Fitness trackers have come an extremely long way over the years. No longer are they glorified pedometers; they're much more than that. Most standard fitness trackers nowadays can track your steps taken, distance traveled, how many calories you've burned for the day, and even your sleeping patterns. They're handy little devices if you want a better look at how active you are throughout the day, and there are plenty to choose from.
Related: Best Fitbit fitness trackers | Best Garmin watches
We understand it can be a little daunting trying to choose which fitness tracker best suits your needs, so we've compiled a list of the best fitness trackers on the market. We've divided our list up into separate categories to help you narrow down your options. As always, if you feel like we missed something on our best fitness trackers list, be sure to tell us in the comment section below.
Without any further delay, here are the best fitness trackers you can buy right now.
The best fitness tracker
Garmin vivosport
The best fitness tracker on the market is the Garmin vivosport.
This device packs a GPS and a heart rate monitor, which is pretty incredible considering its slim and lightweight design. It's also waterproof up to 50 meters, will last up to seven days on a single charge, and comes with a Chroma touchscreen display that's miles better than the display on the vivosmart 3. The display is a little small for my liking, however.
The vivosport is available now for around $149.99. That's an absolute steal for the best fitness tracker on the market right now.
Also read: Best GPS running watches
Fitbit Charge 2
If you're buying one of the best fitness trackers in this price range, it's hard not to consider the Charge 2.
It's clear Fitbit really focused on design when making the Charge 2. This device not only looks more like a piece of jewelry and less like a standard fitness tracker this time around, you also have the option to change out the bands if you'd like.
The Charge 2 also has a bigger display this time, meaning you get more room for smartphone notifications. Plus, Fitbit also introduced a few new features to the Charge 2 that should help users stay healthy and relaxed overtime: Cardio Fitness Level, which will give you a cardiovascular rating based on an estimate of your VO2 Max, and Relax, a new on-device guided breathing feature that will walk you through short breathing exercises to help you lower blood pressure, reduce stress and lessen anxiety. Unfortunately it doesn't have a GPS built in like the vivosport.
Overall, it's an all-around great fitness tracker, especially considering its low price point.
Read more: The best Fitbit alternatives | The most common Fitbit problems and how to fix them
Fitbit Alta HR
2016's Fitbit Alta has been one of our favorite fitness trackers since launch, mainly due to the sleek, stylish design that many other Fitbit devices lack. But what if you're looking for a device similar to the Alta, but can't go without a heart rate sensor? You'll want to check out the Fitbit Alta HR, the company's slimmest fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor.
The Alta HR brings the company's own PurePulse heart rate technology to a slimmer form factor. Fitbit supposedly developed a new chip for the Alta HR that reduced the size and number of components needed, allowing for a 25% slimmer design than the Charge 2. With a built-in heart rate sensor, you'll be able to better track your calories burned, non-step exercises like yoga and spinning, and also see real-time heart rate zones on your wrist. Having a heart rate sensor on your fitness tracker really does make a world of difference.
If you need a slim fitness tracker that doesn't skimp on the features, the Alta HR is for you.
Also read: Best heart rate monitors and watches
Best multisport fitness tracker
Garmin vivoactive 3 Music
The standard Garmin vivoactive 3 is one of our favorite multisport fitness watches. Naturally, the vivoactive 3 Music made its way to our list right when it was announced.
Everything you loved about the vivoactive 3 is here, along with support for music storage of up to 500 songs. You can load up your favorite songs, or download playlists from iHeartRadio. Deezer support will be added in the future, too.
Don't miss: Garmin vivoactive 3 review | Hands-on with the Garmin vivoactive 3 Music
Aside from a slightly redesigned bezel on the new watch (and music support, of course), the vivoactive 3 and Music version are basically the same. That means you get a fantastic running watch with a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, 5ATM water resistance rating, Garmin Pay support, and seven-day battery life. You can check out our full vivoactive 3 review right here to learn more.
Also read: Fitbit vs Garmin: Which ecosystem is right for you?
Best stylish fitness tracker
Nokia Steel HR
See more Nokia Steel HR photos
If you're looking for an analog watch that doesn't skimp on the fitness features, you should definitely check out the Nokia Steel HR (formerly Withings Steel HR).
Nokia really hit the nail on the head with the Steel HR. It's accurate, affordable, comfortable enough to wear all day, and downright gorgeous. Not only that, it sports a digital display that, while not of the greatest quality, offers a unique take on bringing a digital screen to a traditional analog watch design.
Like most other stylish fitness trackers, it's not the most feature packed. It doesn't offer an on-board GPS, nor is the digital display great for outdoor use. But for everyone else looking for an attractive, well-built fitness tracker that doesn't actually look like a fitness tracker, the Steel HR may be just what you're looking for.
Best smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid
Fitbit Versa
If you were underwhelmed by Fitbit's first smartwatch offering, the Versa might be just the thing for you.
The Fitbit Versa is much better looking and more compact than the Ionic, and it doesn't cost as much money. Now, that lower price tag will get you fewer features (no GPS, for instance), but that's the whole point of this smartwatch — the Versa is a smartwatch for everyone.
Don't miss: Fitbit Versa review | Fitbit Versa vs Ionic
With the recent addition of quick replies, you can now reply to just about every app notification you receive on your wrist. The Versa also recently received Fitbit's female health tracking suite, making this a much more powerful health tracker for women.
The Versa also brings Fitbit OS 2.0, 24/7 heart rate tracking, on-screen workouts with Fitbit Coach, over 15 exercise modes, Connected GPS, and swim tracking thanks to its 5ATM rating. There's also room to store your music, and if you spring for the Special Edition model you'll have access to Fitbit Pay.
Fitbit Ionic
The Fitbit Ionic is a great fitness tracker/smartwatch hybrid if you need something a little more powerful than the Versa. It's an incredible fitness and sleep tracker, comes with a built-in GPS, allows you to pay for things from your wrist, and it's water resistant. If you don't care about smartwatch features and are looking for a high-end Fitbit device, buy the Ionic.
More: Fitbit Ionic review | Fitbit Flyer review
Just like the Fitbit Versa, the Ionic now has support for quick replies for notifications and female health tracking features.
Software issues aside, the Ionic is one heck of a fitness watch. It's available now on Amazon and Fitbit.com for $269.95, and comes in three different color options.
Best budget fitness tracker
Garmin vivofit 4
Garmin's vivofit 3 was one of our favorite inexpensive fitness trackers of 2017. Is the vivofit 4 a worthy successor? That depends.
Related: Garmin vivofit 4 review | Best fitness trackers for kids
In many ways, the vivofit 4 is an improvement over its predecessor. It's more comfortable, has a new color display, and plenty of useful extras. But the lack of heart rate monitor connectivity is unfortunate, and we hope it returns with the next model.
Throughout our two weeks of testing, the vivofit 4 was so close to delivering accurate results but ultimately fell short more often than we'd like. To its credit, it does offer users a general idea of their performance levels, which is why most people will buy the vivofit 4. It's an inexpensive fitness tracker that you basically never have to take off, and it keeps track of the basics. If you need a device you basically never have to take off, the vivofit 4 is for you. If you own a vivofit 3, it might not be worth it to upgrade.
Runner-up
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
If you're looking for one of the best fitness trackers for around $20, you should get the Xiaomi Mi Band 2.
Related: Xiaomi Mi Band 2 review | Best heart rate monitors
Xiaomi's third attempt at a fitness tracker might not be the best on the market, but it does excel in a few key areas. It'll track your steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and even your sleep. It also has an optical heart rate monitor that can help you keep track of your resting heart rate. It also comes with an IP67 waterproof rating and a battery that will last up to 20 days on a single charge.
While the Mi Fit companion app isn't the greatest and the display can be hard to read at times, the Mi Band 2 is still a great option for those looking to keep an eye on their daily activity.
So there you have it, the best fitness trackers on the market right now! How did you like our list? Did we leave anything out? If so, let us know in the comments!
Next: Best Android Wear watches | Best stylish fitness trackers | Best Samsung fitness trackers | Best pedometer apps
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