Fitness
These are the best fitness trackers in 2024
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Whether you want to keep an eye on daily activities, improve sleep hygiene, or level up workouts, a fitness tracker can help you achieve your health goals, even while traveling. Fitness trackers are “a great way to keep yourself accountable since you can see how you’re making progress towards your goal over the course of the day,” says Milica McDowell, a physical therapist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens, a health clinic in Colorado. “It’s a helpful reminder to stay connected to your health promises.”
There are dozens of fitness trackers out there, from watches to rings and bracelets—each with their pros and cons. We did the work to find the best fitness trackers for different needs. We’ve concluded that the best overall is the Garmin Vivoactive 5. We like this fitness tracker because it works for a wide variety of needs and has thousands of positive reviews for accuracy, versatility, and battery life. Here are all our top picks.
Our picks for the best fitness trackers
The best fitness trackers
Scroll on for all the details on our favorites.
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile workhorse with comprehensive health and fitness tracking options in a sleek package. Not only does it track basics (heart rate, respiration rate, cardio minutes), it also tracks sleep, assigns a sleep score, and offers personalized sleep coaching for a well-rounded health routine.
Serious athletes (or anyone wanting more data) will appreciate the advanced functions, such as interval training options and the more-than 30 built-in sports apps, including one that tracks pushes for wheelchair users.
The long battery life (up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 21 days in battery-saving mode)—means you don’t have to charge it every day. Conveniently, the Vivoactive 5 also displays texts, emails, and alerts when paired with a smartphone.
Keep in mind: This fitness tracker can store some music, but not enough to hold a large library.
Product details: Battery life: 11 days in smartwatch mode (21 days in battery-saving smartwatch mode) | Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Water resistance: Yes, 5 ATM | GPS: Built-in
(Do you really need 10,000 steps a day? Here’s what the science says.)
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: The Apple Watch Series 9 pairs seamlessly with iPhones and offers a detailed health and fitness view. In addition to measuring basic metrics like heart rate, body temperature, and sleep insights, the Series 9 simplifies tracking indoor and outdoor workouts—you simply tap the Workout app and select the type of exercise you’re about to start.
The new S9 chip also helps the Apple Watch Series 9 run faster and improves battery efficiency over its predecessors. We also like the new double tap feature, which lets you pick up calls, see texts, and other actions when your hands are full or you’re in the middle of an intense workout.
“I find it is accurate in terms of step counts, heart rate, and sleep tracking,” says Sarah Pelc Garca, a certified personal trainer and founder of Strong With Sarah, a weight loss coaching program based in Michigan. “Plus, it’s a fun challenge to try to close my activity rings most days of the week.”
Keep in mind: Due to an ongoing patent lawsuit, Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatches no longer come with a blood oxygen sensor.
Product details: Battery life: Up to 18 hours per charge | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-fi, LTE | Water resistance: Yes, 50 m. | GPS: Built-in
Photograph Courtesy Oura Ring
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Why we like it: This discreet ring packs a ton of advanced fitness tracking features into a stylish, compact package. The Oura Ring’s sensors are constantly monitoring over 20 biometrics (including menstrual cycle tracking) to provide a comprehensive overview of your health. Daily reports are delivered via the app and include customized feedback, such as advice on when to start winding down and when you tend to be most stressed.
The long battery life means you can wear the ring up to a week without charging. Reviewers say they love the seamless design of the Horizon model, which is ideal for people who find it uncomfortable to sleep while wearing a fitness tracking watch. Bonus: The Oura Ring is FSA/HSA eligible.
Keep in mind: The Oura Ring comes with a subscription. The company says the first month is free, then costs $5.99 per month. Reviewers suggest ordering the ring sizing kit to get the right fit. But don’t worry, as of reporting time, the company says it offsets the cost of the sizing kit by taking $10 off your Oura Ring order.
Product details: Battery life: Up to 7 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Water resistance: Yes, up to 328 ft. | GPS: None
(6 of the best sleep trackers, from rings to smart watches)
Best fitness tracker bracelet: Whoop 4.0
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: Sleek and discreet, the Whoop 4.0 bracelet provides detailed cardiovascular reports that are aimed at the more serious cardio athlete. The bracelet gives both a strain and recovery score to give deeper insights into when someone should push harder during a workout and when they should rest to achieve optimal results.
The same goes for sleep tracking—it takes your workout data from the day or week, along with your sleep data, and suggests things like the ideal bedtime for muscle recovery and how many hours you need for peak training.
While the Whoop 4.0 can be worn on the wrist, you can also wear it on your upper arm, knee, and even specially designed sports bras. McDowell says the Whoop system “gives phenomenal data that’s very actionable and excellent recordkeeping and tracking,” making it a fantastic option for elite athletes.
Keep in mind: The Whoop 4.0 comes with a subscription, but the company offers a free one-month trial. Alternatively, if you purchase from third-party sites like Amazon, the 12-month subscription is baked into the price. After that, it costs $239 for 12 months, or $399 for 24 months, if you pay in advance (prices accurate at time of reporting).
Product details: Battery life: 4-5 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Water resistance: Yes, up to 10 m. | GPS: None
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Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: At just under $100, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is affordable, user-friendly, and tracks the basic health information that most casual users are looking for. It tracks calories burned, distance walked/ran, heart rate, and other common biometrics, and can send irregular heart rate notifications.
We like the slim profile and that it’s water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower or while swimming. The long battery life is also notable—the company says it lasts up to 10 days on a single charge.
Keep in mind: If you want to access more advanced insights, such as daily readiness (how well rested you are for physical activity) and stress management scores or FitBit workouts, you’ll need to purchase the FitBit Premium membership, which was $9.99 per month, at press time.
Product details: Battery life: Up to 10 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Water resistance: Yes, up to 50 m. | GPS: Yes, only when synced to a smartphone
Best splurge fitness tracker: Garmin Fenix 7s
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: The luxe Garmin Fenix 7s offers a robust and versatile set of tracking tools for serious athletes and data tracking enthusiasts. The military-grade construction is designed to withstand extreme heat, cold, and atmospheric pressure, according to the company. Built-in sports apps, multi-sports tracking, a built-in GPS, and “PacePro” technology are just some of the advanced features you can find on this comprehensive fitness tracker. There’s even a solar-charging option.
We also love that this fitness tracker comes with downloadable maps from around the world. McDowell notes that the Garmin Fenix line even tracks specific sports like cross-country skiing and yoga. It’s compatible with both iPhone and Android (with help from an app), so you can receive text notifications and stream your music library.
Keep in mind: The Fenix 7s feels bulky on the wrist. Some reviewers also mention that the interface takes some getting used to, since it’s loaded with so many features and options.
Product details: Battery life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, 37 hours in GPS mode, and up to 38 days in battery saver mode | Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT, Wi-Fi | Water resistance: Yes, 10 ATM | GPS: Built-in
(How walking can prevent lower back pain)
How we chose the best fitness trackers
With dozens of popular fitness trackers out there, it’s hard to know which one is the best for you. To help narrow down our list, we considered the following factors:
- Third-party reviews: We read through customer reviews on each brand’s websites, honing in on notes from shoppers who used the fitness tracker in a variety of settings (daily life, intense workouts, for sharing health data with loved ones, and more).
- Expert advice: We consulted with Milica McDowell, a physical therapist and vice president of operations at Colorado-based Gait Happens, and Sarah Plec Garca, a health coach and founder of Michigan-based Strong with Sarah, about what features to look for in fitness trackers and their personal recommendations.
- Range of features: Fitness trackers offer a gamut of features; some are incredibly useful, while others are filler. We narrowed down the options to trackers that offer practical tools that appeal to both average people and serious athletes plus extras designed to level up your fitness.
- Style: A great fitness tracker only works if you use it every day so that it can collect and compile data. Fitness trackers should be comfortable and aesthetically flexible enough to wear to work, the gym, and everywhere in between.
Tips for buying fitness trackers
Battery life
Battery life on fitness trackers can vary widely. If you don’t want to charge a fitness tracker often, then look for models that can last a week or more on a single charge.
Compatibility
Make sure that the fitness tracker you’re considering is compatible with your smartphone, whether it’s an iPhone or Android. This will make the pairing process seamless, and you’ll be able to access apps that come with the tracker.
Comfort and style
The best fitness tracker is the one you’ll wear daily. If it’s a watch or bracelet style tracker, consider the fabric and material for comfort. Pay close attention to the weight and dimensions. If you have small wrists, for instance, you may feel weighed down by an extra-large watch face. If design is important, look for a style that works for both professional and casual settings.
Fitness data tracking
Seeing your daily step count or sleep insights are great, but that data should be stored somewhere. “Historical data can help you see trends if you fell off the wagon while you were on vacation, and if you are seeing progress as far as activity levels, [such as] how much you’re sleeping or if you’re resting heart rate is decreasing,” says McDowell. This type of at-a-glance recordkeeping is essential for meeting your health goals.
Price
Fitness trackers can run the gamut in price. If you’re paying more, make sure you’re getting additional features you’ll use often. Consider your lifestyle and personal habits, so you’re only paying for the data you really need.
Frequently asked questions
Which fitness tracker is most accurate?
A 2020 study reviewing nine popular fitness trackers found Apple Watch and Garmin were the most accurate for measuring biometrics like heart rate, while Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Samsung were the most accurate for counting steps.
How long do fitness tracker batteries last?
This really depends on the fitness tracker. Most basic models can last two to three days on a full charge. However, that can vary depending on a wide range of factors such as GPS use and smartphone connection. Some fitness trackers can last a couple weeks or longer thanks to long-lasting batteries.
Which fitness tracker is most accurate for calories burned?
While fitness trackers give you a fairly good estimate of calories burned, they’re not as foolproof as you might think. The same 2020 study mentioned above found that none of the nine popular fitness trackers included in the study “for energy expenditure” was accurate.
References
Esther Carlstone is an editor and writer based in Los Angeles, California. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, Parents, People, U.S. News & World Report, Travel Age West, and more.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
A small study of university students in Spain found that better cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better cognitive processing speed and a smaller volume of the cingulate cortex of the brain. However, brain volume differences did not explain the links between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition. The paper was published in Physiology & Behavior.
Cardiovascular fitness is the ability of a person’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen-rich blood to muscles during sustained physical activity. A person with good cardiovascular fitness can walk fast, run, cycle, swim, or do other continuous activities for longer periods without becoming exhausted quickly. It is often called aerobic fitness because it depends heavily on oxygen-based energy production, and it is an important component of overall physical fitness.
A common scientific measure of cardiorespiratory fitness is VO₂ max, which estimates the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during intense exercise. Cardiorespiratory fitness can be improved through regular aerobic activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, or rowing.
Better cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and early death. It can also improve everyday functioning, mood, sleep, and general energy levels. Low cardiorespiratory fitness means the body has more difficulty sustaining activity that requires a continuous oxygen supply.
Study author Neus Camins-Vila and her colleagues note that neuroimaging studies indicate that certain physical fitness components, primarily cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength, are associated with larger volumes in specific brain structures.
For example, among young adults, previous studies found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with larger volumes in several regions of the brain. The researchers conducted a study examining the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance in relation to the volumes of specific brain regions and the participants’ overall neuropsychological profiles. They also sought to determine if sex differences moderated any of these relationships.
Study participants were 94 undergraduate and graduate university students from Barcelona, Spain, and its surroundings, recruited through social media and posters. To be included, participants were required to be between 18 and 25 years of age, to be sufficiently proficient in either Spanish or Catalan to follow instructions, and to have self-reported a regular level of physical activity over the past six months. There was also a list of medical conditions that would exclude prospective participants from the study.
After joining the study, participants first completed an online questionnaire covering demographics and medical history. This was followed by three face-to-face sessions involving a cognitive assessment, an evaluation of physical fitness, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
The cognitive assessment lasted 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, participants took a series of neuropsychological tests covering attention and cognitive processing speed (i.e., attention-speed), executive functioning, memory, and visuospatial function. The physical fitness assessment focused on cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Results showed that students with higher cardiorespiratory fitness tended to have better processing speed and a smaller volume in the cingulate cortex region of the brain. The researchers theorize that a smaller cingulate cortex in this age group may actually be a sign of advanced, healthy brain maturation rather than a negative outcome, as the brain naturally prunes connections to become more efficient during early adulthood.
When analyzing the data by sex, different patterns emerged. In men, flexibility (the ability of joints and muscles to move through their full range of motion without pain or excessive stiffness) was associated with higher processing speed. In contrast, higher flexibility was associated with lower processing speed in women. The researchers suggest that very high flexibility in women may be linked to joint hypermobility, a condition that can cause pain or fatigue, which could negatively impact cognitive test speeds.
In women, better visual memory was associated with higher strength, and better verbal memory was associated with better cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, lower volume of the hippocampus region of the brain in women was associated with higher flexibility but worse balance.
“Different physical fitness components were associated with cognitive functions and brain volumes in young adults, and some associations—particularly those involving physical flexibility and attention/processing speed—varied by sex at birth. Brain volumes did not explain the observed fitness–cognition associations,” the study authors concluded.
The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the links between cognitive abilities and physical fitness. However, it should be noted that the study authors carried out a large number of statistical tests, but only a few of them returned statistically significant results. They did this without applying any correction for multiple comparisons—procedures routinely used in research studies to mitigate the risk that statistical tests might return statistically significant results purely due to chance. This means that many of the reported findings might simply be products of random variations in the data, rather than real systematic associations between the observed characteristics.
The paper, “Associations between fitness components and brain health in young adults: A cognitive and brain volume MRI study exploring sex differences. The YoungFit study,” was authored by Neus Camins-Vila, Adrià Bermudo-Gallaguet, Samira Rostami, Rosalia Dacosta-Aguayo, Judit Escarré-Grifell, Blai Ferrer-Uris, Albert Busquets, Louis Bherer, and Maria Mataró.
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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