Best Fitness Tracker Reviews 2023

Advancements in technology are offering some great improvements in our health and fitness routines.  Fitness trackers are rapidly growing as an up-and-coming trend, expanding from the basic pedometer to include heart rate, sleep, elevation, and sport specific monitors.  Many of the top brands on the market are even offering to sync with your smartphone or computer to provide music and call/text/email info.  Fitness trackers also make great gifts for the holidays. Our research provides recommendations for some of the best brands out there for performance, consumer satisfaction, offered features, and price point.
TopProducts may earn commissions when you purchase through links on our site. Learn More.
Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Display
Pulse Monitor
Connectivity
Color(s)
Extras
Our Top Choice
Fitbit Alta Fitness Wristband
Fitbit is a trusted brand in the industry with a super sleek design that tracks your activity 24/7. Great consumer satisfaction.
Call/text/calendar notifications from Smartphone. Band variations to change the look.
No heart rate monitor.
OLED Tap
None
Bluetooth, USB
Various
“Get moving” Alert
Best Value
Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker
Samsung is a world renowned brand in technology and they don’t disappoint with the Gear Fit, it even includes a vibrating heart monitor.
Great looking color display activity tracker with pedometer, heart rate monitor, timer and stopwatch.
Battery life limited, about 3-4 days
OLED
Yes
Bluetooth
Black
Vibrating Heart monitor
Garmin Forerunner Fitness Tracker
Not only an established brand such as Garmin, but a great tracking device to enhance performance across multiple sport platforms.
Lightweight. Comfortable. Built-in GPS and smart notifications means this really is an all-in-one.
High-end price tag to match the high-end features.
Color LED
Yes
Bluetooth, GPS
Various
Tracks Form, Plays Music
Polar FT7 Workout Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
A popular and prestigious brand, this product comes packed with features and offers a big display at an affordable price.
Chest strap heart rate monitor. Training diary compatible. Waterproof. Comes in a variety of colors.
Not everyone wants to wear a chest strap heart rate monitor for comfort reasons.
LCD
Yes
Bluetooth
Various
Training load evaluation
Moov Now 3D Fitness Tracker Activity Band
Moov is a fantastic brand for all kinds of fitness trackers. This wearable fitness coach actively monitors your workouts, giving you real time audio coaching.
Fitness sensors help you to improve technique. Audio coaching keeps you motivated and informed throughout your workout.
Fitness coach, not a watch. Need to buy two bands to track sports like shadow-boxing.
N/A - Audio
Yes syncs with app
Bluetooth
Various
Audio coaching

Related Reviews
Best Heart Rate Monitor
Best Pre Workout Drink
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Digital Scale
Watch Our Fitness Tracker Review

What is the Best Fitness Tracker?

Fitness trackers appeal to people from all walks of life, each with varying fitness levels. Some people have serious health problems and need to monitor their heart rate, sleep patterns, and ensure they are improving their basic activity level. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes with busy lifestyles typically prefer a fitness tracker with advanced features. Basically, what qualifies as “The Best” depends on what sports and activities you like, as well as your overall fitness level. There’s something for everyone when it comes to fitness trackers.
Our Top Choice
The Fitbit Alta is packed with great features; however, it doesn’t have a heart-rate monitor. Is this important to you? Then the Fitbit Blaze could be perfect, also incorporating music and GPS tracking.

Fitbit Alta Fitness Band with Smart Track Technology


Features
Fitbit is king in the fitness tracking world, a well-renowned brand with an excellent reputation and very popular among fitness enthusiasts. We simply can’t ignore the appeal of the Fitbit Alta which packs a punch in a sleek easy-to-wear design with customizable bands to compliment your ever-changing look. The suggested retail price of $129.95 from the manufacturer is well worth it, considering all the abilities this fitness tracker has.

The Alta has an attractive design and is even a great buy for someone who doesn’t like to exercise, as its sensors notify the user that it is time to get up and get moving. An added bonus is this tracker is on trend with current advancements in wearable technology. Most people have a desire or need to stay in communication with their business associates and family/friends throughout the day; the Fitbit Alta makes this easy to do with notifications of calls, texts, and calendar appointments. It really does have a lot to offer beyond the basic step-counting found in pedometers.

Here are some of the features:
  • Track your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity & stationary time
  • SmartTrack technology that recognizes and records different exercise movements
  • Reminders to get moving when stationary, celebrates your movement
  • Time of day, and your stats are just a tap away
  • Call, text, and calendar alerts from your smartphone
  • Long battery life of 5 days before re-charging
  • Auto sleep tracking with vibrating alarm
  • Wide variety of customizable bands to change your look
  • Syncs wirelessly with your computer and other devices
  • Tracks total activity for 30 days
  • Alta is sweat, rain, and splash proof
The Fitbit Alta is a real crowd-pleaser; it makes a great gift for yourself or someone you love.
Best Value
While the Gear Fit can give you great data feedback on your fitness activities at around $100, there is a higher-end version by Samsung called the Gear S2 classic, delivering an upscale design that allows you to do such things as check weather patterns and reply to texts.

Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit SM-R350 Smartwatch Fitness Tracker


Features
Samsung lovers now have a fitness tracking device to go with their smartphone. This fitness tracker is a pedometer and smart wristband in one. Incorporating a heart rate monitor with fitness technology, the Samsung Gear Fit allows you to track running, walking and cycling, all in a wrist-hugging cool looking design.

We chose this model as it provides a coaching mode that can record your maximum heart rate and send vibrating signals to tell you to speed up when you’re lagging or ‘keep up that pace’ when your rate of speed is on point. Everybody needs a push sometimes, and it helps when your fitness device works as a techno-personal trainer.

Let’s take a look at some of its features:
  • View text messages, emails, and other customizable notifications
  • Send a quick reply message to incoming calls
  • Find my Device tracking
  • Timer, stopwatch, and sleep tracking
  • Works with 3rd party applications like Spotify
  • Rotate the display for viewing preference and adjust screen brightness
  • View battery status & change wallpaper
  • Sync with your smartphone app to profile age, height, weight, and BMI
  • Clean interface displaying step, exercise, and calorie count
  • Fitness app that allows for food tracking
  • Heart rate coaching through vibration
Samsung incorporates a whole host of great features in its whole line of fitness trackers. If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art model, Samsung has launched the Gear Fit2 which is available in small or large and has color options!
The Garmin Forerunner is an excellent fitness tracker for those fitness enthusiasts out there. Not quite as into your fitness yet? No problem; Garmin also offers the Vivofit 2, a fitness tracker with a small display and a small price tag.

Garmin Forerunner® 735XT Fitness Watch with GPS Tracking - Running and Swimming Bundles


Features
Garmin has produced the ultimate in wearable technology for athletes. Garmin is big in the business of fitness tracking, and they don’t stint on features with the ForeRunner 735XT fitness watch. A top-of-the-line model and a great buy for triathletes, this sport specific smart watch keeps track of your stats and allows you to share that data with family and friends so they can encourage you and cheer you on.

Let’s face it, who doesn’t benefit from a little pat on the back once in a while? With detailed analytics on such performance factors as stride length and vertical ratio, the advanced athlete can improve their performance with the kind of data not to be found on lesser products. The waterproof design even calculates your swimming workouts.

The Forerunner is not only great for monitoring while you are actively exercising, but it’s also a watch that allows you to listen to music, track advanced workouts, and monitor your heart rate while giving you your VO2 max with smart notifications, the Forerunner 735XT delivers top notch fitness technology from a brand you can trust.

Advanced features to be found on the Forerunner:
  • Race predictor and recovery advisor with GPS
  • Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio and more
  • Measures heart rate at the wrist so you can run freer on race day
  • Music controls
  • Offers VO2 max estimate and lactate threshold
  • Analyzes alternative sports stats like cross-country skiing and paddle boarding
  • Smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and more
  • Customize with free watch faces, apps and more
  • Lets you share your stats and triumphs through social media
  • Smart notifications
  • Lightweight and comfortable
As far as fitness and activity monitors go, it would be hard to outperform the Garmin Forerunner 735XT with all the bells and whistles it offers, a must have for athletes. You can purchase the Base Model, Run Bundle or Tri Bundle (includes HRM-Swim monitor) on Amazon.
The Polar FT7 is a great workout watch with a bunch of features. Looking for something a little different, Polar also offer the M400 running watch which is equipped with GPS.

Polar FT7 Waterproof Fitness Tracker with HR Chest Strap – Several Colors to Choose From


Features
Polar knows how to deliver a fitness device with smart technology. The Polar FT7 fitness watch makes our top five due to its ability to show the difference when you are burning fat or making strength gains with button free operation during training.

An activity tracker that delineates training load and its effects, this Polar smart tracker monitors the resistance load of your workouts to let you know what kind of results your workout is producing and the impact on your overall health and fitness. This device also helps you to vary your routines and optimize workout intensity. Great for the swimming enthusiast as it is fully waterproof.

Here are the features:
  • Recovery status updates to help you avoid over or under training
  • Calculates calories expended during a training session based on weight, height, age, gender, and personal maximum heart rate
  • Strength training guidance feature helps you calculate optimal recovery time between sets
  • Running index calculator determines optimal running speeds based on heart rate and speed
  • Body measurement features
  • Data transfer capabilities
  • Training diary compatible, for weekly and monthly planning via Polar software
  • Waterproof
  • Time, date, and weekday indicator
  • Low battery indicator
  • Alarm with snooze
  • With the heart rate chest strap you can get a more accurate heart rate
  • Connects with compatible gym equipment using Gym Link
Wow. With such amazing features it’s not hard to see why this made it onto the list. Also, if you want a tracker to suit your style, the FT7 comes in blue/lilac, black/silver, black/red, red/orange and many more color combinations to suit almost everyone.
We love the Moov Now fitness tracker thanks to the innovative audio coaching design with advanced movement sensors. If you’re looking for a simpler version, the original Moov is also a great choice.

Moov Now 3D Activity Band - Fitness Tracker & Real Time Audio Coach


Features
Moov Now helps you work up a sweat and improve your coordination with advanced sensor technology. This brand is a stand-out in wearable fitness bands as it gives audio feedback to coach you to a better performance without having to look at your device. As fitness accessories go, it has a great customer satisfaction record.

With the Moov Now accelerometer and gyroscope, this activity monitor can provide feedback on your movements and training style that goes above and beyond many other fitness trackers, coaching you along the way to a better body. While excellence in fitness monitoring doesn’t always come cheap, at the manufacturer’s list price of $59.95 you can’t beat the cost of this device considering the quality of fitness feedback you get.

The innovative design offers the following features-
  • Motivating audio coaching
  • Tracks running, cycling, swimming, and boxing workouts
  • Waterproof design
  • Daily activity tracking
  • Sleep monitor
  • Comfortable and easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Syncs with phone through Moov app
  • Tracks calories burned
  • Get toned in under 10 minutes with app workouts
  • Workout suggestions give variations for continued results
The feedback loop of your Moov Now fitness tracker forces you to enhance your form for better results. It also tracks your previous best results to keep you motivated to give your workouts your all. All in all, it’s a great motivator and exercise monitor.

If Aqua Blue isn’t your color, you can get the Moov Now Fitness Band in a range of colors on Amazon.

How Do I Choose the Best Fitness Tracker?

Everyone knows that exercise is a must for a healthy body, but not everyone knows how to exercise with the intensity and form necessary to get great results. Enter the fitness tracker, your personal trainer on-the-go. There are a plethora of fitness bands and activity monitors on the market these days. When we decided to guide consumers through the current maze of products, we took into consideration what features would best inform and motivate the user to improve their overall health and well-being. Like a traditional heart rate monitor, some fitness trackers keep real-time data on your heart rate. You may also want to check out our reviews on treadmills and electronic balance boards while you’re visiting our site to keep track of something after you buy your new fitness tracker!
Price
Fitness trackers vary in price, covering a wide range from $50-$500. Each model has key features that make it worth the investment, and some are as elegant as any watch or high-end bracelet out there. You may find a really cheap fitness tracker and think it’s a great deal, but keep in mind you get what you pay for. When it comes to fitness trackers, reliability and accuracy are important.

The only thing these fitness trackers don’t do for you is the actual workout! Sorry, but if you want to get into better shape, you’re going to have to sweat a little. The good news is some of our selected brands even work like a personal trainer, encouraging you every step of the way to a better body and a better life. But first, let’s get into the factors that make a great fitness tracker, so you know what your options are. It’s nice to have your own personal shopper, huh?
Features
With such a wide selection of fitness trackers on the market these days, it’s hard to sift through the chaff to find the right one for your lifestyle.

We aim to make your life a little easier, so let’s go through the check list of features you should keep an eye out for:
  • Battery life
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Bluetooth sync
  • GPS tracking
  • Color and style preferences
  • Sport-specific tracking
  • Waterproofing
  • The ability to monitor your form
  • Smartphone syncing
  • Call/text/email alerts
  • Display or audio only choices
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of construction and design features, and then we’ll give you a rundown on which fitness trackers made our Top 5 list.
Construction and Design
There is no end to the data you can get in fitness devices these days – everything from recommending improvements in your form, to tracking your quality of sleep and keeping tabs on your daily exercise levels.

If you’re a water enthusiast or training for a triathlon, then a waterproof and submergible fitness tracker is a great choice for you. If however, you are a land-lubber and like to get your endorphins going with a long run, you can buy a fitness tracker that will track your running speed and distance. This is a great feature for track and field athletes, or those who like to keep upping their game.

For the busy executive or soccer mom, there are fitness trackers that allow you to keep in touch with your professional and personal lives while working out. Your own personal wrist-secretary, these advanced models will keep you abreast of incoming calls, texts, emails, and calendar appointments. I know that’s a lot of multi-tasking, but you always have the option of getting a simple fitness tracker that solely focuses on monitoring your fitness levels.

A few of the high-end fitness trackers can track your elevation, V02 max, stride length, and vertical ratio. You can also buy one that plays music to keep you motivated and inspired.

One more thing to keep in mind with design: the look of the fitness tracker you choose makes a difference. Like a watch, everyone has their personal style preferences. Some fitness trackers are modern and sleek, others mimic a classic watch design.
Performance and Ease of Use
The basic pedometer was a great start for activity monitors back in the day (which wasn’t so long ago), but the latest fitness trackers have become very sport-specific.

One of the features some fitness trackers have is the ability to monitor your heart-rate. The safe heart rate for working out is 220 minus your age. This gives your maximum heart beats per minute. Going beyond that is considered a no-no, so having a heart rate monitor can be a nice feature to ensure you stay within your safety limits.

Another performance-enhancing feature is a fitness tracker that notices when you are taking it too easy, and signals you to pick up the pace. After all, you need to get your heart rate up to get the health benefits!

If you’re looking for a motivational coach, you can get a fitness tracker that will play the role of Mickey to your Rocky, telling you when to kick it into high gear, or letting you know when you’re on-point and a straight up wrecking machine!

Whether you’re looking for a multi-tasking activity monitor or a simple fitness tracker, the options are endless. To simplify the task of selecting one, we’ve picked 5 of our top choices from reputable brands with a wide range of price points and features for you to choose from.

Get the Best Fitness Tracker of 2023!

These fitness devices will get you on your way to a new and improved version of yourself. Fitness improvements not only improve your body, but also your mental and emotional well-being. Don’t forget the confidence boost you get from being in great shape. Don’t waste another day wondering what it would feel like to be proud of your body and the improvements you made this year. No more excuses! You have everything you need to improve your health right at your fingertips with the activity monitors we selected, including the motivation to be a better, healthier you!

Our Top Choice
Fitbit Alta Fitness Wristband
Best Value
Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker
Garmin Forerunner Fitness Tracker
Polar FT7 Workout Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Moov Now 3D Fitness Tracker Activity Band