When choosing a smartwatch for fitness, it’s important to consider factors like health tracking accuracy, battery life, durability, and the features that align with your specific fitness goals. Here are five of the best smartwatches for fitness as of 2024:
1. Garmin Forerunner 955
Best for: Advanced fitness tracking and athletes
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive fitness tracking (heart rate, VO2 max, lactate threshold, running power)
- Multisport modes (running, cycling, swimming, golf, etc.)
- Built-in GPS with real-time pace and distance tracking
- Advanced sleep tracking and recovery insights
- Long battery life (up to 15 days in smartwatch mode)
- Solar charging option (on the Forerunner 955 Solar model)
Why it’s great: Garmin is known for its accuracy in fitness metrics, and the Forerunner 955 offers advanced features tailored to athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts. The large selection of sports modes, combined with recovery insights, makes it ideal for training purposes.
2. Apple Watch Ultra
Best for: Fitness + outdoor adventure
- Key Features:
- Rugged titanium case, water-resistant up to 100m
- GPS + dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking
- Blood oxygen (SpO2), ECG, and heart rate monitoring
- Precision compass and altimeter for outdoor exploration
- 36-hour battery life (up to 60 hours in low power mode)
- Sleep tracking and fitness app integration (e.g., Apple Fitness+)
Why it’s great: The Apple Watch Ultra combines premium fitness features with robust outdoor tools like a compass, altitude tracking, and extreme durability. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who also want to track their workouts and health metrics in one device.
3. Coros Pace 2
Best for: Lightweight, budget-friendly fitness tracker for runners
- Key Features:
- Excellent GPS accuracy (dual-frequency GPS)
- Lightweight design (weighs only 29 grams)
- Advanced metrics for running (VO2 max, race predictor, lactate threshold)
- Up to 20 days of battery life (depending on use)
- Heart rate monitor and sleep tracking
- Compatible with third-party fitness apps like Strava
Why it’s great: The Coros Pace 2 is a top pick for runners looking for a lightweight, affordable watch without sacrificing advanced fitness tracking. It’s a solid choice for people who want a simple, effective tracker without the premium price tag.
4. Whoop Strap 4.0
Best for: Fitness tracking without a screen
- Key Features:
- No screen; designed for continuous monitoring (heart rate, sleep, recovery, strain)
- Focuses on recovery insights with personalized recommendations
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and strain tracking
- Battery lasts 5 days per charge
- Subscription-based service for in-depth analytics
Why it’s great: The Whoop Strap 4.0 is a unique option for those who want a non-intrusive, screenless device that focuses purely on fitness and recovery data. It’s ideal for athletes or fitness enthusiasts who want to optimize training and rest periods.
5. Polar Vantage V2
Best for: Multi-sport athletes and recovery tracking
- Key Features:
- Advanced heart rate monitoring and wrist-based heart rate tracking
- Multisport tracking with over 130 sports modes
- Full-color touchscreen and long battery life (up to 7 days in watch mode)
- Recovery and sleep tracking features
- Built-in GPS, barometric altimeter, and training load insights
- TrainingPeaks and Strava compatibility
Why it’s great: The Polar Vantage V2 is designed for athletes who require precise metrics across various sports, especially endurance athletes like runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Its detailed insights on recovery and training load make it a great choice for optimizing performance.