How We Tested
Our team spent over 80 hours testing 25 different fitness trackers released in 2024-2025. We evaluated each device across multiple categories: step counting accuracy compared to manual counts, heart rate accuracy versus a chest strap monitor, sleep tracking compared to polysomnography data, GPS accuracy for outdoor runs, and real-world battery life under typical usage.
We wore each tracker for at least two weeks during various activities including running, cycling, swimming, strength training, and daily activities. We tested across different wrist sizes and skin tones to ensure consistent results.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 is the best fitness tracker for most people. It combines Fitbit's excellent health tracking algorithms with Google integration, bringing Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music controls to your wrist. The built-in GPS accurately tracks outdoor workouts without needing your phone, while the heart rate sensor now includes ECG capability for detecting atrial fibrillation. Sleep tracking is comprehensive, with sleep stages, sleep score, and snoring detection.
- Excellent health and fitness tracking accuracy
- Built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts
- 7-day battery life with typical use
- Google integration (Maps, Wallet, YouTube Music)
- Requires Fitbit Premium for full insights ($10/month)
- No always-on display option
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Garmin's Vivosmart 5 excels at 24/7 health monitoring with Body Battery energy tracking, stress monitoring, and Pulse Ox for blood oxygen levels. The slim, comfortable design is barely noticeable on your wrist, making it ideal for all-day wear. Unlike most trackers, all features work without a subscription. The connected GPS uses your phone for accurate outdoor tracking while preserving the tracker's impressive 7-day battery life.
- No subscription required for full features
- Body Battery energy monitoring is remarkably useful
- Slim, lightweight design comfortable for sleep
- No built-in GPS (uses phone GPS)
- Small monochrome display
Whoop 4.0
The Whoop 4.0 is designed for serious athletes who want deep insights into recovery, strain, and sleep. There's no screen—just a sensor-packed band that continuously monitors your body. The subscription model includes access to detailed analytics that track how your body responds to training, alcohol, caffeine, and other factors. Recovery scores help you know when to push hard and when to rest.
- Most comprehensive recovery and strain analytics
- Highly accurate heart rate variability tracking
- Screen-free design with 5-day battery life
- Expensive ongoing subscription required
- No screen for notifications or time
- Overkill for casual fitness enthusiasts
Oura Ring Gen 3
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is the best fitness tracker for people who don't want to wear a wrist device. This titanium smart ring tracks sleep with exceptional accuracy, measuring heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and blood oxygen from your finger. Sleep staging and readiness scores help optimize your recovery. The ring form factor is discreet and comfortable 24/7.
- Most accurate sleep tracking available
- Discreet ring form factor
- Excellent build quality with titanium construction
- Limited workout tracking capabilities
- No display or notifications
- Requires subscription for full features
Xiaomi Smart Band 8
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 delivers remarkable value at under $50. It includes a vibrant AMOLED display, 16-day battery life, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and 150+ workout modes. Water resistance to 50 meters means you can swim with it. While it lacks GPS and some advanced features, it covers the basics extremely well at a fraction of the price of premium trackers.
- Exceptional value under $50
- 16-day battery life
- Bright AMOLED display
- No built-in GPS
- Less accurate than premium trackers
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 offers excellent integration with Samsung phones and the Samsung Health ecosystem. The large 1.6-inch AMOLED display is easy to read, and the 13-day battery life means less frequent charging. It tracks over 100 workouts automatically and provides detailed sleep analysis. For Samsung phone owners, it's the natural choice for a budget-friendly fitness tracker.
- Large, bright AMOLED display
- 13-day battery life
- Excellent Samsung ecosystem integration
- Limited features compared to Galaxy Watch
- Best experience requires Samsung phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern fitness trackers are generally accurate for step counting (within 5-10%) and heart rate monitoring at rest. During intense exercise, optical heart rate sensors can be less accurate than chest straps. GPS-enabled trackers provide reliable distance tracking for outdoor activities. Sleep tracking accuracy varies by brand, with Oura and Whoop showing the closest correlation to clinical sleep studies.
Most fitness trackers last 2-4 years before battery degradation or software updates become issues. Premium models with better build quality tend to last longer. Battery life per charge ranges from 5-16 days depending on the model and features used like GPS and always-on display.
Choose a fitness tracker if you prioritize battery life, workout tracking, and a slim design. Choose a smartwatch if you want apps, notifications, mobile payments, and more screen functionality. Fitness trackers are typically more affordable and focused on health metrics, while smartwatches offer broader functionality at the expense of battery life.
It depends on the brand. Fitbit offers basic features free but charges $10/month for detailed insights and guided workouts. Whoop and Oura require subscriptions for full functionality. Garmin, Xiaomi, and Samsung provide all features without ongoing fees. Consider the total cost of ownership when comparing options.