long time. While we wish the interface were bigger, a nice feature is the ability to customize what the screen shows based on your preferences or what you’re doing that day.įitbit advertises that the Charge 4 can last up to a week without charging. The touchscreen is small, displaying only the basics. The band itself is highly adjustable and comes in four different colors, and other band styles are available as well. The Charge 4 uses “active zone minutes,” which factors your workout intensity level based on your age and resting heart rate. Right away, we were happy to get some of the more advanced features on the Charge 4: monitor heart rate, track sleep, it is water-resistant to 50 meters, and the built-in GPS provides accuracy on runs and other activities. At just under $150, it’s a great activity tracker that has a lot to offer. We wore the Fitbit Charge 4 for several days to fully test its capabilities. Good for: People looking for a mid-range band with advanced features We have affiliate relationships through which we may be paid a commission through our links at no cost to you, the reader. Best for women: Fitbit Versa 3 SmartWatch.Best budget fitness tracker: Xiaomi MiBand 4.

THE WIRECUTTER BEST FITNESS TRACKER SERIES

Best fitness tracker watch: Apple Watch Series 6.

Best with heart rate monitor: Garmin vivosmart 4.

Best for runners: Garmin Forerunner 245.

The Fit House Favorite: Fitbit Charge 4.

Our experts dove into the leading products on the market to give you the ups, downs and other necessary details to help you make your decision. But they can do a lot more than that, if you want them to. Our team at The Fit House has personally tried and tested all types of bands, watches and even rings to see how they compare.įitness trackers are great for measuring the basics, like the number of steps you take in a day and the amount of calories you burn. If you’re searching for the best fitness tracker for your specific goals, you found the right place. After all of this, I spent some quality time with each band individually, assessing comfort, user friendliness, and overall impressions.A look at the top exercise bands and watches today If heart-rate training is your primary aim, you’re better served with a chest strap monitor. I found that even the newest trackers struggle with producing the accuracy of a chest strap. I also used this test to compare the sleep tracking results across the products.

THE WIRECUTTER BEST FITNESS TRACKER PLUS

To test how well these trackers measure resting heart-rate, I wore all four trackers plus a heart-rate strap (connected to a smartphone app) to bed one night. Because all of the new trackers have onboard GPS, I also did a few tests to gauge accuracy. To see how well each device captured distance traveled, I ran for 1 mile at a steady pace on a treadmill. To gauge step-count accuracy, I wore the four new bands simultaneously for two full days and compared their step-count readings with an older-model Omron pedometer. I set out to test these products both as a group and individually. Taken together, these measures can help you make positive changes to your health. These devices typically provide at-a-glance feedback regarding steps taken (as well as reminders to get up and move), measure the intensity of your exercise, and report on the quality of your sleep.

Generally speaking, if getting information or advice on your overall activity level is your primary goal, a fitness tracker is your best bet. But as our testing reveals, a device that’s designed to do all of those tasks isn’t necessarily good at any of them. Now you can find fitness trackers with GPS and push notifications, running watches with fitness tracking, and smartwatches with both. The lines that separate a dedicated fitness tracker from a GPS running watch, a smartwatch, or even a smartphone have never been blurrier. In case the Vívosport doesn’t quite meet your needs, we have several other recommendations below. After considering new options and testing 23 top-rated trackers over the past three years, we think the Garmin Vívosport is the best fitness tracker for people who want to track their activity levels and progressively monitor their workouts. We’ve spent more than 150 hours walking, running, sleeping, grocery shopping, kettlebell swinging, and cycling (indoors and out) to learn everything there is to know about fitness trackers.

The wirecutter best fitness tracker