The best fitness trackers of 2026, tested and reviewed

Fitness trackers have become go-to tools for anyone looking to better understand their health, whether they're training for a marathon or simply trying to move more throughout the day. These devices track metrics like steps , heart rate, sleep, calories burned and more, while many also double as smartphone companions for calls, texts and notifications.

Beyond collecting data, fitness trackers can help build healthier habits. "Fitness trackers use real-time monitoring and can track different types of activities ranging from walking, jogging, cycling and even sleeping," says Devin Trachman , a physical therapist and clinic director at Physical Therapy Central. He notes that fitness trackers are worth it because they can boost motivation , encourage more daily movement, support cardiovascular health and help users prioritize habits like exercise and sleep.

Of course, finding the right fitness tracker to meet your health goals isn't always easy. The market is packed with options that vary widely in features, accuracy and price. To separate the standouts from the rest, we had a team of strength coaches, marathon runners, competitive athletes and everyday users test 26 popular fitness trackers. After weeks of real-world wear, workouts and sleep tracking, these are the devices that impressed us most.

Best overall fitness tracker

More fitness trackers we like for 2026

Types of fitness trackers

There are plenty of fitness trackers that suit different needs and personal styles. Here are a few of the most common:

• Fitness bands:Fitness bands, like Fitbit devices and Whoop bands, are small, lightweight and worn on the wrist. They typically don't offer a robust visual interface (if any at all). Fitness bands tend to be on the more budget-friendly side of the market.

• Smartwatches:A smartwatch merges your smartphone and a standard wristwatch into one device. Smartwatches come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can track data like distance, pace, elevation, heart rate and more, depending on the device. Most offer smartphone connectivity to display notifications, make calls or access apps.

• Heart rate monitors:Heart rate monitors are exactly what they sound like — they're designed to specifically measure heart rate in real time. These are typically offered in a chest strap, wristband or armband format.

• GPS monitors:GPS trackers record location, speed, distance and elevation during outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking and walking. Some can also map routes ahead of activity. GPS monitors come in the form of smartwatches or clip-on trackers.

• Multisport:Multisport fitness trackers are advanced devices that track multiple activities or workouts with specialized modes tailored to specific sports.

• Rings:Rings, like the Oura Ring and Ultrahuman, are worn on your finger and do not display a visual interface. These can track metrics like heart rate, sleep, activity and stress, depending on the device.

Factors to consider when making a purchase of a fitness tracker

"Ultimately, the best trackers are the ones you will use consistently and integrate with other health monitoring tools or information with your doctor to provide a complete picture of your health," says Dr. Sajad Zalzala , co-founder and medical director at AgelessRx.

As you consider investing in an activity tracker, keep these factors in mind:

• Functionality:"The first step to choosing a fitness tracker is to decide how you are going to use the device and whether it fits with your fitness goals. For most casual gymgoers, smartwatches and/or rings provide basic metric collections like heart rate, oxygen rates, distance and steps traveled, sleep time and quality, and calories burned," explains Kevin Pura, group fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness . He goes on to add that some devices use the standard metrics to provide additional information and scores on factors like physical readiness or stress levels. This type of "summary data," so to speak, can make it easier for users to gauge how to approach their next workout in a safe and effective manner. "It can help users tailor their workouts to go hard when they are well rested or take it easy and avoid injury when more recovery is needed," Pura says. And if you're an athlete training for a specific goal? Pura suggests looking for trackers that offer sport-specific data tracking for options like weightlifting, swimming, cycling and running to better monitor your progress and goals.

• Sizing:Fitness trackers come in different sizes. If you have smaller wrists or fingers, you may want a smaller device, and vice versa if you have larger wrists or fingers. Make sure the size of the device does not get in the way of your workouts.

• Weight and feel:The most effective wearable is one you will actually wear, so it's important to find one that feels lightweight and comfortable, especially if you are planning to wear it to bed to track your sleep.

• Cost:Fitness trackers vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from $25 to $600 (although the products on this list range from $75 to $450). Generally, the more expensive models are able to measure multiple metrics. In addition to the gadget's base price, some trackers, like Whoop and Oura, require a monthly or annual subscription.

• Compatibility:While most trackers pair with both iOS and Android devices, some only pair with specific operating systems. For instance, the Evie Ring only pairs with Apple devices, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch only pairs with Android devices and offers additional features for Samsung phone users.

• Battery life:Take into consideration the claimed battery life of trackers you are looking into. If charging a device is a hassle for you, look for devices with a longer battery life.

How we tested

To build this list, we wanted input from both experts and real-world users. I first consulted physical therapists, strength and conditioning specialists, health coaches and medical professionals to identify the most important features to look for in a fitness tracker and which devices they recommend most often.

As a certified personal trainer, strength coach and yoga instructor, I then tested several trackers myself during workouts, daily activities and while teaching classes. To broaden our perspective, I recruited a panel of testers with diverse ages, fitness levels and goals, including personal trainers, strength coaches, marathon runners, Pilates instructors and competitive athletes.

Over two months, our team tested 23 fitness trackers in everyday life, during workouts and overnight. We evaluated each device on setup, ease of use, comfort, accuracy, feature set, battery life, durability and overall value. Since then, we've also tested several additional trackers. The result is a list of fitness trackers that performed well across a wide range of users, activities and lifestyles.

FAQs

What fitness tracker is the most accurate?

Fitness trackers are not medical-grade devices, so they may display inaccurate data. A 2020 study found the Apple Watch and Garmin were the most accurate for measuring biometrics (like heart rate), while Fitbit, Apple Watch and Samsung had the most accurate step count measurements. However, all brands considered (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Polar, Samsung, Mio, Xiaomi, Misfit and Withings) had strong interdevice reliability for steps, heart rate and calories burned, which indicates most well-known brands will provide similar data, although it may not be perfect data. Also, not all brands or models have been widely tested, so it's impossible to know exactly which product might be the most accurate, especially since how the product fits can affect the accuracy of the data tested. 

Our testers noted that the Garmin, Oura Ring, Coros, Polar and the Whoop band were all fairly accurate as well (in comparison to other devices and medical testing).

Which fitness trackers do not require subscriptions?

A variety of fitness trackers do not require a subscription, including Garmin watches, Coros watches, Amazfit bands, Suunto watches and Polar devices. The Evie Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air also do not require subscriptions.

Can fitness trackers help with weight loss?

Fitness trackers provide insight into health and movement trends that can help inform and guide a weight loss plan. They can also help you track progress along the way and keep you accountable.

"Psychologically, they encourage behavior change by providing immediate feedback, creating accountability and reinforcing habits through gamification or goal tracking. They can be powerful motivators by showing progress in a way that feels rewarding," says Zalzala.

That said, the data alone can't help you lose weight. The power for change remains in your commitment to an achievable plan, not a device.

How do fitness trackers work?

"Fitness trackers use sensors to measure metrics like heart rate, movement and sleep patterns in real time. Scientifically, they collect real-time physiological data that can highlight trends over time, like activity levels or stress. Most fitness trackers use a combination of accelerometers and special light emitters called photoplethysmography, along with sophisticated computer algorithms, to measure the various parameters," says Zalzala.

Some integrate the use of GPS to track distance as well.

Other products we tested

• Suunto Race S : The Suunto Race S was durable yet comfortable. Our tester loved the ability to create workouts and training plans (available to download offline), as well as its integration with Strava. The app was a key standout feature and helped our tester understand training and recovery needs. Our tester found that some metrics were slightly inaccurate, including step count, distance and heart rate. For that reason, it didn't make our list.

• TicWatch Atlas : The rugged TicWatch Atlas is a durable smartwatch designed for Android users. Our tester found that the watch was easy to customize and use. The GPS and distance tracking was incredibly accurate, but the sleep tracking data fell flat and didn't properly recognize sleep. Our tester noted that the app had room to grow as well.

• Evie Ring : Unlike many smart rings, the Evie Ring does not require a subscription. The ring focuses on menstrual cycle tracking, but it fell short in other metrics, such as steps, heart rate, and activity. While many users love the notched ring design, our tester found it often getting caught in her hair and clothing.

• Armitron Quantum Smartwatch : This budget-friendly option is a nice smartwatch that can flex as both a step tracker and a professional-looking watch. Our tester liked the app but found that the watch itself was on the simpler side. The metal band also caused some discomfort during workouts.

• Amazfit Helio Ring : Our tester was excited to give this ring, an alternative to the subscription-based Oura Ring, a try. She found it comfortable to wear, with an intuitive app. The heart rate monitoring appeared highly accurate when compared to Polar and Fitbit devices, and the sleep data was also good. Unfortunately, the step count data was way off — by thousands of steps per day.

• Fitbit Versa 4 : The Fitbit Versa 4 is a nice, affordable smartwatch that offers high-quality data on steps, distance, heart rate, daily readiness and sleep. The app is also easy to use and intuitive. Where this watch falls short is in its smartwatch functionality — receiving notifications was hit or miss, although when it worked, it worked well.

• Samsung Galaxy Watch7: This smartwatch offers impressive AI-powered features including sleep apnea detection, personalized activity and sleep coaching, and accurate GPS tracking for outdoor activities. The scratch-resistant oversize screen makes it easy to read notifications and metrics on the move, and the AI can even suggest text replies. However, the battery life was a significant drawback — while advertised at 24 hours, it consistently fell short when actively using tracking features, requiring daily charging that made it impractical for users seeking a low-maintenance device.

• Samsung Galaxy Watch8 : Like its previous iteration, the updated Watch8 offers in-depth health tracking and smartwatch features, but our tester couldn't get past the 30-hour max battery life, which lasted closer to 24 hours in testing. Given that the Amazfit Balance 2 offered very similar metric tracking with almost three weeks of battery life, our tester found the Galaxy Watch8 just wasn't compatible with her lifestyle — several times when she wanted to check sleep data or set up a workout, the watch was dead. The watch works best within the Samsung ecosystem, making it ideal for Samsung phone users who don't mind frequent recharging; however, it may be less practical for those using other brands.

• Wav Watch : This wearable isn't a fitness tracker but rather a watch that emits quiet sound frequencies intended to support wellness and sleep, with claims ranging from allergy relief to hormone balance. While the website links to some research on sound frequencies, there's no independent research specifically on this watch and user outcomes. Additionally, many of the referenced studies are older, smaller, and don't use sound frequencies in the same manner. Our tester didn't find the watch enjoyable to use — the battery life maxes out at 18 hours, and even at the lowest setting, she found the quiet buzz highly annoying, describing it as "what I imagine tinnitus sounds like." Without scientific backing and at a price of more than $600, with limited additional features, we can't recommend this one.

• Coros Pace Pro GPS Sport Watch : Our previous pick for best fitness tracker for runners, the Coros Pace Pro has excellent connectivity and offline modes, but less extensive features made for runners.

Meet our experts

• Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, clinic director at Physical Therapy Central

• Richa Mittal, MD, owner and founder of Radiant Health

• Sajad Zalzala, MD, co-founder and medical director at AgelessRx

• Kevin Pura, group fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness

Update, May 28, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best fitness tracker remains unchanged. We have updated our picks for best for runners, best for Android and best for Apple.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.