.jpg){kind=tracking}
Featured in this article
Best Fitness Tracker OverallGarmin Vivoactive 6Read more$300 $281 (6% off)Amazon
Best Smart RingOura Ring 4Read more$349
Oura
Best for BeginnersFitbit Charge 6Read more$160 $147 (8% off)Amazon
Best for AthletesWhoop MG Fitness BandRead more$239
Whoop (Peak)
Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The best fitness tracker should be comfortable, attractive, and tailored to your lifestyle, including your preferred workout times and methods. Do you bike, row, or strength train? Do you run on trails for hours at a time, or do you just want a reminder to stand up every hour? Do you want to wear it on your wrist, your finger, or tuck it into 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. We test dozens of fitness trackers every year while running, climbing, hiking, or just doing workout videos on our iPads at night, to bring you these picks.
Our top pick is the Garmin Vivoactive 6 ($300), which works well with Android and iOS, but we also recently tried blood panels with the Oura Ring ($349) and the Whoop MG ($359 with annual subscription). Don't see anything you like? Don't forget to check out our other fitness and health guides, like the Best Smartwatches, Best Smart Rings, and Best Sleep Trackers.
Updated April 2026: I refined picks to the top 10 and updated product information, along with prices and links. I'm currently testing the Ultrahuman Ring Pro.
Jump toAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron- Compare Top 10 Fitness Trackers
- More Fitness Trackers to Consider
- Avoid These Fitness Trackers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Fitness Tracker Overall
Photograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistGarmin
Vivoactive 6
$300 $281 (6% off)Amazon
$300REI
$300Garmin
$300Best Buy
Garmin makes wonderful, accurate fitness trackers that work well with iOS and Android. The Vivoactive 6 is the latest, midrange addition to Garmin's lifestyle Vivoactive line. It's attractive and accurate, drawing on the predictive power of Garmin's proprietary algorithms, like Morning Report and Body Battery.
It has onboard satellite connectivity so it doesn't need to be tethered to your phone, and a bright AMOLED display that lets you see your stats, unlike Garmin's entry-level Vivomove line. It also has blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, heart rate measurements, and incident detection to tell your emergency contacts if you fall. Garmin also launched an AI-enabled subscription service, Connect+, which, for $70 per year, offers features like live tracking on compatible smartphones (similar to what you'd get with an Apple Watch) and Garmin's AI-powered Active Intelligence. One of the biggest pluses with a Garmin is that its Connect software has always been free, and our verdict is that you can do without the subscription service. Luckily, Garmin also continually updates its software with other features that are not paywalled.—Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 11 daysWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionYesBlood oxygen monitoringYesBest Smart Ring
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Oura
Ring 4
$349Oura
$399Amazon
$349Best Buy
$499Oura (Ceramic)
I wear an Oura Ring 4 constantly. The latest version has new colors and a wider range of sizes, and the sensors are recessed inside the body of the ring to make it thinner and lighter. The sensors are also placed asymmetrically and, combined with a new Smart Sensing algorithm, continuously adapt to taking the best measurement at any given time, no matter what's going on with your hands. (No, don't tell me.)
While the Garmin Fenix 8 is one of the best fitness trackers on the market, the Oura Ring caught a night of insomnia and several more hikes per day that the Garmin missed. The battery life is also better than the last Oura Ring, and the app is easy to navigate. The experimental Oura Labs feature lets the company continuously test new features that end up making their way into the app permanently, like Symptom Radar, which tracks metrics like resting heart rate and temperature trends to let you know if you've started exhibiting cold- or flu-like symptoms. The company continually updates its software, including its integration with the Dexcom Stelo (see below). Now I can layer my glucose measurements in Oura's Timeline feature to see how my activity level and meals reduce my glucose readings. The company also recently partnered with Quest Diagnostics for a feature called Health Panels, which are basically blood panels that you don't need a provider prescription to get. I would be cautious about doing this if you're not already prepared for the possibility that you might get bad news.
WIRED reviewer Simon Hill and I both tested the Brushed Silver model, which is simply the best-looking smart ring around, but it now also comes in a ceramic version and has a stylish charging case. There is also multi-ring support in the app, so you can swap out rings with each outfit. The best features are still paywalled behind the $6/month Oura membership. Non-paying members are stuck with the basics: Sleep, Readiness, and Activity scores, as well as the Explore content, which includes meditation videos and advice clips that I have mostly found useless. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 8 daysWater resistance10 ATMIncident detectionNoBlood oxygen monitoringYes
Best for Beginners
Courtesy of FitbitSave to wishlistSave to wishlistFitbit
Charge 6
$160 $147 (8% off)Amazon
$150 $143 (5% off)Walmart
$160Google Store
If you're not ready to splurge on an Oura ring or Whoop, Fitbits are great first-time trackers to see if you're actually invested in the biometric lifestyle. The Fitbit Charge 6 is relatively affordable, easy to use, and packed with just enough features to build healthy habits without overwhelming you. Plus, unlike Apple or Google Pixel watches, it works with both Android phones and iPhones. It can even pair with Bluetooth-enabled gym equipment like the NordicTrack treadmill or Peloton bike.
It's a slim band with a bright touchscreen (with optional always-on display) and a side button for navigation. It monitors your heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, and it offers ECG and electrodermal activity scans to measure irregular heart rhythms and stress insights. In testing, its heart rate sensors held up well against the Oura ring. Battery life is also fantastic, with up to a week per charge. Lastly, the Fitbit app remains one of the most beginner-friendly around, with a simplified, three-tab layout that keeps your data digestible.
There are a few trade-offs. The Charge 6 is now a couple of years old—it launched in 2023—and I'm eagerly waiting for a refreshed model. WIRED editor Adrienne So also found SmartTrack, which is Fitbit's automatic workout detection, still lags behind Garmin and Apple. I can confirm that while Fitbit was quick to recognize my walks, it sometimes failed to detect my strength-training workouts. There's also no fall detection, which is a safety precaution for outdoor athletes. The $10/month Fitbit Premium subscription is optional but essential to get the most out of your Fitbit, and it's relatively reasonable compared to competitors (plus you get six months free to start).
If you don't care for a built-in GPS, the Fitbit Inspire 3 costs less than $100 and is just as accurate.
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 7 daysWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionNoBlood oxygen monitoringYesBest for Athletes
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Whoop
MG Fitness Band
$239Whoop (Peak)
$199 $149 (25% off)Whoop (One)
$359Whoop (Life)
Whoop's business model is unique. If you commit to a year-long subscription fee for the price of a regular fitness tracker, the company throws in the sensor for free. (You have to buy the additional Whoop Body garments yourself.) The company recently updated the wearable to the new Whoop 5.0 and the Whoop MG; both are smaller and more energy-efficient, and the Whoop MG has ECG capabilities and the ability to take your blood pressure via a proprietary algorithm—a feature which even the Apple Watch has yet to offer.
Whoop has taken several measures to make its biometrics more appealing to everyday users, as well as performance athletes. For example, it now counts your steps in addition to its proprietary Strain algorithm, which takes into account muscular as well as cardiovascular effort. There are also new Healthspan and Pace of Aging features, which let you see how the decisions you make will increase your lifespan (theoretically). It's worth noting that Whoop membership now has three tiers, and to get the new Healthspan, ECG, and blood pressure capabilities, you have to pay for the highest Whoop Life tier at $359/year. However, that is what the original $30/month Whoop membership cost, and Whoop throws in the updated Whoop MG for free.
I tested the Whoop MG with the Whoop Life membership. Blood pressure readings have to be calibrated with a separate cuff, but Whoop's algorithm appears to be in line with the cuff's readings. (After I tested the Whoop MG, the FDA issued a warning to Whoop for marketing the feature without pursuing FDA clearance. Whoop stands by its decision but it's worth noting that similar trackers, like the Apple Watch, have opted to pursue clearance.)
The Whoop MG is noticeably smaller than the Whoop 4.0. It's screenless and works when slipped into my clothes. Hot on the heels of Oura, Whoop also started offering blood panels. Whoop's tests are much pricier because they check for 65 biomarkers, compared to Oura's 50, and those biomarkers are more expensive. For example, hormone testing and vitamin D tests are much more costly: Whoop's are $199 per test, $349 for two tests per year, or $599 for four tests per year, compared to Oura’s $99 per test. All that is to say, this is probably the best fitness tracker if you really want to dig deep and think that getting 17,000 steps a day is just the start of working out. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 14 daysWater resistanceRated IP68Incident detectionNoBlood oxygen monitoringYes
Best for Runners
- Photograph: Brent Rose
- Photograph: Brent Rose
- Photograph: Brent Rose
- Photograph: Brent Rose
Garmin
Forerunner 970
$750Amazon
$750REI
$750Best Buy
Garmin makes wonderful, accurate fitness trackers that work well with iOS and Android. The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the latest, high-end iteration of Garmin's storied running line. It has the biggest, brightest, shiniest AMOLED screen; two weeks of battery life; the best training algorithms and suggestions; and fun extras, like an in-device flashlight, as well as a speaker and microphone for using voice commands.
Running-specific training features include your Running Tolerance score, which uses your Acute Impact Load to measure not just how far you ran, but how hard the run felt. It also has Step Speed Loss and Running Economy to help you run more efficiently, although it also needs the HRM 600 ($170) to measure these. It also has map and navigational features that have been cribbed from the Fenix line, like Round Trip Routing, that will help you plan routes and get you back to your starting point. Garmin also released the new midrange Forerunner 570 ($550) this year, which is cheaper but also has shorter battery life, less-premium materials (Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Sapphire, aluminum bezel vs. titanium), less memory at 8 GB vs. 32 GB, no built-in mapping, and no flashlight. I'd like to point out that Garmin Forerunners age very well, and older models are frequently on sale. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 15 daysWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionYesBlood oxygen monitoringYesBest for Outdoor Sports
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.png)
Photograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistGarmin
Fenix 8 AMOLED
$990Amazon
$1,100REI
$1,000Garmin
Garmin has combined features from its previous Epix and Fenix lines back into the Fenix 8 AMOLED. You get the updated, hugely bright AMOLED screen of the Epix with the much longer battery life of the Fenix (longer than two weeks for the 47-mm model, in my testing). It also comes in the Fenix E version ($800), which is cheaper and has a less bright MIP display. Now there's also dynamic routing, which lets you enter how far you want to go into the watch, and then it will route you home on time. This is why you buy a Garmin outdoors watch—so you can figure out where you are and find your way home.
This is the best outdoor sports watch money can buy. It's compatible with both Android phones and iPhones, and the screen is ridiculously bright—not that it gets super sunny in Oregon in the winter, but it's noticeably brighter outdoors than other Garmin displays. You get everything you need for almost every sport, most notably Garmin's proprietary off-grid maps, which include SkiView for ski resort maps and golf course maps. There are leakproof buttons for scuba and a microphone and speaker for voice commands. There's a built-in flashlight! No more relying on a phone flashlight with a 17-percent battery when you're out hiking later than you expected.
Garmin Connect is included with the purchase of the watch, so you won't have to pay a subscription fee to use its best features, which now include suggested strength-training workouts if you've recently become obsessed with weight lifting to prevent you from disintegrating into a bag of dust. Garmin recently launched a Pro version ($1,300) that now has satellite communication. It includes Garmin’s inReach messenger smarts, with text messaging, location check-ins, and Emergency SOS, which hails assistance via Garmin Response. Not sure if you need satellite capabilities? Check out our explainer here. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 10 daysWater resistance10 ATMIncident detectionYesBlood oxygen monitoringYes
Best for Apple Users
- Photograph: Michael Sawh
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Apple
Watch Series 11
$399 $299 (25% off)Amazon
$399Apple
$399 $299 (25% off)Best Buy
$399 $299 (25% off)Walmart
Every year, I say you don't have to buy the latest Apple Watch if you already have one. This year's Series 11 is the first exception, because after years of struggling to upgrade the Apple Watch's battery life, it finally has a full 24 hours. That means you can wear it to sleep without waking up with a drained watch. Going from 15 to 18 hours of wear to the full 24 hours means you can reliably use it to track sleep. In accordance with that, Apple now has a brand-new (and perhaps overly generous) Sleep Score that takes into account bedtime, duration, and interruptions. It's a lot less comprehensive than many other sleep trackers, but if tracking your sleep makes you anxious, maybe that's all for the best.
The standout feature this year is hypertension notifications, which have been FDA-cleared and clinically validated; over 30 days, the Health app will ping you if it sees signs of high blood pressure. It has the same slim case and fast charging as last year's Series 10, and it's also compatible with WatchOS 26, which means you'll get the overly eager personalized advice of your very own AI-powered Workout Buddy. Also, blood oxygen sensing is back, baby! WatchOS 26 does mean, however, that you'll get a lot of these features (including hypertension and blood-oxygen sensing) on last year's Series 10, but don't buy it if it's not significantly below MSRP.
The Series 11 is the best Apple Watch for everyday use, but pretty much everyone I know who spends any time outside has a Watch Ultra. The new Watch Ultra 3 is sturdier, has better battery life, and now has onboard satellite communications. For more information, check out our Best Apple Watches guide. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery life24 hoursWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionYesBlood oxygen monitoringYesBest for Android Users
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel Watch 4
$400 $360 (10% off)Amazon (45 mm)
$350Best Buy (41 mm)
$350 $310 (11% off)Amazon (41 mm)
$350Google Store (41 mm)
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the best fitness tracker for Android. It's fully repairable, which will extend the watch's lifespan. Google will even sell replacement parts on iFixit so you can repair it yourself. And it also has satellite messaging, so you can take it on off-grid adventures.
There's a lot to love about this watch, which I also tested alongside editor Julian Chokkattu. It's stunning, and fast charging is incredibly convenient. The interface is also attractive and fun to use, and the screen is 50 percent brighter. The health and fitness features include improved sleep tracking with machine learning, enhanced skin temperature sensing, dual-frequency GPS for better live activity tracking, and exercise options like pickleball and basketball. The fitness metrics are accurate, and like the lower-end Fitbit Charge 6, it also includes Fitbit's new AI-enabled Personal Health Coach. I tried Coach, and I do find it the easiest AI health coach to use to date. It's versatile—you can use live tracking or sync workouts—and it identified patterns and took into account other factors, like being sick or traveling for work (I was not actually traveling for work). That said, I did get a little weird about my #goals from talking mostly to a bot for three weeks. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 30 hoursWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionYesBlood oxygen monitoringYes
.png){kind=tracking}
Best for Kids
.jpg)
Photograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistFitbit
Ace LTE
$180 $100 (44% off)Amazon
$180 $100 (44% off)Best Buy
The Fitbit Ace LTE is the first fitness tracker I've gotten my kids to wear consistently. (They used to wear Apple Watches, but found it difficult to keep them charged.) The Ace is a combination fitness tracker, gaming device, and location tracker that has been incredibly useful and fun for both my children and me as they moved from camp to lesson to pool to neighbor's house during summers.
It has the full suite of Fitbit's health sensors, so it can track my kids' step count and make sure they're not spending too much time in front of the TV. The $10/monthly subscription pays for both LTE connectivity—so you don't have to add a line to your cell phone plan—as well as Fitbit Arcade, which has a plethora of fun, time-limited, movement-based games that incentivize my children to keep their watches on. They can call and text me (sometimes too often) and other approved contacts through the Fitbit Ace app, and I can also see their location via Google Find My to make sure they made it back home from field trips. Its childlike aesthetic is probably not going to appeal to kids older than 11, though. —Adrienne So
SpecsBattery life16+ hoursWater resistance5 ATMIncident detectionNo, but does have a Call for Help featureBlood oxygen monitoringNoBest Heart Rate Monitor
Courtesy of Polar ElectroSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPolar
H10
$105Amazon
$105Polar
Most fitness trackers have a built-in heart rate monitor, but if you're engaging in long sessions of intense aerobic activity, you'll get greater accuracy if you use a separate strap on your bicep or around your chest. Of the heart rate monitors he has tested, WIRED contributor Michael Sawh likes Polar's the best. Polar replaced the typical loop-and-hook connector with a much more comfortable buckle connector, along with small silicone dots to make sure the monitor stays in place.
Comfort and security mean that the readings are much more accurate; Sawh noticed no drop-outs, underreporting, or overreporting of data. It also has built-in memory and ANT+ connectivity so that you can connect to other equipment like bike trainers. You also don't have to replace the battery for up to a year.
SpecsBattery lifeUp to 400 hoursWater resistanceWaterproofIncident detectionNoBlood oxygen monitoringNo
Compare Top 10 Fitness Trackers
DeviceWIREDTIREDBattery lifeWater ResistanceIncident detectionBlood Oxygen MonitoringGarmin Vivoactive 6Best training software. Most accurate sensors. Extremely useful AI workout service.New Connect+ service is $70/year (but optional).Up to 11 days5 ATMYesYesOura Ring 4Screenless. Small. Easy to wear. Solid battery life. Continuously tests new features.The best features still paywalled behind the $6/month Oura membership.Up to 8 days10 ATMNoYesFitbit Charge 6Solid battery life. Affordable. Full suite of health metrics. Accurate heart rate tracking.No fall detection. Exercise recognition is a bit faulty; so is Bluetooth connection.5 ATMNoYesWhoop MG Fitness BandHigh-performance biometrics. The only tracker with blood pressure monitoring.You need another tracker if you want to look at a screen.Up to 14 daysRated IP68NoYesGarmin Forerunner 970Bright AMOLED screen. Two weeks of battery life. The best training algorithms and suggestions. In-device flashlight, speaker, and mic.Needs the new HRM 600 ($170) for newest running metrics.Up to 15 days5 ATMYesYesGarmin Fenix 8 AMOLEDDynamic routing. Bright screen. Built-in microphone, speaker, and flashlight.Less sensitive in sleep tracking and incidental activity tracking than others tested.Up to 10 days10 ATMYesYesApple Watch Series 11A full-day's battery life! Hypertension notifications, a new Sleep Score, and personalized AI health coaching via WatchOS 26.Workout Buddy is a little obnoxious. The Watch SE is possibly better value.24+ hours5 ATMYesYesGoogle Pixel Watch 4Beautiful design. Playful and fun redesigned interface. Good performance. Bright display. Accurate health and fitness tracking. Speedy charging and great battery life. Repairable!Dull strap. Limited charging accessories. Gemini requires an internet connection. Raise to Talk can be flaky.Up to 24 hours5 ATMYesYesFitbit Ace LTECombination fitness tracker, gaming device, and location tracker specifically designed for kids.$10/monthly subscription. May be too cutesy for older kids.16+ hours5 ATMNo, but does have Call for Help featureNoPolar H10Comfortable buckle connector. Long-lasting battery.The Polar H9 ($70) works almost as well and is cheaper.Up to 400 hoursWaterproofNoNoMore Fitness Trackers to Consider
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuSamsung Galaxy Watch8 for $350: The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is beautiful and easier to use than ever, but the new health features definitely need some work. Samsung says the new Vascular Load feature measures the load on your vascular system (your blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body), helping you gauge whether habits like drinking alcohol or eating a lot of sodium are affecting your long-term health risk. Unfortunately, neither editor Julian Chokkattu nor I got actionable results. While in theory, the Antioxidant Index feature seems like a good way to judge whether you're eating enough vegetables, the results were so off-base that they made me laugh. The watch told me my Antioxidant Index was low and that I need to eat more canned pumpkin puree. That's despite living in Portland, Oregon, at the height of fruiting season, and snacking on fresh berries and plums on every dog walk. —Adrienne So
Withings ScanWatch 2 for $350: The Withings ScanWatch 2 could pass for a classic analog watch, and it comes with a battery life of 22 days with regular use (30 days with light use). Reviewer Simon Hill found the comprehensive suite of health features to be generally accurate, including the new temperature tracker and Cardio Check-Up. Withings updated the ScanWatch 2 with a new operating system, HealthSense 4, which features advanced algorithms that will use predictive AI to anticipate health events, like getting sick or when your period is coming. Most features are locked behind a $10/month subscription, though.
Amazfit Bip 6 for $80: Amazfit's trackers are improving so quickly. Like the Amazfit Active 2, which I also liked, the Bip 6 is a gorgeous little watch, with a big and responsive AMOLED screen, well over a week of battery life, and 140 sport modes. I still find the tracker and the Zepp app occasionally inaccurate, but it's cheap, comfortable, and works well. However, for only $20 more, I'd just get the Active 2 instead. —Adrienne So
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg){kind=tracking}
Photograph: Adrienne SoGarmin Instinct 3 for $400: Garmin's Instinct line doesn't have as many high-end features as the Fenix 8, but it's popular because it's cheaper and it has a cool, chunky retro aesthetic that I love. This year's updates include the built-in flashlight and a new reinforced bezel, which is good considering that I still managed to bang up the Fenix and Epix watches quite a bit. For more information, check out our guide to the Best Garmin Watches. —Adrienne So
Garmin Venu X1 for $800: Garmin's Venu line is the company's attempt at an Apple Watch Ultra dupe that works with both iOS and Android. It has a polymer case, a nylon strap, and Garmin's biggest display, which is an enormous 2-inch AMOLED that's great for displaying built-in maps. Like the Ultra, it has speakers and a mic for taking calls; unlike the Ultra, it has over a week's worth of battery life. This is what you get if you have an Android phone but are jealous of your Apple friends' great big screen.—Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne SoNothing CMF Watch 3 Pro for $99: Nothing is distinguished by its quirky charm, so I was not surprised to discover that I love the retro look of the CMF Watch 3 Pro. When I compared live heart rate readings with my Oura Ring 4, they tallied exactly. (It did overestimate my time spent asleep by as much as an hour on some nights.) CMF's proprietary metric is Active Score, which takes into account your heart rate data and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values to determine whether you've been active enough that week. As a medium-active mid-forties parent, I blew this score through the roof every day and did not find it helpful. But it weighs a remarkably little 51 grams, and the battery lasts for well over a week with tracking multiple activities per day. The screen is bright and easy to read in daylight. It tracks sleep, blood oxygen, stress, and 131 different activities, with smart activity recognition. It has dual-band GPS monitoring, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope for accurate activity measurement. There's even a custom running coach, though it's harder to adjust than the other built-in running coaches I've tried. Plus, it costs well under $100 and goes on sale quite often. —Adrienne So
Coros Apex 4 for $429: Coros is the king of affordable watches for extreme sportspeople, and the Apex 4 is the company's alpine watch that Kilian Jornet recently used in his States of Elevation project. The battery life lasts forever. It has five specialized climbing modes and vertical GPS, and it can auto-detect climbing routes. I love this watch for climbing. —Adrienne So
Coros Nomad for $349: Coros also has an angler-specific sport watch with sport modes for fishing. A new feature called Adventure Journal also lets you record voice memos and pin locations as you're hiking and running so that you can remember where bathrooms, campsites, or really great berry-picking spots are. —Adrienne So
%2520and%2520OnePlus%2520Watch%25203%2520(right)%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.png)
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuOnePlus Watch 3 for $300: The OnePlus Watch 3 can last for five days on a single charge. OnePlus now includes many by-now standard health features, like fall detection, a skin temperature sensor, irregular heart rate notifications, and an electrocardiogram. This is another great pick if you want a smartwatch that's also a decent fitness tracker. —Adrienne So
Suunto Vertical 2 for $599: Reviewer Michael Sawh noted that the Suunto Vertical 2 is going to attract a lot of Garmin fans who may be put off by the company's high prices. It has a bright AMOLED screen, strong tracking and mapping support, and decent battery life. However, the feature set is limited on iPhones versus Android phones, the sleep and heart rate tracking is a little unreliable, and the app presents its insights a little awkwardly.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 for $52: I was shocked by how much I liked this affordable little fitness band. The 1,200-nit display is clear and bright, and the touchscreen is responsive. The aluminum case feels sturdy, and it tracks your steps and heart rate with reasonable accuracy. However, there's just no comparison between the user experience of the Mi Fitness app and Fitbit's, especially at this price. (Yet.) —Adrienne So
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for $348: Your eyes have not deceived you. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra is a direct rip-off of the Apple Watch Ultra, but for Samsung phone owners. It even has the Quick button (which Apple calls an Action button) and the Double Pinch feature (which Apple calls Double Tap). Apple's watch is better, with more sports, a better interface, and better comprehensive algorithms like Training Load and Vitals. However, what the Galaxy Watch Ultra does, it does well, and Samsung has the resources to catch up quickly. It has a sapphire glass face rated to 10 ATM, an IP68 rating, and can withstand elevations up to 9,000 meters (almost 3,000 feet) and temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has backcountry navigation features, dual-band GPS, a compass, and breadcrumb navigation, which Samsung calls Track Back and which Apple calls Backtrack (this is getting silly). The battery life is still just an adequate two days and change, though. This is the 2025 model, which added more storage and a new color. —Adrienne So
Avoid These Fitness Trackers
Amazfit T-Rex 3 for $280, Amazfit Helio Ring for $150, and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro for $400: I have tried everything across Amazfit's lineup, including the smart ring. I have nothing to complain about regarding the build quality—the Balance is a dupe for the Samsung Galaxy Watch if you don't look too hard—but both WIRED reviewer Simon Hill and I found functionality somewhat limited. Reviewer Brent Rose also found the T-Rex 3 Pro to be a bad dupe for a Garmin Fenix 8. —Adrienne So
Nowatch B for $449: This activity tracker purports to measure your stress responses every minute. Unfortunately, that uses a ton of battery power; you have to charge it for three hours and recharge it every other day. This is ridiculous, especially since a Fitbit monitors your stress relatively quickly. I am in touch with Nowatch and will retest once the company has refined its algorithm. —Adrienne So
Evie Movano Ring for $269: Evie announced an upgraded version of the Movano, with a medical-journal-trained AI chatbot and improved sleep and heart rate tracking. I tested it and unfortunately did not find enough on offer to rescind my previous opinion. The smart ring market has exploded since then, and many new rings have explicitly women-centered features. It simply doesn't offer enough features to be an attractive product right now. —Adrienne So
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get a Fitness Tracker or a Smartwatch?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThe categories can overlap significantly, but fitness trackers, as I consider them here, prioritize health metrics. I'm less concerned with whether a fitness tracker can replicate every feature on my smartphone than if the suite of wellness features is robust and accurate; if it can track multiple activities; and if it is secure while doing multiple fitness activities, for example. In this particular guide, I also include activity trackers that aren't wrist wearables, like smart rings and chest straps.
Some wristband trackers will feature the ability to read emails and control music, but the screens are often smaller and less bright. However, the battery life is often much better, which makes a difference, especially if you're tracking your sleep over time. If, however, you're more interested in the option to access apps without having to pull out your phone, you might want to think about getting a smartwatch. If you want no notifications at all, perhaps get a smart ring instead.
How Do I Maximize My Fitness Tracker's Accuracy?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron- Make sure it fits. Optical sensors won't work if your device is slipping loosely around your wrist. You can customize most devices with new straps. Make sure it sits securely an inch above your wrist.
- Clean it regularly. Also, save yourself the wrist rash. Wipe it down with a little dish soap and water after a sweaty session.
- Get out from under tree cover. Does your device utilize multiple satellite positioning systems to track your location when you're starting an outdoor workout? This is a lot harder for it to do if you're under power lines, trees, or even inside.
- Set a routine. There's nothing quite as frustrating as opening your tracker's app and finding out that it ran out of battery before you went to bed last night. Keep your app updated regularly. Check if your tracker is connected to your phone, and keep chargers accessible.
Does My Strap Have PFAS?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronA study published in December 2024 found that many smartwatch wrist bands contain high levels of PFHxA, which is a “forever chemical” that can affect your immune, thyroid, kidney, and reproductive systems. How do you know if your band has PFHxA?
- Check if the band is labeled as being made of “fluoroelastomer.” Fluorinated synthetic rubber is the material that has the highest levels of PFHxA.
- Check if the company has tested its products. For example, Garmin's watches do not have PFAS.
- If you're not certain, most trackers let you swap out your bands for those made from silicone, metal, leather, or other materials. Companies often have their own proprietary accessories; if you need some ideas on what to look for, check out our Best Apple Watch Accessories guide.
What Am I Testing Next?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI'm currently testing the Ultrahuman Ring Pro and reevaluating the Fitbit Charge 6.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Back to topTriangle
Adrienne So is a senior commerce editor for WIRED, where she reviews health and fitness gear. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and runs, rock climbs, and sings karaoke in her free time. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two ... Read MoreSenior Commerce Editor
Boutayna Chokrane is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering consumer products and online trends. She specializes in fitness equipment, beauty tech, apparel, and more. Before joining the Gear team, she was a music editorial fellow at Pitchfork. She also worked as a freelance journalist, covering fashion, arts, and ... Read MoreProduct Writer & ReviewerTopicsShoppingfitness trackerworkoutbuying guidesWearablesoutdoorsfitnesshealthRecovery ModeThe Best Apple Watch AccessoriesYou finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.Adrienne SoGive Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuDeath to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than ChapstickFrom models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Smart Video Doorbell CamerasNever miss a delivery. These WIRED-tested picks will help you keep tabs on your front door from anywhere.Simon HillThe Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled CatsWith these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.Molly HigginsThe Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having FunFrom weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.Chris HaslamThe 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions of 2026 to Keep You WiredThese services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac HealthThese chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.Michael SawhEvery Smart Home Needs Some Voice-Controlled Robotic Window ShadesFrom made-to-measure smart shades to retrofit curtain bots, these are our favorite WIRED-tested drapes for your windows.Simon HillThe Best Lightweight Hiking Boots Won’t Weigh You Down on Your Next MountainEach pair I tested weighs under 2 pounds. Whatever happens on your next adventure, your shoes won’t hold you back.Chris HaslamThe Best Kindles to Take Your Library AnywhereHere’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you. Nena Farrell The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of RideI tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.Adrienne So
Wired Coupons
T-Mobile Promo CodeSamsung Gs25+ Free With T-mobile for Business Supermobile
Squarespace Promo CodeSquarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions
LG Promo CodeLG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Dell Coupon Code10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
.png){kind=logo}
Samsung Promo Code30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026
Canon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
