Aug 18, 2022 7:00 AM

The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone

Whether you’re skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you.

Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. They have to be comfortable and attractive, sure, but they must also fit your lifestyle, as well as when and how you like to work out. Do you bike, row, or do strength training? Do you run on trails for hours at a time, or do you just want a reminder to get up every hour?

No matter what your needs are, there's never been a better time to find a powerful, sophisticated tool that can help you optimize your workouts or jump-start your routine. We've tested dozens over the several years to bring you these picks. While you're at it, don't forget to check out our Best Smartwatches and Best Running Gear guides.

Updated August 2022: We added new information about our picks, added the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro, and the new Garmin Forerunners.

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Photograph: Fitbit
Best All-Around
Fitbit Charge 5
Even as Fitbit has faced stiff competition from other manufacturers—most notably, the Apple Watch—its trackers have always won me over. They hit a very specific sweet spot between attractiveness, affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. They're perfect for everyone who isn't an ultra-marathoner or a semipro powerlifter trying to hit a PR.
The Charge line has consistently reached the top of our rankings, and the Charge 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is no exception. Last year's iteration introduced softer lines, a bright AMOLED screen, and almost every sensor you could want, from stress scans to electrocardiograms. Like the Apple Watch does with iPhones, the Charge 5 fast-pairs to Android phones and has both onboard and connected GPS so you can track outdoor workouts without a hitch. It also now has an FDA-cleared feature to detect atrial fibrillation, via Fitbit's new Heart Rhythm Notifications feature. The major downside is that you do still have to pay $10 per month, or $80 per year, for a Fitbit Premium subscription to access most of Fitbit's best features. Fitbit is also now owned by Google, which might deter you. But all in all, the hardware is still less expensive and easier to use than others on this list.
$120 at Target
$117 at Amazon
Photograph: Garmin
Runner-Up
Garmin Vívomove Sport
Picking a fitness tracker often means taking the proprietary software into consideration, as well as the hardware. Fitbit's app is really easy to use, but I also like Garmin's Connect, which I have found to be one of the most comprehensive digital health apps. If you discover that you like running, for example, it integrates easily with Strava. Unlike Fitbit, Garmin doesn't paywall most of its best features behind a premium subscription.
That makes Garmin's entry-level smartwatch my top pick for a first fitness tracker, especially since it doesn't look particularly sporty. It comes in a variety of colors and resembles an analog watch. Simply swipe along the bottom half of the touchscreen to log activities and check notifications. Not only can you track workouts, but you can also monitor your sleep and heart rate and check a few other of Garmin's proprietary algorithms, like your Body Battery, or how ready you are for the day. It's worth noting that most people get a Garmin because it is GPS-enabled, and the Vivomove Sport only uses connected GPS from your phone. For more Garmin suggestions, check out our Best Garmin Watches guide.
$180 at Amazon
$180 at Target
$180 at Best Buy
Photograph: Apple
Best If You Have an iPhone
Apple Watch Series 7
Each year's Apple Watch update can feel iterative. But if you want a fitness tracker and you own an iPhone, you can't do better than the latest version. The Series 7 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is more waterproof and dustproof than ever before. Last year's upgrades were cycling-focused, but this year's WatchOS upgrades include a host of impressive running features, like the ability to measure vertical oscillation, create custom workouts, and track multisport workouts.
That's in addition to all the standard features you get with an Apple Watch, like integration with Fitness+, Apple's workout streaming subscription; Apple's addictive activity rings game that will have you closing circles by marching around your kitchen at night; integration with Apple Maps to guide you while running or biking; and the full suite of comprehensive sensors that can track your sleep or measure your blood oxygen. Unfortunately, unlike almost any other tracker here, you have to charge it daily, sometimes twice daily—an annoying inconvenience if the only time you can work out is 6:30 am before getting your kids ready for school. Read our Best Apple Watch guide for more details.
$399 at Apple
$329 at Amazon

Photograph: Letsfit
Best Budget Tracker
Letsfit Fitness Tracker
Letsfit's smartwatch is a knockoff of the Fitbit Versa, right down to the typeface used on the watch face, but the differences are obvious to anyone who has used (and loved) a real Versa. The latch is made from cheap plastic, the tracked metrics on the watch face are rudimentary, and the VeryFitPro app is unattractive and not a joy to consult.
However, the tracker is waterproof, and the pedometer is reasonably accurate. The battery lasts about one week between charges, and the band is soft and comfortable. My real recommendation for a budget tracker is to look for older Garmin or Fitbit models that came out a year or two ago. Those regularly go on sale for well under $100. But if you're having a hard time finding one, this will do.
$37 at Target
$40 at Adorama
Photograph: Coros
Best Running Watch
Coros Pace 2
For years, I was convinced that no running watch would ever beat a Garmin. That changed when I tried the Coros Pace 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which is now my favorite. It's unbelievably light, and the battery lasts for weeks between charges, which is a feature you won't find in any other watch on this list. It also integrates with Strava for mapping your runs and rides, and it uses the same multi-system satellite positioning system as Garmin to trace your route.
On the minus side, it has a basic LCD screen, and EvoLab—Coros' analytics platform, meant to compete with Garmin's Connect—is still in its early stages. Accuracy can be iffy; a few of my outdoor runs were improperly tracked. But Coros also offers a ton of small, useful features, like a locking screen and simple two-button operation, at a very accessible price.
★ Another alternative: Garmin's Forerunners represent an iconic running watch series, and this year's iteration includes drastically improved battery life via solar recharging. The Forerunner 955 Solar ($550) is a premium running watch for experienced, dedicated runners and triathletes, but it's expensive and large on my small wrist. The Forerunner 55 ($200) is fine for most people, but you won't get two weeks of battery life out of one charge.
$199 at Amazon
$200 at REI
$199 at Coros
Photograph: ŌURA
Best Ring
Oura Ring Gen3
I had complaints about Oura's Gen3 ring—namely, that the company was strongly encouraging its customers to commit and upgrade to the Gen3 and a new $6-per-month subscription long before any of the newest features were even available. However, in a sea of identical square and round watches, there really isn't any tracker like the Oura. It's extremely small and attractive, and this year's new onboard sensors are just as accurate as they were before.
New features are now appearing and will continue to arrive throughout 2022. With the membership, you can access guided meditations, personalized insights, and educational content; without it, you will only be able to access your three basic Oura scores, which are your Daily Readiness, Sleep, and Activity scores (essentially what you saw last year). If you have trouble predicting your period, the ring is sensitive enough to pick up the half-degree temperature drop right before mine starts. Although the company has made no explicit statement about Roe v. Wade, it’s based in Finland and abides by the GDPR, and US-based health authorities cannot subpoena data from it.
$399 at Oura

Photograph: WHOOP
The Most Wearable
Whoop 4.0
The biggest problem with any fitness wearable of any kind is how often they get in the way of … working on your fitness. You can't wear the Oura ring while rock climbing, for example. That's why the cult fitness tracker company Whoop introduced a line of smart clothes this year. Right now, I'm wearing the tracker tucked into the Any-Wear bralette. I can't even feel it! Now I can track my runs with my Garmin!
Whoop is best suited for athletes who can independently interpret its somewhat arcane metrics. “Daily Strain” measures only cardiovascular load, so a day where I walked 3 miles to and fro is supposedly a harder day than when I lifted weights for an hour. The Whoop 4.0 is also smaller than last year's model, with a new battery, but I did experience charging issues with the new version. You have to keep the app running at all times, lest it constantly warn you that it can't update right this second. At $30, the monthly subscription is the most expensive one here, and the line of proprietary clothing does not have extended sizing. Even with all those caveats, it's the only wearable I've ever forgotten I'm wearing.
$30 at Whoop
Photograph: Garmin
Best Outdoor Watch
Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar
This year, Garmin released two high-end adventure watches: the Epix ($1,000) and this year's update to the Fenix series, the Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The Epix has a 47-mm case and a large, brilliant AMOLED screen; the Fenix has a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. However, the Epix's case is huge, and the display eats up a lot of battery. I'd go with the Fenix instead.
This year's iteration has vastly improved battery life with solar charging—I got two weeks off one charge, with intermittent sunlight during a cloudy Oregon winter. Multiple GPS systems meant that it pinpointed my location with incredible speed and accuracy, even in the rain and under tree cover. It can record every biometric for every sport under the sun. And honestly, maps on the MIP still look detailed and pretty great. The downside? It is still fairly spendy, and earlier iterations do go on sale pretty often.
$865 at Amazon
$900 at REI
$900 at Garmin
Photograph: Withings
Best Analog Watch Dupe
Withings ScanWatch
The Withings ScanWatch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is unique for several reasons. Many other trackers, such as the Apple Watch Series 7, offer the ability to detect atrial fibrillation and measure blood oxygen levels through the SpO2 sensor. However, Withings obtained clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration before selling the ScanWatch in the US. Most of the trackers on the list can go several days without charging, but the ScanWatch can go up to a month. You can access all the features on the Health Mate app without a subscription.
It's worth pointing out that most fitness trackers look like fitness trackers, but the ScanWatch looks like a normal analog watch. This is the best everyday fitness tracker for anyone who doesn't want to broadcast to the world that they count how many hours they sleep each night. WIRED contributor Simon Hill gives it the highest praise possible—even after nine months, he's still wearing it.
$280 at Amazon
$280 at Best Buy
$280 at Withings

Photograph: Garmin
Most Attractive Watch
Garmin Lily
Garmin has a whole line of fashion watches, but they've always been wonky compared to their sporty counterparts. For example, the screen of this fashionable wearable didn't reliably turn on when I angled my wrist toward my face, and the touchscreen wouldn't reliably respond to my finger when I wanted to start an activity. However, the sport version of the Garmin Lily is undeniably gorgeous. The 34-mm case is small but still large enough to see incoming notifications and track activities with a swipe and a tap.
Sadly, the estimated battery life of five days shortens considerably with overnight pulse-oximeter sleep tracking. If you're not altitude-training or concerned that you might be sick (obligatory warning that this is not a medical device), you should probably turn that feature off.
★ Another alternative: Last year, Fitbit released the Luxe ($100). I tested it, and it's a great daily step tracker with a beautiful AMOLED display, comfortable accessories, and Fitbit's easy app. However, I found the bezel and touchscreen to be a little wonky when tracking activities with sweaty fingertips.
$200 at Amazon
$199 at Target
Photograph: Samsung
Best for Android Owners
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
Samsung's new Galaxy Watch5 is one of the comfiest Wear OS smartwatches out there. It comes in 40- and 44-mm sizes and runs the latest version of Wear OS 3, meaning you get access to Google Maps' turn-by-turn navigation and Google Assistant, plus the best of Samsung's health features, including SpO2 measurements, auto-workout detection, sleep tracking, and an electrocardiogram. It's great for checking notifications and responding to them, too.
Like the Apple Watch, don't expect to go for days on a single charge. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says he usually had to charge it after a day and a half. Unfortunately, this watch only works with Android phones, and ECG tracking is limited to Samsung phones (as is blood pressure monitoring, but that's not available in the US yet anyway). If you want a bigger watch that's just a bit more rugged, try the pricey Galaxy Watch5 Pro ($500), which has better battery life and is made of more durable materials, though we haven't tested it yet. Alternatively, if you want to save some cash, you can snag last year's Galaxy Watch4, which is still a great watch.
$280 at Amazon
$280 at Target
$280 at Samsung
Photograph: Garmin
My Favorite Watch
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Out of all these watches, the one I chose to come with me on a two-week beach adventure vacation was the Instinct 2 Solar (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It's one of Garmin's most popular backcountry watches and combines a somewhat chunky, technical aesthetic (and fun colors!) with backcountry capability. With the Instinct 2, you get access to Garmin's multiple satellite systems and navigational features, insane battery life, and the ability to track many sport-specific metrics … without blowing money on extras like a big light-up screen.
The main updates to this year's Instinct 2 are improved solar charging, a high-resolution display, and a petite 40-mm case size. That smaller size fits on my wrist and under my jacket sleeve much more easily, and the high-resolution display is easier to read. The battery also lasted for a mindblowing 21 days, with multiple tracked activities per day. It also comes in a ton of different colors and sports-specific styles. For example, the popular Surf Edition—there's also Tactical and Esports versions—is compatible with the hugely popular surf forecasting company Surfline. You can see tide data and track your surfing. (It also has the best colors.)
$450 at Amazon
$450 at Target
$450 at REI

Photograph: Garmin
Honorable Mentions
Other Trackers We Like
We liked some other watches that didn't quite make it into our top picks.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 for $160: Besides Coros, Garmin makes the best running watches, and they're easy to find on sale. This is the company's low-end model, but they only get lighter, smaller, and more feature-rich as you run up the product line.
Amazon Halo View for $80: Amazon's latest fitness tracker is affordable and comfortable to wear, and the app is easy to navigate. I don't like how it heavily pushes business partnerships or tells you to strip to your undies to measure your body fat composition, though.
Mobvoi TicWatch GTH Pro for $85: Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is one of my colleague Julian Chokkattu's top smartwatch picks. That's a Wear OS watch though, and the GTH Pro isn't so smart. Its standout feature is Arty, which uses two light sensors to monitor your heart health. However, the Withings watch has been cleared by the FDA, and so far the GTH Pro has not. The screen also fritzes out occasionally.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro for $230: This is the first of Amazfit's watches I've actually liked wearing. It has onboard GPS and is sturdy and durable, and the screen is beautiful. However, I didn't reliably get my Bluetooth notifications, couldn't measure my blood oxygen levels or control my music, and some of the advanced training metrics need ironing out.
The Polar Ignite for $198: I like the Ignite's low profile and extremely granular data collection, which lets you check how factors like heart-rate variability, breathing rate, and heart rate all combine to ramp up your autonomic nervous system.
The Suunto 9 Peak for $575: We recommended the Suunto 9 Baro for bikepacking, and the 9 Peak includes all of the features in a much more compact, attractive package. It's too sensitive to be a great everyday tracker (it tells me I've hit 400 steps before I even get out of bed), but it's a great adventure watch.
The Wahoo Fitness Elemnt Rival for $330: The functions on this watch were pretty perfunctory; there are much more capable trackers for this price. However, it integrates with Wahoo's smart indoor trainer system, which is excellent.
Photograph: Zepp
Buyer Beware
I Did Not Like These Trackers
I test new fitness trackers all the time. Some of them are duds.
The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro for $120: The concept of earbuds that are also fitness trackers is intriguing, and these look and feel a lot like the AirPods Pro. However, I don't particularly like Zepp OS, and their utility is also limited since you don't wear earbuds constantly (at least, I don't).
The Matrix PowerWatch 2 for $400: Recharging from solar energy and body heat works! I wore this watch for more than three weeks without having to recharge it. However, it's huge and clunky. During my testing, the heart rate monitor was inaccurate, and it was hard to change the display. The app was also beset by technical problems, and I had to constantly reinstall the app and reconnect the watch.

Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate Reviews Editor