Smart watches and fitness trackers: which models are chosen in Russia. Smart watch or fitness bracelet? What's better? Smart watch or fitness bracelet what to buy

Over the past few years, smart watches have radically changed their image and target audience. From a status item and an attribute of luxurious life, intended for the most ambitious stratum of the middle class, smart watches have turned into a useful and functional device for people who care about their health.

Although watch phones with GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular communications and other signs of “smart” devices have been on the market for decades, many people heard about the existence of smart watches quite recently - in 2014, with the appearance of the Apple Watch on sale.

Although the need for daily charging, poor functionality and high price scared off many potential buyers, Apple fans were pleased with the new product, and the successful start of sales of the new device inspired many other manufacturers to develop analogues of the Apple Watch.

Modern smart watches are accessible to everyone, hold a charge for weeks, and their multiply increased functionality makes them indispensable assistants, capable of maintaining a daily routine, diagnosing some diseases at an early stage and taking on the lion’s share of the worries of maintaining the owner’s health. It is simply impossible to consider all the options and characteristics of smart watches - there are dozens of specialized models for tourists, climbers, swimmers, etc. - with its own unique functions.

Types of smart watches

All smart watches and bracelets can be divided into two classes - some of them require connection to a smartphone, others are independent devices. Both options have their pros and cons.

Smart watches that require connection to a smartphone delegate most of the complex calculations to the smartphone’s powerful processor. This allows you to greatly reduce the load on the watch processor, reduce its size and power consumption.

As a result, such smartwatches are lighter, more compact and last longer on a single charge.

Another important advantage of watches that work in conjunction with a smartphone is that their functions largely depend on the application running with them. This opens up enormous opportunities for customizing and upgrading the device - third-party applications or new versions of the standard one can expand the set of device functions and improve existing ones.

But dependent devices also have disadvantages: without connecting to a smartphone, their functionality remains very modest.

For professional athletes, for example, this can be a serious obstacle: firstly, it is not always possible to take a smartphone with you. And secondly, an accidental loss of connection with a smartphone can lead to the loss of important data and distortion of the calculated indicators.

Therefore, swimmers, divers, and climbers are more likely to use specialized smart watches that do not depend on any other devices.

A considerable part of independent smart watches are also capable of establishing a connection with a smartphone to exchange data or update the program built into the watch.

Their main difference from those discussed above is that independent smartwatches fully retain their functionality when separated from the smartphone. In addition, in addition to the standard functions (heart rate monitor, pedometer, thermometer), such watches often offer unique functionality that is very useful when practicing a particular sport (variometer, altimeter, calculation of special indicators, etc.)

Characteristics of smart watches and bracelets

Smart watch– the term is flexible: a smart watch can safely be called any microprocessor device worn on the hand and showing the time.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch at one time set a certain standard, and a smart watch now usually means a wearable device interfaced with a smartphone with a more or less large (1" or more) color screen.

Fitness bracelets are designed to monitor physical activity and count (in an application on a smartphone) relevant indicators - steps taken, calories burned, heart rate parameters, etc.

Inexpensive fitness bracelets do not have a screen, contain only a pedometer, and associated applications can only roughly calculate calories burned.

More expensive bracelets are functionally close to smart watches; they display the time and can signal calls and SMS. Heart rate monitoring and the presence of several accelerometers allow you to reliably track various activities, and the smartphone application can keep schedules for various workouts, manage and interface with other smart devices (scales, exercise machines, etc.)

Most fitness bracelets are equipped with a narrow monochrome screen, but there are also models with color screens.

Watch-heart rate monitor (heart rate sensor) specialize in heart rate monitoring. They may require pairing with a phone (such models are not much different from fitness bracelets), or be independent devices.

Continuous monitoring of heart rate in real time is important for professional athletes, which is why specialized heart rate monitors are produced that take into account the specifics of certain specific sports.

Some heart rate monitors come with a strap that allows you to attach them to your chest in front of your heart, which increases the accuracy of measurements and allows you to more closely monitor your pulse.

Sports watches– specialized smart watches designed to monitor sports activity and offer specialized functions for tourists and athletes: altimeter, barometer, compass, etc.

Children's watches are designed to inform parents about the child's location.

When choosing a children's watch, you should pay attention to the following features:

Availability of sensor GPS. Children's watches that determine location without GPS using the coordinates of a cellular station or Wi-Fi access point do not work accurately (the error in determining the coordinates can be several kilometers).

Data transfer via SMS or Internet connection. The first option is not suitable for constant monitoring - a large number of SMS will very quickly “eat up” the balance of the watch’s SIM card. Watches without the ability to transmit data via the Internet can only be used to determine coordinates upon request.

Using a standard or universal application on the parent's smartphone. Standard apps often require a paid subscription. If the watch can be used with third-party applications, this will expand its functionality and save on subscriptions.

Availability of telephone and SMS functionality. Children's watch-phone They allow you not only to monitor the child’s location, but also to talk to him.

Operating system compatibility is extremely important for most smartwatches and fitness bracelets - especially those that provide most of the functionality from a paired smartphone app. Be sure to check compatibility not only with the OS installed on your phone, but also with its version. Thus, the applications of many modern smart watches do not support older versions of Android.

Set of possible functions for interacting with a smartphone is very large, and only the most common ones are listed below:

- SMS and MMS. Most smart watches and fitness bands can be set to notify you of incoming mobile messages. Many smartwatch models are capable of displaying SMS text on the screen, and some can play MMS.

Synchronizing a smartwatch with a smartphone allows you to use common settings alarm clock. Many smart watches are capable of waking up the owner at a given time with vibration or a sound signal. Some models have a “smart” alarm clock function: the device monitors sleep using the pulse and turns on the alarm not exactly at the appointed time, but at the nearest sleep phase suitable for awakening. This allows you to wake up easily and not feel drowsy after waking up.

Most smart watches notify about incoming calls. On many models, you can put an incoming call on hold or reject it by sending an SMS. Some models are capable of working as a Bluetooth headset, providing two-way voice communication with the subscriber. These functions are very convenient in a large apartment or private house - you don’t have to worry about missing an important call by leaving your phone in the “far corner”.

Synchronization with services calendars and reminder applications allows you to strictly adhere to your daily routine and not miss the scheduled event.

Most smartwatches can be configured to send notifications to the watch from any of the installed applications - from messengers, games, applications social networks, etc.

If the watch has built-in camera and microphone, you can allow smartphone apps to use them to record audio and video. Or vice versa, you can use a smart watch to remote camera control phone.

Wireless connection– one of the most important attributes of a smart watch. Paired devices communicate with a smartphone via Bluetooth; smart watches with GPS and tracker functions often have a SIM card slot and can access the Internet via 2G or 3G networks.

Fitness bracelets and sports smartwatches will benefit from technology support ANT+- this will allow the device to exchange data with other sports equipment: exercise machines, fitness equipment, medical devices.

Availability of support MST And NFC will allow you to use a smart watch to make contactless payments - it is much safer than flashing a credit card.

When choosing between MST and NFC, you should keep in mind that only about 10% of terminals are equipped with NFC support, while MST simulates the magnetic field of a card; for 90% of terminals, the watch will be indistinguishable from a real credit card.

And here WiFi smart watches are not particularly needed - although it is used in some trackers to determine location using the coordinates of the access point, you should not rely on the accuracy of the data received.

Dial type

Smart watch with analog dial outwardly indistinguishable from ordinary mechanical or quartz watches.

Matrix (reflective, transflective, LCD, TFT) – display based on a liquid crystal matrix. Monochrome displays typically have a reflective backing and use ambient lighting. To see the display in the dark, turn on the backlight.

Color LCD displays are typically transflective and have a translucent backing; the backlight is located underneath it.

Compared to LED and OLED displays, liquid crystal displays have lower power consumption and, accordingly, last longer on a single charge or set of batteries.

One of the main disadvantages of LCD screens in relation to watches is their narrow temperature range - even at low negative temperatures, the crystals begin to freeze and the image becomes unreadable.

LED (OLED) the display consists of many LEDs. Such displays are more compact than liquid crystal displays, do not require backlighting and provide much better brightness and contrast. The viewing angles of LED screens are also much wider than those of LCD screens.

Degree of protection Most smart watches are determined by the IPXY marking, IP (Internal Protection), X – level of protection against solid objects and particles, Y – level of protection against moisture.

The first digit of a smartwatch can be 5 or 6, i.e., dustproof (5) or dustproof (6).

For the buyer there is not much difference in these options, except that a device with less dust protection (5) will also have less protection from moisture, and this is more important.

Moisture protection level 4 provides protection only from splashes of water, levels 5 and 6 – from weak and strong jets, 7 – from short-term immersion, and only level 8 allows you to immerse the device for an extended period and to a depth of more than 1 m.

For water sports enthusiasts there is an additional classification WR (Water Resistance). WR30 – analogue of IPX4 – protection against splashing water. WR50 – protection against jets and short-term immersion – equivalent to IPX7. Watches with WR100 protection can be used in water sports - an analogue of IPX8. And the WR200 allows you to immerse the watch in water for a significant period of time and use it when scuba diving.

Smartwatch options

If you monitor your health and want to do it even more effectively, pay attention to fitness bracelets.

If you are involved in any kind of sport, it is quite possible that a specialized sports watch will help you quickly achieve high sports results.

If you are worried about where your child is and what he is doing, choose among children's watches with a tracker function - and at any time you will be able to see on the map where your child is and where he has been during the day.

If you want to monitor your physical activity to prevent heart problems, use a heart rate monitor or heart rate monitor.

If you want to protect your credit card information and be able to pay with a wave of your hand, choose from smartwatches that support MST or NFC.

If you decide to purchase a device to track your activity and health, our review will help you make the right choice. You will find out which best fitness bracelets in 2019-2020 will suit you. We present a selection where each tracker is honored to become your reliable companion in a healthy lifestyle.

🥇Xiaomi Mi Band 4

The most popular budget fitness tracker

Functions

• Heart rate monitoring
• Sedentary reminders
• Sleep tracking
• Recognition of sports (including swimming styles)
• Activity tracker
• Alarm
• Smartphone alerts

Characteristics

Sensors	Heart rate sensor Accelerometer
NFC	Optional
GPS
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	125 mAh Up to 20 days of work
Water protection	50 m (5 ATM)
Compatibility	iOS Android

Not exactly flawless, but incomparable for its price, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet is an excellent companion for tracking activity and sleep. It has a built-in heart rate sensor, is fully waterproof and offers exceptional battery life. Its color touchscreen display gives you at-a-glance information about time, date, weather, sports statistics and important smartphone notifications.

The tracker's removable capsule allows you to change the silicone strap to any suitable one from a wide range of assortments.

The 0.95-inch AMOLED touch display delivers clear content in color. The 125 mAh battery life is up to 20 days.

There are three versions:

1. standard
2. with NFC for payment and QR code reading
3. limited edition Avengers with custom design in the style of superheroes from the Avengers saga

The fourth generation Mi Band smart bracelet can be connected to the phone via the installed Mi Fit mobile application using Bluetooth 5.0 LE. There you can view physical activity statistics, as well as configure the bracelet and its functions.

Price

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness tracker is on sale for about $37, which attracts novice athletes and lovers of an active lifestyle. The NFC version costs approximately $55, and the Avengers Edition will cost $78.

Pros and cons of Xiaomi Mi Band 4

• Color display
• Accurate data in fitness functions
• Feature-rich application
• Long battery life

• During intense training, the heart rate monitor gives an error

🥈 Honor Band 5

Smart bracelet with accurate heart rate monitor

Functions

• Heart rate measurement
• Blood Oxygen Level Determination
• Activity Tracking
• 10 sports modes
• Heart rate monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Sedentary reminders
• Connected GPS
• One-way phone notifications
• Remote camera shutter on a smartphone
• Find Phone feature

Characteristics

Sensors	PPG Accelerometer
NFC	(optional)
GPS	Connected
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
SpO2 monitoring
Battery	100 mAh Work up to 5-7 days Autonomous operation – 12-14 days
Water protection	50 m (5 ATM)
Compatibility	iOS Android

The Honor Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the first wrist-worn devices from major companies that can track blood oxygen levels. This feature allows you to get a more accurate understanding of sleep phases and fatigue. Light weight of 20 g makes it easy to use in bed at night.

In addition, the tracker recognizes up to 10 different sports. Most of the information about workouts is stored in the Huawei Health application, which also allows you to configure the bracelet.

With the Band 5 sports bracelet, you can swim and record your workouts in the pool. The protection level is 50 m.

Thanks to its bright stylish design, large 0.95-inch AMOLED color display and attractive price tag, this device is in demand among lovers of an active lifestyle.

Price

You can buy Honor Band 5 for $38.

Pros and cons of Honor Band 5

• Compact and lightweight
• Lasting
• You can swim
• Recognizes sports types

• Quite narrow display
• No built-in GPS

🥉GSMIN WR11 (2019)

Fitness bracelet with blood pressure measurement and heart rate monitor

Functions

• Step counting
• Sleep monitoring
• Calorie calculation
• Smartphone alerts
• Notifications to move
• Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
• Smartphone camera control

Characteristics

Sensors	Accelerometer Heart rate sensor ECG
NFC
GPS
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	90 mAh Work up to 6 days
Water protection	IP67
Compatibility	iOS Android

The 2019 GSMIN WR11 fitness bracelet with blood pressure monitor is designed for beginner athletes and simply lovers of a healthy lifestyle. With it, the user will be able to track their daily sports activities, sleep, heart rate and even measure their blood pressure.

WR11 allows you to set goals and notifies you of their achievements. The WearHeart app is used to display activity statistics and other collected data.

The 0.96-inch TFT color touch screen allows you to clearly see all the important information during training. Users with the same models can view each other's heart rate and blood pressure monitoring results on their same devices. This function will be very useful for elderly people, when relatives can monitor their health status remotely through their GSMIN WR11 bracelet.

Price

A bracelet with a heart rate monitor and pressure GSMIN WR11 (2019) is for sale at a price of 5,900 rubles. BUY

Pros and cons of GSMIN WR11 2019

• User-friendly design
• Blood pressure measurement
• Remote user health tracking
• Smartphone alerts

• Can't swim

Garmin Vivosmart HR+

The best fitness bracelet with multi-sport features

Functions

• Smart notifications
• Calories burned
• Distance traveled
• Floors
• Minutes of intensity
• Time/date
• Timer
• Stopwatch
• Anti-lost function
• Control music playback, VIRB camera

Characteristics

Sensors	Altimeter Built-in heart rate monitor with continuous heart rate measurement Accelerometer
NFC
GPS
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	Li-Ion 5 days offline 8 hours in GPS mode
Water protection	5 ATM
Compatibility	Android 4.3 iOS 8 Windows Phone Windows OS X

If you really love sports and take analysis and statistics of your activities seriously, then the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is for you. This device was included in our rating of fitness bracelets 2019-2020 due to its multi-sport capabilities.

The device synchronizes all collected data with the Garmin Connect application, and the Vivosmart HR+ system is designed to meet the needs of athletes and triathletes involved in various sports:

1. A ride on the bicycle
2. Fitness
3. Hiking
4. Swimming

When used in GPS/HR mode, the sports bracelet holds a charge for an average of 8 hours. In smartwatch mode, it will last up to 5 days.

The device offers a great combination of sports functions, and will also be useful for those who forgot to take their phone for a run, since it is a fitness bracelet with a GPS tracker. The heart rate monitor monitors your heart rate around the clock to provide more accurate data on your calorie burn.

Price

The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is priced at about $150, which is average for the company's similar devices, but below the average cost of Garmin's more professional sports watches.

Pros and cons of Garmin Vivosmart HR+

• Easy
• You can swim
• Fairly accurate activity tracking metrics
• Sleep tracking
• Smart notifications
• Motivational notifications
• GPS module

• May appear large on some wrists
• Disadvantages of synchronization with a smartphone
• Can count steps in the car
• Lack of modes for swimming and cycling

Samsung Galaxy Fit E

With basic features for fitness enthusiasts

Functions

• Activity Tracking
• Distance
• 90 types of exercises
• Walking, running and training recognition
• Pulse reading
• Calorie counting
• Calendar information
• Weather forecast
• Phone notifications (calls, SMS, social networks)

Characteristics

Sensors	Heart rate sensor Accelerometer
NFC
GPS
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	70 mAh 3-7 days of use
Water protection	5 ATM
Compatibility	Android iOS

The Samsung Galaxy Fit E fitness bracelet belongs to the budget segment and offers only the essentials for tracking physical activity. The device does not boast a magnificent design and a color touch display, but its screen conveys the necessary information, and the tracker monitors sports activity quite accurately.

Navigation is carried out using a physical button on the gadget’s body, and some operations are performed by double tapping on the display.

Each screen contains a widget that can be rearranged using the Galaxy Wearable app on a connected smartphone. The user can view on the bracelet screen:

• Calories
• Pulse
• weather
• Calendar

The tracker can track up to 90 different exercises. Walking, running and workouts are detected automatically, but for everything else - like rowing and cycling - you need to go into the app and specify the activity before starting.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Fit E costs $44.

Pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy Fit E

• Light weight (15g)
• Affordable price
• Wide range of exercises
• Can be used in the pool

• Not for professional athletes
• No GPS
• Monochrome non-touch display

The best fitness tracker with sleep monitoring

Functions

• Smart Alerts
• Move Reminders
• Calories burned
• Active activities
• Distance
• Alarm
• VO2 max estimate
• Counting the number of laps in the pool
• SWOLF value
• Tips for healthy sleep
• Measures pulse
• Smartphone camera control
• Anti-lost function

Characteristics

Sensors	Accelerometer Gyroscope Heart rate sensor
NFC
GPS
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	100 mAh 9 hours in active mode 96 h waiting time
Water protection	5 ATM
Compatibility

Huawei Band 3 Pro has taken its well-deserved place in the top fitness bracelets - it is a waterproof tracker equipped with a full-featured color touch screen and offering a whole range of useful options and features.

Users can see incoming calls, reject calls, and view messages directly on the device's display.

Regarding fitness, the gadget automatically detects 3 specific sports, such as:

1. A ride on the bicycle
2. Swimming

In addition, by analyzing your sleep, the tracker will offer advice on how to improve it, based on special technology that can detect 6 different sleep-related conditions. Depending on the user's individual sleep results, the app offers over 200 tips.

According to the manufacturer, with heart rate and sleep tracking enabled, the fitness bracelet will last up to 12 days before the next charge.

Price

You can buy Huawei Band 3 Pro for $68 and for this price the bracelet does an excellent job of everyday work, sleep tracking and recording standard sports.

Pros and cons of Huawei Band 3 Pro

• Color touch screen
• Good build quality
• Swimming mode
• Accurate tracking in the pool

• Inaccurate pedometer
• Weak vibration signal

Combining superior fitness features with an affordable price

Functions

Characteristics

Sensors	SpO2 Accelerometer Altimeter Light sensor Heart rate monitor with continuous heart rate measurement
NFC
GPS	Connected
Dream
Heart rate monitor
Pedometer
Battery	Li-Polymer Battery life 168 hours
Water protection	5 ATM
Compatibility

If you are someone who requires motivation to do more physical activity and can't decide which fitness band is best, the FitBit Charge 3 could be your choice.

Constant movement notifications, long battery life, an easy-to-use interface and an intuitive app make this a top-notch, full-fledged fitness tracker.

Charge 3 has a large black-and-white grayscale touchscreen display with protective Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The design of the device is made taking into account the anatomical features of the hand. In addition, you can choose the size of the bracelet.

The tracker acts as an ideal tool for tracking activities throughout the day, including:

• Total active minutes
• Number of steps
• Time
• Calories burned per day
• Hourly activity

The third generation Charge takes into account improvements in training, while also providing the ability to set personal goals and participate in the sports community.

The automatic sleep function tracks the amount of time you rest, recognizes sleep phases, and based on the analysis determines its quality. Thanks to the quiet vibration signal in the alarm clock, you will not wake up your loved ones.

There is constant heart rate monitoring and resistance to water pressure up to 5 ATM, which makes it possible to safely use the bracelet in the pool or in the shower. Although it doesn't have built-in GPS, you can connect it to your smartphone for GPS services to get your running route.

Price

The FitBit Charge 3 is priced at around $177, and you'll get a range of features to keep track of your active lifestyle and water resistance for use while swimming.

Pros and cons of FitBit Charge 3

• Easy
• Good battery life
• Secure clasp
• Large bright display
• Good sleep aid
• Fully waterproof

• Small selection of watch faces
• No GPS module (uses smartphone GPS)
• The screen is not color
• Quick replies to messages are only available for Android devices

Honor Band 4 Running Edition

Special edition for runners

Functions

• Recording and providing running data
• Step counting
• Call Alerts
• Phone notifications
• Phone search
• Offline support

Characteristics

Sensors	Accelerometer Gyroscope Ambient light sensor
GPS
NFC
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Pedometer
Battery	Li-Polymer 77 mAh Mixed use – up to 10 days.
Water protection	5 ATM (no swimming)
Compatibility

Honor Band 4 Running Edition is a stripped-down version of Honor Band 4. The device is a sports tracker designed specifically for runners. It doesn't have a heart rate monitor or GPS module, and when worn on the wrist as a regular fitness tracker, there's no way to track runs, only count steps.

The tracker kit includes a special shoe mount, and in this case the athlete receives professional data while jogging:

• Step frequency
• Running technique
• Ground contact time
• Impact on the ground
• Step angle
• Deviation range
• Step length

The device connects to the Huawei Health mobile application, where you can configure it and view your workout statistics. You can also use the fitness bracelet while jogging without being tied to your phone, and then synchronize all the data with the software to study the results in detail.

In addition, Honor Band 4 Running Edition provides specific recommendations for individual running techniques to improve efficiency.

Even though the bracelet does not have a heart rate sensor, there is a way to connect a second bracelet with a heart rate monitor to the application. Then the tracker on the shoe will collect running data, and an additional gadget on the wrist will count heartbeats. Both monitoring functions will be available at the same time, which can definitely improve work efficiency.

Price

You can buy Honor Band 4 Running for $21.

Pros and cons of Honor Band 4 Running

• Advanced running data
• Especially for runners
• Good battery life
• Two ways to wear (on shoes and wrist)

• No heart rate monitor
• No GPS
• Not completely waterproof

Stylish fitness bracelet with GPS tracker, competing with smart watches

Functions

• Move Reminders
• Distance
• Calories burned
• Active activities
• Calories
• Alarm
• Timer
• Stopwatch
• Smart notifications
• Anti-lost function
• Running routes
• Recording the trajectory of movements
• History of races, races, walks
• Swim tracking
• Food diary
• Personal training plan
• Music control
• Built-in 4 GB memory for storing music
• Automatic workout detection
• Tips for achieving goals
• Possibility of connecting Bluetooth headphones

Characteristics

Sensors	Gyroscope Altimeter Heart rate sensor Accelerometer
NFC
GPS
Pedometer
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Battery	200 mAh 9 hours in active mode 96 h waiting time
Water protection	5 ATM
Compatibility

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro is compared to a full-fledged smartwatch. Featuring a large AMOLED color display, this fitness band comes with a rubberized strap. Available in two sizes and two colors, so it's suitable for both men and women. The device runs the Tizen operating system, which is also installed in Samsung smartwatches. And that means you have access to your smartphone's catalog of apps and notifications.

Today, this is the best fitness bracelet 2019-2020 from Samsung, which adds swimming tracking along with 5 ATM water resistance, as well as receiving and rejecting incoming calls.

The only major drawback of the gadget is the 9-hour operating period when GPS is turned on. But a big plus is the ability to use a fitness bracelet without being tied to a smartphone.

Price

The Fit 2 Pro is an attractive $169 activity tracker for those who want a full-featured fitness device with smartwatch-like specs and a great display.

Pros and cons of Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

• Big beautiful screen
• GPS distance tracking
• Playing music

Functions

• Bluetooth headset (two-way calling)
• Phone notifications
• Distance
• Number of calories burned
• Mobility Reminders
• Alarm
• Measures pulse
• Controlling the camera and player of a smartphone
• Ant-lost function

Characteristics

Sensors	Accelerometer Pulse sensor
GPS
NFC
Pedometer
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Water protection	IP57
Battery	Li-Ion 108 mAh 6 hours in active mode 120 h waiting time
Compatibility

Huawei Talkband B5 is included in our rating of the best fitness bracelets for a reason: it is an unusual hybrid product that not only helps you monitor your health and activity, but also acts as a means of telephone communication. The tracker capsule is installed in the ear and completely replaces a Bluetooth headset.

Although the ease of use is very questionable: every time you receive an incoming call, you will have to remove the capsule from the case.

The bracelet comes in three versions:

1. Sports Active: with black silicone strap (with color options) and chrome case.
2. Business version Classic: with a brown leather strap and a gold-colored case.
3. Premium version Elite: metal chrome bracelet and the same device body.

Various variations of colors and materials of the accessory are available on Aliexpress.

Working with the Huawei Health app, compatible on both Android and iOS, Talkband B5 gives you a clear picture of your fitness metrics:

• Calories
• Distance
• Training time
• Sleep (deep, REM and wakefulness)

In addition, the bracelet can control the smartphone's camera, acting as a remote control for taking selfies and photos from a distance. It is also capable of displaying smart smartphone notifications:

• Incoming call
• Messages
• App Alerts
• Mail (topic display)

The 108 mAh battery allows the device to operate for up to 3.5 days without constant heart rate monitoring.

Price

Huawei Talkband B5 is priced between $187 and $371, depending on the option you choose. Bluetooth headsets have been falling out of favor lately and are typically only used by professionals whose work relies on phone calls for much of the day. Such people can appreciate Huawei Talkband B5, in addition, the gadget will help them track their health and activity level.

Functions

• Smartphone notifications (calls, weather, calendar, SMS, social networks)
• Move Reminders
• Distance
• Calories burned
• Sports activities
• Floors
• Timer
• Alarm
• Find phone function

Characteristics

Sensors	Accelerometer Optical heart rate monitor (PPG)
GPS
NFC
Pedometer
Heart rate monitor
Dream
Water protection	5 ATM
Battery	Li-Polymer 170 mAh 12 days battery life
Compatibility

Amazfit Cor 2 is the second generation of a sports bracelet from the company, which differs from the previous version by adding an NFC module for making payments.

The device still comes with a heart rate sensor, offering activity and sleep tracking. The gadget combines high durability and elegant design, offering a marine-grade stainless steel body and damage-resistant 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass.

This fitness bracelet is perfect for swimming in the pool and water activities, as it is protected for full immersion under water (5 ATM) and has a bright 1.23-inch color touch screen.

The display shows any messages such as:

• text messages
• emails
• calls
• app notifications

The Amazfit Cor 2 bracelet can automatically track sleep, sports exercises, and also has a number of useful functions, such as:

• 7 day weather forecast
• alarm clocks
• timer
• stopwatch

In addition to all the features, you'll get 12 days of battery life on a single charge.

Summer is stubbornly coming into its own, the snow has already melted almost everywhere, you want to tear your butt off the sofa and finally go for a run! Right from the morning! Right through the park! But such impulses are often frustrated by a lack of motivation.

Motivation– not the best assistant in sports at all. She is fickle and easily disappears with the release of a new episode of her favorite series. But fitness bracelets constantly motivate.

• • Firstly, beautiful graphics in applications;
  • Secondly, all sorts of vibrations and notifications;
  • Finally, they are too expensive to be used solely for sleep tracking.

However, fitness bracelets are now not produced only by the lazy. How to sort through all this abundance of models and choose the right one?

How to choose a fitness bracelet?

To choose the perfect fitness bracelet, you need to place the right accents. Many people treat such devices as trendy or fashion gadgets, but this is not the most correct approach (although, of course, trendy fitness bracelets also exist).

A fitness tracker should be treated as a piece of fitness equipment. Then there will be no problems with the choice. Swimmers will need waterproof models, cross-fitters will need a heart rate monitor, and those who want to start jogging in the park in the morning will need an improved motivation system.

It is also worth remembering that such trackers are companion devices. That is, they work in most cases exclusively with smartphones. While almost everything is compatible with Android and iOS devices, finding one suitable for Windows Mobile is difficult, but possible.

However, even having decided on the area of ​​use, finding a suitable bracelet can be difficult, after all, there are hundreds of models! Therefore, our review of the best fitness bracelets of 2019 will help you choose the ideal device for everyone.

Top best fitness bracelets of 2019

It’s worth saying right away that it’s almost impossible to create an absolutely adequate and unbiased rating of fitness bracelets. They are too different to compare. Therefore, the models in the list below are not built by rating or even alphabetically - they are simply the most comfortable, high-quality and durable bracelets of this year.

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the best affordable fitness bracelet

Most recently, the beloved company Xiaomi released an update to one of the most popular fitness bracelets, Xiaomi Mi Band 4. Xiaomi decided to follow the path of least resistance, so changes to the updated smart bracelet model are kept to a minimum.

Among the features of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet are:

• Bright color touch AMOLED display with oleophobic coating, which can now be seen even in the sun;
• The screen of the Xiaomi fitness bracelet is covered not with ordinary cheap plastic, but with tempered glass;
• Added different watch faces as the main screen;
• The fitness bracelet displays notifications from all applications installed on the phone, and also notifies about calls;
• NFC and AliPay (interesting only for those who live in China);
• the ability to control the player from the bracelet.

The proprietary Mi Fit application allows you to track the number of calories burned, as well as the owner’s physical activity in real time via a Bluetooth connection.

Design

The appearance of the new fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Bend 4 has remained virtually unchanged. The appearance remains the same; the bracelet is practically not felt on the hand thanks to the soft hypoallergenic rubber strap. It is worth noting that the fitness tracker capsule has increased slightly in size. This is most likely due to the larger screen and increased battery capacity. Therefore, if you want to use metal straps from older versions of the fitness tracker, then you will not be able to do this.

Innovations in design include new interchangeable dials, of which you can find quite a large number in the proprietary Mi Fit application for every taste.

Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Band 4
Display	AMOLED, 0.95″, color, 120x240, touch
Built-in sensors	Optical heart rate monitor, gyroscope, accelerometer
Compatibility	Android, iOS
Frame	Plastic, with glass front panel, moisture protection and hypoallergenic rubber strap
	Available on both Android and iOS
Battery life	20 days

So, let's summarize.

Advantages:

• Enlarged display compared to Mi Band 3;
• Quite good functionality in terms of price/quality ratio;
• support for displaying notifications from all applications;
• Pleasant appearance;
• Long operation on a single battery charge.

Flaws:

• Due to the larger size of the capsule, metal straps from previous versions of the Mi Band will not fit;
• The functionality remained almost at the same level;
• NFC only works for China; AliPay is also not relevant for us.

As a result, Xiaomi has created, although with a minimum of changes, an excellent fitness bracelet with a beautiful design and the best price/quality/functionality ratio.

The cheapest way to buy Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is at AliExpress- click on the link. The seller was checked, and don’t forget about cashback.

Fitbit Charge 3 – the best fitness motivator bracelet

The current generation of advanced fitness trackers, Fitbit Charge 3, offers even more features for lovers of an active lifestyle. The smart bracelet can now detect new types of workouts, including yoga and swimming, help with breathing exercises (and monitor blood oxygen saturation levels), and even has support for quick responses to smartphone notifications.

Key Features fitness tracker Fitbit Charge 3, according to the manufacturer itself, are:

• Updated heart rate monitor, which can work 24/7, constantly monitoring your heart rate;
• Improved training mechanism. Now they are based on achieving certain goals, introducing elements of play into sports;
• Waterproof housing. In fact, it is only protected from large drops and minor drownings, so you can shower and swim with this bracelet, but you can’t dive;
• Sleep tracking. Moreover, it is very advanced, it shows when the sleep was deep and when it was fast. The value of this information is a little exaggerated, of course, but... We all love bars and graphs, after all!
• Displaying notifications from your smartphone. In principle, almost any fitness bracelet with a screen can do this, but Fitbit Charge 3 also supports quick responses to these same notifications. True, with two “buts”, which are discussed below;
• Up to 7 days of battery life. Again, the more actively the smart bracelet is used, the less it will “live” on one charge. For example, with a 24/7 working heart rate monitor, you will have to plug it into a power outlet almost every day.

The main advantage of a fitness bracelet– it can automatically detect a huge number of workouts. For example, running, swimming, orbitrek exercises, cycling, yoga, cardio training and much, much more. In total, more than 15 sports are supported. And all this with personalized workouts and reminders to move!

Design

And Fitbit Charge 3 looks very nice. The design of the fitness bracelet is very laconic and elegant - straight, “chopped” edges, an all-glass front panel, under which a monochrome OLED screen is hidden. This is all complemented by a branded silicone strap with a textured surface. The bracelet itself is available in two colors – dark gray and gold.

However, the straps are replaceable! Fitbit itself offers several types of such accessories. For example, it has leather, fabric and sports straps. The latter are also silicone, but with holes. True, there is a significant drawback, since the cost of straps for a fitness bracelet, even for silicone models, starts from $25.

Fitbit Charge 3 specifications
Built-in sensors	Optical heart rate monitor, altimeter (for counting floors climbed), blood oxygen level sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS module, NFC module (only in Special series models)
Compatibility	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Windows Mobile
Frame	Metal, with glass front panel and moisture protection
Show notifications from your phone
Battery life	Up to 7 days

So, let's summarize.

Advantages:

• Adequate number of sensors. That is, everything necessary is available, but there is no excess of them. Thanks to this, long battery life and overall reliability of the device are achieved;
• Personalized training. The fitness bracelet adapts to the user and suggests the most effective mechanics for exercising. It also helps to rest and relax, reminding you of breathing exercises;
• Display notifications from your smartphone and support quick responses to them.

Flaws:

• There is no Russian language. Neither in the firmware of the fitness bracelet, nor in the companion application. However, the vocabulary there is simple and understandable even to a person who learned English at school with a C grade. But there is also no support for the Russian language in quick responses to notifications!
• The application does not work in Russia. And if owners of Android smartphones can still download it from third-party resources, then it will be much more difficult for iPhone users;
• Quick Replies are only supported on Android smartphones and only in English.

Generally Fitbit Charge 3 is an excellent entry-level fitness bracelet for those who have decided to take up a healthy lifestyle. The device will motivate you to move, show statistics, and even tell you how to correctly perform certain exercises. And it will also offer many additional functions in the companion application (like a “women’s calendar”).

Only in Russia you will have to tinker with it.

How much does it cost and where to buy in my country?

GSMIN WR11 – fitness tracker with multifunctions

The smart bracelet from GSMIN is included in the budget category of smart devices, and at the same time it has an impressive set of functions.

As for the appearance of the GSMIN WR11 fitness tracker, it is very interesting and original. Stylish minimalism will be appreciated by both men and women. A 0.96-inch diagonal TFT color display helps you quickly navigate the received data. It is not subject to mechanical damage. The strap is removable, it is made of high-quality silicone that is pleasant to the body.

Functionality is the main advantage of the WR11 (2019) smart bracelet. There is not only a basic set that includes a pedometer, calorie counter, reminder functions or sleep monitoring, but also an additional package that will help the owner get data on pulse, blood pressure and heart condition using an ECG.

Need to know

The fitness bracelet is protected from moisture according to the IP67 standard. With it you won't be afraid to get caught in the rain, but this model is not intended for training in the pool.

The WR11 smart bracelet's 90 mAh battery provides approximately five to six days of continuous operation.

The manufacturer identifies the following key features of the GSMIN WR11 fitness bracelet:

• Advanced heart rate monitor. Allows you to take measurements during exercise and at rest.
• Blood pressure measurement. It will take no more than a couple of minutes to find out what the pressure level is and determine the level of physical activity.
• Obtaining an ECG. The function is activated when the user holds his finger on a special touch element. The result is displayed on the smartphone screen through the application.
• Camera control. To take great photos, just fix your smartphone and use a fitness bracelet to control it from a distance.
• Search for device. There are no losses as long as the tracker is synchronized with a tablet computer or smartphone. The bracelet can always send a request that will make the device ring.
• Sleep monitoring. An excellent opportunity to create an optimal sleep and rest schedule, based on the nighttime sleep pattern (deep and non-deep sleep).
• Notifications and reminders. The user will receive a notification if he has not risen from his seat for a long time, as well as notifications about incoming calls and messages. The SMS text can be read directly from the device.
• Responsiveness to the user. As soon as the owner of an advanced device lifts the device to look at the screen, it automatically activates, without even needing to press a single button.
• Switch by gesture. The user can control his device by moving his hand.
• Calorie counter. Helps you stay in shape or lose weight by tracking calories burned during physical activity.

Technical characteristics of GSMIN WR11
Built-in sensors	PPG sensor for measuring pulse and pressure, gyroscope, accelerometer, ECG sensor
Compatibility	Android, iOS
Frame	Plastic, waterproof according to IP67 standard
Show notifications from your phone	Yes, SMS with message text
Battery life	Up to six days active, up to ten standby, 90mAh lithium-ion polymer battery

Let's summarize.

Advantages:

• Stylish design;
• Many useful features, including sleep monitoring;
• Ability to monitor basic health indicators;

Flaws:

• Doesn't last very long on a single charge.

How much does it cost and where to buy in my country?

Fitbit Alta HR - the best sports bracelet for those who want to become more active

Unlike its predecessor, it cannot count the pulse. But it’s compact, cute and with a lot of motivators. For example, its screen displays the number of steps taken. And if you sit for a long time and do nothing, the bracelet will vibrate, reminding you to move.

The design of the fitness tracker is nice. On the back side is OLED display 1.4 inches diagonal. The bracelet is available in two variations: Gunmetal (black) And Rose Gold (pink). The body is made of high quality materials. The main part is made of stainless steel, and the strap is silicone (comes in the box). If you want a different strap, they are available in different options: leather, metal, and so on.

Among the functionality of the fitness tracker, we can highlight the presence of a pulse sensor, the ability to monitor sleep, various physical activities (steps, running, cycling, other sports). But in general, the gadget is aimed at a wide audience of users, and therefore does not have such important functions for athletes, such as a GPS module or stopwatch. Also, the bracelet cannot boast of perfect step counting accuracy.

As for the application with which the Fitbit Alta HR fitness bracelet is synchronized via Bluetooth, it is quite colorful and informative, one might even say that it is one of the best on the market. The application has an excellent motivation algorithm, so for beginners this will be a significant plus. But, unfortunately, the program does not support the Russian language.

Like its predecessor, the bracelet is compatible not only with smartphones, but also with computers.

The autonomy of the bracelet does not shine, since the smart bracelet measures the pulse in real time continuously. Thus, the gadget lives no more than 6 days.

Advantages:

• There is a heart rate monitor with proprietary software and hardware optimization for increased accuracy;
• Attractive design.

Flaws:

• The display is not of the highest quality - it “blinds” in the sun and does not always adequately recognize tapping to wake up;
• There is no Russian language - neither in the firmware nor in the application. In addition, the application itself is not available to users from Russia; you will need to either change the country in your account settings, or download it from third-party sites.

How much does it cost and where to buy in my country?

Garmin Vivosport - the best fitness tracker for sports and training

One of the leading companies in the field of gadgets for sports and athletes, Garmin, has released a new fitness tracker called Garmin Vivosport.

Gadget design It is designed as much as possible for sports, so you should not expect any stylish modern appearance from this bracelet. On the front side there is a color touch display. It is worth noting that, unlike other bracelets from the top, this bracelet has no problems with legibility in the sun - everything is visible perfectly. The device is assembled well, the strap is made of silicone, and the screen is covered with high-quality plastic.

Garmin Vivosport is very functional. It is equipped with a large number of sensors that can measure distance traveled, steps, intensity time, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep. Moreover, in the gadget settings you can select different types of activities, be it walking, running, cycling or strength training. But the disadvantages include the fact that the bracelet will not be able to track swimming.

The fitness bracelet also has a GPS module, which will help you more accurately measure distance and speed during training. And if you forget to set the desired profile before training, the bracelet will detect it itself, as it has the new Move IQ automatic activity recognition function. The bracelet will be able to recognize which exercise you are doing, as well as the number of repetitions.

The Garmin Vivosport smart bracelet can display notifications about SMS and incoming calls. But on a small screen it is almost impossible to read messages.

Advantages:

• A huge number of sensors for tracking sports activities and automatic activity detection function;
• High accuracy of pedometer and other physical activity sensors;
• Garmin Connect feature for cloud storage of biometric and statistical data.

Flaws:

• The strap is not replaceable. At the same time, it is prone to abrasion and other mechanical damage;
• A very small screen with not always adequate sensor behavior (it is sensitive to moisture and clothing);
• Relatively high price.

Considering that the smart bracelet is equipped with a GPS sensor, charging is enough for sufficient 7 days of work with average activity.

Cost of Garmin Vivosport– 199 dollars (12,000 rubles).

Garmin Vivosmart 4 is the most compact professional fitness bracelet

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 fitness bracelet is a rather interesting device. If most analogues specialize specifically in activity tracking, this gadget will help the owner achieve a healthy lifestyle. In all aspects.

For example, built-in sensors can determine stress levels. They do this constantly and, if this is exceeded, the bracelet will advise you to carry out a breathing exercise. And he will control it.

At all key featuresGarminVivosmart 4, according to the manufacturer himself, are:

• Stylish, minimalist design with contrasting black and shiny metallic finish;
• High contrast, easy to read monochrome screen;
• Advanced sleep tracking system. Not only the accelerometer and heart rate monitor are used, but also the Pulse Ox blood oxygen level sensor;
• Lots of health tracking devices and technologies. Among them are a built-in heart rate monitor, blood saturation sensor, energy monitor and much more;
• Training programs for a huge number of fitness activities, including cardio;
• Vibrate alerts and display notifications from your smartphone. When paired with Android devices, quick text replies are also supported;
• Waterproof housing. You can leave it on in the shower and while swimming;
• Up to 7 days of battery life. However, if you run the heart rate monitor and Pulse Ox during sleep, you will have to connect to the outlet more often than once a week.

At the same time, the manufacturer is tactfully silent about two key functions - the Body Battery energy monitor and stress level measurement. And these are almost unique opportunities.

The Body Battery energy monitor will tell you whether it's worth doing strength training now or whether it's better to postpone it for another time. This function determines the “reserve of energy” and helps to spend it as efficiently as possible - without overworking in classes, but at the same time achieving your goals.

Stress levels are measured through analysis of heart rate variability and some other key biometric indicators. And when nervous tension becomes too serious, Garmin Vivosmart 4 will suggest you relax and do breathing exercises.

And all this is also very beautiful! DesignGarminVivosmart 4 really elegant. These are laconic colors and shades, a matte black strap, a glossy black case. However, replacement straps are not supported. But there are several flowers.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 Specifications
Built-in sensors	Garmin Elevate optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, light level sensor, Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation sensor
Compatibility	Android, iOS
Frame	Metal, with a polycarbonate front panel and moisture protection (you can shower, you can swim, you can’t dive)
Show notifications from your phone	Eat. Quick Reply is also supported on Android smartphones
Battery life	Up to 7 days

Advantages:

• Many sensors, which are also complemented by software optimization, providing accurate and constant measurement of a wide variety of biometric indicators;
• Attractive design - both laconic and elegant;
• Monitoring energy, stress levels, physical activity.

Flaws:

• There are relatively few training programs;
• High price (compared to other fitness bracelets).

Indeed, you will have to pay about $250 for the Garmin Vivosmart 4. It is more expensive than most other trackers in the rating. And at the same time, there are not enough training programs in it.

But Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a professional fitness bracelet not for athletes, but for people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle. And the device will greatly help them with this, providing a variety of biometric information and suggesting when and what kind of sport is best to do.

Where to buy in my country?

Honor Band 5 is the most durable budget fitness bracelet

The main advantage of a fitness bracelet Honor Band 5, like the previous fourth model, has the highest autonomy. In continuous heart rate tracking mode, the fitness bracelet can work for up to 7 days without being connected to an outlet. In normal mode, the fitness tracker will work for about 15-20 days.

Need to know

The smart bracelet runs on proprietary firmware from Huawei. But because of this very firmware, the NFC module built into the fitness bracelet cannot work with contactless payments. However, like the fitness tracker from Xiaomi, this one can only pay for public transport in China.

In general functionality of the Honor Band 5 fitness bracelet pretty standard. You can change dials and customize the design to suit you. It can display notifications from your smartphone and vibrate for calls and messages. And with the latest firmware update it supports the Russian language without additional dances with a tambourine. The screen is large and touch-sensitive, making it convenient to use the device.

The bracelet's fitness functions are controlled by a 6-axis accelerometer, so you don't have to worry about the accuracy of measurements during active physical activity. By the way, now you can measure swimming using this fitness bracelet. We have improved our proprietary sleep quality assessment technology TruSleep 2.0. The new version of Honor Band has now learned to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

A special pride of Huawei Band 4 and, in principle, the Huawei Health companion application is the improved highly intelligent sleep tracking mode TruSleep 2.0. It was developed jointly with scientists at Harvard University. In addition to sleep monitoring itself using biometric indicators, TruSleep can help improve sleep quality. They promise more than 200 personalized tips! Moreover, it was authored by the same Harvard scientists.

It is worth noting that the design of the Honor Band 5 fitness bracelet also does not particularly stand out among budget fitness trackers and is not at all different from the previous model of the Honor Band 4 fitness bracelet. But there is an advantage - all interchangeable straps from the previous model will fit the new tracker. The bracelet is available in four colors: black, blue, green and pink. Color screen, 0.95-inch AMOLED matrix.

Technical characteristics of Honor Band 5
Built-in sensors	Optical heart rate monitor, accelerometer, wear detection sensor
Compatibility	Android, iOS
Frame
Show notifications from your phone	Eat. Quick Reply is also supported on Android smartphones
Battery life	Up to 15-20 days (with a constantly active heart rate monitor and the TruSleep function - up to 7 days)

So, let's summarize.

Need to know

The fitness bracelet has NFC. But outside of China, it doesn’t even work as a key card for locks, let alone contactless payment.

Generally, HonorBand 5 is an entry-level bracelet for people who need a device with high autonomy and a good set of functions for such a device.

How much does it cost and where to buy in my country?

Polar A370 – the most advanced fitness bracelet

Polar is famous for its high-quality professional sports gadgets, and the Polar A370 fitness bracelet is no exception.

Design The device is elegant. The bracelet is equipped with a bright color touch LCD display. The tracker is available in various colors: black, white, pink, blue, orange, turquoise.

The performance of the gadget is not bad. First of all, it is worth noting that the bracelet is equipped with an optical pulse sensor, which allows you to measure your pulse very accurately. But if the built-in sensor is not enough for you, the bracelet can connect to external sensors and also broadcast your heart rate to exercise equipment in the gym. It can also measure the quality and quantity of sleep (Sleep Plus function) with high accuracy and detail.

As for training, the bracelet recognizes a very large amount of physical activity. There is crossfit, aqua fitness, running, cycling, swimming, and much more. There are about 100 workouts available in total.

The bracelet does not have a built-in GPS sensor, but it can be used from a smartphone.

Of course, notifications about SMS and calls are displayed on the Polar A370 screen.

Advantages:

• Excellent water resistance, which corresponds to that declared by the manufacturer;
• High accuracy of activity determination and measurements;
• Compatible with Polar Flow (Polar sensor ecosystem).

Flaws:

• Rare firmware updates with fixes and new features;
• Weak, quickly worn out or torn strap (fortunately, replacement ones are supported);
• With active use – GPS, heart rate monitor, “sport” mode are on – it is discharged in less than a day.

Polar A370 price– 180 dollars (11,300 rubles).

Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro – the smartest fitness bracelet

It's hard to imagine a more motivating fitness bracelet than the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro. The device offers four software functions at once, which are aimed at increasing the user’s physical activity.

For example, the pre-installed UA Record application records all statistics on physical activity. It counts calories, determines sleep quality, and stores information about workouts and activities.

Before purchasing, please note that the bracelet is sold in two sizes: S - for hand coverage 136-192 mm and L - for large hand 180-224 mm.

In addition, Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro comes pre-installed with:

• MapMyRun app. Records geo-tracks of jogging, walking, racing and other physical activity in the fresh air. The fitness bracelet also has a GPS module, thanks to which all this data is logged without a smartphone;
• Virtual trainer MyFitnessPal. This app helps you set goals, such as calorie burning, and keep a special food diary. Willpower, self-control and a virtual trainer are all you need to lose or gain weight;
• Endomondo client. Endomondo is one of the world's largest communities of fans of a healthy lifestyle and physical activity. It also has a virtual trainer. So playing sports takes on an element of competition and play, in which, in addition to the user, millions of people around the world also take part.

At the same time, the fitness bracelet perfectly recognizes a huge number of activities, even those that are not too related to sports. Not only running, walking and cycling are automatically detected, but also basketball, tennis, dancing and much, much more. Also, the fitness bracelet independently understands when it is necessary to turn on the heart rate monitor to determine the heart rate.

Another important advantage of the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro is that it runs on the Tizen operating system. This means that a huge number of applications have been ported to it! To expand the functionality of the bracelet - even installing new fitness trackers, or connecting the Spotify music client - just look at the Galaxy App brand store. There are more than 3 thousand applications for this bracelet.

And another nice feature of the smart bracelet is the screen. It's huge! 1.5 inches. Moreover, it is colored, touch-sensitive and even curved for the most attractive design.

As for the appearance of the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro fitness bracelet, it is both laconic and eye-catching. The device is housed in a plastic case with a curved front glass panel, most of which is occupied by the display. The body is available in black and red or only black. Replacement straps are supported.

Specifications Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro
Built-in sensors	Optical heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, GPS and GLONASS module
Compatibility	Android, iOS
Frame	Plastic, with a glass front panel and moisture protection (you can shower, you can swim, you can’t dive)
Show notifications from your phone	Eat. Quick Reply is also supported on Android smartphones
Battery life	Up to 5 days (with a constantly active heart rate monitor - up to 3-4 days)

In addition, this is not just a fitness bracelet, but a full-fledged smart device with an operating system and expandable functionality. Therefore, it is important to mention other characteristics:

Additional Information

• A large number of built-in sensors for accurate activity logging.

Flaws:

• The display goes blind in the sun;
• Mediocre battery life.

Overall, the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro is fitness bracelet for people for whom regular activity tracking is not enough. Expandable functionality due to the installation of additional software, support for music formats and other unique features make it a universal device that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and will replace a smart watch.

How much does it cost and where to buy in my country?

Amazfit Arc – a fitness tracker for everyone

A fitness bracelet from a subsidiary of Xiaomi, which, in turn, released the famous fitness tracker Mi Band 2 - a bestseller for several years in a row. This is not the first fitness gadget from Amazfit; they have previously featured smartwatches. Xiaomi has well established itself in the market as high-quality equipment at affordable prices, so this fitness bracelet is no exception.

Appearance The device is very stylish. On the back there is a 0.4-inch OLED display with a touch button. By the way, you don’t have to worry about scratches on the display, since it is protected by a special coating. The obvious disadvantage is that the screen fades in the sun and information becomes difficult to discern. The strap is made of silicone that is pleasant to the touch, and in general the bracelet is comfortable and you can wear it for weeks without taking it off.

Advantages:

• There is a smart alarm clock! Considering the low price of the bracelet itself, this is a very important advantage;
• Attractive design;
• Long battery life.

Flaws:

• The screen of a smart bracelet is simply not visible in the sun or under bright light. The display is dim and monochrome;
• The strap is not replaceable. It wears out relatively quickly - in 0.5-1.5 years;
• No firmware updates, not very user-friendly companion app.

Price Amazfit Arc fitness bracelet – $37 (2,300 rubles). You can buy it at a discount on Aliexpress - click here.

The agony of choice

Still, which one to choose? Essentially, all these “best fitness bracelets” can be divided into three categories.

First - just fitness bracelets for those who just want to become a little more active. Well, or for professional athletes who have been training for twenty years without any newfangled gadgets. The “motivators” include the most popular fitness bracelets: Xiaomi Mi Band 4, GSMIN WR11, Amazfit Arc, Honor Band 5, Fitbit Alta HR.

Second - multifunctional fitness bracelets. They seem to be fitness trackers, but with a screen too large to be just a sports accessory. These jacks-of-all-trades include the Fitbit Charge 3 and Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro.

And the third - top fitness bracelets filled with sensors and sensors. This is for athletes who want to know everything about themselves. Top smart bands include: Garmin Vivosport, Garmin Vivosmart 4 and Polar A370.

And to choose a fitness bracelet that is right for you, you should soberly analyze your own activity and aspirations. And the budget, of course.

• Shared

The life hacker has studied the modern fitness gadgets on the market and talks about the most worthy models for every taste and budget.

Criterias of choice

Before moving on to considering specific models, it is worth deciding on the selection criteria by which you can compare devices with each other and weed out unsuitable options.

Price

There are many devices on the market with a wide variety of prices, and there are excellent options in the price category up to 5 thousand rubles. It is important to decide on the necessary functions that you will actually use and not overpay for unnecessary functionality.

Platform

A full-fledged OS is only available in smart watches. Trackers are often synchronized with smartphones and display all information in a mobile application. Therefore, compatibility is an important point that you should pay attention to before purchasing.

Functionality

The basic functionality is almost identical in all devices: number of steps, distance traveled, calories burned. For many this is more than enough. Expensive models have additional indicators: heart rate, diet and weight tracking, GPS support and the ability to answer calls.

Autonomy

Battery life is very important for mobile devices. Smart watches, due to their more powerful hardware and display, have much less time than regular fitness bracelets. The latter work on one charge for about a month, while with the clock everything is not so optimistic. A smart gadget will have to be charged, if not every day, then at least once every 2-3 days.

Devices up to 7,000 rubles

• Price: 1,274 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 7.0.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: monochrome OLED, diagonal 0.42″.
• Moisture protection: IP67.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, mail, calendar, other applications, smartphone unlocking.
• Functions: sleep monitoring, calories, steps, smartphone unlocking.
• Weight: 7 years
• Straps: silicone in several colors.
• Autonomy: about 20 days.

The second generation of the popular tracker from Xiaomi, which has a small screen that eliminates the need to wear a regular watch on your second hand. When you press the touch button, all information and time collected by the tracker are displayed on the display.

• Price: 1,623 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: three-color LED.
• Moisture protection: No.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks.
• Functions: pedometer, distance traveled, calories.
• Weight: 3 years
• Straps: silicone, 3 colors.
• Autonomy: about 2 weeks.

A tracker with nominal capabilities, in which Samsung focused on design rather than functionality. Charm was created for a female audience, so it has compact dimensions and record-breaking light weight. The bracelet looks very stylish and is almost not felt on your hand, but you shouldn’t count on great capabilities: the built-in accelerometer only counts steps, distance traveled and calories.

• Price: 3,892 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 7.0.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: E-Ink, 1.1″.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: No.
• Functions: sleep monitoring, calories, steps, swimming.
• Weight: 9 years
• Straps: silicone, several colors.
• Autonomy: about 8 months.

Withings Go is one of the bright initial models in the line of the famous manufacturer of fitness gadgets. The tracker boasts a long operating time, various wearing options (on the hand, on keys, on clothes) and an easy-to-read E-Ink screen with a visual representation of current activity.

Go can track not only running, but also swimming, and automatically switches between activities. In addition to counting steps, distance and calories burned, the tracker analyzes sleep in detail and displays statistics in the mobile application.

• Price: 4,167 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 8.0.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: one LED.
• Moisture protection: dive up to 3 meters.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: No.
• Functions: voice trainer, running, swimming, cycling, boxing.
• Weight: 6 years
• Straps: silicone, one color.
• Autonomy: about 6 months.

The strengths of the tracker include high accuracy of measurements thanks to the use of a nine-axis Omni Motion sensor and the ability to track activities such as running, cycling, swimming and even boxing. The bracelet is attached to the wrist or ankle; it is also possible to use two trackers at once, for example in boxing.

Another advantage of Moov Now is the virtual coach function. In the mobile application, you can specify physical parameters and, after selecting the type of workout, follow voice and visual prompts.

• Price: 6,778 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 7.0.
• Operating system: modified Android.
• Display: OLED, 1.34″, 320 × 300.
• Moisture protection: IP67.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, magnetometer.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, third-party applications.
• Functions: sleep monitoring, calories, steps, weather, compass, MP3 player.
• Weight:'54
• Straps: silicone, 2 colors.
• Autonomy: up to 5 days (2–3 days in active mode).

The first smart watch from Xiaomi, released by its subsidiary brand Huami. Despite the relatively low cost, this is a full-fledged fitness device in a ceramic case with Gorilla Glass, a heart rate monitor and GPS, running Android Wear. In addition to walking and running, AmazFit can track cycling and other activities.

The watch not only displays notifications, but also allows you to interact with them. If you pre-load music into the memory (up to 4 GB), then by connecting Bluetooth headphones, you can enjoy your favorite tracks during training.

• Price: 6,100 rubles.
• Compatibility:
• Operating system: No.
• Display: 5 LED indicators.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, mail.
• Functions: pedometer, distance traveled, floors, calories, sleep, clock.
• Weight: 25
• Straps: silicone, 4 colors.
• Autonomy: up to 5 days.

The advantages of Fitbit Flex 2 are its miniature size and the ability to be worn both in a traditional bracelet form factor and as a clip on clothing. The tracker is waterproof, allowing you to swim in the pool, and automatically recognizes types of activity.

Fitbit Flex 2 syncs with a proprietary mobile app that provides tons of statistics and the ability to compete in fitness achievements with friends.

Devices from 7,000 to 10,000 rubles

• Price: 7,900 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 7.0, Windows 10, OS X.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: touch OLED.
• Moisture protection: WR20.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: no, you can use the smartphone module.
• Sensors: accelerometer, altimeter.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, calendar, instant messengers.
• Functions: pedometer, running, cycling, exercise equipment, distance traveled, calories, sleep.
• Weight:'37
• Straps: silicone (4 colors), leather (2 colors).
• Autonomy: up to 5 days.

Fitbit's Charge 2 is an updated version of the Charge HR, which the company introduced in a variety of colors, including limited editions with a leather strap and a steel or 22-karat gold case. The tracker has a large and easily readable OLED display, showing data on the current activity level and heart rate, which Charge 2 constantly measures.

The bracelet supports a multi-training mode, can track running, cycling, exercise, and also has a “Breathing Guide” function that helps restore strength after a workout.

• Price: 7,500 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 7.0.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: four-color LED indicator.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS.
• Functions: steps, distance, calories, sleep, camera control.
• Weight: 8 years
• Straps: silicone or leather, 4 colors.
• Autonomy: up to 6 months.

Quite an expensive tracker that will appeal to those who are more interested in design than functionality. The Misfit Ray is an elegant cylinder made of aircraft-grade aluminum on a thin silicone or leather strap.

Despite its simplicity, the tracker can not only count steps, but also track activities such as running, swimming, cycling and yoga. Misfit Ray will also remind you that it's time to warm up, assess your sleep quality, and notify you of an incoming call or SMS. In addition to traditional wear on the wrist, there is an option in the form of a pendant on a pendant.

Devices from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles

• Price: 10,190 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 7.0, Windows 10, OS X 10.6.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: touch LCD.
• Moisture protection: splashes, rain, sweat.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer, altimeter, light sensor.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks.
• Functions: steps, distance, bike, exercise equipment, calories, floors, sleep.
• Weight: 44
• Straps: silicone or leather, several colors.
• Autonomy: about a week.

The first Fitbit smartwatch that attracts not only with its design, but also with its capabilities. Blaze has an interesting design with a metal frame protecting the main watch module. Thanks to the gaps at the top and bottom, the hand under the watch does not sweat at all.

Runners will appreciate the ability to constantly monitor heart rate and a virtual trainer, as well as support for connecting to a smartphone's GPS. The watch can track multi-sport workouts, show notifications, monitor sleep, and allow you to control music playback on your smartphone.

• Price: 10,400 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4.
• Operating system: Tizen.
• Display: touch AMOLED 1.5″, 216 × 432.
• Moisture protection: IP68.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications:
• Functions: pedometer, distance traveled, bike, elliptical and rowing machines, calories, sleep.
• Weight: 30 g.
• Straps: rubber, 3 colors.
• Autonomy: 2–3 days.

The second version of the popular Samsung tracker, the functionality of which the company has improved to the level of a good smartwatch. Gear Fit2 immediately attracts the eye with a curved Super AMOLED display that occupies almost the entire front panel of the watch. It is touch sensitive and due to the resolution it looks simply amazing.

The screen displays information read by built-in sensors, of which there are many: heart rate monitor, barometer, gyroscope, GPS. The Gear Fit2 also has Wi-Fi and 2GB of internal memory for storing music.

• Price: 12,270 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 8.0 (partial support).
• Operating system: Android Wear.
• Display: IPS, 1.37″, 360 × 325.
• Moisture protection: IP67.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors:
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, calendar, social networks.
• Functions: steps, distance, floors, calories, sleep, music playback.
• Weight:'54
• Straps: silicone, 3 colors.
• Autonomy: about 2 days.

A full-fledged smartwatch with Android Wear that is not tied to a smartphone and can do a lot without it. The Moto 360 Sport has a very cool IPS screen made using hybrid technology, thanks to which it pleases with colors indoors and is clearly readable in the bright sun.

The watch also pleases with its capabilities: it has Wi-Fi, built-in memory and a GPS module, so you can easily download your favorite playlist from Google Music, leave your smartphone at home and, putting on Bluetooth headphones, go for a run. Automatic brightness adjustment, wireless charging, heart rate monitor - the Moto 360 Sport has everything a modern smartwatch should have.

• Price: 11,590 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 8.0, Windows, OS X.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: monochrome LCD, 0.91″, 128 × 32.
• Moisture protection: IPX7.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS.
• Functions: counting steps, distance, calories, percentage of muscle mass, sleep quality.
• Weight: 22
• Straps: silicone, 4 colors.
• Autonomy: up to 5 days.

An ambitious tracker with an exclusive function of measuring the percentage of muscle mass and fat in the body. The button on the front panel, to which you need to place your finger, is responsible for its operation.

The small touch screen displays notifications for calls and messages, and also reports the following fitness indicators: steps, distance traveled, calories, sleep quality, heart rate and progress towards specified goals.

• Price: 14,900 rubles.
• Compatibility:
• Operating system: No.
• Display: monochrome, 1.08″, 160 × 68.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, altimeter.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks, calendar.
• Functions: steps, distance, floors, calories, sleep, activity.
• Weight: 31
• Straps: silicone, 3 colors.
• Autonomy: up to 5 days.

An advanced model of Garmin tracker, equipped with GPS and a constantly working heart rate monitor, which is a symbiosis of a fitness bracelet and a smartwatch. Vivosmart HR+ features accurate measurements and the consistent quality of Garmin software.

Despite round-the-clock heart rate monitoring (every 10 minutes at rest and every minute during exercise), the tracker uses battery power very sparingly. Another advantage of the Vivosmart HR+ is the very cool Garmin Connect app, which provides detailed statistics about your workouts.

Devices from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles

• Price: 17,900 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 8.1.2, Windows Phone 8.1.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: touch AMOLED, 1.36″, 320 × 128.
• Moisture protection: WR20.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, thermometer, light sensor, sweat sensor, barometer, UV sensor.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, mail, calendar.
• Functions: steps, distance, calories, sleep, activity, virtual trainer.
• Weight:'59
• Straps: silicone, one color.
• Autonomy: up to 2 days.

The second generation of Microsoft fitness bracelet with excellent ergonomics, which is provided by a curved display and a battery in the strap. The latter is located near the fastener, acting as a counterweight and without increasing the thickness of the device.

Band 2 is equipped with a huge number of sensors that constantly read activity and related indicators. The screen displays not only them, but also full-fledged notifications that you can interact with. This tracker is suitable for those who are interested in sports, but not yet at a professional level.

• Price: 16,490 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 8.0.
• Operating system: Android Wear.
• Display: touch AMOLED, 1.39″, 400 × 400.
• Moisture protection: IP67.
• Heart rate monitor: No.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks.
• Functions: steps, distance, floors, sleep, activity.
• Weight:'48
• Straps: leather, 2 colors.
• Autonomy: 1 day, 2 days in economy mode.

At first glance at the ASUS ZenWatch 3, it is clear that this is a watch for those who value design more than sports functions. The watch can track basic activities and, thanks to Android Wear, works well with a smartphone in terms of notifications, but you won’t find a heart rate monitor or GPS module here.

The main trump card of ZenWatch 3 is its appearance. Just look at the magnificent round display with record resolution, the stainless steel case and the stitched Italian leather strap.

The weak point of the watch is its rather low battery life. They will have to be charged every day. This disadvantage is partially offset by fast charging support: in 15 minutes, ZenWatch 3 is charged to 60%.

• Price: 18,890 rubles.
• Compatibility: iOS, Android.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: E-Ink.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: No.
• Sensors: accelerometer
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, calendar.
• Functions: steps, distance, swimming, calories, sleep.
• Weight:'39
• Straps: silicone, one color.
• Autonomy: up to 25 days, up to five days in training mode.

An interesting option for a fitness tracker for those who prefer classic watches, but at the same time want to join the world of smart gadgets. Withings Steel HR is more like that. This is an analog watch with a fitness bracelet function. The small built-in E-Ink display shows activity indicators and notifications from your smartphone.

The watch is equipped with a heart rate monitor and an accelerometer, so it records the number of steps taken, distance, swimming in the pool and sleep, while tracking your heart rate. There are not so many smart functions, but the battery life is pleasing: it lasts almost a whole month.

• Price: 16,990 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.3, iOS 8.0, Windows Phone, Windows, OS X 10.6.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: touch OLED, 1.38″, 148 × 205.
• Moisture protection: WR50.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, altimeter.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications:
• Functions: steps, distance, bike, golf, calories, sleep, player control.
• Weight:'48
• Straps: silicone, one color.
• Autonomy: up to 8 days.

Professional Garmin tracker with GPS and a constantly working heart rate monitor, which is at the junction of fitness bracelets and smart watches. Vivoactive HR surprises with its durability: battery life is more than a week. This is largely possible thanks to a special display that consumes energy only when updating information.

As with all Garmin devices, the Vivoactive HR has an extensive list of supported activities: not only swimming and cycling, but golf and even snowboarding. The tracker can broadcast notifications from a smartphone, and also shows detailed statistics on data both on the screen and in the mobile application.

• Price: 18,950 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android 4.4, iOS 9.0.
• Operating system: Tizen.
• Display: Super AMOLED, 1.3″, 360 × 360.
• Moisture protection: IP68.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, light sensor.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks, weather, third-party applications.
• Functions: steps, distance, calories, sleep, music playback, application installation.
• Weight:'63
• Straps: silicone, leather, several colors.
• Autonomy: up to 4 days.

• Price: 31,490 rubles.
• Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS.
• Operating system: No.
• Display: hybrid, 1.2″, 218 × 218.
• Moisture protection: WR100.
• Heart rate monitor: There is.
• GPS: There is.
• Sensors: accelerometer, altimeter, compass.
• Smart alarm clock: No.
• Notifications: calls, SMS, social networks, weather.
• Functions: steps, distance, bike, golf, calories, oxygen consumption, sleep, player control.
• Weight:'86
• Straps: silicone, one color.
• Autonomy: up to 6 weeks, up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

Huge and brutal, this watch is for those who prioritize functionality. Fenix ​​3 Sapphire HR can do everything that its competitors can (and even more), but at the same time leaves them far behind in terms of autonomy. In normal mode, the watch lasts for a month and a half, but in training mode with GPS turned on, it lasts for almost a day. But this is not just a fitness bracelet with LEDs, but a full-fledged display, notifications from a smartphone and a lot of sensors that can automatically detect and track various workouts, including swimming, cycling and golf.

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