Do you like to stay active, monitor your health and do a self-evaluation? Then you definitely need an activity tracker. As one of the most popular wearables, this connected object allows you to quantify your physical activities and to surpass yourself. Step counter, pulse counter, calorie counter or all-in-one? For a wise choice, rely on our comparison of the best activity trackers.
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Our selection
"More than just a fashion accessory, this activity tracker, designed for runners, half marathoners and marathoners, offers you detailed statistics on your performance as well…"
"This chest belt should be connected directly to a GPS watch or smartphone if they are compatible. Ideal for those who want to measure their…"
"Beyond the basic features, the Garmin Venu 2 closely monitors your stress level while analyzing your sleep. The device has just over 25 built-in programs,…"
"Better than its predecessors, the Fitbit Charge 4 integrates a GPS that frees it from the smartphone. Activity tracking, up to 7 days autonomy, waterproofing…"
More than just a fashion accessory, this activity tracker, designed for runners, half marathoners and marathoners, offers you detailed statistics on your performance as well as your techniques and training.
199 £ on DecathlonThis activity tracker from Garmin acts like a virtual personal trainer. It will inform you in real time of the total distance you have run, the calories you have burned, the pace of your steps and the length of each stride. With these measurements in hand, you'll have no trouble analyzing your techniques and improving them if necessary. Free programs are provided to make the experience more complete. If they don't suit you, feel free to create personalized training plans.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 has a water resistance of 5 ATM, which means it can accompany you very well during your surface swims. It automatically detects incidents and simplifies the sharing of your position thanks to its integrated GPS. Note also that its autonomy can go from 24 hours to 7 days. Once the synchronization is done, you will receive all the notifications (SMS, emails, social networks...) on the tracker.
This chest belt should be connected directly to a GPS watch or smartphone if they are compatible. Ideal for those who want to measure their heart rate during intense and complete physical exercises.
31,20 £ on DecathlonThe Kalenji Dual Geonaute is easy to wear. By design, you should place it at chest level, as close to your heart as possible, for accurate measurements. This specific activity tracker is perfectly compatible with devices, under iOS or Android, equipped with Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ communication technologies. You can check its compatibility by downloading the Decathlon Utility application on your smartphone or tablet.
The Kalenji Dual Geonaute connected bracelet requires a CR2032 battery to operate. With a resistance of 1 ATM, it can withstand water projections. Its belt is made of a soft textile that will be comfortable despite the intensity of training. It is important to specify that this model should not, in any case, be used as a medical monitoring device, but only within the framework of a sporting and leisure use.
Beyond the basic features, the Garmin Venu 2 closely monitors your stress level while analyzing your sleep. The device has just over 25 built-in programs, illustrated and animated.
319 £ on DecathlonOne of the brand's newborns, the Garmin Venu 2 is a multisport activity tracker with a high-quality AMOLED screen. It can be considered as a serious competitor to Samsung and Apple models since it embeds various features more interesting than the others, with a remarkable autonomy. You will certainly appreciate its numerous sensors which, combined with the virtual coaching, will ensure a good execution of the movements.
Apart from monitoring your health, the device also offers animated workouts such as yoga, Pilates, weight training, cardio and HIIT. In short, you will be able to enjoy more than 25 sports profiles (hiking, skiing, running, swimming...). The presence of the MP3 music player, on subscription on Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music, is not to displease you, as well as the payment solution (Garmin Pay). This activity tracker is available in 2 versions: 40 or 45 mm case. It offers you stunning graphics that translate into relatively sharp images.
Better than its predecessors, the Fitbit Charge 4 integrates a GPS that frees it from the smartphone. Activity tracking, up to 7 days autonomy, waterproofing up to 50 m ... it has everything to please athletes and professionals.
103 £ on DecathlonAny specific needs?
The best activity tracker in 2021
The best entry-level activity tracker
The best high-end activity tracker
An activity tracker at the best price
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
6/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Garmin Forerunner 245
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Kalenji Dual Geonaute
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Garmin Venu 2
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Tracker d'activité Fitbit Charge 4
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More than just a fashion accessory, this activity tracker, designed for runners, half marathoners and marathoners, offers you detailed statistics on your performance as well as your techniques and training.
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This chest belt should be connected directly to a GPS watch or smartphone if they are compatible. Ideal for those who want to measure their heart rate during intense and complete physical exercises.
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Beyond the basic features, the Garmin Venu 2 closely monitors your stress level while analyzing your sleep. The device has just over 25 built-in programs, illustrated and animated.
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Better than its predecessors, the Fitbit Charge 4 integrates a GPS that frees it from the smartphone. Activity tracking, up to 7 days autonomy, waterproofing up to 50 m ... it has everything to please athletes and professionals.
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Autonomy
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24 hrs in GPS mode and 7 days in activity tracker mode
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'-
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Up to 11 days in activity tracker mode, up to 8 hours in GPS mode with music
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Up to 7 days in activity tracker mode - 5 h in GPS mode
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Waterproofing
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5 ATM
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1 ATM
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5 ATM or 50 m
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5 ATM or 50 m
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Warranty
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2 years
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2 years old
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2 years
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2 years
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Features
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Sleep tracking, step count, cadence, stride length, oximeter, SMS notifications, calls, emails...
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Heart rate measurement
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Tracking and safety features, 25+ built-in indoor and outdoor sports, notifications, contactless payment, playlists
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Activity tracking, cardio, music, payment, sleep, women's health tracking...
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GPS
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Yes
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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The activity sensor is best placed on your wrist. Whether you are walking around town or doing your daily exercises, it will be visible. In terms of design, you can choose it according to your desires and tastes: discreet, visually pleasing, etc. But don't forget the comfort aspect either. The size of the bracelet should fit your wrist. If it is small, choose a thin bracelet. As for its color, it's best to choose a neutral tone that will match all your outfits.
With or without screen? That's the question! The models without one are usually specific trackers like accelerometers and heart rate sensors. But since the current models are competing with smartwatches, which themselves have a display screen, you will have everything to enjoy with AMOLED technology.
Bright color, good brightness ... the essential information related to your activities are displayed in real time without the need to consult the smartphone. Note that the size of the small screen varies from 0.8 to 1.6 inches. The number of information provided will be important according to these dimensions, but the bracelet will become cumbersome, which will reduce its autonomy. Think about it!
This criterion depends on the brand and model of your activity tracker. For the most basic ones, the watch will play several roles, the essentials of which are accelerometer, heart rate monitor, pedometer, barometer and GPS. However, there are specialized models that will give you more accurate information, such as chest belts. Some will allow you to have a payment solution at your wrist and even the possibility to create your own training program. Either way, keep in mind that the more features there are, the higher the price of the activity tracker.
A screenless activity tracker usually runs on a battery. Even with continuous use, it can show a lifespan of up to 6 months. On the other hand, a model with a screen works via a rechargeable battery. Its durability oscillates between 3 to 5 days, but this will mainly rely on the use you make of the little device.
As a general rule, the activity tracker will follow you constantly, which implies that it must have some degree of resistance to water splashes. While some connected wristbands (of 1 ATM) can only withstand splashes. Others, with a resistance of 5 ATM, can be immersed without any problem. The former will be easy to wear in rainy weather, by the pool, etc. while the latter will be useful during your dives, swimming sessions or in the shower.
You can only exploit the data collected by your activity tracker by sending them to your smartphone or PC. To do this, you'll need to pair the two devices via a jack cable, a USB stick, or a wireless Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ANT+ connection. Of course, a dedicated application will be required. In this sense, you should know that almost all models today are compatible with the popular Android and iOS operating systems. The most advanced trackers will notify you of your incoming calls, emails, SMS...
Connected bracelet, activity monitor, activity tracker, fitness tracker or activity tracker, whatever you call it, this jewel of technology will follow you 24 hours a day by monitoring your physical activities. It can be clipped onto clothing or worn on the chest or wrist. But how does it really work?
Most of the time, the activity tracker takes the form of a small connected bracelet that will perform specific roles. It will indeed serve as a health coach that can normally function only when associated with a smartphone through an application. On a daily basis, it will be useful to observe your heart rate and measure your performance as well as your level of sports activity according to the goals you have set.
Thanks to the different sensors it is equipped with, the activity tracker keeps an eye on all your movements during the day. It then collects information such as the total number of steps you have taken, the number of calories burned, the pace of your steps, the distance of your stride, your heart rate when you are active or at rest, the quality of your sleep, etc.
This data will then be transmitted to your smartphone via an application that will be installed beforehand and synchronized with the bracelet via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or ANT+. This application will analyze and cross-reference all the information to provide you with detailed statistics on your activities. Obviously, the information can be consulted instantly on the watch if it is equipped with a text display.
It is a slim, simplistic and discreet looking device in the form of a connected bracelet powered by one or more batteries. It can be placed on the wrist, on other parts of the body such as the chest or ankle or on clothing. This type of activity tracker is very well suited to lovers of running, cardio-training ... It can be a :
This kind of activity tracker encompasses all the previous functionalities namely a heart rate monitor, a GPS, a gyroscope, a pedometer and a calorie burned counter. The most successful are able to estimate the energy you will spend according to the physical activity practiced, to serve as an altimeter or barometer, to capture your SpO2 (pulsed oxygen saturation), to monitor and control your sleep, to notify you in case of SMS, calls or emails without you having to take out your cell phone.
Of course, these are not the only options available. For example, you will be able to set one or more goals when planning your training programs. Most of them will remind you in case you forget to exercise. Also, you'll have easy access to various music streaming platforms like Deezer and Spotify. And last but not least, you can make the most of the contactless payment method.
Usually, the tracker or activity monitor is a small device worn on the wrist or on another part of the body. Its main role is to measure the number of steps taken, the total distance covered in kilometres, the heart rate, the number of calories burned... In short, it's the perfect accessory to motivate yourself and keep track of your fitness goals.
There are quite a few models of activity trackers with +/- features depending on the needs of each. It connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, ANT+ or Wi-Fi and synchronizes with a special Fit application. There, you can enjoy your results, share your progress on social networks or community and receive notifications.
The smartwatch is a miniature version of the smartphone. Their mode of operation remains almost the same except that the connected watch is relatively small and light. Unlike the activity tracker and any other sports watch, the smartwatch runs exclusively on the WatchOS or Android Wear operating systems.
The device features a touchscreen and a chic design. You can download and install applications just as you would on your smartphone. You get your notifications, incoming calls, and texts that you can easily respond to without going to the phone. In some cases, the watch monitors your activity and heart rate.
You can easily distinguish the activity tracker from the smartwatch. Indeed, the screen of a monitor is not tactile, you will not be able to install applications and even less to answer your messages directly. However, if you are looking for an ally for your various physical activities or a personal coach to motivate you, the fitness tracker will be highly recommended. On the other hand, if you'd rather monitor your social network messages, answer your calls, text messages and emails, or check the weather without taking out your smartphone, the smartwatch is for you.
This option is common to all activity tracker models. It counts with almost perfect accuracy the number of steps you take every day. By the way, 10,000 steps, the figure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is equivalent to about 7 km. If your workplace is far from your home, you can easily reach this target. Note that the pedometer function may have a slight margin of error of +/- 180 steps.
Having an activity tracker gives you the opportunity to follow your progress over the long term. You will be able to progress in a sustainable way and evaluate your performance. With such equipment, you will be able to compare your previous data with the new information collected to try to do even better. That's the whole point of pushing yourself.
The activity tracker will fulfil the task of a psychological trigger. Indeed, by investing in this device, you will be led to get the best out of it so that you don't have the feeling of having spent your money. The different messages of encouragement that it can send you will only motivate you even more. This will invite you to reach your daily goal. And as mentioned above, when you compare your performance yesterday to today, you will become aware of your efforts and will be able to set yourself small challenges.
It is important to take a minimum of 10,000 steps per day if you want to stay fit. This is equivalent to 90 minutes of walking or 60 minutes of jogging. Even the least athletic people will benefit from an activity tracker that counts their steps, tracks their heart rate and monitors their sleep in the best possible conditions.
The activity tracker being a high-tech object, one thinks directly of a very young target audience, with sportswear and a convoluted smartphone in their hands. And yet, this sports accessory is very popular with both the over and under 60s. As long as you want to take care of your health, the activity tracker is always recommended.
In our opinion, the best brands of activity trackers in 2022 are :
We know the Garmin brand by its GPS equipment, but did you know that it also has a range of activity trackers? It is no longer just for aviators and outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen and women will also have their own range of accessories, which are effective, practical and offer the best value for money.
Kalenji is a brand specially dedicated to running enthusiasts, considering that running is the type of physical activity most practised by humans since childhood. And as running is an innate act, we do not hesitate to associate it with activity trackers to test its effectiveness on the health and well-being of everyone.
Fitbit is one of the market leaders in the field of activity trackers or connected bracelets. The quality and reliability of its products are no longer in question. Moreover, the accuracy of the data as well as the modern and chic aspect of its models will leave you speechless.
Polar entered the world of heart rate monitors in 1977. Since then, the brand has never stopped innovating and listening to its customers' needs. This is why it is no longer satisfied with this type of activity sensors, it also markets a whole range of products suitable for all levels of fitness including fitness trackers and connected sports watches.
Withings is no longer to be introduced if you are a fan of connected objects such as Wi-Fi scales, Wi-Fi blood pressure monitors, connected watches or sleep sensors. Among them, you will easily find on the market activity trackers of the brand at a very affordable price if we only consider their reliability and design quality.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Try an activity tracker application before buying a connected bracelet
A little advice: use a fitness application before buying a connected bracelet. It's totally free and has no time limit, although the data collected is quite basic. By using it on a daily basis, you will see what type of sport suits you best. At that point, you can plan to buy an activity tracker, which is more practical and less cumbersome than your smartphone.
Start your physical activities gently
Feeling too sedentary and want to (re)start exercising? There's no secret: start slowly. Make sure that the resumption of your physical activities is done gradually. Choose an activity tracker with a thin wristband and a neutral color that will be easy to forget. If it's a model without a screen, clip it to your pocket or a hem and go about your day as usual. Once you've got the rhythm down, increase the intensity of your efforts.
Reach 10,000 daily steps easily
The WHO recommends a minimum of 10,000 steps a day to stay fit and healthy. In order to achieve them smoothly and in a fun way, you can try to move more. To get there faster, avoid public transportation like the subway and bus. Walk instead. If you're used to elevators, why not take the stairs? When you get home, don't forget to sync your new data to your phone.
Set goals for yourself
The activity tracker's primary function is to record your physical efforts. However, it will need to be accompanied by a tracking app to be fully effective. Easy to use, the latter will act as a sports coach, which will surely motivate you! At the beginning, set yourself goals that are easily achievable and then raise the bar as soon as you notice a real progress in your physical condition.
Adopt a more stable sleep cycle
To be in good health, nothing beats a good sleep. An adult will need 7 to 9 hours to sleep. The schedule will increase to 7 to 8 hours for the elderly. In any case, it is better to keep the activity tracker on your wrist all night long. More than you thought, the device will detect your sleep phases and inform you of your sleep cycles (light, deep and REM). This way, you will adapt your bedtime and wake-up times without too much difficulty.
The little extra of the activity tracker? Some models will give you the possibility to better start your weight loss process. All you need is a suitable application on which you can record the food you ate during the day and the liters of water you drank. It will then calculate the ratio between your calories burned and those consumed.
Each brand of activity tracker has its own dedicated application (Garmin Connect for Garmin, Fitbit for Fitbit...). You will know which one will work with your model by consulting the user manual or by scanning the QR code on the watch. Also, if you're looking for an activity tracker without a wristband, there are more choices. The most popular are Google Fit, Fitbit, RunKeeper and Endomondo.
All connected bracelets include a sleep tracker. However, the reliability depends on the quality and range of these. For reliable information, it is advisable to choose a sleep sensor specifically designed for this purpose. In the form of a sleep band or night mask, it will usually be placed under the mattress.
Connecting an activity tracker to your smartphone is easy. Download and install the dedicated application on your phone. Activate your Bluetooth and then search for the connected wristband. Link the two devices by clicking on the name of the tracker. Data synchronization is usually done when you open the app. Make sure to always check the pairing as the watch will tend to disconnect for no apparent reason.
Don't get me wrong, there are activity trackers for teenagers and even kid-friendly models. Although the selection criteria remain the same, you should also consider the age of your child, the size of his or her wrist, the device's resistance to shocks and falls, and its sturdiness.
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