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Best Activity Trackers
You may be wondering, what exactly activity trackers can do for you and the answer is that it tracks and stores essential fitness metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, total distance, speed, etc.
If you are looking to get the extra edge over your fitness activities and want to track your progress and bring it to the next level, then activity trackers are just the tool for you.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
Most people will be looking for an activity tracker for a specific reason, and sometimes that reason is more detailed for some.
However, some of you may only be looking for this device to track your fitness throughout the day. But, some may be looking for a more advanced tool that will monitor your sleeping progress, that will keep track of your heart-rate, and one that will alert you of milestones and allow you to set goals for yourself. No matter, before you start looking, figure out what you are looking for.
If you want all that and more, you need to spring for an advanced activity tracker with all the tech. Of course, there is also the integration of GPS technology, which can set specific models apart.
GPS technology for fitness trackers is excellent because it allows the device to track your distance, pace, elevation, speed, etc., all while outdoors. For people who love exploring the outside world, it is highly recommended to get a tracker with GPS technology built into it.
Application
Fitness trackers are not meant to be designed to be overly bulky and add excess weight. As such, you may not run into too many models with extra-large screens that are bloated with features and options. Instead, you are delivered smaller screens that, depending on the model, still allow you to access all the data you need.
Again, even with a smaller display, you can look for LED and OLED displays as they are some of the most efficient shows in the world today. Also, as the screen can be responsible for sucking the battery life, handy features such as the ability to dim or completely shut-off the backlight when it is not needed are ideal to look out for.
However, some trackers will not have a display at all. Most of these types will rely heavily on a synced application for you to utilize it. For those who do not want to navigate through a small and minuscule interface, this is not a bad alternative, and it could also save on battery life.
Battery Life
No matter what type of technology device that you want to talk about if it is run off of any internal or external battery of any kind then battery life will always be a point of emphasis.
Not necessarily how long the battery will last over time, even though that can be prominent and is for some types of activity trackers, but how long it will hold a charge in one sitting. This is even more important for a device such as this as, typically, you will be using this on the go, and you may not have the means of charging it.
One important aspect to remember, with GPS technology, is fitness trackers with GPS capabilities will have slight differences in their battery life. In general, GPS technology is evil for battery life.
It consumes a ton of juice, and you can only get away with using it for so long. But, if you do not use it, the battery will last much longer. Plus, some trackers will be run off of a battery that is not meant to be charged, so you never have to worry about it (need to replace it when it dies).
Color
Past their performance features and what they provide for you, activity trackers can be used as fashion statements, and most of the time, they are. This is not the sole reason you would buy one, as there are cheaper options for that, but you will be wearing it so the style will come into play.
Why else would manufacturers design their trackers in a vast majority of colors? They understand business philosophy enough to know that people prefer different types of colors and designs, as humans are simply creatures of habit.
If someone hates the color pink, why would they want to go around with a pink activity tracker on their wrist? As simple and shallow as it may appear to some, a specific color could end up being the deciding factor (unless the tracker at hand is simply not designed well).
Top 10 Picks
1. Fitbit Alta HR
Despite a heart rate monitor that many reviewers have claimed to be inconsistent and unreliable, the Fitbit Alta HR remains the top choice for activity trackers. Among other reasons, this is vastly attributed to its combination of convenience and practicality.
Read moreSoftware Features
Besides all the necessary fitness metrics that you can track, you can also assess your sleep and heart rate. Granted the heart rate monitor is not the greatest; it still gives you the capability of doing so.
The Display
All on the OLED display, which is not too large or too small, you can tap to see all the metrics and stats you want to see; in addition to times and notifications from your synced devices.
Battery Life
Thanks to the refreshed rate of the heart rate monitor, the battery life of the Fitbit Alta is improved. On a single charge, this tracker can last up to seven days without needing another one.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Integrated into the tracker is Bluetooth technology and what this allows for you is to sync any device that also has Bluetooth technology. Thus, if you sync your smartphone, you could receive calls, texts, and notifications straight from the Alta.
Design Options
Besides the basic black colored version that is available, you also have options for either blue and gray, pink rose gold, fuchsia, and coral.
Overall
When people think of activity trackers, the first brand that comes to mind is arguably Fitbit. Their name is stamped all over the technology and their Alta HR just so happens to be their pinnacle.
2. Garmin Vivomove
Instead of just a basic fitness tracker, this is the Vivomore Smartwatch from Garmin. Past its capabilities of tracking fitness metrics, it has a visually appealing design and all the features that make it a smart device.
Read moreSoftware Features
Not only does this feature 24/7 heart rate monitoring there are also wellness monitoring tools that will help you manage your stress. In addition, you can track basic metrics such as calories, steps, distance, and time.
The Display
Overall, the display is sleek and visually appealing. Plus, because it features a touchscreen interface, you can swipe the screen to access your messages and further information.
Battery Life
If you were to utilize this watch’s smart technology without stopping, you could get up to five days of battery life. But, in standard watch mode, it can last up to two weeks.
Bluetooth Connectivity
As this is a smartwatch, it has all the capabilities of Bluetooth technology. So, you can stay connected with your devices and see notifications, calls, texts, uploads, etc.
Design Options
There are two different design options that you can select from. You can choose from a straight black watch with a black band or a black and silver watch with a brown band.
Overall
Truly, this smartwatch does it all. Besides its ability to act as a standard watch, it also possesses the capabilities of tracking all the fitness metrics you need including time, distance, calories burned, steps, etc.
3. Fitbit Surge Superwatch
For a watch that is dubbed as a “Superwatch”, there should be high expectations for this one. Indeed, it mostly lives up to the hype thanks to its built-in GPS technology for specific metric tracking and overall solid battery life.
Read moreSoftware Features
With built-in GPS technology, you can view distance, your paces, and elevation climbed in an instance. Also, you can track your workouts and monitor your sleep.
The Display
While the LED display is on all the time, you have the option of turning on the backlight by simply selecting the corresponding button. In addition, there is a light sensor that increases the contrast.
Battery Life
As GPS technology can suck a battery’s life faster than anything, if you utilize it for as long as possible you could get up to 10 hours. But, if you opt to not use it, you can get around 7 days of battery life.
Bluetooth Connectivity
With the power of Bluetooth technology, you can see call and text notifications straight from the touchscreen display. Plus, if you want to, you can wirelessly upload your data to your computer.
Design Options
If you do not want to settle for the classic black design of most fitness trackers, you can also choose from a tangerine colored band.
Overall
This features all the tech and fun that you expect from an activity tracker. Given that it is designed by Fitbit, this should not be a surprise to you. Perhaps it could have been a little lighter in terms of weight, but that is merely personal preference.
4. Garmin Forerunner 35
Garmin could be labeled the king of GPS and when you combine that technology with an activity tracker, you have what everybody wants. Unfortunately, as great as this watch is, several users have claimed that there are syncing issues and general bugs with the heart rate monitor.
Read moreSoftware Features
With vibration alerts that are built-in, you will be notified when you hit a milestone, when there is a running prompt, and how your pacing progress is going. Plus, the built-in GPS tracks basic running metrics even while you are under tree cover.
The Display
Garmin has been perfecting their design for many years and their Forerunner 35 sports an updated display. Overall, it possesses a high-resolution that is ideal for both indoor and outdoor viewing.
Battery Life
Per Garmin’s estimates, you should be able to achieve up to 13 hours of battery life in the training mode. In simply watch mode, it can last up to nine days on one charge.
Bluetooth Connectivity
While it does possess the ability to sync to your Bluetooth devices to view smart notifications and updates straight from the interface, many users have claimed that they have run into issues when trying to sync devices.
Design Options
The watch itself stays the same color but you can select what colored band you want. Choices are available from black, white, frost blue and limelight.
Overall
Past the minor issues with syncing and the inaccuracy of the heart rate monitor (which is prevalent in many trackers), Garmin proved again with their Forerunner 35 that they are simply ahead of the pack.
5. Nokia Steel Activity
Past its ultra sleek design that will appeal to almost anyone, the Nokia Steel Watch is also fantastic as an activity tracker. With the capabilities of tracking several activities, monitoring your sleep, and basic fitness metrics, it is an all-around success.
Read moreSoftware Features
With 24/7 seamless tracking, you can track several activities and also general metrics such as calories burned and distance totaled. Also, with sleep analysis, you can track your sleeping progress.
The Display
Besides the fact that the Nokia Steel will automatically detect and track all your activity without the need of pressing a button, the rich display is certainly high-class.
Battery Life
Instead of needing to recharge the battery when it dies, this device runs off of a standard button cell watch. As such, it will last up to eight months and when it exceeds its lifespan it will need to be replaced.
Bluetooth Connectivity
With the free Nokia Health Mate app, you can see your data and current trends straight from your smartphone.
Design Options
Each separate color design will adapt to users’ needs as they are all unique and appealing. This includes black, rose gold and white.
Overall
This is a terrific activity tracker for those looking to mix an appealing design with practicality. Plus, with bonus features such as a waterproof design and sleep monitoring, all the goods are present here.
6. Misfit Shine 2
This is another fitness tracker that does not sport a digital or typical display. Instead, it relies more on its smart technology and vibration alerts for tracking.
Read moreSoftware Features
Without having to do a thing, the MisFit Shine 2 will automatically track metrics such as light and heavy sleep, calories burned, total distance, and steps. In addition, you will also receive vibration alerts for alarms and reminders.
The Display
Again, there is not really a digital display. Instead, there are multiple colors that indicate certain progress and an LED makeup. But, the time is displayed for you.
Battery Life
As with some of the other trackers on this list, you do not recharge this fitness tracker. After around six months of use, which is the expected lifetime of this battery, you simply need to replace it.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Choose your favorite app and connect with it as this will sync with all sorts of applications including Runkeeper and MyFitnessPal. Plus, it can connect to compatible household devices.
Design Options
A few color choices are at your disposal and this includes pure silver, rose gold and carbon black.
Overall
Again, the overall design is a matter of taste. While, performance-wise, this is not without its flaws and hiccups, most of the time it manages to perform to its designed capabilities.
7. Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3, as opposed to some watches on this list, is more of a classic fitness tracker. With its intelligent design that measures VO2 Max and a display that will fade when not in use, it is another terrific model from the esteemed Garmin.
Read moreSoftware Features
Besides the basic training data that this will track, it will also measure VO2 Max and monitor your stress levels. VO2 Max is widely considered one of the best measures of aerobic fitness.
The Display
What is really convenient about this display is that when it is not in use, it disappears which will not only extend the battery life but also not get in the way of your style.
Battery Life
If you were to use this on an extended note without charging the battery once, it could last up five days. Of course, this will vary depending on how you use it.
Bluetooth Connectivity
When paired with a compatible device, you can view all essential information straight from the watch. For example, your text messages, emails and other notifications.
Design Options
Not too many choices are available here. Still, you can choose from either a black or purple activity tracker.
Overall
One special note is anyone who is interested in this terrific tracker, you need to take caution when caring for it. As the watch is one solid piece, if the band accidentally breaks then you can’t replace the band individually.
8. Samsung Gear Fit 2
Not only is the Samsung Gear Fit 2 ideal for fitness tracking but it also convenient for its ability to play and load music, map your run with the built-in GPS, and receive and respond to notifications and calls from your smartphone.
Read moreSoftware Features
The Gear Fit 2 gives you the ability to track your calories burned, heart rate, step count and even sleeping patterns. Even more so, it has a built-in GPS for tracking exercises as soon as you move.
The Display
This is actually one of the better displays out there, for fitness trackers. It is an AMOLED display and overall, it is both easy to read and fun to navigate through.
Battery Life
While the GPS and display are great, it does not lend its way too significantly in terms of battery life. Expect around three to four days’ worth.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not only can you connect to your smartphone, you can also store and listen to music straight through Spotify.
Design Options
A few design options are at play here including black, dark gray, pink and blue.
Overall
While battery life can be a concern, especially for your phone when it is synced, its music capabilities and overall design still make it worth an investment.
9. Fitbit Zip
The Fitbit Zip is a new design from Fitbit, who without a doubt is one of the top brands of activity trackers on the market. This small deign packs a lot of features and is defiantly a activity tracker to check out if you are in the market for one.
Read moreSoftware Features
All the activities you partake in throughout the day will be tracked, this fitbit zip will track calories burned, steps, distance, and how many minutes a day you were active. In addition, this device can be connected via bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet to give you your activity information on your device and share it with friends.
The Display
The gimmick of this fitness tracker is it provides the same capabilities as others while not sacrificing the physical display.
Battery Life
The watch battery that is replaceable lasts up to 6 months without a charge, to ensure you get the tracked information you need without missing any information.
Bluetooth Connectivity
In conjunction with this device, you will want to download the free App to be able to sync all of your data across multiple devices.
Design Options
The default tracker comes in a variety of colours to please every personality.
Overall
This activity tracker is a great one to check out as it is an affordable price and offers a array of features.
10. WELTEAYO
The Walteayo activity tracker is definitely a activity tracker to check out if you love features. This activity tracker not only tracks your fitness progress but you can also receive SMS messages, has a camera, and has call alert. If your looking for an all in one fitness and smart watch. Check this one out.
Read moreSoftware Features
This activity watch is jammed with features and has everything from tracking your fitness progress, to tracking your sleep, to viewing your sms & call alerts. That is just a couple of the features this activity tracker has, but if your one that likes features then this tracker is for you.
The Display
Featuring a display that has a bright backlight, you can see and monitor the screen in broad daylight and pitch darkness. But, you can turn off the backlight to save the battery.
Battery Life
This fitness tracker has a built in battery to ensure you get the most out of this activity tracker and that it does not die on you during a workout.
Bluetooth Connectivity
This activity tracker can connect to a variety of devices via bluetooth and can even notify you of incoming sms messages and calls.
Design Options
This activity tacker could come with more colour options, but comes for now in three colours.
Overall
This truly is an innovative and fantastic piece of equipment. If you like features then definitely spend some time seeing all the features that come with this tracker.
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