There’s nothing wrong with just huffing and puffing away at the gym. But when you’re ready to get more strategic about your workouts, you’re going to want one of the best fitness trackers. “Having the data gives you deeper insights into what’s actually going on — your effort, your strain over time, your progress,” says Kendall Wood, a fitness coach at Tonal. “And that can help you make more informed decisions about your training.”
There are tons of trackers out there, some of which can set you back almost as much as a month’s rent. So what do you actually need in a good one? Well, that depends on whether you want all the bells and whistles of a device you wear 24/7 to show the full gamut of exercise, stress, and sleep stats, or if you’re only after the basics, says Wood. If the latter, she suggests something with a good heart rate monitor.
You should also consider whether you want a tracker with an interface that gives you real-time feedback during your workouts or a screen-free option where you simply check your stats in an app later on. Similarly, I’d recommend considering cost — whether that’s upfront or an ongoing subscription.
As a fitness writer and certified running coach who’s tried just about every fitness tracker over the years, I’m here to guide you on the favorite options among pro athletes, budget-minded beginners, and the rest (who fall somewhere in between). No matter your own fitness style and goals, get ready to meet your new favorite workout buddy.
Read more: Best sleep trackers, reviewed
The best fitness trackers in the U.S. for 2026 are:Best overall — Garmin forerunner 265: Was $449.99, now $398, Amazon.comBest budget fitness tracker — Fitbit charge 6: Was $159.95, now $133.80, Amazon.comBest screen-free fitness tracker — Whoop 5.0: $199, Whoop.comBest for endurance athletes — Coros pace pro: $299, Amazon.comBest for outdoor enthusiasts — Apple Watch ultra 2: $409.95, Amazon.comBest multi-sport fitness tracker — Amazfit balance 2: $299, now $279.99, Amazon.comBest for all-around wellness — Garmin venu 3: Was $449.99, now $388.99, Amazon.com
Read more: Whoop vs Oura Ring: Which wearable is right for you?
How I tested
I put seven of the best fitness trackers on the market through their paces (Jennifer Heimlich/The Independent)
To find today’s best fitness trackers, I interviewed experts and researched which options have the largest cult followings among trainers, athletes, and everyday gymgoers. I then tried each one out to see firsthand how they actually perform.
Wearability: A fitness tracker is designed to be worn 24/7, so I paid close attention to how comfortable it was, whether I noticed it on my wrist, and how user-friendly the device itself was (as well as the connecting app). Battery life: I compared the real-world battery life and charging time with what the brand claimed. Health and fitness insights: A fitness tracker should provide insights that are relevant to you. It should track a host of different activities, from paddleboarding and swims to golf and walks. I assessed how easily digestible the data was and whether it could be accessed on the device itself or if it required me to use my phone. Similarly, I paid close attention to how well the devices stored data and their syncing capabilities. Accuracy of metrics: Beyond the actual activity tracking, I considered how well each wearable tracked different activities. I conducted this test by wearing at least two trackers at once. After all, there’s not too much point in having a fitness tracker if it’s not really reflecting an accurate reading. We get the best data and recommendations when our trackers are picking up on the true reflections of our overall health, sleep, and fitness routines. Additional features: I also assessed whether they had additional nice-to-have features and how well these performed, such as the accuracy of the GPS tracking, the personalized workouts, and whether it could auto-detect activities.
Looking for the best fitness trackers in the UK? These are the top options for you
