Nowaday, keeping the healthy and fit body is one of the most things that people are interested in. But how many exercises and activities are suitable for a specific person? What a difficulty to answer this question. Luckily, we are having a kind of portable device called fitness or activity trackers, which can help everyone to build a plan of doing sport activities, track one’s sleep quality or simply counting the amount of calories burned everyday. But it raises another question that: How to choose the best fitness tracker?
There are many different types of performance trackers to monitor your activity levels when exercising or just going about your daily activities. That means, there are also plenty of good options for you to choose from. But do not forget that a good selection is different for each of you, based on your needs, your purpose, your kind of activities and your target of improving health and body.
When making the decision to buy a fitness tracker, you will need to consider the individual features, looking at the pros and cons of each design. One persons pro can be easily another customers con. And personal preferences will play a big part in your decision making.
Here we create a review that help you in choosing the best fitness trackers, then you will find which one is the most appropriate and valuable to buy. You can look at this reference then simply pick the one that is the right fit for you. Let’s start!
Best Fitness Tracker Comparison Chart 2019
The Best Fitness tracker
#1 – Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband
Fitbit Charge HR is the next version of the Fitbit Charge, which is enhanced with monitoring the heart rate compared to the previous version, since ‘HR’ stands for the ‘Heart Rate’ phrase.
With the very elegant look, bearing a typical sports watch appearance, the Fitbit Charge HR comes in 5 stylish colors: Black, Plum, Blue, Pink and Tangerine. The monitor of the device shows the distance travelled, steps taken, sleeping time, calories burned, nutrition intake and especially the heart-rate. The LED monitor light is triggered once you raise your arm or tap the screen, so you can see the time or any other data conveniently.
Regarding to the heart-rate monitor functionality, which is the most pro that is introduced in this kind of fitness tracker. It is not only count your heart-rate as a simplicity, the wristband is equipped with a LED lights underneath that allows to detect both the heat beats by recognizing blood volumes and capillary size changes under pressure and algorithms are used to continue the process of calculation. The maximum heart rate, the default heart rate zone you are in, however, can be customized by your-self.
The battery lifespan can last for five days with the heart-rate monitor feature is turned on. In case you need to keep the battery last more, you can improve the flexibility by turning the feature off.
Fitbit Charge HR is well suited with variety of smartphone platforms, and data is wirelessly synced as long as your phone or computer supports the latest bluetooth standard. Moreover, the device lets you receive call notification with caller ID and the app lets you sync data with other health apps like MapMyRun and WeightWatchers. READ FULL REVIEW…
#2 – Garmin Vivofit 2 Activity Tracker
All those who have used the Garmin Vivofit 2 activity tracker will attest to the fact that it is a good activity tracker with the heart rate monitor. This is the kind of device everyone should make a point of owning this new year. This is because it will help to bolster attempts at a lifestyle change and ensure that the society is more fit and productive as a whole. For those who love to do a lot of exercise, the device is the only tracker that you would need if you acquired it. This is because it can easily be used to track all sorts of activities including cycling and swimming, because it is water resistant, and for models that are not, there are waterproof casings available.
Garmin Vivofit 2 has a backlit display that help you to track the progress even when you are in the darkness, the device comes with a watch also. If you’d like to go out for doing some exercise in the evening, or simply a walk after the dinner, this extra advantage can be very useful to keep your activity tracking, as well as know exactly it’s time to come back home to start tracking a restful sleep with its sleep monitor feature.
There are two points in this device that make me feel interesting: (1) the ability of creating reminder each time you have been immobile for more than 15 minutes, and (2) its battery life can span a year’s worth. Hence, using the Garmin Vivofit 2 means that you are kept to move, burn calorie without worrying about re-charging frequently in order to maintain its features. The moving reminder may be not the thing that someone will expected since one finds it annoying in some cases (note that you have no way to turn this reminder off, except moving or do exercise by yourself). So you should re-consider carefully about this aspect before making decision with this good activity tracker.READ FULL REVIEW…
#3 – Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker
Fitbit Alta is the symbol of the new Fitbit generation that brings to its targeted user the fashion style with all the necessary features remained. The Alta is suitable for the daily activities so there’s no surprise if it comes with an elegant and sporty look.
The slim band, like its previous version Fitbit Flex, but it comes along with the black rectangle screen can make your wearable device more fit on your wrist. This also makes you feel more comfortable, since you should wear it all the day and night.
Like the other fitness trackers, the Alta tracks steps, distance (of moving steps by steps), calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity (hours with 250+ steps), and sleep. In addition, the exercise can be auto detected and logged by some default types such as: walking, bike, bicycle… with time spent and calories burned during exercise.
The reminders to move is an effectively extra feature, it keeps you active and burn calories. Just activate this feature on your app, with some settings about start & end time, and performed day, then once you are not active for a period of time, you will get the vibrating and friendly message like: “Let’s roll”, or “Wanna stroll?”, “Take me for a walk?”, etc…
The Fitbit Alta device has battery last for 5 days. And the recharging time can be up to 2 hours each time.al
Available replacement bands for Fitbit Alta:
#4 – Moov NOW Personal Coach & Workout Tracker
With its artificial intelligence software, Moov NOW is probably the most different fitness tracker in the current market. This 2nd generation of MOOV (called 2015 Edition) fitness tracker aims to fully enhance an individual’s workout routine with its personalized range of exercise programs and tracking data.
Currently, there is a new generation of Moov Now, which has been introduced as 2016 edition with the name: MOOV NOW – 3D Fitness Tracker & Real Time Audio Coach
Depending on the activity, this revolutionary fitness accessory can be worn on the wrist or ankle. Aesthetically pleasing, Moov NOW is redesigned to include a breathable and perspiration friendly strap. Its removable batteries can last up to half a year and fitness tracking data is sync to the phone via Bluetooth. Despite its small package, Moov NOW is equipped with all the necessary functions of a fitness tracker. With specially customized mobile applications for swimming, boxing, running, timed workouts and cycling, fitness fanatics are able to choose from a variety of ready-made programs. Most importantly, Artificial Intelligence installed into Moov NOW guides its users throughout their workout phase. Through the encouragement and guidance from the AI, users are more aware of their progression and would be able to achieve their goals more effectively.
Regarding the cons, the Moov NOW is limited with lacking some functions that maybe necessary to someone. You may get a little disappointed with this device since cannot find the ability of steps tracking and heart rate monitoring. Of course, this cannot be the problem if your targeting activities are not required those features.
In conclusion, with its improved design (in breathable and perspiration friendly strap), extended capabilities, customized mobile applications, and innovative AI program features, high-ability in water-resistant, Moov NOW is easily become the best fitness tracker for the swimming and under-water activities available in the current market. READ FULL REVIEW…
#5 – UP2 by Jawbone Activity + Sleep Tracker
If you are looking for a stylish and elegant fitness tracker, look no further than the UP2 by Jawbone Activity and Sleep Tracker. On first glance, you might think that the UP2 is a sleek piece of jewelry, but on closer inspection, you will find that it is much more than this. If you are familiar with the Jawbone fitness tracking products, you will delight in this new offering.
UP2 is introduced with a variety of colors that form up the fashion trend and can match many styles: Gunmetal Hex (Dark Gray), Turquoise Circle (Blue), Black Diamond, Oat Spectrum (Gold) and Orchid Circle (Purple).
The device is equipped with general features of fitness trackers: track what you eat and the number of calories you consume, step tracking and calories burning, extended battery life with 7 days… But in the other hand, the UP2 also has some of the cons such as not being water-proof, no heart rate monitoring or even being found that it is difficult to keep clean and quickly starts to look a little worn in places (especially for the light-color version).
But in conclusion, the UP2 still be recommended for anyone who is looking for a fitness tracker band that is easy to set up, easy to use with an acceptable price (around $92). READ FULL REVIEW…
#6 – Misfit Shine Activity and Sleep Tracker
The Misfit Shine is a well-designed activity and sleep tracker that instigates you to live a supplementary active life. Shine emanates a halo of lights which shows an individual’s progress towards his or her daily activity goal while regarding as a fashionable accessory. Shine helps inspires you to reach your goal every day, by seeing how active you are at day time. It tracks, running, walking, swimming (to a depth of 50 meters) and cycling.
The device comes with a variety of colors and diamond-cut aluminum, provides multiple choice to the one who likes and interested in the fashion style: Black, Grey, Champagne, Coca-Cola Red, Coral, Pure Silver, Sea glass, Topaz, and Wine. It also comes with many kinds of accessories such as leather bands, sports band, necklaces and clips which are introduced by the manufacturers.
Shine uses a replaceable battery which can last up to 6 months. So no charging, ever. You can easily change the battery and continue your activities immediately, no need to wait for re-charging, means no discontinuity.
Sometimes users claimed that it is easy for the Shine device to be dropped out of the band, and being lost or failure, but not in most cases. In general, this still is one of the candidate for the best fitness trackers based on its pros in designation, features, and especially with the most acceptable price compared with the other in the list. READ FULL REVIEWS…
How to choose the best fitness tracker?
You like to keep fit and appear healthy which would include keeping tabs on your physical activities and watching the things you eat. Fitness trackers, apart from being a good source of motivation, help you to monitor your fitness program. But there are so many devices to choose from, with the most recent devices having the ability to calculate heart rates and receive notifications from your smartphones, generally blurring the line between fitness bands and smartwatches. It is difficult to pick, the best fitness tracker 2017 has to offer you.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing the ideal fitness tracker that would suit you:
1. Be aware of your Objectives
Although fitness bands offer a great number of benefits. It would be for the best if you are aware of the goals you want the fitness tracker to help you achieve. This way, it would become easier to choose from the sea of fitness tracking devices in the market. For instance, If you desire to improve the condition of your heart, you would require a fitness tracker with a heart monitoring ability.
Being aware of your objectives involves first knowing the activities you currently do and the ones you want to do. When you make this kind of commitment, it becomes easy to choose the ideal fitness tracker that would be suitable for you. If you indulge in less popular exercise routines like jumping and swimming, you would have to make sure that the fitness band you are going to purchase would recognize these uncommon actions.
2. Appearance
The appearance of your fitness tracker would do well to fit with your personal style and activities. While most fitness devices are enabled to be worn on the wrist, some are designed to be clipped on your clothes and others are made to be attached to the laces of your shoes. If you are going to be undergoing vigorous exercise routines, it is necessary that you opt for a fitness tracker that would not easily fall off while engaging in your activities. Fitness bands would be more ideal than fitness trackers clipped on clothes or shoelaces.
Also, some fitness gadgets come with touch screens that help you navigate through statistics and notifications easily, others do not. Few have no display at all, letting you become aware of the progress you are making through light indicators. Choosing a fitness tracker that would be best for you would depend on how often you hope to interact with it; fitness devices that come with touch screens are perfect for keeping constant and precise tabs on your activities than the ones that come with normal LED displays.
3.Water Resistance.
While some fitness trackers are only splash proof, a handful is water resistant and if you like to swim, a waterproof fitness device would be ideal. Although they cannot monitor your heart rate while you swim, they can help you keep progressive rates on your swimming sessions.
You should also consider how often you would wear your fitness band. Some people develop skin irritation when they wear their fitness bands for too long, to swim or to the bath. Putting your skin type into consideration before purchasing a fitness band would help avoid certain skin reactions
4. Features
Fitness trackers mainly monitor two important categories, which are steps taken and calories. Recently, distance and sleeping monitoring have now become ideal features. You would have to understand the features of the trackers and how they work in order to know if and how they fit into your objectives. If you want a device that would monitor the number of steps you climb, you would have to purchase one with altimeter and a standard accelerometer.
Until about recently, Chest straps were the only way to monitor heart rates. But now, trackers have been designed to do document heartbeats and blood levels, coming with heart-rate monitors which are sensors embedded at the back of the wrist fitness band. The sensor which flashes LED light that reflects against your skin may not be as accurate as chest straps that use electrical impulses, but if you are the type that prefers convenience, wrist fitness trackers with heart rate sensors would work for you.
Many recent Fitness trackers come with GPS tracking which is a valuable asset for runners, hikers, and cyclists. GPS tracking helps to let you know your exact location and It also measures distance and speed. It, however, might be slow in signal during inclement weather conditions as it depends on satellite signals to work.
5. App
Most fitness devices come with an app that helps to sync all your data and also provide extra features. By letting you know the nutritional components of the food you input, the app can help you keep track of your food intake as regards to your wellness. It also estimates the number of calories in the food. So if you are concerned about your dieting, food logging on your fitness tracker is valuable and is important to purchase a device that enables it. Well, most fitness trackers have the ability.
Some apps allow you to log in your workout sessions when you are finished. This would help keep tabs on your improvement, especially if you are involved in different workout plans. It would be necessary to separate the workout sessions.
6. Battery Life and Charging
Not having a fitness tracker with adequate battery life can be frustrating as it would prevent proper use of the device. In terms of Charging, Fitness device come in two categories:
The trackers that have to be charged at least every five-seven days. These ones come with a dongle and charging tools. most of them enable you to be able to connect them to your personal computer for charging.
Fitness trackers that come with a watch-like battery that last up to six months.
You should purchase fitness trackers that would easily fit into your lifestyle. If you would not have the time and the patience for devices that need regular charging, you can easily opt for the ones that come with disposable batteries.
7. Price
Trackers as low as $50 can monitor calories intake, speed, and distance. Although they do not come with touch screens, they are still effective enough to let you keep tabs on your basic fitness activities. If you, however, need to keep tabs on your sleeping, heart rate and receive notifications from your smartphones in addition to information on the calories consumption rate, speed and distance, You would need to set aside as much as $100-$200.
Fitness trackers that cost more than $200 come with GPS tracking, music streaming amongst other functions.
Fitness Tracking devices are designed to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle and come with different specs, appearance, and features. Knowing how they work with their features is key to choosing the best fitness tracker 2017 has produced.
Misfit Shine activity and sleep tracker
Garmin vivofit 2 Bundle with Heart Rate Monitor
Fitbit Trackers Buying Guide – 2019
What are the differences on Fitbit Charge 2, compare to Fitbit Charge HR?
Fitbit Alta HR – Alta with Heart Rate Monitor feature
Fitbit Alta – A brand-new elegant look
I tried the Garmin Vivosmart HR, compare to Fitbit Charge HR
Adidas Fit Smart – Fitness and Activity Monitor Wristband
Fitbit Surge – The best in Running GPS Units
Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband
Moov NOW – What a different type of fitness tracker
Fitbit One Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker
Fitbit Zip – Another Type of Tracker
Review of the Fitbit Blaze for 2018
Review Jawbone UP2 Activity and Sleep Tracker