With all the Boxing Day deals rolling out, it can get overwhelming fast. After all, there are innumerable options and some enticing discounts attached. However, the goal is not to find the most discounted item; instead the focus should remain on getting the most bang for your buck.
When it comes to fitness trackers, not all provide the same utility and what is best for you, might not be so for others. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best fitness trackers according to some commonly sought out categories:
Best All-rounder: Fitbit Versa 3
Features
| 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking Monitors Sleep Displays smartphone notifications Customize with appsIn-built Music controls with Spotify6 Day Battery Life | Water Resistant and Swimming Tracker Bluetooth GPS Personalized RemindersLightweight design FitPay |
Having more of a smartwatch look, the Fitbit Versa 2 provides some well-stacked features as a fitness tracker. It can track your heart rate while jogging, swimming, weightlifting, or even as you go about your day. Attending to calls, texts and emails is also an added bonus within a fitness tracker allowing you to extend its use to your life while reducing distractions as you workout.
There are some limitations, however. While there is built-in Spotify functionality for the music lovers, it is limited in comparison to other trackers on the market. The band is not a full-function GPS smartwatch, however. Its GPS function is only available when connected with your phone through Bluetooth.
All in all, as an overall multi-purpose smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a definite contender for its functionality, design and price.
Pros
- Smartwatch design in a sleek and compact construction
- Amoled display
- Long battery life
- Alexa functionality available
- Water resistant
- Tracks various physical activities and sleep
- Comes with Always-On mode
Cons
- Does not come with in-built GPS
- Heart rate is not tracked through an ECG
- Limited Spotify functionality
Best Budget Tracker: Amazfit BIP Smartwatch
Features
| 30-day battery life with quick chargeOptical Heart Rate Monitoring4-Activity modes and Sleep Tracking Built-in GPSReceive alerts from texts, calls and emailsModern smartwatch design | IP68 Water resistance |
Among the budget fitness trackers available on the market, the Amazfit BIP smartwatch stands out due to its sheer superiority above the rest. While most fitness trackers boast 2-4 days of battery life, BIP delivers up to 30 days of battery life in a single 2.5 hour charge. This alone provide utility for avid users who are in need of some simple tracking.
Amazfit provides 4 physical activity modes to choose from–namely outdoor running, treadmill, cycling and walking. It will track your steps, calories and distance while also tracking your heart rate. While you cannot reply or use third-party apps, the basic functionality still allows you to receive alerts from your phone.
Pros
- Great Price
- Long Battery Life
- Always On Screen
- Durable Construction
- Basic Smartphone Functionality Available
- In-Built GPS
Cons
- No Mic or Speaker
- Music Integration Not Available
- Limited Activity Options
Best Activity Tracker: Fitbit Charge 3
Features
| Sleek, Non-Intrusive Design Heart Rate Monitoring Fitness and Sleep Tracking 7-Day Battery Life Smartphone Notification Alerts ActivatedWater Resistant for Tracking Swim Session | Simple, Straight Forward UI DesignFitPay Available as an Add OnProvides Reminders to MoveTracks Up To 15 Different Activities |
Fitbit designed the Charge Series as their traditional take on a fitness tracker. While it does provide some smartphone integration functionalities, the tracker stands out with the range of activities it can monitor. From running to swimming to yoga, you’ll most likely be covered by the modes available; however, there is the standard heart rate monitoring in case you like to stick with the basics.
GPS is available through bluetooth connectivity, but it does not have the feature built-in like many others do. The construction is lightweight and durable while the interface is seamless. Therefore if you’re looking for a tracker to monitor your every move, this might be the one for you.
Pros
- Water Resistant (Up to 50M)
- Automatic Exercise Recognition and 15 Mode Options
- Sleep Tracking and Guided Breathing Based on Heart Rate
- Provides Reminders to Move
- Discreet, Yet Fashionable Layout
- Long Lasting Battery Life
Cons
- No Built-In GPS
- Heart Rate Calculator Can Be More Accurate
Best For Tracking Calories Burned: Garmin Vivofit 3
Features
| Automatic Activity Detection with MoveIQ1 Year Battery Life LCD with Backlit DisplayCalculates steps, calories, distances, intensity and sleep qualityProvides Reminders to MoveWaterproof |
Garmin Vivofit 3 exemplifies the less is more mantra. As compared to the current line-up, it has no altimeter, GPS or heart rate tracking, however its use lies in the absence of those features. You can connect a separate heart rate monitor to calculate your intensity and calories burned which provides a far more accurate calculation than typical wrist trackers.
You’ll benefit from the analytics within the Garmin app while the tracker itself possesses a straightforward overview. This band is preferred for individuals with an intermediate fitness level who need accurate data, but are able to perform their own analytics.
Pros
- Made for Comfort
- Tracks basic activities and metrics required
- No-frill UI Design
- Waterproof
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Design looks cheap
- LCD provides a dim display
- Slow to register live-activity
- Battery will need to be replaced after a year
Best GPS: Samsung Gear Sport
Features
| Physical and Nutrition Goal TrackingHeart Rate MonitorWater Resistant Receive Notifications From Your Phone Through Bluetooth Pairing Samsung Pay EnabledSpotify Compatible | Touch and Audio Controls Available Quick View InterfaceDurable BuildIn-Built GPS |
Samsung Gear Sport provides many of the features available in other trackers, but it does come with a built-in GPS and bluetooth system. This allows users to drop off their phones at home and go for a run without any distractions. That said, it does considerably drain the battery so you might want to conserve the battery when you’re not using the GPS. Additionally, it might not be suitable for hikers given the limited power.
While it does not provide much in terms of activity categorization, its waterproof functionality provides a decent incentive for runners and swimmers. Additionally, users can also utilize their Spotify Premium to help them listen to music on the go. Overall, if you need a decent integrated GPS tracker, Samsung Gear Sport has you covered.
Pros
- Clean UI Design
- Embedded Bluetooth and GPS functions
- Water Resistant
- Sleep Monitoring Available
- Great for Swimmers and Runners
- Comes With Widgets For Easy Customization
Cons
- No Speaker
- Battery Drains Quickly From GPS Use
- Limited Activity Tracking
Conclusion
Look past the hype this Boxing Day and choose the tech which delivers what you need. Remember to keep your fitness level, activities and goals in mind when making the decision. For example, if you want to track your blood pressure, any ordinary heart rate tracker will not suffice and you should explore your options. This will ultimately help you snag the right tracker for your lifestyle.
