You get built-in GPS (though it wasn’t always reliable), optical heart rate, SpO2 unimeal reviews monitoring and a skin temperature sensor that unlocks menstrual health insights. You can also beam your heart rate in real time to cardio equipment from NordicTrack and Peloton. Launched in 2023, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the oldest tracker we tested. It’s now quite basic by comparison to newer fitness smartwatches like the Google Pixel 4. But if you want simple fitness tools in a less bulky band design it’s still your best bet, particularly for Android phone users. But despite these drawbacks, the combination of comprehensive tracking, recovery tools and smart features makes it an excellent entry-level fitness watch at a highly competitive price.
Over the years, he has evolved into a recognized wearables and fitness tech expert. Through Wareable’s instructional how-to guides, Conor helps users maximize the potential of their gadgets, and also shapes the conversation in digital health and AI hardware through PULSE by Wareable. As an avid marathon runner, dedicated weightlifter, and frequent hiker, he also provides a unique perspective to Wareable’s in-depth product reviews and news coverage. In addition to his contributions to Wareable, Conor’s expertise has been featured in publications such as British GQ, The Independent, Digital Spy, Pocket-lint, The Mirror, WIRED, and Metro. The Amazfit Helio Strap is a compelling new entry in the screenless tracker market and a direct challenger to Whoop. It successfully replicates the core function—tracking heart rate, sleep, and training effect—but without requiring a monthly fee.
GPS functionality is another valuable feature, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities such as running or cycling, as it accurately tracks your route and distance covered. The convenience of syncing with other gear, like your smartphone or smart ring, can enhance your fitness journey by providing a holistic view of your health data. While exploring cheap fitness trackers, these are vital features to factor in to ensure you’re getting a reliable and efficient device under budget. Remember, with the right fitness band, you’re taking an important step towards a healthier lifestyle in a cost-effective way. Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a crucial step in enhancing your workout experience and achieving your fitness goals. When selecting an affordable fitness tracker, consider your specific workout needs and how different features align with them.
8 days
RingConn smart ring is also water resistant up to 100 meters (328 feet), offers low electromagnetic field (EMF) settings, and has a 7-day battery life. The Charge 6 has over 40 exercise modes to choose from and can track your target heart rate during exercise with the “active zone minutes” feature (which is on all Fitbit devices). We also like that Fitbit devices have automatic exercise tracking and reminders to move.
Sleep and stress data from the Oura Ring 4 (Credit: Oura/PCMag)
If you’re primarily interested in getting outdoors and walking more, you can get away with picking up a more affordable watch that doesn’t offer GPS tracking. If, however, you’re getting into cycling or running, a device like the Fitbit Charge 6, with its built-in GPS module, would be a better choice to track your route and speed accurately. In our Apple Watch SE 2 review we did write “Apple’s cheaper smartwatch is all most people will need”. It’s also got neat safety features like Car Crash Detection, making it perhaps the best fitness tracker choice for iOS users. The Fitbit Charge 6 is the most advanced band-style fitness tracker you can buy from Fitbit these days, and it’s packed with more features than you’ll find from the Fitbit Luxe at the top of this list. This is why it’s our top pick if you’re looking for a tracker to suit a lot of different needs and workout types.
Benefits of Budget Fitness Trackers
Although these options didn’t score high enough to make the final cut, we still think they have some features worth mentioning. Best for users seeking a budget-friendly fitness tracker with in-depth sleep insights and basic fitness metrics. Another notable mention is the Apple Watch SE, priced at $279.99, which offers an extensive range of features beyond fitness, including notifications and apps. While it boasts a premium build and user-friendly interface, the high price point may deter budget-conscious buyers. This is where finding the best fitness tracker for beginners becomes transformative.
Amazfit Helio Ring review: I tested the Oura alternative health tracker
Whether you’re looking to measure steps or monitor overall activity, it has the basics covered, enabling you to maintain a healthy life while adhering to a budget. As you embark on your fitness journey, remember that the right fitness tracker will evolve with you. From understanding your current fitness level to providing actionable insights for improvement, these affordable devices form a cornerstone for sustained progress on the path to a healthier lifestyle. In conclusion, for beginners, the best approach to achieving consistency and motivation is investing in budget-friendly solutions like fitness trackers. Choosing the right fitness tracker can make a significant difference in your fitness journey. The fitness trackers mentioned above are excellent choices that provide essential features without overwhelming the user.
Android Phones
With an array of options like the MI, Google Pixel Watch, and Garmin, it’s essential to understand how to utilize your fitness tracker effectively. Start by incorporating your fitness tracker into your daily exercise routine. These smart devices are designed not just to count steps but also to monitor heart rate variability, stress levels, and even sleep patterns. Understanding how these features work on your fitness tracker can significantly enhance your experience.
- I’ve found that simpler trackers with basic functions tend to last longer, which is perfect if you don’t want to worry about charging every few days.
- However, it’s worth checking the specific requirements for each model, as some watches may require newer versions of Android for full functionality.
- Fitness tracking includes over 100 sport modes, with watersports, diving (up to 40m), golf, trail running and even laser tag.
- The Whoop Coach (an AI-powered chatbot) summarizes information about your sleep duration, activity, and heart rate to give you advice on hitting the fitness goals you selected during setup.
- The Fitbit Versa 4 is a great place to start if you’re new to the big wide world of fitness trackers and are feeling overwhelmed, but still want to track your data.
- The hardware in both current-generation Galaxy smartwatches makes for a more future-proof purchase, but I found the AI health features to be hit-or-miss in practice.
There are helpful reminders to drink water and move, so it’s basically a tiny, polite coach. The Mi Band 7 also incorporates advanced health sensors, including SpO2 measurement, which allows users to monitor blood oxygen levels. This is particularly beneficial for beginners looking to understand their fitness level and overall wellness better. With a robust battery life that can last up to 14 days on a single charge, the device minimizes the need for frequent recharging, allowing users to focus on their fitness journey without interruption.
It offers highly accurate tracking and performance metrics, along with helpful training tools to help you get the most out of your work. The Fitbit Charge 6 takes everything that’s great about the Fitbit Charge 5 and subtly improves on it. That means it’s a better standalone fitness device, and it offers a range of smartwatch features to keep you https://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm connected.
Explore How Gut Health Impacts Overall Wellness to understand the internal support behind performance. Fitness trackers are more than gadgets, they’re accountability partners. And if you forget to charge it, don’t worry—the battery will probably outlast our good intentions. To get all the bonus features, you’ll have to sign up for another subscription, which made our wallets sigh. It won’t dig into your wrist, so you might forget you’re wearing it until it buzzes you off the couch. We wrestled with the app at first, but once everything synced, the data felt like having a mini coach on your wrist.
Apple Watch Series 11
What’s best for you depends on your daily habits and larger goals, according to our experts. My top picks come from well-known brands like Fitbit, Apple and Garmin. Every option on this list were samples I requested from brands for testing purposes for this story. Demystify the powerful biomarkers that provide quantifiable insight into your biological makeup, including bodily processes, treatment responsiveness, and illness prediction.
selectOur editors spent months testing fitness apps — these are the 8 best
Battery life is also a major consideration when choosing a fitness tracker. Ideally, users should look for a device that offers extended battery life to minimize the frequency of charging, granting a more seamless experience. Some fitness trackers can last several days or even weeks on a single charge, which is particularly beneficial for beginners who want to establish a consistent routine. Testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 may have been one of the only times I’ve second-guessed my choice in a smartphone. Sitting squarely at the intersection of fitness tracker and smartwatch, it offers smartphone capabilities for Android users (similar to Apple for iPhone users), but with slightly more advanced health tracking.
Ultra-Convenient Health Monitoring For Apple Users
Xiaomi makes a range of different cheap fitness trackers and they’re very good at it. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 lacks many of the specifications and features that the more established manufacturers are delivering, but there’s still definitely a place for the Smart Band 9. The best cheap fitness tracker will help you track your exercise, sleep, calories, and more – all for a fraction of the price of the best fitness trackers out there.
Can Fitness Trackers Be Used During Swimming or Water Activities?
I previously had to stop using some watches as they can irritate my delicate skin but the Pace Pro has given me no such issues. Whether using the touchscreen or scrolling, the stunning 1.3 inch AMOLED display contended well in the beating sun, even with a troublesome reflection from the lake. My only gripe was that I couldn’t access Spotify directly from the watch, so I needed to run with my phone. Placing my finger on the electrode for a 30-second, gave me a snapshot into the rhythm of my heart, which I could see in more detail in the Huawei health app.
