What type of fitness tracker is right for you? Prices start at $20
Adam Reeder
Thu, 9 July 2026 at 3:45 am GMT+5:30
4 min read
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Getting into shape, or staying there, can be as difficult as it can be rewarding. No matter the athletic endeavor you favor, staying healthy is a marathon, not a sprint; even if your chosen exercise is sprints. There are a number of things that can help you stick to your fitness plan and stay on the straight and narrow. One of those is support from the people around you. There’s a lot to be said for friends and family getting behind your desire to be healthy. They can tear you down or cheer you on, and having the latter can make it far easier to chase your fitness goals. Another, more readily available tool for maintaining your training regimen is a good fitness tracker. Shopping for one of these trackers can sometimes feel as daunting as the workout itself, but we assure you it’s well worth the hassle.
What is a fitness tracker?
A fitness tracker is the first line of defense in the battle against yourself. Most fitness trackers keep tabs on every aspect of your health in order to help you plan your next goal and work toward it. They help you keep an eye on your heart rate, distance walked or run, VO2 max, blood oxygen level, sleep habits, and much more. These trackers are especially helpful for runners, cyclists, and swimmers, who need to keep an eye on their ultimate fitness goals and how close they are to achieving them. There are a few different types of trackers that are most popular with fitness buffs. Before offering some of our favorite options, it’s probably a good idea to break down some of the most important fitness tracker styles and describe their key attributes.
Types of fitness trackers
The three most common fitness tracker styles are smartwatches, fitness bands, and smart rings. These trackers are most often used for keeping an eye on the distance run, GPS location, and heart rate. If you’re a regular runner or cyclist, then you likely use one or more of these types of trackers on a daily, or at least weekly basis. However, there’s always a reason to try something new, so if you’re not completely satisfied with your current fitness tracker, why not try a different style? It could make all the difference in your fitness journey.
Benefits of fitness watches
Far and away the most popular of these three are smartwatches. Within this category are two different types of smartwatch. The first is the pure fitness tracker. These have been made popular by brands like Fitbit and Garmin. They are geared toward fitness enthusiasts and have user interfaces that have been designed exclusively for those who see exercise as a way of life, and not just a hobby. They often track your progress using GPS triangulation and are made to be extremely rugged and waterproof. The second type of smartwatch often used for fitness is the standard smartwatch, similar to an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. These are designed for everyday use, and happen to include similar fitness applications for those who want to track their workout goals. Which you choose depends on your lifestyle and daily needs.
