What We’re Looking For
Audience: Who is this fitness tracker for? The ideal fitness tracker for hardcore athletes will look different than the best one for casual users looking to get a few more steps in.
Battery life: A fitness tracker should be able to go at least two to three days between charges. If it’s a flagship smartwatch, it should at least offer quick charging.
Form factor: Is it a band or a smartwatch? Is it comfortable to wear 24/7?
Metrics: What metrics does this device track? We prioritize active minutes over steps and calorie burn, but health metrics like resting heart rate, VO2 Max, and sleep quality are pluses.
Consistency: Accuracy is nice, but it’s more important for measuring progress that your device delivers consistent results for heart rate, distance tracking, and steps.
Platform: Certain trackers are limited to specific phone ecosystems — others will work regardless of what your phone is. We prioritize the latter wherever possible.
Best Fitness Tracker Overall
The Whoop 4.0 is best for elite athletes or people who don’t mind experimental trackers. Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge
How We Test Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are meant to help you keep track of your health and activity. We do a mix of benchmark testing and experiential, real-life testing. That means snoozing with them, taking them out on GPS activities like runs and hikes, working up a sweat in several workouts, and comparing how they do against long-term control devices for heart rate, sleep, and GPS accuracy. Some factors we consider in our rankings are durability, performance, accuracy versus consistency in metrics, and of course, battery life.
Update, March 3: Updated pricing and availability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best fitness tracker for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the perfect tracker for your lifestyle and fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best fitness tracker for beginners?
A: For beginners, we recommend the Fitbit Inspire series, which offers a simple and user-friendly interface.
Q: What is the best fitness tracker for athletes?
A: For athletes, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner series, which offers advanced features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Q: How do I choose the right fitness tracker?
A: To choose the right fitness tracker, consider your fitness goals, budget, and personal preferences. Read reviews and do research to find the best tracker for you.
