Fitness trackers are valuable tools for anyone who wants a healthier lifestyle. Fitness trackers come in many different types and forms, but they all have one thing in common. They are all designed to measure a variety of fitness metrics.
Fitness trackers can do many different things. The most basic ones can monitor steps taken, calories burned, and time spent active. More advanced models will also come with heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and respiration monitors.
That said, because of all the options, there is a lot of variation. We aren’t talking about variation in terms of functions and features. Instead, we are talking about functionality and accuracy. Not all fitness trackers have the same level of accuracy. So, this article discusses which is the most accurate fitness tracker.
A heart rate monitoring feature tends to be the most inaccurate across the board. For this reason, this article will focus primarily on heart rate monitoring accuracy. However, we will also touch on other aspects, such as step counting, sleep monitoring, and GPS.
The Fitbit Inspire 2
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is a good model if you want a sleek and stylish fitness tracker. Although the touch screen display may not be in color, it is very bright and easy to read.
This tracker also will sync with your phone and use its GPS function. This will allow you to measure your pace and distance when you go for outdoor runs and cycling.
This is one of the best units in terms of accuracy when monitoring heart rate. In addition, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is also ideal for sleep tracking, reportedly one of the most accurate sleep tracking fitness trackers.
Also, this fitness tracker can be worn on your wrist or on your clothes with a clip. However, wear it on your wrist for the best heart rate monitoring accuracy.
This fitness tracker is also quite accurate for counting steps. There are more precise step counters, but it does perform very well.
You might appreciate that this unit has up to 10 days of battery life. It is also water-resistant down to 50 meters.
The Fitbit Charge 5
Suppose you are looking for the most accurate fitness tracker. If so, the Fitbit Charge 5 is the one to consider. In terms of overall accuracy, this unit is highly rated.
The Fitbit Charge 5 performs exceptionally well in heart rate monitoring. In fact, it rivals medical-grade heart rate monitors. This model actually comes with a wrist-based ECG or electrocardiogram. In addition, this unit also features one of the most accurate step counters available.
Of course, the Fitbit Charge 5 comes with many different workout programs, and it can automatically detect what kind of activity you are doing. It will take about 10 minutes to correctly identify what you are doing, but it tends to be very accurate in this sense.
You may also appreciate that the Fitbit charge 5 comes with integrated GPS, which is highly accurate, as it uses existing satellites to function. As a result, you can monitor your distance, pace, and speed when running or cycling outdoors.
This unit also has sleep tracking functions. In fact, this is rated as being one of the best sleep trackers that Fitbit has produced.
Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE is an excellent fitness tracker if you prefer Apple products. This is a fully functional fitness tracker and smartwatch. In addition, many people appreciate that it is pretty budget-friendly.
In fact, this is one of the most budget-friendly smartwatches available. Moreover, this is the one we recommend if you want a good combination of accuracy and affordability.
However, this is not the most accurate sleep tracker, but it shines in accuracy in heart rate monitoring. This has one of the best heart rate monitors as far as Apple watches go.
In addition, this unit performs quite well counting steps. It’s not quite as accurate as either of the Fitbit models discussed, but it still holds its own.
The Apple Watch SE comes with integrated GPS, which is highly accurate. It allows you to monitor your pace, distance, and speed when exercising outdoors. One of the only downsides with this unit is that the battery only lasts for about 18 hours.
Garmin Vivoactive 4S
If you want a stylish and functional fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivoactive 4S features some of the most accurate heart rate monitoring functions of all Garmin fitness trackers. It’s also very precise for step counting.
On that same note, this unit has the most accurate sleep tracking of Garmin products.
Furthermore, this unit has a highly accurate GPS for outdoor exercise. So if you are a hardcore exercise enthusiast and want something highly accurate, this model should be on your shortlist.
Conclusion
We discussed the four most accurate fitness trackers available and reviewed two models from Fitbit, one from Garmin, and one from Apple. Now that you have a good idea of what they can do, you can decide between them.