Top 10 Fitness Trackers of 2024

Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day event, begins on October 8th. The top early Prime Day deals have already been spotlighted, though those seeking fitness trackers might find it beneficial to wait for the event’s start.

Fitness trackers have significantly evolved from basic step-counting bands to multifaceted devices that monitor heart health, recovery from training, and more. Modern flagship smartwatches have also become competent workout companions. A wide variety of fitness trackers is now available, catering to diverse fitness goals and personal preferences.

Choosing a fitness tracker is inherently personal, necessitating consideration beyond mere specs and features. The diversity in 2024’s fitness trackers accommodates varied lifestyles, ensuring multiple options for different needs.

With the holiday shopping season around the corner, patience can be profitable. Retailers often offer substantial discounts to clear out old stock before Black Friday. This period is ideal for purchasing older models at attractive prices.

Key Factors to Consider in Fitness Trackers

1. Audience: Different fitness trackers serve different purposes. Hardcore athletes might require features that casual users don’t.
2. Battery Life: A fitness tracker should last at least two to three days between charges. Flagship smartwatches should feature quick charging.
3. Form Factor: Comfort and usability are crucial, whether it is a band or smartwatch.
4. Metrics: Essential metrics include active minutes, resting heart rate, VO2 Max, and sleep quality.
5. Consistency: Consistent results in heart rate, distance tracking, and steps are more crucial than pinpoint accuracy.
6. Platform Compatibility: Trackers should ideally be platform-agnostic or work across multiple phone ecosystems.

Top Recommendations

1. Best Overall Fitness Tracker: Amazfit GTR 4
   The Amazfit GTR 4 stands out for its affordability and extensive feature set, including dual-band GPS, Alexa compatibility, and a 14-day battery life. Its features rival those of more expensive wearables and include a bright OLED screen, heart rate monitoring, sleep stage tracking, stress tracking, and multiband GPS, making it a holistic health companion.

2. Best Fitness Watch for Casual Users: Garmin Venu Sq 2
   Priced at $250, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is an excellent option for those upgrading from an older Fitbit model. With built-in GPS, various sports profiles, and essential smart features like push notifications and contactless payments, the Venu Sq 2 provides robust fitness tracking. It also supports Garmin Coach, delivering free training programs for running.

3. Best for Serious Outdoor Athletes: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
   The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, offering solar charging, touchscreen or button navigation, topographical maps, and robust data accuracy. Known for its durability and extensive metric tracking, the Fenix 7 Pro is suitable for those needing resilience and comprehensive training data.

4. Best Non-Wrist Tracker: Oura Ring Gen 3
   The $299 Oura Ring is a discreet, ring-style tracker focused on sleep and recovery metrics, such as heart rate and body temperature. It provides a holistic view of wellness without the distractions of a screen, making it an appealing alternative to wrist-mounted trackers.

5. Best Fitness Band: Amazfit Band 7
   Priced at $49.99, the Amazfit Band 7 offers impressive features for its value, including an OLED display, long battery life, heart rate monitoring, and Alexa integration. Although it lacks contactless payments and built-in GPS, it is suitable for casual activity tracking.

6. Most Stylish Fitness Watch: Withings ScanWatch Light
   The $249.95 Withings ScanWatch Light is a hybrid analog smartwatch offering basic fitness tracking, smart features, and an eye-catching design with excellent battery life. It tracks steps, sleep, and menstrual cycles, catering to those who prioritize aesthetics and essential functionality.

7. Best Fitness Tracker for iPhone Users: Apple Watch Series 10
   The $399 Apple Watch Series 10 is a comprehensive fitness smartwatch for iPhone owners. It includes new training features, an improved display, and enhanced comfort. While the blood oxygen feature is disabled in the US due to a patent dispute, it remains a top choice for its overall functionality and integration into the Apple ecosystem.

8. Best Fitness Smartwatch for Samsung Phones: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
   The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for Samsung phone owners, offering dual-frequency GPS, extensive durability, and health tracking features, despite its design similarities to the Apple Watch Ultra. It excels in fitness tracking accuracy and battery life, making it a strong contender for those already in the Samsung ecosystem.

9. Best Fitness Smartwatch for Android: Google Pixel Watch 3
   The Google Pixel Watch 3, available for $400, brings numerous updates, including a larger display and enhanced battery life. Its integration with Google services and improved health features makes it a robust choice for Android users.

10. Best for Early Adopters and Elite Athletes: Whoop 4.0
    The Whoop 4.0, priced at $239 with a subscription, is tailored for serious athletes, focusing on recovery and strain metrics. It offers various ways to wear the tracker and provides in-depth insights into training and recovery.

In summary, the variety of fitness trackers available ensures that users can find a device tailored to their specific needs, whether they prioritize detailed metrics, aesthetics, platform compatibility, or affordability. Major retail events like Prime Day or Black Friday may provide further opportunities for advantageous purchases.

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