Fitness
The 6 best fitness trackers of 2024 include one under $100
The line between fitness tracker and smartwatch has certainly blurred, but one difference stands out: Price. Fitness trackers are often less expensive than a full featured smartwatch. They also tend to focus more on health, fitness, sleep and activity tracking.
Fitbit (which is now owned by Google) offers some of the most popular fitness trackers, but as you’re about to discover, other companies, like Garmin and Oura, also offer powerful and versatile fitness tracking options — models that do so much more than just count your steps.
If you’d rather spend a bit more on a smartwatch and get more functionality, be sure to read our coverage of the five best smartwatches for 2024. And keep in mind, in addition to staying active, a proper diet is necessary to stay physically fit. To make meal planning a bit easier, we suggest a meal kit that caters to weight loss and fitness-friendly eating. And don’t forget to stay hydrated. For this, we suggest having a filled, self-cleaning water bottle with you whenever you’re working out.
What is the best fitness tracker?
Whether you want to track your steps, monitor your workouts, or measure your heart rate and calories burned during a workout, a fitness tracker comes in handy. These wearable devices can also guide you through a training session, track your sleeping patterns and monitor your stress level.
Our team of in-house consumer tech experts has curated this roundup of the best fitness trackers, smartwatches with fitness tracking capabilities, and other health/fitness-related wearables. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, one of these devices can help you better understand, measure and track your health, fitness and sleep-related activities — all in conjunction with your smartphone.
Best fitness tracker overall: Fitbit Sense 2
Designed to be worn snugly around your wrist, the Fitbit Sense 2 offers a robust selection of onboard sensors for tracking things like your heart rate, SpO2 level, ECG, stress level and sleep. It also keeps track of your location, so it can measure things like distance and speed traveled.
This fitness tracker is waterproof (so you can wear it while swimming). It features a full-color touchscreen and includes more than 40 exercise modes. Pair the Sense 2 with either an iPhone or Android phone and use it in conjunction with the free Fitbit app and subscription Fitbit Premium service. (The Sense 2 comes with a six-month trial membership.)
Battery life is up to six days per charge. And while it’s not designed to be a full-featured smartwatch (although it looks like one), it displays incoming text messages, phone alerts and certain app-specific information. Plus, it works with Fitbit Pay and Google Pay, as well as Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Best budget fitness tracker: Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is smaller and more streamlined than the Sense 2. Battery life is up to 10 days. Like all Fitbit devices, this one handles things like step counting, calculating distance traveled and monitoring calories burned throughout the day and during specific workouts. It also measures your heart rate and SpO2 level, plus it tracks your sleep patterns and stress level.
Since it pairs with either an iPhone or Android phone, it’ll display call, text and app notifications. Oh, and it tells the time, too.
The Inspire 3 features a three-inch long display. The device itself comes in three color options. In addition to tracking your movement and activities throughout the day and night, it has more than 20 exercise modes.
Inspire 3 works in conjunction with the free Fitbit smartphone app, but can also be used with the subscription-based Fitbit Premium service. (The Inspire 3 comes with a six-month trial membership to this service.)
Best fitness tracker in a ring: Oura Horizon (Generation 3)
Samsung recently released plans to introduce a fitness tracking ring, and Apple is rumored to be working on a similar device. In the meantime, Oura smart rings keep on improving with each new firmware and app update.
The third generation of the Oura ring comes in a wide range of colors and unisex styles. It’s designed to be worn 24/7 and has an internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to a week. The ring tracks heart rate, stress level, body temperature, activity level and sleep patterns. To get full use out of this fitness tracking ring, you’ll need to use it with a proprietary smartphone app (available for iPhones and Android phones).
For more in-depth data analysis, an Oura membership ($5.99 per month) is recommended, but not required. This collected data can also be shared with the Apple Health, Google Health Connect and more than 40 other popular health and fitness smartphone apps.
The ring itself is made of titanium, so it’s waterproof and durable, yet fashionable. And if you have an HSA or FSA account tied to your health insurance, you can use those funds to pay for the ring. We’ve found the Oura ring to be extremely comfortable to wear. It’s lighter than most other rings. Over time, it can provide a tremendous level of insight related to your overall health, fitness and sleep patterns.
Best Garmin fitness tracker: Vívosmart 5
Following in the footsteps of Fitbit, Garmin tapped its GPS and navigation expertise and incorporated it into a compact, comfortable fitness tracker. It works with an iPhone or Android phone and is surprisingly affordable.
The display is just 0.84 inches long, but this wearable tracker serves as a pedometer, heart rate monitor and sleep monitor. It also tracks your daily workouts, calories burned and stress level. Plus, it has an integrated GPS and SpO2 sensor. Of course, it also displays the time and date.
The device comes in four color options. It offers up to a seven day battery life and is waterproof, so you can use it while swimming or showering. This fitness tracker works in conjunction with the free Garmin Connect phone app. However, integrated into the device itself, you’ll discover specialized activity apps for walking, running, yoga, cardio, swimming, cycling and more.
While the Vívosmart 5 is not meant to be a smartwatch, it can handle some basic smartwatch tasks, like displaying notifications for incoming calls, text messages and appointments generated by your phone. A variety of interchangeable bands are sold separately.
Best smartwatch with fitness tracking for iPhone users: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Let’s be clear: All Apple Watches run the same version of the WatchOS operating system, come with the same apps, pair with the iPhone and offer thousands of optional apps via the Apple Watch’s app store. But it’s the Ultra 2 that’s more rugged, has a brighter display and a longer battery life. It offers the most robust collection of features for an outdoor adventurer or serious athlete, along with — get this — a built-in emergency siren, enhanced GPS and a customizable action button. These are features not offered by other Apple Watch models.
Also, while the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE come in either a GPS only or GPS + cellular version (we recommend the latter), the Ultra 2 only offers a GPS + cellular version. And if you want an incredibly rugged titanium casing, well, that’s reserved for the Ultra 2, too.
Like all Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 works in conjunction with the iPhone’s Health app. It also works with the Apple Fitness+, Apple Music and Apple Podcasts services and offers full smartwatch functionality. So it can make and receive calls and text messages, stream audio, work with Apple Maps for real-time navigation and much more.
Currently, Ultra 2 is the most advanced Apple Watch and one of the most feature-packed smartwatches available — although it’ll appeal mainly to outdoor adventurers and serious athletes. For everyone else, we suggest checking out our full, in-depth review of the Apple Watch Series 9.
Best smartwatch with fitness tracking for Android users: Google Pixel Watch 2
When Google acquired Fitbit, it gathered up all of the fitness tech that Fitbit has pioneered and then packed virtually all of it into the full-featured Google Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch.
So when you wrap a Pixel Watch 2 around your wrist, you’re getting the best of Fitbit fitness, activity and sleep tracking, combined with the full functionality of a smartwatch that can also be used as a powerful communications, productivity, navigational and entertainment tool. It works in conjunction with any Android phone, but uses a very similar interface to the Google Pixel smartphones.
Heart rate tracking, body temperature monitoring, ECG functionality, stress management and sleep tracking are built into the unisex Pixel Watch 2. It also offers emergency features, like fall detection and an Emergency SOS button.
The phone uses a full-color, always-on display. You get up to a 24-hour battery life per charge. It also has built in cellular capabilities (that need to be activated for a monthly fee). This allows the watch to work almost fully autonomously from a smartphone when it comes to calls, texts, streaming audio, GPS navigation and much more.
We love the Pixel Watch 2 because feature-for-feature it offers just about everything that more expensive smartwatches offer, but this one is priced at just $400 (less when it’s on sale). With this watch, you get the best of a Fitbit and a smartwatch in one affordable device.
How to choose the best fitness tracker
First determine what functions you want your fitness tracker to handle. Then determine if you’ll be using it with an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone. Here are some additional things to consider:
- Monitoring features: Some fitness trackers can serve as a personal trainer or tracker while walking, running, swimming, doing yoga, diving, cycling and more. They can also monitor your sleep patterns and stress levels. In addition to heart rate, ECG, body temperature and SpO2 levels, many fitness trackers can monitor distance traveled, calories burned and a wide range of other fitness and health matrices.
- Battery life: This determines how long you can use the device before it needs to be recharged.
- Casing material: Most of the latest casings are made from plastic, aluminum or stainless steel. This impacts price, appearance and durability.
- Casing size: Casing size affects the size of its display and how it’ll look and feel on your wrist. Smaller sizes are designed to be more comfortable and lighter for people with smaller wrists.
- Cellular option: All fitness trackers rely on Bluetooth to communicate with a smartphone. When one of these devices also offers cellular connectivity, it can work almost autonomously from a smartphone. I can make calls, send texts, stream music, access real-time navigation information and more — even when your smartphone is not nearby. To use cellular connectivity, you’ll need a service provider, which charges a monthly fee (usually around $10 per month).
- Emergency features: If you’re investing in a fitness tracker with cellular connectivity, choose one that offers fall detection and crash detection. If you’re involved in an accident and can’t call for help yourself, one of these wearable devices can often contact 9-1-1 and your pre-programmed emergency contacts, plus provide your exact location.
- Integrated sensors: Many of the latest fitness trackers measure things like pulse rate, oxygen saturation, steps taken, respiration rate, sleep patterns, stress level, calories burned, activity level and even hydration level.
- Operating system: Some fitness trackers, like those from Fitbit and Garmin, use an operating system compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones.
- Watchband selection: All fitness trackers come with one watchband. Most also have a selection of optional bands available in a variety of colors and styles.
- Water resistance: All fitness trackers are water resistant. But ideally, you want a wearable device that’s waterproof, so it can be worn in a shower or while swimming, snorkeling or even scuba diving.
What’s the difference between a fitness tracker and smartwatch?
These days, there’s a lot of overlap in terms of functionality. A fitness tracker tends to focus more on collecting fitness, activity, health, sleep and stress-related data, but might also offer basic smartwatch functionality. A full-featured smartwatch, however, can perform all of the tasks of a fitness tracker, but also run all sorts of communications, entertainment, productivity, navigation and other types of apps. When you add GPS and cellular connectivity, this makes a smartwatch a powerful tool.
Do fitness trackers work with any iPhone or Android smartphone?
Apple Watches are designed to work exclusively with an iPhone. The Google Pixel 2 smartwatch is only designed for use with an Android smartphone. However, all Fitbit and Garmin fitness trackers, along with the Oura ring, can be used with either an iPhone or Android phone in conjunction with a proprietary app on your phone.
Do fitness trackers work with exercise equipment?
All fitness trackers are designed to track your movement and exercise. Some have workout modes designed for use with an exercise bike, elliptical machine or another piece of gym equipment.
To learn all about the latest consumer tech, read in-depth product reviews, discover informative buyer’s guides for popular products and find the best deals, be sure to check out our constantly updated tech coverage.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
If you’ve been faithfully logging your 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, you’re getting the recommended weekly about of cardio. But a new study1 suggests that for women in midlife, that standard benchmark may not be moving the needle on cardiovascular fitness as much as we’ve assumed. Here’s what you need to know.
EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) — A boutique fitness gym in the San Gabriel Valley is focused on women’s empowerment, offering everything from dance fitness to pilates, yoga, zumba and circuit training. It’s called “Beastin Beauties” in El Monte.
“ Boutique fitness spaces here, it doesn’t exist here, so I needed to have this for the people in my community here, where I grew up,” said owner Jay Armada.
Members love working on their health and fitness alongside other women.
“You walk in and you feel like you’re able to let loose and inhibit it in a way that you don’t find in other places,” said member Esmeralda Cabral.
“It takes away the stresses of being in a space where you may feel judgment from others. And there’s a certain level of comfort as a woman that you wanna be able, especially if you’re starting a health journey or you’re reigniting it, you wanna have the comfort of being around under supportive women,” said member Ruby Rose Yepez, who also teaches yoga at the studio.
Women empowerment has been the theme all along, from Jay’s humble beginnings…
“ I want people to feel what I felt when I was going through my own journey. I had lost ninety-three pounds in a whole year and I just wanted everyone to feel that,” said Armada.
…to a huge setback in 2020 when the gym’s previous location burned down in a fire.
“ I thought I didn’t wanna do it anymore. Maybe it was a sign from God that you should just quit. But my community held me up and they just really made me believe in it again,” said Armada.
Now, her business is thriving, and she was just named the city’s Woman of the Year!
“ Community and connection here in this space is super, super important. Jay is not just about bringing people here for health. She brings people here to build the connections so that they feel that they’re part of a community,” said Yepez.
“You build a connection without even really trying. You’re all experiencing the same moments together. There’s always just so much fun happening,” said Cabral.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
-
Politics2 minutes agoSpencer Pratt surges to runoff in LA mayor’s race after angry voters send message to Karen Bass
-
Health7 minutes agoOne extra serving of processed meat a day linked to higher cancer risk
-
Sports14 minutes agoAJ Brown trade outcome: Dianna Russini paid a heavy price while Mike Vrabel emerged unscathed
-
Technology17 minutes agoCould your Samsung phone replace your passport?
-
Business22 minutes agoRent-hike ban to protect fire victims ends despite gouging concerns
-
Entertainment29 minutes agoTwo of music’s most powerful executives maxed out donations to Spencer Pratt
-
Lifestyle32 minutes agoVintage-obsessed millennial parents are driving L.A.’s booming kids’ clothing resale market
-
Politics37 minutes agoEarly returns indicate L.A. County voters have doubts about healthcare sales tax measure
