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Keeping track of your fitness goals can be a pretty hard thing to do, especially if you have no means of knowing how far you’ve traveled or how many calories you’ve burned. It is a lot easier to find the motivation to exercise when you have something like a fitness tracker which constantly reminds you of how much or how little you have done in a given day. The best activity tracker will be able to keep tracks of steps, distance, calories, levels you’ve gone up, time spent exercising, and some other things too.
These are valuable tools that can even help improve your sleep patterns, wake you up at the proper time, and constantly tell you exactly how much exercise you’ve gotten in a particular day. They are great tools for helping you achieve your daily fitness goals. If you have never had an activity tracker before, try giving this a read through to find out everything you need to know about activity trackers, what to look for when buying one, and what some of the best models are too.
Summary: The Best Activity Trackers
What Is An Activity Tracker?
An activity tracker is a pretty revolutionary tool that you can use to track all of your progress and fitness goals. We want to be clear that an activity tracker is not at all the same thing as a pedometer. While a pedometer, otherwise known as a step counter, can count your steps, that is pretty much all it can do. Some may be able to count for how long you have been walking for or even count calories burned, however they cannot do nearly as much as a good activity tracker can do. On the other hand, a fitness tracker can track the distance you have gone, time spent exercising and walking, the calories you have burned, and a few other things too.
An activity tracker can usually also track your sleep patterns, plus they can usually also let you set personalized goals which it will help you achieve by reminding you of how much you have done throughout the day.
On a side note, most activity trackers use some kind of magnets in combination with electrical signals which may interfere with something like a pacemaker. Therefore if you have a pacemaker or other such devices keeping you alive, you should not use an activity tracker, or at least consult your physician first.
What To Look For When Buying An Activity Tracker
While they are quite small, activity or fitness trackers are pretty advanced tools that employ some state of the art technology, therefore they can end up costing quite a bit of money. Before you go out and spend a bunch of money, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind before you make a purchase that you may not be happy with.
Tracking Capabilities
The most essential thing to consider before you purchase any particular activity tracker is what factors it can actually track. A good activity tracker should be able to keep track of things such as how many calories you have burned, how far you have traveled, your heart rate, the number of steps you have taken, the time you’ve spent exercising and even things like how many levels you have gone up in a particular day.
Sleep Patterns
Another thing that any activity tracker should be able to do is to track your sleeping patterns. Getting enough sleep is essential to having a productive day and leading a healthy lifestyle. A good activity tracker will be able to tell you how deep and how long you sleep for so you can adjust your sleep schedule to suit your needs. Moreover, a good fitness tracker will also have a silent vibrating alarm to wake you up when it is time to start your day.
Durability
Another thing that is very important when it comes to activity trackers is the durability of the model in question. These are items that you are going to be wearing all day and night, so you want to make sure that it is made out of durable materials or else it’s going to fall apart in no time at all.
On that same note, while the wristband and the clasp need to be strong, they also need to be comfortable to wear. After all, you aren’t going to wear something all day and night if it isn’t comfortable.
Speaking of durability, the fitness tracker in question should also be waterproof or at least water resistant. If you are sweating profusely, exercising in the rain, or even taking a quick shower, you don’t want to have to take the fitness tracker off, therefore having a waterproof one is definitely going to be beneficial.
Goal Setting
A good activity tracker should also allow you to set personalized goals in terms of distance traveled or calories burned. Not only should the tracker be able to set goals, but it should also have some kind of bar or alert system in order to let you know how far you have progressed in relation to the goals you have set. Some kind of goal setting system is essential because it will help provide you with the motivation to get exercising.
Software Capabilities
The final important thing that you should look out for is what kind of technology the activity tracker in question uses. The tracker that you get should be able to sync up with a number of devices such as your computer, smartphone, and tablet too. Moreover, the activity tracker you get should be compatible with multiple newer operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Android too. Being able to sync up to a device will let you connect to fitness communities, keep track of your progress on something like a spreadsheet, and will help you achieve those goals quicker.
Activity Tracker Reviews
Our Rating
The Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch is one of the best activity trackers that you could possibly get your hands on. It can connect to virtually any system, it can measure a very wide range of fitness factors, it is water resistant, it has a fantastic battery life, and it looks really nice too.
This Fitbit Smart Fitness Watch is one of the best activity trackers that you could possibly get your hands on. It can connect to virtually any system, it can measure a very wide range of fitness factors, it is water resistant, it has a fantastic battery life, and it looks really nice too.
Design
One of the things that we like the most about the Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch is that it has the ability to sync with multiple different devices and systems so you can accurately keep track of your progress on a day-to-day basis. This activity tracker can connect to the latest versions of Windows systems, the latest version of Mac operating systems, newer iPhone and iPad models, and leading Android devices too. This thing is great because it can sync with all of your devices using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, plus it can connect through a USB port too.
Something else that you should definitely be able to appreciate about this particular activity tracker is that it has an extremely long battery life. The batteries only need to be recharged every 5 days or so and charging only takes a little over 2 hours, making this a device of convenience indeed. Another thing that makes this activity tracker a great find is that it is sweat, rain, and splash proof, making it perfect for a wide array of physical activities and weather conditions too.
Another thing that is fantastic about the Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch is that it has the ability to track a very wide array of fitness factors to optimize your health goals. This thing can track the distance you have traveled, the calories you have burned, your heart rate, and quite a bit more.
This device can also track your sleep patterns so you can learn how to get a better sleep, plus it can wake you up with a silent vibrating alarm as well. It’s also a really neat device because it has a high-resolution touchscreen, you can control music on your synced devices, it tells you the time, it lets you know of email, text, and call notifications, plus it’s really comfortable to wear and stylish too.
Value for money
This thing may be a little bit more expensive than some of the other activity trackers on this list, however it is definitely worthwhile. It has so many neat features that let you track your sleep and fitness progress, plus it’s waterproof and extremely durable too.
Build quality
The build quality of this particular fitness tracker is nothing short of outstanding. The fact that it is waterproof is a huge bonus, plus there is the fact that it is a touchscreen device with smart features that let you sync it to a wide variety of devices. Not to mention that this item is very durable overall and will be able to withstand quite a bit of punishment.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Track a wide variety of fitness factors
- Tracks your sleep patterns
- Syncs with multiple devices and operating systems
- Uses state of the art Bluetooth technology
- Has fantastic battery life
- Text and call notifications
- Lets you control your music
- Looks sleek and stylish
Cons
- Pretty big and bulky
- Heart rate monitor is slightly inaccurate
Our Rating
The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker is a great option to go with when it comes to activity or fitness trackers. This thing is quite affordable, it’s really tough, and it has a few awesome features that let you track your fitness level and activity progression all day long.
Design
This is a great device and something that we especially like about it is that it has the ability to automatically and wirelessly sync to any computer that uses iOS, Windows, and Android. It syncs to your systems by using Bluetooth 4.0 technology that is very reliable, not to mention that it can sync with your devices from over 20 feet away. Moreover, it can sync with Windows Vista and up, Mac OS X 10.6 and up, iPhone 4S and later, iPad 3 and later, and most new Windows and Android devices.
Another thing that you will really like about this particular activity tracker is that it is completely customizable. You can set it to track things like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and the minutes which you have been active.
Something else that we really like about the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker is that it has a very long battery life. You only need to charge it for around 2 hours and the battery will last you for up to 5 days, something that is definitely convenient. Another really cool part about this activity tracker is that it is waterproof. Your sweat won’t damage it and you can even shower with the Fitbit on your wrist without the risk of breaking it.
We also really like the fact that this fitness tracker can monitor your sleep patterns to help you sleep better, plus it can also wake you up with a silent vibrating alarm. What is also really neat about this item is that it has an advanced OLED display, and once it is synced with your device it can also display your fitness goals as well as call and text notifications. This is definitely a very convenient device, plus you can choose between leather, metal, and sport wristbands for specific purposes.
Value for money
For something under 100 bucks, the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker is definitely an awesome find. It is waterproof, it can track a wide variety of factors to help you stay fit, it has changeable wrist bands, lets you personalize your workouts, and can be synced with a wide variety of devices too.
Build quality
The build quality of the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker is absolutely phenomenal. One of the best parts about it is definitely that it is waterproof, plus it is made out of extremely durable materials. The technology used in this activity tracker is as new as new can be, plus the wristbands and the device as a whole are both made out of quality materials.
Pros
- Very durable
- Interchangeable wrist bands
- Sweat and waterproof
- Tracks multiple fitness factors
- OLED display
- Gives you text and call notifications
- Lets you track sleep patterns
Cons
- Slightly undercounts steps
- Clasp is hard to put in and take off
Our Rating
When it comes to activity trackers the Fitbit Charge 2 Fitness Wristband definitely makes for a great option. It has a number of fantastic features that let you track your fitness level as well as your progress all throughout the day and even when you sleep.
Design
One of the things that we really like about the design of this activity tracker is that it is sleek and small. It comes in the form of a wrist watch, making it a very compact item that you will barely notice being around your wrist, not to mention that it looks amazingly stylish too.
Another thing that is great about the design of this activity tracker is that it lets you track your fitness progress as the day goes on. This thing lets you track multiple things such as steps taken, distance traveled, the calories you have burned, the number of floors you have climbed, and how many minutes that you have been active for.
Something else that is really neat is that this item provides you with personalized guided breathing sessions that are based on your heart rate. This thing also lets you maximize your workout sessions with specially simplified heart rate zones such as fat burn, cardio, and peak. Even better is the fact that this activity tracker lets you monitor how well you sleep, plus it can also wake you up with a silent vibrating alarm.
The other thing that is really cool about the Fitbit Charge 2 Fitness Wristband is that it has an OLED display that shows you all of the information that you need to know. What’s also really cool is that it can be synced with your smartphone in order to see call, text, and calendar notifications for added convenience.
Value for money
This item comes in at around 110 dollars and it is definitely worth the price. For something that can track your heart rate, calories burned, distance gone, and many other things, this item is a steal. Plus there is the fact that it can even be synced with your smartphone to make your life just that much easier.
Build quality
When it comes to the build quality of this activity tracker there is really nothing to complain about. This item is built with state of the art technology which is combined with ultra-durable materials to make for one very tough activity tracker. It even has interchangeable bands for different purposes and different looks too.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Tracks multiple things
- Lets you monitor sleep habits
- Silent vibrating alarm
- Specialized breathing sessions
- Gives you call, text, and calendar notifications
Cons
- May undercount steps
- Needs to sync with the app to function
Our Rating
When it comes to activity trackers, The Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Wristband is definitely a great find. It can track a large variety of fitness factors, it’s splash proof, it can sync to a number of different devices and operating systems, plus it is very durable too, not to mention that it comes in at a pretty decent price too.
Design
One of the things that we like the most about the design of this particular fitness tracker is that it is waterproof. This thing won’t break from your sweat, you can exercise outside in the rain with it, and you can even shower with it if you choose to do so.
Something else that you will surely appreciate about this wristband is that it has an excellent battery life. It only takes 2 hours to charge this activity tracker and the battery can last for up to 10 days on 1 single charge, something that definitely makes this device very convenient. Even better is that it is very comfortable to wear, plus it even features small and large interchangeable wristbands for added convenience.
Of course, this is an activity tracker which means that it can track how many steps you take in a day, the distance you have gone, how many calories you have burned, and how many minutes you have been active for. Another neat thing about this tracker is that it can monitor your sleep patterns to give you a better sleeping routine, not to mention that it can wake you up with a silent vibrating alarm.
We also really like the fact that you can set personalized fitness goals with this tracker, plus it has a bar which tells you how your day is stacking up in comparison to your set goals. This is also a really neat device because it can wirelessly sync with various devices such as your computer, smartphone, and tablet too. It has the capability to sync with operating systems such as Windows, MAC OS, and Android too. It can sync wirelessly through Bluetooth from over 20 feet away, plus it can also connect to your computer through a USB port too.
Value for money
For something like 60 bucks you really can’t go wrong with the Fitbit Flex Activity Wristband. It is a very durable item that is even water resistant, it can sync to multiple devices and systems, it’s comfortable to wear, and helps you keep track of all of your fitness goals with ease.
Build quality
You really can’t argue with the build quality of this activity tracker. Being made out of solid materials and being waterproof definitely make this a solid find. Not to mention the fact that this particular device uses the latest and greatest state of the art technology too.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Syncs with multiple devices and systems
- Interchangeable wristbands
- Very comfortable to wear
- Looks great
- Tracks multiple fitness factors
- Tracks your sleep patterns – silent alarm
- Lets you set personalized goals
- Progress display to measure set personal goals
Cons
- Seemingly bad customer support
- May become unresponsive after several months of constant use
Our Rating
If you don’t want to spend too much money, but still want a reliable activity tracker, the Garmin Fitness Band definitely makes for a good choice. It’s stylish and comfortable to wear, it can track a wide range of fitness factors, and it has an excellent battery life as well.
Design
One of our favorite parts about the design of this particular activity tracker is that it has a move bar. The move bar is an indicator of your activity, or to be accurate, your inactivity. After 1 hour of inactivity the move bar lights up to let you know that you should be being active, plus it also has additional segments which light up after every additional 15 minutes of activity. This makes the Garmin Fitness band a great motivational tool to keep you moving.
Something else that is very beneficial about this activity tracker is that it has a very long battery life. The battery lasts for over 1 year before it needs to be changed, something which definitely adds to the longevity of this device.
Even better is the fact that the whole thing is made with very tough materials and that includes the wrist band, thus making this a very rugged and durable fitness tracker that is perfect for any form of exercise, plus it is a very stylish item too, making it great to wear with any number of outfits. There is also the fact that this tracker is waterproof so your sweat won’t damage it and you can even shower with it on too.
Of course, being a fitness tracker means that it is able to track a variety of fitness factors such as your base metabolic rate as well as the number of calories you have burned in any given day. It even learns your patterns and fitness levels in order to set personalized calorie burning goals for every day.
We also like the fact that this thing can monitor your sleep patterns so you can track the quality of your sleep. It’s also really neat that you can sync this device with Garmin Connect so you can view a spreadsheet of your progress, plus you can join an online community that is full of fun challenges to complete.
Value for money
This item definitely has a great value for its price. It costs somewhere around 40 dollars and still manages to have all of the relevant features that a good activity tracker needs to have in order to be an effective fitness tracking tool. It can count the calories you have burned plus it makes personalized goals every morning too.
Build quality
The build quality of this fitness tracker is truly amazing and it’s mostly thanks to the fact that it’s completely waterproof up to 50 meters under water. We also like the fact that the whole thing is made out of very durable materials, plus having an extremely long battery life is just another added bonus.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable and rugged
- Counts calories
- Personalized calorie burning goals
- Move bar for motivation
- Looks great
- Very affordable
Cons
- Hard to see – no backlight
- Technology is somewhat outdated
- Clasp may need some reinforcement
Conclusion
As you can see, the best activity tracker out there can go a very long way in helping you keep track of your daily exercise habits and help you achieve your fitness goals too. These are amazing devices that can sync up to pretty much any piece of technology out there, they can track various fitness factors, they can monitor your sleeping patterns, and do a whole lot more too. These are valuable tools and if you are looking to get back into shape or just want to know how much and for how long you move in a particular day, an activity tracker is definitely a great way to do that.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about activity trackers, please let us know and we will get back to you as soon as possible.