In recent years, smartwatches have revolutionized the way we approach fitness tracking. These devices have the capability to monitor our physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and even track our progress towards achieving fitness goals. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which smartwatch is the best for fitness tracking. In this article, I’ll explore the best smartwatches for fitness tracking, highlighting their unique features and benefits to help you make an informed decision when selecting a device to support your fitness journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, a high-quality smartwatch can provide the tools you need to stay motivated, track your progress, and achieve your fitness goals.
My Top 5 Best Smartwatches For Fitness Tracking
1. Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is one of Apple’s most popular smartwatch lineups. It boasts a larger, more durable screen compared to previous models, with a thinner border and rounded corners. The watch comes in 2 sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and is available in a variety of finishes and band options. If it helps, here’s my collection of Apple watch bands for large wrists.
In terms of features, the Apple Watch Series 7 is focused on fitness tracking, with an array of sensors and capabilities designed to help users monitor their activity levels. It includes advanced features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG readings, and workout tracking for a variety of activities such as running, cycling, and swimming.
The Series 7 also includes several new software updates, such as improved messaging and cycling directions, as well as a faster charging time. It is compatible with Apple’s latest operating system, watchOS 8, which includes additional fitness tracking features such as Tai Chi and Pilates workouts.
Prices usually start at $290.
2. Garmin Venu 2
The Garmin Venu 2 is a smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts who want to track their wellness data. It features a 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels that is visible in all lighting conditions. The watch is available in 2 sizes: 45mm and 40mm.
The Venu 2 includes several fitness tracking features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a range of sports apps for various activities. It also includes advanced sleep tracking capabilities, stress tracking, and guided breathing exercises to help users manage their overall wellness.
In addition to fitness tracking, the Venu 2 also includes features for everyday use, such as smartphone notifications, music controls, and contactless payment options through Garmin Pay. It is also compatible with a range of third-party apps for added functionality.
The watch has a battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS mode with music. It is water-resistant up to 165 feet (50 meters) and has a durable design that can withstand tough workouts and outdoor activities.
Prices usually start at $300.
3. Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a feature-packed smartwatch meant for people who want to monitor their progress. It comes with a 1.58-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 336 x 336 pixels that is very visible in various lighting situations.
The Versa 3 offers fitness tracking options, like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and various sports apps for activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. Sleep tracking capabilities, stress tracking, and guided breathing exercises are all possible.
Just like the Garmin Venu 2, the Versa 3 also comes with smartphone notifications, music activity, and contactless payment options through Fitbit Pay. Third party apps can be used as well.
The watch has a battery life of up to 6 days on a single charge and can be charged to full capacity in about 12 minutes. It is water-resistant up to 165 feet (50 meters).
Prices usually start at $150.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comes with a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels that is visible in all lighting conditions.
The Galaxy Watch 4 includes GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a range of sports apps for a bunch of different activities. Like most models, this watch also includes advanced sleep tracking, stress management, breathing exercises, and more.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 4 is its integration with Samsung Health, which offers a comprehensive suite wellness features. This includes blood oxygen monitoring, body composition analysis, and calorie tracking. The watch also includes a new BioActive sensor that can measure users’ body composition through their skin.
Besides fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 4 comes with smartphone notifications, music options, and contactless payment options through Samsung Pay.
The watch has a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge and can be charged to full capacity in just 30 minutes. I also mention this watch in my article about smartwatches with long battery life (even though 2 days isn’t extremely long). It is water-resistant up to 165 feet (50 meters).
Prices usually start at $170.
5. Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 is a high-end GPS fitness tracker and smartwatch designed for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It offers a range of advanced features, including wrist-based heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS, allowing you to track your workouts, sleep, and daily activity with a high degree of accuracy.
The watch also offers a variety of training metrics and personalized guidance, including training load, recovery time, and running power. This helps you optimize your workouts and improve your performance. Additionally, the Vantage V2 features a sleek and durable design, with a customizable watch face and interchangeable bands, making it a stylish and versatile choice for everyday wear.
Prices usually start at $475.
How Accurate Are The Fitness Tracking Features On Smartwatches?
The accuracy of fitness tracking features on smartwatches can vary depending on the specific device and the type of activity being tracked. Generally speaking, most modern smartwatches are fairly accurate when it comes to tracking basic fitness metrics like steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. However, the accuracy may be affected by factors like how the watch is worn, the intensity of the activity, and the sensitivity of the sensors used to track movement.
In recent years, smartwatch manufacturers have made significant improvements in the accuracy of fitness tracking features, and many devices now incorporate advanced sensors like GPS, heart rate monitors, and accelerometers to provide more detailed information about workouts and overall fitness levels. Some smartwatches also use machine learning algorithms to analyze data from multiple sensors and provide more personalized insights into users’ fitness and health.
In conclusion: While there may be some variability in the accuracy of fitness tracking features on different smartwatches, most devices offer a solid level of accuracy and can be a useful tool for monitoring and improving fitness levels.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, smartwatches have become an essential tool for fitness tracking, offering features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and exercise tracking. Each of the top smartwatches on the market has its own unique features and benefits.
The Apple Watch Series 7 provides an exceptional experience for iPhone users with its intuitive interface and robust fitness tracking capabilities. The Garmin Venu 2 excels in tracking activities such as running, swimming, and biking, with a long battery life and GPS tracking. The Fitbit Versa 3 is an excellent choice for those who want to monitor their fitness in a more affordable package. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offers a sleek and modern design, along with advanced features such as body composition analysis and blood oxygen monitoring. The Polar Vantage V2 is a great choice for athletes who want to track their performance and recovery with advanced metrics such as Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro.
If your main purpose is jogging, check out my list of the best sports watches for runners as well.