Fitness tracker buying guide

A fitness tracker can help you see how much you move, record workouts and review health and fitness patterns over time. Depending on the model, it may track steps, distance, heart rate, sleep, routes and other activity data.

The right choice depends on what you want to track, how often you plan to use it and whether you need smartwatch features too. This guide explains the main options and the details worth checking before you buy.

Start by thinking about the activities you want to track. A simple fitness band may be enough for daily steps and general activity, while runners and cyclists may prefer a fitness watch with built-in GPS. If you want calls, apps and more phone-like functions on your wrist, consider a smartwatch.

There are a few things you’ll want to consider when looking at trackers:

• Which activities and measurements it supports
• Whether it has built-in or connected GPS
• Its typical battery life
• Its water-resistance information
• Smartphone OS compatibility
• Whether any features require a subscription
• Its size, strap fit and screen readability

Fitness trackers are not medically designed or calibrated. All stats are estimates which are useful in providing you performance baselines and indications of readiness for activity but should not be used for medical purposed. Use them to follow general patterns and refer to the manufacturer’s guidance for correct setup and use.

A fitness tracker is a wearable device that records activity and other personal data. Most are worn on the wrist, although screenless bands and smart rings are also available.

Each brand and model offers their own take on fitness tracking, but many have common features and functions. These might include:

• Counting steps
• Estimating distance and active minutes
• Recording workouts
• Measuring heart rate
• Tracking sleep patterns
• Providing reminders to move
• Showing progress in a companion app

The available measurements depend on the device. A basic pedometer watch may focus on steps and time, while a more advanced fitness watch may include GPS, detailed workout information including route maps and smartphone notifications.

A tracker cannot do the activity for you, but being able to see your routine may help you set realistic goals and notice changes over time.

Activity and workout tracking 

Start by checking whether the tracker records the activities you do most often. Many devices cover walking and running – both on road and on treadmills -, but support for activities such as swimming, gym workouts, cycling and golf varies. 

Automatic workout detection can be convenient, but manually starting a session may give you more control over what is recorded. 

GPS 

GPS records location information for outdoor activities such as running, walking and cycling. 

A tracker with built-in GPS can usually record a route without relying on your phone during the activity. A device with connected GPS uses your phone’s location service, so you will normally need to take your phone with you. 

Built-in GPS may be useful if you prefer exercising without your phone, but using location tracking can reduce battery life. 

Heart rate and other sensor readings 

Many trackers estimate your heart rate using sensors on the back of the device. Some also provide estimated blood oxygen levels, stress indicators or other wellness measurements. 

The available functions and their intended uses vary. Consumer fitness trackers should not be treated as a replacement for professional medical assessment or medical equipment. If a reading concerns you or you need personalised health advice, speak to a qualified healthcare professional. 

Sleep tracking 

Sleep tracking can show estimates such as when you fell asleep, how long you slept and periods of movement during the night. More advanced trackers may divide sleep into stages or provide a score. 

The tracker normally needs to be worn overnight, so comfort and battery life are particularly important if sleep tracking is one of your priorities. Focus on patterns over time rather than relying on one night’s result. 

Battery life and charging 

Battery life varies according to the device, display and features in use. GPS, frequent notifications and an always-on screen can all use more power. 

Look at the manufacturer’s typical-use information, then consider how you are likely to use the tracker. Also check: 

• how the device charges 
• whether it uses a model-specific charging cable 
• how long charging normally takes 
• whether your preferred features affect the quoted battery life 

A shorter quoted battery life may be manageable if you already charge your devices daily. A longer-lasting tracker may be more convenient for overnight tracking or trips away. 

Water resistance 

Water-resistant does not always mean suitable for swimming. Different products are designed for different depths, activities and lengths of exposure. 

Before showering or swimming with a tracker, check the product information and manufacturer’s instructions. Also find out whether the device records swimming or simply resists water. 

A tracker may lose suitability for water-based activity throughout its life. Seals and protective parts can be affected by wear or damage. 

Phone and app compatibility 

Most fitness trackers use a companion app to display detailed information and adjust settings. Check that the device and app support your phone’s operating system and software version. 

It is also worth checking: 

• whether an account is required 
• which features work without a phone nearby 
• whether the tracker can connect to other fitness apps 
• how software updates are delivered 
• whether mobile data or Wi-Fi is needed for syncing 
• whether any functions require a paid subscription 

Compatibility can change, so review the latest product and manufacturer information before buying. 

Comfort, size and accessibility 

A tracker works best as part of your routine, so make sure it will be comfortable to wear when you plan to use it. 

Consider: 

• wrist and strap size 
• overall weight 
• screen size and brightness 
• text readability 
• touch controls versus physical buttons 
• vibration strength 
• interchangeable strap options 
• whether it can be worn comfortably overnight 

Choose according to fit and the features you need rather than marketing aimed at a particular gender. 

Privacy and personal data 

Fitness trackers can collect detailed information about activity, location, sleep and daily routines. Before setting one up, read the privacy information and review the available sharing settings. 

Check what data is collected, where it is stored and whether it is shared with connected apps or other accounts. Use a strong, unique password and install app and device updates when available. 

If the tracker is for a child, review its location, social and privacy settings together. Choose age-appropriate features and explain what information the device records.

For walking and everyday movement 

For steps, active minutes and general movement, a basic fitness band or pedometer watch may cover what you need. Prioritise comfort, straightforward controls and a clear display. 

For running 

Look for GPS if you want to record outdoor routes, distance and pace. Built-in GPS lets the watch record location without using your phone’s GPS, while connected GPS normally requires your phone to be nearby. 

Also check for running-specific activity modes, readable real-time information and controls you can use while moving. 

For swimming 

Choose a device that the manufacturer specifically identifies as suitable for swimming. If you want workout data, make sure it supports swim tracking rather than water resistance alone. 

Check whether it records the type of swimming you do, such as pool sessions or open-water swimming. 

For gym workouts 

Look at the available workout modes rather than the number quoted. A tracker that supports the sessions you actually do is more useful than one with a long list of unfamiliar activities. 

A comfortable strap, easy controls and resistance to sweat are practical considerations. If you use connected gym equipment or workout apps, check whether the tracker can share data with them. 

Find ideas in our home gym equipment guide.

For cycling and outdoor activities 

GPS, route information, screen visibility and battery life may be useful for longer outdoor sessions. Check whether the tracker supports cycling or your chosen activity and whether route features need a phone connection. 

For longer trips, consider how and when you would recharge the device. 

For children 

A child’s fitness tracker should be age-appropriate, comfortable and straightforward to use. Check the recommended age, strap size, durability, app requirements and privacy controls. 

GPS and location features differ between devices. Review how location information is collected and shared rather than treating a consumer wearable as a guaranteed safety tool.