Fitness trackers have become increasingly sophisticated, blurring the line with smartwatches. However, according to a fitness gear expert who has tested many devices, the key difference is price: smartwatches typically cost over £300, while the best fitness trackers can be found for under £250, often much less. For those looking to build healthy habits without breaking the bank, these top picks offer excellent value.
The expert tested each tracker during swimming, running (20-30km), and strength training, rating them on accuracy, data readability, and ease of use. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 emerged as the top overall choice. Lightweight and comfortable, it offers over 80 preloaded sports modes and excels at running, with training plans and VO2 max insights via the Garmin Connect app. Pricier than some, it acts as a personal coach, making it a worthy investment.
For budget-conscious buyers, a tracker under £20 impressed with its automatic tracking of distance, calories, and activity, plus sleep data and call/message notifications. The Huawei Watch Fit Pro is the best under £100, offering Apple Watch-like features, continuous heart rate and stress tracking, and up to 10 days of battery life. Its clear on-screen data is a highlight, though the app can be fiddly.
Fitbit's Inspire 3 is the simplest, most user-friendly tracker for beginners, while the Garmin Vivoactive 6 remains the expert's top recommendation for its coaching capabilities. All trackers were tested rigorously, and full criteria are available in the guide.
