7 Best Fitness Tracker Wristbands 2025 in the United States

The Garmin vívosmart® 5 is a fitness tracker that aims to cover all essential aspects of health monitoring. It offers a wide range of features such as activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS, catering to users who want comprehensive insights into their fitness and health. Its touchscreen and button interface combined with a bright, large display make it user-friendly. The device is comfortable to wear and can be worn while swimming or showering, thanks to its water resistance.

With up to 7 days of battery life, it ensures minimal interruptions in tracking your activities and health metrics. The compatibility with both Android and iOS through Bluetooth connectivity enhances its usability across different devices. The Garmin Connect app further enriches the experience by providing detailed health data and insights. However, the small screen size (0.84 inches) could be a limitation for users who prefer larger displays. The reliance on a connected smartphone for GPS functionality may be inconvenient for some.

Additionally, while it offers a variety of built-in sports apps, it may not have the extensive range found in more specialized fitness trackers. The incident detection feature is a valuable safety addition but requires smartphone connectivity and a network signal to function properly. The vívosmart 5 is well-suited for users looking for a reliable and comfortable fitness tracker with extensive health monitoring features, but it may not satisfy those seeking a device with a larger screen or standalone GPS capabilities.

The WHOOP 4.0 fitness tracker wristband is geared towards those looking for comprehensive health and fitness monitoring. Key strengths include its continuous monitoring capabilities, which track a variety of physiological data such as heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep, and daily activities. This makes it highly suitable for fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes who need precise data to optimize their performance and recovery.

Personalized insights and science-backed recommendations help users understand their behaviors and make healthier choices, supported by a community of like-minded individuals and experts. It comes with a 12-month membership, a comfortable Onyx SuperKnit band, and a water-resistant battery pack that allows for on-the-go charging with a battery life of up to 5 days.

It's worth noting some potential drawbacks. The device lacks a traditional display screen, which might be inconvenient for users who prefer immediate visual feedback on their wrist. Instead, data is accessed through compatible smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Additionally, the initial cost includes a 12-month subscription, which must be considered for long-term use. The device's emphasis on subscription-based services might not be appealing to everyone, especially those looking for a simple, one-time purchase. Despite these points, the WHOOP 4.0 offers a robust and detailed health tracking experience suitable for dedicated users focused on performance optimization and overall wellness.

The Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband is a solid choice for those looking to monitor their activity levels and health. It offers continuous heart rate tracking through its PurePulse technology, which helps in accurately measuring calorie burn throughout the day. The device also provides simplified heart rate zones to help you maximize your workouts, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts.

Additionally, it tracks steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, and active minutes, ensuring you have a comprehensive view of your daily activity. The sleep tracking feature helps you understand how long and how well you sleep, which can be beneficial for improving your sleep habits. The OLED display shows call, text, and calendar notifications, making it convenient to stay connected without checking your phone constantly.

The device also includes guided breathing sessions to help you find moments of calm. However, the Fitbit Charge 2 is only splash-proof and not fully water-resistant, meaning you can't wear it while swimming or in the shower. The GPS feature requires a connection to your smartphone, which might be a drawback for those who prefer standalone GPS. Battery life is decent but could be better, especially if you're using all features heavily. The wristband is compatible with over 200 iOS, Android, and Windows devices, ensuring broad compatibility. It's a well-rounded fitness tracker with a few limitations regarding water resistance and GPS functionality.