Top Fitness Trackers to Enhance Your Health Journey

Fitness trackers have evolved significantly from the basic bands that merely counted steps. Today, they are capable of monitoring a plethora of health metrics ranging from heart health to recovery post-intensive workouts. Even high-end smartwatches, which initially fell short as fitness aids, have become robust workout companions. Regardless of your fitness goals, a perfect fitness tracker is likely available to help you meet them.

Choosing the right wearable can be a very personal decision, as it involves more than just specs and price. The best option varies depending on lifestyle, making it challenging to designate a single tracker as the best for everyone in 2025. Fortunately, the variety available makes it possible to find one that aligns perfectly with any lifestyle.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fitness Tracker

Audience

The ideal fitness tracker differs for each user type. Hardcore athletes require different features compared to casual users who simply want to track their daily steps.

Battery Life

Battery life is vital. For more convenience, fitness trackers should operate two to three days per charge, while flagship smartwatches should boast quick-charging capabilities.

Design and Comfort

Whether you prefer a band or a smartwatch, comfort for 24/7 wear is crucial. The form factor should not distract or cause discomfort.

Tracking Capabilities

The features and metrics tracked are pivotal. While some users prioritize health metrics like resting heart rate and VO2 Max, others might focus on active minutes over steps.

Consistency and Compatibility

Reliable measurement of progress through consistent tracking results is essential, particularly for metrics like heart rate and distance. Additionally, some trackers cater to specific phone ecosystems, with others being more universally compatible.

Top Fitness Tracker Picks

Best Fitness Tracker Overall

The Amazfit GTR 4 stands out as a versatile and cost-effective option. It features dual-band GPS, Alexa-compatibility, and an impressive 14-day battery life. Priced at $110, it offers significant value with features such as a bright OLED display, blood oxygen monitoring, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa.

Although the GTR 4 lacks contactless payments, it boasts a range of features, including health and fitness tracking for outdoor enthusiasts. It utilizes multiband GPS for increased accuracy and supports importing routes from popular fitness platforms.

Best Fitness Watch for Casual Users

For those replacing an aging wearable, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is recommended. Comparable in appearance and feel to the Fitbit Versa series, it features an upgraded OLED display and an extended battery life of up to 11 days. Priced at $250, it includes advanced fitness tracking alongside smart features like push notifications and contactless payments.

Garmin Venu Sq 2 boasts a beautiful OLED display. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

Best for Serious Outdoor Athletes

The Garmin Fenix 7S Pro series is optimized for serious athletes. It includes multiband GPS, solar charging, touchscreen or button navigation, and extensive data and recovery metrics, all aiding in outdoor training. The devices are built to military-grade standards, ensuring durability under harsh conditions.

An ideal choice for rugged terrains, the Garmin Fenix 7S Pro is designed for athletes. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

Best Non-Wrist Tracker

The Oura Ring 4, priced at $349, appeals to those seeking a subtler tracking option. Its design lacks display distractions, yet it covers heart rate variability, body temperature, and various other health metrics effectively.

The Oura Ring 4 offers size variety from 4 to 15, presenting enhanced options for wearability. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

Best Fitness Band

The budget-friendly Amazfit Band 7, at $49.99, provides a simple yet effective fitness tracking experience. It includes extended battery life, Alexa support, heart rate monitoring, and much more at an affordable price.

Despite its unassuming design, the Amazfit Band 7 excels in affordability and function. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

Most Stylish Fitness Watch

The sophisticated Withings ScanWatch Light is a chic hybrid analog smartwatch, offering standard health tracking abilities and excellent battery life, without the need for excess bells and whistles.

For a refined look, the ScanWatch Light stands out. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

Best Fitness Tracker for iPhone Users

The Apple Watch Series 10 remains a top choice for iPhone users, known for its improved comfort, larger display, and a wealth of fitness features, making it a worthwhile upgrade for older model users.

Best Fitness Smartwatch for Samsung Devices

Samsung phone users might consider the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which boasts extensive fitness features, although it is heavily inspired by the Apple model.

Best Fitness Smartwatch for Android

For Android users, the Pixel Watch 3 steps up with improved displays, battery efficiency, and seamless integration with Google services, enhancing its functionality significantly.

Preferred Choice for Early Adopters and Elite Athletes

The Whoop 4.0 is designed for committed athletes, providing insights into workout strain and recovery, sharing innovative ways to wear the tracker for enhanced utility.

The Whoop 4.0 appeals to the elite athletes seeking in-depth performance insights. Photo by Victoria Song.

Update, January 9th: Recent pricing adjustments for 2025 have been included and content updated to reflect Amazfit's upcoming Active 2 release.