10 Best Fitness Trackers “Wearables” for 2016
Today, fitness trackers have become all the rage. Fitness enthusiasts and couch potatoes, alike, have turned to a wide range of fitness trackers to help increase their overall health and longevity. Fitness trackers are wearable devices or applications that are used to track and monitor fitness levels. Such metrics might include daily calorie count, distance walked, heartbeat, or quality of regular sleep. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors and can be found at virtually every major retailer, as well as online, around the world. Fitness trackers are great
tools to use. Not only do they help you track important fitness-related data, but they also serve to heighten your awareness about your current habits and help to set future goals that will help you achieve healthier outcomes. While fitness trackers are certainly a useful tool, it can be challenging to find one that serves your best interests. With so many different trackers on the web and in the retail stores, how do you determine the best one for your needs? Here are ten of the top wearable fitness trackers that have made their way to the top of the ranks with regards to function, style, and design.As with all of our “Reviews or Sponsored Posts”this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase List Land will receive a commission. We only review and feature products that we think you’ll love because we cherish our readers and want you to keep coming back.
10TomTom Spark 3
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9Garmin Vivofit 2
If you are seeking something a bit smaller and much sleeker, the Garmin Vivofit 2 is a good alternative. This is an excellent fitness tracker for someone who is looking to track the basics. While it is not the best for avid runners or advanced athletes, it has everything one would need to ensure they are staying active and living a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps one of the nicest aspects of the Garmin Vivofit 2 is how small and thin it is. While there were complaints associated with the fit of former models, Garmin made sure to include a secure strap with two holes to ensure that the band would not fall off during intense activity. The result is a black band that fits securely and comfortably on your wrist. It is not too big and bulky, and blends nicely as a fashion item. The Garmin Vivofit 2 features a small, coin-sized battery that stays charged for upwards of a year. Compared to most other models, this eliminates the need to carry a charger around. On top of this, the battery can be worn in the shower or the pool, making it a brilliant choice for those who are in or around the water on a regular basis. With a sleek interface that displays the time and how many steps you have taken, you no longer need to haul your phone around to check how far you have traveled. This fitness tracker also features a built in stopwatch, which makes circuit and interval training a breeze. The Garmin Vivofit is easy to use, easy to read, and is the perfect platform for someone looking to increase their activity level.
8The Nike+ Fuelband SE
If you are a fan of Nike brand gear and apparel, you may want to consider the Nike+ Fuelband SE for your next big purchase. The Nike+ Fuelband SE offers a little bit of everything in one compact and comfortable band. Although this fitness tracker has been on the market for some time now, it remains one of the top wearable fitness trackers for numerous reasons. One of the most impressive features of the Nike+ Fuelband SE is that you can start your activity session with the simple click of a button. You no longer have to wait to pull up an app on your phone and hit ‘start’ to begin. What’s nicer, perhaps, is that you can tag all of your activities in your smartphone at the end of the day. As long as you remember the time of day each activity was completed, the Nike+ Fuelband SE allows you to upload all of your daily exercise with ease. This fitness tracker comes in small, medium, and large sizes so that you can find the best fit for the most accurate results. Compared to some other fitness trackers on the market that are one size fits all, the Nike+ Fuelband SE allows you to find your perfect fit by ordering your size and then adding or removing links until it fits securely on your wrist. In terms of charging, this fitness tracker features an outlet that allows you to charge it quickly and efficiently with a USB port. With the Nike+ Fuelband SE, you can monitor your heart rate, count calories, and steps, as well as set incremental goals, all with the simple click of a button. In terms of convenience, the Nike+ Fuelband SE is one of a kind.
7Fitbit Charge HR
The Fitbit Charge HR is another wearable fitness tracker that tops the ranks based on functionality and design. While people have reported inaccuracy with this tracker, it remains one of the oldest and most consistent trackers in the market. In terms of the design, the Fitbit Charge HR is slightly larger than some of the other trackers you may have seen. Although it is slightly larger, it is colorful, comfortable, and fun. It doesn’t look like your standard tracker; rather, it comes in several different colors and looks more like a normal watch than anything else. It features a full watch straps that securely clasps around your wrist. For those who are very active, this is a definite perk. It stays securely fastened during the most turbulent activities. One of the downfalls of this tracker is that it is not waterproof. Many of its competitors are. This is only a downfall, however, if you plan to wear it in the shower or in the pool. While the Charge HR is no longer sold direct through the maker, you can find it online for unbeatable prices at many different retailers. If you are looking to track the basics and are interested in wearing a consistent heart rate monitor with a built-in alarm cycle, the Fitbit Charge HR is a viable and stylish option.
6UA Band
Another top fitness band is the UA Band. Designed by the well-known fitness apparel company, Under Armour, this band does a little bit of everything. It ranks as one of the best wearable fitness bands due to the fact that it combines application integration and fitness tracking incredibly well as compared to some of its competitors. When it comes to style and design, this fitness tracker is relatively simple when compared to others on the market. There are no bold colors or designs. The band is made entirely of rubber and is somewhat masculine looking at first glance. While it is made from rubber, the band is flexible and fits comfortably on your wrist, without pulling out any arm hair. As a result, the band is also waterproof, which makes it another great option for those who sweat a lot or who wear their fitness tracker in the shower or the pool. The UA band is easy to read and easy to use. With a simple flick of a button, you can swipe through different activities to get to the one that you want. It tracks your heart rate, calories burned, steps taken, and the amount of time you slept. It even has an alarm function that buzzes to awaken you after a long night’s sleep. The UA Band works in conjunction with the UA Record application, which keeps track of all of your fitness information and goals. As far as apps go, it is one of the most user-friendly and comprehensive apps on the market. While charging the UA Band can be a bit problematic due to its magnetic charging port, it is a top-notch band that presents itself as a competitive option in a rather robust wellness market.
5Jawbone UP3
Jawbone users everywhere know that there are quite a few jawbone options on the market. Between the older versions and the Jawbone UP 2 and 3, how do you determine which one best suits your fitness needs? While any Jawbone model will certainly do the trick, the Jawbone UP 3 is new and improved and consistently tops the ranks when it comes to wearable fitness trackers. The beautiful thing about the Jawbone UP 3 is that it is much less expensive than some other models on the market, but does just about everything some of the pricier models do. At first glance, the Jawbone UP 3 features a comfortable band with a secure clasp that keeps the tracker in place during bouts of activity. It is slim and lightweight in design. Much like the Fitbit Charge HR, the Jawbone UP 3 is not waterproof. According to the makers, it is simple ‘splashproof’. Although it cannot be worn in the water, it holds up well during everyday activities that require the use of water, such as washing your hands or cleaning the dishes. This particular fitness tracker helps to keep tabs on your sleep cycles, heart rate, steps, and calories expended during the course of a typical day. Unlike some of its competitors, this fitness tracker does not have a screen, so you do have to rely on your smartphone to sift through your fitness data. One of the best aspects of the Jawbone UP 3 is that it has a ‘smart coach’ feature on its app, which guides people through goal setting and accomplishment. For someone who is looking to add a bit of activity to their life for a fair price, this Jawbone UP 3 is an excellent, long-term option.
4Fitbit Flex 2
If you are a swimmer or love to be in the water, the Fitbit Flex 2 is the fitness tracker for you. The Fitbit Flex 2 stands out among the rest in terms of its swim tracking ability. While many other trackers lack this feature, the Fitbit Flex 2 is water resistant and able to track your laps in the pool with ease. In addition to being a water warrior, the Fitbit Flex 2 is slimmer than some of the other Fitbit models, sleeker, ultralight, and downright comfortable to wear daily. Instead of a computerized display to show your stats, the band has five LED lights that light up when you receive texts, calls, and activity reminders. Unfortunately, you do need to remember what each light stands for, but this is a unique way to stay on top of things. When you reach your daily goals, all five lights will light up at the same time. All of your activity can be tracked with the help of the Fitbit app. This is really the brains behind any of the Fitbit activity trackers. From the app, you can view how many steps you have accumulated throughout the day, track your heart rate, set your goals, and access your sleep data. The app is easy to use and understand. For those who are looking for something a bit more advanced, the Fitbit Flex 2 tends to be relatively simple when it comes to fitness trackers. However, for those who are looking to move from the couch to the treadmill, or to swim a few laps at the local pool, this is the perfect wearable fitness tracker that will help you get moving in no time.
3Microsoft Band 2
The Microsoft Band 2 is unique in many ways. It tops the list for its functionality, efficiency, and design, although it is not necessarily considered a wearable fitness tracker, per say. The Band 2 is a second generation Microsoft product that does help people live healthier and more active lifestyles. The primary purpose of the product, however, is to enhance smartphone use, while allowing users to be more mindful and present in their existing space. The device looks similar to many of the other fitness trackers that have been discussed. The black band features a metallic lining and soft, smooth, comfortable finish. Compared to the first generation product, Microsoft paid attention to the design of this particular item to make it more appealing for everyday wear. While it is a bit bigger than some of its competitors, it is fashionable for everyday use. With a built-in GPS tracking system, this device can do many of things an Apple watch can do at a fraction of the price. For fitness enthusiasts, this tracker can count your steps, track your heart rate, quantify your calorie burning ability throughout the day, and track the quality of your sleep. In addition, it can be used to track a wide range of athletic activities with precision and care. On the flip side, this device can also be used to read email, view social media notifications, and view your daily calendar. The touchscreen is unique and allows for easy access. Overall, if you are looking for a multi-functional fitness tracker that you can wear with pride, the Microsoft Band 2 is a hidden gem that certainly won’t disappoint.
2Samsung Gear Fit 2
If you are looking to stay motivated with your fitness endeavors, the Samsung Gear Fit 2 is bound to be your prime workout partner. Much like the Microsoft Band 2, the Samsung Gear Fit 2 is a cross between a smartphone and a wearable fitness tracker. This device enables you to stay on top of your fitness goals, while also staying connected to the world around you. The Gear Fit 2 comes in a few different colors. The band is a bit wider, but is available in two different sizes so that you can find the most comfortable fit for your needs. The device is compatible with most Android phones, so tracking your activity is as easy as one, two, and three! With built-in GPS, you can track how far you walk or run. This device also features multi-sport tracking, so it knows whether you are running, walking, or using the elliptical and can track steps and pace accordingly. In addition, this device allows you to read emails and other notifications right from your wrist. You don’t need to fret over missing important notifications. With a water-resistant design, this activity tracker also allows you to play your favorite music while you work out. With an easy to read interface and sleek design, this activity tracker is hands down one of the best.
1Fitbit Charge 2
The Fitbit Charge 2 tops the list as one of the best wearable fitness trackers that you can buy. On virtually every list, it has ranked high on style, design, function, and ease of use. Although this tracker is not waterproof and does not have built-in GPS, it does a number of other things exceptionally well. For those who are not in or around water and who don’t need a GPS tracker for running, well, the Fitbit Charge 2 is an excellent option for a fashionable, everyday fitness tracker. With a sleek band and a large interface, this device allows you to watch the time and view your heart rate and step count all at the same time. You don’t have to toggle through numerous screens to access the information you want. A unique aspect of this fitness tracker is that it contains a particular mindfulness app called “Relax” that helps you to track your breathes when you need it most. Based on your heart rate, it prompts you to focus on your breathing, take a few deep breaths, and be mindful of the moment and place you are in at any given point in time. Sure, tracking your heart rate, step count, and distance are all important. In our fast-paced world, however, we all could use some mindful moments. The Fitbit Charge 2 allows you to take complete control of your health and your life from a convenient, easy to use, and affordably priced wristband. Compared to many others in the market, this activity tracker can’t be beat.
Conclusion
If you are looking for some extra motivation to get off the couch and get back to the gym, an activity tracker can do the trick. Gone are the days when you have to carry a pedometer or access your fitness information from your phone. In many cases, nowadays, you can track your heart rate, sleep cycles, step count, and calories burned right from a fashionable, little device that you wear on your wrist. While there are certainly many to choose from, and they all have different features, these are ten of the best that simply can’t be beat.
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