Unlike with a non-smart watch, setting the time on a smartwatch is simply a matter of syncing the device to your phone via Bluetooth, using the relevant app. We have a separate guide to the best Android smartwatches, but in general the answer will depend on which phone you use. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is our top choice for Android users overall, but it really comes into its own if you pair it with a Samsung Galaxy phone.
How to choose the best fitness tracker
- StretchIt doesn’t provide the option to log one-off sessions like a run or gym workout.
- Hevy, Strava, and Nike Training Club have great free versions, so consider starting with them based on your workout style and primary goals.
- So, we recommend using separate apps for cardio and strength – for instance, Hevy with Strava.
- Most apps sync through Apple Health, allowing workout data and activity metrics to be shared across platforms.
- Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).
- Daily Burn excels at exactly this combination, while Noom and MyFitnessPal pair well with it for the nutrition side.
JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience. Whether you’re interested in getting stronger, improving your agility, or chilling out with some yoga or Pilates, the Nike Training Club app has you covered. I will say, though, that Zwift does a great job of bringing outdoor rides into your home thanks to its video-game-style design. As you train, Fitbod tracks your progress and even shows a heat map of your recent training, allowing you to see which muscles have been trained. Muscle Booster has no shortage of perfect 5-out-of-5 scores from our tester, though its interactive features and overall value leave a little to be desired.
The Best Walking Workouts for Weight Loss in 2026: 12-3-30, Japanese Walking, Hot Girl Walk, and More
For a beginner who just wants to log sets and track progressive overload (gradually increasing the weight or reps to keep making gains), Hevy’s free tier is the clear starting point. Overall, Runna is a strong option if you want the benefits of a structured running plan without paying for an in-person coach. But the lackluster wearable connectivity is a significant drawback—especially if you do most of your training outside. If you’re an avid Apple customer, Apple Fitness might be the first fitness tracker you try.
Key Features
Relatively new to the running app market, Stride allows you to track your runs and walks via your phone’s GPS and play against other users nearby to control the biggest territory. You can play with neighbours or friends for champion status, and you’ll get rewarded for determination over speed. I’m currently using Coopah to train for my second marathon, and I’ve been really impressed by how the app takes my goals and recent running mileage into account. Instead of throwing you into intense paces right from the start, it eases you in while still focusing on every aspect of improving your performance.
The Outsiders: Athlete Tracker
It’s bigger and bulkier than the standard Apple Watch and has the S10 processor, enabling those gestures in addition to the new Find My features with Dual Ultra Wideband. The free home workout apps titanium body is now 3D-printed, in a process which is allegedly better for the environment. Honor’s Band basically riffs off Huawei’s Band design so you can expect a similar look, and onboard tracking smarts here too. The Huawei Band 7 look-alike does a good job delivering those core fitness tracking stats. It also provides all your usual smartwatch functions, with music playback, calls and contactless payments. Our expert praised the ultra-slim, lightweight design, saying it felt comfortable to wear for hours on end.
Free Calorie Counting Apps That Actually Stay Free
The Whoop’s step count totals on our one- mile tests were very close to those recorded on a Fitbit Inspire 3, coming within 100 steps on most attempts. With a battery that lasted just under two weeks on a single charge in our tests, the device is very much designed so you can wear it and forget it. A tracker’s GPS accuracy (whether it has its own onboard GPS or uses your smartphone’s) is okay but not perfect (GPS rarely is). More-advanced metrics — such as breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and A-fib (atrial fibrillation) detection — are best viewed as guides, not replacements for medical assessments. This easy-to-use tracker is comfortable to wear all day and provides accurate measurements, without too much clutter on the homescreen.
User-Friendly, But Some Post-Workout Data Lacks Detail
TR[Ai]NER by Element 26 is our pick for the best AI workout app because it offers detailed, immersive training programs that you can modify at any time based on your performance and post-session feedback. As far as user experience is concerned, we experienced no bugs or lagging when navigating the app features. Our tester also appreciated how Future can be used across their smartwatch for added convenience during training. You can also stream your daily workouts to a nearby TV or monitor for larger viewing needs. We found this especially helpful when tackling new, challenging exercises we hadn’t experienced before.
Future Pro: Personal Training
For iPhone users who want the best balance of smart features and fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the most seamless, full-featured option on the market. It covers nearly everything you’d expect from a fitness tracker — and much of what your phone can do — in a sleek, lightweight package. While it doesn’t auto-track activity, I found the workout stats it displays to be spot-on, easy to read mid-exercise, and customizable enough to highlight what you actually care about (like heart rate zones or pace splits). The daily suggested workouts, pace guidance, and smart wake alarms make it feel like a personal coach on your wrist — not just a step counter.
Can I use a fitness tracker without a smartphone?
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise during perimenopause may help reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support bone density — all areas Menovation’s workout library directly addresses. Research published by the NIH suggests that resistance training is particularly beneficial for women during this life stage, helping preserve muscle mass that naturally declines with hormonal changes. This aligns with broader principles of muscle building for women, which emphasize consistent resistance training. Menovation is the most purpose-built perimenopause fitness app currently available. It was designed specifically for women 40+ navigating perimenopause and menopause, and it shows in every feature choice.
What makes a good fitness tracker?
Petra Mendoza, a fan of Down Dog, used it for prenatal yoga throughout her pregnancy. Depending on which watch you buy, you’ll also be able to use the app to access Garmin’s advanced training metrics. Under the Performance Stats tab of the Garmin Connect app you can see your Training Status, VO2 Max, Race Predictor, and Training Readiness Score, amongst others. Clicking into each tab gives you more data, as well as more information about what each metric means — you can find out more by clicking on the Help section in the top right corner when you’re in a data screen. In essence, it’s very similar to the Runna app featured above, but Coopah comes at a slightly lower price point. So, if you’re looking to save a bit of money, I’d highly recommend giving Coopah a go.
I also let my fiancé—who often goes on long-distance runs and rucks—give it a spin. When I first unboxed it, the square screen and thick silicone band immediately reminded me of the Fitbit Versa, and based on its comparable tracking options, I can confirm it’s a pretty solid dupe. For reference, the newest model of the Fitness Versa, the Versa 4, retails for around $200. You don’t need to spend more than $100 on a fitness tracker that gets the job done.
This platform, which ranges from $15 to $39 per month, offers a library of 10,000-plus workouts streamed right to your phone/tablet or integrated cardio machine. The massive workout selection is led by more than 180 trainers, helping you find the right fit for your training style. Another tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, used Caliber Premium to work with a coach for a customized strength training routine.
It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings via the app. One of the newer safety features on the Strava app is called the Beacon, which lets you share your location in real time with an emergency contact. The app’s creators believe that connection is the best way to stick to your goals.
Recent Comments