Explore the best fitness trackers of 2023 in our comprehensive guide and get the most out of your workouts.
7 of the Best Fitness Trackers to Enhance Your Workouts
In today’s fast-paced world, staying fit and healthy is a priority for many. With advancements in technology, wearable fitness trackers have become popular companions for fitness enthusiasts. These devices offer a range of features to monitor and track your activity, providing valuable insights into your fitness journey. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best fitness trackers available in 2023, catering to different preferences and needs.
The all-rounder: Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 scores top overall pick for the best fitness tracker in our wearable health tracker guide. As well as being pretty affordable and non-intrusive on the wrist, it offers insights into sleep quality plus Daily Readiness and Stress Management Scores to help you optimize workouts and mood. As standard it also provides heart rate notifications, ECG app compatibility, and a full Health Metrics dashboard that tracks heart rate variability and skin temperature. Ideal for running, walking, and adventure workouts, it’s also equipped with built-in GPS. All of these features make this smartwatch one of the best fitness trackers for elementary and experienced users alike.
If you weren’t convinced enough already, when you purchase the Charge 5, you’ll also get a 6-month Premium membership thrown in for free.
For the iPhone user: Apple Watch Series 8
Hands-down the best choice for iPhone users is the Apple Watch. With its seamless integration between Apple products, their latest model, Series 8 reigns supreme. This iteration of the Apple Watch offers an array of fitness tracking features, coupled with the convenience of receiving notifications, making calls, sending messages, and accessing your favorite apps directly from your wrist. With its advanced health sensors (a new temperature gauge that can even track menstrual cycles and predict illnesses), plus ECG capabilities, the Series 8 provides a comprehensive overview of your fitness and well-being.
Tip: If endurance and wild adventure sports are more your thing, you might also want to consider the military-grade strength of the Apple Watch Ultra, the tech giant’s strongest watch yet.
For the Android user: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
If you’re an Android user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a top contender. This smartwatch offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including accurate heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and automatic workout detection. It also incorporates advanced sensors and features like a built-in GPS and water resistance, catering to a wide range of fitness activities and lifestyles. With its vibrant display and intuitive interface, it seamlessly integrates with your Android device, providing a holistic fitness tracking experience.
Best on a budget: Amazfit GTR 4
The Amazfit GTR 4 is the top choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a feature-packed wearable fitness tracker. Despite its affordable price, this smartwatch surpasses expectations with its multiband GPS, vibrant always-on OLED display, and turn-by-turn route navigation. It offers an extensive range of insight features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, in-depth sleep metrics, period, blood oxygen, and stress tracking. With its long battery life, 5ATM water resistance, and two digital assistants, the Amazfit GTR 4 provides exceptional value for its price, making it the best budget option for those looking to stay active and track their fitness journey without breaking the bank.
For those who don’t need a watch: Oura Ring
Not everyone enjoys wearing a traditional watch-style tracker on their wrist. We’ve mentioned the innovative Oura Ring before in a gift guide, so it’s only right it gets a mention here too. This sleek, stylish ring can also track sleep, activity, and readiness, offering similar insights to wrist-worn trackers. The Oura Ring seamlessly integrates with its companion app, and if you don’t mind the higher price point, is an ideal choice for those who want to monitor fitness without compromising on style.
Best lightweight option: Coros Pace 2
If you prioritize lightweight design and exceptional performance, the Coros Pace 2 is well worth considering. According to Coros, it is the lightest smartwatch on the planet right now, making it an obvious runner’s favorite. This ultra-ergonomic tracker is perfect for those who want minimalistic but powerful tracking. With its 30-hour enduring GPS (60 hours in UltraMax Mode) and advanced running metrics, the Coros Pace 2 is a reliable companion for your workouts.
Note: Although the Coros Pace 2 provides plenty of data to analyze within the Coros app, its metrics cannot be synced with Google Fit or Apple Health.
Best for those due an upgrade: Garmin Vívoactive 4
The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their smartwatch capabilities. It combines accessibility with top-tier fitness tracking capabilities, making it a standout option for hardcore fitness enthusiasts. The Vivoactive 4 offers an abundance of statistics and features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and built-in GPS for accurate tracking of your activities. What sets the Vivoactive 4 apart is its affordability compared to other Garmin models, so you can enjoy Garmin technology without the higher price tag. Additionally, the Vivoactive 4 boasts a slimmer and less invasive design on the wrist compared to some of Garmin’s bulkier models. With the added convenience of touchscreen functionality and the ability to stream music directly from the watch, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the perfect upgrade for those seeking a feature-rich and versatile smartwatch.
Choosing the right wearable fitness tracker can significantly enhance your fitness journey. Whether you prefer a comprehensive all-rounder, seamless integration with your smartphone, or a budget-friendly option, there’s a wearable fitness tracker out there for you. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget before making a decision, and let your chosen device guide you towards a healthier and more active lifestyle in 2023 and beyond.