Fitness bands, also known as activity trackers, have become an increasingly popular way for people to monitor their health and fitness. These wearable devices track steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, sleep quality and more. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which fitness band is right for you.
This article will compare the top fitness bands available and help you determine which is the best choice based on your needs and budget.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a fitness band, there are certain key features you’ll want to consider:
- Accuracy of tracking. The most important function of a fitness band is tracking your activity, so you want one that provides accurate step counting, distance traveled, calories burned and other metrics. Bands use accelerometers, altimeters and other sensors to track. Look for bands that offer strong accuracy.
- Heart rate monitoring. Many fitness bands have built-in optical heart rate sensors that allow you to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This provides important health insights. Continuous heart rate monitoring is best.
- Sleep tracking. Quality sleep is crucial to your health. Many bands track the duration and phases of your sleep, allowing you to better understand your sleep habits. Advanced sleep tracking uses motion data and heart rate.
- Battery life. Fitness bands with longer battery life allow you to wear them without constant recharging. Look for bands that offer 5-7 days of average usage per charge.
- Display. Fitness bands have LCD, OLED or color touchscreen displays. Choose one with a display large and clear enough for your needs. Touchscreens offer more versatility.
- Waterproofing. Look for waterproof bands that can be worn swimming as well as in the shower. This expands their usability.
- Smart notifications. Some fitness bands sync with your smartphone to provide notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and apps right on your wrist. It’s a convenient feature to have.
- Compatibility. Make sure the band works with your smartphone’s operating system. Most work with both iOS and Android, but check before buying.
Now let’s take a look at some of the top fitness bands on the market and see how they compare in terms of features, accuracy, comfort, price and more.
Xiaomi Mi Band 7
The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is the latest affordable fitness tracker from Chinese brand Xiaomi. It builds on the success of previous Mi Band models to offer impressive specs at a budget-friendly price.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Steps, calories, distance, heart rate. 120+ exercise modes.
- Sleep tracking: Light, deep and REM sleep stages. Daytime nap tracking.
- SpO2 monitoring: On-demand blood oxygen saturation readings.
- Stress tracking: Based on heart rate variability measurements.
- Women’s health features: Menstrual cycle and period prediction.
- Large display: 1.62” rectangular AMOLED display with 283 PPI pixel density. 25% more screen area than Mi Band 6.
- Battery life: Up to 14 days per charge.
- Water resistance: 5ATM water resistant rating. Wear in rain or shower.
- App compatibility: Syncs with Xiaomi Wear app on iOS and Android.
The Mi Band 7 delivers accurate activity, sleep and heart rate tracking in a slim and light wristband design. Testing shows step counting and SpO2 measurements that closely match up with medical-grade devices. The budget $59.99 price is very appealing for the quality of features. With its solid fitness tracking and modern look, the Mi Band 7 is a top value pick.
Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 is one of the best all-around fitness bands available today. It has excellent activity and sleep tracking, built-in GPS, a bright color touchscreen display and long battery life.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Counts steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed. 24/7.
- Heart rate tracking: Continuous, with heart rate zones during workouts.
- GPS: Built-in GPS tracks pace and distance during outdoor activity.
- Sleep stages: Tracks light, deep and REM sleep stages.
- Smart notifications: Call, text, app notifications when connected to phone.
- Battery life: Up to 7 days between charges.
- Waterproofing: Water resistant to 50 meters. Can swim with it.
- Display: Color OLED touchscreen display.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
The Charge 5 has excellent accuracy when tracking steps, distance and heart rate compared to dedicated running watches. The builtin GPS also provides accurate outdoor tracking. Sleep tracking closely matched sleep lab results in testing. The touchscreen display is bright and responsive. The slender, lightweight band is comfortable for all-day wear. Overall, the Charge 5 offers great value with all of its features and accuracy at just $179. It’s an excellent fitness band.
Garmin Vivosmart 5
For those focused on basic activity tracking and fitness monitoring, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a great choice. Though not as full-featured as other Garmin fitness bands, it handles the basics very well.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Steps, calories, intensity minutes, sleep.
- Heart rate tracking: 24/7 at the wrist.
- Workout modes: Walking, running, biking, pool swimming, yoga, breathwork.
- Battery life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode.
- Waterproofing: Swim and shower safe.
- Display: Black and white touchscreen.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
Testing shows the Vivosmart 5 provides accurate step counting and reliable heart rate monitoring. The simple touchscreen display is easy to use during workouts and for notifications. While smartwatch connectivity is limited, it covers all the essential fitness tracking features at an affordable $149 price point. It’s the best fitness band option for the budget-conscious.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 2
With its bright AMOLED display, sleek design and robust fitness tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is a great Android-compatible choice.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Steps, distance, calories, sleep. Auto workout detection.
- Heart rate monitoring: Continuous.
- Display: 1.1-inch AMOLED color display.
- Battery life: 15 days.
- Waterproofing: 5ATM water resistant.
- Smart notifications: Messages, calls and apps.
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
Testing shows the Galaxy Fit 2 provides accurate step counting and distance tracking. The heart rate sensor closely matched dedicated heart rate monitors during exercise. With its vibrant, user-friendly display, it’s very motivating for fitness. And the 15 day battery life means lots of time between charges. It’s a great option for Android users, available for $59.
Amazfit Band 5
The Amazfit Band 5 packs an impressive array of features into a budget-friendly fitness band. It’s a top choice for the money.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Steps, calories, distance, 15 workout modes.
- Heart rate & SpO2 monitoring: 24/7 heart rate. On-demand blood oxygen reading.
- Sleep tracking: Light, deep sleep stages. Daytime nap tracking.
- Stress monitoring: Based on heart rate variability.
- Women’s health tracking: Menstrual cycle and period prediction.
- Battery life: 15 days.
- Waterproofing: 5ATM water resistant.
- Display: 1.1-inch, 126 x 294 pixel AMOLED display.
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
The Amazfit Band 5 is highly accurate for steps and distance. Heart rate and SpO2 readings aligned closely with medical devices in testing. The AMOLED display is crisp and vivid. Despite the budget price, the Band 5 tracks everything from sleep to menstrual cycles to stress. For $44.99, it’s a very capable fitness band.
Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a robust set of health and fitness features with GPS built right into a smartwatch-style design. It’s one of the best fitness-focused smartwatches available.
Key features:
- Activity tracking: Steps, distance, calories, floors climbed.
- Built-in GPS: Tracks pace and distance for outdoor runs and rides.
- Heart rate tracking: 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
- Sleep stages: Light, deep, REM sleep tracking.
- Battery life: 6+ days between charges.
- Waterproofing: Swim-proof up to 50 meters.
- Smart notifications: Incoming call, text, app notifications and more.
- Display: Color AMOLED touchscreen display.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
The Fitbit Versa 4 really shines when it comes to accuracy. Testing shows it provides some of the most precise heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and step counting compared to the competition. The Versa 4 is packed with features yet comfortable for all-day and all-night use. If you want robust fitness tracking in a stylish smartwatch design, the Versa 4 is an excellent choice at $229.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Serious athletes will appreciate the advanced training features and in-depth metrics of the Garmin Vivoactive 4. It offers full-featured GPS sport tracking in a fitness-focused smartwatch.
Key features:
- GPS tracking: Built-in GPS tracks distance, pace, route for outdoor sports.
- Activity profiles: 40+ activity profiles like running, biking, golf, swimming.
- Health monitoring: Heart rate, respiration, stress, hydration, menstrual cycle.
- Music storage: 500 songs can be stored for phone-free listening.
- Garmin Coach: Training plans adapt based on your progress.
- Battery life: Up to 8 days in smartwatch mode.
- Waterproofing: Swim-proof design.
- Display: 1.3-inch color touchscreen.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
The Vivoactive 4 stands out with its deep training analysis and coaching features. It provides detailed performance metrics for a wide variety of sports with accurate GPS tracking. Heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements closely matched dedicated devices during testing. The Vivoactive 4 is an excellent option for serious athletes and anyone who wants detailed data about their workouts. It costs more at $349, but delivers maximum sports tracking.
Summary
Fitness bands have come a long way in tracking activity, sleep, heart rate and more to provide a detailed look at your overall health.
Advanced bands like the Fitbit Charge 5 and Garmin Vivoactive 4 even offer onboard GPS and workout guidance. More basic bands like the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 focus on nailing the essential activity and sleep tracking at an affordable price point.
And bands like the Amazfit Band 5 pack impressive features into a budget-friendly device. Take the time to decide which features are most important for your fitness routine and budget, and you’ll find the perfect fitness band.
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