The best fitness trackers of 2025 for peak performance
Like every piece from the gear you wear on your body day after day, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The best fitness tracker should be comfortable, attractive, and fit your lifestyle, including when and how you like to exercise. Do you bike, row or do strength training? Do you run on trails for hours on end or just want a reminder to get up every hour? Do you want to wear it on your wrist or finger or tuck it into your bra?
No matter what your needs are, there’s never been a better time to find a powerful, advanced tool that can help you optimize your workouts or jump-start your routine. We test dozens of fitness trackers each year while running, climbing, walking, or just making workout videos on our iPads at night to bring you these picks.
Updated January 2025: Added Garmin Fenix ​​​​8 AMOLED, Oura Ring 4, Xiaomi Smart Band 9, Garmin Lily 2 Active, Amazfit T-Rex 3, Amazfit Active and Polar Vantage M3.
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Fitness trackers vs. smartwatches
Don’t see anything that’s just your style here? See our guide to The best smartwatches. Although the categories may overlap, fitness trackers are less feature-rich. I’m less concerned about whether a fitness tracker can replicate every feature on your smartphone than whether the suite of health features is robust and accurate; if it can track multiple activities; and whether it stays on and protected while you engage in multiple fitness activities.
Some fitness trackers will have the ability to read emails and control music, but the screens are often smaller and less bright. However, battery life is often much better, which is important, especially if you’re tracking your sleep over time. However, if you’re more interested in the option of accessing apps without having to pull out your phone, you might want to consider getting a smartwatch. (If you don’t want any notifications, get smart ring instead.)
Troubleshoot your fitness tracker
Having trouble with that brand new piece of fitness equipment you just bought? Here are just a few ways you can easily heal what ails you (or your device):
Make sure it fits. The optical sensors won’t work if your device slides loosely around your wrist. You can customize most devices with new straps. Make sure it sits firmly an inch above your wrist.
Wash it off! I’m horrified by how many people tell me their fitness trackers give them a wrist rash. Wipe it down with a little dish soap and water after sweating.
Get out of the tree canopy. Does your device use multiple satellite positioning systems to track your location when you start an outdoor workout? It’s much harder for him if you’re under power lines, trees, or even (gulp) inside.
Create a routine. There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your tracker’s app and realizing it’s battery is dead before you went to bed last night. Update your app regularly. Check if your tracker is connected to your phone and keep chargers everywhere.
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