If you’re on the hunt for a fitness tracker or smartwatch in 2024, you’re in for a treat. The market is packed with options, and these devices are more than just step counters now—they’re packed with features that cater to everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to those just wanting to stay a bit more active.
But with so many choices, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Do you go for one with the best heart-rate monitor? Or the one that helps with your sleep patterns? Here’s a rundown of the best fitness trackers and watches for 2024 to help you choose wisely.
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Garmin Forerunner 265
- Fitbit Charge 6
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- Whoop 4.0
- Amazfit GTR 4
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 continues to be a top choice in 2024, especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. The Series 9 builds on everything great about its predecessor but with some noticeable upgrades.
Features:
- Display: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display (1,000 nits)
- Processor: S9 chip (20% faster than the S8)
- Battery Life: 18 hours, but can stretch to 36 in low power mode
- Health Tracking: ECG, Blood Oxygen (SpO2), advanced sleep monitoring, and fall detection
- Fitness Features: Built-in GPS, water resistance up to 50 meters, Activity Rings, and new mindfulness features
- Special Features: Double-tap gesture control, crash detection, and emergency SOS
This is perfect for someone looking for a stylish fitness tracker with deep health insights, and it connects flawlessly with iPhones.
Garmin Forerunner 265
For serious runners, Garmin has always been a go-to brand, and the Forerunner 265 takes things up a notch. It’s packed with all the tracking features you could need, while also being more lightweight and affordable than Garmin’s high-end models.
Features:
- Display: AMOLED (1.3-inch) with great sunlight readability
- Battery Life: Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, and up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Health Tracking: Advanced heart rate monitoring, VO2 Max, pulse oximeter (SpO2), and advanced sleep tracking
- Fitness Features: GPS, multi-band GNSS for improved accuracy, 30+ built-in sports modes, and custom workouts
- Special Features: Body Battery energy monitoring and suggested recovery times after workouts
This watch is perfect for runners or anyone who’s seriously into endurance sports but wants to avoid paying a premium.
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit is still one of the best options if you’re looking for something simple, effective, and affordable. The Fitbit Charge 6 maintains the sleek design of the Charge 5 but brings new features to the table, especially in terms of health tracking.
Features:
- Display: Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, EDA (stress detection), and menstrual health tracking
- Fitness Features: Built-in GPS, over 20 exercise modes, Active Zone Minutes, and daily readiness score
- Special Features: Google integration (including Google Maps), contactless payments, and smart notifications
The Fitbit Charge 6 is the right choice for someone who wants a lightweight, straightforward fitness tracker without too many bells and whistles.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line has been getting better every year, and the Galaxy Watch 6 is one of the most versatile smartwatches on the market. It’s great for both fitness tracking and productivity, making it a solid option for Android users.
Features:
- Display: Super AMOLED (1.4-inch) with always-on functionality
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure, body composition (BIA), and ECG
- Fitness Features: GPS, over 90 workout modes, sleep tracking, and advanced run coaching
- Special Features: Fall detection, Google Assistant, and support for third-party fitness apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal
The Galaxy Watch 6 is perfect for anyone who wants a fitness-focused smartwatch that also serves as a powerful productivity tool.
Whoop 4.0
The Whoop 4.0 isn’t your typical fitness tracker—there’s no screen! But its minimalist approach and subscription-based service offer incredibly detailed health and fitness insights, which is why so many pro athletes swear by it.
Features:
- Design: Screenless with a minimal band design
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days
- Health Tracking: HRV (Heart Rate Variability), respiratory rate, skin temperature, sleep tracking, and recovery metrics
- Fitness Features: Automatic activity detection, strain monitoring, and daily personalized fitness insights
- Special Features: Continuous data collection for recovery-focused fitness, subscription required for detailed insights
Whoop 4.0 is ideal for someone who doesn’t need an on-wrist display but wants extremely detailed health metrics and insights. It’s all about performance optimization and recovery.
Amazfit GTR 4
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly but packed with features, the Amazfit GTR 4 is hard to beat. It offers some advanced features at a fraction of the price of other smartwatches.
Features:
- Display: AMOLED display with always-on functionality for vibrant, crisp visuals
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days with typical usage, 25 hours in continuous GPS mode
- Health Tracking: 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2, stress levels, sleep tracking, and menstrual health tracking
- Fitness Features: Dual-band GPS for more accurate outdoor tracking, over 200 sports modes, and automatic workout detection
- Special Features: Built-in Alexa, offline voice commands, and music storage with Bluetooth streaming for workouts without your phone
For the price, the Amazfit GTR 4 punches well above its weight. It’s a great choice for someone who wants a lot of features but doesn’t want to break the bank.