5 Must-Have Fitness Smartwatches I Love

5 Must-Have Fitness Smartwatches I Love

Can a watch really motivate you to hit the gym? Let’s find out!

When it comes to fitness, having the right tools is EVERYTHING! And what better tool than a SMARTWATCH that helps track your progress, motivate you during those tough workouts, and even remind you to breathe? In a world where 80% of New Year’s resolutions to get fit are abandoned by February, a fitness smartwatch might be the secret weapon you need to stay on track.Have you ever wondered how some people seem to thrive on workouts while you’re just trying to survive? Well, with the right fitness companion on your wrist, you can turn your fitness journey into an adventure, not a chore!

Our Top Picks

1
Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch
For Serious Athletes
Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch
Ultimate Fitness Companion for Pros
9.2
Amazon.com
2
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
Best Health Tracker
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
All-in-One Wellness Tracker
9
Amazon.com
3
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular
Editor's Choice
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular
Versatile Smartwatch for Everyone
8.8
Amazon.com
4
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Best for Runners
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Best Music-Enabled Running Watch
8.5
Amazon.com
5
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm
Budget-Friendly Option
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm
Feature-Packed Android Smartwatch
7.5
Amazon.com

For Serious Athletes
1

Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch

Ultimate Fitness Companion for Pros
9.2/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Polar Vantage M2 is crafted for athletes seeking performance insights that can truly elevate their training. Its advanced metrics and individualized feedback help you train smarter and recover efficiently.

Why You'll Love It
Wide range of sports profiles supported
Accurate heart rate tracking
Integrated training programs
Long battery life of up to 30 hours (GPS)
Quality build with a comfortable design
Drawbacks
Higher price point
Learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Some features may require additional subscriptions

Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch

Championing extraordinary features, Polar's Vantage M2 smartwatch is built with serious athletes in mind. This multisport watch offers meticulous tracking capabilities across various sports, combining smartwatch functionalities with rugged performance.

Key Features:

Smart Coaching: The Vantage M2 provides personalized insights into your training and recovery, so you always know your performance status. Fitness libraries notify you when to push boundaries and when to take a step back.

Activity Tracking for Recovery: You can monitor your sleep quality and recovery status, ensuring that you engage in smart training cycles rather than exhausting yourself unnecessarily.

Versatile and Multifunctional: Whether you're cycling, swimming, or running, this watch has a mode for it. Whether biking outdoors or swimming in the pool, each sport comes with tailored data to enhance personal growth.

While slightly more expensive, this smartwatch is perfect for competitive athletes who demand detailed information about their performance metrics. If you are looking to improve your training without sacrificing quality, the Polar Vantage M2 is a strong contender.


Best Health Tracker
2

Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker

All-in-One Wellness Tracker
9/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Fitbit Charge 5 excels in both fitness and wellness metrics, offering integrated features for not just physical health but mental as well. This makes it an excellent tool for holistic well-being and recovery monitoring.

Why You'll Love It
Built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking
Excellent stress management features
Long battery life up to 7 days
Compatible with various fitness apps
Lightweight and comfortable design
Drawbacks
Compatibility issues with some phones
Limited smart features compared to smartwatches
Some features require a Premium subscription

Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 5 is designed for those who are serious about their fitness and well-being. Packed with features like built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and advanced stress management tools, this smartwatch focuses on both physical activity as well as mental wellness.

Key Features:

Health Metrics at Your Fingertips: The Charge 5 tracks heart rate variability and activity levels to give you insights into your overall health. It also offers a unique daily readiness score that shows how well your body is prepared for exercise.

Sleep Tracking & Analysis: You’ll receive detailed metrics on your sleep quality, broken down into light, deep, and REM stages, enabling you to understand your rest patterns better.

Durability & Style: Water-resistant up to 50 meters, it’s suitable for swimming, making it a versatile option jam-packed with functionality.

With its long battery life and sleek design, it won’t just follow your fitness journey; it will inspire and motivate you every step of the way.


Editor's Choice
3

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular

Versatile Smartwatch for Everyone
8.8/10
EXPERT SCORE

This smartwatch offers seamless connectivity, a bright display, and excellent health tracking features. It's especially beneficial for Apple users looking for a comprehensive health and fitness solution in a stylish package.

Why You'll Love It
Always-on Retina display
Wide variety of health features
Great music streaming capabilities
Durability with water and dust resistance
Seamlessly integrates with Apple ecosystem
Drawbacks
Battery life could be better
Some features require service activation
Not suitable for non-Apple devices

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular

The Apple Watch Series 7 represents a leap forward in smartwatch technology with significant upgrades in size and performance. Featuring a nearly 20% larger screen than its predecessor, the always-on Retina display ensures you can quickly glance at your notifications, fitness metrics, or even take calls and texts without fiddling with the screen.

Noteworthy Features:

Health Tracking: It monitors your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even takes ECG readings, supporting comprehensive health awareness.
Durability: With IP6X dust resistance and a swim-proof design, this watch is built for durability while still looking chic on your wrist.
Seamless Connectivity: You can answer calls, reply to texts, and listen to music from the watch, so you can remain connected even without your phone.

However, keep in mind that this is a renewed product, and while most come in excellent condition, there may occasionally be minor scratches or charging portal issues. This smartwatch is immensely popular and takes minimal time to set up, making it a great addition to anyone's arm.


Best for Runners
4

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Best Music-Enabled Running Watch
8.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

This smartwatch combines advanced running features with music capabilities, making it ideal for runners. It's lightweight and packed with customizable training options that help you track your progress effectively.

Why You'll Love It
Advanced training features for runners
Built-in music storage
Long battery life (up to 7 days)
Lightweight design
Great mobile app support
Drawbacks
Refurbished nature may affect reliability
Occasional heartbeat inaccuracies
Limited waterproofing compared to some competitors

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is an excellent choice for serious runners looking to enhance their training with advanced analytics and music capabilities. This GPS smartwatch not only tracks your distance and pace, but it also syncs with popular music streaming services like Spotify, allowing you to enjoy your favorite songs on the go without carrying your phone.

Key Features:

Advanced Running Dynamics: With metrics such as ground contact time and vertical ratio, you can analyze your running form for better efficiency.

Training Status Monitoring: This feature evaluates whether you are undertraining or overtraining, helping you adjust your regimen appropriately.

Safety & Tracking Features: Incident detection alerts your emergency contacts if you run into trouble while out on your own.

Battery Life: It promises an impressive battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours with GPS and music active, so you won't have to worry about recharging frequently.

The watch is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long runs. However, be mindful of the refurbished nature of this model, which could impact longevity. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is tailored for performance-first enthusiasts looking for a GPS running watch that won’t weigh them down.


Budget-Friendly Option
5

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm

Feature-Packed Android Smartwatch
7.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

This Samsung smartwatch provides a comprehensive health suite in a classic design, meeting fitness enthusiasts’ needs while also looking stylish. It's especially recommended for those embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, offering excellent compatibility.

Why You'll Love It
Classic design with rotating bezel
Comprehensive health tracking features
Good battery life
Integrates seamlessly with Samsung devices
Durable build quality
Drawbacks
Best features require Samsung phone
Battery drains quickly with heavy use
Weight might not suit everyone

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is an appealing hybrid between smartwatch functionality and traditional timepiece aesthetic. Designed for Android phone users, this watch is not just for appearances; it comes equipped with a plethora of health metrics and activity tracker tools.

Highlights:

ECG Monitoring: With heartbeat tracking features, it helps guide your health journey by providing insights into your heart's rhythms and patterns.

Body Composition Analysis: Track your body fat percentage, muscle mass, and overall fitness levels right on the wrist — a feature not commonly found in commerce.

Ergonomic Experience: The rotating bezel offers convenient navigation around a stunning display. Pair that with long battery life, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how minimal the upkeep becomes.

While ideally suited for users with Samsung devices, those with other Android options can still enjoy essential features. Just be aware you might miss out on some advanced functionalities that only integrate seamlessly with Samsung devices.


Final Thoughts

If I had to pick just two smartwatches from this amazing lineup, I’d recommend the Polar Vantage M2 Multisport Watch for serious athletes looking for in-depth training insights and performance metrics. If you’re after an all-around wellness tracker that won’t break the bank, the Fitbit Charge 5 is the ultimate choice, offering a fabulous balance of fitness tracking and wellness support. Both are fantastic companions to elevate your fitness game!


FAQs

What should I look for in a fitness smartwatch?

Look for features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, activity tracking, and battery life. It's also helpful to consider compatibility with your smartphone and if you prefer a more fitness-focused or versatile device.

Are smartwatches worth the investment for casual exercisers?

Absolutely! Even if you’re not a hardcore athlete, having a smartwatch can provide valuable insights and motivation to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Can I use a fitness smartwatch without a smartphone?

Many fitness smartwatches have standalone features, but you’ll miss out on some functionalities. For instance, notifications and advanced app integrations usually require a connection to your smartphone.

How do fitness smartwatches improve my workouts?

These devices can track metrics like heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, and even offer personalized coaching, helping you optimize your training and stick to your goals.

What’s the battery life like on these smartwatches?

Battery life varies: while some can last several days on a single charge, others may need more frequent charging, especially with GPS and music features in use. It's always good to check specific models for their battery specs.

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33 Comments

  1. I love how vibrant the design on the Samsung watches is! But functionality is key, right? How’s the fall detection feature?

  2. Just ordered the Fitbit Charge 5! Can’t wait to start tracking everything! 😆 Any tips for getting started?

  3. The Garmin Forerunner 245 sounds like a great choice for runners. Does it have enough tracking metrics for serious athletes?

  4. Anyone have experience with the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 7? I’ve read mixed reviews. Is it worth it?

  5. Is the music feature on the Garmin Forerunner worth it? I want a watch for running, but music is a bonus! 🎧

  6. The Fitbit Charge 5 looks interesting! I’ve been looking for something to help with my sleep. Do the sleep metrics really work?

  7. Mixed feelings about Samsung… how does the Galaxy Watch 4 compare to the others? Is it just hype?

  8. I was hesitant, but I bought the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic last month. Is the ECG feature really useful? I feel like I’m just another face in the crowd now. 😂

  9. Can anyone share their experiences with the Polar Vantage M2? Is it as stuffy as it sounds with all those features?

  10. I don’t really care about features—just tell me which one looks the best! 😂 The Apple Watch probably wins that contest!

  11. I’m more of a Garmin guy, so hearing about the Forerunner 245 Music caught my attention. Can I really sync my tunes with it? 🎶

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