Today, the market is overflowing with many different activity trackers (fitness trackers).
At the same time, most of them have absolutely similar functionality and price.
So how to pick a brand and model thats right for you?
Valeriy Odintsov
Are you aiming to lose weight, improve cardiovascular fitness, monitor sleep, or track steps?
Knowing this will help you narrow down the features you need.
Okay, lets look into things in more detail.
Consider well and highlight for yourself the features that you will definitely use.
If you want to improve your sleep, you need a model with sleep and heart rate monitoring.
By clarifying your goals, you’re free to choose a tracker that aligns with your priorities.
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Consider your budget
The next thing you should think about is your budget.
Activity trackers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to more premium models.
But you dont have to buy a super-expensive smart bracelet like your coach or a pro athlete.
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A mid-range tracker, which also has a lot of useful features, may be enough for you.
In addition, this model is fully waterproof and can be without recharging for an average of 2-3 weeks.
If you want more accurate data and a wider variety of features, consider models from $100-150.
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Well, you dont have to.
Often, the more features, the less the tracker holds a charge.
For example, the Fitbit Charge 5 above can run for about 7 days without charging.
Freepik
On the other hand, the Mi Band 7 is rated for 14 days.
It depends on your preferences and how often you use your activity tracker.
But I think charging the gadget once every 5-7 days with constant use isnt such a big deal.
Compatibility and connectivity
Another crucial thing to consider is compatibility.
Ensure that the fitness tracker you choose is compatible with your smartphones operating system (iOS or Android).
Also, pay attention to the convenience of synchronizing data with your phone.
Activity trackers use Bluetooth for data transfer.
Some trackers resemble a traditional watch, while others have a sleek, minimalist oblong design.
Choose the style that suits your taste and the strap material that suits your comfort level.
The tracker should fit comfortably on your hand.
The strap should be pleasant to the touch and not irritate your skin.
This is especially something to consider if you plan to monitor your sleep.
First of all, the most important thing about activity trackers is comfort.
The design goes in second place.
This change in approach has both pros and cons for consumers.
One example is the Mi Band and other models from Xiaomi.
How accurate are activity tracker stats?
Modern trackers are becoming increasingly accurate and reliable, but there are still some nuances to be aware of.
Steps tracking
Measuring steps is one of the most basic parameters of a fitness tracker.
In general, they count steps fairly accurately when walking and running.
However, they can be less accurate regarding other activities, such as cycling.
However, even at rest, the data will not be as accurate as with medical equipment.
However, GPS accuracy can vary depending on signal quality, tall buildings, and other factors.
Additional parameters such as calories burned, stress levels, and others may also have some degree of error.
So you shouldnt trust trackers 100%.
