It’s only natural to use the new year as a starting date for your self-growth. Whether you plan to start now (or if you’ve already started), why not invest in yourself with these fitness trackers?
Understandably we all have different needs for our trackers. This is why in this article, we’ve already categorized the trackers based on what you need. Take a look below for the details.
Fitbit Versa 2: the best overall fitness tracker
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 6+ days | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: Yes, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 | Swim-proof: Yes
The Fitbit Versa 2 is everything you want—and need—in a fitness tracker and more!
With 15+ exercise modes, it’s perfect if you enjoy variety in your workouts. Their SmartTrack® feature automatically records said workouts which you can access through their app.
Another thing the Versa 2 records is your sleep, and not just the hours! It also includes the stages of sleep so you can check both the quantity and quality of sleep and provide a sleep score.
For more accuracy in your workouts, the tracker features a 24/7 heart-rate monitor, cardio fitness tracking, and on-screen workouts. To top it all off, it’s also water-resistant.
Fitbit is the leader in the fitness tracker industry and their Versa 2 is a testament to that.
Also great for: people buying their first fitness tracker.
Garmin Forerunner 945: the best for runners
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 2 weeks (smartwatch mode); 10 hours (GPS mode) | GPS: Built-in | Screen: Yes, customizable | Swim-proof: Yes
The many features dedicated to running is why the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the go-to for, well, dedicated runners.
Garmin covers a wide range of measurements in their impressive performance monitoring. This includes tracking your VO2 max, recovery time, and overall training load. The watch also analyzes your training status so you can view your long-term training habits.
The tracker features a built-in GPS and storage for up to 1000 songs which allows for a truly hands-free running experience.
Pair your Forerunner with a compatible running dynamics accessory to take it to the next level. Their running science is based on physiological measurements (like VO2 Max) and running dynamics (like running power) which allow you to get a full grasp of your training.
Also great for: swimmers and triathletes.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: the best budget tracker
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: Up to 20 days | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: Yes, Full-colour AMOLED touch display | Swim-proof: Yes, up to 50m
If you want to get a fitness tracker that won’t break the bank, consider the Xiaomi Mi Band 4.
Don’t be fooled by the price tag, this tracker has a lot of features worth trying out. The Band 4 offers six sports functions (like cycling and pool-swimming) and health monitoring (like workout completion notifications and 24/7 heart-rate monitoring).
Also great for: runners
Apple Watch Series 5: the best tracker/smartwatch
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | GPS: Built-in | Screen: Yes,
LTPO OLED display | Swim-proof: Yes, up to 50m
You hit two birds with one stone for the Apple Watch Series 5 for a fitness tracker that doubles as a smartwatch.
What makes this tracker impressive is its great use of apps for health monitoring and workouts. The friendly user interface is a great bonus for people who like to get fit without getting lost in all of the numbers and statistics.
Workout tracking is perfect for all-around activities. If you like to vary your workouts, the Apple Watch has got you covered. The watch gives you an in-depth analysis of your exercises such as laps and elevation. It also goes above and beyond with its ECG reading and noise sensors.
With the many apps that Apple offers, you can keep track of your progress in the gym and your life outside of it, too.
Also great for: Apple users
Garmin Vivosmart 4: the best for laid-back athletes
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: Up to 7 days | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: Yes | Swim-proof: Yes
Garmin’s Vivosmart 4 is perfect for the athlete that likes to train smart. Unlike most Garmin watches, this one takes a more basic approach to fitness and health tracking. Don’t underestimate this though, as the tracker has a number of smart features.
With the Body Battery™ energy monitor, you get alerts for the optimal time for a workout based on your energy level. You can use preloaded activity timers or Move IQ®, the watch’s activity detection feature. Learn more about your body with the Pulse Ox sensor to measure your body’s blood oxygen saturation level (simply put: how your body absorbs oxygen).
Also great for: beginners
Fitbit Charge 3: the best fitness band
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 7 days | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: Yes | Swim-proof: Yes
Fitbit makes another appearance in our list for the Charge 3. This is for people looking to buy a band and not a smartwatch.
This all-around fitness band is a favorite among many for because of its functionality against its price. It’s relatively cheap for the value this watch brings. It’s an all-around tracker complete with automatic sleep and exercise tracking. Add the reminders to move and guided breathing sessions and you’ve got an excellent everyday wearable.
Also great for: the occasional gym-goer
Moov Now: the best for back-to-basics
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: No | Battery life: 6 months | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: No | Swim-proof: Yes
Moov Now is the tracker for you if you want a more minimalist approach to fitness.
What makes Moov stand out is its superb coaching program. You can also find programs for running and even circuit training and boxing. You can get stats on your reps and gauge your progress on their level system. Aside from a comprehensive guide and fitness level monitoring, they also measure your impact to keep you from getting injured while training.
The features are a lot less considering the other trackers in this list but in this case, less is more.
Also great for: people that like a more systematized approach
Fitbit Inspire HR: the best budget heart-rate monitor
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 5 days | GPS: Relies on phone | Screen: No | Swim-proof: Yes
Fitbit’s more affordable watch, the Inspire HR, has the core functionalities of a regular fitness tracker but has an accurate heart-rate monitor that’s hard to come by at its price point.
The Inspire HR is a more compact version of the Charge 3 and with less functionality. But given the access to Fitbit features like the 15+ exercise modes, sleep stages, and advanced calorie countring, it’s a pretty good deal.
Also great for: beginners looking to get more fit
Garmin Vivosport: the best compact GPS fitness tracker
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 7 days (smartwatch mode); 8 hours (GPS mode) | GPS: Built-in | Screen: Yes, Garmin Chroma Display™ | Swim-proof: Yes
Built-in GPS is a highly sought-after feature that, unfortunately, is not that common to find in a smartwatch. That’s what makes the Garmin Vivosport stand out.
It’s a smart activity tracker with a heart-rate monitor and a built-in GPS. It’s more compact than the Forerunner 945 but packs a few more features than the vivosmart 4. It tracks key factors like your VO2 max and fitness age, as well as your stress levels throughout the day.
Also great for: people looking for a more affordable Garmin with more functionality
Motiv Ring: the best alternative to wristbands
24/7 Heart-rate monitor: Yes | Battery life: 3 days | GPS: No | Screen: No| Swim-proof: Yes, up to 165 ft
Track your fitness, heart health, and sleep with the Motiv Ring: a truly subtle fitness tracker.
Motiv goes beyond compact with its design. The sleek ring is more than just an ordinary accessory. Automatic activity and sleep detection helps you gauge your health without being too obvious about it.
Also great for: people who want a more subtle tracker
Bottom-line: trackers have come a long way from just being step counters. We all have different needs and ways to reach for our 2020 goals. Track your performance and train yourself to a better you with these fitness watches.
