Best Fitness Trackers 2025 | Expert-Tested

If you’ve started the journey toward meeting your 2025 fitness goals, consider staying on course with a fitness tracker. These Spy Kids-esque wearables keep tabs on just about every aspect of your health, such as sleep, recovery, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rates and (with some models) the electrical activity of your heart (a.k.a. ECG). I used my expertise as a certified personal trainer and weightlifter to determine which fitness trackers are up to the task, testing 14 top-rated models over the course of eight months. The Garmin Venu 3 won me over as the best fitness tracker overall, and if you’re a beginner, I also liked the Fitbit Charge 6 for its no-frills, user-friendly design.

Here is my list of seven winners, based on months of rigorous testing:

I assessed each tracker for ease of use, comfort, customization options and accuracy (by using a chest strap as a control). Since these devices are highly personal, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your needs, training goals and individual preferences. That’s why I included a variety of options—everything from a running-specific tracker to the best Apple Watch. And for more on how to make the most of these wearables, read my guide on how to use a fitness tracker.

A step up from Garmin’s Venu 2, the Venu 3 is geared toward average gym-goers but also includes upgraded features like sleep coaching, post-workout recovery insights and a more advanced heart rate sensor. Out of all of the trackers I tested, the Venu 3 was the most accurate while still being easy to use. Its large 1.4-inch touchscreen and bright display made it easy to check my stats mid-workout and cycle through different health features (of which there are many).

Aesthetically, the Venu 3’s size makes it less discreet than other options. There’s no mistaking it for a watch, but the silicone band and stainless steel bezel made it one of the more attractive fitness trackers I tried. And although it was bulkier, it felt surprisingly lightweight compared with trackers of a similar size.

The Garmin Venu has become something of a personal coach to me after training with it for four months. I found the recovery time predictions useful for planning my daily movement after working out, including how many walks to take and when to go to bed. I was also able to create my workouts within the Garmin Connect app and load them onto the watch, down to the sets, reps and exact exercises. Most importantly, I’ve seen improved results in the gym, like PRs (personal records) during lifting and greater endurance after following the watch’s post-workout recovery advice and sleep tips.

The battery life also blows away any other tracker I’ve used. After noticing mid-workout that my watch was down to less than 5% in battery, the power-saving mode helped it hold on for not only the rest of my workout but three more hours after that. Other notable features include more than 30 preloaded sports apps and workouts, as well as personalized sleep coaching.

I do wish the interface was a bit more intuitive. Navigating to features on the watch like the post-workout summary can be a bit confusing, even after using the watch consistently. But overall, I found the Garmin Venu 3 to be an advanced watch that takes a holistic approach to fitness without being intimidating to use—so much so that I ended up consistently gravitating toward the Venu 3 even on my off days from training.

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For beginners just starting out with a regular exercise program, I recommend the Fitbit Charge 6, the brand’s latest iteration in its Charge series. Of the trackers I tested, it was the simplest to use while offering a surprising level of versatility and accuracy, given its basic design.

The Charge 6 can do just about anything most trackers can do: count steps and distance, track sleep (including sleep stages), recognize when you’re engaging in one of nearly 40 different workouts, and monitor key health indicators like irregular heart rhythms, stress, moods and menstrual cycles.

The Charge 6 also features a more advanced heart rate monitor than its predecessors, which paid off in its level of accuracy during my testing. It kept up with my heart rate during high-intensity workouts, which is typically where I find most trackers fail in their ability to measure my varying heart rate accurately. I went from 160 BPM (beats per minute) during the middle of a set to around 120 BPM during rest—all within a 30-second to one-minute window—and the Charge 6’s tracking was right in line with my control device through it all (the Polar H10 Chest Strap).

Unlike other trackers that can make it hard to break down what all of the numbers mean, the Charge 6’s insights were straightforward. It communicated updates to me via weekly progress reports and daily scores for sleep and stress management—all of which broke down my stats using cute graphics, bright colors and easy-to-follow insights.

After using this tracker for four months, I still enjoy the Fitbit’s simple interface and uncomplicated design. I’ve found, however, that the accuracy of the heart rate tracking can be inconsistent. During a few lifting sessions, the heart rate tracking got a slow start and was off for a few sets compared with my control device before catching up by the middle or end of my workout. This was somewhat annoying, although it didn’t seem to skew my overall post-workout summary data, which was usually still in line with my control for metrics like estimated calories burned and average heart rate.

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If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on a fitness tracker, I recommend the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro. While it’s not the best-looking or most feature-rich tracker, it gets the job done and was accurate across heart rate, activity and sleep tracking (specifically for metrics like time spent in bed and minutes spent awake).

When I first unboxed it, the square screen and thick silicone band immediately reminded me of the Fitbit Versa, and based on its comparable tracking options, I can confirm it’s a pretty solid dupe. For reference, the newest model of the Fitness Versa, the Versa 4, retails for $200.

The Bip 3 Pro’s interface is intuitive and didn’t require so much as a glance through the user manual. I also liked that I had an abundance of activity tracking options to choose from. However, the post-workout insights were varied. For weight training, they’re limited to heart rate data. Cardio-based activities, like a treadmill run, come with more detailed insights.

Despite the somewhat meager training insights, I still found it to be a user-friendly tracker that offers value for the price.

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For Apple users looking for a more advanced smartwatch that can track your workouts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Apple Watch Series 9. It’s equipped with more features than the Apple Watch SE and is more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra; it also came in a close second to the Garmin Venu 3 for my favorite tracker for training. This is in large part because the Series 9 accurately tracked my heart rate variability, including how long I spent in certain zones, my walking heart rate and how long it took my body to return to normal post-exercise.

The Series 9’s ability to detect movement automatically was another big highlight. I appreciated how quickly it could sense the type of exercise I was doing, so I never had to manually record activities like outdoor walks or yoga. It even detected which stroke I was swimming when I tested it in the pool. As for its design, the Series 9 (like other Apple wearables) is a sleek watch that’s aesthetically much more advanced than a traditional fitness tracker.

After consistently using the Apple Watch and comparing it with others I’ve tested and tried, the Series 9’s seamless integration with my iPhone makes it one of the most convenient to use among the ones I tested. Having all of my health information in one place on my iPhone’s Health app makes it easy to keep close tabs on my overall health and to monitor progress over a longer period of time.

However, the Series 9 is a smartwatch at its core; it can’t compete with Garmin’s workout analytics, training feedback or superior integration with the Garmin Connect app. While having all my workout stats readily available in my iPhone is convenient, the Health app doesn’t summarize your information like the Connect app does, nor does it offer recommendations for recovery. The Series 9’s relatively short battery life also proved to be a real pain point. Because I have to charge the watch almost as frequently as I do my phone, it discouraged me from using the Apple Watch over the other trackers.

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The most feature-rich tracker I tested, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is an ideal option for runners, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone with specific training goals. Like its name suggests, it’s heavy on the running-centric features, like built-in workouts, distance-specific pacing strategies and realtime performance readings.

While I’m not much of a runner myself, I still found some of these functions useful. The training readiness score recommends workout intensity based on the quantity and quality of your sleep, stress levels and heart rate variability. After a poor night of rest, for instance, my training readiness score wasn’t nearly as high as after I’d had a good night’s sleep, which told me it probably wasn’t the best day for an intense session.

I also let my fiancé—who often goes on long-distance runs and rucks—give it a spin. He loved the running power feature, which predicted how much force he applied to his run and how to maximize his workouts based on factors like the intensity of the wind (anyone who’s experienced springtime in Colorado knows the wind is no joke).

Design-wise, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has a rugged look and a sturdy, durable feel. For endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a robust option, the Forerunner 265 is a clear winner.

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It’s true that most wearables can keep close tabs on your menstrual cycle. But if you want to track your ovulation, peak fertility days and pregnancy specifically, the Garmin Lily 2 is your best option. It was the smallest tracker I tested, but it held its own against some of the more advanced watches on the docket.

Similar to the Venu 3, this tracker measures energy expenditure by updating your body battery with recommended rest times and activity levels, and it also highlights which muscles you worked during physical activity. After a strength-training session, the Lily’s post-workout app summary listed the types of exercises I performed, from barbell squats to sumo-stance deadlifts.

Named the most stylish in Forbes Vetted’s Best Smartwatches For Women guide, the tracker also features thoughtful design touches that I appreciated, like a patterned lens, a hidden display option and the choice between a leather or nylon strap to make it feel less like fitness tech and more like a fashion accessory. And despite the superlative category named here, this watch isn’t just for women: Anyone looking for a smaller, stylish wearable or one with fertility tracking features will fare best with the Lily 2.

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Testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 may have been one of the only times I’ve second-guessed my choice in a smartphone. Sitting squarely at the intersection of fitness tracker and smartwatch, it offers smartphone capabilities for Android users (similar to Apple for iPhone users), but with slightly more advanced health tracking.

Lightweight, comfortable and easy to adjust, the Galaxy Watch6 felt more like a second skin. Its battery life was slightly disappointing, though likely a byproduct of its hybrid design. I liked how I could set personalized heart rate zones and get notified once I hit those targets. Although this feature is probably more beneficial to runners than other types of athletes, I enjoyed using it for strength training, particularly for workouts when my intensity is sometimes lacking.

Compared with true fitness watches like Garmin’s, however, the Galaxy Watch6 has a couple of limitations. While I liked the Galaxy’s personalized heart rate tracking, it doesn’t track heart rate variability (or the time between each heartbeat), unlike the Garmin Venu 3, the Lily 2 and the Forerunner 265. The Venu 3 and the Forerunner 265 also edged out the Galaxy Watch6 when it came to GPS tracking and in-depth post-workout insights.

All things considered, I found the Galaxy Watch6 to be an excellent option for Android users who want to keep tabs on their workouts and health, but who ultimately prefer a smartwatch design (and don’t mind the tracking limitations that come with it) over a true fitness tracker.

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Other Fitness Trackers I Tested

I tested a total of 14 top-rated fitness trackers for this story; below are the seven models that didn’t make the cut. I included my rating for each unit (out of 10), based on evaluating each one’s ease of use, accuracy, battery life, fit, design, and variety of health and activity tracking options.

• Apple Watch SE (7): The SE is a solid alternative to the Series 9 for Apple users looking to spend a little less. It’s easy to use, accurate and stylish, plus offers a similar range of strap and watch face options. However, the SE is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker, so it doesn’t provide as much data for sleep and health tracking.
• Apple Watch Ultra (7.5): More serious athletes may benefit from the extra data and tracking capabilities this watch offers, but the average fit person or everyday user likely won’t have much use for the majority of these features. The Series 9 is easier to use, less bulky and about $400 less, making it the better choice for most.
• Coros Pace 3 (7): Although the Coros offered incredibly detailed tracking for endurance activities and cardio-based workouts, I found the interface trickier to navigate than the others, and the bulky size made for an awkward fit.
• Oura Ring Gen 3 (7): This fitness tracker is a good option for people more interested in improving their rest, but it wasn’t functional enough to incorporate into my regular workout routine. The Oura is more aesthetically appealing than a traditional wearable, but because it doesn’t have a screen, it took more of an effort to check my stats mid-workout. Plus, the data I reviewed in the app was inaccurate compared with my control device. The Oura’s sleep tracking is exceptional, though, and provides in-depth data on sleep stages and sleep quality.
• Withings ScanWatch Light (6.5): The Withings excelled aesthetically; its polished design is more watch-like than the others I tested. Unfortunately, the heart rate tracking was inconsistent during my workouts, which rendered any post-workout data unreliable.
• Whoop (6): The Whoop’s post-workout insights were inconsistent compared with my control and with the other trackers, and the app interface was a bit overwhelming. The inconvenient minimalist design meant I had to unlock my phone mid-workout to check basic metrics like heart rate and time elapsed. I did appreciate Whoop’s strain score (similar to Garmin’s training readiness score), which monitors energy exerted and offers recovery recommendations.
• Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 (5): Tracking was inaccurate and inconsistent across a variety of workouts and activities on this budget tracker.

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How I Tested The Best Fitness Trackers

When deciding which trackers to test, I considered key features that experts highlighted as important for getting practical use out of a tracker. One of these experts, NASM-certified personal trainer and Row House coach Josh Honore, tells me: “The number one thing to consider is whether you truly believe the tracker is going to enhance your experience in fitness and training,” he says. “If you’re having a good time doing this [tracking], all roads lead to success.”

I prioritized brands known for accuracy and reliability, and I considered options for people of all fitness levels, not just athletes. I evaluated ease of use, battery life, a comfortable fit and an appealing design, as well as a variety health and activity tracking options. I also pored over online reviews, leveraged my own experience and tapped my network of gym friends and outdoor enthusiasts for insights. Here’s an in-depth look at the specific criteria I used to determine which fitness trackers are a cut above the rest.

Heart Rate Accuracy

This is the most important function of a fitness tracker. Without accurate heart rate readings, nearly every other metric (e.g., calorie burn, estimated expenditure, estimated intensity, recovery recommendations) will be off, thus rendering any activity insights useless. To test each tracker’s accuracy, I used a control device: the Polar H10 Chest Strap, which is regarded as one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market since it measures your heart rate directly, rather than through your pulse.

I put each tracker through a series of workouts consisting of strength training with light cardio, and compared the tracker’s heart rate reading to the companion app and to the Polar H10. I examined and compared key heart rate stats like average heart rate, max heart rate, percentage of time spent in certain heart rate zones and estimated calorie burn. Since chest-band heart rate sensors are considered the most accurate type of heart rate tracker, I expected some variation between my control and the fitness trackers. While my list of winners proved to be pretty accurate, the models that were closest to the Polar were the Garmin Venu 3 and Apple Watch Series 9.

Battery Life

I tested battery life by charging each tracker to 100%, then wearing it for two full days and two nights. Some—like the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6—required a charge during that two-day period, while others still had plenty of battery left. At the least, each tracker needed to last the better part of a day (i.e., a full night’s rest and a workout the following day) or to have a fast-charge option available for convenience.

Ease Of Use

To measure how easy each tracker was to use, I started by timing how long the initial unboxing and setup took me, taking note of any roadblocks. (For example, the Fitbit Charge 6 was quick to set up but required a hard reset before it would sync with my phone.) But the true test was how easy it was for me to learn to use the app and features of each tracker. If I had gotten the hang of things by the time I was wearing it at the gym—and didn’t need to look up how to sift through different activity options and start, stop and pause my workout—I deemed it easy to use.

Health And Activity Tracking

To test each watch’s health and activity tracking, I wore each tracker to sleep, to the gym and during every activity (or rest period) in between. This gave me a comprehensive view of each tracker’s capabilities and accuracy. When analyzing health tracking, I examined the types of insights each tracker provided about my sleep, cycle and stress levels, and the specificity of each. For example, some trackers provided a more in-depth look at my sleeping habits, including personalized tips on how to get better rest the next night and how my quality of rest affected my ability to recover. I also looked at how each tracker presented these insights (sleep scores, stress scores, etc.) and considered which were helpful for contextualizing the data, rather than giving me an arbitrary number with no real context as to how it affected my overall health.

For activity tracking, I looked at how many activity or sport modes were available and how well each watch tracked my movement during those workouts and activities. I looked at the types of metrics recorded for different workouts (strength training, pool swim, outdoor walks, etc.), how well it did this compared to my control and whether the data provided useful insights for my current and next workout.

Overall Fit And Design

To get a feel for the overall fit of each tracker, I wore them to bed, during workouts and throughout my day to test their comfort. I considered factors like overall size, the material of the band, weight and adjustability. In some instances, like with Garmin’s Venu 3, the bulk didn’t make for a heavy-handed feel, whereas others (like the Coros) definitely felt their size. I also considered the size and design of the watch: how big or small the face was and whether it had buttons or knobs that made it easy to select different features.

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How To Pick A Fitness Tracker

It can be challenging to sift through all of the different fitness trackers, from smartwatches to dedicated devices. Below, I break down key factors to consider to simplify your search.

Intended Use

Some fitness trackers work better for specific types of activities, whereas others are more of an all-purpose wearable. Do you want a tracker that excels at running? Swimming? Cycling? All of the above? Or do you want one that can keep up with you at the gym and the activities in between? If you have special health concerns, or if you’re trying to conceive or are currently pregnant, you’ll want to find a more advanced tracker.

Platform

Make sure to consider the ecosystem your smartphone or other connected devices are already a part of before investing in a fitness tracker. Some watches, like any of the Apple Watches or the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, can only integrate with other devices that are already part of that same ecosystem.

Price

Fitness trackers range in price from as little as $50 to $800 or more, though most options lie somewhere in the $150 to $400 range. Generally speaking, the more features a watch has (including advanced GPS tracking, in-depth training insights and the ability to track race-specific paces), the higher its cost. However, most fitness trackers in the $150 to $300 range offer valuable features for the average person.

Battery Life

Some fitness trackers can last up to two weeks on a full charge, while others can’t make it through a full 24 hours. Think about how you plan on using your tracker; if you’re looking to take it along for a backpacking trip or ultramarathon, you’ll need one with a robust battery. Some watches also come with a fast-charge option, which is a nice compromise for those who don’t necessarily need a two-week battery life but also don’t want to be glued to an outlet.

Design

You’ll get more use out of a fitness tracker that’s user-friendly, comfortable to wear and nice to look at. Consider your own comfort and style preferences in addition to the overall purpose you want your tracker to serve. Endurance athletes may compromise on size and style if it means getting more advanced GPS tracking, while those looking for a casual option may prioritize aesthetics.

Also keep in mind the different types of materials for bands. Most come with a few options, like silicone, leather or nylon. In my experience, silicone and nylon are usually the most comfortable and the easiest to adjust.

Lastly, decide whether you want a minimalist design, like that of the Whoop or the Oura. “A lot of my clients don’t like things on their wrist,” says Honore, who works with dancers who don’t want to be distracted by a screen. ou may prefer having a screen so that you can glance down during a workout and check your progress.

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My Expertise

I’ve been an ACE-certified personal trainer for over two years. Throughout my own training and sessions with clients, I’ve used countless fitness trackers, which have helped me learn the most useful features to look for. I’ve also been active for as long as I can remember: I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I’ve been strength training for over six years.

For this guide, I spoke with Josh Honore, NASM-certified personal trainer and California-based Row House coach, about his experience using fitness trackers, both personally and professionally. I also consulted Laura Rooney, Ph.D., an associate professor at Marquette University and a behavioral psychologist. We discussed the psychological and physiological effects of fitness trackers and how they can be best used by different groups of people, including those new to exercise and people with chronic health conditions, among others.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

This story’s edits and updates are overseen by Forbes Vetted’s experienced gear team, which has researched, tested and reviewed a wide range of fitness and outdoor apparel and equipment.

• Our gear team is led by: experienced editor and outdoor enthusiast Cam Vigliotta, who holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; and deputy editor Kari Molvar, an expert in fashion (including athletic apparel) and a runner with more than 30 years’ worth of miles under her belt.
• In addition to fitness trackers, the team has covered an array of training tools, including GPS watches and running watches. They’ve also reviewed Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic in depth.
• We regularly evaluate this story for timeliness and accuracy, and to make sure our recommendations are still in stock. It was last refreshed in January 2025 by lifestyle updates writer Fran Sales.

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