The 10 Best Fitness Trackers
This wiki has been updated 33 times since it was first published in May of 2015. Leave expensive personal trainers to the Hollywood types; the rest of us can get motivated with one of these high-tech fitness trackers that will ensure we stay on target with all of our goals and get us in tip-top shape in no time. Many of us aren't always aware of how sedentary we tend to be on a daily basis, but any one of these devices will make it clear, so we can step up our game. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar
2. Fitbit Versa 3
3. Polar Vantage V2
Editor's Notes
December 09, 2020:
There were a few key upgrades and a few models left behind by the big companies, with the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar being one of the most exciting additions to the marketplace in recent memory. It's an ideal selection for users interested in an all-in-one smart watch that support contactless payment, provides VO2 max readings, and takes positioning information from GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems.
Another exciting newcomer was the Polar Grit X, the Army green band of which was inspired by the device's stringent testing along the lines of the US military's 810G specifications. They ensure a baseline of resistance to water and heat, as well as shocks provided by things like impact and rapid shaking.
If you want something a little less expensive or a little less enormous, Fitbit's models still have a lot to offer. I owned a much earlier fitbit model, and I remember thinking that they could do away with part of the capsule housing if they could make the capsule itself stronger, which is what they did with the Fitbit Inspire 2. The result may seem a little feminine to some, but it's one of the most low-profile trackers available.
November 19, 2019:
This is a relatively fast-moving category, so we found it necessary to replace all but one of the models on our previous list. Some were merely upgraded to the next version in their lineup, like the Garmin Vivofit 4, while others were replaced with new models by completely different brands. Our top spots toe the line between fitness trackers and smartwatches, as their functionality is rather remarkable. It's their focus on fitness over the integration of other apps that secures their spots on this list, however, and the Polar Vantage V Titan may be the best example of this. Its titanium case is both lightweight and durable, and its software is fast, useful, and easy to understand, whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a couch potato looking to prevent roots from growing into the sofa.
In the one instance where we elected to keep a model that's getting a bit long in the tooth you'll find the Fitbit Ionic. This model came out back in 2017, but hasn't had anything unveiled that could replace its most important feature: integrated GPS. Every Fitbit model to come out since relies on your smartphone for GPS, and if you're anything like me, you might prefer to strap on your tracker and go out for a run without having to carry anything, making this an essential member of the Fitbit family, even if it is due for an upgrade.
4. Garmin Forerunner 945
5. Polar Grit X
6. Garmin Vivoactive 4S
7. Polar Ignite
8. Fitbit Charge 3
9. Fitbit Inspire 2
10. Letscom ID205G
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).