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Before we get to those options, let us explain the differences between the two devices. In reality, there are very few, but nonetheless, you should be aware of them before deciding which one is right for you.
Fitness trackers do just that: they track your fitness history, count your steps and record your heart rate and sleep.
But because they are a (relatively) new technology, a huge advance from the days of pedometers (remember those?) they don’t offer quite as much – yet – as sports watches do. For example, they aren’t available yet in a fully waterproof model, so if swimming is your passion, you’ve got to look elsewhere.
And they are available in as many different designs and colours, so if appearance matters to you as much as function, maybe a sports watch equipped with lots of fitness apps is the way to go.
But fitness tracker technology is developing rapidly, and soon everything available on a sports watch will be available on a tracker.
If the economy is a factor for you, a fitness tracker is definitely worth considering, as they are usually less expensive than sports watches, which may offer a vast array of settings and apps, but ones you may not need or use. In that case, why pay for extras that will, metaphorically speaking, gather dust and sit idle?
And now let’s carry on to those options we mentioned:
Sports Watches:
1- Apple Watch Series 5, 6 and Watch SE:
These watches are raved about by users and industry experts alike, but it goes without saying that you must have an iPhone for compatibility. The Apple Series 5 is one of the most popular sports watches on the market and offers everything from sleep analysis to a heart rate monitor that comes with an electrocardiogram that’s been given the nod by the FDA.
This device even alerts you when your environment’s noise is getting so loud it could damage your hearing.
The model 5 sports watch comes with an enormous number of apps, so whether you’re a runner, a power walker or just a mom on the go trying to track her steps each day, this watch is a terrific choice!
And if you’re not sleeping well, it will let you know it!
2- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2:
For all Android users out there, the Active 2 is an excellent choice that is compatible with your phone’s operating system. Although it comes with an EEG sensor built-in, the research on this at Samsung is still underway, and the monitor isn’t on yet. But as soon as that step is complete, Samsung will activate the sensor, and it will be functional on your watch.
Fitness Trackers:
1- Fitbit Charge 4:
For those who are a bit less comfortable with dazzling technology and being swamped with data, a Fitbit is a great choice. The screen is easy to read, and the strap is comfortable to wear not only while working out but all day. This tracker even prompts you to get off your couch and walk another mile if you haven’t met your daily fitness goals. It also tracks heart rate, sleep patterns (REM and regular), pulse, and length of every workout you do. And it’s economical, one of the best prices on the market.
3- Garmin Instinct Solar:
This tracker has won much praise from users and industry critics alike for its solar-powered, battery-life-extending feature that lets you count on your tracker surviving in almost any outdoor condition. That’s a great feature for workout warrior types, so if you’re a hardcore fitness fanatic, this Garmin is a great option to consider. It has all the usual features – it measures your steps, sleep patterns, and of course, exertion levels during your workouts.
