Best Fitness Trackers 2024
Strap inor rather, strap onas we dive into the smartest, sleekest, and sweat-proof wrist companions of 2024. Whether you’re chasing a new PB, shedding stubborn belly fat, or simply trying to outpace your smartwatch-obsessed colleagues at the office steps competition, a top-tier fitness tracker isn’t just helpful, it’s borderline essential. And with a flood of flashy wristwear on the market, separating the champs from the chumps can be tricky. Worry not. We’ve clocked countless miles, burned a shameful amount of toast, and tested the best fitness trackers of 2024 to bring you the ultimate leaderboard.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of fitness trackersif your Swiss Army knife had GPS, heart-monitoring, and VO2 max features. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a dream for dedicated runners, featuring dual-frequency GPS for pinpoint accuracy and customisable training plans via Garmin Coach. Its AMOLED display is crystal sharp, even in direct sunlight, and the battery life? A solid 13 days of pure go-time. Whether you’re doing sprint intervals or long runs, it’s ready to match your pace every step of the way.
Best for:
- Runners of all levels
- Performance-focused athletes
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit’s latest flagship proves it’s still a titan in the wearables worldand this time, it’s got Google DNA baked in. The Charge 6 offers advanced heart rate tracking with improved precision, supports Google Maps integration for real-time navigation, and even allows you to control YouTube Music from your wrist. The companion Fitbit app remains one of the most user-friendly on the market, making stats like HR variability and Active Zone Minutes a breeze to understand. Plus, battery life stretches up to a full week.
Best for:
- Everyday athletes
- Anyone who enjoys a sleek, minimal design
Apple Watch Series 9
If you’re an iPhone user searching for the perfect fitness companion, the Apple Watch Series 9 is basically the only answer. Thanks to the new S9 SiP chip, everything from app performance to gesture controls is faster and more intuitive. You’ll get all the expected fitness bells and whistlesheart rate tracking, GPS, workout modes galorebut the real magic lies in its seamless integration with iOS. From calls and calendars to Siri and smart home control, it blurs the line between smartwatch and personal trainer.
Best for:
- iPhone users
- Multitaskers who want both fitness and function
Whoop 4.0
Picture a fitness tracker that doesn’t have a screen, doesn’t count steps, and still manages to revolutionise the way you train. That’s WHOOP 4.0 in a nutshell. Completely screenless and obsessively science-backed, WHOOP focuses on three main metrics: strain, sleep, and recovery. Think of it less like a traditional fitness tracker and more like a performance lab on your wrist. Subscription-based, yesbut if you’re committed to optimising recovery and pushing limits, it’s money exceedingly well spent.
Best for:
- Data-obsessed athletes
- Recovery-focused training
Coros PACE 3
Minimalist style. Maximalist performance. Meet the Coros PACE 3, a precision tool built for endurance athletes. This GPS watch weighs in at just 30glighter than most protein barsbut don’t let its weight fool you. GPS accuracy, optical HR monitoring, and dual-band GNSS make it a standout for multisport training, including triathlons. Throw in 24-day battery life on regular mode (and 38 hours in GPS mode), and you’ve got an endurance partner that literally goes the distance.
Best for:
- Endurance athletes and triathletes
- Trail runners and mountaineers
Polar Vantage V3
If there’s a fitness tracker that could pass for a sleek Scandinavian timepiece, this is it. The Vantage V3 isn’t just good-looking; it’s brainy, accurate, and designed for serious training. With ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature sensors, it offers lab-grade data to fine-tune every session. Polar’s Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro metrics help prevent overtraining (and under-recovery), while breadcrumb GPS navigation is a nod to adventurers who veer off beaten paths.
Best for:
- Precision-obsessed athletes
- Outdoor explorers
Oura Ring Gen 3 Horizon
Not all fitness trackers come with a wrist strapsome, like the Oura Ring, pack serious punch in a pint-sized package. The Gen 3 Horizon offers 24/7 wellness tracking in an understated titanium band. From body temperature and readiness scores to sleep quality and menstrual cycle insights, this little ring keeps tabs on your health without shouting about it. With up to 7-day battery life and water resistance, it’s ideal for anyone who wants invisibly smart tracking without sacrificing style.
Best for:
- Minimalists and data nerds alike
- Discreet, stylish health tracking
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Budget doesn’t mean basicand Xiaomi’s Smart Band 8 Pro proves that beautifully. With a 1.74-inch AMOLED display, quick GPS, 150+ sports modes, and accurate health data tracking, it punches above its weight classand price range. Lightweight, waterproof, and compatible with both Android and iOS, it’s arguably the best bang-for-buck tracker you can buy this year.
Best for:
- Budget-conscious fitness fans
- Beginners entering the fitness tracking world
Samsung Galaxy Watch6
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 isn’t just a smartwatchit’s a bonafide wellness hub wrapped around your wrist. With robust health features like sleep coaching, ECG, body composition analysis and heart rate notifications, it’s almost too smart. Perfectly synched with Android (especially Galaxy devices), this watch multitasks just as effortlessly in the office as it does on your post-work 10K. Oh, and it looks the part, too.
Best for:
- Android users who lead active lives
- Stylish pros looking to track 9-to-5 and 5-to-9
Final Thoughts
In the wearable arms race of 2024, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re pounding the pavement, pushing weights in the gym, or optimising recovery from the comfort of your couch, the right tracker can be a game-changer. The tech has never been smarter, the battery life never longer, and the data never more actionable. Choose wiselyand let your wrist be your co-pilot to better health, performance, and a whole lot more steps.
Because in 2024, if you’re not tracking it, did it even happen?
