Which are the best new fitness trackers on the market today?
Picking a fitness tracking activity band has become an intricate process that is heavily determined by your individual requirements and lifestyle. Some people want a sophisticated breakdown of their high-intensity workout, while others are happy with daily step counting statistics. Other people require detailed heart monitoring, while some are interested in tracking their sleep patterns. Industry experts recognise this broad range of needs and have been working tirelessly to roll out products that suit everyone regardless of their fitness level and budget. What are the best new fitness trackers this year, and what can they add to your lifestyle?
Best New Fitness Trackers
This year has seen a huge rise in the number of new activity bands being brought to market. It's no longer just about the Fitbit - a product that has continued to evolve and does feature on this list. With such a broad range of trackers on the market, a shift in focus has now been made toward the aesthetics of these bands, with many brands working hard to perfect a sleek and stylish product that looks as good as it performs. Which are the best new fitness trackers that you should be looking out for this year.
Misfit Ray
The Misfit Ray is the latest instalment from the brand and is being hailed as one of the easiest to wear and simplest to operate of all the tracking devices on the market. One of its major selling points is that it doesn't require charging and is comfortable with its metallic, cylindrical design. Like most devices, the Misfit Ray measures steps per day, sleep patterns, calories burnt and sedentary periods. What it lacks in complex tech, it makes up for in style and simplicity. It can be worn on a wrist strap, bangle or even on a necklace.
Fitbit Charge 2
Fitbit is the leading brand in the activity tracker market, and its latest upgrade, the Charge 2, comes with a few added extras from its predecessor. It offers continual exercise tracking, alerts, sleep tracking and detailed heart rate monitoring along with a larger touchscreen display and interchangeable band feature. It also offers a relaxation option to focus on mindfulness and breathing techniques. Designed to meet a range of needs, this device is an affordable all-rounder.
Samsung Gear Fit 2
The Korean giants have made a number of upgrades to the latest iteration of its wearable collection on the outside and inside and the end result is superb value for money. It is beautifully designed, with a big high-quality display and has a low price point compared to its competitors. The only downside is it's specific to Android and won't work with any other smartphone.
Fitbit Blaze/Alta
If it's style you're looking for, the Fitbit brand has, come up trumps again. The Blaze and the Alta are two of the best new fitness trackers on the market in terms of aesthetics and they are both totally different. The Blaze is designed to look like a smart watch with its large, square face, while the Alta has a sleeker, trimmer style with changeable bands in a range of colours. Whether you're looking for a discreet band or something that makes a statement, Fitbit has something for you.
Withings Activite Steel
Withings has released its latest product - a mix of its two previous models - in the form of the Activite Steel. This tracker boasts a timeless design that looks more like a regular watch with dials and hands. By its own admission, it isn't aimed at hardcore fitness enthusiasts - just those who want to get a little fitter and monitor their basic activity levels. It syncs with Android and works in partnership with the MyFitnessPal app.
Jawbone UP3
If sleep tracking is your goal, this is the band for you. The Jawbone UP3 offers sophisticated sleep quality tracking and is also designed to show you how little you are moving, thus encouraging you to exercise more. Despite having an accurate step counting feature, this isn't a product aimed at dedicated gym-goers who require a complex workout breakdown. Instead, it's a great choice for those who need the gentle push to move more.
Microsoft Band 2
The Microsoft Band 2 is one of the most powerful and complex fitness trackers on the market. With 10 separate sensors and a microphone, it gives a detailed breakdown of sleep patterns (including a function designed to wake you up at the best time) and activity undertaken. Most of the data can be viewed via the screen, but this has led to some criticism of it being a cumbersome and uncomfortable device to wear day and night. Despite this, there is no doubt that it is one of the most technologically advanced trackers on the market.
Garmin Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivosmart is a waterproof band with the convenience of a year-long battery life. Like other fitness trackers, it monitors calorific loss, distance and sleep patterns, and it can help you to set and work toward specific fitness goals. It is a simple activity band that displays its data clearly and concisely. It is also one of the more affordable bands on the market.
