Staying active is the easiest way to keep the flames of life burning bright. That means exercising frequently and avoiding anything that can turn you into a couch potato. But that isn’t all. You should also actively self-monitor your overall health and well-being, which calls for a good smartwatch.
Speaking of a good smartwatch, the market is saturated with countless gadgets. And no two are alike. If you go digging today, you will unearth many products with different designs, features, functionalities, and price tags. The wide variety available can make choosing a good gadget nightmarish. But don’t worry; I’m here to help.
To make your life easier, I’ve reviewed the best gadgets below. Additionally, I’ve indicated what makes them outstanding, their perks, and their quirks. Let’s get started.
1. Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker – Best Overall
Fitbit Charge 5 is our best overall gadget. It was introduced in August 2021, to much anticipation. I was one of many who couldn’t wait to test it. We’d all heard the hype behind it, including rumors it had more features than its predecessor, Charge 4. According to different sources, Charge 5 would come with unique specs that’d take fitness tracking to the next level, including ECG sensors. They were true.
I’ve used this device for nearly 2 years and have not been disappointed. Moreover, some things have turned me into a die-hard fan of Fitbit Charge 5. First, as I mentioned earlier, this smartwatch has an ECG app that allows the wearer to monitor their heart health. Moreover, the gadget has an EDA sensor installed to help wellness fanatics track their stress levels and healthy coping strategies.
Pros – What I Like
- Fitbit Charge 5 comes with a Readiness Score that helps me determine whether I should work out on a specific day or take a break and allow my body to recover. That is pretty neat since many fitness enthusiasts like me over-exercise sometimes.
- With this fitness tracker’s Stress Management score, I can stay on top of my mental health. Also, whenever necessary, I can use the Mindfulness tile in the Fitbit application to check how effective my mindfulness practices are in alleviating stress.
- It has a built-in GPS, which helps me monitor distance and pace while exercising outdoors, even without my phone.
- The screen is brighter than what I was used to with Charge 4. The 2X brightness allows me to see the display easily, especially in daylight.
- This smartwatch’s battery can last up to 7 days. Say goodbye to charging your fitness tracker every night.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Fitbit Charge 5 doesn’t have any physical buttons.
- The display screen could be bigger.
- It has no music control widget.
2. Apple Watch SE – Best Stylish Smartwatch
Apple Watch SE is one of the most stylish fitness trackers available today. I love its starlight aluminum case, which lends it a surreal, almost too-good-to-be-true aura. Plus, the case is accompanied by a starlight sports band, a component that complements the gadget’s futuristic design. But you don’t have to go with the starlight finish if you don’t like it. The smartwatch is customizable, meaning you can request an item that matches your taste and preferences.
But the Apple Watch SE’s perks don’t start and stop at the aesthetic appeal. This smartwatch has numerous features that are vital to health and fitness fanatics. These include apps that help you monitor your health, track your fitness, and connect with like-minded people. And with this gadget, you can also access thousands of other applications.
Pros – What I Like
- It comes with a stylish, futuristic look. You can rock it on different occasions and events, from running everyday errands like grocery shopping to hiking outdoors and attending fancy dinners.
- Equipped with Crash Detection, this smartwatch can detect when you’ve been involved in an auto accident and contact emergency services if necessary.
- This Apple Watch also comes with Fall Detection, which contacts emergency services if you fall and remain immobile for around 60 seconds.
- You can swim with it since it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters.
- With this smartwatch, you can call, text, listen to music, etc., from your wrist.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Considering the smartwatch’s price, the battery life can be better. It can only last around 18 hours on a full charge.
- It has no ECG and blood oxygen sensors.
3. Amazfit GTR 4 Smart Watch – Best for Men
Most of the gadgets I’ve introduced here are unisex, meaning both men and women can rock them. But Amazfit GTR 4 is different. This smartwatch comes with various features that make it more suitable for men. The first and foremost is its sturdy, masculine appearance. The first thing that drew me to this item as a man is the sturdy-looking stainless-steel navigation crown and aluminum alloy middle frame.
Besides the appearance, GTR 4 is the first smartwatch to feature anti-glare technology on its bezel cover. That means you can rock it outside without fretting over the negative impacts of excessive glare, from impaired visibility to eye strain and headaches.
Pros – What I Like
- This smartwatch is a combination of handsome, sturdy features and timeless elegance. You can wear it to any occasion, from outdoor workouts to your place of work.
- It’s equipped with dual-band, circularly polarized antenna technology, which enhances its positioning accuracy.
- It has a large, AMOLED display screen with anti-fingerprint coating. With the watch, you can enjoy better outdoor visibility, wider viewing angles, and an always-pristine screen.
- The smartwatch lets users pick from a vast selection of 150+ sports modes. And when it comes to swimming, this gadget can survive up to 50 meters.
- With BioTracker 4.0 installed in the smartwatch, wearers can benefit from enhanced stress levels, blood-oxygen saturation, and heart rate monitoring.
- Amazfit GTR 4 allows users to connect and share workout data with different health and fitness apps, including Adidas Running, Apple Health, and Strava.
- It’s compatible with both Android and iOS.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- It’s primarily designed for men. So, no matter how much I love it, I can’t gift it to a health and fitness enthusiast of the fairer sex.
Read Also: Anxiety Monitor Watch — How Fitness Trackers Measure Stress
4. Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch – Best for Outdoor Tracking
Garmin Forerunner 256 should be your go-to smartwatch if you like running or exploring the outdoors. This gadget is one of the lightest items available today, so wearing it while running, hiking, etc., won’t be a problem. Moreover, it boasts a brilliant AMOLED display screen that facilitates easy reading, even in direct sunlight.
The smartwatch’s long battery life is another feature that makes the Garmin Forerunner 265 suitable for outdoorsy folk. This device can last up to 13 days. So, if you enjoy outdoor activities that often take a couple of days, like camping, backpacking, or bicycle tours, expect this gadget to serve you for as long as possible.
Pros – What I Like
- The smartwatch has a touchscreen display AND traditional buttons. You can choose either for navigation and switch whenever necessary.
- Every morning, it offers the user crucial information like sleep report, training outlook, and heart rate variability status.
- It comes with safety and tracking features like incident detection and Assistance, which lets you share your live location and ask for help from emergency contacts whenever you are in a bind.
- The smartwatch notifies you whenever your phone has an incoming call or message. Plus, with it, you can send a quick reply to an important text.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- It’s pricier than most other comparable fitness trackers.
5. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 – Best for Samsung Users
A good number of the people I know are suckers for Samsung gadgets. If you are in this category and are searching for a good fitness tracker, look no further than the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5. This unisex smartwatch is sleek and stylish. Plus, it comes with a sapphire crystal glass display screen that enhances its visual appeal and durability.
I also recommend this smartwatch because it works seamlessly with most Android phones. Not to forget, with it, you can monitor different workouts and track crucial body composition data like body water, skeletal muscle, body mass index, and body fat.
Pros – What I Like
- The smartwatch can automatically track diverse activities, from swimming to rowing and running. Plus, with it, you can manually track 90 other activities, including unique options like HIIT workouts.
- It has advanced sensors that allow a user to monitor heart rate and proactively manage wellness.
- With the gadget’s next-gen sleep tracker and coaching features, you can keep an eye on your sleep patterns and develop habits that encourage better sleep quality.
- The gadget’s blood pressure monitor enables wellness enthusiasts to track their BP and check in with a physician when necessary.
- Galaxy Watch 5 is equipped with enhanced GPS, indispensable to fitness enthusiasts who love to explore the great outdoors.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- At 48 hours, the smartwatch’s battery life is so-so.
- Blood pressure monitoring and ECG are unavailable in many countries
6. POLAR Ignite 2 – Best for Runners
A dedicated runner needs a smartwatch that can cater to their needs, like the Polar Ignite 2. I’ve categorized this gadget as the best for runners for several reasons. First, it has a heart rate monitoring feature for helping runners work out and train seamlessly. Plus, it offers personalized workout guidance tailored to help different types of fitness enthusiasts improve their performance.
Most importantly, the Polar Running Program is present in this smartwatch. The program has 5 types of running training sessions, including easy jog, medium run, and medium run. And you can choose a program that fits an event you’re preparing for, be it a 5k, 10k, or a marathon.
Pros – What I Like
- The smartwatch offers personalized training programs for runners.
- It supports sleep monitoring and analysis.
- Besides running, this gadget is ideal for tracking swimming, yoga, cycling, walking, etc.
- The battery can last up to 5 days while tracking activities and monitoring heart rate.
Cons – What I Don’t Like
- Some users have complained about inaccurate heart monitoring.
Honorable Mentions
Why Fitness Trackers? What Does Science Say About them?
How to Choose the Best Fitness Trackers – Buying Guide
I’ve introduced 6 of the best smartwatches today. Let’s now address the most critical question: Which one should you get? The answer isn’t as simple as you may have supposed. After all, each gadget mentioned here has its perks and quirks. But don’t worry, picking the best item for you isn’t impossible. Just consider the following:
Your Favorite Activities
While choosing a fitness tracker, go with something that supports your favorite activities. For instance, if you love swimming, buy a water-resistant smartwatch like Apple Watch SE. On the other hand, if you are an avid runner, a device like Polar Ignite 2 is the best option.
Fashion vs. Function
Fitness gadgets come in different shapes and styles. Some are rugged and only built to last. Others are sleek and stylish. To ensure you have a device that suits your needs and preferences, ask yourself how, where, and why you want to wear a smartwatch. Then, pick the most fitting product.
Compatibility
The best way to get the most out of a smartwatch is by connecting it to your phone. But to do that, the two items must be compatible. As such, prioritize products that can work with your mobile phone while shopping for the best fitness tracker.
Pricing
Fitness trackers come with different price tags. Pick a product that is within your budget. That said, don’t let pricing be the only determining factor. Combine it with others, including features and functionalities, and try to buy the most reasonably priced gadget.
Final Thoughts
In this article, I’ve listed several categories of the best smartwatches today, from the Fitbit Charge 5, the best overall gadget, to a runner’s best friend, Polar Ignite 2. All the products I’ve mentioned are worth checking out.
I’ve also suggested the factors you should consider while choosing the best item, including pricing and compatibility with other devices. The ball is now in your court. At this point, all I can do is wish you the best of luck in your smartwatch-buying endeavors. So, good luck!
Common Questions
How does a fitness tracker work?
Fitness trackers typically use sensors like accelerometers and heart rate monitors to collect data on your physical activity and health. This data is then synced to a smartphone app or computer for analysis.
What metrics can a fitness tracker measure?
Common metrics include steps, distance walked or run, calories burned, heart rate, sleep duration and quality, and sometimes even GPS tracking for location-based data.
What are the benefits of using a fitness tracker?
Fitness trackers can help users set and achieve fitness goals, monitor their overall health, and stay motivated by providing real-time data and feedback.
Are fitness trackers accurate?
The accuracy of fitness trackers can vary depending on the brand and model. Generally, they provide reasonably accurate data for most users, but they may not be as precise as medical-grade equipment.
Read Also: Do Smartwatches and Fitness Watches Accurately Track Calories?
Can I wear my fitness tracker while swimming?
Some fitness trackers are waterproof and suitable for swimming. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your device is water-resistant or waterproof.
Do fitness trackers track other activities besides walking and running?
Yes, many fitness trackers can recognize and record various physical activities, such as cycling, swimming, weightlifting, and more, depending on the device’s features.
How long does the battery last on a fitness tracker?
Battery life varies from one fitness tracker to another. Some models can last several days on a single charge, while others may need daily charging. The battery life also depends on the features you use.
Can I sync my fitness tracker with my smartphone?
Most fitness trackers can be synced with a smartphone through a dedicated app. This allows you to view and analyze your fitness data on your phone.
Are fitness trackers suitable for everyone?
Fitness trackers can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, but their suitability depends on individual preferences and needs. They are commonly used by people interested in monitoring their fitness and health progress.
Are there privacy concerns with using fitness trackers?
Some fitness tracker apps collect and store personal data, so it’s important to review and adjust privacy settings according to your comfort level. Be mindful of how your data is shared and used by the manufacturer.
Do I need a smartphone to use a fitness tracker?
While many fitness trackers are designed to be used with smartphones for data synchronization and enhanced features, some models can function independently and store data onboard for later analysis.
