Wellness

Fitness Trackers Reviews

Kendra Bean
Kendra Bean27 Dec 2022

Multiple types of fitness trackers are available on the market, all with distinct features, functionality, price, and much more. Choosing the right watch for you, or wrapping it as a Christmas present, can be confusing, but we are Mira here to break down your best options when shopping for one.

Best Fitness Trackers

The first ever fitness tracker emerged in 1965, and the world has not looked back. There are dozens of options for you, and you should consider your preferences when selecting. We looked at multiple models of each fitness tracker brand. We assessed their price point, durability, accuracy, and battery life, among other features. The table below outlines some of the best trackers we found during our research, organizing them by price and listing essential functions.

Fitness Tracker

Price

Key Functions

Amazon Halo View$35
  • Battery life of up to 1 week
  • Budget Friendly
  • Measures SpO2 (Oxygen Saturation)
Fitbit Charge 5$130
  • Battery Life of 7 days or 5 hours with GPS
  • Water Resistant up to 50 m
  • Sleep tracker
Garmin Vivoactive 4s$160
  • Battery life of 8 days or 15 hours with GPS
  • Smartphone and Bluetooth Capabilities
  • Sleep Tracker
Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged $159
  • Battery life of 30 hours to 68 days
  • Solar Powered
Coros Apex$300
  • Ultra-durable battery life of 24 days or 24 hours with GPS
  • Water resistant up to 328ft
  • Sleep tracker

Fitbit Charge 5: Best Overall

Source: Fitbit.com 

We ranked the Fitbit Charge 5 as the best overall for many reasons. Fitbit's newest model includes features usually only found on the more expensive trackers, making the Fitbit Charge 5 a great deal. Garmin may have an edge in fitness accuracy. Still, Fitbit makes up for that with its sleep-tracking accuracy and stylish design. This watch can be bought online or in the store for prices ranging from $130-$179. It has a battery life of 7 days when just in watch mode and 5 hours in GPS mode. Below we've outlined the main pros and cons of the Fitbit Charge 5.

Pros

Cons

  • Built-in GPS
  • ECG Monitor
  • Bright display that’s easy to read in direct sunlight
  • Minimal buttons decreased usability
  • Need to purchase an additional monthly membership for full watch use
  • Small screen

Amazon Halo View: Best for Budget

Source: Best Buy

The Amazon Halo View locks in as one of the most affordable fitness trackers on the market. It is perfect for you if you are interested in purchasing a fitness tracker and want to track the basics - heart rate, sleep, etc. Purchase of this watch comes with a free year of the premium Halo membership, but after that youʻll be paying $3.99 a month. Amazon Halo View is great for someone wanting to start on a path to fitness but wants to do so on a budget. Below we’ve outlined the pros and cons of the Amazon Halo View.

Pros

Cons

  • Extremely affordable
  • Discrete design
  • Multiple color design options
  • Requires monthly membership beyond the purchase of the watch (1st year free)
  • No GPS functionality
  • Proven to not be as accurate in tracking heart rate

Garmin Vivoactive 4s: Best for Accuracy

Source: Amazon

The Garmin Vivoactive 4s has consistently ranked best for accuracy when it comes to fitness trackers. It has many pre-loaded activities ready to be tracked when you hit “Start” and has a built-in GPS. This watch is great for exercise tracking, whatever your activity may be, and has a great water resistance depth. Below we’ve outlined the main pros and cons of the Garmin Vivoactive 4s.

Pros

Cons

  • Smaller lightweight design
  • Keeps track of your energy levels
  • Comprehensive fitness features include: Pulse Ox, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, estimated heart, hydration, and more
  • Requires multiple apps to truly track activity levels
  • Many notifications are given by app
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Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged: Best for Durability

Source: Best Buy

We’ve ranked the Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged as the most durable fitness watch around, as this watch has been constructed to U.S. military standards. It features many health tracking applications to monitor your heart rate, pulse ox, menstrual cycle, and more. With its solar power capabilities, the battery life is exceptional. It is highly endorsed by triathletes and fitness fanatics. Below we’ve outlined the main pros and cons of the Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged.

Pros

Cons

  • Multiple battery-saving modes to extend your watch’s battery life
  • 20+ built-in fitness apps
  • Water resistant up to 100m
  • Limited functionality when paired with iPhone
  • Extremely bulky design
  • Needs a lot of sunlight for the battery to charge

Coros Apex: Best for Battery Life

Source: PlayBetter

We ranked the Coros Apex for best battery life as it can last up to 24 days with regular use! With GPS on, it can last around 24 hours. The watch is on the more expensive side, with a price point of $300. It has a very simple design with an easy interface to navigate. Reviews rank it as a great watch for those with smaller wrist,  as it is not as bulky as its Coros counterparts. This watch was designed with athletes in mind and is promoted by top triathletes, marathoners, and many others. Below we’ve outlined the main pros and cons of the Coros Apex. 

Pros

Cons

  • Built-in GPS
  • Extremely advanced fitness metrics
  • Battery saving mode feature that can triple your battery life
  • Expensive
  • No touch screen
  • Bulky design

Fitness Trackers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Consider this additional information when it comes to fitness trackers. 

Can I Rely On My Fitness Tracker to Track My Medical Condition?

No. None of these fitness devices are medical devices that can be relied on for diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions. Fitness trackers attempt to track information as accurately as reasonably possible but should never be relied upon. If you have concerns about your health, you should see a doctor.

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What About Apple Watches?

Apple watches are also a viable option for fitness trackers. However, they are often referred to as smartwatches due to their complex features. Apple watches allow you to complete phone calls and texts, check your emails, and much much more. That being said, they also offer great tracking options for different activities, your heart rate, sleep, etc.

What Are Other Things I Should Look For In a Fitness Tracker?

Among its price, durability, accuracy, and battery life, you should consider a few other things when searching for and purchasing a fitness tracker. These include the style, size of your wrist, water resistance, and display.

Bottom Line

When it comes to fitness trackers, the options are far and wide. Garmin, Amazon, Fitbit, and Coros Apex are the four watches we at Mira have decided may be worthy of your time. They rank for different reasons among the categories of best overall for your budget, durability, battery life, and accuracy. Choosing a fitness tracker that meets your needs is of the utmost importance. Therefore you should take some time to ensure the features, battery life, accuracy, etc., are what you need. 

Understanding and tracking your fitness is just as important as high-quality, affordable health care. With a Mira membership, you can access urgent care visits, affordable lab testing, and virtual care for an average of $45 per month. Keep your health a priority, and sign up for Mira today!

Kendra Bean

Kendra Bean is from Maui, Hawaiʻi. She is currently enrolled at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in Epidemiology. She is passionate about improving health literacy and access to care, specifically in rural areas.

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