Fitness tracker: It’s no longer just a luxury accessory for sports professionals. Be it as a reminder of our 10,000 steps a day or as a companion on the way to the half marathon – the smart wristbands are becoming increasingly popular and are conquering the fitness market in many variants. TECHBOOK reveals what to look out for when buying and presents the most popular fitness trackers.
Fitness trackers are an ideal alternative to smartwatches: they are significantly lighter and less noticeable. Since they have a small display, they consume significantly less energy and sometimes last for days on one battery charge. And thanks to tailor-made fitness apps, they are an excellent analysis tool for documenting training success and determining personal fitness levels.
But as simple as the bracelets may seem, the technology behind them is complex. And so not every manufacturer succeeds in the skilful interaction of sensors and software. That is why we have selected the most interesting models for you.
What do good fitness trackers have to do?
If there is a lack of motivation or everyday life interferes, then fitness trackers can help. For joggers and trail runners, the built-in GPS measures the distance covered, time and altitude. A light housing and ergonomic workmanship ensure that it is comfortable to wear. Sports enthusiasts with a desire for variety appreciate the automatic activity recognition and are happy about the powerful battery. Technophile? Then the fitness watch should be easy to connect to the smartphone.
The good news with so much choice: From occasional athletes to top athletes, there is now the right fitness toy for everyone – and also for the small purse, because cheap fitness trackers are available from 25 euros.
The all-rounder with a pulse sensor: Fitbit Charge 5
It is not for nothing that Fitbit is the market leader among fitness trackers: The Fitbit Charge 5 convinces as a sporty companion on the arm with many fitness functions. These include automatic training recognition, heart rate and acceleration sensors and an altimeter. The practical heart rate monitor is also included again. In contrast to the previous model, the Fitbit Charge 4, there are two key innovations: The brightness-regulating AMOLED screen makes it possible to read the screen even in strong sunlight. In addition, the Daily Readiness Score assesses individual fitness and suggests an appropriate training program. All in all, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a good all-rounder among fitness trackers.
Features of the Fitbit Charge 5
Pros and cons of the Fitbit Charge 5
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.2 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Automatic training detection
- + Bright AMOLED display with always-on function
- + Up to 7 days battery life
- + Lots of fitness features
- – Few apps available
- – No music function
- – No floor counter
For swimmers: Polar Ignite 2
Light, robust and waterproof: The Polar Ignite 2 is an insider tip for water lovers, amateur swimmers, professionals and those who want to become one. In combination with numerous fitness functions, which are now standard among wearables, the Polar Ignite 2 offers a number of features that make training in the water easier. Whether freestyle, backstroke or butterfly: no matter what is on the training plan, the Polar Ignite 2 recognizes the swimming style and calculates the individual performance values. It measures the stroke frequency, the pace and the distance as well as the SWOLF value. SWOLF stands for “Swimming and Golf”: It is the sum of the time and number of strokes and is therefore a key indicator of the efficiency of the workout. In addition, the Polar Ignite 2 has the sport profile “swimming in open water” and is therefore ideal for any type of training session in cool water.
Features of the Polar Ignite 2
Advantages and disadvantages of the Polar Ignite 2
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.1 | 4 out of 5 stars
- + Ideal for swimmers
- + Several functions (e.g. SWOLF)
- + Battery life of up to 5 days
- + Light and robust
- + Individual training plans
cons
- – Touch function not always reliable
- – Menu not so easy to use
- – No built-in music storage
The best non-display fitness tracker: Fitbit Flex 2
If you prefer a more manageable design, but don’t want to do without the most important functions of a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Flex 2 is the right choice. This variant of the popular wearable manufacturer not only helps to keep an eye on your own training behavior. The device is also proving to be an elegant alternative to bulky smartwatches with large displays. The small row of LED lamps and the built-in vibration remind you of daily goals and notify you of incoming calls or text messages, just like on a smartphone. However, fitness values can only be analyzed with the Fitbit Flex 2 via the manufacturer’s Fitbit app or via other supported applications. The Fitbit Flex 2 is therefore best suited for casual athletes and fitness enthusiasts who value style and ease of use.
Features of the Fitbit Flex 2
Advantages and disadvantages of the Fitbit Flex 2
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.2 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Elegant, slim design
- + Automatic activity detection
- + Precise measurement results
- + Reminders to move
cons
- – Analysis via Fitbit app only
- – Mediocre battery life
The price hit: Xiaomi Mi Band 5
The Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi focuses on inexpensive devices for price-conscious fitness fans and, with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, is launching a fitness tracker that can keep up with the high-end products from Apple & Co. in many aspects. You don’t have to do without typical smartwatch features such as measuring heart rate, steps and calories, nor do you have to do without screen space on the 2.8 centimeter AMOLED true color display. Although the device does not automatically recognize the different sports, it offers precise analyzes of 11 different performance areas such as cycling, yoga or swimming. Due to the extremely light weight of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, the fitness bracelet is a pleasant companion for all sports units and everyday life alike.
Also read: Xiaomi Mi Band 4 – how does the fitness tracker perform in the check?
Features of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Rating at idealo: grade 1.9 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Inexpensive
- + AMOLED True Color display
- + Water resistance 5 atm for showering and swimming
- + Reliable readings
- + “Do not disturb” function
- + 11 sports modes
- – Processing looks a bit cheap.
- – No apps installable
- – GPS only via smartphone
For iPhone owners: Apple Watch Series 7
Apple has the solution for all fitness fans who want more than just a standard fitness tracker: The Apple Watch Series 7 presents itself with countless tracking functions and sensors, a larger, brighter display and a design that can be colorfully and individually designed. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or a few laps in the pool – the Apple Watch Series 7 withstands moisture, dust and falls with its shatterproof and waterproof housing. The only requirement: an iPhone and the willingness to dig a little deeper into your pocket. With the Apple Watch Series 7, sports-loving Apple users can get hold of a smartwatch that turns a workout into an experience and a science at the same time.
Equipment of the Apple Watch Series 7
Advantages and disadvantages of the Apple Watch Series 7
Rating at idealo: grade 1.6 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
- + Convenient operation thanks to the large display
- + Range of functions and regular updates
- + LTE version for telephoning without a smartphone
- + Robust protection against dust and water
cons
- – Relatively short battery life
- – Only compatible with iPhone
Read from the colleagues at FITBOOK: How reliable are pedometers?
Conclusion
From the smart all-rounder to the small sports companion on the wrist – fitness trackers are no longer a novelty in the hobby world. They remind you to leave your desk for a walk, analyze successes and spur you on to new peak performances – individually adapted to the respective user. Whether it’s a pedometer or a large health picture, fitness bracelets are often in no way inferior to more expensive technology models such as smartphones. On the contrary, their handy designs make them the perfect training partners that you can carry with you all day long. All the better that the variety of bracelets and smartwatches on the market offers the opportunity to find the right fitness companion for everyone.
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Haven’t found the right thing yet? No problem! TECHBOOK has many more articles about fitness trackers and smartwatches. Find out which wearables excelled in the test and learn more about new products on the market.