With an abundance of best Fitness Trackers 2024 available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
We rigorously test and review numerous gagets and models to assist you in finding the perfect one to suit your needs and budget. Our evaluations cover a range of factors including accuracy, battery life, ease of setup and use, features, price, specifications, and style.
With so many fantastic options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the best models we’ve tested to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading for our top recommendations, followed by key factors to consider when selecting a fitness tracker.
Our Top Picks for Best Fitness Trackers 2024
- Most Accurate Heart Rate Readings : Apple Watch Series 9
- Most Advanced Fitbit Tracker : Fitbit Charge 6
- Best for Beginners : Fitbit Inspire 3
- Best Battery Life : Garmin Venu Sq 2
- Best Budget-Friendly Apple Watch Alternative :Fitbit Versa 4
- Best for Tracking Body Fat and Snoring : Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- Most Affordable Apple Watch : Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Best for Small Wrists : Garmin Lily
- Best Wristband Alternative : Oura Ring Generation 3
- Best for Serious Runners : Polar Pacer Pro
Apple Watch Series 9 : Most Accurate Heart Rate Readings
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a broad suite of built-in fitness, health, and safety tools, along with the best selection of third-party apps (such as AllTrails, Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Strava) for any smartwatch. This is one of the most accurate fitness tracker and Best fitness trackers 2024 for iphone. In testing, the Series 9 offered accurate workout pulse readings compared with a chest strap and a dedicated optical armband heart rate monitor. Moreover, while many wrist-based optical heart rate trackers exhibit a slight lag when detecting rapid pulse change during workouts, Apple Watches tend to be spot on.
Its Activity, Exercise, and Stand rings can help motivate you to get moving, while its companion Fitness+ workout streaming service ($9.99 per month or $79.99 per year after a three-month trial) offers a variety of studio-style classes with excellent music and instruction for the home or gym. It goes beyond the basics with a Multisport tracking option for triathletes and advanced running metrics such as real-time power, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation.
On the health front, it accurately tracks your activity, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), body temperature deviations, fertility windows, menstrual cycle, overnight respiration, sleep, and more. The Series 9 can alert you if it detects a high or low heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, and loud sounds that can damage your hearing. It also supports Emergency SOS and international emergency calling, as well as automatically calls for help if it detects a hard fall. We also like the Apple Watch automatic 20-second handwashing timer, which keeps you honest when you scrub up.
Who should consider it?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a top choice for iPhone users seeking a reliable fitness tracker with excellent connectivity features. However, it’s important to note that it requires an iPhone XS or newer model running iOS 17, so it’s not compatible with Android devices.
This watch is particularly well-suited for individuals who enjoy running, swimming, and cycling. Its wrist-based running power measurements allow you to track your effort in real time, while its WR50 rating ensures it’s safe for shallow-water activities like pool or ocean swimming. Additionally, automatic bike ride detection ensures you receive credit for your Outdoor Cycle workouts.
For those willing to invest more, the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an appealing option. With its rugged build and extended battery life, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, endurance athletes, and ocean lovers. The Ultra 2’s WR100 water-resistance rating makes it suitable for high-speed water sports and recreational diving.
Pros:
- Quick and effective processor
- Bright and clear display
- Handy double-tap gesture for hands-free use
- On-device Siri for voice control
- Precision Finding feature for iPhone 15 users
- Choice for a carbon-neutral build
Cons:
- Design might seem familiar or not particularly innovative
Fitbit Charge 6 – Most Advanced Fitbit Tracker
The Fitbit Charge has always been known for offering great value, and the sixth-generation model continues this trend. It now includes 40 sport profiles, double the number from the previous generation, and a new feature that allows you to send your heart rate to gym equipment via Bluetooth. Additionally, the Charge 6 features a color touch screen, 5ATM water resistance, long battery life, built-in GPS, and sensors to monitor important health metrics like skin temperature and SpO2 overnight. It also supports on-demand ECG heart health and EDA stress readings.
While primarily focused on fitness and health tracking, the Charge 6 also offers several Google lifestyle apps such as Google Maps, Google Wallet (replacing Fitbit Pay), and YouTube Music. The companion app has been revamped for more customization, allowing you to highlight metrics related to your fitness goals.
Who should consider it?
With its comprehensive activity and health monitoring tools, essential lifestyle features, and an outstanding companion app, the Charge 6 stands out as the top choice for a standalone fitness tracker for most individuals. This latest offering from Fitbit is compatible with most smartphones running Android 9.0 or iOS 15 via the Fitbit app (requiring a Google Account for login).
For those who are new to fitness or don’t plan on tracking outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking, a more budget-friendly option without built-in GPS, such as the Fitbit Inspire 3, may be worth considering. Alternatively, if you prefer a fitness tracker that resembles jewelry rather than traditional workout gear, the midrange Fitbit Luxe is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Expanded to 40 exercise modes (previously 20)
- Ability to connect to exercise machines
- Includes Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music apps
- Convenient side button for easy navigation
- Features an excellent mobile app
Cons:
- Lacks Spotify controls
- Does not have an app store
- Certain metrics require a Premium subscription
Fitbit Inspire 3 – Best for Beginners
The Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out as the best fitness tracker under $100, offering long battery life, a vibrant color AMOLED touch screen, and all the essential activity and sleep features you need. While its design may appear basic compared to the more upscale Fitbit Luxe, its bright screen can remain on throughout the day. With its straightforward interface and well-designed companion app, monitoring key fitness and health metrics like steps, heart rate, calories burned, sleep, and overnight SpO2 is a breeze. Despite a slight reduction in battery life compared to its predecessor, it still boasts the longest battery life of any Fitbit model, making it a highly affordable and reliable option.
Who should consider it?
The Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out as an excellent option for folks who are new to fitness and want to improve their health without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for beginners! However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t have a built-in GPS like some other fitness trackers. Instead, it relies on connecting to your phone to accurately track your pace and distance when you’re out for a walk, run, hike, or bike ride. This might not be an issue if you usually carry your phone with you during outdoor workouts. However, if you prefer to disconnect from your phone while you exercise, this could be seen as a downside.
Pros:
- It has a colorful touch screen that you can keep on all the time.
- The battery lasts longer than any other Fitbit.
- It’s thinner than the previous model.
- It has a special sensor to measure your oxygen levels while you sleep.
- There’s a feature that helps you find your phone easily.
Cons:
- The text on the screen is really small and might be hard to read.
- Sometimes, it might not be totally accurate.
- You can’t check your oxygen levels whenever you want.
- Some of the fancy stuff it does might need a subscription.
Garmin Venu Sq 2 – Best Battery Life
In the busy world of fitness smartwatches, Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 really stands out for its practicality. It’s the most affordable option in Garmin’s Venu 2 series, and it has a square design that makes the text easier to read. Plus, its battery can last up to nine days, which is great! While it doesn’t count the number of floors you climb and doesn’t have fancy animated workout graphics, it still has all the fantastic health and fitness features of the more expensive Venu 2. This includes built-in GPS, the ability to check your oxygen levels whenever you want, and even Garmin Pay for easy payments.
Who should consider it?
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that’s focused on fitness and won’t break the bank, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is definitely worth considering. While the Apple Watch SE and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offer a wider range of apps and lifestyle features at a similar price point, they can’t match the Venu Sq 2’s impressive battery life. Another option to consider is the Garmin Vivoactive 5, which costs a bit more but offers the same sensors as the Venu Sq 2. It has a rounded design and even includes onboard music storage, making it a compelling alternative.
Pros
- It has a big, colorful touch screen.
- The battery can last for a whole week before needing a charge.
- It’s really lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- It keeps track of lots of different health metrics.
- You can make payments without touching anything.
- It has built-in GPS so you can see where you’ve been.
Cons
- It doesn’t count how many floors you’ve climbed.
- The workouts it comes with aren’t fancy and animated.
- It doesn’t have a ton of extra features for everyday life.
Fitbit Versa 4 – Best Budget-Friendly Apple Watch Alternative
The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a wide range of exercise modes, including walking, running, biking, swimming, and many more. It covers everything from gym workouts like elliptical and kickboxing to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. If your favorite activity isn’t listed, you can still track it using general options like Sport or Workout.
For health and fitness tracking, the Versa 4 has lots of sensors including GPS, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and elevation. Depending on your settings, the battery lasts between four and seven days, which is really good for a watch with a big color screen. It also has some extra features like Amazon Alexa, Google Maps, and Google Pay, making it a handy companion for daily life.
Who should consider it?
The Versa 4 is a great choice if you want a stylish smartwatch focused on fitness that’s easy to use. It has a colorful screen that’s always on, a battery that lasts a long time, and plenty of tools to track your fitness and sleep.
While the Versa 4 comes with handy apps like Amazon Alexa, Google Maps, and Google Pay, it doesn’t support other apps except for clock faces. If you want more apps and connectivity options, you might prefer the Apple Watch SE. Or, if you’re looking for more detailed health and performance insights, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 could be a better fit.
But if you’re just looking for a simple smartwatch to help you stay active, the Versa 4 is a fantastic choice. And if you want even more health tracking features, you can consider the Fitbit Sense 2, which has extra sensors for stress tracking, ECG readings, and more accurate temperature measurements.
Pros
- It looks nice and feels comfortable to wear.
- The touch screen works better than before, and there’s a physical button to make it easier to use.
- It has more exercise modes than before, so you can track lots of different activities.
- The battery lasts a long time.
- There are plenty of different watch faces to choose from.
- It can track changes in your skin temperature overnight.
- And here are a few not-so-good things:
Cons
- You can’t add extra apps from other companies.
- Some apps that were on previous models are missing.
- It doesn’t have sensors to measure your heart’s electrical activity or track stress levels.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – Best for Tracking Body Fat and Snoring
Samsung’s smartwatches offer some really cool health-tracking features that you won’t find on the Apple Watch. For example, they can measure things like your body composition and even track how much you snore at night.
With just a quick scan that takes about 15 seconds, the watch can show you lots of info about your body, like your muscle mass, fat percentage, and even how much water is in your body. It can also tell you if these numbers are in a good range.
When you wear the watch to bed and keep your phone nearby, they can team up to listen for snoring and record it. Plus, the watch can track how long you sleep, what stages of sleep you’re in (like deep sleep or REM), and even your blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
For workouts, the Watch 6 series has over 100 different options to choose from, and it can even tell when you’re doing certain activities automatically. And if you want more apps to help you with your fitness or health goals, you can download them from the Play Store.
Who should consider it?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is perfect for Android users who want a smartwatch with lots of cool features for tracking fitness and health. Just like how the Apple Watch only works with iPhones, the Galaxy Watch 6 series only works with Android phones. This is a best fitness watch for Android user.
If you’re looking for another Android watch with a great battery life, you might want to check out the OnePlus Watch 2. It has most of the same sensors and health tracking features for about the same price.
For a fancier option, there’s the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It’s a bit more expensive, but it has a shiny stainless steel case and a rotating bezel that makes it easy to use.
And if you need something tougher, there’s the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. It has a longer battery life and special outdoor features like cycling and hiking directions. It’s perfect for people who love outdoor activities or need a smartwatch that lasts more than a day on one charge.
Pros
- It has a bigger and brighter screen than before.
- There are lots of apps you can use with it.
- It has a digital bezel that makes scrolling quick and easy.
- It gives you really helpful information about your sleep.
- There’s a sensor that can tell you about changes in your skin temperature.
- It’s good at figuring out when you’re working out without you having to tell it.
- You can choose from two different sizes, and you can even get one with LTE connectivity.
Cons
- The battery only lasts for one day.
- Sometimes it doesn’t track your heart rate perfectly during workouts.
Apple Watch SE (2022) – Most Affordable Apple Watch
The Apple Watch SE is the smallest and most affordable smartwatch from Apple. While it lacks an always-on display and a few health sensors found in the Series 9, it offers nearly all the same features for $150 less.
The second-generation SE, released in fall 2022, looks similar to its predecessor but comes with upgrades like a faster processor and a new motion sensor for Crash Detection. It also boasts significantly improved battery life, lasting up to 37 hours per charge, and performs excellently with a responsive touch screen.
Who should consider it?
The Apple Watch SE is great for first-time smartwatch users, kids, teenagers, and older adults. While the Series 9 remains the top choice for most Apple Watch buyers, the second-gen SE is a solid option for those who want to stay connected, active, and safe without breaking the bank.
It’s worth noting that the SE works with Apple’s Family Setup feature, allowing you to set up and manage an Apple Watch for a family member who doesn’t have an iPhone. The setup process is straightforward, whether it’s for yourself or a family member.
Pros
- It has a better processor than before.
- There’s a new sensor that can detect crashes, which is really helpful for safety.
- The battery lasts longer in everyday use.
- It’s lightweight and easy to wear.
- There are lots of apps to choose from, and it has good safety features.
- It’s cheaper than the first version of this watch.
Cons
- The display doesn’t stay on all the time.
- It doesn’t have sensors to measure things like your heart’s electrical activity, oxygen levels, or body temperature.
- It hasn’t been rated for how well it keeps dust out.
Garmin Lily – Best for Small Wrists
The Garmin Lily is a unique fitness tracker and smartwatch combo designed specifically with women in mind. Its standout feature is its elegant and stylish design, resembling classic jewelry. With a beautifully patterned face, aluminum or stainless steel bezel, and a slim 14mm band, it easily complements other accessories.
Beyond its appearance, the Lily is packed with features to track your health stats including calories burned, energy levels, heart rate, respiration, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), steps taken, stress levels, and workouts. It also offers handy smartwatch functions like receiving phone notifications, controlling music playback, and displaying useful calendar and weather widgets. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 164 feet and boasts an impressive battery life of up to five days on a single charge.
Who should consider it?
If you’re searching for a fitness tracker that’s more stylish and doesn’t stand out as one, the Garmin Lily could be just what you need. Its main attraction is its appealing design, tailored for women, but it also packs a lot of features despite its small size.
While it doesn’t have a colorful display that’s always on like the Garmin Vivoactive 4, it comes at a lower price. Although it may not offer as many features as the Fitbit Versa 4 at a similar price point, the Lily shines for those who prioritize fashion alongside fitness in a tracker and smartwatch combo.
Pros
- It has a stylish design that looks like a classic watch.
- It can measure your breathing, energy level, and stress.
- It includes a SpO2 sensor to monitor your blood oxygen levels.
- There are lots of useful widgets you can use.
- The companion app is really good.
Cons
- It doesn’t have GPS built-in.
- The display doesn’t show colors
Oura Ring Generation 3 – Best Wristband Alternative
The Oura Generation 3 is like a supercharged mood ring: It might look simple, but it’s packed with sensors to keep track of your activity, physical and mental health, and sleep. It can even predict when your next period might come. This nifty little ring also monitors your heart rate, body temperature, and more around the clock.
Compared to the previous Oura model, which was great for monitoring sleep but not so much for activity, this latest version is a bit better. It now has a Workout Heart Rate feature that helps you understand how exercise affects your health.
It’s about as thick as a typical wedding band, really light, and can go about a week without needing a charge. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 328 feet, so you can wear it while swimming, showering, diving, or just doing everyday tasks.
With more sensors than before, a great companion app, and a long-lasting battery, the third-generation Oura is the best fitness-tracking ring we’ve tried out.
Who should consider it?
If you’re not a fan of watches or wristbands but still want some motivation to boost your health and fitness, consider checking out the Oura Ring Generation 3. Just like the Garmin Lily, one of the coolest things about the Oura is its stylish design.
It’s important to know that to unlock all the detailed metrics of the Oura Generation 3, you’ll need to sign up for a membership, which costs $5.99 per month. This membership also gives you access to a bunch of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and personalized advice to help tailor your workouts. Without a membership, you’ll still be able to see your daily Activity, Readiness, and Sleep scores.
If you’re not keen on the idea of paying a monthly fee, there’s also the RingConn Smart Ring, which is cheaper upfront and doesn’t have any ongoing costs, but its app isn’t quite as slick as Oura’s. And if you’re okay with something a bit less discreet, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great option for tracking your fitness goals.
Pros:
- Increased number of sensors compared to the older model
- Outstanding companion app
- Useful meditation support
- Offers personalized daily guidance
- Integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit
- Extended battery life
Cons:
- High price
- Membership fee required for access to most features
- Some features may not be available immediately upon launch
- Limited workout tracking capabilities
Polar Pacer Pro – Best for Serious Runners
The Polar Pacer Pro running watch is like having a coach on your wrist, offering a bunch of helpful tools to boost your workouts safely. It tracks running power, keeps tabs on your uphill and downhill movements, and even monitors your sleep and recovery. Plus, it gives you personalized tips to improve. The wrist-based power meter is especially handy for keeping an eye on your effort in real-time, which is great for sprints, short bursts, and hilly terrain. It’s comfy to wear day and night, and the battery lasts for up to a week.
Who should consider it?
If you’re aiming to improve your running speed or achieve specific goals like running a six-minute mile or finishing a 5K in under 30 minutes, the Polar Pacer Pro is a great training buddy to have by your side. However, if you’re just starting out with running, the more affordable Pacer is a solid choice too. It offers most of the same features as the Pro model, such as the running test that calculates your VO2Max and sets up custom training zones. But for seasoned runners looking for more advanced insights, the Pro version is the way to go. It comes with additional features like wrist-based running power measurements, turn-by-turn route guidance through Komoot, and Hill Splitter ascent and descent tracking, making it an easy recommendation for those seeking extra details and guidance.
Pros:
- Measures running power right from your wrist
- Keeps track of uphill and downhill movement
- Great GPS performance based on testing
- Handy running assessment feature
- Monitors your sleep and recovery
- Gives personalized workout suggestions
- Lasts a whole week on a single charge
- Super light and comfortable to wear
- Shows music controls, phone alerts, and weather updates
Cons:
- Screen isn’t touch-sensitive and might seem a bit dull
- Could provide clearer explanations for some of the data it gives
Fitbit Ace 3 – Best for Kids
The Fitbit Ace 3 is a cool and stylish fitness band designed specifically for kids. It helps track their activity levels and sleep patterns without any extra monthly fees. It mainly focuses on simple things like counting steps and monitoring sleep, but it doesn’t have GPS tracking for location. The Ace 3 is also safe to use while swimming and can last up to eight days on a single charge.
Who should consider it?
If you want to make sure your child is staying active and getting good sleep, the Fitbit Ace 3 is a dependable and budget-friendly option. However, if you’re a parent who wants to keep an eye on your child’s whereabouts remotely, you might want to think about getting a dedicated tracking device like the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3.
Pros:
- Keeps track of your activity and sleep patterns
- Long-lasting battery
- Comfortable and waterproof design
- Stylish bands that you can easily swap
- Allows you to receive text notifications
Cons:
- Doesn’t have location or GPS tracking capabilities
- Charging cable is on the shorter side
- Doesn’t monitor heart rate
