Updated January, 2025
A decade ago calculating the distance you rode, ran, or walked required a good old fashioned map, or perhaps, a cycling computer. Now days fitness enthusiasts or data junkies can get most of the information they desire from a device worn on their wrist.
The devices below have all be tested on the trail and have definite strengths and weaknesses. Here are our recommendations for fitness trackers and smart watches
Fitness Tracker – Most Affordable
Fitbit Charge 6
The Charge is a slim, lightweight option that can track heart rate, sleep, calories burned, distance, steps, and GPS activity for around $150. While the Charge is not a full blown smartwatch, it does offer notifications for calls, texts, and calendar events so long as your phone is nearby. Fitbit also has one of the best apps in the business which makes ingesting all those health stats a snap!
Fitness Tracker – Most Robust
Garmin Fenix 8
Garmin has been in the fitness wearable business longer than anybody. They are known for rugged, and recently, handsome designs. The Fenix is a large, powerful device capable of compiling all the data you would expect but with the benefit of a more traditional watch like design and the ability to track your GPS route without your phone. Garmin Connect is a highly polished companion app that can track all the stats you desire. Both AMOLED and MAP versions are available depending on whether you value battery life over screen vividness. Battery life clocks in at 10 – 29 days in the AMOLED version depending on size, an amazing 48 days max on the solar MAP version.
Fitness Smart Watch – Easiest to Use
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
This device tracks all the metrics your standard fitness tracker will but also adds a full responsive color touchscreen. If you own a Samsung Phone, this is one of the best looking options available. As for fitness tracking, Samsung Health makes a good effort, but falls behind in features and usability when compared to its rivals. Battery life is an acceptable at best, 2 – 3 days.
Fitness Smart Watch – Most Robust
Apple Watch – Ultra 2
When Apple first launched their watch fitness was a bit of an afterthought. Over the years Apple has improved their offerings to their top tier Ultra. The Apple Health app still lags behind Fitbit and Garmin in many ways, however, is quickly gaining ground and in some areas outperforms. Battery life is improved but substantially lags behind Garmin at 36 hours. The sacrifice in battery life gets you a far superior smart watch, however not all users benefit from having a small full featured phone on their wrist.
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