It can get daunting finding out which is the best tracker money can buy. You don’t want to be left feeling foolish after putting down money on a dated tracker when a new version release is on the horizon. We know how that feels. That’s why we’ve curated a buying guide listing only the trackers that were released in the last 2 months or so and are currently available on the market. The list is not extensive but it’s a list we like. Check back for updates, we’ll looking to add a few more soon.
We hope you find something that motivates you to GadFit. Read on.
MICROSOFT BAND (RRP $199.99)
Microsoft has certainly raised the bar with the Microsoft Band. Though priced at $199.99, it’s so full of features we think it’s already giving the current fitness trackers on the market a run for their money. Need we say more? The Microsoft Band is available at microsoft.com or brick and mortar Microsoft stores.
List of features:
- Tracks steps, exercise reps, calories, sleep
- Optical heart rate sensor
- In-built GPS
- UV meter
- Skin temperature sensor
- 2 days battery life (1 hour workout and 8 hours sleep tracking daily)
- Shows notifications from smartphones (calls, texts, emails)
- Takes voice commands via Cortana on Windows 8.1 phones.
- TFT full colour touch enabled display
- Microphone
- Vibration motor
- Silent alarm
- 2 physical buttons
- Syncs wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0
- Sweat and spash resistant only
- Display can be personalised
JAYBIRD REIGN ($199.95)
Jaybird Reign is the first activity tracker from the company more known for it’s earbuds. Released in November 2014, it’s a fitness tracker that’s been in the making for the last few seasons. Awarded the “Best of CES 2014″ award by engadget and Slashgear, the Jaybird Reign introduces a new stat, the heart rate variability (HRV) HRV translates into the Go Zone score unique to Jaybird Reign that lets you know how active you should be; if you’ve recovered from a previous hard work out.
List of features:
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned
- Tracks activities like running, swimming, cycling, general activities, sport and inactivity
- Automatic sleep detection and recommendations
- Personalised activity goal recommendation
- Go Zone from heart rate variability
- Tells time
- Fully waterproof. Safe to swim. Not for diving or snorkeling
- Battery life of 5 days
The Jaybird Reign is available exclusively at Best Buy and Jaybird online shop. RRP $199.95
BASIS PEAK (RRP $199.99)
The first tracker on the market to offer 24/7 HR monitoring returns with a complete face lift. The new Basis Peak promises more accurate HR monitoring, even during exercise. Now equipped with touch screen enabled Gorilla Glass and a sleek looking forged aluminum body with customisable wrist strap of your choice with standard 23mm watch strap attachment. The Basis Peak truly deserves a place on anyone’s wrist. The Basis Peak – Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker (Matte Black/Black) will be available through select U.S. retailers. RRP: $199.99
List of features:
- Intelligent activity and sleep tracking with BodyIQ
- Gorilla Glass 3 touch screen
- Water resistant to 5ATM
- Smartwatch notification capability in future updates
- Vibration
- Compatible with select iOS and Android devices
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring, even during exercise
- Measure perspiration, skin temperature
- Magnetic charging cradle
- Up to 4 days of battery life
FITBIT CHARGE (RRP $129.95)
The most basic of the new Fitbit line of trackers, the Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband, blows the previous generation of Fitbit trackers out of the water. The most prominent feature is smartphone notifications connectivity. With MapMyRun embedded within the Fitbit app (available for both select Android and iOS devices), the GPS tracking is taken care of. What’s left is to look good and start tracking your way to a more active you. The Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband is be available through select U.S. retailers. RRP: $129.95. Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge will be available at a later date.
If you’re keen to take a second look at the earlier Fitbit trackers, click here.
Read GadFit’s review of the Fitbit Charge fitness tracker
List of features:
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, floor climbed and active minutes
- Displays stats, time, caller ID when phone is nearby
- Monitors sleep automatically
- Silent vibrating alarm
- Check your workout stats using Exercise Mode
- Water resistant to 1 ATM
- Up to 7 days battery life
- Wireless syncing through Bluetooth 4.0
- Surgical grade stainless steel clasp with OLED display
JAWBONE UP3 (RRP $179.99)
Users already familiar with the Jawbone series of activity trackers will be pleased to know that Jawbone has released the UP3 tracker. The biggest improvement is the heart rate reading function, availability of REM sleep tracking and water resistance to 10m. And true to Yves Behar’s design philosophy, the Jawbone UP3 is the best looking fitness tracker we know of to date. The Jawbone UP3 is available for pre-order at Jawbone.com. It will be available at select U.S. retailers like Amazon and Best Buy soon. If the price is too much, the dated Jawbone UP24 is still a great fitness tracker to consider.
If you’re keen to take a second look at the earlier Jawbone fitness trackers, click here.
List of features:
- Tri-axis accelerometers, bioimpedance sensors, skin and ambient temperature sensors
- Tracks heart rate, steps, calories burned, sleep quality (REM, deep, light)
- Water resistant up to 10m
- Vibration motor allows setting of silent alarm and idle alerts
- Wireless syncing via Bluetooth 4.0
- Automatic activity recognition and logging
- LED indicator light shows mode status. (Blue for sleep, orange for activity, white for notification)
- Smart coaching
- Up to 7 days battery life
- Magnetic USB charging
GARMIN VIVOSMART (RRP: $169.99)
Released after the Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band , the Garmin Vivosmart sacrifices a year long battery for a plethora of features including smart notifications from compatible smartphone devices, vibartion alerts and autosync. The 7 day battery life should satisfy most users given that full fledged smart watches typically require charging every day or two.Did we mention you can also control Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera and music from the Vivosmart? Check out GadFit’s review of the Garmin Vivosmart.
If you’re keen to compare between Vivofit and Vivosmart, click here.
List of features
- Water proof (5 ATM)
- Real time heart rate monitoring function (with HR monitoring strap)
- App available for both Android and iOS
- Touch screen enabled; taps and swipes
- Calories, Distance, Steps, Sleep
- Walk and Run stride length can be calibrated
- Displays notifications from compatible smartphones
- Idle alerts and alarm in the form of vibration and visual display
- Allows entering of cycling wheel circumference with bike speed sensor
ADIDAS FIT SMART (RRP $199.99)
We’ve had fun with the adidas miCoach Fit Smart and must admit that it’s a fine fitness tracker. We particularly like the convenience of having accurate and hassle free heart rate tracking from the wrist. The display with the coloured LED lights to indicate intensity takes the guess work out of HR zone training. The addition of vibration to indicate splits is icing on the cake. Say good bye to chest-worn heart rate straps. Read GadFit’s review of the Adidas FIT SMART.
List of features:
- LED light strips as colour indicators for HR zone or pace.
- Mio continuous optical heart rate; no need for chest HR straps.
- Stores up to 10 hour workout data.
- Decent battery life: 5 days with 1 hour of workout per day.
- Compatible with select iOS and Android devices.
- Abundance of training plans and weekly goals on miCoach app.
- Tagging of shoes to tracked activities.
- More features enabled when connected with smartphone device
- Accurate estimation of distance based on stride rate.
- Personalised HR training zones based on pre-set Assessment Workout.
- Vibration.
- Sweat resistant
JAWBONE MOVE (RRP:$49.99)
Wear it on your shirt, your wrist, clip it on your belt, your bag. The Jawbone Move is designed to allow the user to tap into the UP ecosystem without breaking the bank. Priced competitively at $49.99, the Jawbone Move runs on a single coin battery that lasts up to 6 months. It tracks steps, calories and even sleep. It comes in vibrant colours and customisable clips and wrist straps. We think it makes a great gift for the young ones.
List of features:
- Tri-axis accelerometers
- Tracks steps, calories burned, sleep
- Splash resistant
- Wireless syncing via Bluetooth 4.0
- Smart coaching
- 12 White LEDs, 1 Orange LED, and 1 Blue LED indicate progress and status
- Up to 6 months battery life
MISFIT FLASH (RRP$49.99)
Think Misfit Shine, only cheaper. That’s what the Misfit Flash does. At less than half the price of the Shine, the Misfit Flash tracks steps, distance, calories and sleep quality in 7 great colours. It can also be worn on the wrist or simply clipped on the shoes, belt or even the jacket. The app looks similar to the Misfit Shine app and features leadership board challenges, trends over time, daily goals and personal records. Throw in water resistance to 30m and you’ve got yourself a well priced fitness tracker.
Check out reviews of other Misfit wearables fitness gadgets here.
List of features:
- Tri-axis acceleromter
- Tracks steps, distance, sleep quality and duration
- 6 months battery life on a single coin battery
- Comes with clip and wrist strap
- iOS and Android compatible, Windows Phone compatibility in the pipeline
- Water proof to 30m
- Wireless syncing via Bluetooth 4.0