The Best Smartwatches with Activity Trackers
Smartwatches are at the forefront of cutting-edge, as they can connect wirelessly to other smart devices, access the internet, keep track of schedules and reminders, and even tell the time (Who would've guessed?). But built-in fitness trackers bring their utility to new heights. These workout buddies monitor heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, and more. To help you find the best, we've assembled this list of our favorite smartwatches with fitness trackers.
What to Look For
We take our tech seriously, so we decided to whittle down the sea of options with four guiding questions: Is the fitness tracking accurate and helpful? Is the interface easy to use and responsive? Is the style appropriate for more than just exercise? Is the price fair for the quality? Our favorite option is the Fitbit Versa 2, which combines a high fashion sense with excellent fitness-tracking software. But if you want something a little less pricey, we suggest checking out the super-affordable smartwatch from KALINCO. Its low price and style make it the perfect gift for your fitness-focused friends. For more of our recommendations, read on.
Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
Routines on your wrist
Fitbit is a pioneer in the world of fitness tracking, so it should be no surprise that their Versa 2 made the top of our list. Indeed, this excellent specimen boasts a vast list of fitness features, including a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, activity tracker, calorie counter, and stress tracking. There are many more features than just those examples, too, so you can explore all the data sets to fine-tune your workout regimen to perfection.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Accurate and reliable data
- Compatible with contactless payments
- Super responsive interface
- Connects to smartphones quickly
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- With so many features, it can take a while to learn how to use everything
KALINCO Smart Watch with Fitness Tracker
Great gifts don’t have to be expensive, as this smartwatch from KALINCO proves. It’s an affordable smartwatch, yet it still has all the fitness-tracking features you need to keep informed. In fact, it even has blood-oxygen tracking, which is something many higher-end options lack. Add to that the responsive touchscreen and compatibility with both Android and IOS devices, and you have a smartwatch that will please any fitness fanatic.
Pros:
- Available in several beautiful colors
- Includes a “find my phone” feature
- The battery can last for several days before needing to be recharged
- Surprisingly accurate blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Cons:
- The pedometer isn’t always accurate, especially when hiking on rough terrain
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Far from cheap
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic might be one of the more expensive watches out there, but the price is actually quite reasonable considering the quality of the hardware and software. It has far more advanced features than most, from a robust body composition analysis to accurate oxygen-level readings. Still, even with all that focus on fitness, it’s still a great fashion piece that looks great in formal settings.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable watch band, even during exercise
- Available as Bluetooth-only or LTE version
- Super responsive and fast
Cons:
- It can take some time to learn the ropes in navigating the operating system
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with ECG Monitor
The full bag of tricks
For all the best features without paying a fortune, we recommend the Galaxy Watch 4 from Samsung. It has all the basics and then some. From heart-rate monitoring to calorie counting, this gadget’s list of features covers all the bases. We especially love the data on sleep cycles since recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Best of all, it’s user-friendly, so mastering all the apps and features is easy.
Pros:
- Lets you read and manage texts and phone alerts without taking out your phone
- ECG monitoring for data on heart health
- Feels comfy and secure on the wrist
Cons:
- The 44mm model may look a bit bulky on smaller wrists, though there is a smaller 40mm option
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen Smart Watch
Complete your collection
The Apple Watch SE is in a field of its own thanks to its modern style and cutting-edge hardware. For iPhone users, it’s a no-brainer. This watch connects seamlessly to compatible iOS devices and sports all the user-friendliness we’ve come to expect from Apple products. And although it’s not the cheapest, it’s a worthwhile investment that can last a long time due to the water-resistant design and sturdy aluminum construction. For Apple fans whose exercise regimens take them into the rough and rowdy, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen can withstand the challenge.
Pros:
- Excellent durability
- Blazingly fast response time
- High screen resolution and maximum brightness
- The water resistance is ideal for those that sweat or swim a lot
Cons:
- Some compatibility issues with older iPhone models and earlier iOS versions, so make sure yours will connect
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness-tracking features are most important?
When shopping for smartwatches with fitness tracking, we suggest making sure your watch of choice has quality detection for steps, pulse, body temperature, and heart rate variability. Other useful features include blood oxygenation monitoring and sleep cycle tracking.
How do smartwatches connect to the internet?
Most smartwatches can connect to the internet via a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, and many can also connect to wifi. However, some smartwatches may include LTE compatibility, which usually requires paying for a monthly data plan.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.