14 Best Fitness Trackers (2025),Tested and Reviewed
Breaking news: A December 2024 study revealed elevated levels of PFHxA,a “forever chemical” linked to immune,thyroid,kidney,and reproductive system impacts,in numerous smartwatch wristbands. This finding underscores the importance of informed consumer choices when selecting fitness trackers, extending beyond features to material safety.
The fitness tracker market is booming,projected to reach $118.99 billion by 2032, as individuals increasingly prioritize health and wellness monitoring. But with a dizzying array of options-from basic step counters to advanced devices offering ECG readings and sleep analysis-choosing the right tracker can be overwhelming. Our team rigorously tested 14 leading fitness trackers across various price points and feature sets to identify the best options for 2025, considering accuracy, usability, battery life, and now, material composition.
Here are our top picks:
- Fitbit Charge 6: (Overall Winner) – Continues to be a reliable all-rounder with excellent heart rate tracking and Google integration.
- Garmin Venu 3: (Best for Health Tracking) - Offers thorough health metrics, including sleep scores, stress tracking, and body battery energy monitoring.Garmin watches notably do not contain PFAS.
- Apple Watch Series 9: (Best for iOS Users) – Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, advanced features like fall detection, and a bright, always-on display.
- Whoop 4.0: (Best for Athletes) – Focuses on recovery and strain, providing personalized insights for optimizing training.
- Samsung Galaxy Fit3: (Best Budget Tracker) - A surprisingly feature-rich tracker at an affordable price, with a large display and long battery life.
- Amazfit Band 7: (Best Battery Life) – Lasts up to 18 days on a single charge, making it ideal for users who don’t want to constantly recharge.
- Garmin Forerunner 265: (Best for Runners) – Packed with running-specific features, including advanced training metrics and GPS tracking.
- Polar Pacer Pro: (Best for Serious Training) – Offers detailed performance analysis and recovery guidance for dedicated athletes.
- Oura Ring Gen3: (Best for Sleep Tracking) – A discreet ring that provides in-depth sleep analysis and personalized insights.
- Withings ScanWatch Horizon: (Best Hybrid Watch) - Combines the classic look of an analog watch with smart tracking features.
- Huawei Band 8: (Best Value) – Offers a good balance of features and affordability.
- Fitbit Inspire 3: (Simplest to Use) - A basic tracker that’s easy to set up and use, perfect for beginners.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 8: (Most Affordable) – An incredibly budget-friendly option with essential tracking features.
- Coros Pace 2: (Lightweight Running Watch) – A lightweight and affordable GPS running watch with long battery life.
PFAS Considerations: When choosing a fitness tracker, be mindful of the materials used in the wristband. A study published in December 2024 found that bands labeled as “fluoroelastomer” contain the highest levels of PFHxA, a potentially harmful “forever chemical.” Consider opting for bands made from silicone, metal, leather, or other materials.if unsure, check if the company has publicly tested its products for PFAS; garmin, such as, confirms its watches are PFAS-free.