Stuck counting steps with your phone in your pocket? We’ve all been there. But ditch the pedometer dance and up your fitness game with a reliable tracker. These stylish wrist trackers are more than just glorified pedometers—they’re your personal cheerleaders, sleep analysts, and maybe even fashion statements. From heart rate monitors to GPS tracking, there’s a fitness tracker for every training warrior (or weekend warrior, no judgement).

Let’s find the perfect partner to help you achieve those goals, avoid the dreaded couch potato label, and maybe even impress your in-laws with your newfound dedication to a healthy lifestyle (*wink wink*).

The best fitness trackers in 2024

Thinking of buying a fitness tracker but short on cash? The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 could be your perfect match. It’s one of the most affordable options on the market, but don’t let the price fool you—this little band packs a punch. Let’s start with the basics: heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring and sleep monitoring are included. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 can even track more than 150 different exercises, so whether you’re a runner, cyclist or swimmer, this band can keep up with you.

One of the things we really like about the Smart Band 8 is the display. It’s a large, bright AMOLED panel that’s easy to read even in direct sunlight. Plus, there’s a new automatic brightness control that makes things easy on your eyes. And if you’re someone who likes to switch things up, you’ll be happy to know that the Smart Band 8 comes with a number of different watch faces to choose from. You can even further personalize it with straps in different colors.

Struggling to get a deep sleep? Fitbit Charge 6 goes beyond counting steps and calories. It actually dives deep into your sleep patterns, giving you insight into how well you’re really resting each night.

Fitness enthusiasts will love the variety of ways to exercise, from running and cycling to HIIT and even surfing. Additionally, this tracker can now connect to certain gym equipment, sending your heart rate data directly to the machines themselves. No more fiddling with straps or chest monitors!

The Charge 6 tracks your heart rate throughout the day, even during exercise. While it may not be the absolute most accurate tracker on the market for super intense exercise, it provides reliable readings for most activities.

New to the world of running? Do not worry! Forerunner 55 is easy to use and easy to navigate, even on the go. Plus, it offers suggested exercises that adapt to your progress, so you won’t be overwhelmed. And after a hard run, the watch will even recommend how much rest you need before your next workout. No wonder it’s one of the best smartwatches on the market today!

Speaking of running, the Forerunner 55 boasts impressive GPS accuracy. Whether you’re training in the city or on country roads, you can count on it to reliably track your distance and pace. It even has a built-in race predictor to keep you motivated – see how fast you could finish the next 5km!

But that is not all. The Forerunner 55 also keeps an eye on your overall health. It tracks your daily steps, heart rate and even assesses your energy level. In addition, it offers women’s health tracking features, allowing you to track your cycle right from your wrist. While it may not have all the benefits of some super expensive smartwatches, the Forerunner 55 makes up for it with functionality. It is comfortable to wear, easy to handle and will not fail.

Amazfit Bip 3 is a fitness tracker that will not let you down, especially if you are tired of constantly charging your device. It boasts phenomenal battery life, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge! No more scrambling for the charger right before your morning run.

Plus, Bip 3 isn’t all about durability. It features a large color display, making it easy to see all your stats, even when the sun is shining brightly. And if you get bored with the look, you can switch things up with a variety of watch faces to suit your style.

This tracker is also your workout companion, as it tracks all your activities, from running and cycling to swimming. It even tracks heart rate, sleep and stress levels, giving you a holistic picture of your health. Pair it with these headphones and you’re sure to enjoy one hell of a workout!

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is like a friend who is always ready for an adventure. It has a bright, beautiful display that makes it easy to see whether you’re hiking or checking notifications on a sunny day. Plus, it tracks all your activities with the best of them, from sleep cycles to blood oxygen levels.

One thing to keep in mind is that this watch likes to party and can drain the battery a bit faster than some of its rivals. But if you’re not too worried about charging it every night, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a great companion on your wrist. Another perk? Changing your watch band is easier than ever thanks to the new one-click release mechanism.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is like the Apple Watch you already know and love but in the mood for adventure. It has an amazing, super bright screen – you can see it even while hiking under the midday sun. No more squinting to check your messages or see how far you’ve gone.

It is resistant to water, dust, whatever you want. And battery life? It will last you a good 55 hours on a single charge, so you can tackle a mountain trail or bike ride without worrying about running out of power.

Is it perfect? Well, nothing is. The price is quite high, and the support for topographical maps is not quite there yet – it works in some areas, but not in all. But if you’re a serious athlete or outdoor enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a fantastic option. It’s a reliable companion that can keep up with your active lifestyle, help you achieve your goals, and maybe even look good while doing it.

Questions

Is Garmin better than Fitbit?

Both Garmin and Fitbit are great brands of fitness trackers, but they serve slightly different audiences. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

• Choose Garmin if you’re a serious athlete who needs advanced training features, GPS tracking, and long battery life. Garmin also excels in outdoor adventure watches.
• Choose Fitbit if you’re looking for an easy-to-use tracker that focuses on overall health and wellness. Fitbit tends to be more affordable and offers features like sleep tracking and stress tracking.

What kind of smart watch do cardiologists recommend?

While cardiologists may not have one specific smartwatch recommendation, they generally favor trackers that can track heart health. Here are some features to look for:

• Heart rate monitoring: Look for a tracker that continuously monitors your heart rate and can alert you to any irregularities.
• ECG (electrocardiogram): Some smartwatches offer an EKG function that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
• Blood pressure monitoring: Although not yet common, some smartwatches are starting to offer blood pressure monitoring capabilities.

Remember, fitness trackers should not be used for medical diagnosis. If you are concerned about your heart health, always consult your doctor.