Activity trackers have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people strive to lead healthier lifestyles. They come in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges, making it challenging to decide which one to buy. I’ve taken a closer look at five different activity trackers, their respective prices, and the pros and cons of each one and have detailed them for you below.
1. Fitbit Charge 4
Price: $149.95
Pros:
The Fitbit Charge 4 comes with built-in GPS, accurate heart rate monitoring, and a long battery life of up to 7 days. It also has a waterproof design that allows you to wear it while swimming or showering. Its fitness tracking features are comprehensive, including sleep tracking and automatic exercise recognition. Additionally, it has a large user community that you can join for motivation and competition.
Cons:
The Fitbit Charge 4 has limited smartphone notifications, which may be a deal-breaker for some users who want to stay connected to their phone at all times. It also lacks voice assistant support, which is becoming increasingly common among smartwatches. Furthermore, the Fitbit Charge 4 is relatively expensive compared to other Fitbit models, making it a less affordable option for some.
2. Garmin Vivosmart 4
Price: $129.99
Pros:
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a slim and stylish design that looks great on your wrist. It also comes with advanced sleep tracking features and Body Battery energy monitoring, which can help you optimize your sleep and energy levels. The Vivosmart 4 is also waterproof and has a battery life of up to 7 days, making it suitable for swimmers and users who don't want to charge their device frequently.
Cons:
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 lacks GPS, which may be a deal-breaker for some users who want to track their outdoor activities accurately. Its battery life is shorter than some of its competitors, which means you'll need to charge it more frequently. Additionally, it doesn't have built-in music storage, which may be a downside for some users who want to listen to music without their phone.
3. Samsung Galaxy Fit 2
Price: $59.99
Pros:
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is an affordable option for users who want to try out activity tracking without breaking the bank. It comes with a large AMOLED display that is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The Galaxy Fit 2 also has a long battery life of up to 15 days and 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimmers and users who don't want to charge their device frequently.
Cons:
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 lacks GPS, which may be a deal-breaker for some users who want to track their outdoor activities accurately. Its app selection is limited compared to smartwatches, and it lacks voice assistant support, which may be a downside for users who want to use voice commands to control their device.
4. Withings Steel HR Sport
Price: $199.95
Pros:
The Withings Steel HR Sport has a stylish hybrid design that combines a classic watch face with fitness tracking features. It offers advanced heart rate monitoring and 50m water resistance, making it suitable for swimmers. It also has a long battery life of up to 25 days, which is much longer than most smartwatches.
Cons:
Additionally, its analog-style display gives it a unique and elegant look that many users appreciate. The Withings Steel HR Sport lacks GPS, which may be a deal-breaker for some users who want to track their outdoor activities. Furthermore, its app selection is more limited than that of smartwatches, and it lacks voice assistant support. Nevertheless, the Withings Steel HR Sport is an excellent option for those who prioritize style and advanced heart rate monitoring.
5. Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Price: $44.99
Pros: The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is an affordable activity tracker with a long battery life of up to 14 days. It also comes with a variety of features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. The Mi Band 6 also has a bright and clear AMOLED display, making it easy to read your fitness data and notifications. Additionally, it has 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and showering.
Cons:
The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 lacks built-in GPS, which may be a deal-breaker for users who want to track their outdoor activities accurately. Its app selection is also limited compared to smartwatches, and it lacks voice assistant support. Additionally, its design is simple and lacks the premium feel of more expensive activity trackers. However, for its price, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 offers excellent value for money and is a great option for users who want to try out activity tracking without spending a lot of money.
Hopefully this give you a better picture of some common activity trackers on the market and provides a sufficient background to further your search for the perfect band. As always, please do some further research on each before making your purchase. Happy exercising!