Today an activity wristband is much more than a device for counting steps. Fitness Trackers have become an important aid in keeping track of our overall health, with greater emphasis on data such as heart rate monitoring, sleep patterns and sedentary alerts.
The most appropriate activity monitor for each person will depend on their individual needs, daily activity and lifestyle. Some people may be looking for just a step counter and sleep monitor, while others want options such as GPS for running, advanced heart rate data during exercise and at rest, etc. The good news is that there are options for every taste and need.
That's why we've put together a roundup of the best Fitness Trackers 2018 to make it easier for you to discover the right fitness tracker for you.
Fitbit has raised its standards with the launch of the Charge 2 wristband, despite the fact that initially the device did not meet some expectations, the firm has been improving the wristband since its launch, which has made it one of the best options currently.
In addition to the normal functions of step counter and sleep monitor, the Fitbit Charge 2 also allows you to keep a continuous record of your heart rate, monitors your resting heart rate and evaluates your maximum running speed. The bracelet also has options such as breathing workouts for stress management and other features focused on holistic wellness.
If it is necessary to talk about the cons, we would say that the heart rate monitor may fall somewhat short in high-intensity workouts, plus GPS tracking for running will be accurate only if we carry our mobile with us. Leaving aside these two aspects, the Charge 2 is one of the most complete devices on the market.
One of the best options currently in Fitness Trackers, it offers a perfect combination of technology, variety of fitness options for monitoring, heart rate control and GPS, ideal for those who need a device that monitors their sports activities but are not fans of the idea of having to carry their cell phone everywhere.
While the device may seem a bit rugged to some, it offers a larger screen than other wristbands available on the market and has a battery life of up to a week. Among other features, its synchronization option will allow us to receive all notifications from our mobile, in addition to this the bracelet is water resistant, withstanding a depth of around 50 meters, although it does not have special parameters for swimming.
The running stats can be a bit short so if you are looking for data beyond distance, pace and heart rate, then you may need a specific GPS watch for running. Check here.
While in terms of design this activity wristband doesn't differ much from the original Fitbit Alta edition, a fairly advanced heart rate monitor has now been incorporated. But in addition to this, the Alta HR comes with a variety of interchangeable wristbands, so we can use the device not only when doing sports, but also as part of all our daily outfits; from the classic black or blue sports wristbands, to the more luxurious leather or metal options.
Speaking of technology, the Alta HR brings together the company's strongest points: sleep monitoring, heart health and general wellness. In terms of heart rate monitoring, a check is performed every 5 seconds, so you'll have more accurate data on heart activity at rest and during exercise.
But it's the sleep monitor that really stands out on this activity wristband. The Sleep Stages option has definitely become the firm's calling card, using the heart rate monitor to assess times of deep and light sleep, REM phase and periods when we wake up at night.
Although it does not have an option for specific gym workouts, exercise sessions are automatically detected and recorded, which means that we can use it even during guided classes. Its system still exhibits some irregularities during high-intensity workouts, but overall it performs well by displaying basic data from our workouts.
This is the successor to the Vivosmart HR and a very similar option to the Fitbit Charge 2. In relation to the design, the bracelet is still made of rubber in the most classic sporty style, but now with a monochromatic style that makes it more discreet. In addition to the classic fitness features on these devices, it also has a heart rate monitor, maximum speed meter, automatic exercise tracking and a repetition counter for those who prefer weight lifting. The running monitor is based on an accelerometer that compensates quite well for the lack of GPS.
Another option available on this activity wristband is a stress monitor which uses variations in heart rate to determine the levels of stress we are under, providing some breathing exercises to help us calm down.
Nokia Steel HR
Hybrid Smartwatches have a tendency to be somewhat skimpy on advanced fitness options, however the Nokia Steel HR is the exception. The heart rate monitor takes data 24/7 and stores it in the Nokia Health Mate app; despite this constant activity from the activity wristband, the battery is still able to give us an impressive 25 days of battery life, far more than any other wristband available on the market.
Steps, sleep patterns and calories are measured quite accurately and with the push of a button it switches to running mode to measure distance and heart rate during exercise, although it does not have GPS, the data it provides is accurate.
The OLED screen displays different metrics and offers details with basic notifications, such as daily progress according to previously set goals. The Nokia Steel HR is one of the best fitness-focused hybrids you can find on the market and also one of the best looking.
Misfit Ray
Stylish and neat, Misfit breaks away from the traditional design to offer something more discreet. This fitness monitor offers step monitoring and sleep patterns, through its simple interface application to which we can quickly get used to. By synchronizing with the cell phone we can receive all our call and message notifications. An advanced swimming monitor can also be added but requires a paid application.
As for sports activities, the Ray can count steps, measure distance walked and estimate the number of calories burned through its 3 accelerometer. Other activities also include cycling, yoga and dance. It does not have a heart rate monitor or GPS.
The Misfit Shine 2 stays true to the features of its predecessor, adding some additional options, such as mobile syncing and alerts. Where this activity wristband really excels is in the accuracy of its data. When compared to a GPS watch, the difference in readings was only 0.1 kilometers, making it a truly accurate device.
Another of its qualities is its versatility of use, as it includes a clip with which we can adapt it to shirts, sneakers, pockets and anywhere else we want. In technology it has a step tracker, sleep monitoring, is waterproof and has special modes for swimming.
This is a small device that we can place on a band and use on our leg, arm or any other part of the body, synchronized with the mobile. The purpose of this device is to provide training plans, with options for running, swimming and cycling that focus on optimizing our performance in the sports we love the most.
The band determines increasing levels of difficulty as we improve our performance, allowing for a gradual but tangible curve of progress. With planned running sessions and seven-minute routines included in the device, we will receive a more than complete workout. Other features include step counter and sleep monitoring, which makes the Moov Now a pretty decent activity tracker.
Now we can buy the Xiaomi Mi Band anywhere in the world, although this second edition is not as cheap as its predecessor, it now includes an OLED screen on which the statistics of our training are displayed. Compared to the other models in this article, the price of this activity bracelet is really a bargain and we will still have options such as heart rate monitor, step counter, sleep monitor, synchronization with mobile and incoming call notifications.
TomTom Touch
While it doesn't have many of the options we've described in the previous devices, the TomTom Touch is unique when it comes to monitoring our weight, thanks to its state-of-the-art sensors. Place your fingers on the sensor and you'll get a fairly accurate analysis of fat percentage and muscle mass. Among other options you can also monitor sleep, count steps and measure heart rate.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
This activity wristband combines sports and fitness options with notifications and excellent value for money. The Vivoactive HR uses GPS to provide accurate running , cycling and swimming data with instant step and distance notifications.
While the display could be improved and the heart rate monitor isn't as accurate as other devices, access to the Garmin Connect app makes up for these factors.
Samsung Gear Fit2
When it comes to display, this is the best option, with a 1.5 AMOLED display on the front. In terms of features, it has GPS for tracking our running sessions and an optical heart rate monitor, in addition to the traditional step counter and sleep monitoring options, all for a fairly competitive price.
Skagen Hagen Connected
Thinner and smarter, this activity wristband improves significantly over its predecessor with some additional options. This watch comes in two variants: Jorn for men and Hald for women. If there is one firm that has excelled in making watches, it is Fossil and the Skagen Connected is the proof of that. The watch is slim, has multiple styles, sends basic notifications discreetly, has a step counter and sleep monitor. Definitely one of the hybrids preferred by users.
There are many more options, however those we have detailed are focused on each of the tastes and needs of users; now you have no excuse not to incorporate an activity bracelet to your daily routines and make your fitness goals simpler.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
It probably straddles the line between activity watch and GPS sports watch. It is a middle ground as evidenced by its price. But we are facing a premium watch as far as activity tracking is concerned. It also includes the Garmin Pay contactless payment solution that will allow you to pay directly with the watch. Allows extensive customization with miles screens to choose the one you like, apps and widgets from the Connect IQ store More than 15 pre-installed GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming. Allows you to monitor your fitness level with VO2 max and fitness age estimates. Another thing we liked the most is that it helps you manage stress through smart notifications.
Battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode; 13 hours in GPS mode.
