7 best smartwatches for fitness to stay ahead of the game

Smartwatches are very popular for their versatility and functionality. They can do more than sending messages, making phone calls, and tracking your vital signs. Wondering whether you should be getting one? We will discuss some of the top smartwatches for monitoring your physical performances to help you stick to your plan.

Indeed, these wrist companions are great to stay connected while focusing on your health and fitness. Besides, they can monitor your progress and help you attain your goals.

Recommended readings: Smart bracelet vs smartwatch: The fitness motivation battle

If you are looking for the best smartwatch for your needs, you are in the right place. In this essential guide, we will explain the importance of wearing one, their features, and how they compare to fitness trackers. Also, we have listed a selection of our favorite smartwatches that can help you stay inspired and connected.

What is a smartwatch?

For those who don’t know, they are a wrist-worn device that runs apps and tracks vital signs. As we previously mentioned, smartwatches not only can call and text but can monitor fitness progress.

Besides, some of them have cellular functionality. They can track specific sports or activities such as weight lifting, yoga, scuba diving, hiking, or even running.

For example, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a stylish smartwatch designed to make you work harder to reach your fitness goals.

It automatically tracks seven activities such as swimming, running, and treadmill. However, you manually monitor all your favorite ones.

Also, it tracks your stress levels and helps you chill with the guided breathing exercises. To help you adjust your workout intensity the Active 2 smartwatch will alert you when your heart rate is too low or high.

Do you want to improve your fitness experience? Check out this Samsung health smartwatch we found on Amazon.

As a matter of fact, depending on the features some smartwatches can be used to make/receive phone calls without a smartphone. They are called standalone smartwatches. However, they need to be activated by your mobile company and can cost additional charges.

For more detailed information and help you understand this function, check out our article “Can a smartwatch make calls without using a phone?.“

Are fitness trackers and smartwatches the same?

They share some similarities but have their differences. Smartwatches use utility features (text, calendar, alerts, etc) while also can track your vitals. However, fitness trackers are wearable devices that can monitor heart rate, calories, sleep quality, etc. Some of them have smartwatch features as well.

How to use one to reach your fitness goals

If you are looking for the best smartwatch for fitness workouts you need to learn how to use one. Also, getting to know your smartwatch and app is essential to get the most out of them.

Keep in mind that while your device may show some of the data the app will help understand it. You may be asking yourself how it works.

So, what is the first thing you do when you get a smartwatch? Once you make sure it has a good battery charge, the next thing you do is to install the application.

How do you know which companion app to use?

Most of the smartwatches with Bluetooth use an app to access health data, your profile, and progress. The name of the application is usually printed on the packaging. It may show a QP code that you can scan as well.

Once you download and install it complete your profile information such as weight, age, and height. This will help you receive personalized suggestions based on your data.

Many companion apps like Fitbit come with a premium service – Fitbit coach. This personalized training app includes video workouts and audio coaching. However, the regular Fitbit is free and it serves its purpose.

The best way to get the most out of your smartwatch

Reading the user’s manual can help you avoid lots of headaches. You will learn how to set it up, care instructions, and the warranty. Keep in mind that many of the solutions to any issues can be found in the manual.

These valuable tips can help your smartwatch do its job and deliver an amazing user experience.

1. Enter your personal information applicable. Keep in mind that personal data will help you get personalized workout suggestions. As a rule of thumb, make sure that the smartwatch company protects your information. One of our articles explains in-depth how to protect your personal data.
2. Once you have installed the watch application it is important to get to know it. Navigate the app, check the settings, and explore the features. You will find helpful information and may discover more functionalities.
3. Do not forget to turn on the Bluetooth to sync your smartwatch to your phone. Go to Settings -> Bluetooth -> turn it on and follow the instructions if applicable.
4. Always review the data collected from the smartwatch. Compare your progress by date, calories, and time.
5. Checking for any updates can make a huge difference. Our article “How to update any smartwatch firmware for more efficiency“ explains how updating your watch app can help you enjoy your device more.
6. Wear your smartwatch every day. Many can still track your heart rate, steps, calories, etc while not exercising. This is a great way to find out much activity you are getting in addition to tracking your progress. The more data your smartwatch collects the more personalized feedback you can receive.
7. Keep in mind that to reach the fitness goals you have to want it really bad. Stay focus and committed. Visualize yourself reaching them and stay positive. Your smartwatch will do the rest.

Our list of best smartwatches for health and fitness tracking

Trying to find the right smartwatch can be frustrating for the variety of options they have out there. However, knowing the different features can help you make a smart decision.

Before deciding you can read our article “How To Choose A Fitness Watch: Your Most Essential Guide“. This comprehensive buyer guide discusses all the factors, features, brands to consider, and more. Also, it will help you choose between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch.

If you already know which smartwatch you like but are not sure, you can download the application to see different stats and features. Apps like Fitbit allows you to use the app without using the Fitbit fitness watch, although you will not get the same user experience.

As always, we have researched some of the best smartwatches on the market to recommend the best options. Our decision is based on reviews, market analysis, and feedback. Here are our favorite picks:

Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm)

This Samsung smartwatch was designed to help you stay active and track your sleep. Not only helps you reach your fitness goals but also manage your stress. Also, battery life is 3 to 4 days and the 42mm model is 2 to 3 days.

Features include move alert, calorie tracking, guided meditation, smart notifications, and breathing exercises. Also, it is military-grade materials, durable, and water-resistant up to 50 meters. However, it is not intended for scuba diving. Also, Galaxy tracks 6 different workouts after 10 active minutes.

The LTE model has the same smartwatch features plus cellular functionality. It receives/sends text messages. Battery life for the LTE model is approximately 2 to 3 days.

Learn more about this awesome tool on Amazon.

Fitbit Versa 3

With built-in GPS and 6+ days of battery life, Versa 3 can help you stay on the game. It has an updated PurePulse 2.0 for more accurate and continuous heart rate data.

What makes this product one of the best smartwatches for fitness is the Active Zone Minutes feature. It uses your resting heart rate to determine how hard you are working during your workout. You earn minutes while you are doing cardio or heart rate peak zones.

Versa 3 calculates your Sleep score by tracking your light, deep, and REM sleep to better understand your sleep quality. It is almost similar to Versa Sense although it lacks a stress tracker, EGC app, skin temperature, and Low/high heart rate alerts that the latter includes.

This advanced smartwatch features 20+ exercise mode that includes hiking, walking, and biking. It features an intensity map on the Fitbit app using the integrated GPS.

Besides, it includes the Amazon Alexa voice-assistant to get weather data, control smart home appliances, set reminders, and more. Do you want to know more about Versa 3? Read about this bestseller smartwatch on Amazon.

You can find more of its functionalities in our article “Fitbit Versa 3 Vs Charge 4: Which One Will Fuel Your Workout?” which contains handy information to help you make a smart decision.

Apple Watch Series 6

This popular fitness watch has been designed for those who want to stay healthy, active, and connected. The Always Retina Display is two and a half times brighter and 20% faster than its predecessor Series 5.

Also, if you are concerned about your heart health, the low and high heart rate alerts will give you peace of mind. Series 6 can monitor blood oxygen and sleep quality. It can automatically detect your workout and features personalized coaching.

Besides, you can inspire your friends and family by sharing your activity. You can see up to 5 metrics on your main screen to help you track your progress.

The GPS + Cellular model allows you to receive/send phone calls and texts. Besides, you can find directions without using your smartphone.

Moreover, it has fall detection and SOS emergencies. Other features include smart notification, cadence monitor, walkie talkie, phone calls (cellular version), Apple Music (subscription), etc. Interested? Learn more about this advanced Apple smartwatch on Amazon.

Fitbit Sense

If you want to improve your health this functional smartwatch can be a great wrist companion. It can help you manage your stress, track your skin temperature, and monitor your blood oxygen.

In addition, it assesses your heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the results can be shared with your doctor. Moreover, it uses the Fitbit ECG app which is FDA-approved, and will tell you the next step needed to follow after the assessment. According to Fitbit, this feature can not be used by users under 22 years old.

Also, you can receive low and high heart rate alerts. Battery life is more than 6 days and a full charge can take 12 minutes. It depends on usage and settings.

As a matter of fact, this smartwatch features a built-in GPS to see pace and distance while you run, jog, ride, and hike. It also includes Amazon Alexa Built-in to stay informed about the weather, set reminders, control smart appliances, and more.

Wanna know what is Fitbit Sense all about? Check out this Fitbit smartwatch on Amazon.

Letsfit Smart Watch

This smartwatch with music controls is affordable and has a 1.3-inch touch screen. It is swimming friendly and meets the IP68 international standard rating. It means that it can withstand dust, sand, and dirt. In addition, it can be submerged to up to 1.5 meters (4.95 feet) under the water.

Moreover, Letsfit teaches you how to relax and you have 9 exercise modes to choose from. This smartwatch can track calories burned, steps, sleep quality, and distance.

Other functionalities include: Call/text notifications, receive/send messages, and smart alerts from social media. Uses the VeryFitPro application to enjoy all the features.

Looking for the best budget fitness tracker for your needs? Check this popular and affordable fitness smartwatch we found on Amazon.

Vivoactive 4

Garmin smartwatch with GPS can deliver a great experience without using your smartphone.

Although it is a bit pricey, I consider it one of the best smartwatches for fitness because you can use it either for indoor or outdoor activities.

Unlike the Garmin watch Vivoactive 3, it has more than 20 exercise modes and has a more stylish look. Battery life is a bit longer than its predecessor with up to 8 days.

You can listen to the music, see your body energy levels, and even get workout animations right on the wrist.

For those who want to improve their breathing, this smartwatch also features respiration tracking throughout the day, including when you are sleeping or doing your breathing exercise. In addition to that, this Garmin smartwatch also features Mindful breathing which will track stress and stress to get a better understanding of your breathing patterns.

Like many Garmin watches, you can track your fitness, health age, stress levels, and blood oxygen saturation.

Other features include women health’s tracking, sleep quality monitoring, hydration tracking, and more.

Learn more about this health and fitness smartwatch from Amazon.

Willful Smart Watch

Although it lacks GPS built-in, this fitness wearable features breathing guided sessions to help you relax. It also includes 9 sport modes including hiking, yoga, walking, and running.

Moreover, it records all-day activities and active minutes. Willful smartwatch monitors steps, distance, calories burned, and distance. This budget smartwatch can monitor heart rate continuously and sleep quality. Like the Letsfit smartwatch, it has an IP68 waterproof rating and is swim-friendly. Battery life is 7 days and 30 days of standby time.

Other features include alarm, music control, move alert, and more. The companion application used is VeriFitPro.

Why did I include the Willful smartwatch in our list of the best smartwatches for fitness? Because with less than $50 dollars you can get all of that features without breaking the bank.

Read more about thiseconomical and functional toolon Amazon.

Do you still think smartwatches are useless?

Even though fitness watches are so popular, some people resist the idea of wearing one. Distracting alerts, battery life, or the price can be some of the reasons ditch a smartwatch.

You may not even have any reason to get one. However, these wrist companions came to stay. The most advanced ones can make phone calls and send text messages. Also, they can find a location and even play your favorite music.

Our post Fitness Watches Pros And Cons That Can Help You Save Money features fitness trackers and smartwatches beneficial effects along with the drawbacks.

Smart fitness bands are getting better and they almost can replace your phone. I say almost because you still need your smartphone to sync it with the watch. Also, your phone has features that an advanced smartwatch does not have.

Basically, we are not there yet. Fitness watches technology is evolving to make people’s life easier. The good thing is that user’s reviews, suggestions, and feedback are helping companies to keep improving.

Many companies like Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin are focused on a diversity of users. From the busy professional, college students, or stay at home parents can benefit from a smartwatch.

So, contrary to what they say that smartwatches are “dying”, sales are expected to increase, According to Allied Market Research, the smartwatches technology “is projected to reach $96.31 billion by 2027″ or sales “of 19.6% from 2020 to 2027.”

Perhaps you need to give it a chance. Buy a cheap smartwatch and see how it feels. You may find not the best one but the right one for you.

Are you concerned about any harmful effects of smartwatches? Our article “Do Fitness Trackers Give Off Radiation And Side Effects?” will clarify your doubts and how to minimize the exposure.

Conclusion

Now you learned how smartwatches can positively transform your life. However, whether you decide to wear one or not staying active is the most important.

You can find them for every budget, needs, and preferences that may be an excellent tool to help you reach your goals. Now, how commitment and the desire to reach your goals cannot be compared to any smartwatch.

So, if you want to see great results sooner, persistence is the key. Also, although not a rule, monitoring your progress will help you know where you stand, will make you aware of your own body, and avoid injuries.

We hoped you have enjoyed our post “6 best smartwatches for fitness to stay ahead of the game”. Share it with your friends and family to help them inspire and make positive changes.

BLA

B.L.A is a webmaster, content creator, and blogger who loves fitness watches and working out.

After many attempts to stick to a fitness plan, she found inspiration in fitness wearables which has helped her remain active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She is committed to encouraging individuals who need help with their motivation.

When she isn’t researching fitness technology market trends and writing, you might find Brenda cooking delicious meals, connecting with nature, growing veggies, reading about technology, and enjoying life with her husband C. A.

Check out her other blog Breathe Out Panic Attack.