Best Fitness Trackers for 2025: Track Your Health with StyleBest health & fitness
By Ethan Clarke
Fitness trackers have evolved into essential tools for monitoring health, activity, and wellness goals. Whether you’re a casual walker, a dedicated athlete, or someone focused on sleep and stress management, the right fitness tracker can help you stay on track. After extensive research and testing, we’ve rounded up the best fitness trackers for 2025, balancing accuracy, features, and value to suit a range of needs and budgets.
What to Look for in a Fitness Tracker
Choosing the perfect fitness tracker depends on your goals and lifestyle. Here are the key factors to consider:
Activity Tracking
Look for trackers that monitor steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. Advanced models offer sport-specific modes for running, cycling, swimming, or yoga, with accurate heart rate and GPS tracking for outdoor activities.
Health Monitoring
Modern trackers go beyond steps, offering features like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, sleep analysis, and stress management. Some even include body temperature sensors or ECG capabilities for deeper health insights.
Battery Life
Battery life varies widely. Bands typically last 5–10 days, while smartwatch-style trackers with vibrant displays may need charging every 2–5 days. Quick charging is a bonus for busy users.
Design and Comfort
A lightweight, comfortable design is crucial for all-day wear, especially during workouts or sleep. Water resistance (5ATM or higher) is essential for swimming or sweaty sessions. Consider band materials and display size for both style and functionality.
App Integration
A user-friendly app enhances the experience, providing detailed data and insights. Compatibility with iOS, Android, and third-party apps like Strava or MyFitnessPal adds versatility.
Budget
Fitness trackers range from $50 to $300. Budget models focus on core metrics, while premium options add smartwatch features like notifications, music controls, or contactless payments.
Our Top Fitness Trackers for 2025
Based on thorough research and industry expertise, here are our top picks for fitness trackers, catering to various priorities and price points.
Best Overall: Fitbit Charge 6
- Type: Band
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days
- Weight: 1.3 ounces
- Key Features: Built-in GPS, ECG, SpO2, Google Wallet integration
The Fitbit Charge 6 remains the gold standard for fitness tracking, blending robust health features with smart functionality. It offers accurate heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS for outdoor workouts, and advanced metrics like SpO2 and skin temperature. The vibrant AMOLED display is easy to read, and integration with Google Wallet and Maps adds convenience. Its sleek design and week-long battery life make it ideal for daily wear.
Pros:
- Comprehensive health tracking, including sleep and stress.
- Reliable GPS and heart rate accuracy.
- Seamless app with actionable insights.
Cons:
- Premium features require Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Slightly bulkier than some bands.
Why Choose Fitbit Charge 6?
Perfect for users seeking a balance of fitness tracking, smart features, and long battery life.
Price: ~$150 at major retailers
Best for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 165
- Type: Smartwatch
- Battery Life: Up to 11 days
- Weight: 1.4 ounces
- Key Features: AMOLED display, advanced running metrics, GPS
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a runner’s dream, offering precise GPS tracking, pace analysis, and training status insights. Its bright AMOLED display is readable in sunlight, and the lightweight design ensures comfort during long runs. It also tracks sleep, stress, and heart rate variability (HRV), making it a versatile choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Tailored metrics for runners and cyclists.
- Long battery life for extended use.
- Durable, water-resistant design (5ATM).
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features compared to competitors.
- Higher price for a fitness-focused device.
Why Choose Garmin Forerunner 165?
Ideal for runners and athletes who need detailed performance data.
Price: ~$250 at major retailers
Best Budget Option: Xiaomi Smart Band 9
- Type: Band
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days
- Weight: 0.9 ounces
- Key Features: Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, 5ATM water resistance
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 delivers exceptional value with core fitness tracking at an affordable price. It monitors steps, heart rate, sleep, and calories, with a bright 1.62-inch AMOLED display. Its 14-day battery life is unmatched in its class, and the lightweight design is perfect for all-day wear.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery for minimal charging.
- Affordable without sacrificing key features.
- Comfortable for workouts and sleep tracking.
Cons:
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone GPS).
- Basic app compared to premium brands.
Why Choose Xiaomi Smart Band 9?
Great for budget-conscious users who want reliable tracking without extra frills.
Price: ~$60 at major retailers
Best Smartwatch Hybrid: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
- Type: Smartwatch
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Weight: 1.1 ounces
- Key Features: Crash detection, heart rate alerts, iOS integration
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) blends fitness tracking with smartwatch versatility, making it a top pick for iPhone users. It tracks workouts, heart rate, and sleep, with features like crash detection and irregular heart rhythm notifications. The watchOS ecosystem offers seamless integration with Apple Health and third-party apps.
Pros:
- Robust health and safety features.
- Sleek design with customizable watch faces.
- Strong app ecosystem for fitness and productivity.
Cons:
- Short battery life requires daily charging.
- iOS-only compatibility limits Android users.
Why Choose Apple Watch SE?
Perfect for Apple users wanting a stylish tracker with smartwatch perks.
Price: ~$200 at major retailers
Best for Health Insights: Whoop 4.0
- Type: Band
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Key Features: Strain tracking, recovery scores, no-display design
The Whoop 4.0 focuses on in-depth health metrics, tracking strain, recovery, and sleep with unparalleled detail. Its screenless design prioritizes data-driven insights via a robust app, ideal for users focused on optimizing wellness. The subscription model unlocks full features, including personalized coaching.
Pros:
- Advanced health metrics for recovery and performance.
- Comfortable, minimalist design for 24/7 wear.
- Water-resistant for swimming and showers.
Cons:
- Requires subscription for full functionality.
- No display for quick stat checks.
Why Choose Whoop 4.0?
Best for health enthusiasts who want detailed analytics without a bulky device.
Price: ~$239 (device) + subscription at major retailers
How We Selected These Fitness Trackers
Our recommendations stem from hands-on testing, user feedback, and industry expertise. We evaluated trackers based on:
- Accuracy: Precision in heart rate, GPS, and sleep tracking.
- Features: Health monitoring, smart capabilities, and app quality.
- Battery Life: Duration and charging convenience.
- Comfort: Fit and design for all-day use.
- Value: Performance relative to price.
We considered real-world scenarios like workouts, sleep tracking, and daily wear to ensure our picks meet diverse needs.
Final Thoughts
The best fitness tracker for you depends on your goals—whether it’s running marathons, monitoring health, or staying connected. The Fitbit Charge 6 leads as the all-around champion, while the Garmin Forerunner 165 excels for runners, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers budget-friendly value, the Apple Watch SE blends smartwatch features, and the Whoop 4.0 dives deep into health insights. No matter your focus, these 2025 picks deliver style and performance to keep you moving forward.
Ready to track your fitness journey? Explore these top fitness trackers and find your perfect match today!
