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Like every piece The gear you wear on your body every day, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The best fitness tracker should be comfortable, attractive, and fit your lifestyle, including when and how you like to exercise. Do you ride a bike, row or do strength training? Do you run for hours on the trails or just want a reminder to get up every hour? Do you want to wear it on your wrist or finger, or wear it on your bra?
No matter what your needs are, there’s never been a better time to find a powerful, sophisticated tool that can help you optimize your workouts or jump-start your routine. To bring you these options, we test dozens of fitness trackers every year on our iPads while running, climbing, hiking, or just making exercise videos.
Updated January 2025: We added Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED, Oura Ring 4, Xiaomi Smart Band 9, Garmin Lily 2 Active, Amazfit T-Rex 3, Amazfit Active and Polar Vantage M3.
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Fitness Trackers and Smart Watches
Don’t see something here that’s quite your style? see our guide to Best Smart Watches. While the categories may overlap, fitness trackers are less feature-rich. I’m less concerned with whether a fitness tracker can replicate every function on your smartphone than with how robust and accurate the set of health features are; if it can track multiple activities; and if it stays open and secure while doing multiple fitness activities.
Some fitness trackers will have the ability to read emails and control music, but the screens are often smaller and less bright. However, battery life is often better, which makes a difference, especially if you’re tracking your sleep over time. However, if you’re more interested in the option of accessing apps without taking out your phone, you might want to consider getting a smartwatch. (If you do not wish to receive any notifications, a smart ring instead.)
Fix problems with your Fitness Tracker
Having trouble with that new fitness device you just bought? Here are a few ways to easily treat what’s bothering you (or your device):
Make sure it fits. If your device slides freely on your wrist, the optical sensors won’t work. You can customize most devices with new straps. Make sure it sits securely about an inch above your wrist.
Wash it! I’m horrified that so many people say their fitness trackers give them wrist rashes. After a sweat session, wipe off with some dish soap and water.
Get out from under the tree cover. Does your device use multiple satellite positioning systems to track your location when you start exercising outdoors? It’s harder to do if you’re under power lines, trees, or even indoors (swallowing).
Set a routine. There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your tracker app last night before going to bed and finding out its battery is dead. Update your software regularly. Check that your tracker is connected to your phone and store chargers everywhere.
