The best fitness trackers of 2026

Why we love it: The Fitbit Charge 6 tells you everything you need to know about your activity, whether you’re exercising or resting: heart rate, steps, distance, calories burned, time spent in target heart zones, VO2 max, sleep score, blood oxygen, skin temperature, stress management score and more.

It supports more than 40 exercise modes, including strength training, yoga, cycling and running. Thanks to its SmartTrack feature, it should automatically recognize your exercise and record it in the Fitbit app.

Aside from exercise, you also get access to Google Maps, Google Wallet, call notifications, text and smartphone apps, Find My Phone, in-app blood sugar tracking, a smart wake-up alarm, menstrual health tracking, and Do Not Disturb and Sleep modes.

Who is it best for: The Fitbit Charge 6 is ideal for anyone who wants a fitness tracker that works primarily like this, letting you view your stats right on your wrist, as well as with the free Fitbit app. Thanks to its SmartTrack feature, you don’t have to worry about manually recording your workouts either.

If you’re a runner, the Charge 6’s built-in GPS lets you know pace and distance, so you don’t need to check your phone. You can use YouTube Music to listen to your favorite tracks on the go, but a YouTube Music Premium subscription is required for this feature. Offline music is not supported. Then check your phone and you’ll be able to see a workout intensity map showing where you put in the most effort on your route.

On Charge 6 compatible workout devices, you can connect your Fitbit to see your heart rate on the equipment while you work out. And if you then decide to jump in the pool, you’re covered up to 50 meters.

With Fitbit Premium, you get access to a full library of workouts, detailed analytics on sleep and stress scores, a full library of mindfulness sessions, and a curated list of recipes, but it costs $10 per month or $80 per year.

Who should not buy it: If you want your fitness tracker to have more Apple or Android apps like those on your smartphone – for sending messages, making calls and responding to emails, for example – it’s best to get a brand-specific smartwatch that has your favorite apps on it. Serious runners may also want a watch designed specifically for running.

– Anna Gragert, wellness editor

Why we love it: The Apple Watch Series 11 faces strong competition within its own family, but it’s a step forward due to its versatility with a wider range of price options, sizes, and features. It takes an already great Apple Watch (the Series 10) and adds subtle but meaningful improvements, like six hours of extra battery life, 5G connectivity, and potentially life-saving high blood pressure notifications.

Battery life is officially rated at 24 hours, but in my testing I regularly extended it to 30 hours depending on usage. And with super-fast charging, just 15 minutes on the puck gives you enough power for a full night of sleep tracking. This consistency makes a real difference, since health features like sleep apnea alerts, ovulation forecasts, and overnight vitals tracking all depend on wearing the watch to bed.

The 11 Series is still the goldilocks of the line: sleek, comfortable, and versatile enough to transition from workouts to workdays and nights out. It balances price, features, and design better than any other Apple Watch.

Compared to the Garmin Venu 4, Google Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Amazfit Bip 6, as well as the Polar H10 chest strap heart rate monitor as a control, the Series 11 also came out on top in CNET’s testing for the smartwatch with the most accurate heart rate monitor. Its error rate was less than 1%, or about 1.40 beats per minute (BPM). If heart rate tracking is important to you, this would be a great fitness tracker to wear on your wrist.

Who is it best for: Apple fans looking for deep integration with the ecosystem and more ways to personalize their Watch will find the Series 11 an ideal choice. It’s ideal for anyone upgrading from an older model and wants a sleeker design, better battery life, and all the health features possible, without the bulk and cost of the Ultra 3.

Who should not buy it: If you own a Series 9 or later, the Series 11 isn’t a must-have, especially since many new health features will be available on older models. While the Series 11 offers hypertension notifications, an ECG app, and a Blood Oxygen app, the SE 3 offers all the other basic health features for at least $150 less. So if you’re looking to save money, the SE 3 might be a better option.

– Vanessa Hand Orellana, senior editor

Why we love it: The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable new smartwatch, proving that a lower price doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or basic features. The always-on display, faster charging, and expanded health features put it on par with its higher-end siblings, making it easy to forget that it’s the entry-level model.

Although it ignores some advanced health metrics, such as ECG and hypertension alerts, most people won’t miss them on a daily basis. It also has shorter battery life than others, but it can hold up to a full day of real-world use, including a 40-minute outdoor workout (GPS compatible) and sleep tracking.

You get the same processor and almost all the features of the high-end Series 11 (almost twice the price) and the Ultra 3 (three times the price), making it a solid value. The Apple Watch SE 3 features Apple’s latest updates, including 5G connectivity, super-fast charging, and new wellness tools like Sleep Score and Workout Buddy, as well as features from older models like temperature tracking and sleep apnea notifications.

Who is it best for: The SE 3 is the Apple Watch we recommend for most people. It’s the most affordable way to access Apple’s latest features without feeling like you’re missing out. It’s ideal for new Apple Watch owners or those upgrading from older models (Series 7 or earlier). It’s also a great first smartwatch for kids, allowing parents to stay connected without introducing a smartphone.

If you have a higher health risk and want ECG or blood pressure monitoring, the Series 11 might be worth the extra cost. Those who prioritize longer battery life or a larger screen should look to the Ultra 3.

Who should not buy it: iPhone owners who want a tracker that lasts several days without recharging may be better off with a dedicated fitness tracker or sports watch. With the always-on display enabled, the SE 3 works for a full day (and night) of tracking, while turning it off can extend battery life by up to around two days.

– Vanessa Hand Orellana, senior editor

Why we love it: The Pixel Watch 4 hits a sweet spot between a universally appealing design, seamless Android integration, potentially life-saving security features, and robust health tracking through Fitbit.

Google’s fourth-generation Pixel Watch builds on its already excellent predecessor with longer battery life, a brighter, larger screen, and two powerful new assistants: Gemini for everyday tasks and queries, and the upcoming Fitbit AI health coach, which promises to turn your health data into actionable advice.

While this health coach is still on the way, almost everything else delivers on Google’s promises, cementing the Pixel Watch 4 as one of the best Android smartwatches available.

At $350, the Pixel Watch 4 includes luxuries once reserved for more expensive sports watches, like dual-band GPS for precise location tracking, satellite connectivity for off-grid emergencies, and an easy-to-repair build. The real standout, though, is Gemini, a hands-free AI assistant that’s genuinely helpful and won’t leave you screaming at your wrist.

Battery life is now up to 30 hours (41mm) or 40 hours (45mm), with super-fast charging that takes you from 0-50% in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in less than an hour.

Who is it best for: The Pixel Watch 4 is perfect for Android users who want a sleek, capable smartwatch that balances cutting-edge features with robust health and fitness tracking – and it won’t leave them guessing what all that data means.

Anyone with a Pixel Watch 3 or other recent Fitbit or Wear OS model can safely wait out this update cycle, as Gemini and the Fitbit AI health coach (coming later this year) will be coming to older devices alongside the redesigned Fitbit app.

Who should not buy it: If you prioritize battery life, you’re better off opting for a dedicated Fitbit tracker. Although the Pixel Watch 4 offers improvements in battery life, it won’t last more than two days on a single charge, compared to the multi-day battery life of other devices. However, it makes up for it with its ultra-fast charging speed.

– Vanessa Hand Orellana, senior editor

Why we love it: The Whoop 5.0 is a performance and recovery-focused wearable device that helps you build endurance over time and understand the role recovery plays in your overall well-being. It offers one of the best battery lives among fitness trackers on the market, lasting up to 14 days on a single charge. In addition, it has wrist charging, which allows you to wear it at any time without interruption.

This fitness tracker doesn’t have a screen, which means you get all your information through the app (compatible with iOS and Android). The app provides detailed information on sleep, HRV, exertion and even physiological age, which can inform you on how to train smarter and prioritize recovery.

Who is it best for: Whoop 5.0 is ideal for people concerned about their performance, long-term health and recovery. Since it’s performance-based, this tracker is ideal for competitive athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and data-driven people who want to understand not only what they’re doing, but also how their body responds over time.

Who should not buy it: If you want a more traditional smartwatch experience with features like text notifications or GPS, Whoop isn’t for you. This tracker has no display and does not provide any real-time information; instead, it gives you a preview after the workout is complete. It also includes a subscription model, requiring ongoing data access fees.

– Nasha Addarich Martínez, editor-in-chief

Why we love it: The Garmin Forerunner 970 is considered one of the best smartwatches for those who enjoy endurance sports, like running e t cycling. It is designed for triathletes and those who take their sport seriously. One of my favorite features on this watch is the built-in LED flashlight, which is especially useful when running at night or early in the morning when there isn’t enough daylight. This watch has an impressive battery life of 15 days, so much so that I didn’t need to charge it for about three weeks.

This watch offers many features, including coaching, mapping that allows you to create routes, physiological measurements such as sleep tracking and VO2Max and a readiness indicator to assess your physical readiness for the day, among other functions. This watch can be used by triathletes, it can also be used underwater up to 50 meters if you swim and want to track your laps.

Who is it best for: This watch is ideal for athletes who want to collect as much data as possible on their performance and recovery. If you’re preparing for your first marathon, triathlon, or something similar, you’ll love having all of these features on one smartwatch. The Forerunner 970 offers a lot more data than I needed as a recreational runner, but it may be useful for those dedicated to their sport.

Who should not buy it: If you are a beginner runner or cyclist, this watch may be overwhelming. In this case, I’d opt for a smartwatch that’s easier to navigate, like the Apple Watch SE 3. It also has a slight lag when navigating some of the watch’s features (like GPS), and there’s a learning curve for figuring out button functions and even recording a workout. If you prefer something simpler or more intuitive, it will easily become a nuisance. Its $750 price tag may also deter you if you don’t intend to use all of the different features that come with the watch.

– Giselle Castro-Sloboda, fitness and nutrition editor

Why we love it: The Suunto Run watch gives you the benefits of an advanced running watch without the high price tag. It offers 12 days of battery life, allowing you to track physiological data including sleep, recovery and your training load. This sports watch is lightweight and weighs only 1.2 ounces. The watch interface is easy to read and consists of only a touchscreen, a digital crown dial, and two buttons for easy navigation. It connects to the Suunto app, which tracks your recorded activities and other data.

You can connect your Suunto watch to various third-party apps, including Strava, Apple Health and Map My Run. Besides running, Suunto lets you choose from various activities to record your workout. You will get the most out of the watch if you use it for an endurance sport like running, as it was designed for this sport. However, you can also use it for 34 activities, such as swimming, cycling, weight training and yoga.

I’ve been running indoors rather than outdoors lately, and one of my issues with smartwatches is that the pace and timing often isn’t in sync with the treadmill. However, Suunto is the first watch I’ve tried that seems to match the pace and time of the treadmill. almost accurately.

Who is it best for: This watch is ideal for beginner or intermediate runners. Similar to Garmin, there is a learning curve to understand the different functions, but this one has fewer complicated features and widgets than a more advanced watch. The price doesn’t hurt either, at just $200, compared to some other smartwatches that cost $300 or more.

Who should not buy it: If you’re not training for any type of running or don’t want to know all the extra data that comes with the watch, I recommend opting for a simpler wearable like the Fitbit Charge. It’s also not the ideal watch for someone who isn’t looking for a smartwatch with multiple functions and features. If you enjoy running recreationally, you might also enjoy an Apple Watch SE 3, which is also in a similar price range.

If you care about the loading mechanism, you may find this one a little annoying. The Suunto Run charger comes in the form of a pod with magnetic connectors, which means you have to align the watch correctly every time; otherwise it will not charge. I also found it fragile and could benefit from a design similar to the Apple Watch.

– Giselle Castro-Sloboda, fitness and nutrition editor

Why we love it: The Oura Ring 4 tracks more than 50 health metrics, including those that provide information on sleep, activity, heart health, stress, metabolic health, and women’s health. Its sensors specifically provide data on your blood oxygen level, heart rate and variability, respiratory rate and movement, which can affect your readiness score, sleep score, cardiovascular age and much more.

The Oura Ring 4 has a battery life of 5-8 days and can be recharged in as little as 20 minutes, depending on its current battery level.

If you want to change your style, Oura Ring 4 now supports syncing between two or more rings, and the company recently introduced a line of ceramic rings. The ceramic line offers four colors: Midnight, Cloud, Tide, and Petal, which is a departure from its signature metallic-only look. In addition to being colorful, ceramic rings are scratch resistant and will not tarnish or lose their color over time, making them a great option for weightlifting because you don’t have to worry about scratches.

Who is it best for: The Oura ring is ideal for anyone who prefers not to wear a device on their wrist and wants a more understated look that can be worn for a variety of occasions, not just workouts. It’s also great for those who don’t like to manually track their activity, as it automatically detects exercise and notifies you in the app. The smart ring is waterproof up to 328 feet, allowing you to swim with it too.

Who should not buy it: If you like to reference your stats on a screen when you work out, a smartwatch or fitness tracking bracelet with a screen would be a better option. The Oura Ring also doesn’t have built-in GPS, so if you’re a runner and don’t want to carry your phone around, then one of our picks designed specifically for running would be better suited to your needs.

– Anna Gragert, Wellness Editor, and Nasha Addarich Martínez, Managing Editor

The best fitness tracker depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that’s generally great for most exercises, consider the Fitbit Charge 6. For a fitness tracker specifically designed for runners, the Suunto Run Watch would be a better choice. If heart rate tracking is important to you, the Apple Watch Series 11 received a CNET Lab Award for being the most accurate heart rate monitor in our testing.

Fitbit is our pick for the best fitness tracker overall, while Garmin (especially the Forerunner 970) is best for serious athletes, like those who run or cycle. Price is also a consideration, since the Forerunner 970 costs $750, while the Fitbit Charge 6 costs less than $150.

We specifically recommend the Apple Watch for people who want to track their fitness with all the added iOS features. Following CNET’s lab testing, the Series 11 also received a CNET Lab Award for being the most accurate heart rate monitor.

Fitbit, on the other hand, is great for general fitness tracking and can be used for iOS and Android.