Which is the Best Fitness Tracker?
3 min readNo matter your fitness goal – be it tracking steps, heart rate monitoring or viewing oxygen levels – there’s an ideal fitness tracker out there for you. Some even feature workout modes specifically tailored for running, cycling, cross training and swimming!
Many devices also include built-in GPS functionality and exercise recognition that detects crunches and barbell lifts, while some provide advanced sleep-staging metrics including REM and deep sleep stages.
1. Fitbit Charge 3
The Fitbit Charge 3 fitness tracker features an elegant smartwatch-esque appearance and lightweight design, offering full activity tracking including sleep and swimming mode tracking as well as PurePulse heart rate monitoring, SPO2 sensor (for monitoring blood oxygen levels) and SmartTrack automatic exercise recognition technology. Water-resistant and providing up to seven days’ worth of battery life on one charge – what more could one want!?
Fitbit’s tracker boasts a suite of advanced features such as diet and exercise coaching, an on-device dashboard, Find My Phone functionality, smartwatch remote for controlling camera functionality on smartphones, and the non-contactless payment system – making it our go-to pick for a high-end yet cost-effective fitness tracker that does everything promised on its packaging.
2. Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin has long been considered a leader in fitness tracking technology. Their slim, swim-friendly Vivosmart 4 offers plenty of features that make it an excellent option for anyone just beginning in this space. Sleep and heart rate monitoring is second to none while smartphone synchronisation works reliably as walks and runs automatically upload to Strava while notifications arrive reliably from its app.
This model stands out from its peers with two new standout features that set it apart: an pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen levels and body battery, which uses sleep, heart rate and other metrics to predict how much energy remains for use throughout the day. Furthermore, its sleek form factor and super thin construction are key considerations for many who opt for trackers over smartwatches.
3. Garmin Vivoactive 3
Are You an Avid Fitness Enthusiast Looking to Up Your Game with Garmin Wearable Technology? Garmin’s new wearable boasts plenty of intelligent features in an attractive watchlike package for maximum productivity!
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 uses Elevate wrist-tracking technology to continuously monitor your heart rate during exercise and provide accurate readings with colour-coded zones indicating intensity levels. In addition, this device crunches data to calculate your fitness age and VO2 max calculations.
Garmin ConnectTM Trackers offer an impressive list of activities they can track, such as running, cycling, swimming, aerobic exercise and strength training. In addition, recovery metrics and sleep are monitored as well as free training programs provided by Garmin Coach. Furthermore, users can even record on-demand ECG readings to detect signs of atrial fibrillation.
4. Huawei Band 7
Huawei’s tracker features a large always-on screen that prioritizes tracking the vital health parameters, like blood oxygen and stress levels, that really matter for runners – like running ability index and estimated VO2Max estimates.
It does all of the basics very effectively while offering extra features for those taking their fitness time seriously, with support for 96 different workout modes. Furthermore, phone notifications can be displayed and quick replies offered as additional bonuses.
A bonus feature of the optical heart rate sensor is its stress detection through heartbeat intervals and breathing exercise features to calm the body. Unfortunately, however, this watch lacks GPS capabilities of its own and relies on your smartphone connection for recording location data.
5. Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit’s flagship tracker, the Charge 6, is an all-encompassing device that captures nearly all standard fitness metrics as well as advanced features like sleep staging and ECG heart health readings. Additionally, its AMOLED touchscreen display supports four clock faces and has an easy haptic feedback button; additionally it comes loaded with new Google features – some which replace apps developed by Fitbit before its acquisition by Google.
At gyms, it can now pair with certain pieces of gym equipment to monitor your heart rate during workouts – this includes machines from NordicTrack, Peloton, Concept2 and Tonal as well as others expected over time. Furthermore, Google Maps navigation capabilities and YouTube Music music controls have become very attractive features that many users find particularly appealing.