It’s no secret that fitness trackers have become a popular way to track and boost activity levels. But with so many options available, it is often difficult to determine which ones are worth the investment. There are many different factors to consider when choosing the right one for you. It’s common sense that complicated, feature-loaded fitness trackers aren’t the best option for everyone. The more sensors and tracking capabilities you cram into a device the size of a wristwatch, the more it’s going to cost you. Not everyone needs to track their position by satellite, either.

To meet the basic needs of any athlete take a look at these key capabilities:

• Wireless syncing lets your device update its companion mobile app in real time, as you’re exercising.

• Activity notifications alert you when it’s time to move, and when you’ve accomplished your goals.

• Water resistance is mandatory for something you’ll be sweating in.

• Minimum one-year warranties demonstrate that the manufacturer is willing to back its product.

• Unisex designs so the device feels comfortable on any wrist.

 

After analyzing 87 of the top trackers on the market to see which ones offered the most accurate and useful data to help fitness enthusiasts achieve their goals, Reviews.com came out with three different types:

• Basic fitness trackers can count the approximate number of steps you take and calculate the distance you’ve traveled using that data. They’re best for those who want to log primarily distance-based workouts like walking and running. These are typically the only devices you can find under $100.

• Heart rate monitoring trackers do everything a basic fitness tracker can, but they also have sensors that can monitor changes in your heart rate. These are typically marketed to people looking to log the calories they’ve burned throughout the day. Since the sensors are fairly inaccurate, however, we don’t actually recommend relying on them outside of monitoring approximate long-range trends.

• Heart rate monitoring trackers with GPS can do all of the above, plus communicate with satellites to triangulate your position anywhere on the globe (provided you’re not inside). This makes them a smart option for cyclists, trail runners, or anyone else looking to log distances outside.

 

They consulted with fitness experts and evaluated everything from sensor accuracy and battery life. Once they narrowed down their list, they spent six months hand-testing the finalists and came out with their top three picks:

• Garmin Vivofit 3: Best Fitness Tracker Under $100

• Fitbit Charge 2: Best Heart Rate Monitoring Fitness Tracker

• Garmin Vivosmart HR+: Best Heart Rate Monitoring and GPS Fitness Tracker

Bottom line when it comes to Fitness trackers, they enable you to make changes to your health by giving you consistent (although, not entirely accurate) data on your daily activity levels. That’s why the best devices are both comfortable and easy to use all day, every day.

 

Do you use a fitness tracker? If so which one and do you like it?

I currently use a Fitbit Charge, I love it however the Charge 2 has much better tracking and functions so I think I need an upgrade soon!