Best Fitness Trackers – Top 5 Activity Bands of 2018 Reviewed!
Fitness trackers have become more popular in recent years, and it’s understandable. They’re compact, convenient, and provide fitness goals for you. You may have seen dozens available, and considered buying one, but couldn’t figure out what the best one is.
If you’re thinking about getting a fitness tracker, there is plenty to consider. This review will help point you in the right direction to find the right one for you and your fitness goals.
Table of Contents
Best Fitness Trackers - Comparison
Image | Product Name | Battery Life (Up To) | Dimensions (Inches) | Further Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | 2.2 x 1.2 x 0.5 | ||
| 5 Days | 8.6 x 0.9 x 0.5 | ||
| 5 Days | 2.5 x 0.5 x 0.8 | ||
| 3 - 4 Days | 6.4 x 2.7 x 3.6 | ||
| 6 Months | 0.2 x 1.2 x 1.8
|
Things to Consider When Buying Best Fitness Trackers
Design
The design of the fitness tracker is a crucial factor when you’re looking for a fitness tracker. While most are small and compact to wear on your wrist, there are different styles that allow you to wear it on your clothes.
You can choose what color you want, and if you want a screen. You want to find one that fits your lifestyle to help you out. While some trackers don’t track your steps if your arm isn’t moving, you can find the right design for you. If you can find one that fits your lifestyle, you’ll be happier.
Waterproofing
If you’ve never tracked your stats while you were swimming, a waterproof fitness tracker can help you out. Not only that, but a waterproof fitness tracker will prevent sweat from damaging the electronics inside the tracker. If you’re thinking about tracking your swimming stats, a fitness tracker is the best way to do it.
While you may not get every single detail about your swimming exercise, you can see how many calories you’re burning. It’s an excellent way to help you stay on top of your fitness goals, while having fun. You’ll enjoy knowing how many laps you’re doing, and if you can better your lap time.
Screen
Screens are ideal for those wanting to keep track of their stats without pulling out their phone and access the app. You can check details such as heart rate, time, and steps taken. While a screen is a convenient way to check your health stats, they can be bulky.
If you’re looking for a compact screen, you can find one that is built into the wristband. It doesn’t give you as much information, but provides you with small details. You may be able to cycle through them to find out what you want to know, which is something to keep in mind.
Data
Most fitness trackers don’t have too much room to keep track of everything you do. While they do track your steps and sleep patterns, they don’t provide everything you may want. The biggest setback on fitness trackers is their lack of GPS technology.
They won’t give you the most accurate information you may want, but you can get a general idea of your health. Until technology catches up with the rest of the world, you may have to settle for the bare minimum. It’s not the worst thing in the world, and it can help motivate you to work out more.
Apps
The app that connects to the fitness tracker is important. You can set your goals, track your progress, and check out your data. You can find a fitness tracker that works with your Android or iOS device.
Using an app is the best way to help you stay on top of your fitness goals, and ensure you’re staying motivated. When you can see your progress, you will be more motivated to stick with the program. The apps are easy to use, and don’t require too much technical knowledge.
Battery Life
The battery life of the fitness tracker should be considered. While some trackers can last up to a month, other’s may not last as long. This can be a problem for those that forget to charge their fitness tracker.
You want to make sure the battery doesn’t die while you’re sleeping, and leave it behind to recharge. If you’re tracking your steps, you want to make sure the fitness tracker is ready to go. You shouldn’t overcharge the battery, since it can ruin the battery’s hold on the charge.
Heart Rate Tracker
Nearly every fitness tracker has a heart rate monitor, and you can find one that suits you. There are heart rate trackers that monitor your heart rate 24/7, while others provide you a resting a resting heart rate and exercise heart rate. You should find a fitness tracker that gives you the details you want to track your heart rate.
There are heart rate monitors that can calculate your heart rate variability, which helps you determine how you recovered from a previous workout. There are different options available, so you should find the one that best suits your needs.
Recommended Best Fitness Trackers
1. Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch
This fitness tracker allows you to send messages from your phone via the tracker. It’s ideal for those wanting an easy way to respond to those messages.
The GPS allows you to track your steps accurately, and the long battery life is excellent. It tracks your heart rate, and gives you all the information you want to hit your fitness goals.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The fitness tracker can track your heart rate 24/7, making it easy to determine your heart health. It works during the night and day to deliver the results to you. If you’re mindful of your cardio, this is the tracker you want.
Long Battery Life
The battery can last for up to eight days, allowing you to collect as much data as you want. You will need to set it to tracking mode to ensure it lasts through the week. You can stay on top of all your fitness goals with the long battery life.
Hit Fitness Goals
The tracker sets fitness goals for you, providing a challenging and exciting way of exercising. The American Heart Association works in tandem with the company to deliver exercises to improve your heart health.
Notifications
You can respond to emails and texts via the tracker. If you’re expecting a call or text while you’re exercising, you can respond through the tracker. You will need to sync it up before you start exercising, but you can now leave your phone in the locker room.
GPS
The GPS accurately displays your information when you’re exercising. The display is easy to read in the sunlight, and has high resolution. If you want to change the settings, the touch screen display is easy to configure and use.
Highlighted Features:
- 24/7 heart rate monitor
- Long battery life
- Programs recommended by American Heart Association
- GPS
- Touchscreen display
Pros:
- Works with different activities
- It is easy to use
- Displays your exercise information
- It is reasonably priced
Cons:
- The watch can be bulky
- Some units may have damage
- Might not work for everyone
Verdict
This fitness tracker is ideal for those looking to get serious about their health. It does everything you want a fitness tracker to do. While the watch can be bulky, you do get a lot of good features with it. You can message people via the watch, allowing you to spend more time in the gym, and less time on your phone.
2. Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband
When you’re exercising, this fitness tracker works automatically to track any exercise you’re doing. You won’t have to stop to reset the timer, allowing you to focus on your workout routine.
You can see who called and texted you while you were busy, allowing you to stay focused. You can understand your fitness levels, and create a plan to be healthier.
Automatic Tracking
The device can automatically track your movements when you’re exercising. It automatically tracks your burned calories, and help you find your ideal heart rate zone. It’s perfect for those wanting an easy to use health tracker.
Sleep Tracker
You can use the sleep tracker to help improve your sleeping patterns. A good night’s sleep is important to your health. There is a silent vibrating alarm that will wake you up in the morning without a blaring alarm. It’s ideal for those who have trouble sleeping at night.
Receive Notifications
You won’t miss any calls or texts with the fitness tracker, allowing you to spend more time in the gym. It will send you any calendar notifications, preventing you form missing important meetings. It’s ideal for those always on the go.
Improve Your Health
The fitness tracker allows you to find out what your fitness levels are, and how you can improve them. The Cardio Fitness Score is ideal for those who haven’t been to the gym in a while. You can improve your health quickly with this fitness tracker.
Track Your Exercises
The fitness tracker will keep tabs on your calories burned, distance, and other important exercise factors. No matter what you need to improve upon, this fitness tracker will help guide you. It’s ideal for those creating a fitness plan.
Highlighted Features:
- PurePulse Heart Rate
- Multi-sport tracking
- GPS
- Notification alerts
- Cardio Fitness Level
- Guided breathing sessions
Pros:
- The device is durable
- It is easy to use
- Tracks all your activities
- It is comfortable to wear
Cons:
- The device may be too bulky
- Can wear down your wrist
- No chargers included
Verdict
This fitness tracker is ideal for those wanting to get into shape. Since it can recommend certain exercises, it’s ideal for those that don’t know where to start. While it doesn’t come with chargers, it works with most USB cords. Overall, if you’re trying to get into shape, and need a jumpstart, this fitness tracker is for you.
3. Garmin vívosmart HR+ Regular Fit Activity Tracker
Finding a fitness tracker that does everything may seem impossible, but this fitness tracker does the job. It has GPS, heart monitoring, and tracks your movements.
If you’re trying to get into shape, this fitness tracker will help you. It’s the best way to ensure you stay on top of your fitness goals.
GPS
No matter where you’re walking, the GPS tracker inside the tracker ensures you have an accurate idea of how far you’re walking. It connects with satellites to track your movement. If you’re looking for an accurate fitness tracker, this is for you.
Track Your Data
You can use the fitness tracker to track every detail of your daily life. You can use the fitness tracker to check your distance, pace, personal records, and other options. There is a run and walk mode, and a virtual pacer to keep you on pace.
Move IQ
If you’re walking, you can use the fitness tracker to track your walking routine. If you’re swimming, it can track your laps. No matter what activity you’re engaged in, the fitness tracker works automatically. You don’t need to start a timer to begin a new fitness routine.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate monitor works 24/7 to deliver all the information regarding your heart health. It works night and day, giving you an accurate reading, thanks to the Elevate heart rate technology. It’s ideal for those wanting to work on their cardio and watch their heart health.
Durable Construction
The durable construction allows you to use the fitness tracker for any lifestyle. It is waterproof, making it ideal for swimming exercises. The fitness tracker won’t break easily, allowing you to try out new exercise routines. It’s ideal for those wanting to reach their fitness goals.
Highlighted Features:
- GPSRunning Metrics
- Move IQ
- Heart Rate Monitoring
- Rugged construction
Pros:
- The app is easy to use
- Notifies you when it’s time to exercise
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Works with phones
Cons:
- The screen can get scratched easily
- Brightness isn’t great
- Bands cannot be changed
Verdict
This fitness tracker is ideal for those wanting a durable and long-lasting fitness tracker. The app is ideal for those wanting to track their every exercise, and complete their fitness goals. While the screen may get scratched up easily, you can find a screen protector. Overall, this is an excellent fitness tracker for everyone.
4. Samsung Gear Fit2- Black
This fitness tracker uses Bluetooth to connect with just about any device. No matter what you’re trying to track, this device is ideal for those always on the go.
You can store your favorite playlist from Spotify to help motivate you to work out. It works with both Android and iOS devices, making it the perfect tracker for just about anyone.
Track Your Data
You can use this fitness tracker to stay on top of your game. Find out how many calories you burned, your heart rate, sleep quality, and your step count. No matter what you want to accomplish, this device will help you reach your goals.
GPS
The built-in GPS allows you to have accurate readings when you’re exercising. You can find out how many steps it takes to get down the street, or how big the supermarket is. It’s ideal for those wanting to automatically follow their routine.
Phone Compatible
When the tracker is synced with your phone, you can respond to any notifications through the tracker. You won’t miss any phone calls or text messages with the tracker. It’s ideal for those needing to stay on top of their lives.
Auto Tracking
No matter what exercise you’re doing, the tracker automatically switches. When you’re moving around, the tracker can determine what exercise you’re doing to deliver the information you want for each exercise. It’s perfect for those that don’t’ want to worry about starting a timer between exercises.
Store Music
When you’re exercising, nothing helps better than listening to your favorite playlist. This tracker allows you to store songs, or you can stream from your Spotify account. When you’re getting the most out of your workouts, you can thank your favorite playlist.
Highlighted Features:
- Tracks exercises automatically
- GPS
- Respond to notifications to your phone
- Compatible with different phones
- Bluetooth compatible
Pros:
- The design is stylish
- It’s easy to wear
- Bright screen is easy to read
- Plays music via Bluetooth
Cons:
- Not accurate at counting stairs
- Doesn’t count crunches
- Only one app available for the tracker
Verdict
If you’re looking for an easy to use fitness tracker, this is the one for you. While it only works with one app, it shouldn’t discourage you. The Bluetooth feature makes it worth getting. The fact you can respond to any messages on your phone via the tracker is a huge plus. It’s an excellent device that isn’t too expensive.
5. Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker
For a sophisticated look, this is a stylish fitness tracker that works with just about any outfit. You can sync it up with your smartphone to access your data.
There is a free app that allows you to track all your activity. You can track every activity you do to get the most out of your fitness tracker and get into shape.
Track Activity
No matter what you want to do to get into shape, this fitness tracker will help you. It tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned to help you get into shape. It’s ideal for those wanting to hit any fitness goals they create.
Sync to Smartphone
The fitness tracker will automatically sync to your smartphone when you turn it on. It can also be synced to your computer, making it ideal for those wanting to create a spreadsheet. You can map every activity you do to get healthy.
Motivates You
The fitness tracker allows you to set your own goals. You can track your progress, and eventually earn badges for each stage. No matter what fitness goals you have planned, this fitness tracker will help you reach your goals.
Share Progress
You can share your progress on social media, allowing you to compete with your friends. When you’re being challenged, you can work harder to beat your friends. A little friendly competition is healthy, especially when your friends are helping you.
Free App
The free application allows you to set up the fitness tracker to get the most out of your device. It’s ideal for those that want to get started, without paying money up front. You can use the app until you’re ready for a new challenge.
Highlighted Features:
- Activity tracker
- View progress
- Automatically syncs to electronic devices
- Share on social media
- Free app
- Water resistant
Pros:
- There is no maintenance
- Syncs automatically with smartphones
- Doesn’t require a charging cable
- Encourages you to exercise
Cons:
- The battery may not hold a charge
- It is difficult to remove the battery
- The device is easy to lose
Verdict
Apart from the battery, this device is an excellent choice. It is low maintenance, which is ideal for those needing a device that’s easy to use. You can set your goals, and when you sync it up to your electronics, it works automatically. The fun part is competing with your friends to see who can get into shape quickly.
Final Verdict
Fitness trackers have been on the rise in recent years, and since so many people use them, you may have wondered what’s so great about them. They are convenient, and mostly compact. If you’re thinking about getting a fitness tracker, we recommend the Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband. It does everything you want a fitness tracker to do, and has more features than other fitness trackers. Meanwhile you can choose from the list of best fitness trackers above.
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About the Author Kevin Fox
A passionate blogger! Editor at Chooserly, and a regular author at HuffingtonPost, LifeHacker & Forbes!
