Hit that 10,000-step mark with the help of these fitness trackers. (iStock)
It’s the start of the new year, and whether you're walking the dog, training for your first 5K, or just trying to get outside more, a fitness tracker can help you stay on track.
We found smart trackers that do more than count steps — they nudge you to move and give you insights into your overall health that are actually easy to understand. From high-tech Apple Watches to simple clip-on pedometers, there’s something here for every budget and lifestyle.
Apple
Apple Watches are among the most advanced health and fitness trackers you'll find. Options range from the budget-friendly SE 3 to the feature-packed Series 11, so there's something for every price point.
Apple Watch Series 11: $299.99 (25% off)
Original price: $399
Apple’s newest watch gives you advanced health insights with just a screen tap. (Apple)
What we love: Intense health tracking lets you keep an eye on your heart rate and blood pressure. Additional workout features like an AI-powered workout buddy also come in handy for athletes and gym buffs.
What to be aware of: The Series 11 Watch may be too advanced for those who aren't looking for a full health picture.
Apple’s latest watch, the Apple Watch Series 11, is a more advanced version of previous generations. For wearers with health concerns, the Series 11 tracks and will send you hypertension notifications if it finds you have chronic high blood pressure. You can also take an ECG anytime and receive notifications for a high or low heart rate. All this info can be sent straight to your doctor for more accurate tracking.
The lightweight design of the Series 11 is comfortable enough for all-day wear, and thanks to the improved 24-hour battery life, you won't have to charge it as frequently.
Along with health metrics, you also get more fitness metrics. The watch comes with three free months of Apple Fitness+. You get a built-in Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence, which gives you features like heart rate zones and personalized workouts, perfect for gym buffs.
Apple Watch SE 3: $219 (12% off)
Original price: $249
The Apple Watch SE is the basic model. (Apple)
What we love: The SE has step tracking and basic health monitoring, perfect for those getting their first Apple Watch.
What to be aware of: More premium Apple Watches have brighter screens, are made from higher quality materials like stainless steel, and have more advanced health tracking.
All Apple Watches have basic step tracking, but the Apple Watch SE is Apple’s most affordable option. The tracker is the perfect fitness partner and will monitor steps, calories burned, heart rate and more. Connect it to your phone and send texts, take calls and listen to music or podcasts.
The battery lasts for 18 hours, and a 15-minute charge adds up to eight more hours of life. On top of workout metrics, the Apple Watch SE will track your rest, giving you a daily sleep score and sending sleep apnea notifications.
Fitbit
Fitbits are built to track your workouts, sleep, stress, and more, and they come in a compact, comfortable design that's made for all-day wear. These smartwatches also give you a clear picture of your overall health, without the bulk.
Fitbit Inspire 3: $89
A basic Fitbit model that offers more than 20 exercise modes. (Amazon)
What we love: Simple yet effective, track different workouts on this compact watch. Basic wellness tracking like sleep scores and stress scores keeps you accountable.
What to be aware of: This is a more basic model. More advanced Fitbits have larger screens and track more health metrics.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is one of the brand's more basic models. With different exercise modes, it lets you track everything from steps to cycling workouts, runs and swim laps. If you haven't met your exercise goal, the tracker sends regular reminders to move.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 also offers overall wellness tracking, from a daily stress management score to irregular heart rhythm notifications. Your sleep is also automatically monitored, with a personalized profile that shows how well you slept the night before and what you can do to get more shut-eye. With up to 10 days of battery life, you won’t need to constantly charge.
Fitbit Charge 6: $99.95 (38% off)
Original price: $159.95
Stay up-to-date on more health metrics with the Fitbit Charge 6. (Amazon)
What we love: The same compact watch provides more in-depth tracking, with over 40 workout modes.
What to be aware of: Although this more advanced model tracks health metrics and workouts, it still lacks the functionality of Apple Watches and other Fitbits.
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a slightly more advanced step and health tracker. It offers the same step, wellness and sleep tracking as the Inspire 3, but with more connectivity. By connecting to your compatible exercise machine, the Charge 6 sends your heart rate in real time. There are also more than 40 exercise modes, so you can follow a range of activities, including swimming, thanks to the water-resistant technology.
READ MORE: This workout equipment fits right under your desk
Fitbit Versa 4: $119.95 (40% off)
Original price: $199.95
Get smartwatch features and a health tracker in one. (Amazon)
What we love: A larger screen makes the Fitbit more functional for calls, texts and workout tracking.
What to be aware of: This Fitbit has a shorter battery life than more compact models.
Fitness tracking and other smartwatch features are available with the Fitbit Versa 4. The built-in GPS and workout intensity map help you analyze all your exercise routines. Plus, monitor your heart rate 24/7 and take advantage of sleep tracking to learn how to improve your rest.
Use the watch to answer calls, texts and receive notifications. While the battery life is just six days compared to ten on other models, you trade it for more advanced wellness, fitness and tech features.
Garmin
Garmin fitness trackers are the go-to pick for runners, athletes and outdoor adventurers. They're rugged, stylish and built to handle the elements. Some models are even waterproof.
Garmin Forerunner 55: $159.99 (20% off)
Original price: $199.99
Runners can track all their workouts with the Garmin Forerunner 55. (Amazon)
What we love: Designed for trail runners, this step tracker is highly durable and has an impressive battery life of two weeks. With race time predictions and other workout modes, you can prep for marathons.
What to be aware of: This Garmin doesn't have the advanced performance metrics more advanced models do. There's no navigation courses and there's no touchscreen.
Off-road runners and race walkers will love the durability of the Garmin Forerunner 55. Using GPS, the watch tracks how far, how fast and where you’ve run. With up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, you can wear it longer than other smartwatches.
The tracker includes training tools like race time predictions and finish time estimates to help you train for marathons. There are also workout modes for cycling, swimming, Pilates and more. No matter how you work out, Garmin will suggest routines based on your training history, fitness level and recovery time.
READ MORE: Train for your first marathon with these running accessories
Garmin vívoactive 5: $194 (35% off)
Original price: $299.99
A watch that's attractive and durable. (Amazon)
What we love: Durable and stylish, this watch isn't bulky, but still holds up no matter how you work out. With 30 workout modes and dozens of health metrics, you gain a full health picture.
What to be aware of: Unlike Garmin's most advanced models, this one won't measure elevation as well, so stair climbing and steep hikes may not be tracked.
Pair functionality and style with the Garmin vívoactive 5 smartwatch. Designed to look like a realistic watch but packed with health and workout tracking features, you'll get the best of both worlds. Using more than 30 built-in workout modes, it tracks everything from walking and running to cycling and even rounds of golf.
Uniquely, the Garmin vívoactive has accessibility components most smartwatches forgo. For example, there's a wheelchair mode that tracks pushes rather than steps, so wheelchair users can track their specific data. It's also full of health monitoring features, ranging from heart rate tracking to nap detection and stress tracking. You'll even get a fitness age to help adjust your workout routine. Personalized insights and workout plans are sent to you based on these health metrics.
Other fitness trackers worth checking out
Beyond the big-name brands, you’ll find everything from simple clip-on pedometers to sleek, high-end Oura Rings.
Oura Ring 4: $349
This comfortable, durable ring tracks your health, steps and stress. (Amazon)
What we love: The Oura Ring is a more versatile option, stylistically, for most users. It also monitors and report more health metrics than some standard fitness trackers.
What to be aware of: To get the full range of features, you'll need an Oura membership, which costs $5.99 per month.
An Oura Ring 4 is a more wearable step and health tracker. The ring tracks 50 different health metrics, including sleep, workouts, stress, heart health, women’s health and step tracking, among others.
Designed for full-time wear, the Oura Ring is water-resistant and durable. Up to eight days of battery life is available on a full charge. It fits differently than standard rings, so make sure you get a sizing kit before purchasing.
READ MORE: Get this fitness gear that's actually comfortable to work out in
WHOOP 5.0 activity tracker: $239
Track everything from your heart rate to your sleep patterns and your pace of aging. (Amazon)
What we love: There's no breakable, distracting screen, so you can focus on health metrics instead of texts, calls and apps.
What to be aware of: With no screen, you'll need to track your activity and health via your phone.
WHOOP forgoes the screen, but gives you advanced activity monitoring. You'll have 24/7 monitoring for your heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, menstrual cycle and pace of aging. This holistic view of your health and the daily recommendations from WHOOP can assist you in making better health decisions. The impressive 14 days of battery life and wireless charging mean you won't have to worry about constantly powering your tracker.
GRV fitness tracker: $19.99 (23% off)
Original price: $25.99
Get just the basics with the GRV fitness tracker. (Amazon)
What we love: There's no need for an app, and only your workouts are tracked, so you won't get bogged down with health information you don't want.
What to be aware of: If you want health monitoring, you'll need to spring for a more advanced tracker.
The GRV fitness tracker is a no-frills watch that tracks your steps, calories burned, distance walked and how long you’ve slept. If constantly being aware of your heart rate and blood pressure is too much information, GRV is the better option. It’s affordable and just tracks your workouts.
It offers up to seven days of battery life, and a quick two to three-hour charge gives you a full battery. The watch can work independently without the need for an app, so it’s suitable for those looking for a simple, easy-to-use step tracker.
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3D clip on pedometer: $14.39 (28% off)
Original price: $19.99
Clip this pedometer on for constant step tracking. (Amazon)
What we love: It doesn't get much simpler than this tracker. It clips on to your bag or pants and tracks your steps.
What to be aware of: Although it's easy to clip on, this isn't the most comfortable step tracker to wear.
If you want a simple pedometer that just tracks your steps when you need it to, this 3D clip-on pedometer does the job. No app or Bluetooth is required, just clip the pedometer to your pants before you walk.
Reset the step counter by simply holding the reset button for three to five seconds. You can also use the included lanyard to hang the step counter from your neck while walking or running. The included battery can last up to a year before it needs to be replaced.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
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