As a certified personal trainer, I know many of my clients rely on fitness trackers as tools to stay on top of their workout and health goals. These smart wearables keep tabs on just about every aspect of your health: sleep, recovery, blood oxygen levels, respiration and heart rate. They also track your pace, reps and can often make workout recommendations. I used my expertise as a trainer and weightlifter to find the best fitness trackers worth investing in, giving 16 top-rated models a spin. After months of testing—which included verifying the accuracy of heart rate readings against a dedicated chest strap—the Garmin Venu 3 won me over as the best fitness tracker overall for its versatility and accuracy. The Fitbit Charge 6 also impressed me with its level of precision despite its no-frills, user-friendly design.
To find the best fitness trackers and watches, I’ve tested over a dozen options.
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Like Garmin’s Venu 2, the Garmin Venu 3 is geared toward average gym-goers. But this version also includes upgraded features like sleep coaching, post-workout recovery insights and a more advanced heart rate sensor.
Accurate And Easy To Use Mid-Workout
Out of all of the trackers I tested, the Venu 3 was the most accurate while still being easy to use. Its large 1.4-inch touchscreen and bright display made it easy to check my stats mid-workout and cycle through different health features (of which there are many).
Aesthetically, the Venu 3’s size makes it less discreet than other options. There’s no mistaking it for a watch, but the silicone band and stainless steel bezel made it one of the more attractive fitness trackers I tried. And although it was bulkier, it felt surprisingly lightweight compared with trackers of a similar size.
The Garmin Venu 3 allows you to track sets and reps while weightlifting.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Helpful Features Make Venu 3 Feel Like A Personal Coach
The Garmin Venu has become something of a personal coach to me after training with it for four months. I found the recovery time predictions useful for planning my daily movement after working out, including how many walks to take and when to go to bed. I was also able to create my workouts within the Garmin Connect app and load them onto the watch, down to the sets, reps and exact exercises. Most importantly, I’ve seen improved results in the gym, like PRs (personal records) during lifting and greater endurance after following the watch’s post-workout recovery advice and sleep tips.
Outstanding Battery Life, But Interface Could Be More Intuitive
The battery life also blows away any other tracker I’ve used. After noticing mid-workout that my watch was down to less than 5% in battery, the power-saving mode helped it hold on for not only the rest of my workout but three more hours after that. Other notable features include more than 30 preloaded sports apps and workouts, as well as personalized sleep coaching.
I do wish the interface was a bit more intuitive. Navigating to features on the watch like the post-workout summary can be a bit confusing, even after using the watch consistently. But overall, I found the Garmin Venu 3 to be an advanced watch that takes a holistic approach to fitness without being intimidating to use—so much so that I ended up consistently gravitating toward the Venu 3 even on my off days from training.
A New Version To Consider: Garmin Venu 4
If you want more advanced features in your tracker but don’t want to invest in a full-fledged smartwatch, the Garmin Venu 4 (launched in late 2025) is worth considering. While I continue to stand behind the Venu 3 as an excellent all-around tracker, the Venu 4 improves on certain aspects that might be important to active individuals.
Firstly, the Venu 4 has a fully stainless steel case—versus the Venu 3’s polymer—giving it a more premium feel; however, this makes it a bit heavier than the previous model. The Venu 4 also has certain utility and health-tracking features that outdoor runners, in particular, might appreciate, like a built-in LED flashlight, a multi-band GPS for even better accuracy, a brighter screen for easier reading outdoors and metrics like Training Readiness and Triathlon Mode. These advanced features decrease its battery life by a few days, however. Further, you’ll pay anywhere between $50 to $150 more for this newer model.
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For beginners just starting out with a regular exercise program, I recommend the Fitbit Charge 6, the brand’s latest iteration in its Charge series. Of the trackers I tested, it was the simplest to use while offering a surprising level of versatility and accuracy, given its basic design.
Does It All—Including Precise Heart Rate Monitoring
The Charge 6 can do just about anything most trackers can do: count steps and distance, track sleep (including sleep stages), recognize when you’re engaging in one of nearly 40 different workouts, and monitor key health indicators like irregular heart rhythms, stress, moods and menstrual cycles.
The Charge 6 also features a more advanced heart rate monitor than its predecessors, which paid off in its level of accuracy during my testing. It kept up with my heart rate during high-intensity workouts, which is typically where I find most trackers fail in their ability to measure my varying heart rate accurately. I went from 160 beats per minute during the middle of a set to around 120 BPM during rest—all within a 30-second to one-minute window—and the Charge 6’s tracking was right in line with my control device through it all (the Polar H10 Chest Strap).
When I took the Charge 6 on a hike, it tracked my average pace.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Its Insights Were Easy To Follow
Unlike other trackers that can make it hard to break down what all of the numbers mean, the Charge 6’s insights were straightforward. It communicated updates to me via weekly progress reports and daily scores for sleep and stress management—all of which broke down my stats using cute graphics, bright colors and easy-to-follow insights.
Accuracy Can Be Inconsistent But Didn’t Skew Overall Data
After using this tracker for four months, I still enjoy the Fitbit’s simple interface and uncomplicated design. I’ve found, however, that the accuracy of the heart rate tracking can be inconsistent. During a few lifting sessions, the heart rate tracking got a slow start and was off for a few sets compared with my control device before catching up by the middle or end of my workout. This was somewhat annoying, although it didn’t seem to skew my overall post-workout summary data, which was usually still in line with my control for metrics like estimated calories burned and average heart rate.
You don’t need to spend more than $100 on a fitness tracker that gets the job done. If you’re not ready to invest or you’re on a budget, I recommend the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro.
Performs Better Than Its Unassuming Looks
While it’s not the best-looking or most feature-rich tracker, the Amazfit was accurate across heart rate, activity and sleep tracking. For sleep specifically, it proved to be precise with metrics like time spent in bed and minutes spent awake.
When I first unboxed it, the square screen and thick silicone band immediately reminded me of the Fitbit Versa, and based on its comparable tracking options, I can confirm it’s a pretty solid dupe. For reference, the newest model of the Fitness Versa, the Versa 4, retails for around $200.
During my weightlifting sessions, the Amazfit Bip Pro 3 accurately measured my heart rate compared to my control.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
User-Friendly, But Some Post-Workout Data Lacks Detail
The Bip 3 Pro’s interface is intuitive and didn’t require so much as a glance through the user manual. I also liked that I had an abundance of activity tracking options to choose from. However, the post-workout insights offered varied levels of detail. For weight training, they’re limited to heart rate information. Cardio-based activities like a treadmill run come with more detailed data. Despite the somewhat meager training insights, I still found it to be a user-friendly tracker that offers value for the price.
New Versions To Consider: Amazfit Bip 5 And Bip 6
If a more premium smartwatch-like design is important to you, the Amazfit Bip 5 or the latest Bip 6 offer this experience—plus even better metrics and features. For about $5 more than the Bip 3, the Bip 5 has a sharper and larger screen thanks to its upgraded LCD display.
For about $10 more than the Bip 3, the Bip 6 upgrades the screen further: It’s bigger and equipped with AMOLED technology, making it brighter and easier to see stats under direct sunlight. The Bip 6’s most substantial upgrade is the vast improvement on its BioTracker sensor that measures HRV and oxygen saturation (Sp02), making it better for advanced athletes who want more detailed insights. The ability to store offline maps is also a nice plus for outdoor runners.
Finally, both the Bip 5 and Bip 6 are equipped with a Bluetooth microphone. This enables you to take phone calls and use the app’s voice assistant, giving them a more smartwatch-like feel.
For Apple users looking for a more advanced smartwatch that can track their workouts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Apple Watch Series 11, which is equipped with more features than the Apple Watch SE 3 and is more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Plus, it has a sleek design that’s aesthetically much more advanced than a traditional fitness tracker.
Stellar Heart Rate Tracking
A previous version of the Apple Watch came in a close second to the Garmin Venu 3 for my favorite tracker for training. This is in large part because it accurately tracked my heart rate variability, including how long I spent in certain zones, my walking heart rate and how long it took my body to return to normal post-exercise. Forbes Vetted consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs, who tested the Series 11, had a similar experience with the new model. She walked through her local park and on her walking treadmill, cross-testing the data with the Oura Ring 4, and notes that “it’s pretty accurate” when compared to similar fitness watches from Samsung and Google.
Automatic Movement Detection
The Apple Watch’s ability to detect movement automatically is another big highlight. I appreciated how quickly the previous version could sense the type of exercise I was doing, so I never had to manually record activities like outdoor walks or yoga. It even detected which stroke I was swimming when I tested it in the pool. Isaacs noted the Series 11 does the same: “It could easily register when I began a workout and truly felt seamless when I was working out.” That said, walking pad workouts can be finicky to track. Isaacs found that she needed to use the treadmill setting instead in order to register distance traveled.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is also our tech editor’s top smartwatch pick.
Rebecca Isaacs for forbes
Ultra-Convenient Health Monitoring For Apple Users
The Apple Watch’s seamless integration with the iPhone makes it one of the most convenient options available. Having all of your health information on the iPhone’s Health app makes it easy to keep close tabs on your overall health and to monitor progress over a longer period of time. The Series 11 can also now synthesize your sleep data in a Sleep Score and provide a number that summarizes how well you slept the night before. Plus, there’s a FDA-cleared hypertension tracking feature, which can detect if you have long-term patterns of hypertension. “That’s huge because you can use it to share this data with your doctor to lower your blood pressure potentially,” says Isaacs.
Lacks Some Features Of A Dedicated Fitness Tracker
However, the Series 11 is a smartwatch at its core; it can’t compete with Garmin’s workout analytics, training feedback or superior integration with the Garmin Connect app. While having all your workout stats readily available on your iPhone is convenient, the Health app doesn’t summarize your information like the Connect app does, nor does it offer recommendations for recovery. The Series 11’s relatively short battery life also proved to be a real pain point: Because you have to charge the watch almost as frequently as you do your phone, it could discourage you from using it over the other trackers.
The most feature-rich tracker I tested, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is an ideal option for runners, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone with specific training goals. Like its name suggests, it’s heavy on the running-centric features, like built-in workouts, distance-specific pacing strategies and real-time performance readings.
Useful Functions, Even For Non-Runners
While I’m not much of a runner myself, I still found some of these functions useful. The training readiness score recommends workout intensity based on the quantity and quality of your sleep, stress levels and heart rate variability. After a poor night of rest, for instance, my training readiness score wasn’t nearly as high as after I’d had a good night’s sleep, which told me it probably wasn’t the best day for an intense session.
The Forerunner 265 estimates your running power, or the amount of power applied to a run, based on factors like pace and wind conditions.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Running Power Feature Optimizes Workouts
I also let my fiancé—who often goes on long-distance runs and rucks—give it a spin. He loved the Running Power feature, which predicted how much force he applied to his run and how to maximize his workouts based on factors like the intensity of the wind (anyone who’s experienced springtime in Colorado knows the wind is no joke).
A Durable Design Made For Outdoor Athletes
Design-wise, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has a rugged look and a sturdy, durable feel. For endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a robust option, the Forerunner 265 is a clear winner.
Related: Read our tester’s detailed review of the Garmin Forerunner 265 for more insights.
It’s true that most wearables can keep close tabs on your menstrual cycle. But if you want to track your ovulation, peak fertility days and pregnancy specifically, the Garmin Lily 2 is your best option. It was the smallest tracker I tested, but it held its own against some of the more advanced watches on the docket.
Offers Similar Insights As Our Best Overall Pick
Similar to the Venu 3, this tracker measures energy expenditure by updating your body battery with recommended rest times and activity levels, and it also highlights which muscles you worked during physical activity. After a strength-training session, the Lily’s post-workout app summary listed the types of exercises I performed, from barbell squats to sumo-stance deadlifts.
The Garmin Lily 2 comes in a vibrant lilac color, as well as gold, bronze and silver.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Patterned Lens And Other Stylish Details
The tracker also features thoughtful design touches that I appreciated, like a patterned lens, a hidden display option and the choice between a leather or nylon strap to make it feel less like fitness watch and more like a fashion accessory. And despite the superlative category named here, this watch isn’t just for women: Anyone looking for a smaller, stylish wearable or one with fertility tracking features will fare best with the Lily 2.
Related: Check out our gear editors’ other favorite Garmin watches for women for more options.
Sitting squarely at the intersection of fitness tracker and smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers smartphone capabilities for Android users (similar to Apple for iPhone users), but with slightly more advanced health tracking. It’s also lightweight, comfortable and easy to adjust, and it almost wears like a second skin.
Set Personalized Heart Rate Zones
When I tested a previous version of this watch, I liked how I could set personalized heart rate zones and get notified once I hit those targets. Although this feature is more beneficial to runners than other athletes, I enjoyed using it for strength training, particularly for workouts where my intensity was lacking. This feature is also available on the newest Samsung Galaxy Watch8, and Isaacs, who tested this model, says it has been especially useful when she uses her walking pad. “It breaks down my heart rate into zones and shares how long I was in each zone after every workout,” she says. “This has been an actual driver on how I push myself on my walks.”
The Samsung Health app gives at-a-glance information about fitness and sleep stats. But the editor who tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 found the Antioxidant Index test to be “nonsensical” and unnecessary.
Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
Lacks Where True Fitness Watches Don’t
Compared with true fitness watches like Garmin’s, the Galaxy Watch 8 has a couple of limitations. Specifically, it had a hard time detecting walking-based exercise routines, similar to the Apple Watch Series 11. Plus, its battery life is slightly disappointing, though likely a byproduct of its hybrid design. “While I wouldn’t recommend the Watch 8 to a fitness enthusiast who needs every feature, I would recommend it to someone who is fitness-minded and wants to generally track stats,” says Isaacs.
Overall, A Win For Android Users
All things considered, the Galaxy Watch 8 is an excellent option for Android users who want to keep tabs on their workouts and health, but who ultimately prefer a smartwatch design over a true fitness tracker. It’s also a good choice for people looking to optimize their sleep, because the Watch 8 packs in several sleep coaching features; one feature assigns you a “sleep animal” based on your sleep style, while another provides Bedtime Guidance to help find your optimal bedtime. It also gives you an Energy Score that tells you your physical and mental readiness for the day based on your fitness activity and sleep metrics.
The Oura Ring 4 doesn’t look like a traditional fitness tracker: Instead, it swaps the traditional face for a more sleek, discreet design. After wearing it 24/7 for four months, I was impressed with its ability to detect my stress levels, including estimating my ideal recovery windows. This helped me understand when my body is under strain and when it’s time to prioritize relaxation.
Detailed Insights On Your Daily Stress Levels, Plus Actionable Tips
The Oura Ring 4 tracks daytime stress levels by measuring three key metrics: heart rate variability, skin temperature and movement. Based on these metric patterns, the smart ring then categorizes your daytime stress levels as “stressed,” “engaged,” “recovering,” or “restored.” As you may expect, “stressed” is the highest level and a sign to find time to relax. “Engaged” means your levels are elevated, while “recovering” means your body is beginning to enter a state of recovery. A “restored” score indicates your body is calm and able to recharge.
Overall, I find these stress readings to be fairly accurate. On busier days, the ring quickly picks up on my tension, pinpointing exactly when I feel most stressed (and when I’m able to relax again). For me, my stress usually correlates with work hours, and my restorative periods align with when I’m relaxing with my husband and dog in the evenings. By identifying the most stressful parts of my day, the Oura Ring helps me find the most effective times to add de-stressing activities, like walking outside or playing with my dog, to break up high-stress portions of the day.
A look at how the Oura Ring app shows daily stress.
Katie Simpson For Forbes
Measures How Stress Impacts You Over Time
Stress is more than a daily mental hurdle; it can impact how you feel over time, which is why the Oura Ring 4 also computes a ‘Resilience’ score, a measure of your ability to withstand physiological stress and recover from it week after week. This score is an accumulation of your stress levels, recovery and sleep quality over a two-week period. I find the higher my daytime stress, the lower my resilience score gets, which signals to me when I need to change my routine. Even if I’ve met my daily activity goals and slept well, my overall resilience score can still take a hit if I’ve had several high-stress days in a row.
The Downside: Activity Tracking Is Limited
While the Oura Ring 4 accurately recorded my heart rate and movement during testing, its workout and activity tracking fell short. It did a decent job at detecting the type of exercise I performed—whether that be walking, HIIT or pickleball, for example—but its fitness insights were less comprehensive than others I tested. It functions as more of a retroactive fitness tracker, so if you’re wanting to gauge real-time performance mid-workout, I recommend more of a true fitness tracker, like the Garmin Venu 3.
Related: Read my full Oura Ring 4 review for further testing insights.
Other Fitness Trackers And Watches I Tested
I put 16 different fitness trackers through a series of tests to find the overall best.
katie simpson for forbes
I tested a total of 16 top-rated fitness trackers for this story (and our tech editor tested several more); below are the models that didn’t make the cut. I included my rating for each unit (out of 10), based on evaluating each one’s ease of use, accuracy, battery life, fit, design, and variety of health and activity tracking options.
Other Fitness Trackers I Tested That Are Worth Considering
While the eight models below didn’t make my final list of recommendations, they excelled in certain aspects like extra tracking and sleep monitoring that may make them a worthy investment for specific users:
- Best Upgrade: Garmin Venu 4 (9/10): In addition to a fully stainless steel case and a multi-band GPS, this model improves on the Garmin Venu 3 with advanced features like a ‘Training Readiness’ score and ‘Triathlon Mode’—a feature typically only found in more advanced Garmin’s like those in the Forerunner and Fenix series. While I do enjoy this score for helping me determine the best days to complete higher-intensity workouts, I still find the Venu 3’s ‘Body Battery’ score to be more universally appealing to users of all fitness levels, not just athletes or more serious gym-goers.
- Best Smart Ring: Oura Ring Gen 3 (7/10): The Oura is aesthetically appealing, but without a screen it took more of an effort to check my stats—and some of them were inaccurate when compared with my control device. Its sleep tracking is exceptional, though, providing in-depth data on sleep stages and quality. It’s also a favorite recommendation of NASM-certified personal trainer and Row House coach Josh Honore, particularly to clients who don’t like wearing things on their wrist. (Our tested guide to the best smart rings is a great resource if you’re interested in this type of wearable.)
While the Oura Ring’s lack of screen makes it more of an effort to check stats mid-workout, its sleep tracking is exceptional.
Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
- Best For Serious Athletes: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (7.5/10): Serious athletes may benefit from the extra data and tracking capabilities this watch offers, but the average user doesn’t need the majority of these features. (The Ultra 3, the latest version, retails at $799.) The Series 11 is easier to use, less bulky and about $200 less, making it the better choice for most.
- Best For Apple Users On A Budget: Apple Watch SE (7/10): The SE is a solid alternative to the Series 11 for Apple users looking to spend a little less. It’s easy to use, accurate and stylish, plus it offers a similar range of strap and watch face options. However, the SE is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker, so it doesn’t provide as much data for sleep and health tracking.
- Best For Battery Life: OnePlus Watch 3 (9/10): This watch is a nice option for those who often forget to charge their devices. The battery can last up to five days with sleep monitoring and health tracking enabled, and up to two weeks in low power mode—surpassing most other fitness watches we’ve tested. However, its exercise options are limited, and it lacks ECG monitoring in the U.S.
- Best Rugged: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (9/10): The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a durable fitness watch built for rugged use. It excelled at tracking heart rate and steps; specifically, it “features a robust set of fitness tracking and it automatically tracked rowing, which was one of the few smartwatches to do so,” says Isaacs. That said, the battery life dramatically reduced during long-term testing, eventually providing less than a day of use per charge.
- Best Looking Design: Google Pixel Watch 4 (8/10): According to Isaacs, the Google Pixel Watch 4 “looks absolutely stunning,” elevating your style more than most other fitness watches. “I am obsessed with the dome-shaped display,” she adds. As for its fitness and health tracking abilities, it features helpful extras like a Readiness Score, a workout builder and improved sleep tracking. However, its battery life is lackluster, lasting less than three days per charge.
- Best For Detailed Running Insights: Coros Pace 3 (7/10): Although the Coros offered incredibly detailed tracking for endurance activities and cardio-based workouts, I found the interface trickier to navigate than the others, and the bulky size made for an awkward fit. Still, one avid runner on our team (who logs miles six days a week) wholeheartedly recommends it for endurance athletes. “It’s got reliable GPS signal and metrics monitoring and its battery life lasts seemingly forever,” she says.
While the Coros Pace 3 “isn’t the shiniest or most tech-forward watch, it excels at what counts for endurance athletes,” says an avid runner on our team.
Brinda Ayer for Forbes
Other Fitness Trackers I Don’t Recommend
The three fitness trackers below didn’t pass muster during my tests, due mainly to inconsistent and inaccurate tracking:
- Withings ScanWatch Light (6.5/10): The Withings excelled aesthetically; its polished design is more watch-like than the others I tested. Unfortunately, the heart rate tracking was inconsistent during my workouts, which rendered any post-workout data unreliable.
- Whoop 5.0 (6/10): (Note: The model I tested, the 4.0, is no longer in stock.) The Whoop’s post-workout insights were inconsistent compared with my control and the other trackers, and the app interface was a bit overwhelming. The minimalist design meant I had to unlock my phone mid-workout to check basic metrics like heart rate and time elapsed. I did appreciate Whoop’s strain score (similar to Garmin’s training readiness score), which monitors energy exerted and offers recovery recommendations. It’s also Honore’s preferred fitness tracker and recommends it for performance-level athletes.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (5/10): Tracking was inaccurate and inconsistent across a variety of workouts and activities on this budget tracker.
Fitness Trackers I Plan On Testing Next
As mentioned earlier, many of the brands I tested and recommend above have since launched newer models with more advanced health tracking features and fitness insights. These are the two I’m either currently testing or planning to test for a future update of this story:
- Amazfit Bip 6: The most advanced of the Amazfit Bip line, this model features upgrades like a vibrant AMOLED display, a BioTracker sensor and offline mapping. It’s also the sleekest in the line.
- Garmin Fenix 8: The Fenix 8 belongs to one of the more premium Garmin lines and comes with top-of-the-line GPS tracking, so it’s a good option for weekend warriors, outdoor athletes and endurance athletes. It’s also one of my recommended Garmin watches for women.
How I Tested The Best Fitness Trackers And Watches
When choosing which fitness trackers to test, I prioritized brands known for accuracy and reliability and considered options for people of all fitness levels. I evaluated ease of use, battery life, a comfortable fit and an appealing design, as well as a variety health and activity tracking options. I also pored over online reviews, leveraged my own experience and tapped my network of gym friends and outdoor enthusiasts for insights. Below is an in-depth look at the specific criteria I used to determine which fitness trackers are a cut above the rest.
Heart Rate Accuracy
This is the most important function of a fitness tracker. Without accurate heart rate readings, nearly every other metric (e.g., calorie burn, estimated expenditure, estimated intensity, recovery recommendations) will be off, thus rendering any activity insights useless. To test each tracker’s accuracy, I used a control device: the Polar H10 Chest Strap, which is regarded as one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market since it measures your heart rate directly, rather than through your pulse.
I put each tracker through a series of workouts consisting of strength training with light cardio and compared the tracker’s heart rate reading to the companion app and to the Polar H10. I examined and compared key heart rate stats like average heart rate, max heart rate, percentage of time spent in certain heart rate zones and estimated calorie burn. Since chest-band heart rate sensors are considered the most accurate type of heart rate tracker, I expected some variation between my control and the fitness trackers. While my list of winners proved to be pretty accurate, the model that came closest to the Polar was the Garmin Venu 3.
Battery Life
I tested battery life by charging each tracker to 100%, then wearing it for two full days and two nights. Some—like the Apple Watch SE—required a charge during that two-day period, while others still had plenty of battery left. At the least, each tracker needed to last the better part of a day (i.e., a full night’s rest and a workout the following day) or to have a fast-charge option available for convenience.
Ease Of Use
To measure how easy each tracker was to use, I started by timing how long the initial unboxing and setup took, taking note of any roadblocks. (For example, the Fitbit Charge 6 was quick to set up but required a hard reset before it would sync with my phone.) But the true test was how easy it was for me to learn to use the app and features of each tracker. If I had gotten the hang of things by the time I was wearing it at the gym—and didn’t need to look up how to sift through different activity options and start, stop and pause my workout—I deemed it easy to use.
I wore each fitness tracker to bed to test how well it could monitor my sleep throughout the night.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Health Tracking
To test each watch’s health tracking, I wore each tracker to sleep, to the gym and during every activity or rest period in between. This gave me a comprehensive view of each tracker’s capabilities and accuracy. When analyzing health tracking, I examined the types of insights each tracker provided about my sleep, cycle and stress levels, and the specificity of each. For example, some trackers provided a more in-depth look at my sleeping habits, including personalized tips on how to get better rest the next night and how my quality of rest affected my ability to recover. I also looked at how each tracker presented these insights (sleep scores, stress scores, etc.) and considered which were helpful for contextualizing the data, rather than giving me an arbitrary number with no real context as to how it affected my overall health.
Activity Tracking
For activity tracking, I looked at how many activity or sport modes were available and how well each watch tracked my movement during those workouts and activities. I looked at the types of metrics recorded for different workouts (strength training, pool swim, outdoor walks, etc.), how well it did this compared to my control, and whether the data provided useful insights for my current and next workout.
Overall Fit And Design
To get a feel for the overall fit of each tracker, I wore them to bed, during workouts and throughout my day to test their comfort. I considered factors like overall size, the material of the band, weight and adjustability. In some instances, like with Garmin’s Venu 3, the bulk didn’t make for a heavy-handed feel, whereas others (like the Coros) definitely felt like their size. I also considered the size and design of the watch: how big or small the face was and whether it had buttons or knobs that made it easy to select different features.
What To Consider In A Fitness Tracker
Below, I break down key factors to consider when choosing a fitness tracker for your lifestyle. Ultimately, “The number one thing to consider is whether you truly believe the tracker is going to enhance your experience in fitness and training,” says NASM-certified personal trainer and Row House coach Josh Honore. (For more on how to make the most of these wearables, see my guide on how to use a fitness tracker.)
Intended Use
Some fitness trackers work better for specific types of activities, whereas others are more of an all-purpose wearable. Do you want a tracker that excels at running? Swimming? Cycling? All of the above? Or do you want one that can keep up with you at the gym and the activities in between? If you have special health concerns or if you’re trying to conceive or are currently pregnant, you’ll want to find a more advanced tracker.
In the experience of Laura Rooney, clinical associate professor and practicum coordinator of exercise science at Marquette University, Garmin’s fitness trackers are best suited to outdoor activities like marathons and ultra-marathons, while smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy, as well as beginner-friendly trackers like the Fitbit, are great for the average consumer.
I liked the bigger face of the Garmin Venu 3 because it made it easy to quickly check my heart rate mid-workout.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
She says of the latter category, “The reason we see more benefit for the general consumer is their broad use and the convenience factor.” Regardless of which fitness tracker you choose, Rooney advises using them in conjunction with professional coaching or training. “There’s a reason professionals are always at the top of the list for exercise resources—because we can actually use the training tools and [unpack] what they can do for you,” she says.
Platform
Consider the ecosystem your smartphone or other connected devices are already a part of before investing in a fitness tracker. Some watches, like any of the Apple Watches or the Samsung Galaxy Watches, can only integrate with other devices that are already part of that same ecosystem.
Price
Fitness trackers range in price from as little as $50 to $800 or more, though most options lie somewhere in the $150 to $400 range. Generally speaking, the more features a watch has (including advanced GPS tracking, in-depth training insights and the ability to track race-specific paces), the higher its cost. However, most fitness trackers in the $150 to $300 range offer valuable features for the average person.
Battery Life
Some fitness trackers can last up to two weeks on a full charge, while others can’t make it through a full 24 hours. Think about how you plan on using your tracker; if you’re looking to take it along for a backpacking trip or an ultramarathon, you’ll need one with a robust battery. Some watches also come with a fast-charge option, which is a nice compromise for those who don’t necessarily need a two-week battery life but also don’t want to be glued to an outlet.
Design
You’ll get more use out of a fitness tracker that’s user-friendly, comfortable to wear and nice to look at. Consider your own comfort and style preferences in addition to the overall purpose you want your tracker to serve. Endurance athletes may compromise on size and style if it means getting more advanced GPS tracking, while those looking for a casual option may prioritize aesthetics.
While the Coros Pace 3 had a more awkward fit, endurance athletes may compromise on that front due to its advanced GPS tracking and impressive battery life.
Brinda Ayer for Forbes
Further, decide whether you want a minimalist design, like that of the Whoop or the Oura. “A lot of my clients don’t like things on their wrist,” says Honore, who works with dancers who don’t want to be distracted by a screen. You may prefer having a screen so that you can glance down during a workout and check your progress.
Lastly, keep in mind the different types of materials for watch bands. Most come with a few options, like silicone, leather or nylon. In my experience, silicone and nylon are usually the most comfortable and the easiest to adjust.
The Fitbit Charge 6 has a thick silicone band that I found comfortable and easy to adjust.
Katie Simpson for Forbes
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear section includes thoroughly researched, tested and expert-backed stories on fitness and training equipment. This includes training tools and tech like GPS watches and running watches.
- Author and tester Katie Simpson, Forbes Vetted’s senior strategy editor, has been an ACE-certified personal trainer for over two years. Throughout her own training and sessions with clients, she’s used countless fitness trackers, which has helped her learn the most useful features to look for. She’s also been active for as long as she can remember: She was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and she’s been strength training for over six years.
- Forbes Vetted editor Rebecca Isaacs, who has been covering consumer tech for over six years, tested several of the fitness trackers in this guide. She’s also has hands-on experience with the best smartwatches for women and best smart rings.
- This story’s edits and updates are overseen by experienced editor and outdoor enthusiast Cam Vigliotta, who holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- We regularly evaluate this story for timeliness and accuracy, and to make sure our recommendations are still in stock. It was last refreshed in May 2026 to add the newest versions of the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch to our guide.
