Best Fitness Tracker Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 20+Sources used
- 12Companies vetted
- 4Features reviewed
- 11Top
Picks
- Fitness trackers do more than just count your steps, they also monitor your daily activity and analyze the progression
- Many people with wearable devices stop using them within a couple of months
- The accuracy of fitness trackers isn’t tested for every exercise and activity, so it’s beneficial to use the data as estimations
- Studies show that healthy competition between friends or peers can help you stay motivated on your fitness journey
How We Found the Best Fitness Tracker
Our List of the Best Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are increasingly popular and are even recommended by family physicians as a safe way to get healthy and increase physical activity. When it comes to buying a fitness tracker, however, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. And, while committing to a gym membership and/or hiring a personal trainer aren’t realistic options for many consumers, some already have smartwatches and depend on them for achieving daily goals.
Keeping all of this in mind during our research, we came up with top choices for eleven different categories—an option for nearly every type of consumer. On your marks, get set, and let’s go!
Fitbit review
Best for Motivation
Photo credit Fitbit.
Fitbit devices are designed to track every part of your day and show you how even the smallest change in your routine—taking the stairs instead of an elevator, for instance—can contribute to your overall fitness goals. These goals or “little victories” benefit those who aren’t used to exercising.
STRENGTHS
Range of Features
From a basic step-counter to a hybrid smartwatch, Fitbit offers a range of products that increase in features and price as they advance. Older users and beginners can use the simple Fitbit Inspire to track their steps and calories, as well as receive reminders to get moving. For athletes and advanced workout enthusiasts, the Fitbit Ionic offers on-screen workouts and memorizes over fifteen exercise modes.
Individuals who use smartwatches to balance both their life and fitness goals can benefit from Fitbit Versa 2, offering Fitbit Pay for on-the-go payments, voice commands, Amazon Alexa, and more smartphone app experiences.
Fitbit products range from $70 to $250. Battery life lasts up to seven days without charge and all products sync with your smartphone.
Comfort & Customization
Fitbit is designed to fit securely on the wrist and comes in three changeable wristband materials: sports silicone, leather, and woven. Several of our team members own and use Fitbits daily, and all of them complimented the product on its look and comfort factor:
“It feels just like a watch, very lightweight so I don’t notice it.” —Terrence
“It’s lightweight and stylish. I have a regular band for working out and leather for more professional or formal events.” —Joseph
“It feels lightweight and the wristbands don’t get sticky or damp from sweat.
I use it daily.” —Javier
Customer Support
Fitbit’s website provides detailed FAQs, community forums, wear and care tips, and how-to videos. Users who still need assistance can use Fitbit’s live chat option or reach customer service through Twitter messaging or email.
DRAWBACKS
Sensitivity & Occasional Glitching
While sensors are beneficial for all-day tracking, they can become a nuisance for some. One of our team members explained that his Fitbit sometimes changes modes when accidentally bumped so he turns it inside out while exercising. Two other users explained they’ve experienced glitching with the Fitbit screen after charging and syncing with the smartphone, as well as with some notification features.
A quick factory reset may take care of glitches, but some individuals who train or perform hardcore activities may need to turn the band inside-out to avoid workout interruption.
Apple Watch review
Best for iPhone Users
Photo credit Apple.
The smartwatch of Apple products, the Apple Watch integrates fitness goals with your daily habits. With all of its special features—ApplePay, microphone, Siri, and Apple Music streaming—the Apple Watch is already a personal assistant. Thanks to its pre-installed fitness tracking features, it also classifies as a hybrid smartwatch.
The Apple Watch tracks your fitness progress over time and reminds you to move and stand throughout the day. It also has a built-in compass and ground elevation sensors for better accuracy of distance traveled and calorie-burning during outdoor activities, such as running, biking, and hiking.
STRENGTHS
Convenience
If you’re already dedicated to using Apple products—Macbooks, iPhones, or iPads—the Apple Watch is a convenient add-on. It easily syncs with the iPhone and Macbooks, enabling auto-login when within a few inches of either device, message and call alerts, as well as other notifications on your iPhone. You can also sync workout goals with other users and initiate friendly competition within the Apple Watch community. What stood out to us is the Emergency Alert, a fall-detection sensor that will auto-call 911 if no motion is detected.
Many of our team members have Apple Watch and expressed how much it’s a part of their daily life:
“It’s more personalized and I use it every day. I can multitask on it and compare my fitness progression with my friends.” —Cristina
“I’ve had it for almost two years. The Apple Watch feels great. It has become a part of me and I can’t imagine a day without using it.” —Valerie
“I have my whole phone and life on the Apple Watch. I use it for time, calls, early morning runs, and measuring my heart rate. It honestly feels like an extension of my arm. It fits perfectly on my wrist to the point I sometimes forget it’s there.” —René
Durability
The Apple Watch is available in several types of resilient materials: aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic cases with interchangeable wristbands made of leather, fluoroelastomer, nylon weaves, or metal. While it has a ‘professional look,’ the watch is designed to stay on your wrist during any workouts, including water-based activities.
Customer Support
Apple is known for its customer support, and this extends to the Apple Watch. There’s a community forum, online user guides, and as a last resort, a directory of Apple stores where you can take your watch in for repair. If you’re not close to an Apple store, there are also Apple-authorized service providers at different stores, including Best Buy. For additional care, you can register for an AppleCare+ membership, which provides 24/7 access to tech support via phone and up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for your Apple Watch and any iOS product.
DRAWBACKS
iOS Only
The Apple Watch can only sync with an iPhone. Users can, however, install third-party apps on the Apple Watch.
Price and Battery Life
The starting price for an Apple Watch is $400, which can be expensive for someone just looking for a simple fitness tracker. Also, the battery life is said to last up to 18 hours, which is shorter in comparison to other fitness trackers and hybrid smartwatch brands that cost much less.
No Sleep Tracking
The Apple Watch does not have any of the sleep tracking or sleep monitoring features that are typically available on fitness trackers.
Garmin Vivofit Jr review
Best for Kids
Photo credit Garmin.
Priced at around $70, the Garmin Vivofit Jr. is a watch and fitness tracker tailored specifically to kids. Using the parent-controlled app by Garmin, the Vivofit Jr. enables parents to monitor their child’s physical activities, assign them homework and chores, set task timers, and help them stay active through educational, mobile adventure games. The tracker also features in-app rewards, including a coin system for completing tasks and daily activity tracking, including total steps and hours of sleep.
STRENGTHS
Design
The Vivofit Jr. has a slim fit that’s easy to adjust, a soft silicone wristband, and several kid-friendly designs, including Marvel and Disney themes.
Battery Life
The Vivofit Jr. comes with a non-rechargeable battery that lasts up to one year, so children can enjoy it daily without interruption. Once the battery runs out, parents can just replace it.
Customer Support
Garmin enables customers to use the website to search and enter the specific product name and serial number for precise assistance. There are also plenty of how-to videos, user manuals, and an order/return status to track purchases and service.
DRAWBACKS
GPS and Interface Limitations
Neither the Vivofit Jr., as well as several other Garmin wearables, include GPS, which might be a setback for parents who’d prefer monitoring their child’s whereabouts. The watch's screen is small and has display limitations that can be bothersome while reading or choosing options.
Xiaomi Mi Band review
Best for Affordability
Photo credit Mi.
Priced at about $40 by most retailers, the Mi Band by Xiaomi is one of the least expensive fitness trackers on the market while offering just as many apps and features as its competitors. These include smartphone notifications, sleep quality and heart rate monitoring, inactivity alerts, reminders, and music streaming.
Made of aluminum alloy with a thermoplastic elastomer wrist strap, the tracker is slim-fit and easily adjustable. Unlike other fitness trackers, the Mi Band also has a “mi band locator” option within the mobile app so that, in case of misplacement, the band receives a signal to light up.
The exact price of the Mi Band is not listed on its main website, but consumers can locate and purchase it from online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.
STRENGTHS
Battery Life
The Mi Band battery is said to last up to twenty days on one full charge for fitness tracking, and up to thirty days for regular use. The band also has a battery level display feature to inform users when it’s running low on charge.
Security Features
If Android users register under a Mi Account, they can sync the fitness tracker with their smartphone to automatically unlock the screen without a password.
DRAWBACKS
App Malfunctioning
According to many online reviews, the Mi Fit app, the corresponding app to Mi Band, has many glitches and syncing problems. Many viewers explained that they had trouble with receiving accurate results on sleeping, distance and time measurements, as well as the app staying connected to Bluetooth during workouts.
Samsung Galaxy Watch review
Best Smartwatch Hybrid
Photo credit Samsung.
For $250, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is also a hybrid, offering many of the same smartphone features as Apple Watch: voice command, Samsung Pay, music streaming, phone notifications, and preinstalled fitness tracking modes. The difference is that the Galaxy Watch has a battery that lasts up to one week on a single charge, and it’s available on both iOS and Android.
Made with plastic straps and a Gorilla Glass screen, the Galaxy Watch is designed for durability. For a more affordable option with the same durability and notification features, you can get the slimmer fitness tracker version, Galaxy Fit.
STRENGTHS
Lifestyle Alerts
Galaxy Watch tracks all of your daily habits. It can send real-time alerts for high or low heart rate detection and even includes a water and caffeine setting so you can monitor your intake and set a personal limit.
Wireless Charging
In case your watch is running low on battery, Galaxy Watch does not need a charger. Instead, it has the Wireless Powershare feature, where it charges by simply touching another compatible Samsung device with the feature, such as the Galaxy phone.
Customer Support
Samsung provides downloadable user guides, detailed FAQs, Samsung community forums, walk-in and mail-in repair orders, service store locators, and online check repair status. It even provides 24/7 phone service, live chat, and Facebook and Twitter messaging for assistance.
DRAWBACKS
Sleep and Stress Feature Complications
Several online user reviews expressed dissatisfaction and/or issues with the sleep and stress tracking option functionality.
Moov Now review
Best for Training
Photo credit Moov.
With real-time audio and visual coaching, Moov Now fitness tracker utilizes OmniMotion technology for 3D motion, providing multiple resources for users who are training to improve their fitness regimens. Moov Now is very affordable, costing between $50 and $60, and is the first fitness tracker we’ve encountered that is fully waterproof, not just water-resistant.
Moov Now syncs to both iOS and Android smartphones and, through the Moov app, enables users to set training modes, use live maps, and follow choreographed workouts. Using 3D technology, Moov now provides coaches in real-time for swimming, running, cardio boxing, and more. It audibly gives guidance on the user’s landing impact and forms, as well as counting the reps in a workout. The fitness band comes in colorful, lightweight leather wristbands.
STRENGTHS
Versatility
Moov Now is tailored for intense training. Users can wear it as a wristband, an anklet, or as a headband when paired with the Heart Rate (HR) version.
Heart Rate Accuracy
Moov HR, the headband version, is made with Pulse Vision oximeter technology, which measures blood oxygen levels from the temple to create a waveform representation of the exact heartbeat.
Battery Life
Moov Now does not require charging. It has a replaceable battery that lasts up to six months.
DRAWBACKS
No Screen
Just like other minimalistic fitness trackers, Moov Now has no screen or visuals on the actual device, just the sensor within the wristband. A smartphone is needed to watch videos and choreographed workouts. Users who are deaf may not benefit from this device unless they prefer to just use the app for watching the choreographed routines and reviewing their stats.
Polar review
Best for Athletes
Photo credit Polar.
The Polar brand is already known for catering to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its fitness tracker, the Polar A370, does just that. For $150, this tracker has a battery life of up to four days and easily syncs with smartphones for GPS tracking, phone notifications, sleep analysis, and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. For about $250, consumers can get the hybrid smartwatch version with more applications and advanced features.
STRENGTHS
Premeditated Workout Planning
Through the “Polar Flow” app, which is accessible via mobile and desktop, users can plan their workouts and sync them directly to the fitness tracker for guidance through sessions. The app also supports over one hundred sports and functions as a training diary for a personalized workout experience.
All-Day Tracking
In addition to the heart rate monitoring, the Polar fitness tracker operates 24/7. Users receive stats for every activity plus the total calories burned during the day.
Customer Support
Polar also does a good job of providing multiple forms of service. Alongside phone and email, users can take advantage of the detailed FAQs, downloadable user manuals, and online repair requests.
DRAWBACKS
Not for Beginners
Since this brand caters to athletic users and sports training, the stats and app plans may come off as too advanced for beginners. The training log is very detailed, which isn’t necessary for someone who just wants to get active.
Motiv Ring review
Best Minimalist Design
Photo credit Motiv.
One of the most discreet fitness trackers on the market, the Motiv Ring is a $200, simple, smart ring that slides on the finger and requires no other accessories. The ring has a minimalistic design, is made of lightweight titanium, and has a three-day battery life. Like most rings, Motiv is available in several sizes and comes in bronze, black, or silver.
STRENGTHS
Memory
The Motiv Ring may be small and unnoticeable, but it’s still tracking your heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily activity, saving everything you do. The ring is built with an onboard memory of up to three days that automatically syncs data to the Motiv App.
Security Features
With its two-step verification feature, the Motiv Ring can serve as the second-factor authenticator for your Google, Facebook, and Amazon login accounts. Instead of inputting a numerical code, users can simply wave or make a gesture with the ring in front of their computer screen.
DRAWBACKS
Simplicity
While Motiv Ring’s simplicity makes it unique, it can also be counterproductive for users who prefer visual workouts and alerts, as the only way to see the stats is through the Motiv app. Also, if the ring is misplaced or dropped, it could be much harder to find than a watch-sized fitness tracker.
Bellabeat review
Best for Women
Photo credit Bellabeat.
Made of stainless steel, Bellabeat products are fashionable wellness trackers that double as jewelry, either as necklaces, bracelets, or clips. These hypoallergenic, versatile pieces feature built-in sensors that track your physical activity–including steps, calories burned, and distance–sync with your smartphone, and store all stats and progress on the Bellabeat App.
Bellabeat jewelry, as well as the Bellabeat hybrid watch, costs between $120 and $200. Some of the jewelry designs include Swarovski crystals and natural stones, including rose quartz and onyx.
STRENGTHS
Battery Life
Bellabeat wellness trackers do not require charging. Each contains a replaceable, coin cell battery with a six-month duration.
Memory
These wellness trackers also store up to fourteen days of memory. From daily activities to sleep monitoring, users can see their stats and progress over a two-week timespan within the Bellabeat App.
Reproductive Health Focus
A special feature of Bellabeat that caters specifically to women is the reproductive health feature. Bellabeat helps track menstrual cycles, fertile days, and ovulation patterns, as well as gives you the ability to log your pregnancy and set reminders.
Relaxation Features
The Bellabeat App has mindfulness features that also help users monitor their stress sensitivity, receive guided meditation sessions, and do breathing exercises while on-the-go.
DRAWBACK
Simplicity
Since these wellness trackers are jewelry pieces, they don’t have screens to help you see your stats. To do this, you have to use the BellaBeat app on your smartphone.
Fossil review
Best for Google Users
Photo credit Fossil.
The Fossil watch is completely powered by “Wear OS by Google,” meaning that all Google apps can function through the watch. Priced at $275-$300, the Fossil watch has a battery life of up to one day, built-in GPS, and can store and play music.
Like most smartwatches, the Fossil watch syncs with both iOS and Android smartphones, showing phone and text message notifications, and alerts from other apps.
STRENGTHS
Coaching Features
Through the Google Fit app–which provides goals based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AMA)–the Fossil watch tracks your physical activities, monitors your progress, and provides coaching based on your activity history.
Customer Support
In addition to phone and email contact, the Fossil website provides how-to setup videos, numerous FAQs, repair service shipping requests, and downloadable user guides.
Design Variety
Fossil smartwatches, generally made of stainless steel, are known for their elegant, classy look. For users going for a more relaxed look or planning to wear the watch during athletic activities, the “Sport” version is made of silicone and caters to more casual and workout attire.
DRAWBACKS
Google Fit App Complications
Several online reviews say the Google Fit app has many glitches, with users experiencing sign-in issues, the app stopping mid-workout, and inconsistent tracking accuracy. If Google Fit is the only app experiencing bugs and glitching, Fossil watch users may consider installing a different fitness app.
Withings Pulse review
Best for Simplicity
Photo credit Withings.
Sleek, slim, and lightweight, the Withings Pulse is an advanced fitness tracker that combines basic activity tracking with multisport features. The Withings Pulse costs around $100 and comes in a minimalist style: stainless steel case and interchangeable leather or silicone wristbands.
Although it has a simplistic look, the Withings Pulse fitness tracker syncs with smartphones to show notifications and has a battery life that lasts up to five days while in workout mode.
STRENGTHS
Multisport Tracking
Pulse fitness tracker automatically recognizes and records ten different physical activities. Through the Health Mate app, Pulse enables users to select from over thirty different sports for closer accuracy and training sessions.
Storage Benefits
With its 24/7 automatic recognition, Pulse tracks all daily movement and activity, which are stored in the Health Mate app for up to five days. Users can save and transfer their measurements to unlimited online storage by creating a Withings account.
Customer Support
Withings’ Help Center is very organized. Here, users can search inquiries, find downloadable user guides, watch video tutorials, and read detailed FAQs. To contact Withings customer service, users must log in to their Withings accounts.
DRAWBACKS
Screen Limitations
Withings Pulse does not have a touchscreen. Instead, it has a side button for users to scroll through options and notifications. Users interested in a touchscreen wearable with more advanced features can choose the hybrid sports smartwatch version, but it’s more expensive.
Further Insight into Our Methodology
We researched and reviewed several appraised fitness trackers currently available in the U.S. Since we weren’t able to order and test them all firsthand, we interviewed individuals who owned fitness trackers and used them daily. Our interviewees included several of our team members, most of whom owned Apple Watch and Fitbit, as well as a medical researcher, a doctor, and a certified athletic trainer.
From our research, we narrowed down our list of the best fitness trackers by analyzing the following:
Features
Fitness trackers are actually small computers, using sensors and technology for measuring steps, distance, type of activity, and more. Many are available as smartwatch-hybrids, featuring applications for time, message alerts, phone calls, calendar, and music, in addition to health and fitness tracking features.
Consumers should be aware that not all tracking features cater to the same fitness levels or health goals. While some users just want to know their total steps and calories burned for the day, others prefer the convenience of smart features, such as calendars and phone alerts, to assist in daily tasks.
For this reason, we chose fitness trackers that at least provide general activity tracking features—such as heart rate monitoring and calories burned—that sync with smartphones for uploading data. This way, they can be used for both basic and customized activities.
Connectivity
Since most fitness trackers rely on fitness apps to display fitness goals, GPS, and activity progression, it’s important that they can easily connect with the consumer’s smartphone either via syncing or Bluetooth. In addition, they should do so without having the phone in close proximity, as some physical activities are more strenuous and intense, such as swimming and rock climbing.
Cost
Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Our research discovered that, while several fitness trackers and hybrid smartwatches had many of the same features and quality, the ones from major companies could cost almost twice as much. On the other hand, we also came across some that actually had more advanced features but were much less expensive than their competitors. For this reason, we made sure to explain how advanced each product is in terms of tracking technology and how each device differs from that of another company regarding price and unique specifications.
Customer Experience
It may be lightweight, but is it comfortable? It may offer Bluetooth syncing, but does the customer experience glitches? One fitness tracker might look and work just as good as the next, but once the device malfunctions, there’s a possibility that the manufacturer does not provide the same type of quality assurance or offer assistance in repairs. One company may have a lenient return policy and guaranteed refund, while another may have more strict policies.
During our trial period, we were unable to order and test first-hand every fitness tracker we reviewed. Instead, for the devices we couldn’t obtain, our team read through and took notes from dozens of customer reviews, complaints, and concerns of each product. Our sources include community forums, social media posts, app store comments, company website reviews, tech product review websites, and our peers.
Helpful Information About Fitness Trackers
Common Features
As a more advanced version of step counters, fitness trackers focus less on your steps and more on your overall physical activity. They’re designed to analyze types of motion and how particular movements affect your health. Where step counters could easily confuse someone tapping their foot with actual walking, fitness tracking technology differentiates tapping from walking, walking from running, running from biking, and so on.
The technology—which includes accelerometers, algorithms, and sensors—calculates, measures, and records your body’s response to certain activities. Fitness trackers also use GPS signals for distance and, when prompted, display specific exercise modes you can choose from for better accuracy.
Generally, fitness trackers possess the following capabilities:
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Heart rate monitoring sensors
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Sleep monitoring/motionless sensors
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Exercise recognition/modes
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Smartphone syncing
In addition, most fitness trackers are made to withstand sports-related impacts, are water-resistant and have extended battery life.
Smartwatch vs. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are wearables that do just that: track fitness and activities. Many smartwatches have fitness tracking applications, but not the other way around. Hybrid smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, cater to both activity tracking and daily smartwatch use, which is why they generally cost more than fitness trackers.
How to Choose the Best Fitness Tracker for You
Dr. Mitesh Patel, director of the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit and researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, shared a few tips on what consumers should keep in mind when choosing a fitness tracker. “Anytime you take it off, it’s an opportunity not to put it back on,” he explained. Patel, who has led several experiments in wearable technologies and mobile devices, concluded that competition and gamification incorporated in fitness can play an outsized role in motivation and work hand-in-hand with meeting one’s goals.
For this reason, you should analyze your fitness goals first. Make sure the fitness tracker you buy caters to the type of exercises you plan to perform. Next, choose a device you're actually going to be consistent about using. According to Dr. Patel, trackers that generally work better for his patients don’t require regular charging, such as those that last up to six months or more and are waterproof or water-resistant. Finally, consider your budget. “Many people using wearable devices stop using it after a couple of months,” explained Dr. Patel. You don't want to invest in something you don't plan on using for an extended period.
How to Develop a Fitness Routine… and Stick to It
Sometimes, starting a workout routine isn’t the issue, but rather sticking to it. Having a determined mindset is key. We spoke with Cassia Denton, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, on how she keeps her clients motivated, particularly those who use fitness trackers. “Fitness is a lifelong pursuit and your body and goals will change,” Denton explained, adding that “having that data over time can be valuable and help you learn about yourself. Trackers are meant to monitor your performance over time. Seeing the little victories and having accountability is important.”
Denton also told us that sometimes it’s invaluable to have someone else helping you on your journey. Fitness trackers can help motivate someone with a sedentary lifestyle to be conscious about getting active, but it doesn’t hurt to have that extra push from a friend or coach who can be verbally supportive.
What to Watch Out for When Buying a Fitness Tracker
Water Resistant vs. Waterproof
Understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof can save you money in the long haul. During our research, we noticed that many companies market their fitness trackers as “waterproof,” meaning it withstands water, only to later discover the manufacturer specs list it as “water-resistant,” meaning it can get wet or still function under a limited amount of water pressure. You may be able to shower with your fitness tracker on, but not swim with it. For those that you can swim with, they still may malfunction if dropped and sunk to the bottom of a pool.
Fitness Trackers are not Responsible for Weight Loss
Read the fine print. We cannot stress this enough. Fitness trackers do not make you lose weight, but rather provide health stats, track your progression, and send reminder alerts to get active.
Alycia Bisson, researcher and lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Boston University, spoke with us regarding her experiment on behavioral change caused by fitness technology in sedentary adults. Bisson explained that, after giving one group of individuals Fitbits and another group of individuals customized maps with planned walking tips, she found that the latter group was more likely to increase their steps than those with the Fitbit alone. “The key is changing people’s mindsets about physical activity,” Bisson explained, “Physical activity matters regardless of the device, which is the point.”
Unhealthy Obsession with Numbers
Bisson also described the downside of relying on fitness devices, stating that users can get stressed out about maintaining the stats. “If people get too focused on the number of metrics provided, that could be detrimental,” Bisson warned, “the mindset of ‘it only matters if the tracker is measuring it’ becomes the problem.”
Possibility of Inaccurate Results
Finally, one of the major concerns among consumers is whether or not fitness trackers are accurate. The answer: it’s not guaranteed. “Many of these devices are tested for their accuracy,” Dr. Patel told us, adding that “We did one of the first studies looking at the accuracy of tracking step counts. They’re quite accurate for step counts but less accurate for tracking sleep and heart rate.”
FAQs about Fitness Tracker
How do fitness trackers monitor my sleep?
Most fitness trackers have a “sleep mode” setting that, through the use of sensors, accelerometers, and data-processing algorithms analyzes your heart rate patterns and motion to determine body movement, speed, and sleep stages.
Can wrist tattoos affect fitness tracker sensors?
While accuracy isn’t guaranteed by manufacturers, there is an increasing amount of customer complaints regarding fitness tracker inaccuracy on dark tattoos as well as on darker skin complexions.
Many popular brands such as Fitbit use PurePulse technology, green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that reflect off skin to detect a change in blood flow. Green LEDs are said to be the low-cost, noninvasive way of monitoring pulse rates. With that said, studies show that shorter wavelengths of light are strongly absorbed by melanin—that is, darker skin pigmentation—which can affect the accuracy of LED sensors.
Do fitness trackers require a smartphone?
All fitness trackers can function without a smartphone, but many require a fitness app to upload data and show your fitness progression, which is only accessible via smartphone or computer.
Depending on your preference, you can get a fitness tracker that shows your stats and data, such as steps, heart rate, and calories burned, on its screen in real-time. If you’re looking for a fitness wearable with smart features, such as phone calls and message alerts, these more than likely need to be synced with your smartphone.
Are there fitness trackers for seniors?
While most fitness trackers are marketed to younger consumers, these wearables are ideal for seniors too. Elderly consumers are most likely living a sedentary life and fitness trackers are designed to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
Fitness trackers are versatile and provide health and activity insights that seniors can use for motivation and accountability. Our top chosen fitness trackers are all lightweight, provide different modes of activity tracking, and have some form of water resistance. When shopping for the best fitness tracker, seniors should look for brands that are easy to use, have larger display screens, heart rate monitoring features, and extended battery life.