Looking for the best smartwatch for fitness in 2024? Whether you’re a runner tracking every mile, a swimmer counting laps, or someone who just wants to stay motivated to move more, the right fitness smartwatch can genuinely help you reach your health goals. After analyzing dozens of options on Amazon, comparing real user reviews, and digging into the technical specifications, here’s my breakdown of the top performers across different price ranges and use cases.
Before we get into specific recommendations, let’s cover why you might want a fitness-focused smartwatch instead of just using your phone or a basic fitness tracker.
Most people start their fitness journey assuming any device with a screen can track their progress. But dedicated fitness smartwatches offer real advantages. They have built-in GPS so you can track runs or bike rides without carrying your phone. Optical heart rate sensors monitor your exertion levels in real-time. They provide sleep tracking, recovery insights, and many include blood oxygen monitoring and ECG capabilities that can alert you to health concerns.
The difference between a $50 fitness band and a $400 fitness smartwatch is significant when it comes to accuracy, durability, and the depth of data you get. If you’re serious about improving your fitness—whether that’s losing weight, training for a marathon, or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle—the investment in a quality fitness smartwatch is worth considering.
| Model | Best For | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 9 | iPhone users who want it all | $$$$ | Ecosystem integration |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Serious runners | $$$ | GPS and training metrics |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Android users | $$$ | Versatile design with fitness tracking |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Health monitoring focus | $$ | Advanced health sensors at mid-range price |
| Garmin Venu 3 | Balanced everyday fitness | $$ | Beautiful display with battery life |
Now let’s get into the detailed breakdown of each option.
When people ask me what the best fitness smartwatch is for most people, I usually point them toward the Apple Watch Series 9. Yes, it requires an iPhone to set up and use properly, but if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it’s a solid choice.
The Series 9 brings Apple’s fitness features. The S9 chip enables on-device Siri processing, which means your voice assistant can respond to requests even when your phone isn’t nearby. For fitness tracking, you get Apple’s full suite: Workout app with most exercise types, Activity rings that gamify daily movement, and Precision Finding for your iPhone so you can leave it behind on runs.
The health sensors include an electrical heart sensor for ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and always-on altimeter. Apple Watch has detected irregular heart rhythms that users didn’t know they had.
Battery life is where Apple Watch still trails some competitors. You’re looking at about 18 hours of typical use, which means charging most nights. For most users, this isn’t a dealbreaker since you’re likely charging your phone anyway, but runners or travelers who need multi-day battery might find this limiting.
What makes the Series 9 stand out is how polished the experience feels. The software is smooth, the app ecosystem is large, and if you have other Apple devices, everything works together. The fitness tracking is accurate, the workout detection is smart, and the watch feels like part of your fitness routine.
If you’re an iPhone user who wants a versatile smartwatch that does fitness tracking well without sacrificing everyday smart features (notifications, maps, music control, mobile payments), this is a good choice. It’s especially good if you already use Apple Fitness+ since the integration is seamless.
If you’re serious about running—or any endurance sport—the Garmin Forerunner 265 is one of the best GPS running watches you can buy at its price point. This is a purpose-built running watch that happens to show notifications.
Garmin has been making GPS watches for decades. The multi-band GPS with multi-GNSS support locks onto satellites quickly and maintains accuracy even in urban areas or tree cover. When you compare distance and pace data from a Forerunner 265 against your phone’s GPS or cheaper fitness trackers, the difference can be 2-5%—which adds up to hundreds of meters over a 5K run.
The training features are where this watch really shines. You get daily suggested workouts based on your current training load and recovery status. The Training Readiness score tells you how prepared your body is for a hard workout on any given day. The Body Battery feature tracks your energy levels throughout the day based on heart rate variability, sleep, and stress. This actually works—you start noticing how often you’re pushing hard on days when you should be resting.
The color AMOLED display is easier to read in bright sunlight than previous Forerunner models. Battery life is impressive: up to 11 days in smartwatch mode or about 22 hours in GPS mode. That’s enough for a full marathon without worrying about dying mid-race.
The main tradeoff is that the Forerunner 265 is more expensive than most general-purpose smartwatches, and it doesn’t have the same app ecosystem or smart features as an Apple Watch. But if your primary focus is fitness and training, that’s fine.
Runners, cyclists, triathletes, and anyone who takes fitness training seriously will get the most value from this watch. It’s ideal if you’re following a structured training plan or want data-driven insights to improve your performance.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a polished, capable fitness smartwatch that works well with Android phones.
The fitness tracking on the Galaxy Watch 6 is solid. You’ve got automatic workout detection for over 90 exercise types, continuous heart rate monitoring with custom heart rate zones, built-in GPS, and sleep tracking. The body composition analysis gives you readings on skeletal muscle mass and body water percentage.
The rotating bezel makes navigating through apps and menus intuitive. It’s a small design detail that makes a difference in daily use.
Samsung has better battery life than Apple. The Galaxy Watch 6 typically lasts 1-2 days with typical use, and it supports faster charging—you can go from 0 to 45% in about 30 minutes.
The health sensors include ECG and blood pressure monitoring, though the blood pressure feature requires calibration with a traditional blood pressure cuff and isn’t available in all countries. It’s meant for wellness tracking, not medical diagnosis.
Android users who want a premium fitness smartwatch with decent smart features will like this watch. It’s the best option if you want something that feels premium, tracks fitness well, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re compromising.
Fitbit built its reputation on fitness tracking, and the Sense 2 represents the company’s most advanced health-focused smartwatch. While it’s not as powerful as an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch in terms of smart features, it goes deeper on health metrics.
The standout feature is continuous heart rate tracking with HRV monitoring. This data feeds into Fitbit’s Daily Readiness score, which tells you how hard you can push yourself on any given day. Combined with active zone minutes and sleep staging, you get a complete picture of how your body is recovering and adapting to training.
The cEDA sensor for stress management is unique to the Sense line. It tracks electrodermal activity throughout the day and can alert you when it detects signs of elevated stress. It’s a useful awareness tool, though not a replacement for professional mental health support.
Battery life is a strong point. You’re looking at about 6 days with typical use, which is better than Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. This makes the Sense 2 a better choice if you want to track sleep without having to charge every night.
The tradeoff is that the app selection is more limited than Wear OS watches, and the design might feel less premium to some users. But for pure fitness and health tracking value, the Sense 2 delivers.
If your priority is deep health and fitness insights rather than having the most apps, the Sense 2 is an excellent choice. It’s good for people focused on stress management, sleep optimization, and overall wellness tracking.
The Garmin Venu 3 sits in a sweet spot for people who want serious fitness tracking without sacrificing everyday smart features. It’s not as specialized as the Forerunner, but it’s more polished as an everyday device.
The AMOLED display is good—easily the best-looking screen on a Garmin watch. This matters when you’re checking your watch dozens of times a day. The thin bezels and vibrant colors make it feel like a modern device.
Fitness features include built-in GPS, over 25 preloaded sports apps, advanced sleep tracking with sleep score, and Garmin’s workout detection. The Body Battery feature tracks your energy reserves based on sleep, stress, and activity, helping you decide whether to push hard or take an easy day.
One practical feature is the speaker and microphone for taking calls directly from your watch. You can leave your phone in your pocket during walks or runs and still take calls. This makes it more useful as an everyday smartwatch than many dedicated fitness watches.
Battery life is excellent—up to 14 days in smartwatch mode or about 26 hours in GPS mode. That’s overkill for most workouts but perfect for travelers or anyone who hates charging frequently.
This is the best choice if you want a watch that excels at fitness tracking but also works well as an everyday smartwatch. It’s ideal if you want Garmin’s training insights but don’t need all the advanced metrics of a Forerunner.
Not everyone needs—or wants to pay for—the most advanced fitness smartwatch. The Fitbit Inspire 3 shows that you can get meaningful fitness tracking without spending hundreds of dollars.
At roughly a quarter the price of premium options, the Inspire 3 still delivers core fitness features: continuous heart rate tracking, sleep staging, active zone minutes, and over 20 exercise modes. It’s water resistant to 50 meters, so you can swim with it. Battery lasts about 10 days, which means you charge it less often than a full smartwatch.
What you don’t get is a touchscreen, built-in GPS (it uses your phone’s GPS when available), or smart features like notifications and apps. But if your goal is simply to move more, track your workouts, and understand your sleep patterns, that’s probably fine.
The Inspire 3 is perfect for fitness beginners, budget-conscious shoppers, or anyone who wants a simple device that focuses on health metrics without notification distractions.
Anyone on a tight budget, fitness beginners just starting out, or people who want a simple activity tracker without paying for features they won’t use.
Here’s what matters when comparing fitness smartwatches:
GPS accuracy is important if you run, cycle, or do outdoor cardio. Cheaper watches often use your phone’s GPS, which can be inaccurate and means you have to carry your phone. Built-in GPS is worth the extra cost for most active people.
Heart rate accuracy varies between brands and models. Wrist-based optical heart rate sensors have improved, but they still struggle during high-intensity activities with a lot of wrist movement. If you’re serious about heart rate training, consider a chest strap for the most accurate readings.
Battery life matters more than you might expect. A watch that dies mid-workout is useless, and a watch that needs charging every night is inconvenient. Look for at least 2 days of battery if you want sleep tracking without daily charging.
Water resistance is essential if you swim or sweat heavily. Most modern fitness watches are water resistant to at least 5ATM (50 meters), but confirm before you buy.
App ecosystem matters if you want to connect your watch to specific fitness apps, coaching platforms, or nutrition trackers. Apple and Samsung have the largest ecosystems, but Garmin and Fitbit integrate well with most popular third-party apps.
Choosing the best fitness smartwatch comes down to understanding your priorities and budget. If you’re an iPhone user who wants the complete package with good fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid choice. Android users will be happiest with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. Serious runners and athletes should look at the Garmin Forerunner 265 for its training insights. The Fitbit Sense 2 offers good health-focused features at a reasonable price, while the Garmin Venu 3 strikes the best balance between fitness and everyday smart features.
No matter which option you choose, any of these watches will help you track your progress, stay motivated, and achieve your fitness goals more effectively than going it alone or using a basic phone app. The key is actually wearing it consistently and using the data to make informed decisions about your training and recovery.
What is the best smartwatch for fitness tracking on a budget?
The Fitbit Inspire 3 offers good value for under $100, providing heart rate tracking, sleep staging, and basic workout tracking. For a bit more, the Fitbit Sense 2 adds more advanced health sensors and smart features.
Do I need built-in GPS on my fitness smartwatch?
If you run, cycle, or walk outdoors without carrying your phone, built-in GPS is important. Without it, your distance and pace readings will be inaccurate. If you mainly workout indoors on a treadmill or at a gym, GPS is less critical.
Which fitness smartwatch has the longest battery life?
Garmin watches typically offer the best battery life. The Forerunner 265 can last up to 22 hours in GPS mode, while the Venu 3 can go about 14 days in smartwatch mode. Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch typically need daily or every-other-day charging.
Can I swim with my fitness smartwatch?
Most modern fitness smartwatches are water resistant to at least 5ATM (50 meters), which is suitable for swimming in pools and shallow water. However, avoid hot tubs or saunas with most watches as heat can damage seals.
Is Apple Watch or Garmin better for fitness tracking?
It depends on your goals. Apple Watch is better if you want a full smartwatch experience with solid fitness tracking. Garmin is better if your primary focus is serious training and you want advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery recommendations.
Do fitness smartwatches need a subscription?
The watch itself doesn’t require a subscription, but some advanced features may require a paid subscription. Fitbit Premium offers enhanced insights, while Garmin Connect has both free and premium tiers. Basic fitness tracking works without any subscription on all major platforms.
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