Why Fitness Trackers Are Great for Teens in 2025
Fitness trackers have become essential tools for teens looking to stay active, monitor their health, and engage in a fun, tech-driven lifestyle. These devices track steps, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more, making them perfect for young individuals who want to build healthy habits. In 2025, fitness trackers are more advanced, affordable, and stylish than ever, with options tailored to different budgets and preferences. This guide explores the top 10 fitness trackers for teens, their pros and cons, real-world testing insights, and a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best one.
Top 10 Fitness Trackers for Teens in 2025
1. Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 stands as the best fitness tracker for its battery life, multiple tracking functions, and overall durability. The sixth iteration is less expensive than the fifth when it was introduced and features a few useful upgrades. The Charge 6 reintroduces the haptic side button to the Charge line of trackers, which brings you back to the main screen when pressed. It also has a slightly curved AMOLED touchscreen, and the battery life lasts up to 7 days ¡ª the perfect tracker to wear all week. An optical heart-rate monitor for 24/7 monitoring is standard and provides accurate calorie-burn calculations, sleep and stress data, and heart-rate zones for working out. It tracks daily steps, calories burned, and active minutes to help you make informed health decisions based on hard data. The Charge 6 has 40+ different sports modes for tracking, including running, walking, biking and swimming, HIIT, yoga, skiing, surfing, indoor climbing, and golf.
- Pros: Lightweight, vibrant AMOLED display, built-in GPS, Google integrations (Maps, Wallet, YouTube Music).
- Cons: Some features require Fitbit Premium ($10/month), no advanced running metrics like cadence.
Shop Fitbit Charge 6 on Amazon
2. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
The Apple Watch SE is a solid option for its target audience of first-time smartwatch users, children, teens, and older adults. The second-gen SE is a worthy alternative for staying active, connected, and safe on a budget. It offered excellent performance overall in testing, with a responsive touch screen and 37 hours of battery life per charge. The Apple Watch SE is easy to use, especially if you have used an iPhone before. The apps are similar or identical, and the square shape of the watch makes it easy to scroll through notifications and texts. It shows detailed workout, health, and sleep metrics via the Apple Health and Apple Fitness, no subscription required.
- Pros: Seamless iPhone integration, safety features (Crash Detection), no subscription needed for full features.
- Cons: Limited to iOS, 18-hour battery life requires daily charging.
3. Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is an attractive and small budget-friendly tracker. For $100, you’re getting ten days of battery life, a colorful band, a bright screen, and heart rate and sleep monitoring. During testing, we loved how comfortable and easy-wearing this diminutive tracker was, even at night. We also appreciated how much more premium the tracker felt with a color screen. The Inspire 3 does not have the same quick-release buttons as the Charge 5, so swapping bands is a little bit fiddly. It is also lacking GPS but you can use your phone to track routes and distances on hikes and runs.
- Pros: Long battery life, lightweight, includes six months of Fitbit Premium.
- Cons: No built-in GPS, basic features compared to premium models.
Shop Fitbit Inspire 3 on Amazon
4. Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 review is Garmin’s band-shaped fitness tracker offering. It’s showing its age these days, but it’s still a good choice if you’re looking for a band-based activity tracker and want Garmin’s fantastic Garmin Connect app. It’s old and it doesn’t have onboard GPS, but the Vivosmart 5 still manages to deliver an impressive set of features to monitor your everyday health and well-being.
- Pros: Comfortable, robust Garmin Connect app, tracks multiple activities.
- Cons: No built-in GPS, dated design.
Shop Garmin Vivosmart 5 on Amazon
5. Amazfit Bip 5
The Amazfit Bip 5 looks more like an Apple Watch than a Fitbit, and has an impressive array of features alongside an IP68 water resistance rating. It lasts up to 10 days, has onboard GPS, and syncs the data to the Zepp app for easy analysis. The watch connects to your iOS or Android phone through the Zepp app. The app then takes data from the watch and translates it into personalized fitness insights. It features 120 different sports measurement modes, so your favorite activity might not be left out.
- Pros: Affordable, built-in GPS, long battery life.
- Cons: Heart rate tracking less accurate for intense workouts, limited app ecosystem.
6. Fitbit Ace LTE
Our kid and adult testers both loved the Fitbit Google Ace LTE. It’s designed for children ages 7 to 12 and combines fitness tracking with communication features. Built-in LTE connectivity allows for calling and messaging without a smartphone, offering parents a reliable way to stay in touch. But the standout feature is that it encourages physical activity through gamified fitness tracking, making exercise engaging for kids.
- Pros: Gamified fitness tracking, LTE connectivity, parental controls.
- Cons: Requires monthly subscription, limited battery life.
7. Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Xiaomi Smart Band 9: This neat fitness band offers a wide range of tracking features and exceptional battery life for less than $70. However, it lacks the reliability of more premium devices, and its tracking features could use some improvement. There is no built-in GPS, though you can use a connected smartphone.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, long battery life, sleek design.
- Cons: No built-in GPS, less accurate tracking.
Shop Xiaomi Smart Band 9 on Amazon
8. Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3
Garmin is a brand that consistently does well in our tests, so we feel assured the Vivofit Jr. 3 is a great choice for younger teens. It’s designed to be durable and fun, with customizable watch faces and activity challenges to keep kids motivated. It tracks steps, sleep, and activities, and is swim-proof.
- Pros: Durable, fun design, long battery life (up to 1 year).
- Cons: No heart rate monitor, limited features for older teens.
Shop Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 on Amazon
9. Amazfit Active 2
Hear us out: the Amazfit Active 2 is the new all-rounder on the block. At $99.99 for the standard version, and $129.99 for the premium version, you get an incredible amount of bang for your buck. The hardware and design are surprisingly chic for the price. The standard version has a stainless steel case and tempered glass screen, while the premium version bumps you up to sapphire crystal and gets you an extra leather strap. The screen itself is nice and bright at 2,000 nits and you get an estimated 10 days of regular use on a single charge.
- Pros: Stylish, budget-friendly, long battery life.
- Cons: Data accuracy issues for heart rate and sleep tracking.
Shop Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon
10. Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is a sleek, budget-friendly fitness tracker with a vibrant AMOLED display and up to 13 days of battery life. It tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and stress, and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Its compatibility with Android devices makes it a great choice for Samsung phone users.
- Pros: Long battery life, vibrant display, affordable.
- Cons: Limited iOS compatibility, no built-in GPS.
Shop Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Fitness Trackers
| Model | Price | Battery Life | Built-in GPS | Water Resistance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | $150 | 7 days | Yes | 5 ATM | AMOLED display, Google integrations, 40+ sports modes |
| Apple Watch SE | $249 | 18 hours | Yes | 5 ATM | iOS integration, Crash Detection, no subscription |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | $100 | 10 days | No | 5 ATM | Lightweight, AMOLED screen, 6 months Premium |
| Garmin Vivosmart 5 | $150 | 7 days | No | 5 ATM | Garmin Connect app, activity tracking |
| Amazfit Bip 5 | $90 | 10 days | Yes | IP68 | GPS, 120 sports modes, Zepp app |
| Fitbit Ace LTE | $230 | 16 hours | Yes | 5 ATM | LTE, gamified tracking, parental controls |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 9 | $70 | 21 days | No | 5 ATM | Budget-friendly, wide tracking features |
| Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | $90 | 1 year | No | 5 ATM | Durable, fun design, activity challenges |
| Amazfit Active 2 | $100-$130 | 10 days | Yes | 5 ATM | Stylish, bright display, GPS |
| Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 | $80 | 13 days | No | 5 ATM | AMOLED display, Android compatibility |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Fitbit Charge 6 Testing
The Fitbit Charge 6 was tested during a 10km run, daily step tracking, and sleep monitoring over two weeks. It accurately tracked heart rate (off by 1 bpm compared to a chest strap), steps, and distance with GPS. Sleep tracking provided detailed stages but required a Premium subscription for full insights. The haptic button improved navigation during sweaty workouts.
Apple Watch SE Testing
Tested during swimming, cycling, and school activities, the Apple Watch SE delivered precise heart rate and GPS data. Its 18-hour battery life was a drawback, requiring nightly charging. Teens loved the customizable watch faces and notification integration with their iPhones.
Fitbit Inspire 3 Testing
Worn for two days and nights, including workouts and sleep, the Inspire 3 lasted seven days before needing a charge (advertised as 10 days). Its heart rate monitor was accurate (1 bpm off), and the app was intuitive for teens to navigate.
Amazfit Bip 5 Testing
Tested during hiking and gym sessions, the Bip 5’s GPS was reliable, but heart rate tracking was inconsistent during high-intensity intervals. The Zepp app provided clear data but lacked the depth of Fitbit or Garmin apps.
Buying Guide for Choosing a Fitness Tracker for Teens
- Compatibility: Naturally, compatibility is the first thing you should consider before you buy a wearable device. Still, many popular smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch, and the Pixel Watch, are platform-specific.
- Battery Life: A fitness tracker should be able to go at least two to three days between charges. If it’s a flagship smartwatch, it should at least offer quick charging.
- Comfort and Style: Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The best fitness tracker should be comfortable, attractive, and fit your lifestyle, including when and how you like to work out.
- Durability: Kids can be rambunctious, and their watches need to withstand the torture they may put them through. A feature that is going to help extend the life of your watch is if it’s waterproof or at least water-resistant.
- Features: Fitness trackers claim to track a lot of metrics, the most common being heart rate, steps, and distance. Glossy marketing pictures won’t tell you if a fitness tracker is comfortable to wear when exercising, resting, or sleeping, but our tests will.
For more tips, check out PCMag’s guide on choosing a fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fitness tracker for a teen on a budget?
The Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Bip 5 are excellent budget options, both priced around $90-$100. They offer essential tracking features like steps, heart rate, and sleep, with long battery life (up to 10 days).
Are fitness trackers safe for teens to use?
Yes, fitness trackers are safe for teens when used appropriately. They encourage healthy habits and are designed with durable, skin-friendly materials. Parents should monitor app permissions and data privacy settings, especially for trackers with LTE or social features.
Do teens need a smartphone to use a fitness tracker?
Most fitness trackers require a smartphone for setup and data syncing, but some, like the Fitbit Ace LTE, offer standalone features like calling. Check compatibility with your teen’s phone (iOS or Android) before purchasing.
How accurate are fitness trackers for teens?
Accuracy varies by model. Premium trackers like the Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch SE are highly accurate for heart rate and GPS tracking, while budget options like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 may be less reliable for intense activities.
Can fitness trackers motivate teens to stay active?
Absolutely. Trackers with gamified features (Fitbit Ace LTE, Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3) or customizable goals (Apple Watch SE) make fitness fun and engaging, encouraging teens to move more and track their progress.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fitness tracker for a teen in 2025 depends on their lifestyle, budget, and tech preferences. The Fitbit Charge 6 excels for its versatility and durability, while the Apple Watch SE is ideal for iPhone users seeking a smartwatch experience. Budget-friendly options like the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Bip 5 offer great value without compromising core features. Use this guide to find the perfect tracker to keep your teen active, healthy, and motivated.