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Want to get back on the fitness track? To help you monitor your heartbeat and progress, try these wearable trackers that cater to a wide range of exercise enthusiasts–from newbies and dabblers to hard-core gym-goers.

 

Today's fitness trackers have come a long way from when they were first invented by Dr. Yoshiro Hatano in 1965. He called his invention Manpo-kei, which means "10,000 steps meter". At the time, Dr. Yatano, who taught at Kyushu University in Japan, was looking for ways to address obesity.

Through research, Dr. Yatano concluded that 10,000 steps a day are sufficient to burn a day's worth of calories to promote physical well-being. This helps prevent health issues such as heart disease and elevated blood pressure.

From the Manpo-kei, fitness trackers have evolved thanks to rapidly developing technology. In the 1980s, Polar Sport introduced its wireless heart rate monitor. With the advent of mobile phones and motion sensors, Nokia came out with its 5500 Sports, which featured a 3D accelerometer able to count steps.

Fast-forward to 2023, wearable trackers are more sophisticated, sensitive, and customizable. Now, they monitor not just your heartbeats and steps. They can also keep track of your sleep cycles, calorie intake, stress levels, and so much more. 

This year's 10 best wearable fitness trackers

Now that you're spoiled for choice, the only challenge is choosing the best fitness tracker for your needs and lifestyle. To help you make an informed decision, we've rounded up the best ones in the market, outlining their benefits and downsides. Take a look at this wide range of wearables aiming to keep you fit and healthy this 2023 and beyond.

1. Google Pixel Watch

Because Google acquired Fitbit, this smartwatch integrates the latter's features, including the app, which stores data to help you monitor your health. You also get the complete range of Google services like Google Assistant, YouTube, Wallet, and Maps.

Benefits

• Includes calorie counting, activity tracking, sleep profile, and six months of Fitbit Premium to help you access select services.

• By shelling out extra, you get an Emergency SOS feature, allowing it to notify close contacts or 911 when your safety is compromised.

• Domed design communicates classic style, making it look more like a versatile accessory than a fitness tracker.

Downsides

• While it tracks your heart rate, the Pixel watch doesn't give a warning for abnormal events like irregular rhythms or extremely low or high pulse rates.

• YouTube Music is only free for a limited time.

• Does not automatically record exercise activities

2. Amazfit Band 7

This tracker is for those who enjoy the basics and great value for their money. Created by online retail giant Amazon, the Amazfit Band 7 comes with a vibrant OLED screen, an 18-day battery life, and an impressive range of features at an affordable price.

Benefits

• Amazingly lightweight, so it's comfortable to wear when you're measuring sleep

• Features include 120 sports options

• Able to simultaneously monitor heart rate, oxygen intake, and stress levels in one go

Downsides

• Doesn't store music

• Only functions with tethered GPS, making online payments challenging.

• Too basic design may turn off stylish wearers

3. Oura Ring Gen 3

If you're tired of wearing your fitness tracker on your wrist and crave a more compact design, why not try wearing it on your finger? Enter the Oura Ring Gen 3, an unobtrusive tracker that has a plateau design and is made of titanium.

Benefits

• Swimming pool-friendly; water-resistant under more than 328 feet

• More lightweight than a typical ring

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, activity, and blood oxygen

Downsides

• Its surface may sustain scratches over time

• Comes at a premium price

• Doesn't have a display, so you'll have to download activities

4. Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar

This tracker watch is perfect for hard-core outdoor athletes who don't care if their gadgets get a beating. How tough is it? It's built for military standards, so you can be sure it can withstand the most challenging conditions–even in wintertime.

Benefits

• Can quickly harness a GPS signal

• Capable of solar charging

• Includes coaching, training status, real-time stamina status, recovery time advisor, and so much more

Downsides

• More expensive than most fitness trackers

• Transflective screen may not be eye-friendly for some

• A bit cumbersome on the wrist

5. Fitbit Charge 5

This fitness wristband is a no-nonsense tracker that's both affordable and reliable. Its sensors work with Fitbit's Electrocardiogram (ECG) app, which helps you observe your stress levels all day. Users are raving about its long battery life, which can be stretched to a week on a full charge.

Benefits

• User-friendly app

• Built-in GPS

• Comprehensive range of sensors despite the budget-friendly price

Downsides

• Doesn't store music

• Small display makes it challenging to read data

• Not built for phone calls and messages

6. Apple Watch Series 8

Mac aficionados who are serious about their heart health will love this product, which functions as a smartwatch and a fitness partner. Its heart rate sensor feature is top-notch, with sensors that pick up heart rate issues, which you can share with your doctor.

Benefits

• Reliable even for rigorous exercises

• Numerous choices for sports and health apps

• Monitors skin temperature and has power-saving features

Downsides

• Setting up is tied to an iPhone

• Short battery life

• Design is the same as the previous model's

7. Garmin Forerunner 265

This multisport watch gives you an accurate overview of real-time health data. Viewing is easier due to its bright AMOLED display, helping you stay on top of your heart rate during intensive workouts and while at rest.

Benefits

• Continuous heart rate metrics throughout the day

• Measures training readiness

• Lets you know if you need to rest or pump it up

Downsides

• Heavy on the pocket

• No maps you can view offline

• Garmin Pay is not so reliable outside the U.S.

8. Fitbit Ace 3

This product deserves a spot on the list simply because it's the only Fitbit that targets kids. The World Health Organization states that over 340 million children and adolescents are overweight or obese worldwide. The Fitbit Ace 3 aims to lower that figure by monitoring its wearer's active period. It's a great buy for parents who want to ensure their kids get sufficient exercise every day.

Benefits

• Utilizes rewards and engaging challenges to keep kids active

• User-friendly and kid-sized

• Comfortable to wear

Downsides 

• No location tracking

• Fewer features than adult trackers

• A bit difficult to read the display when outdoors

9. Amazfit GTR 4

Aside from its mid-range price, another upside to this wearable is its compatibility with multiple platforms. For less, you can enjoy the features offered by more expensive models. Keep track of your slumber, stress, and oxygen levels with Amazon Alexa on standby.

Benefits

• Impressive two weeks of battery life

• Dual-band GPS

• Built-in Pomodoro timer

Downsides

• Difficult to get third-party apps

• Too many features can get overwhelming

• Cannot directly respond to incoming notifications

10. Fitbit Inspire 3

Attracted to minimalist designs and pocket-friendly prices? Though affordable, the Fitbit Inspire 3 resembles the Luxe's basic black casing. Its features are also basic yet essential, letting you monitor your sleep habits, irregular heart rates, and stress management. It even has optional accessories, including a mesh strap that comes in silver or gold for dressier occasions.

Benefits

• 10 days of battery life

• Easy to use for newbies

• Lightweight and comfortable

Downsides

• No integrated GPS

• Contactless payments are not an option

• Relatively smaller screen

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