Buying Guide for the Best fitbit
When you're choosing a Fitbit or any fitness tracker, it's important to think about your personal health goals, daily habits, and how much technology you want to integrate into your life. Different models may offer a range of features from simple step counting to in-depth health monitoring, so understanding your needs will help ensure you pick a device that you’ll use regularly and enjoy.Activity Tracking FeaturesActivity tracking covers everything from basic step counting to advanced tracking like sleep stages, floors climbed, heart rate, or even stress levels. If you simply want motivation to move more during your day, basic step and calorie tracking may be enough. For those interested in more detailed health insights or specific sports, devices offering multi-sport tracking and in-depth sleep or heart monitoring are a better fit. Decide which health data or routines you actually care about, and choose a tracker that matches those priorities.
Display Type and SizeFitbits can come with simple LED screens or full-color, touch displays. A basic screen, which might show only numbers or small icons, is usually fine for those wanting just the essentials like time and step count. Larger, richer displays are best for people who want to see phone notifications, detailed health stats, or use guided workouts directly on their device. If you plan to interact with the screen a lot—like during workouts or for reading messages—a bigger, sharper display will be more comfortable.
Battery LifeBattery life tells you how long your device can run before needing a recharge. Simpler trackers with limited features can sometimes go a whole week or even longer, while those with bright color screens and continuous monitoring might need charging every few days. If you prefer not to worry about charging, look for a model with longer battery life. Frequent travelers or forgetful chargers should keep this factor in mind when selecting their tracker.
Water ResistanceWater resistance determines whether you can wear your Fitbit while swimming or in the shower, or if it only handles splashes. If you want to track swims, or you want the freedom to wear your device without worrying about rain or sweat, be sure to choose one that's rated for water resistance. For people who never swim, this feature might not be a priority.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to abilities beyond fitness tracking, such as receiving message notifications, music controls, making contactless payments, or even voice assistants. Decide how much you want your tracker to act like a mini-smartphone on your wrist. If your main interest is health and fitness, minimal smart features may be sufficient; if you love staying connected hands-free, look for more advanced models.
Comfort and DesignThe comfort and look of a fitness tracker is surprisingly important since you'll wear it nearly all day. Some are slim and light for minimal notice, while others are larger and more watch-like. Think about your usual clothing style and how picky you are about things on your wrist—try to choose a design that matches your comfort and wardrobe, so you'll actually want to wear it.
Companion App and CompatibilityThe companion app is where you'll see detailed health data, set goals, join challenges, and sync your device. Make sure the Fitbit’s app is compatible with your phone (iOS or Android) and is easy for you to use and understand. If you’re interested in sharing data with friends or other health platforms, look for integrations and community features within the app.