The Verge May 6, 03:30 PM
Here are the fitness trackers I actually recommend Why do you want a fitness tracker? This is the first question I ask any time I’m asked to recommend a device.
The number-one rule of wearable tech is that it has to be something you actually want to wear. So instead of molding yourself to a device, it’s better to pick something that isn’t too hard to slot into the life you already lead. The tech specs will fall into place once you’re honest with yourself about who you are and where you’re currently at. You can always revisit your choice once you’ve leveled up, but buying for who you want to be someday isn’t helpful.
Are you a couch potato who wants to hit 10,000 steps a day? Are you a gym rat who prioritizes lifting heavy? Do you have absolutely no idea, but have a vague vision of six-pack abs and know you have an Android phone? There are a zillion permutations, but in my experience, people typically fall into a handful of categories.
Here’s what I recommend for each.
Casual wellness seekers
It’s nigh impossible to escape the barrage of health metrics and scores these days. But if it’s possible, you’d like to. All you really want is credit for the activity you do and some insight into how your sleep is, screw the bells and whistles. Also, you’d be caught dead wearing a hockey-sized puck on your arm. If that’s you, I’d recommend a Fitbit Charge 6 or an Oura Ring 4. Both work regardless of what phone you have and are good at getting you the basics with minimal overwhelm.
Oura Ring 4
Score: 9
ProsCons
More sizes
Slimmer design
Expanded auto workout detection
Redesigned app
Better battery life
Subscription required to get all features
I still wish this had a charging case
Where to Buy:
$349 at Amazon
$349 at Best Buy
$349 at Oura
The Oura Ring is the more stylish of the two. It’s the better option if you’d prefer to keep your wrist free or would rather notifications stay on your phone. I vouch for shelling out a smidge extra for the ceramic version. (In my years of testing, I find the metal finishes scratch easily. Whatever you do, skip rose gold. It doesn’t hold up well.) It’s a little more annoying to get, and I don’t advise skipping the sizing kit. Your fingers will swell and shrink depending on the weather, so you want to see how a ring size fits over 24 hours. I’d also keep this in mind if you plan on losing a significant amount of weight. I hate that it comes with a $6 monthly subscription, but it’s a good product, and as far as wearable subscriptions go, it’s among the most affordable.
Fitbit Charge 6
Score: 7
ProsCons
Solid fitness and health tracking feature set
It’s $20 cheaper!
Adds more apps
Can broadcast HR to fitness equipment
The haptic button is better than the groove
YouTube Music is the only option and that’s $11 monthly
The Fitbit-Google transition is a lil bumpy
It’s not a physical side button
Where to Buy:
$159.95 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 $119.95 at Best Buy
$159.95 $119.95 at Google
Go for the Fitbit Charge 6 if you’d like to see the time or stats