Are you in the market for a fitness tracker or a smart watch besides Fitbit? With the variety of options available now, finding the right activity tracker that suits your needs the most can be difficult and exhausting. But once you know the key characteristics you’re looking for in a fitness tracker, you can make a better decision.
Whether it’s long battery life, sports tracking, or accurate heart rate monitoring that you’re after, Fitbit used to be everyone’s go-to option when it comes to a fitness device. Recently that has changed for a couple of different reasons.
If you find yourself searching for a fitness tracking gadget that’s also not a Fitbit, have a look at our list of the best alternatives available today.
Why Look For Fitbit Alternatives?
Fitbit is not everyone’s first choice when it comes to fitness wearables anymore. The main reason for that is the brand’s acquisition by Google. Since that happened, Fitbit users have been growing more concerned about their data privacy and what Google can do with people’s personal health information.
Aside from the users’ distrust of Google’s privacy policies, there’s a price factor. Fitbit’s growing worldwide popularity has caused quite a bit of a price increase. It’s not always justified either. Today you can pay less and buy a fitness tracker with the same set of features as a Fitbit gadget.
In this article, we’ll mention some cheaper Fitbit alternatives, but also some that are priced similarly or higher. We don’t want to exclude a great device just because it costs more.
The Best Fitbit Alternatives To Consider
If you don’t want Google to know about literally your every step, and are looking for an affordable Fitbit alternative, consider investing in one of the following fitness wearables.
For: Best ValuePrice: $180
If you’re looking to get the most for your money, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a good choice. From a sleek customizable design to the high-tech fitness tracking features, this smartwatch makes a great Fitbit alternative.
When it comes to fitness tracking, Galaxy Watch Active automatically detects 6 different types of sport activity, and can track a few dozen more types when you choose them manually. You can sync the watch with your phone and stream your favourite music while exercising, as well as get notifications from your phone without getting distracted from your sports routine.
Although the one feature where this watch shines is heart rate monitoring. Galaxy Watch Active sends you real-time alerts when your heart rate gets too high or too low, allowing you to exercise more efficiently.
The only downside of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is its short battery life.
For: Best PricePrice: $50
If you’re just looking for a basic fitness tracker that will track your progress and improve your exercise routine, Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is a great option. It comes with all the standard fitness tracking features, 11 sports modes, and water resistance that makes it suitable for swimming.
The minimalist design together with a large color display makes Mi Band 5 a stylish sports accessory. However, the main perk here is the battery that will last you 10 to 20 days straight depending on how much you use your device.
Even though Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has some limitations, like the absence of GPS and some high-end features, it’s still a decent fitness wearable and a good Fitbit alternative. Plus, you can’t beat the price.
For: Top Of The Line SpecsPrice: From $400
Apple Watch 5 is probably the most advanced Fitbit alternative that you can find on this list and on the market.
It comes with an impressive set of features that include the always-on retina display that never sleeps, GPS, water-resistant, and various workout modes for better exercising. You can call, text, and even pay for things with Apple Watch 5 without having to use your phone. You can also stream your music or podcasts right from your wrist. The built-in compass and ground elevation makes Apple Watch 5 a good smartwatch for anyone who likes to hike.
Due to its poor battery life you might have to charge it more than you would another fitness wearable. Aside from that and its price, there isn’t much not to love about Apple Watch 5.
For: Perfecting Your Exercise Routine Price: $150
Polar Unite is a high-quality fitness watch and a good Fitbit alternative for anyone looking to take their training to the next level. Unite is the most affordable model from Polar yet.
The selling point here is the extra accurate wrist-based heart rate monitoring. Polar Unite can track every slight change that happens in your heart rate during different types of exercises and help you improve your fitness.
Polar Unite also comes with advanced sleep tracking features, connected GPS, and supports over 100 different sports modes.
For: Best Waterproof SmartwatchPrice: $150
If most of your fitness activity is connected with being near, in, or under water, have a look at Amazfit GTS Fitness Smartwatch. It’s a stylish smartwatch with an always-on Retina-grade AMOLED display that is packed with high-tech fitness features.
Amazfit GTS has every standard fitness tracking function, like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS. Plus, this smartwatch is water resistant to a depth of 50 metres and comes with a variety of different water-based sports modes.
Add great battery life and an ability to receive texts, calls, and other app notifications, and you’ll get a great Fitbit alternative for yourself.
For: Real-time Audio Fitness Coaching Price: $60
If you’re looking for something truly outside the box, Moov Now is your perfect pick. This is no ordinary fitness tracker. Instead of displaying your health date, Moov Now gives you real-time audio coaching for your fitness activities.
It’s equipped with an extremely accurate Omni Motion sensor and the most advanced swim-tracker that can help you analyze your moving patterns and help you improve your technique.
Other pleasant add-ons include long battery life and a low price.
Other Tech That You Can Wear
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have long become a necessity for anyone looking to improve their fitness routine and sleeping habits. If you’re looking to invest into other types of wearables, check out smart glasses and medical wearables available today.
Do you have a Fitbit or an alternative fitness tracker? What’s the best feature of your wearable? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
