Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit’s trackers have constantly impressed me despite the fact that it has faced severe competition from other manufacturers, most notably the Apple Watch. They strike the ideal balance between appeal and cost, availability, and usability. They’re perfect for anyone who isn’t an ultramarathon runner or a semi-pro powerlifter trying to break a personal record.
The Charge line continues to rule our rankings with the Charge 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). AMOLED screen brightness, cleaner lines, and practically every sensor possible, including electrocardiograms and stress tests, were all features of the model from the previous year. Like the Apple Watch does with iPhones, the Charge 5 easily interacts with Android phones. It also has both onboard and connected GPS, allowing you to smoothly track outside activities.
With the addition of Fitbit’s new Heart Rhythm Notifications feature, it now also offers an FDA-approved feature to identify atrial fibrillation. The main drawback is that most of Fitbit’s better features are still only accessible with a Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $10 per month or $80 per year. It’s possible that Google’s ownership of Fitbit will put you off. Overall, compared to other items on this list, the hardware is still less expensive and simpler to operate.
Garmin Vívomove Sport
It’s critical to consider both the hardware and the proprietary software when selecting a fitness tracker. Although I think Garmin’s Connect is one of the most feature-rich digital health apps, the Fitbit app is fairly user-friendly. For instance, Strava might be easily incorporated if you discover that you enjoy jogging. Like Fitbit, Garmin doesn’t hide the majority of its best features behind an expensive membership.
For this reason, and because it doesn’t have a particularly sporty appearance, my top choice for a first fitness tracker is Garmin’s entry-level smartwatch. It has several different colours and looks like an analogue timepiece. To log activities and view notifications, merely swipe along the touchscreen’s bottom half.
Along with monitoring your workouts, sleep, and heart rate, you can also check a few more of Garmin’s own algorithms, including your Body Battery or how prepared you are for the day. The Vivomove Sport just uses connected GPS from your phone, as opposed to the GPS capabilities of a Garmin, which are often the reason people buy them.
