We’ve tested dozens of wearables over six months—on running tracks, in gym workouts, and during swimming sessions. Here’s what actually holds up.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to move more, this guide covers the smartwatches worth your money.
Our testing process lasted six months. Each smartwatch got evaluated in real fitness situations.
We measured heart rate accuracy against chest strap monitors during HIIT, steady cardio, and recovery periods. GPS tracking was tested across different terrain—urban areas, forest trails, and open water—to see how each watch performed when satellite signals got tricky.
Sleep tracking got special attention since recovery matters as much as exertion. We compared each device’s sleep stage breakdowns against professional sleep lab data where possible. Battery life was tested in actual use: continuous GPS tracking, always-on display modes, and mixed daily wear.
Every smartwatch here was evaluated by athletes and everyday users. We looked at how intuitive the interfaces are, how comfortable they feel during long workouts, and whether the companion apps give useful insights or just pretty charts.
The Apple Watch Series 9 sets the standard for fitness smartwatches. It earned the top spot through consistent performance across almost every test we ran.
The S9 chip makes everything feel responsive, and the Double Tap gesture actually works during workouts when your hands are busy. The always-on Retina display hits 2000 nits, making it easy to read in bright sunlight.
The watch automatically detects workout types with good accuracy—whether you’re doing HIIT, using a rowing machine, or cycling outdoors. GPS + Cellular models let you leave your phone behind while running and still stay connected.
The heart rate monitor stayed within 2-3% of chest strap monitors during our tests, which is impressive for a wrist-based sensor. Blood oxygen and ECG features add medical-grade monitoring that competitors still haven’t matched.
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Price: Starting at $399
Garmin has been the brand serious athletes trust, and the Forerunner 965 keeps that going. This is a watch built for runners who want every detail analyzed and optimized.
The lightweight titanium case weighs just 52 grams and barely feels noticeable during long runs. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is bright and easy to read while maintaining pace. Battery life reaches 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode—and these numbers hold up in real use.
What makes the Forerunner 965 different is its running dynamics. It tracks vertical oscillation, ground contact time, cadence, and stride length without extra sensors. This data helps runners find inefficiencies that might be causing injury or slowing them down.
The training readiness score combines sleep, recovery, stress, and recent workout load into one number telling you whether to push hard or take an easy day. Testers said this feature helped them avoid overtraining.
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Price: $599
Android users finally have a flagship fitness smartwatch that rivals the Apple experience. The Galaxy Watch 6 brings Samsung’s health ecosystem forward with good accuracy and useful features.
The rotating bezel is back, providing intuitive navigation that has become a signature design. The 3nm processor noticeably improves app responsiveness and health data processing. Sleep tracking got a significant upgrade with Sleep Score metrics that break down sleep efficiency, restoration, and consistency.
Heart rate monitoring uses multiple LEDs and improved algorithms that performed well during interval training tests. The bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor measures body composition, tracking body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass over time—a feature few competitors offer.
GPS locked onto satellites within seconds in our tests, even in urban areas. The watch automatically tracks over 100 workout types, and Samsung Health provides decent coaching programs.
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Price: Starting at $329
The Fenix 7 Pro sits between premium fitness tracking and rugged outdoor capability. If your workouts take you off the beaten path—trail running, mountain biking, hiking, climbing—this is the watch for you.
The 1.3-inch solar-charging display extends battery life, adding hours of charge during outdoor use. In our testing, the solar feature made a real difference during multi-day backpacking trips. The MIP display stays readable in direct sunlight, unlike AMOLED screens that wash out outdoors.
Multi-band GPS provides better positioning accuracy in tough environments. We tested it in deep canyons and dense forest where standard GPS struggled—the Fenix 7 Pro kept accurate tracking when other watches drifted.
The TOPO mapping features work well for trail runners and hikers. Turn-by-turn navigation, breadcrumb trails, and elevation data help keep you oriented in unfamiliar terrain. Preloaded ski maps for thousands of resorts add value for winter athletes.
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Price: Starting at $799
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most capable sports watch, designed for athletes doing multi-discipline events. It bridges the gap between consumer smartwatch and dedicated sports computer better than any previous Apple wearable.
The 49mm titanium case fits a larger battery that lasts 36 hours normally and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. This matters for ultramarathoners and Ironman participants who need reliable tracking across hours of competition.
The precision GPS uses dual-frequency technology for better accuracy near buildings and tree cover. During our triathlon simulation testing, the Ultra 2 kept accurate tracking throughout swim, bike, and run legs without the GPS glitches that plagued earlier Apple Watches.
The Action button is programmable for instant access to workout transitions, custom intervals, or compass waypoints. The depth gauge and water temperature sensors work for open water swimming.
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Price: $799
Not everyone needs an $800 smartwatch. The Garmin Instinct 2 delivers serious fitness tracking without the premium price, making it our top budget pick.
The fiber-reinforced polymer case is remarkably durable, rated for 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810G thermal and shock resistance. This watch can take abuse that would destroy more expensive competitors. Our durability testing included drops, extreme temperatures, and sustained water exposure—none bothered it.
Fitness tracking includes heart rate, Pulse OX, stress tracking, and Body Battery energy monitoring. GPS uses GLONASS and Galileo alongside GPS for decent accuracy in most conditions. Battery life reaches 28 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode—exceptional longevity.
The simplicity here is a feature. No complicated menus or overwhelming metrics. Just solid, reliable tracking that tells you what you need without analysis paralysis.
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Price: Starting at $249
Whoop approaches fitness tracking differently, focusing on strain and recovery rather than traditional workout metrics. The 4.0 reflects years of refinement, offering insights that other watches don’t provide.
The band-style design wears like jewelry rather than a watch, which some users prefer for continuous 24/7 monitoring. The lack of display is intentional—Whoop thinks you should check your phone for insights rather than glance at your wrist constantly.
The Strain Coach feature gives real-time feedback during workouts, telling you when to push harder or dial back based on your daily strain and recovery state. This helps prevent both undertraining and overtraining.
Sleep tracking with Whoop is detailed. It measures sleep latency, time in each sleep stage, and respiratory rate, then calculates a Recovery score each morning telling you whether your body is ready for high-intensity work.
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Price: $239 (requires $239 annual subscription)
The Fitbit Charge 6 sits between basic fitness bands and full smartwatches, offering good value for fitness-focused users who want some smartwatch convenience.
The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from previous generations, much easier to read during outdoor workouts. Google integration brings Maps and YouTube Music controls, while Assistant handles quick queries without reaching for your phone.
Fitness tracking covers essentials well: continuous heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature tracking, and 40+ exercise modes. GPS connects to your phone for accurate route tracking, or you can use the onboard compass for breadcrumb trails. The accuracy was solid during our tests, though not quite matching Garmin’s precision.
The 7-day battery life means you can wear it continuously for sleep tracking without daily charging, a practical advantage over daily-charging smartwatches.
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Price: $159
The Coros Apex 2 Pro flew under many people’s radar but deserves consideration from serious athletes. It delivers nearly everything Garmin’s premium watches offer at a lower price.
The titanium bezel and sapphire glass provide premium durability without the premium cost. Battery life reaches 30 days in smartwatch mode and 45 hours in full GPS mode—numbers that match watches costing twice as much.
Training metrics include recovery suggestions, training load analysis, and performance condition tracking. The EvoLab training system provides sophisticated analysis that helps athletes optimize training stimulus. While not as refined as Garmin’s equivalent features, the functionality is close.
GPS accuracy using all five satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) was excellent in our testing, matching or exceeding much more expensive competitors.
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Price: $499
Amazfit keeps offering impressive specifications at low prices. The GTR 4 brings premium design and solid fitness tracking without the Apple or Garmin premium.
The dual-band GPS uses L1 and L5 frequencies for better accuracy, performing surprisingly well in our urban testing where signals bounce off buildings. The 14-day battery life in typical use works for most users, though heavy GPS users will see shorter duration.
The design is attractive, with a classic watch look that transitions from workout to office. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is crisp and bright, with optional always-on display support.
Fitness tracking covers the basics thoroughly, with Zepp app integration providing reasonable analytics. It’s not as sophisticated as Garmin’s training ecosystem, but casual fitness users will find everything they need.
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Price: $199
Choosing the right fitness smartwatch depends on your specific needs and how you train. Here are key factors to consider before buying.
It’s tempting to chase the latest health metrics or flashy features, but accuracy is what actually matters. A smartwatch giving you wrong data is worse than no smartwatch. Look for devices with proven heart rate accuracy within 3-5% of chest strap monitors. GPS accuracy should hold up in challenging environments, not just ideal open skies.
Consider your typical activities. Casual users who charge daily might not notice battery limitations, but marathon training and ultra events need multi-day battery life. GPS battery mode matters more than advertised capacity—real-world GPS tracking reveals which watches actually last.
Your smartphone ecosystem matters a lot for daily experience. iPhone users get the most from Apple Watch, while Android users have better options with Samsung and Garmin. Cross-platform limitations can limit features you’ve paid for, so check compatibility before committing.
You’ll likely wear your fitness smartwatch 20+ hours daily, including sleep tracking. Comfort matters—a watch perfect for an hour-long run might become unbearable for all-day wear. Try before buying if possible, or pay attention to weight and band material.
This debate comes up a lot, and the honest answer depends on your priorities and ecosystem.
Garmin excels for dedicated athletes who want deep training analytics, excellent battery life, and specialized sports features. The Forerunner and Fenix lines offer more fitness metrics than Apple currently provides, with better battery management for long events. If you’re training for a marathon, triathlon, or any endurance event, Garmin’s battery advantage becomes important.
Apple Watch delivers a more polished general experience with better smart features, seamless phone integration, and a superior app ecosystem. For casual fitness enthusiasts who want reliable tracking without diving deep into data analysis, Apple provides a more enjoyable daily experience.
The gap has narrowed. Apple’s latest watches offer impressive sports tracking, and Garmin has improved their smart features. But if pure fitness performance is your priority, Garmin still leads. If you want a smartwatch that happens to track fitness well, Apple remains the choice.
Finding the best smartwatch for fitness comes down to matching your specific needs with the right tool. The Apple Watch Series 9 earns our best overall recommendation for its balance of fitness tracking, smart features, and ecosystem integration—it simply does everything well.
Runners should consider the Garmin Forerunner 965, which delivers professional-grade running metrics that genuinely improve training. Android users will find the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers the most complete package in that ecosystem.
Budget-conscious buyers can’t go wrong with the Garmin Instinct 2 or Fitbit Charge 6, both delivering reliable tracking at accessible prices. The Whoop 4.0 appeals to data-driven athletes specifically focused on recovery optimization.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best fitness smartwatch is the one you’ll actually wear consistently. Features mean nothing if the watch sits in your drawer.
What is the best smartwatch for fitness tracking in 2024?
The Apple Watch Series 9 ranks as our best overall pick for fitness tracking due to its accurate sensors, comprehensive app ecosystem, and seamless iOS integration. For more dedicated athletes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 offers superior running dynamics and battery life.
Are expensive fitness smartwatches worth it?
Premium smartwatches like Garmin Fenix 7 Pro or Apple Watch Ultra offer better GPS accuracy, more advanced training metrics, and superior durability. However, budget options like Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Instinct 2 provide excellent basic tracking that satisfies most casual users.
How long should a fitness smartwatch battery last?
Battery expectations vary by usage. Smartwatch mode typically ranges from 1-30 days depending on the model. Continuous GPS tracking usually provides 20-40 hours on most modern fitness watches, with premium Garmin models extending to 60+ hours.
Do fitness smartwatches accurately track heart rate?
Most modern fitness smartwatches achieve heart rate accuracy within 3-5% of chest strap monitors during steady-state exercise. Accuracy can decrease during high-intensity interval training or activities with significant wrist movement. For critical heart rate training, chest strap monitors remain more reliable.
Can I swim with my fitness smartwatch?
Most modern fitness smartwatches offer at least 5ATM water resistance, suitable for pool swimming. For open water swimming, look for watches rated for 10ATM or higher with specific swimming features like stroke detection and lap counting.
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