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Best Fitness Tracker Reviews and Buyer’s Guide for 2018

Having the best Fitness tracker is the best way to monitor your health and activity easily and with the most unmatched accuracy. Fitness trackers also known as fitness bands, activity trackers or activity monitors are technologically advanced pedometers that can estimate the distance you have covered and count your steps and also the calories you have burned.

These exercise trackers can be used to keep track on your activity, although they generally spur you to the idea of working out more thus helping you lose weight and get fitter. Additionally, some help monitor your sleep too with claims to track both quality and quantity of sleep which is also a health indicator.

Most of these fitness trackers feature a display that shows you the calories information, the steps you have taken and the time as well. Most are worn on the wrist, like a watch, a bracelet or clipped onto your clothing. Although each tracker is slightly different, there is definitely a choice to fit ones preference both in terms of design and data for almost any user.

This article will help you learn more on the best fitness tracker in 2018 and their features to help make a more informed decision when you decide to purchase one. So, seat back, relax and enjoy.

#01. Fitbit Charge 2 Heat Rate + Fitness Wristband, Black, Large (US version).

This is the best fitness tracker with a Heart Rate monitor and wristband built for your daily workouts and more. Has a battery that lasts up to 5 days and can automatically sync wirelessly with 200 + Windows, iPhone and Android phones. Comes in a sleek package with advanced features. This fitness wristband can also be customized with interchangeable band and clock faces. The product measures 9.9 x 0.9 x 0.5 inches and weighs 10.4 ounces, Requires 1 lithium battery. Operating temperatures range of 14 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit with a maximum operating height of 30,000 feet.

Features and Specifications

This fitness wristband features a PurePulse continuous and automatic wrist-based heart rate tracking. It also has simplified heart rate zones (fat burn, cardio and peak). The wristband has got an OLED display screen. This wristband can be connected to a GPS when running and can be set in a personalized cardi fitness score. This Fitbit wristband features a personalized guided breathing sessions that are based on your heart rate. In addition, it can be synched to Windows, iPhone and Android devises automatically and wirelessly.it is the best fitness tracker for my fitness pal.

Performance and Benefits

This is one of the best Fitbit for running band as it has a tracking system that allows you to measure calorie burn better. It also ensure your workouts are maximized by use of simple heart rate zones. With the OLED display feature, you can see and monitor your texts calls, and calendar notifications, and also this feature automatically tracks how long and how well your sleep is by use of a silent vibrating alarm.

The GPS helps in getting proper understanding of the fitness levels and helps you check improvement areas over time by monitoring the fitness score. The heart rate tracking technology helps you track your daily activities like calories burned, steps, distance, active minutes and floors climbed and also finds the calm moments in your day, just like other heart rate tracking technologies, accuracy can be affected by device location, physiology and different movements.

Pros
  • comfortable and exchangeable straps
  • OLED display
  • guided breathing sessions and heart rate tracking
  • long battery life
  • can synch with Windows, iPhone and Android
  • personalized cardio fitness score
Cons
  • heart rate sensor reading is not always working
  • limited phone notifications
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#02. Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch Charcoal/ Smoke Gray, One Size (S&L Bands Included)

This is one of the best fitness tracker watch designed for you. It gives you guidance to be able to achieve
your set goals with its in-built GPS, dynamic personal training and a continuous heart rate monitor. This
activity tracker watch will keep you motivated and allows you to store and play 300+ songs and gets you
inspired by a large fitness community. It allows a convenient access to popular apps, a battery that lasts
for days and ability to pay on your wrist. The item measures 1.9 x 4 x 8.7 inches and weighs 10.7 ounces.
It operates on temperatures of -4⁰ to 113⁰F with a maximum operating altitude of 30,000 feet.

Features and Specifications

This Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch features very dynamic and personalized step-by-step coaching. It also allows for storage and playing of up to 300 + songs, plus you can download playlists from Pandora as well. Fitbit has got in-built GPS/GLONASS.

The Fitbit ionic smart watch package comes with both the large and small band sizes. Additionally, the package has large and small band sizes for the perfect and comfortable fit for all day and all night wear. The smart fitness tracker watch is convenient as it has an in-built NFC chip. The watch also features a long lasting battery for up to 4+ days (this varies with use). The Smartwatch has increased pixels and amplified brightness of 1000 nits.

Performance and Benefits

This Smartwatch comes with a step by step coaching guide to allow you to achieve you set goals in fitness. It also has a storage for many songs to ensure you stay entertained and motivated while you are on the workout. It also features the in-built GPS to enable you track your distance, routes and pace and also enable you get a Pure Pulse continuous heart rate tracking as well as real time zones.

This activity watch has an in-built NFC that helps you access your favorite apps for weather, workouts and sports and be able to make payments on the go.

Pros
  • in-built GPS/GLONASS
  • large and small sizes for bands
  • make payments on the go
  • increased pixels and amplified brightness
  • long life battery
  • step-by-step coaching
Cons
  • Bluetooth and WI-FI connection problems
  • syncing issues have been reported to
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#03. Fitbit Alta HR, Blue/Gray, Large (US Version)

This is among the best fitness tracker for gym workouts and more. Get the energy of a continuous heart rate in Fitbit’s sleek design yet-all day powered. This Fitbit Alta fitness wristband helps you measure your calorie burn better and uses zones to help you find the perfect workout that match your intensity so as to achieve your fitness goals. The item measures 1.6 x 0.6 x 1.3 inches and weighs 8.6 ounces. This product has an operating temperature of 14 degree to 113degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum operating altitude of 30, 000 feet.

Features and Specifications

This fitness wristband features a slim design and has a continuous heart rate for your all day workouts and much more. The heart rate uses zones (fat burn, cardio and peak). This Fitbit Alta HR has a pure pulse heart rate that powers sleep stages automatically.

This wristband has a wireless automatic sync stat to computers and 200+ leading iOS, Windows and Android devices. It also automatically tracks your calories burned, distance, steps taken and active minutes with a batter that lasts up to 7 days. It also has an OLED display screen.

Performance and Benefits

The slim design makes it comfortable and light on your hand and the continuous heart rate zoned monitor. This helps you better track on your calorie burn and find the right workout intensity for your daily workout routine. The pure pulse heart rate tracks time spent in REM, deep and light sleep and enables you to take better steps towards a good night’s sleep.

This item has a long lasting battery so no need to worry o it running out as you work out. Also it has an OLED display to enable you see your notifications, time and stats plus you can be able to
customize your clock face.

Pros
  • long-lasting battery
  • keep track on daily activity and calorie burned
  • has a pure pulse heart rate
  • automatic wireless sync stat to computers and phones
  • slim design
Cons
  • does not track all steps
  • does not track elevation gain
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#04. Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker , Magenta


Make your everyday life a fun path towards your fitness goals. This zip tracks helps track your distance, steps and calories burned. After the data is collected, it automatically synchs it to the Fitbit app. Through this Zip tracker you can set your fitness goals and stay focused. This item measures 0.2 x 1.2 x 1.8 inches and weighs 0.32 ounces.

Features and Specifications

This Fitbit zip tracker keep track on your steps, distance covered and calories burned. It has Bluetooth feature and a display screen. This zip tracker comes with free iPhone and Android applications. This fitness tracker can automatically sync and connect wirelessly to your pc and over 150 leading smartphones. The package has a tracker, clip, battery, USB Dongle, battery toll and free Fitbit account.

Performance and Benefits

This tracker comes with a screen that allows you to set goals, view progress and keep track on your calories burned, heart rate and other fitness measures as well as earn badges. The Bluetooth feature helps you to share the information with friends and also connect and check the data in your pc, smartphone or tablet. The zip tracker can automatically and wirelessly synch stat to your computer and phone.

Pros
  • Syncs automatically to your smartphones, tablets or personal computer.
  • comes with a free iPhone and Android application
  • tracks steps, distance and calories burned
  • display screen for viewing data
  • heart rate tracking
  • portable
Cons
  • batteries do not last
  • poor steps recording
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#05. Garmin 010- 03717-70 Forerunner 235 – Marsala

It is one of the best fitness tracker for running as it helps you stay on pace. It is a GPS running watch that has an elevate wrist heart rate tech and smart features. It has activity tracking features and other connected features such as audio prompt, customizable widgets, smart notifications, Garmin connect, applications as well as watch faces from the connect IQ store. The product measures 0.5 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches and weighs 1.6 ounces.

Features and Specifications

This Garmin 010 fitness tracker watch has a wrist based heart rate. It also features a large display screen which is 44% larger screen than the 225 but with similar physical size. This Forerunner 235 has a long battery life of 9 days while in watch mode and up to 11 hours in GPS mode with HRM. This tracker has audio prompts feature as well as smart notification receiving and viewing.

Performance and Benefits

The Forerunner 235 uses the Garmin’s very own wrist based heart rate sensor that helps track activity 24/7 accurately. The tracker also has a large screen for easy viewing of data. The forerunner activity tracker has a long battery life making it very convenient for you even when you travel.

The Forerunner has audio prompts that help you to receive audio prompts that include lap and lap times from your connected smartphone. It also has smart notification feature that enables you to see
incoming text messages, calendars, reminders, call alerts, emails, and many more from your compatible smartphones- when it is paired with another compatible smartphone.

Pros
  • wrist based heart rate
  • has a larger screen
  • long lasting battery
  • audio prompt feature
  • allows for smartphone notifications
  • accurate in terms of data collection
Cons
  • made of plastic material that leaves crunch marks from hitting the sides
  • constant GPS loss in some regions and very buggy
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#06. Apple Watch Series 2 Nike + 38mm Space Gray Aluminum Case Black/Volt Nike Sports Band


This is a good fitness watch which has an aluminum case with Nike sport band. It is the most advanced apple watch yet with in-built GPS and water resistant features it certainly stands out. Has a duo-core processor. Wi-Fi (802, 11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz). Al models come with different case and band combination. Sport, stainless steel, leather bands and woven nylon bands are all compatible with all Apple watch models. The item measures 5 x 5 x 6 inches and weighs 8 ounces.

Features and Specifications

This Nike + Smartwatch fitness tracker is brilliantly designed in a space gray and 38 mm aluminum case and having a finish of Nike sport band colored black/volt and a pin and tuck closure. It also features a fast duo-core processor and watch OS 3 that has various features and fitness apps.

In addition, this fitness watch has an in- built GPS chip. It also has a water resistant capability of up to 50 meters deep. Has a high visible light intensity display screen and a resolution of 340 x 272. Has a phone standy time that of 18 hours with data on.

Performance and Benefits

This apple watch 2 series is made of a unique design and aluminum material and a nice high performance Nike sport band. This ensures it’s durable thus saving you the hustle of constantly replacing it. The Apple watch is fast and can work with several apps at one time due to the duo-core processor it has. The in-built GPS chip helps picks up signals instantly to be able to record speed and distances accurately allowing you to comfortably track your route later on your iPhone.

It is waterproof thus can be used for water related activities such as surfing or swimming. In addition to
waterproof feature, it has a water lock capability to ensure the screen is not swept away by splashes or
the errant touches. The high visible-light intensity enables a clear view even when under bright sunlight.

Pros
  • durable product
  • flexible and durable aluminum material
  • waterproof up to 50 meters
  • long lasting battery
  • heat rate sensor
  • built-in GPS
Cons
  • compatible with IOS apple only
  • consistently crushes
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#07. Huawei Band 2 Pro All-in-one Activity Tracker – Smart Fitness Wristband / GPS


This is a 50 M water resistant band that serves as a fitness tracker, heart rate sensor, GPS positioning device, sleep monitor and a message notification device. It is also an ideal companion for your smartphone because as soon as it is paired with your phone, it provides you with vast information regarding health. The item measures 1.7 x 0.8 x 0.4 inches and weighs 0.8 ounces. The operating system iOS 8.0 + / Android 4.4 +.

Features and Specifications

This Huawei Band 2 Pro features an in-built GPS monitor and a continuous, automatic heart rate tracking right on your wrist. The wristband has got a scientific sleep tracking feature. This fitness wristband has a PMOLED display screen and has a 50 M water resistance/ waterproof. In addition, it features powerful apps from its strong software R&D capabilities

This fitness wristband also features a professional running coach with a press of the button making it one of the best activity tracker. This product has a long lasting battery that offers 21 days of normal usage and 4-5 hours workout mode (per second hour. monitoring + GPS on)

Performance and Benefits

This feature of a continuous heart rate enables one to monitor the heart rate and be able to track the workout routes by use of the in-built GPS without using your phone. Huawei Band 2 pro wristband has a scientific sleep tracking system that helps you keep track of your REM, deep and light sleep stages. This helps to make your sleep totally restful. The apps provide health and fitness information and tips that you can apply.

This fitness wristband has a 50 M water-resistance capability making it suitable for all day wear, swimming in the pool, and surfing or in rainy weather. This allows for diving in pools making you a prowess in swimming. The professional running coach feature allows you to start workout app instantly and get workout data like Vo2 max and recovery time. Long lasting battery helping you train without worry of unexpected tracker shutdown.

Pros
  • water proof
  • long lasting battery
  • heart rate monitoring
  • long battery life
  • scientific sleep tracking]
  • workout companion
Cons
  • clasp design
  • bad tech support, almost no instructions.
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#08. Fitness Tracker, Kinbon Heart Rate Monitor – Smart Watch

This item package comes with a1 fitness tracker, 1 user manual and 1 HD clear film screen protector for
the fitness tracker. This is a fitness bracelet that helps you track the different sporting activities you have
been involved in. It is only compatible with smartphone systems Android 4.4 + or iOS 7.1 +. The bracelet
should be turned off when charging. The item measure 5.5 x 3.4 x 1.2 inches and weighs 3.04 ounces.

Features and Specifications

This fitness wristband features multiple sports mode with a larger than common bracelet display screen with 4 different time modes available- switch it regarding your habit using the “very fit pro” pp. It also has high quality fitness tracker with an in-built heart rate monitor. The bracelet is also has an IP67 water proof design.

This fitness band features smart message notifications and also has an in-built USB charger and applications support feature. The recommended apps to download are “very fit pro” for the purposes of long term tracker function expansion and data record. It is only compatible with smartphone systems IOS 7.1 + and Android 4.4 +. The wristband also comes with a 24 hour email contact service and 30 day money back guarantee in case of any item default.

Performance and Benefits

The excellent fitness tracker helps track accurate date wherever you are and is specially designed to count your steps, monitor your sleep, GPS, in-built heart rate monitor , calorie consumption measure among other sport modes. It is water proof allowing you to train without seat or rain worry. This allows you to also swim freely in 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.

Smart message notification allows you to check and be reminded on calls, messages, Facebook, Twitter etc. without missing anything. The smart watch can control the vibration reminders, alarms and camera for your convenience. The in-built USB charger facilitates easy charging with any computer and USB block.

Pros
  • smart message notification
  • IP67 water proof design
  • accurate activity tracker
  • application support and in-built USB charger
  • Have warranty
Cons
  • does not count all steps
  • expensive and takes long to monitor heart rate
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#09. Arbily Fitness Tracker, Vigorun4 – Best Activity Tracker Regular Fit- Black.

This is the best fitness tracker for cross fit with message notifications, GPS tracking, remote music and camera control , alarm clock, anti-lost, sleep monitor and waterproof design among others. The item measures approximately 4 x 4 x 1.8 inches and weighs 4 inches. The package includes; 1 user manual, 1 wristband and 1 free watchband (blue).

Features and Specifications

This Vigorun 4 fitness tracker features newest and strong tracking function from the first step. Almost zero error. Wear it to stay motivated and get closer to your fitness goals. The fact that this fitness tracker is water proof, allows it to a multi-function bracelet. It is made of high quality material that is also comfortable to wear. It is also easy to install and remove anytime and the package comes with a free blue fitness tracker band for free.

Heart rate and sleep monitor, sync date and time, pedometer, alarm alert, anti-lost feature and sedentary alert are some of the features that make Vigorous 4 outstanding. Has an OLED display screen. The watch features an in-built USB charger with a long lasting battery and a wide range of compatibility. Comes with a lifetime warranty and 0 days money back in case of a faulty item.

Performance and Benefits

The fitness tracker tracks your daily heart rate and other daily activities like calories burned, sleep status, steps and distance covered among others. Due to its accuracy, it’s considered better than standard pedometer. The high quality material used to make the bracelet is durable and thus saves the cost of constant repairs. Quality for money also is factored in as you get a free wristband.

The fitness watch will vibrate in case of a call /sms/social media update, making sure you never miss any of the updates. The OLED display screen allows you to view data on the bracelet as well as other information. The hot comes with a USB port, no discharging cable is required. The battery can go for about 5-8 days on standby time or 30 days with the heart rate function. Takes 1 hour to charge.

Pros
  • multi-function smart bracelet
  • accurate fitness tracker
  • heart rate and sleep monitor
  • OLED touchscreen
  • in-built USB charger
Cons
  • Bluetooth not reliable
  • can’t read whole text and is sensitive to motion
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#10. Garmin Vivosmart HR Activity Tracker Regular Fit-black


Apart from keeping record of steps taken, distance and calories burned, This Vivosmart HR also measures and records floors climbed with its barometric altimeter. Irrespective of what you are doing, it measures your intensity with intensity minutes. It is therefore the best tracker for weight lifting as well. The item measures 2.5 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches and weighs 1.12 ounces. Uses Android and IOS.

Features and Specifications

The wristband features a sleek band and has an always on display touchscreen activity tracker and wristbased heart rate monitor. The Vivosmart HR has transflective memory in pixel. Features move bar and alert vibrations that remind you to stay active. The wristband has intensity minutes features and activity tracking. The Vivosmart HR also comes with 1 year warranty.

This item also has a Garmin connect. This just requires you to download the app to your phone or log in to Garmin connect using your pc, where you can plan, save and share your activity and advance each day. Connect with other users as well to compete.

Performance and Benefits

The wristband based heart rate monitor helps you keep track on your data concerning, heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, activity intensity, floors climbed, steps taken among others. The sleek band is comfortable for all day wear. The always-on display screen allows you to view the information even when under sunlight. Has a Garmin connect that enables you to automatically sync your smartphone throughout the day and save your stats to our free online community.

It allows you to receive call, texts, emails and social media alert. The move bar ensure you stay focused on your fitness goal. The intensity minutes monitor your progress as well as your aerobic activity goals that are recommended by various health organizations. The activity tracking enables display of distance covered, steps taken, calories burned, intensity, floors climbed and time of day. All these helps you be able to understand your fitness journey well in order to achieve desired goal.

Pros
  • sleek band that is comfy to wear
  • smart notification
  • auto sync
  • heart rate training
  • vibration alert
Cons
  • inconsistency in product quality
  • recording twice of same data
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Buyer’s guide for Best Fitness Tracker

The best fitness wearables have several categories that have a variety of options like the fitness tracker. The number of brands and models is growing by day. While the old models of fitness trackers just offered sleep and step tracking, the newer fitness bracelet and bands come with features like an in-built heart rate monitors, waterproofing, increased sensors, smartphone and GPS fitness tracker notification thus bringing new hybrids between smart watches, running watches and fitness trackers.

As much as you need a fitness tracker, it is always good to consider what you want to achieve through it and clearly understand the features and how it works. Some of the factors you need to consider before buying one are discussed below.

Features to Consider When Buying a CPAP machine

1) Design

Most trackers are designed to wrap around your wrist, with a few others designed to clip on your clothes and can be more comfortable. Some trackers also can be worn in pockets or on clips. Some of these trackers are so stylish that you can wear them like a pendant around the neck. Some come with larger screen, light-visible screens as well as customizable face clocks.

Originally it all used to be about the color you chose or if it had a screen, well, smart watches are now
offering a broader choice. Currently, the trend is that fitness trackers are packed into ordinary kind of
watches. The best fitness trackers for weight lifting may differ by design from swimming fitness trackers.

2)  Waterproof

There are many waterproof fitness trackers in the market today. These are suitable for people taking swimming as a fitness activity. Some of this trackers will track pull lengths, strokes and data on your swimming techniques, others will record the calories burnt and duration among other swimming metrics. This trackers will not be destroyed by water contact. They will allow you to dive in without worry thus making you a better swimmer.

3)  Understanding heart rate tech

Currently the heart rate tech is a common feature on most fitness trackers/ activity bands. This feature has helped provide a big boost in caloric burn per day data accuracy. However, there is a huge difference in the type of tracking.

Some trackers for instance, tracks your heart rate throughout the day and notes your resting heart rate and when you wake up which is a very important metric of your health. Additionally, it will also track the heart rate over a timed period.

4)  To screen or not to screen

Any time go for the option of a band with an in-built display and one that you can keep checking on your time and fitness goals without having to start the phone app. Some of these fitness tracker watches have an OLED display while others have a tidy small color display that comes in handy when it comes to workouts guide and notifications. Some have curved OLED displays as well. The display comes hand in hand with an increased price so it is good to consider if it is necessary or not.

5)  Quantity of data you want

The two main areas of focus when it comes to most fitness trackers is the steps taken and the sleep although for each of them it is hard to assess the accuracy. This is because the trackers measure your day and night movement and try to estimate how far you have walked and how well you have slept.

Simply put, the current trackers in the market are of high tech but they are not perfect. Many trackers can keep track on your cycling, workouts as well as swimming. Choose a gadget that suits your needs or one that can accommodate more than one kind of activity.

6)  Consider the app as well

The smartphone or mobile app that comes with your fitness tracker is as important as the tracker. It allows you to set gals, check through your data, challenge friends and many more. The first factor to check is ensuring that your tracker is compatible with your mobile phone. Luckily, most trackers are now compatible with both the IOS and Android.

7)  Battery life and charging

This is a very essential factor to consider when sourcing for the best fitness tracker. Constant charging of the activity band can be a hustle especially when you want to check your fitness data, sometimes it may mean running out of charge during workouts or other times you are forced to leave it at home to charge when you crucially need it.

Current activity band fall into either those that need charging after about 5 days by use of an USB cable and those that use a cell battery that lasts about 6 months. Always consider what would be less of a hustle and also convenient for you.

8)  Fitness tracker essentials

t times there can be a huge difference between a brand’s IOS and  ndroid in terms of quality. This can lead to frustrations if you purchase a tracker that is not compatible with the app. To avoid all this, it is advisable that you check the review part of a tracker before purchasing it. Always check comments from the people using the app. It will go a long way.

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