Looking to level up your fitness game with gadgets that sync seamlessly with Google Fit? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! Here, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to all the watches, smart scales, and nifty gizmos that play nice with Google’s free health app.
Since its launch a decade ago in 2014, Google Fit has undergone numerous updates, making it a go-to choice for folks seeking an affordable yet comprehensive smartphone app to track their health metrics.
However, in recent times, Google started encouraging developers and users to transition to Health Connect and away from Google Fit, a new platform designed to unify health and fitness data across Android devices. Unlike Google Fit, Health Connect stores data on-device, giving users more control over their information.
That said, in this guide, we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop of gadgets that work with Google Fit, including the best smartwatches, hybrid watches, fitness trackers, and smart scales. They should all feed health and fitness data into the app flawlessly.
Best gadgets that work with Google Fit right now
(Image credit: Google)
The Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker is packed with features designed to help you stay on top of your health and fitness goals.
This compact wearable also offers a Daily Readiness Score, which assesses usersyour readiness for physical activity based on factors like sleep, heart rate variability, and recent activity levels.
There is built-in GPS, which lets you log your route when exerising outside, but it can be a bit temprimental. On a more positive note, SmartTrack Automatic Exercise Recognition automatically detects and records exercises in the app.
In addition to fitness tracking, the Charge 6 offers a range of health monitoring features, including ECG app for heart rhythm assessment, SpO2 tracking for blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature variation monitoring.
For stress management and sleep tracking, the device provides a Stress Management Score, EDA Scan app for stress management, Sleep Score, and Sleep Profile, allowing users to better understand their sleep patterns and make adjustments for improved sleep quality. Some of these feature do require Fitbit Premium subscription, though.
Other features include YouTube Music controls, Google Maps, Google Wallet, call, text, and app notifications, and compatibility with iOS and Android devices. With a color touchscreen, always-on display mode, and 7-day battery life, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers a comprehensive solution for health and fitness tracking.
(Image credit: Withings)
The Withings ScanWatch boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, a durable stainless steel case, and a scratch-resistant Sapphire glass lens. Its comfortable fluoroelastomer band offers wearers a luxurious feel, while the PMOLED screen provides clear visibility of basic stats and widgets, which can be controlled easily with the digital crown.
Notably, the ScanWatch features a 30-second ECG scan function accessible directly from the watch, offering potential detection of AFib and other heart rhythm irregularities. Sleep monitoring is another highlight, with the device capable of identifying breathing disturbances during sleep, potentially indicating conditions like sleep apnea.
The ScanWatch provides detailed insights into sleep quality, including sleep duration, depth, regularity, interruptions, and heart rate. Automatic activity detection and a virtual achievement system in the Health Mate app add to its appeal, as well as its ability to sync with Google Fit.
Despite occasional glitches in activity detection, the ScanWatch excels as an everyday activity tracker and health wearable, bridging the gap between style and functionality.
Read our full Withings Scanwatch review.
(Image credit: Future)
We spent three months testing the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro, and we must say, it’s an impressive fitness tracker for such a low price. It boasts a large 1.74-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, and over 150 sport modes, making it a feature-rich option at this price point.
The battery life is notable, lasting up to 21 days, and the design is sleek and comfortable, though the display might be a bit large for those with smaller wrists.
While the sleep tracking occasionally missed brief wake-ups and the auto-detect for activities wasn’t always spot-on, these are minor issues considering the affordability.
The Smart Band 9 Pro offers a wealth of health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2, and stress tracking. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly fitness tracker that doesn’t skimp on features, this device is certainly worth considering.
Read our full Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro review.
(Image credit: Future)
After thoroughly testing the Polar Vantage M3, we found it to be a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced health tracking without the premium price tag.
It offers a vibrant 1.28-inch AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, and features like wrist-based ECG and skin temperature monitoring. The watch excels in providing detailed insights into training, recovery, and sleep, making it suitable for both casual users and serious athletes.
However, its smartwatch capabilities are limited; there’s no app store or voice assistant, and the Polar Flow companion app can be cumbersome and unintuitive. The setup process was also notably glitchy and time-consuming.
Despite these drawbacks, the Vantage M3’s lightweight design and comprehensive fitness features make it a strong contender in the mid-range market. If your primary focus is on health and performance tracking rather than smartwatch functionalities, the Polar Vantage M3 is a worthy investment.
Read our full Polar Vantage M3 review.
Many wearables and smartwatches will attempt you track your heart rate for you through your skin, but for accurate readings, the pros use a chest strap. The Wahoo Tickr X is one of the best heart rate monitors and works with Google Fit and Apple Health. The device also captures the motion and intensity of your movements, feeding back for more details than a simple wrist-based tracker could ever hope to. Thanks to its internal memory and onboard Bluetooth, all the syncing can be done after your exercise.
(Image credit: Withings)
If all of your gadgets are becoming smart, you might as well add some extra intelligence to your bathroom scales, too, in the shape of the Withings Body Cardio Scale. The device works with Google Fit and Withings’ own app Health Mate. As well as measuring your weight over time, the Withings Body Cardio Scale can also calculate your BMI and even track your heart rate so that you can get an advanced set of readings transmitted to your smartphone and your installed apps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
How to choose the best gadget that works with Google Fit
Google Fit is compatible with a wide range of devices, especially those running Wear OS, Google’s operating system for wearable devices. With the introduction of Health Connect, a platform designed to unify health and fitness data across Android devices, many newer fitness trackers and their companion apps now support this feature, ensuring seamless data syncing.
For general fitness tracking, devices like the Fitbit Charge 6 offer comprehensive activity monitoring, ECG, built-in GPS, and Google apps integration, with a week-long battery life. If you’re on a budget, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro provides a large AMOLED display, built-in GPS, and over 150 sport modes at an affordable price point. For those seeking advanced health metrics, the Withings ScanWatch boasts a sleek design and offers ECG and AFib detection, sleep tracking, and long battery life.
Depending on your usage, battery life can be a crucial factor. Devices like the Withings ScanWatch offer up to 30 days of battery life, making them suitable for users who prefer less frequent charging. Design preferences vary; some users might prefer the sleek look of the Google Pixel Watch 3, while others might opt for the more traditional watch design of the Withings ScanWatch.
Ensure that the device’s companion app supports syncing with Google Fit or Health Connect. For instance, the Polar Flow app allows Polar devices to sync data with Google Fit via Health Connect. Consider how well the device integrates with other apps you use, such as Strava, MyFitnessPal, or Samsung Health.
FAQ
Can you pair a device to Google Fit?
Yes, you can pair compatible devices with Google Fit to seamlessly sync health and fitness data. Many fitness trackers, smartwatches, smart scales, and other health gadgets offer integration with Google Fit through their respective companion apps. Once connected, these devices can automatically transfer data such as step count, heart rate, sleep patterns, and workout sessions to Google Fit, allowing you to view all your health metrics in one place. Simply follow the instructions provided by the device manufacturer to pair it with Google Fit, usually by granting permission within the device’s app settings.
Does Google Fit work with any smartwatch?
Google Fit is compatible with a wide range of smartwatches, especially those running Wear OS, Google’s operating system for wearable devices. Most Wear OS smartwatches come preloaded with Google Fit and offer seamless integration, allowing you to track your fitness activities, heart rate, and other health metrics directly from your wrist. Additionally, some non-Wear OS smartwatches may also support Google Fit integration through companion apps or third-party services.
