The best affordable fitness trackers for 2024.
We present a selection of the best affordable activity trackers that you can purchase for under $100, based on testing conducted by the magazine's editors.
There are affordable options to meet your health goals and track your fitness without having to spend a fortune. Currently, even low-cost activity trackers come equipped with features that allow you to monitor heart rate, count steps, and even analyze sleep stages. Many of these budget-friendly alternatives offer GPS tracking for outdoor running, real-time heart rate monitoring, and are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. Some even provide information about daily readiness, making it easier to decide between an intense workout or a lighter day. From simple step counters to more advanced running watches, affordable fitness trackers are useful tools on the path to better health without seriously affecting your wallet.
When searching for an economical activity tracker, there are three essential features to consider: a program for logging activities, the option to monitor sleep stages, and the ability to measure parameters like heart rate and blood oxygen levels, although the accuracy may not be very high. Don’t expect more advanced features like blood pressure monitoring, as that would require a more expensive device like the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which costs over $400.
An affordable tracker is ideal for those looking to achieve easily attainable goals, such as walking 10,000 steps before dusk or doing 30 minutes of HIIT exercise. On the other hand, an experienced runner training for a triathlon might opt for pricier devices that measure cadence or ground contact time and offer personalized workouts, different sports modes, or deeper data analysis. Generally, an economical tracker should be able to offer monitoring of more activities beyond walking and running; otherwise, it would simply be a pedometer. The variety of activities it can log varies: some consider skateboarding as exercise, while others fail to detect a jump.
In this price range, you can expect the device to measure a set of cardiovascular activities, machine workouts, and strength exercises. Depending on the model, you might receive a numerical or visual breakdown of your heart rate activity, overall pace, and calories burned during each session. While some budget trackers provide a fairly good overview of heart rate zones during a workout, a more advanced device could explain the results better and guide you on how to maintain a specific zone to maximize fat burning during each session. In general, more affordable devices tend to be less effective in providing smart advice or predictive analysis.
Monitoring and planning for recovery are also essential elements in any wellness journey. A device costing less than $100 should provide information on sleep duration and a breakdown of deep, light, and REM sleep stages. However, you may not receive a “sleep score” or information on how to improve your rest; that data is usually found in more expensive devices. Additionally, since these trackers are not specifically designed to be worn at night, it’s advisable to pay attention to comfort, as the bands and screens of these budget devices may not be the most suitable for a good night’s sleep.
Connectivity and functionality are aspects to consider. Not all activity trackers, whether budget-friendly or not, are designed to integrate seamlessly with a smartphone. The devices analyzed do not allow you to make calls or send messages to contacts on a paired iPhone or Android; however, they can show and dismiss calls and notifications via Bluetooth. Generally, budget trackers also do not include built-in GPS, so they rely on a connected smartphone to gather location data. This limits accuracy in tracking distance or pace for outdoor activities and does not allow for walking directions or while running errands.
Regarding design, lower-priced trackers may be more challenging to operate than an advanced smartwatch. Whether due to screen size or lack of an intuitive interface, don’t expect all functions to be directly accessible from your wrist. Frequently, you will need to pull out your phone to log data or access more detailed health information. The quality of the screens and materials of the devices varies, so don’t expect the highest resolution OLED screens, but you can rely on a certain level of sweat and water resistance.
Among the standout devices is the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, characterized by its easy navigation, user-friendly interface, and comfortable design, making it ideal for sleep. This device has everything you would expect from an activity tracker at an accessible price. Its 1.62-inch AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, and its interface allows you to explore functionalities easily. Performance reports are particularly detailed, and this band doesn’t require downloading exercises from the app to start tracking; you can immediately monitor specific activities like skiing. After finishing an activity, you receive data such as heart rate, pace, and calories burned. One highlight of this device is its "Pebble" mode, which allows you to secure the tracker to your shoelaces for running and cycling data. Additionally, it is lightweight and comfortable for sleeping, with impressive battery performance promising up to two weeks of use with just half an hour of charging.
Another device to consider is the Amazfit Band 7, which also features a wide range of preloaded exercises. This model includes an option to set personalized goals and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 days. It implements a unique system called PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) that provides a score based on heart rate during all activities, encouraging users to maintain their cardiovascular health.
On the other hand, the Fitbit Inspire 3, while fulfilling its role for activity logging, is limited compared to other models and hides certain metrics behind a premium subscription system. This device can be comfortable for sleeping, and its battery life is adequate.
Lastly, the Wyze Watch 47c and Garmin Vivofit 4 did not meet expectations. The former is limited to tracking walks and runs, while the latter has a complicated interface that makes it difficult to use. Both models generally do not offer the expected functionalities for comprehensive activity tracking.
