In the past, fitness trackers used to look purely functional, but manufacturers are now more aware of the style. There's a lot to consider when buying portable devices. From price and features to comfort and durability, here's the breakdown you need. You can choose one form factor over the other solely based on your preferences, but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
A clip or ring may be a good alternative if you don't like wearing a device on your wrist, but it might be easier to lose it than a watch with the strap on. From the start, fitness trackers can be much cheaper than smartwatches. This is usually due to the difference in functions and priorities. To begin with, a smartwatch is a portable device with a format similar to that of a normal wristwatch.
Connectivity, sensors and computer intelligence are just some of the aspects that differentiate them from normal wristwatches. Because you'll depend on your tracking device to inform you about different areas of your life, it should be able to provide accurate measurements. Unfortunately, smartwatches and fitness trackers aren't medically certified devices, so don't expect 100 percent accuracy. Fitbit's safety information indicates that, unless otherwise specified, Fitbit products and services are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The company adds that the accuracy of its products is not intended to match that of medical devices or scientific measurements. Water resistance is just as important when buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker. The good news is that many are shipping more and more with this ready-to-use feature. For example, Fitbit Charge 5 and Xiaomi Mi Band 6 offer water resistance up to 50 m (about 164 feet) deep.
The degree of water resistance varies from model to model, so check the specifications of each device you're considering. Think about your exercise habits before selecting a fitness tracker. If you're walking around your neighborhood for exercise, you probably don't need a durable tracker that can survive hours in the pool. However, if you spend your weekends climbing mountains, swimming in the ocean, or participating in triathlons, you need an extra durable fitness tracker.
If there's a chance that your tracker could be submerged in water, don't settle for a tracker that's only water resistant; you need a tracker that's water resistant. Depending on the monitor you buy, you can use your device from one or two days (Apple Watch and most WearOS devices) to an average of about a week (most Fitbit and Garmin fitness bands). The most demanding fitness watches are more likely to prioritize durability, downloadable maps, step-by-step navigation, and in-app training programs. Some fitness trackers also opt for integrated GPS, which means that the watch can be connected directly to GPS systems without using the phone.
