We’ve seen a whole bunch of different fitness trackers emerge onto the market in recent years. From the ever-popular Fitbit, all the way to the innovative Garmin, there’s never a short supply of excellent fitness trackers on the market.
However, here in lies the problem: there are so many of these devices out on the market, from multiple brands, each with different versions and models. How can you pick apart quality and durability in a sea of products?
With out comprehensive buyer’s guide, you’ll know what you should be searching for, and better determine what you’re able to budget. “You get what you pay for” has always rang true, but with the lightweight, inexpensive components of most fitness trackers, you can budget low and still get an amazing value. Without further ado, let’s get into our top ten fitness trackers.
Fitness Trackers Weight Battery Price
10. NewYouDirect Sweat Resistant Fitness Tracker
9. Teslasz IP67 Waterproof Fitness Tracker
8. Letscom Touch Screen Fitness Tracker
7. LEMFO Fitness Tracker Bluetooth Smart Watch
6. TopBest Fitness Tracker W/ Pedometer
5. Toprime Bluetooth Fitness Tracker
4. X-CHENG Fitness Management Tracker
3. Garmen Viviosmart HR Activity Tracker
2. Polar Loop Smart Fitness Activity Tracker Band
1. Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch
10.NewYouDirect Sweat Resistant Fitness Tracker
Price: $24.99 (Get Current Price)
NewYouDirect may not look like much, but aesthetics and functionality are two completely different worlds. At an attractive price of only $24.99, you can enhance your workout today without having to pay a ridiculous price. Most fitness trackers can be expensive, but the NewYouDirect takes that into consideration.
The wristband is relatively comfortable, while we definitely have seen more comfortable bands on other models, this one certainly works as needed: it keeps the device on your wrist without sliding off. The LED display keeps the option of consistently viewing your steps and other stats on the built-in screen.
The app that goes along with this fitness tracker is functional, although there aren’t a lot of data options. They have just enough to optimize your workout routine, and ensure that you get the most out of your data analysis. This is the perfect beginner fitness tracker for a child/teen as a gift.
Pros: This device is extremely easy to charge. You just flick the band, and a USB-enabled charged pops out. You can plug it into an external USB strip on your computer, and it only takes about 2 hours to fully charge. Cons: Users have noted some Bluetooth connectivity issues. Special Feature: Customizable colors.
9.Teslasz IP67 Waterproof Fitness Tracker
Price:$35.99 (Get Current Price)
Teslasz is an exceptional blend of quality and cost, as it always has been. One of the immediate draws to this product is the fantastic style. Teslasz doesn’t waste any of their potential; they made this sleek, user-friendly and an excellent value.
One of the biggest features of this fitness tracker that really helps you out, is the ability to showcase certain alerts from your smartphone, all on the small LED screen integrated into your fitness tracker. You can get call alerts, text alerts, calendar alerts, and a bunch more all optimized with specific apps, including the one you’ll need to store all of the data from this exceptional tracker.
You get an exceptional seven-day charge. Perfect for travelers who are looking to utilize nearby trails at their hotel, or take a run on the treadmills in the fitness area. Forgot your charger? You’ll be able to manage until you get home. When it does come time to charge, a section of the band (screen) detaches, allowing you to plug it right into an USB port, which will enact the on-screen animation of a happy battery. You can watch it fill with charge, which only takes about two hours at the absolute most.
Pros: Waterproof feature actually works. The good folks at Teslasz put a lot of time into making sure that you can leave this underwater, overnight, and still be able to use it properly the next day.The app is one of the most functional, easy-to-use apps that we’ve seen for fitness trackers in a long time. Kudos to the company for listening to customer desires and complaints from other software. They hit the app out of the park.
Cons:As is a common issue with these devices, not all are compatible with every type of phone, and the Bluetooth connectivity drops at certain points. If you don’t notice it while in the middle of your run, you may end and realize that you don’t have all the data you were hoping for. Special Feature: Superb waterproofing.
8. Letscom Touch Screen Fitness Tracker
Price: $24.98 Approx (Get Current Price)
Personally, as I was writing this list, I had never experienced anything by Letscom. I’ll be recommending their products for years to come. They truly blew me out of the water with how lightweight and versatile this little fitness tracker truly is.
It charges via USB port, and only takes about two hours tops to get a full charge going. One of the pros with this model comes in with comfortability. This is a great example that most other inexpensive brands should look to when trying to make a comfortable, formfitting fitness tracker. You also get a unique palate of colors to choose from, as well as some really great features.
You can utilize the auto sleep monitoring feature, sedentary reminder, all-day activity recording, and alarm alerts. You can also remotely access your camera; all the bells and whistles of a premier fitness tracker for only $24.98—you can see why I fell in love with this one. Letscom is definitely a brand I’ll be on the lookout for in the future when it comes to any consumer electronics.
Pros:It has the exceptional battery life that we’ve come to expect from low-energy usage devices. Seven days of a charge is perfect for any traveler, hiker or camper who’s not going to have constant access to charge their device.Value comes to mind. When you can actually get a decent quality product for an inexpensive price, it always sounds too good to be true. This is the exception to the rule.
Cons:This product is a bit too lightweight. It’s extremely easy to lose, even for someone who’s extremely careful. When you can’t feel that it’s even there, whether it’s in your pocket, a purse, or an exterior bag on your luggage, it makes it difficult to find. Special Feature: Easiest and most inexpensive to replace band.
7.LEMFO Fitness Tracker Bluetooth Smart Watch
Price: $25.99 Approx (Get Current Price)
Inexpensive fitness trackers appear to be a dime a dozen, but when you filter through all the noise and take a look at something truly spectacular for a low price, it blows your mind. I’m talking about LEMFO and their perfect blend of value and function.
This fitness tracker not only comes with practical alarm functionality, such as your phone finder, time clocks and more, but it also comes with a remote control camera function. It’s compatible with Android 4.0, iPhone 7.0 and up, so you get a lot of versatility. As with any fitness tracker, you want to make sure its compatible with your phone prior to placing an order, and more often than not, it’s a hassle when the one you want isn’t compatible with your current phone model or OS.
The health tracker, which is a pedometer, calorie counter, distance measuring device and more, is a great addition to the already functional LED screen. The water resistant feature on this fitness tracker is fine if you get caught running around in the rain, but it is not acceptable for anything having to do with fully submerging the device.
Pros: Besides the sleek design, there’s a comfortability when wearing this watch that you wouldn’t otherwise get with rivaling inexpensive brand fitness trackers. They really put a great quality into the band to make it user-friendly.Most of the time, these brands get the apps all wrong. They’ll pay a third-rate web developer to create an app, just so that they can say they have an app. LEMFO really put time and funding into a great app to accompany their exceptional product.
Cons: There’s no indicator light to let you know when your battery is running low. There’s also no onscreen function for the same thing. When you go to charge the fitness tracker, you’ll be able to see an animated battery bar. Special Feature: Simple setup.
6. TopBest Fitness Tracker W/ Pedometer
Price: $22.99 Approx (Get Current Price)
Surprised that an inexpensive model made up to number six on our list? So were we. Personally, I was a bit skeptical of this one when I put it on, as it appeared just like any other standard model of fitness tracker I’d used this far. I was assumptive.
You get the option to use either an Android phone or iPhone; in many of these models, since Android developers are cheaper to hire, small brands will end up making these compatible with only Android. TopBest didn’t spare any details in the production of this fitness tracker.
Users have reported battery charging becoming an issue after owning this model for four plus months, which is definitely something to consider. That being said, when you’re paying a little over twenty bucks, you can expect there to be some issues you may have to weigh.
Pros: The overall value is just fantastic. For such a great functioning fitness tracker, $22.99 is the price point that fits everything—buying for yourself, as a gift for others, or getting your child/teen involved in a running regiment. It’s great all-around.Extremely clear and readable screen. Many of the more inexpensive models lack on the readability of your clock and battery feature. Fortunately, this one displays everything with crystal clarity.
Cons: The band is a little bit itchy. While you get great functionality with the actual fitness tracker and LED screen, you’re going to be a bit uncomfortable with the band. It may chafe a bit, especially for men with hair receding from their arms to the top of their hands. You’ll definitely want to clean the band after each use. Special Feature: No cord required charging method.
5.Toprime Bluetooth Fitness Tracker
Price: $38.99 Approx (Get Current Price)
This fitness tracker comes in stark white and is truly stunning to wear. It goes with just about anything you’re doing, even if you have to switch from workout attire to your corporate suit. The materials are high-quality, all while tracking your steps with the built-in pedometer.
This was one of my personal favorites out of the list, mostly for style purposes. It’s something that I’d actually wear whether or not it had the functions of a fitness tracker. Overall, the running experience with this one is spectacular. It’s not too heavy that you can feel it on your wrist, but it’s heavy enough that you remember it’s there.
Pros: This is compatible with just about everything under the sun: iPhone, Android, and it even comes with an app you can download to extend that compatibility.You’re not dealing with any cheap-quality plastic. The materials used for this fitness tracker are first-rate, however, it does come as a trade-off for some of the software features you may be expecting in a better model.
Cons: Users have reported an issue with the screen brightness, and not just in direct sunlight. This is something that I personally didn’t encounter while using this fitness tracker, but it is something to note. Special Feature: Strongest, most durable tracker.
4.X-CHENG Fitness Management Tracker
Price: $49.99 Approx (Get Current Price)
This looks more like a standard digital watch than Apple’s watch does. With it’s crisp and wonderful display, you get everything you need onscreen. It monitors steps, comes with an IP67 waterproof coating, and is easy to charge with any standard USB port. It’s a pretty excellent package deal.
At $49.99, it’s also one of the best values on our list. It takes a lot to get put on the top, and X-CHENG definitely came close. However, you’ll really want to check out the compatibility features on this one. As it’s a newer product, it has less compatibility features than almost every other fitness tracker on our list. Give it a close overview to make sure your device can properly pair up with the X-CHENG.
Pros: One of the most accurate fitness trackers I’ve ever had the opportunity to use. We didn’t lose connection once during our trial.The components used are high-quality; you won’t have to be afraid of breaking your fitness tracker from it dangling around a bit, even if it’s slightly loose-fitting on you.
Cons: If your band snaps, there’s no way to get a replacement one. X-CHENG doesn’t have a replacement band option available. Special Feature: Most versatile; use as a watch or a fitness tracker.
3.Garmin Vivosmart HR Activity Tracker
Price: $101.88 Approx (Get Current Price)
There is one really cool feature that Garmin put out—extra large sizing. Not every—in fact, just about no fitness trackers keep things like that in mind. Garmin gives you the option to get a refurbished one for half the price, should you so desire.
One extra awesome feature is the ability to control your music right from your fitness tracker. This one reminds you to stay active with timed vibration alerts, which is always helpful, as well as five days of continuous battery use.
The touch display is a nice feature. In today’s technological era, we’re looking for more and more devices to have touch screens enabled in their original designs. Garmin delivers on that with the highly-functional screen on their most affordable line of Vivo-tech.
Pros: Garmin’s personal app is compatible as well as My Fitness Pal, so you’re not restricted to just the manufacturer’s app for using this fitness tracker.The enlarged display, (while maintaining a lightweight design,) makes it easier to see your stats in mid-run. No more squinting your eyes in the sun to figure it all out.
Cons: There’s no GPS feature, and while we’re not really looking for that considering the desired function is to be a fitness tracker, in the most expensive models, GPS usually comes standard. Special Feature: Most versatile; two app choices.
2.Polar Loop Smart Fitness Activity Tracker Band
Price: $79.77 Approx (Get Current Price)
Polar Loop came so close to the top. You get some truly inspired tech for a budget-friendly price. You may not be buying this model for a relative as a present, but this will be where you start entering the higher-tier fitness trackers for yourself.
You get nearly two weeks of memory for on-screen activity to track your habits, running patterns and previous heart rate information. They put some time into making sure that the band was comfortable, although it’s not the best band we’ve had the pleasure of testing in our journey here.
Polar Loop was a difficult band to rank; it has so many extraordinary features, but the LED screen left something to be desired. Overall, Polar Loop did a great job at making one of the most functional fitness trackers on our list.
Pros: The battery life is five days. With some of the other models on our list, that seems pretty standard—even a bit lower. However, the Polar Loop’s battery is good for five days of nonstop use. So in reality, you can have this charged for weeks without ever having to plug it in.When you get a look at every single feature the Polar Loop has to offer, you’ll be using it while you sleep—literally. The functions that come alongside this fitness tracker are exceptional, leaving their competitors in the dust.
Cons: For such an advanced model, the LED display unit isn’t anything special. While some other models actually have more sophisticated onboard screens, this displays in LED dots that form letters and numbers. Special Feature: Most effective and accurate.
1.Fitbit Blaze SmartFitness Watch
Price: $228.95 Approx (Get Current Price)
Fitbit proves to be a leading innovator of excellent fitness trackers. Some say that everything is simply a copycat of Fitbit; while I wouldn’t go that far, I do have to give credit where credit is due: Fitbit truly takes the cake with their Blaze model watch.
You’ll see a lot of others stating that the functionality of the Apple Watch out does the Fitbit Blaze—the jury is out on that verdict, but from personal experience, I believe that what will keep Fitbit above the competition is their devotion to innovative features. That’s exactly what you get with their Blaze model.
Apart from the exceptional visualization of a functioning clock onscreen, you also get advanced heart rate monitoring from Fitbit’s premier technology. It’s what made their brand famous in the first place, and it’s what will continue to keep them on top in the future.
Selecting the top of the list was a tricky one. Inherently, I didn’t want to just put Fitbit at the top. But, after getting to test all of these products firsthand, I couldn’t pass over the exceptional and accurate functions of Fitbit’s Blaze model. It’s just too hard to overlook. I can see why they’ve been the number one brand for fitness trackers—they do it best.
Pros: Fitbit’s GPS maps option is a lot of fun to use. You can see running statistics such as your pace, all based on your map routes. If you’re able to stick to a routine running area, this will come in handy to beat old times at running or just to see how you’ve improved.They didn’t spare any expenses when it came to the quality of the build on their Blaze model. Fitbit uses Gorilla Glass to ensure there’s no scratching, scraping or scuffing your Blaze screen. Even if you stumble or knock into something during your exercise, you won’t damage your new fitness tracker.
Cons: While the band is functional and comfortable, it’s very easy to get something stuck beneath it and irritate your skin to no end. Be certain to follow the users manual and clean this appropriately, and regularly, being after every single workout. Special Feature: Most control over your entire workout.
Price: $249.99 (Get Current Price)
Our editor had the pleasure of trying out all of these fitness trackers with me. This one took the cake for him; he’s always into expensive gadgets, you know? The Garmin Forerunner 225 is lightweight for its abilities and is extremely comfortable to wear.
The wrist-based heart rate monitor is better than getting stuck with those chest straps that often come with inexpensive models. For the price, you get a decent screen resolution on the Forerunner and plenty of options. It’s designed to look just like a high-end digital watch, so you can wear it all the time without it clashing with whatever you’re wearing. When you’re using the Forerunner, you’ll forget it’s even on. It weighs less than two ounces, which is great for runners.
You even get free Garmin-based training programs that come along with it. You can share your information to social media if you wish, get vibration-based alerts right on your LCD screen, or gets updates from your Garmin app regarding your fitness plan. The possibilities are endless.
Pros: You get a long battery life of between five and seven days, depending on your frequency of use. It’s a bit difficult to charge, but in only an hour on the charging station, you get to enjoy every aspect of your fitness tracker. Cons: Garmin over-developed this fitness tracker: it’s excellent, but they neglected to make the app user-friendly. It’s a bit of a hassle to use and isn’t always accurate. The Bluetooth connectivity never dropped when we tested it, but we did get a lot of over-reporting after we reached a certain BPM. Special Feature: The most thorough set of workout assistance.
Comprehensive Buyers Guide
There are many components you need to look out for if you want to get the best possible fitness tracker for you. With our narrowed-down list, we make it easy to choose. However, if you’re all about investigating a product 110% before you even consider putting it into your shopping card, you’re probably pretty thorough and want to ensure you’re getting the best possible product. Our buyer’s guide makes that even easier.
Battery Life
For most fitness trackers, their utilization of the included lithium-ion battery isn’t an issue. If you only need t charge your fitness tracker once every three days, (though a longer charge is always a better option,) you’ll be able to use it for dozens of trips to the gym. Paying attention to the type of battery is important, but most fitness trackers are on=point when it comes to a long battery life.
Compatibility
Is your fitness tracker compatible with your phone? Most of us have an updated version of either an iPhone or Android phone, but not all fitness trackers are compatible with all types of phones. It’s important to check out prior to purchasing to ensure you don’t get a fitness tracker than you can only use partway. The apps are extremely helpful in gathering data about you and your workout regiment.
Warranty
Most electronic devices that you purchase come with an additional warranty plan; you’re no stranger to this. At the checkout of any electronics section at any superstore, they’ll ask you if you want to add the extended warranty plan. Fitness trackers are going to be swinging around a lot, even though they’re attached to your wrist. It’s a high-functioning, precise piece of technology that doesn’t just sit on a desk or a shelf. We absolutely recommend purchasing an increased warranty on any fitness tracker you buy. Warranty information will be provided prior to purchase.
When All Is Said And Done
At the end of the day you need a fitness tracker that will conform to your lifestyle and your training regiment. If you work hard and play hard, you may opt for a more expensive, durable model than some of the inexpensive options on our list. If you’re looking to begin your workout journey, or simply supplement your daily walking routine, you can benefit from a fitness tracker.
