Want to become more active or just get in better shape? You can measure your general wellbeing, get better sleep, and meet your health and fitness goals with the best fitness trackers, all from the comfort of your wrist. They can even keep track of your development and offer in-depth advice on how you’re doing or what adjustments you could make.
What Is Fitness Tracker?
Fitness trackers are wearables made to be used while exercising. They can assess your level of sleep as well as your heart rate and blood oxygen levels while swimming beside you. They can assess your level of sleep as well as your heart rate and blood oxygen levels while swimming beside you.
Even playing music, answering texts, and paying for groceries may all be done with some fitness trackers. But, with so many options available, picking the finest fitness tracker or fitness watch for your needs can be challenging.
We put top models to the test while they were bicycling, swimming, running, and even sleeping to see who would succeed and who wouldn’t even get off the ground. Here is our compilation.
The 10 Best Fitness Trackers You Can Buy In 2023
1. Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit’s newest tracker, the Fitbit Charge 5, boasts a number of fascinating capabilities typically found on more expensive gadgets, such as an ECG heart rate monitor. In our testing, we found that the color touch screen is bright, constantly on, and a significant upgrade over the Fitbit Charge 4’s. It is great for usage during HIIT workouts or hikes and is simple to read in strong sunshine, however we found that using it while running was a little challenging due to the lack of tactile buttons.
The “Daily Readiness Score” function on the Fitbit Charge 5 also calculates your degree of fitness for a demanding workout using three different metrics: recent sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), and activity.
If you want a tracker that is easy to read in bright sunshine, fits securely on your wrist, and has a lot of functions for the money, this is a good choice. Additionally, if you currently use a Fitbit Charge 3 or an earlier model, upgrading is worthwhile only for the color screen. Prior to the announcement of the Fitbit Charge 5, the Fitbit Charge 4 was the greatest fitness tracker, and it is likely to be on sale.
2. Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 0.86 X 0.58 inches AMOLED touchscreen
- On-board music: No
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Swim tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 7 days/5 hours with GPS
- ECG monitor: Yes
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best inexpensive fitness tracker because it excels at the fundamentals, including precise workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep stage logging. The Inspire 3 makes up for its lack of built-in GPS with other features, such as Fitbit’s inspiring (get it?) community of people attempting to become and stay in shape. It is a little frustrating that it doesn’t have built-in GPS, but you can connect it to your phone’s GPS. You can take part in competitions to outrun friends, coworkers, or even total strangers.
Fitbit’s Active Zone Minutes statistic, a 10-day battery life, touch controls, and—in the largest change from the Fitbit Inspire 2—a stunning, brilliant AMOLED screen are all included for $100. Although the Fitbit device itself is only offered in black, customers can choose from three distinct band colors: morning light, lilac, and black. The bracelet is available in small and big sizes.
Throughout testing, we admired how little and cozy this tiny tracker was to wear for continuous health monitoring. Also, we liked how much more luxurious the tracker appeared to be with a color screen. It won’t be for everyone, but the Inspire 3 is a great option if you want a reasonably priced fitness tracker.
Because you get a lot for around $100 and we were impressed with how simple it was to use, the Fitbit Inspire 3 won Best Fitness Tracker at the 2023 Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards.
3. Amazfit Band 5 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Size: 1.5 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Display: AMOLED
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS: No
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Smartphone notifications: Yes
- Battery life: 10 days
Several of the outstanding features featured in this year’s high-end smartwatches are promised in the $50 Amazfit Band 5 fitness tracker, but at a far cheaper price. Several high-end features are included in it, such as a blood oxygen (SpO2) reading, stress monitoring, high heart rate warnings, an integrated Amazon Alexa, sleep tracking, and others.
In our tests, the Amazfit Band 5’s sleep and fitness tracking were reasonable—not amazing, but respectable given the low price and still providing more than other trackers of its kind. Even better, the 15-day battery life meant you don’t have to worry about charging it all the time.
4. Fitbit Sense 2 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Size: 1.9 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches
- Display: 126 x 294 pixels
- Battery life: 15 days
- Swim-proof: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- GPS: No
- Heart rate sensor: Yes
The top-tier Fitbit smartwatch, the Fitbit Sense 2, has more sophisticated health and wellness capabilities than the Versa line. During our testing, we discovered that the Fitbit Sense 2 gave us a more comprehensive understanding of our overall health.
Fitbit’s most comprehensive smartwatch to date, the Sense 2 differs from the original Fitbit Sense in terms of design, UI, and EDA sensor. The success of the device is greatly attributed to an update to the stress-detection EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor. Now known as cEDA (‘c’ for continuous), the sensor continuously tracks stress levels or heightened responses throughout the day, alerting the user to take action on mood monitoring with Body Response notifications.
The Sense 2, one of the best fitness trackers, is compatible with iOS and Android, has built-in GPS, a native app store, Alexa, and more. Fitbit is no longer only a company that makes items for counting our steps; Fitbit products, like the Fitbit Sense 2, also make great smartwatches.
5. Garmin Forerunner 265 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Sizes: 1.1 inches (265S) and 1.3 inches (265) GPS
- Battery Life: 24 hours (265S) and 20 hours (265)
- GPS: Yes
- Sleep Tracking: Yes
- Swim-Proof: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Forerunner 265 is among the best sports watches that Garmin offers, and it is one of our favorites. AMOLED technology makes it simple to read even in bright sunshine on the recently released mid-range Garmin running watch.
We were impressed with this watch’s lightweight and ease of use while running during testing. We valued the Forerunner 265’s addition of multisport and triathlon modes, which let you track all of your training in an one session. The 265 is available in two distinct sizes: 42mm and 46mm. We tested the 42mm version and were really impressed with how sleek and light it felt on the wrist.
You can download Garmin’s training plans onto the watch, just like with many of the top Garmins, which will help you run and race more intelligently.
Many of Garmin’s more expensive features, like as the Morning Report and the Training Readiness Score, which both aid in assessing your general health, are also included in the Forerunner 265. except for the screen, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is very identical and still a fantastic option if you’re on a tight budget.
6. Garmin Venu 2 Plus Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Sizes: 43mm
- Battery Life (Rated): 9 days (8 hours GPS)
- GPS: Yes
- Sleep Tracking: Yes
- Swim-Proof: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
With the release of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus this year, the already excellent fitness-tracking smartwatch Garmin Venu 2 received a significant upgrade. To compete with some of its main rivals, Garmin updated the Venu series with voice assistants and on-voice calls. The outcome? The smartwatch just became more intelligent.
During testing, we discovered that the Venu 2 Plus also allows you to store up to 650 songs on the watch, make and accept calls from your wrist, and call up Siri or Google Assistant in addition to the 25 distinct training modes and run-tracking features you’ve come to expect from Garmin.
Although it is not the most affordable smartwatch on the market at $449, you can’t go wrong if you want a linked watch with all the workout tracking capabilities of a Garmin.
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Sizes: One size, with adjustable strap
- Battery Life (Rated): 40 hours
- GPS: Yes
- Sleep Tracking: Yes
- Swim-Proof: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an outstanding piece of equipment for anyone wishing to monitor their health from their wrist, whether they own a Samsung phone. . It is the first significant wristwatch to include bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which can assist you in managing your health objectives. It contains a 3-in-1 health sensor that can measure body composition, take ECGs, and detect heart rate.
Even if you’re not concerned with your body composition, the watch has everything you need to track your daily activities, including automated workout tracking in case you forget to press start. The battery life of this watch, which Samsung claims will last 40 hours with GPS and activity tracking turned on, fell short during our testing. But, unless you’re planning an ultramarathon, you shouldn’t let this deter you.
8. Whoop 4.0 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Size: 1.5 inches x 1 inch x 0.5 inches
- Battery life: 4-5 days
- GPS: No
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Swim-proof: Yes
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
This one is a little unusual because the Whoop 4.0 is a subscription-based device rather than a fitness tracker you can buy. The Whoop band doesn’t have a screen or built-in GPS; instead, it concentrates on heart rate recovery to give you a better overall picture of how hard you’ve been exercising.
Without a question, the Whoop 4.0 is an excellent health tracker for those seeking deeper health insights. There is a very good reason why many of the best athletes in the world have been seen wearing one on their wrist or around their biceps – the information would be priceless for a coach.
Insights like skin temperature, which may be used as a measure to see when your core body temperature is rising — this could be an indication you’re getting sick — as well as providing more thorough sleep data, haven’t even been mentioned. In regard to tracking and statistics, this tracker leads the sector.
Nevertheless, if you’re seeking for a fitness tracker that you can use to get real-time feedback while working out or running, this one isn’t for you. Although it takes some getting used to, the Whoop 4.0 undoubtedly has a special niche in the market.
9. Apple Watch Series 8 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
- Battery Life: 18 hours (36 with low-power mode)
- GPS: Yes
- Swim-Proof: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- LTE: Optional
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay
- Compatibility: iOS
While the Apple Watch 8 features a skin temperature sensor and shares a lot of similarities with the Apple Watch 7, it offers consumers more accurate sleep data and menstrual cycle monitoring. Even while it’s not as sophisticated as the Apple Watch Ultra, it’s still a fantastic option for the majority of individuals shopping for a fitness tracker.
Running, cycling, walking, and strength training are among the watch’s 14 quick-start workout modes. You can also add new programs to the Workout app. This year, it added Tai Chi and automatic outside cycling tracking, allowing it to recognize when you get on a bike and start a workout.
Also, the riding algorithm has been modified to take into account measurements for the best electric bikes, which are easier to ride than standard cycles.
Nevertheless, if you currently own an Apple Watch Series 7, it’s probably not worth the upgrading just yet to get the skin temperature sensor. But if you still have a Series 4 or Series 5 Apple Watch, upgrading is definitely worthwhile for the full Apple Watch experience.
10. Fitbit Versa 3 Fitness Tracker
Features:
- Sizes: One size
- Battery Life (Rated): 6 days
- GPS: Yes
- Sleep Tracking: Yes
- Swim-Proof: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Fitbit Versa 3, the successor to the Fitbit Versa 2, is the best fitness tracker for tracking sleep. The Versa 3’s onboard GPS is its most notable improvement. Now, the Versa can (finally) track your whereabouts as you work out outside even if you leave your phone at home. A larger, more curved display is also welcome.
Moreover, Active Zone Minutes, a fantastic workout motivator tool, has been added to the Versa 3. Active Zone Minutes, a feature introduced with the Charge 4, keeps track of how much time you spend exercising in the fat-burning, cardio, or peak heart-rate zones. Your goal is to achieve the 150 Active Zone Minutes per week advised by the AHA and WHO.
Fitbit has announced the debut of the Fitbit Versa 4, which will go on sale this fall, so if you’re considering purchasing the Fitbit Versa 3, it might be worthwhile to wait a few weeks. Having said that, the Fitbit Versa 3 is probably on sale right now if you’re searching for a fitness tracker that’s even less expensive.