<h2 class=”body-h2″>What to consider when buying a fitness tracker</h2><p>It’s important to choose an activity tracker or fitness watch that’s right for you and your lifestyle. Perhaps you’re a keen runner and built-in GPS is a priority. You may want a waterproof watch to track your swims. Or maybe you just want something stylish that won’t look out of place in the office, while keeping an eye on your activity levels. </p><p>Before you buy, think about which features are important to you. Here are the main ones to consider. </p><p><strong>Fitness tracking</strong></p><p>Many trackers allow you to record different workouts, with the number of options ranging from 10 activities to as many as 150 different types of exercise. Most trackers will allow you to record walking, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/health-advice/a27029532/running-tips-beginners/” target=”_blank”>running</a> (both indoors and outdoors) and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/health-advice/a26747816/how-to-get-cycling/” target=”_blank”>cycling</a>, while others monitor everything from swimming and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/g33079493/best-yoga-mats/” target=”_blank”>yoga</a> to circuit and interval training. </p><p><strong>GPS</strong></p><p>While some devices come with built-in GPS, more basic models often rely on an accelerometer, which can quickly become inaccurate. Having a GPS chip improves location accuracy, elevation and distance, so you can map your running and walking routes more accurately. </p><p><strong>Sleep tracking</strong></p><p>Sleep tracking capabilities vary between devices. Some just total up the number of hours you’re getting, while others break this down into heavy, light and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Some also provide a score for the quality of your sleep and offer tips on how to improve it.</p><p><strong>Heart rate sensor</strong></p><p>Heart-rate monitors can provide more accurate calorie burn data and some will indicate the zone your heart rate is in. This information can be useful if you’re training for a specific purpose, such as weight loss or to improve your cardiovascular endurance.</p><p><strong>Waterproofing </strong></p><p>All fitness trackers are sweat-proof and many are also waterproof, meaning they can be worn when you’re in the shower or when swimming. If you swim several regularly, look out for a fitness tracker that will monitor your pool sessions, including the number of lengths you swim, as well as the time you’re active and the calories you burn.</p><p><strong>Third-party apps</strong></p><p>If you’re already using a smartphone app such as Strava to track your exercise sessions, look for a fitness tracker that’s compatible with your favourite app. This means you can leave your smartphone behind if you wish, safe in the knowledge that you’ll still be able to import your data – the wearable will continue to log your steps, distance and calorie burn and will automatically update your phone app once you reconnect it via Bluetooth.</p><p><strong>Battery life</strong></p><p>How long your fitness tracker lasts between charges depends on the number of sensors you use and how often your screen is displaying information. Many models in our round-up last for more than seven days on a single charge, with some (like the <a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazfit-Bip-Pro-Smartwatch-Fitness-Pink/dp/B0B2VFL8X3/ref=asc_df_B0B2VFL8X3/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Amazfit Bip 3 Pro</a>) taking even longer to run flat. </p><p><strong>Smartphone notifications</strong></p><p>The majority of fitness trackers and watches can be synced with your smartphone to ping or vibrate when you get a call, message or other notification. </p><p class=”body-tip”>Looking for the best fitness trackers for children? Our <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/tech/g32486245/kids-fitness-tracker-reviews/” target=”_blank”>separate guide</a> explains which models are most suitable. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How we test</h2><p>The <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/a24657702/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank”>GHI</a> put over 40 of the leading fitness watches on the market to the test to bring you the best for all needs and budgets. </p><p>The wearables were judged on ease of use, design and overall performance. We tested how accurate they were when counting the steps taken and logging the distance travelled. We wore each model for a range of different activities, from running to gym sessions, and checked out key functions such as sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. We also noted how long the battery lasted and overall recharging time.</p><p>Further points were awarded for comfort, practicality and aesthetics, with final scores out of 100 deciding which trackers made our final selection.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>The best activity trackers and fitness watches for 2024</h2>”/>
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London’s best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills. You can follow Priyankaa on Twitter @_priyankaajoshi and on Instagram @priyankaajoshi
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below