The number of wearable fitness accessories has long since passed the line, when it became physically impossible to keep track of all the new items that are coming out. In this article we will tell you about the most interesting and high-quality fitness bracelets and who they are suitable for.
Now smart bracelets and watches with a physical activity tracking function are aimed not only at professional athletes, but also at amateurs and those who exercise only from time to time, but want to maintain their health. There are even children's models, although in Germany, for example, they are banned due to potential safety problems. One way or another, hardly a day goes by without the release of a new model.
And they will not lose their relevance for a long time. After all, we all need a little motivation to take action, right? And nothing is more motivating than a fitness tracker that helps you achieve the goals you set for yourself. But we all have different needs – for which we need different smart bracelets or watches.
- Smart bracelets
- The perfect everyday (or first in collection) tracker
- A fitness tracker that doesn't look like a fitness tracker
- The best Fitbit for a child
- Most Advanced Fitbit
- Built-in GPS to avoid taking your smartphone with you
- Is there too much stress in your life?
- For music lovers
- Smart watch
- Hardcore watch for hardcore runners
- Smart watch that looks like a regular watch
- The best of smartwatches and fitness trackers
Smart bracelets
First, let's look at fitness trackers in a familiar form factor. If you are not attracted to the watch, or you just do not want to wear it for training, then this is the best choice.
The perfect everyday (or first in collection) tracker
A fitness tracker doesn't have to be complicated. This is the idea behind the creators of Moov Now, which has won several international awards. While this is the most budget-friendly device in this article, the number of features is astounding. In addition to the standard and expected capabilities of counting steps and sleep times taken during the day, Moov Now also offers itself as a personal trainer. In real time, it provides voice comments and collects data on various activities: running, cycling, swimming and boxing.
Designed specifically to enhance your workout performance, it helps you stay at the right intervals for fast, healthy results. The only drawback of this model is the lack of GPS.
Official Price: $ 59.99
A fitness tracker that doesn't look like a fitness tracker
Kate Spade New York is a designer brand that produces chic jewelry. Recently, their assortment was replenished with the Bangle Actvity Tracker fitness tracker, which outwardly does not differ in any way from the usual stylish bracelet without electronic filling. With the paired smartphone app, you can track your steps taken, sleep time and display your workout progress.
Bangle Actvity Tracker vibrates when you receive new notifications on your smartphone, and is also capable of controlling music playback and even taking selfies. If you (or someone you are choosing a gift for) want a fitness tracker but don't want to wear a rubberized bracelet around your wrist, then this is a great option. The device is available in three colors: silver, gold and rose gold.
Official Price: $ 150
The best Fitbit for a child
If you're looking to give your child their first fitness tracker (or are looking for a simpler model and Moov Now didn't impress you), check out the Fitbit Flex 2. This basic model is very thin, lightweight and doesn't get a lot of attention. It can count steps, calories and sleep hours like any other tracker. However, it does have one distinguishing feature that might be crucial for some: it is the first model in Fitbit's lineup that is suitable for swimming.
This, again, is a great advantage when choosing a smart bracelet for a child. Nothing will happen to it if you forget to take it off before going to the shower or pool. The Flex 2 also automatically detects physical activity, but overall it's one of the simplest models in the manufacturer's lineup. Although it does not boast a wide range of functions, it is very simple to use.
Official Price: $ 99.95
Most Advanced Fitbit
Fitbit is one of the most popular tracker manufacturers today. This company stands out not only for its huge sales, but also for the wide range of models available for users with a wide variety of requirements. If you are looking for the best of the best trackers and are interested in this particular manufacturer, Fitbit Charge 2 is the best option.
Apart from the standard features, it also has all the best features that Fitbit has in its arsenal:
- Tracker monitors the wearer's heart rate using the PurePulse heart rate sensor
- Calculates V02 Max – the maximum amount of oxygen for oxygen per kilogram of body weight, an important indicator that should increase as physical fitness improves. This allows you to control the effectiveness of your workouts.
- Shows the effectiveness of cardio exercise
Official Price: $ 149.95
Built-in GPS to avoid taking your smartphone with you
If you're not happy with how much you rely on your smartphone while exercising, the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro could be your best friend. This is one of the few fitness bracelets with built-in GPS and native Spotify support. This means you can listen to music and track your runs without syncing with the app. Thanks to this, you can leave your smartphone at home with a clear conscience and completely immerse yourself in your workout. At the same time, you will still receive notifications from your smartphone and will be able to answer calls or messages directly through the bracelet.
Official Price: $ 199
Is there too much stress in your life?
Garmin Vivo smart 3 is the thinnest and smallest bracelet in the manufacturer's lineup, but its small body hides great features that can be useful outside of training. It is not only a fitness tracker but also a stress tracker. The heart rate sensor constantly monitors your heart rate and displays your stress level. If it is too high, the bracelet will offer you special breathing exercises to lower it.
Also Vivo smart 3 is useful during strength training. It takes into account the number of repetitions, sets and rest times. All this can be viewed in a special application – a similar function is absent in most other popular fitness trackers.
Official Price: $ 139.99
For music lovers
Music is an important part of any workout and it is extremely inconvenient to use an additional device to stream your favorite tracks. With TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music, you can not only save songs and playlists in the tracker memory, but also stream music through Bluetooth from your smartphone or other source. This device displays notifications from your smartphone, and the built-in GPS will not let you get lost in an unfamiliar place.
Official Price: $ 129.99
Smart watch
Looking for a fitness tracker that, in addition to the basic features, will also give you more benefits in your daily life? This smartwatch will provide you with all the capabilities that modern technology has, but, in addition, it is no less effective during sports than the bracelet models described above.
Hardcore watch for hardcore runners
For those who can't imagine their life without running, the Garmin Forerunner 235 watch may be the best choice. This tracker features impressively fast GPS and supports the creation of up to four personalized runs that you can customize. It is noteworthy that this is also the best choice if you train not only on the street, but also on the treadmill. Also, if you want, you can turn on the synchronization of notifications from your smartphone. The heart rate sensor is another great benefit when you run, as it helps you maximize your training intensity.
Official Price: $ 329.99
Smart watch that looks like a regular watch
If you're looking for something more than a fitness tracker, but not as advanced and expensive as a watch from Apple, you may well be looking at the Samsung Gear Sport. They are waterproof (can be submerged up to 50 meters), have built-in GPS, can automatically recognize the type of physical activity, help keep track of calories (both received and burned), and act as a personal trainer that fits on the wrist.
Directly from smartwatches in the Samsung Gear Sport are also quite a few. Through them, you can answer calls and messages, directly play music from Spotify, control compatible smart home items like locks or lighting fixtures, and have direct access to all your favorite apps. And all these possibilities are contained in a miniature device that looks like an ordinary watch with a round dial and weighs practically nothing.
Official Price: $ 299
The best of smartwatches and fitness trackers
Of course, when it comes to wearables, it's impossible not to mention Apple Watch. After all, it is the most popular smartwatch in the world today. The new Apple Watch Series 3 Nike + has become, in fact, the ideal device that combines the capabilities of a fitness tracker and can do almost everything that a smartphone can do.
This model has LTE (virtual SIM) support, which makes it completely autonomous and does not require synchronization with a smartphone. Through these hours, you can not only answer incoming calls, but also call and write messages yourself. The latter is facilitated by an adapted on-screen keyboard. Music streaming is available through various services, there is support for a huge number of native applications.
Apple Watch Series 3 Nike + are equipped with a very accurate heart rate sensor that will alert the user of any changes that can save the user's life in some situations. As a personal trainer for runners, this model literally takes it to the next level: voice guidance and commentary are available, motivating notifications and real-time prompts.
To switch to training mode, just launch the corresponding application (both branded and any third-party from App Store). All the features you think of when it comes to a fitness tracker are available: GPS tracking, tracking both steps taken and distance traveled, and much more. It is noteworthy that the device is waterproof. If the availability of LTE is not so important for you (especially since virtual SIM cards are not yet supported in Russia), you can save a little and take the GPS version.
Official price: $ 399 ($ 329 without LTE)