Fitness tracker (2025 edition)

I use a Garmin vivosmart 5. I actually also have an Apple Watch, but it's sitting unused in a drawer somewhere. The rest of my comment will get to why lol.

#0: I'd say the Garmin is worth the money. It was $150. This particular one is their second-cheapest fitness watch offering that they still sell. There was an eight month or so long period where I just stopped wearing my Apple Watch because it was annoying and the battery life made it a hassle, so I decided to just ditch it.

I decided to get the Garmin after that period of time mostly because I started playing basketball for a bit, so wanted a step tracker that covered for when my phone wasn't in my pocket. I fell off of basketball and started running, so it's still useful.

#1/2: I'd just get another Garmin, maybe a more expensive model, but most likely the same one. I vastly prefer it over the Apple Watch because

• It's more of a health tracker than a smartwatch. I want it to count my steps, track my heart rate and stuff, and track my sleep. That's really it. I don't need apps or anything else.
• The Apple Watch was more annoying than it was helpful after a certain point. I couldn't walk to the store without it asking if I was working out (that's mostly on me - I'm sure there's a way to turn that feature off). I'd randomly get jumpscared if I was listening to music and happened to turn the volume up on accident with the crown. I don't track strength workouts on it, because nothing of value is really recorded - just heart rate, and it artificially inflated my move ring. I don't need rings or social incentives to work out. If I wore lifting straps at the gym, the crown would sometimes bump against the straps and stop my music or do something unrelated. I just don't need a smartwatch.
• The Garmin battery lasts like a week, Apple Watch a day.
• The vivosmart in particular is subtle enough that I can wear another actual watch on my other wrist if I want to.

#3: I mostly realized that I don't need any other heuristic for my daily activity other than step counts. I don't put much stock in "active calories" or whatever because I know those measurements tend to be inaccurate. Step count is nice because it translates into how much I've intentionally moved around that day. And yeah, again, I just don't need a smartwatch. I do not want notifications on my watch (or my phone even), I don't want to take calls from my watch, I don't want to know that my friend ran a 5K without them feeling the need to tell me.

I have an Apple Watch. As a fitness tracker, it’s fine I guess. That wasn’t the reason I bought it, so it was just an added bonus. For me, it’s the fitness tracker version of “the best camera is the one you have with you”.

0: Worth the money, but I didn’t buy it for fitness exclusively. So probably not relevant for someone looking for a fitness tracker.

1: I currently have AppleCare, so I would just get it replaced. Once I get a new battery, I’m going to cancel AppleCare and replace it if it dies with whatever the current Apple Watch is.

3: I like having notifications and basic media controls on my wrist. My only uses for a fitness tracker is tracking my heart rate zones.

I do a variety of sports: running/trail running, mountain biking, gravel cycling, and rowing. As I started to get more serious about improving my fitness, it became clear I was going to need some data to help focus the training and manage recovery over all the activities. I settled on a used Garmin Fenix 6 as my first fitness watch. This was a great all in one solution for tracking mountain bike rides and runs and providing some basic navigation for longer rides.

Once I started rowing and doing more interval runs, I decided I needed to get a chest strap to properly measure heart rate (the optical monitors don't respond fast enough to track intervals). I ended up with a Polar H10. This has been a great device and works seamlessly with my Garmins and the Concept2 RowErg.

I eventually picked up a Garmin Edge 540 for my gravel bike to have a better navigation option for long races (5+ hours) and it provides some nice screens for training. I also use Favero Assioma power meters which just sync to the Edge. They have been rock solid.

That's a lot of data and devices to sync, but I find that Garmin Connect works pretty well. The fitness metrics can be a bit...frustrating (training load is low, but I'm somehow also overtraining...huh??), but they generally work well enough to guide training and manage recovery. I am a bit worried about Garmin adding the Connect+ paid option and that they would start removing features from the base Connect app, but so far that hasn't been the case. I have liked their model of features being tied to a device, so you buy and own the device and get those features forever. Hopefully they don't deviate too far from that.

I have also recently started using the site intervals.icu for tracking and planing training. It is an impressive application and I was so impressed I went for the paid option. It is mainly focused on cycling, but tracks other activities pretty well. I really like how you can see all the data and understand how it is tracking your fitness. Definitely more for the data nerds or serious athletes, but I much prefer it over the mysterious Garmin metrics.

My whole "fitness stack" looks like this:
Running/Trail Running: Garmin Fenix 6 + Polar H10 -> Garmin Connect/intervals.icu
Mountain Biking: Garmin Fenix 6 + Polar H10 -> Garmin Connect/intervals.icu
Gravel Cycling: Garmin Edge 540 + Polar H10 + Favero Assioma -> Garmin Connect/intervals.icu
Rowing: Concept2 RowErg + Polar H10 -> ErgData -> Strava -> intervals.icu (this took a while to figure out lol)

To summarize:

(0) Yes, absolutely. I initially just wanted something to keep track of my MTB rides and have navigation for longer rides. I like having all the data available and it has helped me manage my overall training load between different sports. Being able to (roughly) estimate my lactate threshold and max HR was something that I didn't realize would be so useful for setting heart zones (no more 220-age BS).

(1) (2) Definitely. If I had to settle on one device, my Fenix 6 really does everything I need (aside from proper HR). If I couldn't find another Fenix, I would still stay in Garmin ecosystem and use intervals.icu for planning.

So I didn’t comment on the original thread, i hope that not a problem.

I’m a whoop ‘user’. Although I don’t use it that often, and that’s why I like it. (I do wear it all the time.)

(0) surprisingly, the featurlessness of the whoop is what I like about it. It’s expensive. But it never interrupts. It has no screen, I just check the app once or twice a day, on most days. Some days I forget I own one. I like it because it’s really accurate in measuring the readiness of my body after a nights sleep. If I had a heavy meal before sleep, it shows up very clearly the next day. From people I know that do drink alcohol, I’ve heard it detects the effects of alcohol also really clearly. I use it to balance my workouts and manage the intensity of my days. As someone with PTSD, it reminds me of my body.

(1) yes.

(2) a whoop. 5 or MG, I’m not sure. Probably 5, because the MG is too expensive and the extra features seem to experimental for now.

I was commenting in those previous threads as /u/Icarus.

I have had:

• Microsoft Band
• Garmin Vivoactive HR
• Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music
• Garmin Venu 2 (current)

I'm pretty much locked into the Garmin ecosystem and have been for years at this point. It's not necessarily a bad thing but I hate Garmin's integration ecosystem as I recall in the past I have had others apps/services not be able to sync/connect with it. All of my previous devices died with something going wrong with the screens, likely after swimming. Battery life on Garmin devices is pretty good, especially if you don't use GPS functionality often.

But to be honest, I don't really see much change in the fitness device landscape in the past 6 years. Things seem to have stagnated quite a bit and unless you are an athlete, you won't get the return for the higher priced devices. I can't even say it is worth it for an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch unless the battery on those devices have gotten significantly better. The core functionality tracking (steps, heart rate, GPS distance) is fundamentally the same accuracy class as my Vivoactive HR from 2016.

(0) I find when I get one of these devices, it kicks off a period of my life of doing fitness. So in that sense, yeah it is worth it.

(1) Yes, but I would probably find a used/refurbished one.

(2) No idea what's on the market now. But probably something in the ~$200 range or less.

(3) Integration support is the most valuable aspect of investing early into an ecosystem. The most stuff you can connect to and from your device, the better.

I bought a somewhat cheap Amazfit Bip U Pro smart watch in 2021 for $100 CAD after reading a positive review on wareable. I love it, and even after 4 years of using it daily (and nightly for sleep tracking) I still only have to charge it once every 3-4 days, so it's held up remarkably well considering the price.

0: Definitely worth the money, and it's been incredibly helpful for me. I bought it primarily to help me lose weight, and that's precisely what it's done. Its activity calorie tracking combined with excercising regularly, diet changes, and caloric intake tracking using cronometer has helped me lose a ton of weight, especially over the last 5-6 months when I got a lot more serious about it. I've gone from 186 lbs in March to 160lbs now (which was my goal weight), and I have been holding steady there for a few weeks now.

1+2: Yes, I'd 100% buy another smart watch/fitness tracker if this one broke. Although I will probably upgrade to an Apple Watch since it has more features and integrates better with my iPhone, as well as all the other iOS health/fitness apps I have been using.

I'm using a Fitbit Charge 6. Yes, it's tied into the messy, declining ecosystem which is somehow neither Google nor Fitbit. However, it's one of the few devices sized to fit smaller wrists that still has a decent battery life (I usually get 5+ days before the 20% charge warning). This is how it fits me. I've had it for almost two years without major issues.

I use it for both fitness and sleep tracking. It's small and comfortable enough with a cheap elastic fabric strap that it's not a problem to wear 24/7. I incidentally discovered that the skin temperature sensor was useful for predicting RA flares.

It's fine as a watch if you choose the right watch face; the default is nearly unreadable, but the Statposter design is nicely crisp and packs all the useful details onto a small display.

GPS and step counting can have some inaccuracies (e.g. steps not counted if the accelerometer isn't engaged, like pushing a shopping cart or hauling a wheeled suitcase; significant differences between phone-measured trail length and Fitbit). Heart rate measurement seems to match blood pressure monitors.

The phone UI isn't stellar, it's got some irritating inconsistencies. Things I'm interested in are sometimes in menus, sometimes behind icons. However, notifications come through without delays. I wouldn't recommend it for reading long messages, but I can see whether a text is important or spam without digging for my phone unnecessarily.

It's possible to export data, but that's not to say Google makes it easy.

Overall, I'd give it 7 out of 10, but I'm looking for a replacement.

0. Yes, it was worth it, by comparison with other fitness trackers that cost the same or more. I got it initially as a sleep tracker, because I was exhausted all the time and couldn't figure out why.

1, 2. Yes, if it broke tomorrow, I'd be looking to replace it, though I'm not sure what I'd replace it with. There's really nothing comparably functional that wouldn't be an annoyingly large soup can on my wrist. If a fitness ring comes along that doesn't require a subscription, is reasonably accurate, and doesn't look awful, I might give that a try. Maybe a Garmin Venu 3s if the price comes down and I can tolerate the half-inch thickness.

3. Don't use a silicone wristband if you have the slightest tendency to skin allergies. As far as technological considerations, I'd like the device to have all the promised features out of the box, without waiting for a magic update or paying subscription fees. I don't want updates to unexpectedly make the UI worse. I don't want to have to commit to a specific phone manufacturer to get it to work properly.

I have a Garmin Forerunner 55. I ended up getting it for free, so let that color everything I say about it. I like "Smart" Watches for two things - Notifications and step tracking.

0. Worth the money? Yeah, it was free! But, I think at its sale price I would've bought one eventually. I formerly had a Fossil Gen 5 and I only really used it for notifications so when the support ended and the battery life got down to under a day, I retired it to the drawer with my old no name watch and put back on my Casio AE-1200. After some time, the Forerunner ended up in my possession and I've worn it every day since then. The step and activity tracking creates some healthy competition and my wrist buzzes to tell me things are happening so I don't have to worry about leaving my phone at the desk.

1. I would repurchase.

2. Probably the same one because it does what I need. I'm not really enticed to go up more because Garmin prices are STUPID.

I'm actually in the market for a smartwatch of some sorts, moreso to track my fitness goals and general health/sleep patterns. The phone integration stuff like notification mirroring or making calls are actually an anti feature for me since I want to be disconnected more. Contactless payments may be the only useful feature but not a must have.

I used to have a Fitbit about ten years ago for step tracking but I think it broke and I never replaced it. Garmin seems to be what a few mates have and like so probably looking for that brand, in a basic model or something.

I use an Apple Watch to track my workouts, and would definitely buy the same again if it broke tomorrow. It's not entirely accurate for treadmill runs, but other than that it's great.

For lifting I use a separate app called Train Fitness. What is so great about it is that it automatically detects the type of lift you're doing as well as the amount of reps. Of course with the exception of lifts where your hands don't move, like leg extensions and hanging leg raises and such. (I have a referral link but not sure what the policy about that is here). So I just do my set, punch in the correct weight and it's logged.

I have the Garmin Forerunner 245. I’m not sure if it still is being sold, but I’m very happy with it. I would probably buy a more expensive Garmin if I needed to replace it to get more health sensors and a barometer to directly track elevation.

I like Garmin because the battery life is great and it’s fitness/health first. I charge it about once a week if I’m not tracking any workouts, but I need to charge about every 4-5 days if I am using the GPS to track my runs. It charges in about 30 minutes too, so it’s not a huge inconvenience. I actively try to find ways to get my phone to deliver less notifications, so having a vibration motor on my wrist telling me about Uber Eats promotions is a huge downside for me. Garmin watches are not focused on staying connected like Apple Watches or Android Watched are.

I also find that you are able to dress up certain Garmin watch models to not look like a Casio G-shock which I appreciate. The biggest downside to fitness watches is that they look very tactical which can clash with daily wear depending on how you dress.

I have Apple Watch Ultra 2. I've had Apple Watches for some years now. Prior to that I had fitbits, a couple of garmins and some other pedometer related shenanigans.

I like that it can track steps (which is my most important feature) as well as swims, cycle rides, etc. It's not amazing at any of them, but I'm no athlete so it's good enough for me!

I like the fact that it's also a smart watch so I can interact with notifications instead of using my phone
I hate the fact that it's also a smart watch so I can...

I wouldn't recommend anyone buy the Ultra. I certainly wouldn't buy another one. Unless you know you are in the market for it specifically, it probably isn't the right one for you. It certainly doesn't do anything for me that a normal Apple Watch doesn't - and I'd go for the cheapest option every time now.

If my watch broke I'm not sure what I'd do. The easy answer would be to replace it with the most recent cheapest apple watch available, which is definitely what I'd do if I wanted a smart watch but I'm not sure that I do... I have a nice watch. In fact, I have two. Both were purchased for me as gifts by people I care greatly for, and I would like to wear them more regularly. I don't, because I always have my bloody Apple Watch on.

I have considered getting a screenless fitness tracker like Whoop, or a smart ring like Oura. Although I wouldn't buy either of those as they're subscription based. I'm holding out as I believe Polar are going to release their version of a whoop competitor in September this year.

Regardless of what I chose, I wouldn't be without a fitness tracker now.

I didn't have a fitness tracker in 2019 and couldn't even understand why I would want one. But I have since realised how useful they can be.

I now have a Garmin Forerunner 965. I got it two years ago after being a happy Whoop user for a year but wanting something a little bit more sport oriented that has a screen and a battery that lasts for a couple of weeks. Objectively speaking, I don't know if the watch was worth the money (it cost me something like 700€) but it remains one of the best purchases that I have ever made. I love the data and the features that it gives me.

Mine actually broke earlier this year as the barometer started acting up and elevation data was constantly wrong. The local Garmin shop not only replaced my watch with a brand new one, but they also gave the new watch a full warranty period, so now I have a watch whose warranty ends sometime in 2028. For a purchase originally made in 2023, I'm pretty happy with that. The customer service experience was also excellent.

If I had to buy a new watch today, it would be a Garmin again. Probably the new Forerunner 970 or, if I went crazy, the Fenix 6. They are both insanely expensive and I can think of a lot of better ways to spend that money, but even then, I would probably still end up buying one of them.

That said, I am a little sceptical about the direction Garmin is currently taking. They used to be a company that sold you a sports watch and updated it for years for free with great support. But they have now launched a subscription service and while they say that it will not affect those who don't want to pay for extra features, I fear that eventually their old watches will no longer get feature updates like they used to, and you will need to pay a monthly fee for that. Which could in theory be ok, if the watch itself didn't cost so much.

Also, Garmin's UI is clunky, but that's always been the case. I can live with it.

During the past two years, I have also talked my wife, my brother, my mother and two of my friends into getting a Garmin. All of them have been happy with theirs. Their models have been Epix Gen 2, Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a fitness tracker that works with wrist tattoos? Does such a device even exist?

I've tried a couple Apple Watches and a Fitbit but neither has worked at all.