Fitness Trackers: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Whether you're counting steps, tracking workouts, monitoring sleep, or keeping an eye on heart rate and recovery, we've tested the top fitness trackers that offer powerful insights to support your health and wellness goals.
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The Best Fitness Trackers We've TestedFitness wearables can help you move more, sleep better, and stay healthy. Here's how to pick the right one for you, along with the top fitness trackers we've tested.
By Andrew Gebhart
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Fitbit Air
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Fitbit Air is a lightweight, affordable screen-free fitness tracker that delivers strong sleep and heart rate tracking plus standout AI coaching, making it the best all-around entry in the category.
Full Fitbit Air ReviewPros
- Stylish, lightweight design
- Highly accurate heart rate and sleep tracking
- More than a week of battery life
- Well-organized, informative app
- Flexible input makes it easy to log and share data
- Detailed Gemini health coaching
Cons
- Fewer workout details than trackers with screens
- Limited automatic workout tracking
Pros
- Stylish, lightweight design
- Highly accurate heart rate and sleep tracking
- More than a week of battery life
- Well-organized, informative app
- Flexible input makes it easy to log and share data
- Detailed Gemini health coaching
Cons
- Fewer workout details than trackers with screens
- Limited automatic workout tracking
Fitbit Charge 6
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With modest improvements over the last generation, including new Google lifestyle apps, Bluetooth integration with gym equipment, and a refreshed companion app, the affordable Fitbit Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker on the market.
Full Fitbit Charge 6 ReviewPros
- Affordable
- 40 exercise modes (up from 20)
- Connects to exercise machines
- Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music apps
- Helpful side button
- Excellent mobile app
Cons
- No Spotify controls
- No app store
- Some metrics require a Premium subscription
Pros
- Affordable
- 40 exercise modes (up from 20)
- Connects to exercise machines
- Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music apps
- Helpful side button
- Excellent mobile app
Cons
- No Spotify controls
- No app store
- Some metrics require a Premium subscription
Apple Watch Series 11
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Series 11 offers longer battery life than its predecessor and adds 5G cellular support without a price increase over the Series 10. These welcome upgrades make the best Apple Watch for most people better than ever.
Full Apple Watch Series 11 ReviewPros
- Nearly two days of battery life in testing
- Now supports 5G
- FDA-approved hypertension notifications
- WatchOS 26 delivers helpful new features
- Vibrant screen
- Slim design
- More durable
Cons
- Same specs and sensors as the previous model
- Sleep Score and Workout Buddy lack depth
Pros
- Nearly two days of battery life in testing
- Now supports 5G
- FDA-approved hypertension notifications
- WatchOS 26 delivers helpful new features
- Vibrant screen
- Slim design
- More durable
Cons
- Same specs and sensors as the previous model
- Sleep Score and Workout Buddy lack depth
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has only minor physical changes from its predecessor, but new AI abilities help it take a meaningful step forward as a wellness assistant.
Full Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 ReviewPros
- 3,000-nit display
- AI coaching helps with sleep and fitness
- Accurate heart rate tracking
- Measures antioxidant levels
- Google Gemini built-in
Cons
- One-day battery life
- More expensive than last-gen model
Pros
- 3,000-nit display
- AI coaching helps with sleep and fitness
- Accurate heart rate tracking
- Measures antioxidant levels
- Google Gemini built-in
Cons
- One-day battery life
- More expensive than last-gen model
Fitbit Inspire 3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With long battery life, a color touch screen, and all the basic activity and sleep features you need, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best fitness tracker you can get for under $100.
Full Fitbit Inspire 3 ReviewPros
- Color touch screen with always-on option
- Longest battery life in Fitbit lineup
- Thinner design than last generation
- SpO2 sensor for overnight readings
- Find Phone feature works well
Cons
- Tiny text can be hard to read
- Minor accuracy issues in testing
- No on-demand SpO2 measurements
- Some metrics require a subscription
Pros
- Color touch screen with always-on option
- Longest battery life in Fitbit lineup
- Thinner design than last generation
- SpO2 sensor for overnight readings
- Find Phone feature works well
Cons
- Tiny text can be hard to read
- Minor accuracy issues in testing
- No on-demand SpO2 measurements
- Some metrics require a subscription
Garmin Lily 2
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Garmin Lily 2 upgrades its predecessor with new exercise modes and sleep insights while remaining the most fashionable fitness tracker for women.
Full Garmin Lily 2 ReviewPros
- Plenty of options for activity tracking
- Slim and chic design with interchangeable bands
- Good battery life
- All stats are available in Garmin Connect app for free
- Tracks heart rate, sleep, SpO2
- Many useful widgets to customize metrics
- Garmin Pay support (on Classic models)
Cons
- No onboard GPS
- Lacks a barometric altimeter for tracking stairs climbed
- Grayscale display
- Cannot broadcast your heart rate via ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart
Pros
- Plenty of options for activity tracking
- Slim and chic design with interchangeable bands
- Good battery life
- All stats are available in Garmin Connect app for free
- Tracks heart rate, sleep, SpO2
- Many useful widgets to customize metrics
- Garmin Pay support (on Classic models)
Cons
- No onboard GPS
- Lacks a barometric altimeter for tracking stairs climbed
- Grayscale display
- Cannot broadcast your heart rate via ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart
Garmin Venu Sq 2
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The square Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a comfortable GPS-connected smartwatch with long battery life and all the best health and fitness features of the circular Venu 2 for a more affordable price.
Full Garmin Venu Sq 2 ReviewPros
- Large AMOLED touch screen
- Weeklong battery life
- Lightweight design
- Plenty of health metrics
- Contactless payments
- Integrated GPS
Cons
- Does not track floors climbed
- Preloaded workouts are not animated
- Limited lifestyle features
Pros
- Large AMOLED touch screen
- Weeklong battery life
- Lightweight design
- Plenty of health metrics
- Contactless payments
- Integrated GPS
Cons
- Does not track floors climbed
- Preloaded workouts are not animated
- Limited lifestyle features
Oura Ring 5
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Oura Ring 5 smart ring improves on its excellent predecessor with an even thinner design and longer battery life, while offering the same robust holistic health monitoring and basic activity tracking.
Full Oura Ring 5 ReviewPros
- Lightweight, thin, and comfortable
- 10+ days of battery life
- Accurate sleep and stress tracking
- Informative, well-organized app
- Helpful short- and long-term guidance
Cons
- Expensive
- Hit-or-miss automatic workout tracking
Pros
- Lightweight, thin, and comfortable
- 10+ days of battery life
- Accurate sleep and stress tracking
- Informative, well-organized app
- Helpful short- and long-term guidance
Cons
- Expensive
- Hit-or-miss automatic workout tracking
Samsung Galaxy Fit3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is a simple, affordable fitness tracker that accurately monitors heart rate and other workout stats while also keeping tabs on key health metrics like sleep and stress.
Full Samsung Galaxy Fit3 ReviewPros
- Accurate heart rate readings
- On-demand blood oxygen measurements
- Weeklong battery life
- Color touch screen with always-on option
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Gaps in sleep data
- Some features exclusive to Samsung phones
- Doesn't work with iOS
Pros
- Accurate heart rate readings
- On-demand blood oxygen measurements
- Weeklong battery life
- Color touch screen with always-on option
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Gaps in sleep data
- Some features exclusive to Samsung phones
- Doesn't work with iOS
Apple Watch SE 3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers two-day battery life, a top-of-the-line processor, an always-on display, and upgraded sensors and software for the same price as its predecessor. It's a strong, budget-friendly alternative to the Series 11.
Full Apple Watch SE 3 ReviewPros
- Sharp always-on display
- Same processor as the Series 11
- Nearly two days of battery life
- Supports 5G
- Gesture controls
Cons
- Lacks sensors for blood oxygen, ECG, and hypertension
- No QWERTY keyboard for text input
- Large bezels
Pros
- Sharp always-on display
- Same processor as the Series 11
- Nearly two days of battery life
- Supports 5G
- Gesture controls
Cons
- Lacks sensors for blood oxygen, ECG, and hypertension
- No QWERTY keyboard for text input
- Large bezels
Garmin Vivoactive 5
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With a gorgeous display, long battery life, and bountiful health insights, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is an excellent wellness-focused smartwatch.
Full Garmin Vivoactive 5 ReviewPros
- Bright, responsive AMOLED touch screen
- Accurate heart rate measurements
- In-depth sleep, stress coaching
- Detects naps
- Wheelchair mode tracks daily pushes
- Long battery life
Cons
- Aluminum bezel
- No barometric altimeter, workout animations
- Only one size option
Pros
- Bright, responsive AMOLED touch screen
- Accurate heart rate measurements
- In-depth sleep, stress coaching
- Detects naps
- Wheelchair mode tracks daily pushes
- Long battery life
Cons
- Aluminum bezel
- No barometric altimeter, workout animations
- Only one size option
Polar Pacer Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Polar Pacer Pro helps you plan, track, and analyze your training sessions as you safely work toward your goals, making it one of the best GPS watches for dedicated runners.
Full Polar Pacer Pro ReviewPros
- Wrist-based running power measurements
- Ascent and descent tracking
- Excellent GPS performance in testing
- Useful running test
- Tracks sleep and recovery
- Personalized workout recommendations
- Weeklong battery life
- Lightweight design
- Displays music controls, smartphone notifications, and weather reports
Cons
- Dull, non-touch screen
- Could better explain some metrics
Pros
- Wrist-based running power measurements
- Ascent and descent tracking
- Excellent GPS performance in testing
- Useful running test
- Tracks sleep and recovery
- Personalized workout recommendations
- Weeklong battery life
- Lightweight design
- Displays music controls, smartphone notifications, and weather reports
Cons
- Dull, non-touch screen
- Could better explain some metrics
Fitbit Ace 3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Fitbit Ace 3 is a fun, attractive fitness band for younger kids that keeps tabs on activity and sleep without a monthly subscription fee, but it lacks location tracking and other apps youngsters might want.
Full Fitbit Ace 3 ReviewPros
- Tracks activity and sleep
- Good battery life
- Comfortable, waterproof design
- Stylish, swappable bands
- Can receive text notifications
Cons
- No location/GPS tracking
- Short charging cable
- No heart rate monitoring
Pros
- Tracks activity and sleep
- Good battery life
- Comfortable, waterproof design
- Stylish, swappable bands
- Can receive text notifications
Cons
- No location/GPS tracking
- Short charging cable
- No heart rate monitoring
Latest Fitness Tracker Stories
Other potential lineup changes in the year ahead include a circular dial and a ceramic chassis.
Not all fitness trackers can hang out in the deep end. If you want to count your laps with something you can wear in the pool, check out the top waterproof models we've tested.
Fitness wearables can help you move more, sleep better, and stay healthy. Here's how to pick the right one for you, along with the top fitness trackers we've tested.
More discreet than a fitness tracker or smartwatch, the top smart rings we've tested can track your activity, sleep, and other health metrics from an unobtrusive spot on your finger.
The Oura Ring 5 smart ring improves on its excellent predecessor with an even thinner design and longer battery life, while offering the same robust holistic health monitoring and basic activity tracking.
$399.00
The Fitbit Air wristband and the Oura smart ring are both excellent screen-free fitness trackers. I compare specs, features, and testing notes to see which one is the better pick for you.
The slim, low-profile Fitbit Inspire 3 quietly maps out your sleep metrics, heart wellness, and daily energy logs, for under $70 with this lingering Fourth of July deal on Amazon.
The featherlight Oura Ring 4 packs comprehensive health monitoring and a week-long battery directly into a seamless titanium band, and saves you over $120 during Prime Day.
If you want to get healthy, a fitness tracker can help. At PCMag, we put them through rigorous testing to see which ones are up to the challenge. Here's how we do it.
The slim, sensor-packed Fitbit Charge 6 puts your daily progress, Google navigation, workout metrics, and real-time heart health tracking on your wrist for under $80 right now!
This slim, sensor-packed Fitbit Charge 6 puts Google navigation, workout metrics, and heart-rate tracking on your wrist, and it saves you almost 40% right now at Walmart.
I tested Google's Fitbit Air against the Whoop 5.0 to see which screen-free tracker delivers better value, comfort, and health insights for everyday users.
Time is ticking on taking your health into your own hands and saving a huge $550 on this rugged Garmin smartwatch thanks to another early Prime Day deal.
The Oura Ring 5 is thinner, pricier, and packed with new promises. But does it offer enough to justify upgrading from the already excellent Oura Ring 4? I compare them to find out.
With a slimmer titanium build, upgraded sensors, and proactive new Health Radar features, the Oura Ring 5 aims to widen the gap in the smart ring race.
The Fitbit Air is a lightweight, affordable screen-free fitness tracker that delivers strong sleep and heart rate tracking plus standout AI coaching, making it the best all-around entry in the category.
$99.00
After a day of testing, I'd already call the $99 Fitbit Air one of the least intrusive fitness trackers I've worn.
Time is ticking for these discounted wearables from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and Google.
Other new features include enhanced strength training, improved accuracy, and better coaching.
With a simple, screenless design and long battery life, the Fitbit Air has a lot of similarities to the Whoop 5.0, but costs a lot less. It marks a sharp turn for the Fitbit brand under Google.
