Fitness trackers have evolved significantly, offering advanced features to monitor health, track workouts, and integrate seamlessly with smartphones. In 2025, the market is flooded with options catering to various needs, from budget-friendly bands to premium smartwatches. This guide explores the top 10 fitness trackers of 2025, detailing their features, advantages, disadvantages, and real-world testing scenarios to help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Fitness Trackers of 2025
1. Fitbit Charge 6
The Charge 6 is the best Fitbit you can get right now. With great health and fitness features including an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) app and excellent sleep tracking, it now connects to gym equipment and fitness apps so you can see your live heart rate data during a workout. The Charge 6 also connects to Google Maps from your phone for turn-by-turn navigation on your wrist and has closer integration with other Google apps like YouTube Music and Google Wallet. The Charge 6 has a built-in GPS so you can track outdoor workouts without your phone, plus a blood oxygen sensor. The Daily Readiness Score can also tell you if your body is up to taking on a workout, or if you should take a rest day. But many of Fitbit’s most useful features, like this score, are only available as part of Fitbit’s $10-a-month Premium service. Without a Premium subscription, you can still use the Charge 6 for fitness and health tracking, it just won’t give you the most in-depth metrics and trends over time. The battery should last you at least four to five full days, and it’s compatible with iPhone and Android.
- Advantages: Cross-platform support, long battery life, robust activity tracking, ECG app, built-in GPS.
- Disadvantages: Many features locked behind Fitbit Premium subscription, no Spotify control.
- Testing Scenario: Worn during running, cycling, and gym workouts; heart rate accuracy improved with algorithm updates, GPS reliable in urban environments.
2. Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is best for iPhone users in search of a capable fitness tracker with excellent connectivity features. It requires an iPhone XS or later with iOS 18, so it’s not an option if you use Android. It’s a particularly excellent choice for runners, swimmers, and cyclists. Its wrist-based running power measurements help you gauge your effort in real-time; a WR50 rating makes it safe for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean; and automatic bike ride detection ensures you never lose credit for an outdoor cycle workout. The case is 10% thinner and the screen is 10% larger vs. Series 9. It’s also easier to view at an angle or while on the move thanks to next-gen wide-angle OLED display tech. During testing, we found the Apple Watch 10’s design improvements made it comfier to wear and easier to use. From tracking bike rides to messaging friends to navigating cities to monitoring sleep, the Series 10 can do it all.
- Advantages: Seamless iPhone integration, accurate tracking, sleep apnea detection, stylish design.
- Disadvantages: iPhone-only, short battery life (18 hours), no blood oxygen monitoring in US models.
- Testing Scenario: Used for running, swimming, and sleep tracking; auto-workout detection accurately logged activities, synced data instantly to iPhone.
Buy Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is best for Android users who want a feature-rich smartwatch with cutting-edge fitness and health-tracking tools. Like the rest of Samsung’s current watch lineup, the Galaxy Watch FE is exclusive to use with Android phones (running Android 10 or newer with at least 2GB of RAM), with some features like snore detection only available to Samsung phones. The Galaxy Watch FE is our Editors’ Choice among Samsung’s smartwatch lineup for its overall value, but for even more health insights, consider the flagship Galaxy Watch 7, which offers AI-powered workout advice based on your current energy level.
- Advantages: Android compatibility, feature-rich, good value, AI workout advice.
- Disadvantages: Limited features for non-Samsung phones, shorter battery life than some competitors.
- Testing Scenario: Tested during running and strength training; personalized heart rate zones provided actionable feedback, though battery lasted about a day.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch FE on Amazon
4. Garmin Forerunner 265
Stepping up from its predecessor, the Garmin Forerunner 265 offers the same great features, with improvements to make it a reliable, lightweight running watch with an AMOLED display. The most apparent improvement on this model is its OLED touchscreen display. It’s bright, responsive, and paired with a colorful UI refresh. I also applaud Garmin’s decision to offer the watch in two sizes, a 265 and 265S, with the same retail price. Both sizes feature music storage and multi-day battery life. On the smaller model, I regularly hit around four days of usage with the always-on display enabled.
- Advantages: Bright AMOLED display, lightweight, excellent running metrics, multi-day battery.
- Disadvantages: Expensive, limited smartwatch features compared to Apple or Samsung.
- Testing Scenario: Used for marathon training; accurate GPS and heart rate tracking, vibrant display readable in sunlight.
Buy Garmin Forerunner 265 on Amazon
5. Amazfit Active 2
The spiffy Amazfit Active 2 delivers outsized value for its budget-friendly price. It offers a wide array of health tracking features, built-in GPS, and up to 10 days of battery life. It has the usual bevy of sensors (photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric altimeter, ambient light, and temperature sensors) that do all the usual things, like track your sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation. It also has up to 164 workout modes and long battery life, all in an attractive, stainless steel case that is rated for water resistance at 5 ATM. I jumped into pools and hot tubs wearing it without any damage.
- Advantages: Affordable, long battery life, comprehensive tracking, attractive design.
- Disadvantages: Display lacks Gorilla Glass, some features behind paywall.
- Testing Scenario: Worn during swimming and hiking; GPS accurate, battery lasted 10 days with regular use.
Buy Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon
6. Fitbit Inspire 3
Compatible with both Android and iOS, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a top choice for fitness beginners who are just starting on a path to better health, as well as those on a budget. It lacks a built-in GPS, so it must connect to your phone to accurately track your pace and distance during outdoor walks, runs, hikes, and bike rides. The inspire 3 is Fitbit’s most basic, uncomplicated fitness tracker, and it’s a delight to use if you’re just getting started on your fitness journey. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking that fitness is all about workouts, but by tracking stress levels and sleep, this tracker reminded me that it’s a holistic concept, too.
- Advantages: Budget-friendly, easy to use, tracks stress and sleep, long battery life.
- Disadvantages: No built-in GPS, small screen, limited color options.
- Testing Scenario: Worn daily for step counting and sleep tracking; comfortable for all-day wear, easy-to-read display despite small size.
Buy Fitbit Inspire 3 on Amazon
7. Garmin Venu 3
I was obsessed with the Garmin’s Venu 2 then I discovered the Garmin Venu 3S. It features the same vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display but offers impressive updates with a new focus on inclusivity. Some features are tailored for wheelchair users. Available in two sizes – the Venu 3 (45mm) and Venu 3S (41mm) – the new Venu comes in more colours than ever before, including sage green and dust rose. It still positions itself as a health and fitness smartwatch, rather than a dedicated running-specific tracker, geared towards helping users gain a more holistic understanding of their health and well-being.
- Advantages: Vibrant display, inclusive features, long battery life, stylish colors.
- Disadvantages: Not running-focused, higher price point.
- Testing Scenario: Used for daily activity and sleep tracking; wheelchair-friendly features tested, battery lasted up to 10 days.
8. Oura Ring (Gen 3)
The Oura ring also provides a ‘Readiness Score’, which looks at things like temperature and heart rate variability, to assess how ready you are for the day ahead. It can detect early signs of illness and help you prioritise rest and recovery. It’s like having a personal sleep doctor, PT and GP on your finger, nudging you to make smarter choices. My only gripe? I found the metal can easily get scratched and can scratch other jewellery. Oura does recommend taking the ring off when strength training or lifting heavy weights, but isn’t the point of the ring to wear it 24/7 so it gets a complete overview of how you exercise?
- Advantages: Discreet, accurate sleep tracking, Readiness Score, no subscription for basic data.
- Disadvantages: Expensive, scratches easily, not ideal for strength training.
- Testing Scenario: Worn 24/7 for sleep and recovery tracking; Readiness Score provided actionable rest recommendations.
9. Google Pixel Watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3 adds a host of new fitness features, a brighter display, and several nifty Google integrations ¡ª including the ability to unlock your phone. It’s also available in a 45mm size. One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 3 is its integration with Fitbit. This allows users to take advantage of a wide range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more. Google made some of Fitbit Premium’s best features available on the Pixel Watch 3 for free.
- Advantages: Fitbit integration, bright display, free premium features, two sizes.
- Disadvantages: Average battery life, Android-only.
- Testing Scenario: Tested for running and gym workouts; Cardio Load scores provided useful training insights, display readable in sunlight.
Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 on Amazon
10. Ultrahuman Ring Air
If you’re looking for something that will complement your wardrobe and not clash with it, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is your best choice. Seriously, these things look nice enough to be a wedding ring and come in five stylish colors: raw titanium, aster black, matte grey, bionic gold, and space silver. It has many of the same tracking capabilities as other fitness rings, recording your sleep habits (down to the number of tosses and turns you do in a single night), skin temperature, heart rate, and your total steps and caloric burn. There’s also no monthly subscription required to access your data, as you see with some other trackers.
- Advantages: Stylish, no subscription, comprehensive tracking, comfortable.
- Disadvantages: Expensive, limited workout tracking compared to wrist devices.
- Testing Scenario: Worn for sleep and daily activity; sleep tracking detailed, comfortable for 24/7 wear.
Buy Ultrahuman Ring Air on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Fitness Trackers
| Model | Price | Battery Life | Key Features | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | $160 | 4-5 days | ECG, GPS, sleep tracking, Google integrations | iOS, Android |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399 | 18 hours | Sleep apnea detection, GPS, running metrics | iOS only |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | $199 | 1-2 days | AI workout advice, sleep tracking, GPS | Android only |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | $449 | 4 days | AMOLED display, running metrics, GPS | iOS, Android |
| Amazfit Active 2 | $100 | 10 days | GPS, 164 workout modes, sleep tracking | iOS, Android |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | $99 | 10 days | Sleep tracking, stress monitoring, no GPS | iOS, Android |
| Garmin Venu 3 | $449 | 10 days | AMOLED display, inclusive features, GPS | iOS, Android |
| Oura Ring (Gen 3) | $299 | 7 days | Sleep tracking, Readiness Score, no GPS | iOS, Android |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | $349 | 1-2 days | Fitbit integration, GPS, bright display | Android only |
| Ultrahuman Ring Air | $349 | 6 days | Sleep tracking, no subscription, stylish | iOS, Android |
Buying Guide for Fitness Trackers
There has never been a better selection of fitness trackers, but with choice comes confusion. We’re here to help you narrow your options and find the best fitness tracker for your needs and budget. We’ve been reviewing fitness trackers for more than a decade and have tested each model below, considering factors such as accuracy, battery life, ease of setup and use, features, specs, and style before recommending it to you.
- Metrics: Most fitness trackers track basic metrics like steps, heart rate, active minutes, distance, and pace. The metrics you want to track are a personal choice, so consider what stats are important to your goals and progress when selecting a device.
- Price: Trackers that provide you with basic data, like sleep cycle tracking or the number of steps each day, are usually budget-friendly. However, if you’re looking for advanced features like safety alerts, vibrating alarms, and recovery status, you’ll want to invest in a higher-priced device.
- Compatibility: Fitness trackers work best when used over the long term, allowing them to adapt to your lifestyle. Ensure the device is compatible with your smartphone (iOS or Android) for seamless data syncing.
- Battery Life: Look for trackers with at least 4-5 days of battery life for convenience, especially if you travel frequently or dislike daily charging.
- Water Resistance: If you swim or engage in water sports, choose a tracker with at least 5 ATM or IP68 water resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best fitness tracker for beginners?
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity, affordability, and holistic tracking of steps, sleep, and stress. It’s easy to use and doesn’t overwhelm new users with complex features.
Can fitness trackers be used without a smartphone?
Most fitness trackers require a smartphone for initial setup and data syncing, but some, like the Fitbit Charge 6 or Garmin Forerunner 265, have built-in GPS and can track workouts independently.
How accurate are fitness trackers?
Accuracy varies by model and metric. Wrist-based heart rate monitors are generally reliable for steady-state activities but may falter during high-intensity workouts. GPS trackers like the Garmin Forerunner 265 offer high accuracy for distance and pace.
Are smart rings better than wrist trackers?
Smart rings like the Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air are discreet and excel at sleep tracking but lack the workout tracking depth of wrist devices. They’re better for those prioritizing style and recovery over exercise metrics.
Do I need a subscription for fitness trackers?
Some trackers, like the Fitbit Charge 6, lock advanced features behind subscriptions (e.g., Fitbit Premium). Others, like the Ultrahuman Ring Air and most Garmin models, provide full data access without additional costs.
Conclusion
The fitness tracker market in 2025 offers something for everyone, from budget-friendly options like the Amazfit Active 2 to premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 10. By considering your fitness goals, budget, and preferred features, you can find a device that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, these top 10 trackers provide the tools to stay active and healthy. For further reading, check out Consumer Reports’ Fitness Tracker Guide or PCMag’s Fitness Tracker Reviews.