The 7 Best Fitness Trackers Based On Testing By A Personal Trainer

The best fitness trackers are designed to help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being. These Spy Kids-esque wearables can keep tabs on just about every aspect of your health: sleep, recovery, blood oxygen levels and respiratory rates; some can even track electrical activity of the heart (known as ECG). As a certified personal trainer and weightlifter, I used my expertise to test 13 of the best fitness trackers for this guide. The Garmin Venu 3 won me over as best fitness tracker overall, and I found several others worthy of praise.

Here is a list of my winners, based on two months of rigorous testing:

While testing, I assessed each tracker for accuracy, comfort, ease of use and customizable options. Since these devices are highly personal, the best fitness tracker for you will depend on your needs, training goals and individual preferences. That’s why I included a variety of options—everything from a running-specific tracker to the best Apple Watch—so you can find something on this list that works for you. Read on for my in-depth review of the seven best fitness trackers of 2024. For more on how to make the most of these wearables, read my guide to how to use a fitness tracker.

The Garmin Venu 3 was my first choice for a fitness tracker after weeks of testing. I consistently gravitated towards this tracker even on my off-days of training. Out of all of the trackers I tested, the Venu 3 was the most accurate while still being easy to use. The Garmin Venu 3’s large 1.4-inch touchscreen and bright display made it easy to check my stats mid-workout and cycle through different health features (of which there are many).

Aesthetically, the Venu’s size makes it less discreet than other options. There’s no mistaking it for a watch, but the silicone band and stainless steel bezel made it one of the more attractive fitness trackers I tried. And although it was bulkier, it felt surprisingly lightweight compared to trackers of similar size.

A step up from Garmin’s Venu 2, the Venu 3 is also geared toward average gym-goers but includes upgraded features like sleep coaching, post-workout recovery insights and a more advanced heart rate sensor. I found the recovery time predictions useful for planning my daily movement after working out, including how many walks to take and when to go to bed. I was also able to create my workouts within the Garmin Connect app and load them onto the watch, down to the sets, reps and exact exercises. Other notable features include more than 30 preloaded sports apps and workouts, as well as personalized sleep coaching. Overall, I found the Garmin Venu 3 to be an advanced watch that takes a holistic approach to fitness without being intimidating to use.

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For beginners looking to track their workouts in a seamless and manageable way, I recommend the Fitbit Charge 6. If you’re just starting out with a regular exercise program, the last thing you want to do is complicate your routine by introducing an elaborate fitness tracker. The Charge 6 is the brand’s latest iteration in its Charge series. Of the trackers I tested, it was the simplest to use while offering a surprising level of versatility and accuracy, given its basic design.

The Charge 6 can do just about anything most trackers can do: count steps and distance, track sleep (including sleep stages), recognize when you’re engaging in one of nearly 40 different workouts and monitor key health indicators, like irregular heart rhythms, stress, moods and menstrual cycles. The Charge 6 also features a more advanced heart rate monitor than its predecessors, which paid off in its level of accuracy during my testing. It kept up with my heart rate during high-intensity workouts, which is typically where I find most trackers fail in their ability to measure my varying heart rate accurately. I went from 160 bpm (beats per minute) during the middle of a set to around 120 bpm during rest—all within a 30-second to one-minute window—and the Charge 6’s tracking was right in line with my control device through it all (the Polar H10 Chest Strap).

Unlike other trackers that can make it hard to break down what all of the numbers mean, the Charge 6’s insights were straightforward. It communicated updates to me via weekly progress reports and daily scores for sleep and stress management—all of which broke down my stats using cute graphics, bright colors and easy-to-follow insights.

For Apple users looking for the most convenient option, the Apple Watch Series 9 is my top choice. Equipped with more features than the SE and more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 9 checks all the boxes for an everyday, high-performing fitness tracker. It was a close second to the Garmin Venu 3 for my favorite tracker for training, in large part due to its advanced heart rate tracking. It accurately tracked my heart rate variability, including how long I spent in certain zones, my walking heart rate and how long it took my body to return to normal, post-exercise.

However, the 9 is a smartwatch at its core; it can’t compete with Garmin’s workout analytics and training feedback, or the superior integration with the Garmin Connect app. While I did find it convenient to have all of my workout stats recorded and readily available in my iPhone’s Health app, it doesn’t summarize your information in the way the Connect app does or offer recommendations for recovery.

Something the 9 offered that the Garmin doesn’t, though, is the ability to detect movement automatically. I appreciated how quickly the Apple Watch Series 9 could sense the type of exercise I was doing, so I never had to manually record activities like outdoor walks or yoga. It even detected which stroke I was swimming when I tested it in the pool. As for its design, the Series 9 (like other Apple wearables) is a sleek watch that’s aesthetically much more advanced than a often-clunkier traditional fitness tracker. For Apple users looking for a more advanced smartwatch that can track your workouts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Series 9.

If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on a fitness tracker, I recommend the Amazfit Bip Pro 3. While it’s not the best-looking or most feature-rich tracker, it gets the job done and was accurate across heart rate, activity and sleep tracking (for metrics like time spent in bed and minutes spent awake). When I first unboxed it, the square screen and thick silicone band immediately reminded me of the Fitbit Versa, and based on its comparable tracking options, I can confirm it’s a pretty solid dupe. (The newest model of the Fitness Versa, the Versa 4, retails for $200.)

The watch’s interface is intuitive and didn’t require so much as a glance through the user manual. I also liked that I had an abundance of activity tracking options to choose from. However, the post-workout insights were varied. For weight training, they’re limited to heart rate data. Cardio-based activities, like a treadmill run, come with more detailed insights. Despite the somewhat meager training insights, I still found it to be a user-friendly tracker that offers value for the price.

The most feature-rich tracker I tested, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is an ideal option for runners, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone with specific training goals. Like its name suggests, it’s heavy on the running-centric features, like built-in workouts, distance-specific pacing strategies and realtime performance readings. While I’m not much of a runner myself, I still found some of these functions useful. The training readiness score recommends workout intensity based on the quantity and quality of your sleep, stress levels and heart rate variability. After a poor night of rest, for instance, my training readiness score wasn’t nearly as high as after I’d had a good night’s sleep, which told me it probably wasn’t the best day for an intense session.

I also let my fiancé—who often goes on long-distance runs and rucks—give it a spin. He loved the running power feature, which predicted how much force he applied to his run and how to maximize his workouts based on factors like the intensity of the wind. (Anyone who’s experienced springtime in Colorado knows the wind is no joke.) Design-wise, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has a rugged look and a sturdier, durable feel. For endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a robust option, the Forerunner 265 is a clear winner.

While most wearables can keep close tabs on your menstrual cycle, if you want to track your ovulation, peak fertility days and pregnancy, the Garmin Lily 2 is your best option. It was the smallest tracker I tested, but it held its own against some of the more advanced watches on the docket.

Similar to the Venu 3, this tracker measures energy expenditure by updating your body battery with recommended rest times and activity levels, and it also highlights which muscles you worked during physical activity. After a strength-training session, the Lily’s post-workout app summary listed the types of exercises I performed, from barbell squats to sumo-stance deadlifts. Named the most stylish in Forbes Vetted’s best smartwatches for women guide, the tracker also features thoughtful design touches that I appreciated, like a patterned lens, hidden display option and the choice between a leather or nylon strap that made it feel less like a piece of fitness tech and more of a fashion accessory. And despite the superlative category named here, this watch isn’t just for women: If you’re looking for a smaller, stylish wearable or want one with fertility tracking features, the Lily 2 is the best choice.

Sitting squarely at the intersection of fitness tracker and smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offers smartphone capabilities for Android users that are similar to Apple’s, but with slightly more advanced health tracking. (Testing the Galaxy Watch6 may have been one of the only times I’ve second-guessed my choice in a smartphone.) I liked how I could set personalized heart rate zones, which notified me once I hit my target zone. Although this feature is probably more beneficial to runners than other types of athlete, I enjoyed using it for strength training, particularly for workouts when my intensity is sometimes lacking.

Lightweight, comfortable and easy to adjust, the Galaxy Watch6 felt more like a second skin. Its battery life was slightly disappointing, though likely a byproduct of its hybrid design. And compared to true fitness watches like Garmin’s, it has a couple of limitations. While I liked the Galaxy’s personalized heart rate tracking, it doesn’t track heart rate variability (or the time between each heartbeat) like the Garmin Venu 3, Lily 2 or Forerunner 265 each do. The Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 also edged out the Galaxy when it came to GPS tracking and in-depth post-workout insights. All things considered, I found the Galaxy Watch6 to be an excellent option for Android users who want to keep tabs on their workouts and health but ultimately prefer a smartwatch design (and the tracking limitations that come with it) to a true fitness tracker.

Other Fitness Trackers I Tested

Apple Watch SE (7/10): While not quite on a par with the Series 9 features- or size-wise, the SE is a solid alternative for Apple users looking to spend a little less. It’s easy to use, accurate and stylish, plus offers a similar range of strap and watch face options. However, the SE is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker, so it doesn’t provide as much data for sleep and health tracking.

Apple Watch Ultra (7.5/10): I found the Ultra 2’s feature-heavy interface to be overkill. More serious athletes may benefit from the extra data and tracking capabilities this watch offers, but the average fit person or everyday user likely won’t have much use for the majority of these features. The Series 9 is easier to use, less bulky and about $400 less, making it the better choice for most.

Coros Pace 3 (7/10): Although the Coros offered incredibly detailed tracking for endurance activities and cardio-based workouts, I found the interface trickier to navigate than others, and the bulky size made for an awkward fit.

Withings ScanWatch Light (6.5/10): Aesthetically, the Withings was perhaps my favorite fitness tracker; its polished design is more watch-like than others I tested. Unfortunately, the heart rate tracking was inconsistent during my workouts, which rendered any post-workout data unreliable.

Whoop (6/10): Post-workout insights like heart rate and estimated calorie burn were inconsistent compared to my control and to other trackers I tested. I also found the app interface a bit overwhelming, but advanced athletes or gym-goers willing to spend more time upfront with the device may find it appealing. The minimalist design was also a roadblock for me. I found it inconvenient to have to unlock my phone mid-workout to check the app for basic metrics like heart rate and time elapsed. I did, however, appreciate the insights from Whoop’s strain score (similar to Garmin’s training readiness score), which monitors how much energy you’ve exerted and offers recommendations for recovery (although my score was lower than expected since the heart rate tracking was off).

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 (5/10): Tracking was inaccurate and inconsistent across a variety of workouts and activities on this budget tracker.

How I Tested The Best Fitness Trackers

The best fitness trackers should provide accurate tracking, good battery life, a comfortable fit and a design that’s appealing to you. They should support an active lifestyle with a variety of health and activity tracking options, and they should be easy to use. Based on my experience as a personal trainer and on my weeks of testing these devices, I found that you’re less likely to use a tracker if the interface is complicated, if you can’t make sense of the metrics or if it’s a hassle to use while exercising.

“The number one thing to consider is whether you truly believe the tracker is going to enhance your experience in fitness and training,” says Josh Honore, NASM-certified personal trainer and coach at Row House. “If you’re having a good time doing this [tracking], all roads lead to success.”

That said, the best fitness tracker for you may look different than the ideal option for someone else. There were baseline requirements I considered before deciding whether a fitness tracker would make my list of winners, but I also incorporated different use cases. So even if a fitness tracker wasn’t ideal for me, I thought about who it could be best for. Here’s an in-depth look at the specific criteria I used to determine which fitness trackers are a cut above the rest:

Heart rate accuracy: This is the most important function of a fitness tracker. Without accurate heart rate readings, nearly every other metric (calorie burn, estimated expenditure, estimated intensity, recovery recommendations, etc.) will be off, thus rendering any activity insights useless. To test each tracker’s accuracy, I used a control: the Polar H10 Chest Strap, which is regarded as one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market since it measures your heart rate directly, rather than through your pulse.

I put each tracker through a series of workouts consisting of strength training with light cardio, and compared the tracker’s heart rate reading to the companion app and to the Polar H10. I examined and compared key heart rate stats like average heart rate, max heart rate, percentage of time spent in certain heart rate zones and estimated calorie burn. Since chest-band heart rate sensors are considered the most accurate type of heart rate tracker, I expected some variation between my control and the fitness trackers. The fitness trackers that were the closest to the Polar were the ones I rated most accurate.

Battery life: I tested battery life by charging each tracker to 100%, then wearing it for two full days and two nights. Some—like the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung’s Watch6—required a charge during that two-day period, while others still had plenty of battery left. At the least, each tracker needed to last the better part of a day (i.e., a full night’s rest and a workout the following day) or to have a fast-charge option available for convenience.

Ease of use: To measure how easy each tracker was to use, I started by timing how long the initial unboxing and setup took me, taking note of any roadblocks. (The Fitbit Charge 6 was quick to set up but required a hard reset before it would sync with my phone.) Most took 5 to 10 minutes, but the true test was how easy it was to learn to use the app and watch features. If I had gotten the hang of things by the time I was wearing it at the gym—and didn’t need to look up how to sift through different activity options and start, stop and pause my workout—I deemed it easy to use.

Health and activity tracking: To test each watch’s health and activity tracking, I wore each tracker to sleep, to the gym and during every activity (or rest period) in between. This gave me a comprehensive view of each tracker’s capabilities and accuracy. When analyzing health tracking, I examined the types of insights each tracker provided about my sleep, cycle and stress levels, and the specificity of each. For example, some trackers provided a more in-depth look at my sleeping habits, including personalized tips on how to get better rest the next night and how my quality of rest affected my ability to recover. I also looked at how each tracker presented these insights (sleep scores, stress scores, etc.) and considered which were helpful for contextualizing the data, rather than giving me an arbitrary number with no real context as to how it affected my overall health.

For activity tracking, I looked at how many activity or sport modes were available and how well each watch tracked my movement during those workouts and activities. I looked at the types of metrics recorded for different workouts (strength training, pool swim, outdoor walks, etc.), how well it did this compared to my control and whether the data provided useful insights for my current and next workout.

Overall fit and design: To get a feel for the overall fit of each tracker, I wore them to bed, during workouts and throughout my day to test their comfort. I considered factors like overall size, the material of the band, weight and adjustability. In some instances, like with Garmin’s Venu 3, the bulk didn’t make for a heavy-handed feel, whereas others (like the Coros) definitely felt their size. I also considered the size and design of the watch: how big or small the face was and whether it had buttons or knobs that made it easy to select different features.

How To Pick A Fitness Tracker

It can be challenging—and, frankly, overwhelming—to sift through all of the different fitness trackers, from smartwatches to dedicated devices. Below, I break down key factors to consider to simplify your search for the best fitness tracker for you.

Intended Use

Consider your purpose for using a fitness tracker before browsing. Some fitness trackers work better for specific types of activities, whereas others are more of an all-purpose wearable. Do you want a tracker that excels at running? Swimming? Cycling? All of the above? Or do you want one that can keep up with you at the gym and the activities in between? If you have special health concerns, or if you’re trying to conceive or are currently pregnant, you’ll want to find a more advanced tracker.

Price

Fitness trackers range in price from as little as $50 to $800 or more, though most options lie somewhere in the $150 to $400 range. When setting your budget, make sure to consider the most important features for you. Generally speaking, the more features a watch has (including advanced GPS tracking, in-depth training insights, ability to track race-specific paces, etc.), the higher its cost. However, most fitness trackers in the $150 to $300 range offer valuable features for the average person.

Battery Life

Fitness trackers can vary significantly when it comes to battery life. Some can last up to two weeks on a full charge, while others can’t make it through a full 24 hours. Think about how you plan on using your tracker; if you’re looking to take it along for a backpacking trip or ultramarathon, you’ll need one with a robust battery. Some fitness trackers also come with a fast-charge option, which is a nice compromise for those who don’t necessarily need a two-week battery life but also don’t want to be glued to an outlet.

Design

You’ll get more use out of a fitness tracker that’s user-friendly, comfortable to wear and nice to look at. Consider your own comfort and style preferences and the overall purpose you want your tracker to serve. Endurance athletes may compromise on size and style if it means getting more advanced GPS tracking, while those looking for a casual option may prioritize aesthetics.

Also keep in mind the different types of materials for bands, since this will be the part of the tracker that rests on your wrist. Most come with a few options, like silicone, leather or nylon. In my experience, silicone and nylon are usually the most comfortable and easiest to adjust.

Lastly, decide whether you want a minimalist design, like the Whoop or Oura. “A lot of my clients don’t like things on their wrist,” says Honore, who works with dancers who don’t want to be distracted by a screen. You may prefer having a screen so that you can glance down during a workout and check your progress.

My Expertise

I’ve been an ACE-certified personal trainer for nearly two years. Throughout my own training and sessions with clients, I’ve used countless fitness trackers, which have helped me learn the most useful features to look for. I’ve also been active for as long as I can remember: I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I now hike and do strength training.

For this guide, I spoke with Josh Honore, NASM-certified personal trainer and California-based Row House coach, about his experience using fitness trackers, both personally and professionally. I also consulted Laura Rooney, PhD, an associate professor at Marquette University and a behavioral psychologist. We discussed the psychological and physiological effects of fitness trackers and how they can be best used by different groups of people, including those new to exercise and people with chronic health conditions, among others.

When deciding which trackers to test, I considered key features that experts highlighted as important for getting practical use out of a tracker, then I pored over online reviews, leveraged my own experience and tapped my network of gym friends and outdoor enthusiasts for insights. I prioritized brands known for accuracy and reliability, and I considered options for people of all fitness levels, not just athletes.

Which Fitness Tracker Is Most Accurate?

Based on my testing, I found the Garmin Venu 3 to be the most accurate. It was extremely accurate at measuring my average heart rate, max heart rate and estimated calorie burn during workouts as compared to my control, the Polar H10 Chest Strap. It also accurately sensed which muscles I targeted during exercise.

What Are The Benefits To Using A Fitness Tracker?

Fitness trackers are great not only for optimizing your training, but also for telling you when you should slow down and how to slow down. Honore enjoys using a fitness tracker for more than just training. “My bedtime routine links into [mine], so I stretch for 20 minutes or so then do a guided relaxation for 5 minutes. I notice I have much more sound sleep when I do these habits, and it reduces my sleep anxiety.”

Trackers can also help you become more attuned to your body and training patterns, especially if you’re a beginner and unsure what different intensities and heart rate zones feel like for you. “They can help you understand your training goals, like ‘This is what 80% of my heart rate max feels like, this is what Zone 2 feels like.’ And then you can train more intuitively. The biggest thing we can do for ourselves is create intuition around our stimulus,” says Honore.

Lastly, fitness trackers can also benefit those who have health conditions by keeping close tabs on key metrics. “I work mostly in medical exercise, [which] fitness trackers have great potential with,” says Rooney. “When I work with cardiac rehab patients and post-cancer treatment patients, we use different forms of fitness trackers that we can share with their health and medical teams. We’ll put monitors on [them] because then we can see what’s going on with their heart rate and blood pressure during workout sessions, and then we can monitor and make sure they’re staying in good parameters.”

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