We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Fitness trackers are like little personal wellness consultants, quietly recording data on daily activity, sleep, and stress so they can reveal patterns you never knew existed. We bought 14 top models and did hundreds of workouts and sleep cycles to evaluate each side-by-side.
The Apple Watch 9 emerged as the best for most people in most activities. It scored at the top of our health and fitness impact scores and is incredibly easy to use and comfortable (but you do have to charge it frequently). The Garmin Forerunner 965 is our top choice for athletes due to the highest fitness impact score and incredible battery life.
Editor's Note: Our fitness tracker review was revised on December 1, 2024, after a new round of testing that included new products. We have new recommendations, but some of our previous top picks remain as award winners or honorable mentions.
No subscription needed, lightweight and comfortable band, reliable heart rate and distance tracking, highly capable and well-built for the price
Very smart, accurate across the board, various customization options
Reliable auto-tracking for walks and runs, comfortable fit, good battery life, great diet tracking options
Great distance accuracy, wide screen, thin profile
Comfortable, journal feature for tracking trends, comes with a portable battery pack, integrates into Whoop brand clothing
Great integration with the Samsung family, easy to use interface, customizable screen, solid heart rate tracking
Excellent walking accuracy, tons of trackable exercise options, "find my phone" feature, great battery life, lovely price
Affordable, nutritional tracking, great diet features, community features
Large screen, great step count precision
Great price, easy to use, good battery life, accurate step counting, charges quickly
Ergonomic wearable, interesting app, great sleep tracking, decent battery life
No subscription needed, app is constantly being updated with new features, gives helpful tips and reminders for lifestyle improvements, provides a weekly health summary of your data
Cons
Expensive, bulky watchface, screen is prone to scratching, limited usage for diet tracking
Expensive, short batter life, no elevation data for climbing activities, requires an iPhone
No elevation tracking, limited usage for diet tracking, need to use the app for viewing old workout data (limited storage on the band)
Battery life, heavier
Small screen with limited capabilities, mediocre heart rate accuracy, no altimeter, finicky charging port
Requires a subscription, data can only be viewed on the app, no built-in GPS
Heavy, limited fitness tracking capability, associated app feels too simple compared to what Apple offers
No way to engage with a community on the app, no altimeter, limited workout analytics, poor heart rate monitoring, no options for diet tracking, no built-in GPS
Small screen, poor visibility in light
No dieting feature, poor heart rate monitoring
Standard band pops open too easily, screen lighting triggers at the wrong times, no built-in GPS, can't switch from metric to imperial units, no altimeter
Subscription required, no built-in GPS, no distance for indoor workouts, limited activity tracking analysis
App interface has a learning curve, rings gets warm while charging, unreliable step counting, did not provide distance data for indoor workouts, experienced some app malfunctions, no built-in GPS
Bottom Line
Data lovers and serious athletes can rejoice because this rock star tracker crushes every metric. The only drawbacks are the bulky fit and the expensive price tag
An all-around powerhouse of fitness trackers, except when it comes to battery life, this device is also a full-featured smartwatch
Light, comfortable, and capable with an accessible price and loads of data make this tracker a winner for most
A step above the rest in regards to precision and customization
Sporty, functional, and budget-friendly, this model is a standout from a well-known fitness tracker brand
This tracker is for those that like a larger screen, Fitbit dieting, and community involvement with their apps
The best screenless fitness tracker also offers lifestyle tracking functionality, although we wish it didn't require a subscription-based membership
It is an easy-to-use and customizable smartwatch that integrates beautifully with other Samsung products, but the fitness tracking capability and associated app left us wanting more
Impressive battery life, uncomplicated functionality, and a variety of trackable options make this a great bargain pick if you don't mind mediocre heart rate accuracy
If you want a light and affordable fitness tracker with great fitness capabilities, we suggest this tracker
We recommend this pared-down tracker for data lovers who want a slim, comfy band
An inexpensive fitness tracker that accurately tracks steps and has good battery life, but has some issues affecting wearability and usefulness
This is a good option for anyone interested in lifestyle tracking with an understated wearable device, but we can't recommend this subscription-based ring for fitness tracking alone
It is an interesting alternative to wristband-style trackers, but this product needs some troubleshooting. At least there's no subscription!
Green, red, and infrared LEDs,
Extra negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors, IR sensor,
Accelerometers
Infrared Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, Non-contact medical-grade skin temperature sensor, 6-axis motion sensors, Red LEDs (heart rate monitoring and oxygen saturation), Green LEDs (heart rate monitoring), Infrared LEDs (heart rate monitoring)
Memory
32 GB
32 GB
4 GB
32 GB
4 GB
Saves 7 days of detailed motion data, minute by minute, Saves daily totals for the last 30 days, Stores heart rate data at one-second intervals during exercise tracking and at five-second intervals all other times
Up to 14 days (without syncing to phone)
2 GB memory, 7.1 GB available storage, 16 GB storage
Not mentioned
Saves 7 days of detailed motion data, minute by minute, Saves daily totals for the last 30 days, Stores heart rate data at one-second intervals during exercise tracking and at five-second intervals all other times
28 MB
(7 timed activities, 14 days of activity tracking data)
100 GB
Up to 7 days depending on usage
unavailable
Connectivity
Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®
Available cellular connectivity
Works with Apple Watch For Your Kids (GPS + Cellular models)
Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®
L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and QZSS
LTE and UMTS7
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Bluetooth 5.3
Apple Pay
GymKit
Support for Apple Watch For Your Kids8
International roaming
Apple iOS 15 and higher
Android 10 or higher
Apple iOS 15 or higher
Android OS 10
WiFi: built-in, or can connect to open, WEP, WPA personal, and WPA2 personal Wi-Fi. Has built-in Alexa
Apple iOS 16 or higher
iPhone 6s or higher
Android OS 10.0 or higher
Bluetooth: Bluetooth v5.3
A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz
Android 7.0 and above, iOS 12.0 and above
Apple iOS 15 or higher.
Android OS 10 or higher
Bluetooth® Smart and ANT+
iPhone, Android
Bluetooth 5.1 LE, Compatible with Android 6+ and iOS 12+
Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart®)
EMF-Safe and allows Airplane Mode
FCC certified
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE5)
Automatic firmware updates via the Ultrahuman App
Compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 or later and Android devices running Android 6 or later.
Water Resistance
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
-10m for up to 2 hours (band)
-1m for up to 2 hours (with battery pack)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
5 ATM (50m)
10 ATM (100m)
10 ATM (100m)
Notifications
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications including ability to call/text from watch
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications including ability to call/text from watch
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications
Can function as an alarm but does not give notifications
Text, call, push notifications including ability to call / text from watch
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications
Text, call, push notifications
App gives push notifications but ring itself doesn't do anything
App gives push notifications (ring is off body, ring battery is low, ect) but ring itself doesn't do anything
Alarm Clock Function
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Music Control
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Color Options?
-3 colors
-Aluminum (5 colors) or Stainless Steel (3 colors)
-an absolute plethora of bands available
-4 colors
-8 band styles available in a variety of colors for each option
-3 colors
-4 colors
-28 standard colors plus the option to create your own custom band (how fun!)
-can add a custom engraving to any band option (add $25 to price)
-Standard (2 colors) or Classic (2 colors)
-5 colors
-3 colors
-4 colors
-1 color
-3 band styles available in multiple colors for additional cost
-Heritage (4 colors) or Horizon (6 colors)
-5 colors
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Get the Apple Series 9 if you prioritize accuracy in tracking and heart rate monitoring and you want a fitness tracker that will integrate into your lifestyle and suite of Apple products. This is the fitness tracker that will do everything you need. And it will most likely exceed your expectations! When we scrutinized the heart rate monitoring capability of fitness trackers, we were impressed by how accurate the Series 9 is. For years, the only way to measure heart rate accurately during sports was with a chest strap, but the Series 9 is proof that excellent heart rate monitoring can be obtained from a wristband. Previous iterations of Apple Watches, including the SE Gen 2, are still excellent fitness trackers, but the Series 9 is a cut above and it weighs 3.3 ounces less. The fact that it offers much of the functionality of an iPhone while also being an exemplary tracker makes it the clear top performer in our lineup of fitness trackers.
The downside to all of the incredible tech packed into the Series 9 comes in the form of cost and less-than-ideal battery life. So, if you are shopping around for a fitness tracker and aren't sure whether you want to invest a lot of hard-earned cash, this probably isn't a good choice for you. And if you are a long-distance runner, cyclist, or athlete who thirsts for multi-day adventures in the mountains, the Series 9 may leave you stranded. With these two caveats in mind, if you like the idea of having an Apple fitness tracker but the price of the Series 9 is too high, take a look at the less expensive Apple SE Gen 2. If you are a serious athlete and want the best tracking capability and battery life, you'll love the Garmin Forerunner 965.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is our premier recommendation for serious athletes, particularly those who venture beyond cellular coverage and for extended periods. This advanced fitness tracker excels in delivering precise metrics while also providing robust navigation capabilities. Its exceptional battery life, outlasting all the other trackers in our lineup, and built-in GPS ensure performance throughout extended workouts and instill confidence in the wearer that, come what may, they will always be able to find their way back home. The device distinguishes itself during challenging circumstances, maintaining reliable tracking and performance analysis even when the going gets technical at high elevations. Simply put, the Forerunner is an invaluable training companion for dedicated athletes seeking professional-grade performance monitoring.
While the Forerunner excels at providing sophisticated performance monitoring and real-time feedback for athletes exploring their limits, it does not prioritize lifestyle integration or diet tracking. Also, it is important to note this device is a significant investment, and you might find that a device like the Garmin Vivoactive 5, which offers many of the same excellent functionality as the Forerunner, is better suited to your budget. Though the Forerunner provides superb sleep-tracking analysis, its bulky size might make it uncomfortable to wear in bed. It is only two-tenths of an ounce heavier than the Apple Watch Series 9, but its screen is almost 8 mm larger in diameter, and the bezel has a penchant for tangling with the sleeves and cuffs of your shirts, sweaters, and jackets. For devices that are also great at sleep tracking and less territorial with anything that comes near your wrist, the Oura Ring Gen 3 at 0.11 ounces or the Whoop 4.0 at 1.03 ounces deserve consideration, as these devices are so unobtrusive you might forget you're wearing them--even as they continuously monitor your health data. Nevertheless, our lead tester, who particularly valued the Forerunner's specialized features, became so attached to the device during testing that she described it as “becoming like a best friend” and purchased one herself.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers core performance for athletes without unnecessary complexity and without the high price of a premium fitness tracker. The bright AMOLED screen provides real-time monitoring of heart rate, pace, distance, and duration, along with industry-leading accuracy, thanks to the built-in GPS and onboard accelerometer. At 1.26 ounces, it isn't featherweight by any measure, but it is 29% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 9, and it is comfortable enough to wear to bed and record reams of sleep data (the Garmin app offers excellent sleep analysis). However, the tracking features are where the Vivoactive excels. It is not unlike having a workout buddy who keeps track of all of your stats while you are focusing on the mileage or the reps in the gym and then shows them to you afterward with analysis and some suggestions for next time.
Although we loved the Vivoactive overall, the lack of elevation tracking left us wanting. It is true that elevation can be calculated by the Garmin app (via the digital map of your route), but it isn't highly accurate, and elevation gain and loss are as important metrics as distance for mountain athletes. A barometric altimeter is included in the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Apple Watch Series 9, but it comes with a much higher price. The other aspect of Vivoactive that felt limited was the ability to review old workout data and track diet. You could probably live with just using the app to review past workouts, but if nutrition tracking is a priority, you'll want to look at another option. The Fitbit Charge 6 or the Oura Ring Gen 3 have good diet tracking features, and the latter includes effective AI to make the process even easier.
After spending so much time testing fitness trackers and doing workouts with multiple units strapped to our wrists, we developed a profound appreciation for the Fitbit Charge 6, which has a built-in GPS and monitors our health and fitness 24/7 yet is uncomplicated and comfortable. We feel that the Charge 6 is a device that balances the need for reliable tracking technology without being overwhelming. We also appreciated the excellent battery life, the diet tracking features, and the autodetection feature for runs. You really can just head out on a jog, and the Fitbit will start tracking without you needing to tell it to do so. It is also comfortable to wear while sleeping.
The traits of simplicity and approachability that make the Fitbit Charge 6 a great choice for many casual users are also the reasons it may not meet the needs of a serious athlete. For example, our testers observed that although the app offers clarity, it doesn't go deep on data analysis. However, the main issue they had was that the heart rate tracking lagged behind our actual heart rate, sometimes by up to 10 seconds, so it missed recording our peak heart rate during HITT sessions. We were also frustrated when the Charge 6 didn't record our heart rate data during a manually tracked workout. If recording accurate heart rate is critical to you, we recommend the Garmin Vivoactive, which, although it is more expensive, offers superior heart rate and GPS tracking. The Vivoactive screen is also nearly twice as wide as the Charge 6, so you can easily monitor stats, like heart rate, during a workout. At the same time, there is the appeal of a fitness tracker that truly fades into the background, which is why we also recommend looking at the Whoop 4.0. Even though it is 3% heavier than the Fitbit, the Whoop offers excellent health-tracking features in a very comfortable band.
The Whoop 4.0 is innovative; this slender little tracker is an original take on the fitness tracker concept, and it contains advanced technology for monitoring your lifestyle and health. We also loved how comfortable it was to wear. Speaking of comfort, we are super intrigued by the Whoop clothing line that has little pockets sewn into the garments for holding the Whoop device. We didn't test their clothing, but we think the concept has a lot of merit. The strengths of Whoop are its excellent sleep tracking and recovery analysis. It may take thirty days to accumulate enough data to calibrate, but once you get there, it provides a ton of insight. With respect to training load, Whoop assesses things a little differently than other fitness trackers, but the “Strain” score it calculates is easy to learn and compare with other workouts. We also loved how effective it was at auto-detecting outdoor activities and overall heart rate tracking. It is also legitimately designed to be worn 24/7; the device battery, which lasts between four to five days, recharges from a secondary battery that slides onto the device, so you never really have to stop (although it does take about 2.5 hours to hit 100%).
The fact that the Whoop doesn't have a screen is a fantastic feature. We are all for fewer distractions during workouts or even in the day-to-day, but there is a drawback to not being able to view your fitness data, or your heart rate for that matter, without your smartphone. Our other major issue with the Whoop is that it requires a subscription. You get a lot of features with a subscription, but the additional monthly cost is something you have to factor in with the price. We would also like to point out that even though the Whoop is 39% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 9, it is more of an extension of your smartphone rather than a stand-alone device: the Whoop doesn't have a built-in GPS or an altimeter. Ultimately, we recommend the Whoop for people who are most interested in tracking lifestyle metrics, like daily activity, sleep, and various health metrics such as blood oxygen and stress, but it isn't a great fit for someone looking for a device that will provide real-time monitoring for running, bike rides, or gym workouts. If those sports are your priority, we recommend you consider the Garmin Vivoactive 5 or the Apple Watch Series 9. However, if you are shopping for a fitness tracker on a tight budget, we suggest you take a look at the Amazfit Band 7, which is also lightweight but is available at a fraction of the cost.
Heavy Usage: 12 Days
Typical Usage: 18 Days
Battery Saver Mode: 28 Days
Built-In GPS Tracking
No
Despite the affordable price point, the Amazfit Band 7 doesn't compromise on essential features, such as reliable tracking and excellent battery life. We recommend it to anyone who is shopping for a fitness tracker on a tight budget. We also think that it is a good option for anyone who is on the fence about whether a fitness tracker would work for them and doesn't want to overspend. We have tested previous versions of the Amazfit Band and were pleased to see that this model has increased the screen size by 112% while still keeping its low profile. The screen is also bright and easily visible in the sunlight. However, it is the battery life (12-18 days with typical usage), the step counting (with only 4.67% margin of error), and the distance tracking (4% margin of error) where this little band sings. It also does a good job of sleep tracking and assigns a sleep quality score that is easy to interpret. Most people who shop for fitness trackers prioritize these features, so it is great to see an option that honors those priorities while keeping the price down.
Even though the Amazfit is leagues ahead of the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 in terms of battery life, the heart rate monitoring is poor, taking up to 30 seconds to register our heart rate during test trials. It does follow general heart rate trends, but it isn't useful for monitoring heart rate during interval sessions when heart rate spikes and dips dramatically. Our lead tester also found the band to be difficult to put on and adjust. She was also aware of a slight pressure point from the sensors while wearing it. We did like the Personal Activity Scoring Intelligence (PAI) for scoring our fitness, but the analysis of workout data on the app is quite basic. In order to access more features, you have to sign up for a subscription. For these reasons, an athlete who wants to achieve specific goals might want to look more closely at the Garmin Forerunner 965, even though the Garmin is 91% bigger and 89% heavier. If you want a more minimal band, we also recommend the Fitbit Charge 6, which is more expensive, but it has great diet tracking options, built-in GPS, reliable auto tracking, and it weighs the same as the Amazfit.
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is the health and fitness tracker for the discriminating sartorialist. Very few people will know you are actively tracking your health data every moment of the day. This feature makes it a compelling option for professionals and health-oriented individuals who want insight into their health but prefer to do so without the bulk of a fitness watch or band. It also offers superb sleep tracking and step-counting accuracy. After we had completed our testing, Oura Ring released the Gen 4, which we were able to briefly use, although not fully test, before publishing this review. Oura made a number of improvements in this latest iteration, which include enhancements in overall comfort, style, weight, and several new app features.
At 0.11 ounces, it is one of the lightest fitness and health devices we tested, but it is important to think of the Oura Ring as an extension of your smartphone--a discrete hub of sensors--rather than a stand-alone device, like the Garmin Forerunner 965. We think the device has a lot of merit, but we also acknowledge that it is limited as a fitness tracker. You cannot view real-time data during exercises, even if you have your phone out, and although it can store health information in the band, it needs a tethered smartphone to determine geolocation and track a route. Heart rate tracking is also limited to five activities (indoor/outdoor running, indoor/outdoor cycling, and walking). If you want to be able to monitor your fitness data during a workout, we recommend the Apple Watch Series 9, which is an elegant device that is also incredibly powerful. It may be 15 times heavier than the Oura Ring, but it can also send and receive texts, emails, and calls and is nothing short of being a supercomputer on your wrist.
Our testing revealed that the Oura Ring may not be the best choice for fitness tracking for runners, cyclists, or climbers, but it is an incredible device for monitoring health data and tracking overall lifestyle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
Our commitment to thorough testing might have made us look obsessive to casual observers, but we can say with complete confidence that we really tested these trackers and know them inside and out.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Why Trust GearLab
We invested a lot of time into researching trackers, comparing specifications, and talking to everyone from serious athletes to recreational fitness enthusiasts about fitness trackers. We then reviewed our testing regimen and made some adjustments to our procedures to reflect new technologies and to emphasize the metrics that matter most to our readers. Our tests were then performed in meticulous side-by-side tests, where accuracy was compared in heart rate monitoring, step counting, elevation tracking, and distance tracking. We also talked to a diverse panel of judges at GearLab to gain perspective on comfort, appearance, and general wearability.
We tested fitness trackers using five performance metrics:
Fitness Impact (30% of overall score weighting)
Health Impact (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Battery (10% weighting)
Fit (10% weighting)
GearLab has been rigorously testing fitness trackers through hands-on reviews since 2017. Our reviews are regularly updated with new releases, and we purchase all products independently, ensuring unbiased evaluations without any financial influence. Our fitness tracker team is led by the boundless energy of Genaveve Bradshaw , who personally saw to putting each tracker through marathon days in the mountains, whether running, climbing, biking, or paddling. She also accumulated many miles on treadmills, the local paths near our office, countless laps on the climbing wall, and many HITT sessions to ascertain which fitness trackers were most accurate and worthy of our coveted awards. Austin Palmer and Jessica Ricoscente have also contributed their experience with and perspective on fitness trackers from previous GearLab reviews of trackers, smartwatches, and hundreds of other tech and smart home products. Jared Eastlickk is another invaluable member of the team. He has a background in software testing and is an ISAA-certified fitness trainer. Brian Pidduck served as the writer for this project; his work involved synthesizing the spreadsheets and reams of data produced by the testers and shaping it into this review.
Our testing procedure involves careful lab measurements before we begin long-term testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
Fitness trackers work on a simple but powerful principle: when we can measure and record our fitness and health metrics, we gain the insight needed to make meaningful improvements in our habits and our workouts. So, to test their measuring ability, we devised a testing process based on five distinct metrics: Fitness Impact, Health Impact, Ease of Use, Battery, and Fit. Ultimately, these metrics will help you find the best fitness tracker for your needs. Each tracker model received a score in each metric, and these scores were combined to determine the overall score. Our discussion of these scores and specific observations from our team are included below.
What's the Best Value?
We think the Amazfit Band 7 is a great option if you are looking for the best bang for the buck. While it does have a limited set of functions compared to the top models, it counts your steps and tracks the distance traveled quite well, all for a low price. For those who want a higher degree of accuracy and functions tailored towards athletes, we recommend the Garmin Vivoactive 5, which combines many features seen in Garmin's high-end line of fitness trackers but at a more accessible price.
Fitness Impact
We rated each product on the quality of community and social features, as well as what activities and workouts each device could track and how accurate they were. While health and fitness are closely related, we focused on how well each tracker recorded physical activities in this metric.
Two of our baseline fitness impact tests with trackers was step counting and distance tracking.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
In our rigorous assessment of fitness trackers, we employed both lab and field-based tests. These included manually counting steps on a one-mile course and comparing it to each tracker's counter, testing their accuracy, measuring distance, and testing effectiveness in monitoring high-intensity cardio and cycling workouts.
The Apple Watch Series 9 truly impressed our test team with its exceptional step-tracking accuracy. When compared to a manual counter, it only deviated by an absolute average of 3.7 steps (that is a 0.185% error rate). This level of accuracy makes it the top performer in the test group, with only the Fitbit Inspire 3 (average deviation of 6.3 steps) and the Xiaomi Band 8 coming close to this level of precision.
Our extensive testing gave us good insight into the depth of data analysis each device can provide
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Series 9 is also superb at generating data analysis from all kinds of workouts, whether on foot, on the bike, or in the gym. Furthermore, the included functions for interval training, hill repeats, and other specific training modalities are well-suited to athletes seeking to maximize performance. There are also eighty-one trackable activities, and if none of those match your needs, there are options for customization. The Oura Ring Gen 3 offers a similar number of trackable activities (eighty-two, in fact), but it is important to note that you can only track heart rate in five activities (indoor/outdoor running, indoor/outdoor cycling, and walking.
We subjected each tracker to a rigorous testing regimen encompassing running, hiking, walking, cycling, paddling, climbing, and strength training.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Accuracy in measuring distance also factored prominently into the overall score of each tracker. In this respect, the Apple Watch Series 9 is also a top performer and is bested only by the Garmin Forerunner 965. The Series 9 had an error rate of 5.67% in our distance trials, while the Forerunner was nearly perfect, with an error rate of only 0.33%.
Some fitness trackers do an impressive job with measuring distance on a treadmill, while others struggle in this area.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Fitness trackers can employ different sensors for determining distance, which include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, cellular signal (via a tethered smartphone), or built-in GPS or GPS in a tethered smartphone. Trackers that have a built-in GPS scored the highest since not only does GPS offer superb accuracy, but it also means that a tracker can operate as a stand-alone unit. The Garmin Forerunner was at the top of the heap in this metric, considering its notable GPS capabilities, preloaded maps, distance-to-destination tracking, ability to create courses, LiveTrack feature (so friends and family can see your location as well as speed, pace, etc. during an activity), back-to-start tracking, and all around navigation capability. Garmin's are well-known for their strength in this area, and the less expensive Vivoactive 5 is no exception. The Apple Watch Series 9 also scores well in terms of overall GPS and navigation capabilities (it can also lead you back to your starting point).
Unlike running or cycling, climbing is a dynamic sport where each movement is different from the one that preceded it. For this reason, we had our eye out for trackers that could help climbers to quantify their training.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Elevation tracking was another sub-metric we emphasized. It can be measured directly via a barometric altimeter, or the tracker app can estimate it using a digital map. As you might imagine, direct measurement is much more accurate. However, we took testing a step further by evaluating the trackers during rock climbing sessions. We were the most impressed (actually, we were super pumped!) to see that the Garmin Forerunner 965 could accurately track our laps at the climbing gym. The Apple Watch Series 9 also does a great job of tracking elevation overall on runs, hikes, and rides, but it doesn't track rock climbing.
In our opinion, large, bright screens with multiple data fields are best for cycling.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
In terms of suitability for cycling, the Forerunner 965 was again the best device we tested. During rides, it is possible to view data, such as heart rate, speed, and total ascent, on the large bright screen. There are also separate features for using a power meter to analyze cycling performance (although we didn't test that feature). The Apple Watch Series 9 is also a good tracker for cycling and was the next best performer.
Cycling Features
Heart Rate
Heart Rate Zone
Elevation
Speed
Lap Times
Calories Burned
Amazfit Band 7
✖
✖
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
✖
Fitbit Inspire 3
✖
✖
Fitbit Versa 4
✖
✖
Garmin Vivosmart 5
✖
*can be added through the app
✖
*can be added through the app
✖
✖
Apple Watch 9
✖
Fitbit Charge 6
✖
✖
Garmin Forerunner 965
✖
Oura Ring Gen 3
✖
✖
✖
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
✖
Ultrahuman Ring Air
✖
✖
✖
✖
Garmin Vivoactive 5
✖
✖
Whoop 4.0
✖
✖
✖
Xiaomi Band 8
✖
✖
Next, we looked at the ability of trackers to auto-detect walks, runs, rides, or other activities. In this area, the Forerunner 965 is underwhelming since it requires a button press to start tracking. The Series 9 was one of the best trackers in this sub-metric, followed by the Fitbit Charge 6. It “did a great job of consistently detecting runs, although it was less consistent for detecting walks and not reliable for detecting bike rides,” shared our lead tester.
We tested the trackers on mountain bike rides on our local trails. Some work well for cycling, while others provide little more than a stopwatch function.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
We then evaluated the general workout tracking features of each tracker. We did various running workouts, HITT workouts, and strength training sessions to evaluate which units recorded our data effectively. We also evaluated any workout features, workout programs, or unique fitness analysis features. The Fitbit Charge 6, Garmin Forerunner 965, and Apple Watch Series 9 were all excellent trackers in this area. When discussing the Forerunner, our lead tester reported that "when you're doing one of the workouts, this tracker is your built-in coach and buddy!"
Our lead tester is unstoppable. Giving her a fitness tracker for a month of testing is arguably the best test protocol any of us could have devised.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Next, we looked at the companion apps for each manufacturer and assessed the opportunities for community engagement. Many people we talked to extolled the value of connecting with and interacting with other fitness aficionados, so we evaluated apps for the features that provide opportunities to share goals or join groups or challenges. Our prolonged testing and general use of the apps revealed that the Whoop 4.0 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 are the best in this sub-metric. Some trackers have emphasized this feature in the past, like those from Fitbit, but recent changes in community features on the app (as of spring 2024) have disappointed some users.
Fitness Features
Built In GPS
Altimeter
Challenges
Workout Autodetection
Amazfit Band 7
✖
✖
✖
✖
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
Fitbit Inspire 3
✖
✖
✖
Fitbit Versa 4
✖
Garmin Vivosmart 5
✖
✖
Apple Watch 9
Fitbit Charge 6
✖
✖
Garmin Forerunner 965
✖
Oura Ring Gen 3
✖
✖
✖
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Ultrahuman Ring Air
✖
✖
✖
Garmin Vivoactive 5
✖
Whoop 4.0
✖
✖
Xiaomi Band 8
✖
✖
Trackers are available in various designs, shapes, and sizes, which influences how well they are suited to different sports and lifestyles.
Health Impact
The health impact score of each tracker carries similar weight to the fitness impact score. To assess health impact, we started by testing heart rate accuracy against a chest strap heart rate monitor that is highly accurate. Then, we looked at the diet-tracking features in each model and how well each tracked sleep. Lastly, we assessed health features and monitoring (such as blood oxygen concentration and stress).
Important Health Impact Submetric Scores
Product
Heart Rate
Sleep Tracking
Diet
Fitbit Versa 4
6.5
7
10
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
8.5
7
8
Fitbit Inspire 3
7
6
10
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
10
7.5
5
Apple Watch 9
10
7.5
5
Oura Ring Gen 3
7
9.5
6
Fitbit Charge 6
5
7
10
Whoop 4.0
6
9.5
6
Garmin Forerunner 965
10
9
2
Garmin Vivoactive 5
9
8
2
Garmin Vivosmart 5
8
7
2
Ultrahuman Ring Air
5.5
8
3
Xiaomi Band 8
7
6
3
Amazfit Band 7
4
8
2
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Garmin Forerunner 965 were the top performers for our health impact metric. The Garmin excels in athletic performance metrics, while the Apple Watch is better suited to tracking lifestyle and health. Both offer approximately 15-20% more comprehensive health tracking capabilities compared to the next tier of devices.
To test heart rate accuracy, we compared each watch to a chest-mounted heart rate monitor. Below are the results with the Apple watches and the Garmin Forerunner 965 as the most accurate.
The Polar chest strap monitor served as the benchmark for testing heart rate accuracy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Series 9 and the Forerunner offer excellent real-time heart rate tracking. The Forerunner has a color-coded HR zone visualization that our lead tester appreciated during HITT workouts as well as during running workouts when she wanted to keep her heart rate within a specific zone (the Garmin also provides subtle vibrations and cues to alert you to when you drift out of the intended zone).
Health Impact Additional Features
Inactivity Reminder
Blood Oxygen
ECG
Skin Temp
Stress
Menstrual Trackinfg
VO2 Max
Training Load / Recovery
Amazfit Band 7
✖
✖
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
✖
✖
✖
Fitbit Inspire 3
✖
✖
App Only
Subscription Only
Fitbit Versa 4
✖
App Only
Subscription Only
Garmin Vivosmart 5
✖
✖
Apple Watch 9
Fitbit Charge 6
Subscription Only
Garmin Forerunner 965
Oura Ring Gen 3
✖
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
✖
Ultrahuman Ring Air
✖
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
✖
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Whoop 4.0
✖
App Only
✖
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
App Only
Xiaomi Band 8
✖
✖
Our lead tester has an affinity for testing trackers with the MURPH test. This interval-based workout, which she completes in under an hour, involves dramatic spikes and dips in heart rate, bracketed by runs that involve intense, protracted effort.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Charge 6 scored low in our heart rate tests. It doesn't follow rapid heart rate change, but it does a fairly good job of recording average heart rate. So, it is fine for general fitness tracking, but it isn't accurate enough for someone who needs to know exactly where their heart rate is during a workout.
Our recommendations were informed by testing the trackers side-by-side, which at times yielded interesting results.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Despite not being as accurate with heart rate tracking, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the best tracker in the lineup for diet and nutrition tracking. The app provides barcode scanning, detailed nutrient breakdown, and precise portion adjustments, and it is straightforward to implement in the day-to-day.
We assessed the trackers' performance during sleep, including both full nights and short naps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sleep tracking was the next sub-metric we focused on. We determined the accuracy of each tracker by comparing the data between different trackers (we wore multiple trackers at night during the testing period) and cross-checking it with our impression of sleep quality. The Whoop 4.0 and Oura Ring Gen 3 were the best at logging our Z's. It is interesting to note that these trackers are also some of the least cumbersome to wear in bed. The Whoop excels with detailed sleep debt tracking and behavior correlation, while the Oura has automatic nap detection and suggests personalized bedtimes for optimizing sleep.
Each tracker calculates sleep scores a little differently, but the information that each provides is universally enlightening
Credit: Matt Lighthart
In other health metrics and features, the Forerunner and the Apple Watch Series 9 offer the most extensive health tracking. Garmin has the athletic department covered with its “Training Readiness” and “Body Battery” scores, while the Apple Watch provides insightful walking metrics analysis and environmental sound monitoring.
It is one thing to record your heart rate during a workout, but a tracker's ability to analyze and display your data is another.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
In terms of data presentation and overall usability of the app, both the Forerunner 965 and the Vivoactive 5 score the highest for data interpretation and analysis. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 is close behind with the intuitive ring system and clear visualization of health metrics. An honorable mention in this sub-metric goes to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which provides good data accessibility but less detailed analysis.
We finger-danced for miles in our testing of screens and tracker interfaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Considering how a fitness tracker is meant to be worn all day and every day, we analyzed how easy each tracker is to use. This involved comparing the effort it took to setup each device, how well data synced from the device to the app, what it was like to put the tracker on in the first place, and how difficult it was to sync data from the device to the app.
Ease of Use Submetric Scores
Product
Phone App
Wearability
Display
Connectivity
Apple Watch 9
7.5
8
10
9.5
Fitbit Versa 4
9
8
7.4
10
Apple Watch SE Gen 2
7.5
7
9.4
9
Fitbit Charge 6
9
9
5.8
7.5
Garmin Forerunner 965
8
5
9.3
8
Garmin Vivoactive 5
8
8.5
6.8
7
Fitbit Inspire 3
9
9
4.1
7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
5
5
8.1
10
Garmin Vivosmart 5
8
6.5
4.6
7
Whoop 4.0
9
9
2.4
5
Amazfit Band 7
8
3.5
6
7
Xiaomi Band 8
6
4
6.5
7
Oura Ring Gen 3
9
8
1
5
Ultrahuman Ring Air
4
8.5
1
3
The Apple Watch Series 9, Garmin Forerunner 965, and Fitbit Charge 6 were our top scorers in overall ease of use. We emphasize daily usability and interface navigation, but there are some key points to discuss regarding these top performers.
It will track distance perfectly, but it won't track how many times you have to struggle to put on your jacket while pretending everything's fine.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
First of all, we love the buttons, display, and overall usability of the Forerunner. But we have to warn potential users that this device is going to attract attention from people around you, and it also makes itself known to every article of clothing or backpack strap! The screen can display multiple metrics simultaneously, which we love when out on the trail, but it is 23% larger and 11.5% thicker than the Apple Watch Series 9. The Fitbit Charge 6 is even better at fading into the background (43% smaller than the Series 9).
We scrutinized each app and explored every corner of its being.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
At the culmination of our testing, our team had accumulated a ton of mileage with various apps (to say nothing of previous rounds of testing!). Their experiences led them to score the Apple apps (Watch, Fitness, Health) as the top of the heap, but the Garmin Connect app was close behind and appreciated for the “clean, data-driven interface and minimal 'fluff' content.” The Fitbit app was also identified as having clean organization and a customizable home screen. It will probably come as no surprise that the device with the best connectivity and smart features was the Apple Watch Series 9--it almost isn't fair to compare it to other trackers in this respect. This little thing is highly capable of messaging, placing calls, video and images, and otherwise seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Some of the apps take a lot more time to set up, but that factor requires some discussion: the length of time it takes for the tracker to calibrate to the user is also correlated with heightened detail, such as with heart rate variability, stress scores, and overall health scores. We appreciated the trackers and apps that were the speediest to spit out health and fitness data, but we also know that more data, which takes time to record, typically yields more insight.
In terms of screen responsiveness, we observed up to a 90% difference between top performers (i.e., Apple, Garmin) and the more basic trackers in our lineup. The top performers also have up to 75% more overall interface features.
All of the trackers in our lineup are ready for any of your aquatic adventures.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
All of the devices in our lineup are rated to 5 ATM or fifty meters except for the Whoop, Oura Ring, and the Ultrahuman Ring Air, which can sustain 10 ATM (or one hundred meters). In short, all of these devices are cleared for showering, swimming, surfing, paddling, and just about any water-based activity you can dream up.
In order to help you achieve your goals, a tracker needs to have staying power and easily accept a charge.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Battery
We tested battery performance by assessing the measured time to charge, how long the battery lasted during our testing trials, and our experience with the various cables and charging ports of each device. Our lead tester also took each tracker on a three-day weekend adventure to see if it could last without recharging.
It is interesting to note that our overall top-performing fitness tracker, the Apple Watch Series 9, cannot match the battery life of two of the least expensive trackers in our lineup, the Amazfit Band 7 and the Xiaomi Band 8. Both of these devices charge quickly (the Xiamoi takes less than an hour to hit 100%)) and last between 16-18 days under normal use. They also have strong magnetic connections between the cord and the charging port.
We also want to point out that the Series 9 is probably not the best choice for an ultra-marathon athlete due to the battery life, but the *Garmins* do have sufficient battery life for this kind of use.
More than anybody else, our lead tester knows the strengths and weaknesses of all the trackers in our lineup.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fit
Fit was a much simpler test for these products, but it nonetheless yielded distinct favorites. The Oura Ring Gen 3, Ultrahuman Ring Air were the top performers in this metric and are both ultra-lightweight (0.11 oz and 0.10 oz, respectively). However, the Ultrahuman Ring Air “is noticeably more comfortable,” shared our lead tester. Additional key observations from our test team indicated that even though the two rings have a great fit, our testers were always aware of them. However, the Fitbit Charge 6, which scored lower overall in terms of fit, was deemed to be more comfortable. This is also the case with the Whoop 4.0, which earned a perfect score in Comfort.
Far from the madding crowd, your fitness tracker might become your new best friend.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Our lead tester reported that the Whoop feels like a (soft cloth bracelet you can forget about." However, she also sustained some cuts from the metal clasp when she wore it during a crack climbing session at the local crag. She was also a fan of the Forerunner, but she pointed out that the Vivoactive 5 was “way more comfortable than the Forerunner.”
Looks like a regular ring, but acts like a tiny health-tracking wizard.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
With so many fitness trackers available, finding the ideal model for your needs can be a daunting task. This review aims to assist you in narrowing down your search by providing invaluable insight into each tracker's strengths and weaknesses. While all of us at GearLab love to test technology and share our perspectives with you, we are all active people, so testing fitness trackers was particularly meaningful. After logging countless miles, workouts, and sleep sessions with these devices, we genuinely hope that our work helps you find a fitness tracker that allows you to achieve your fitness goals. We'll see you out there!
