Fitness encompasses a variety of activities, from walking and running to golfing and climbing, each with its own set of metrics to monitor. The ideal fitness watch or tracker complements your workout routine, monitors your data, and seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle.
For nearly a decade, our experts have rigorously tested over 40 top fitness watches, curating a selection tailored to every scenario. Utilizing standardized methods, we evaluated sensor accuracy, battery life, functionality, durability, and comfort. Moreover, we pushed these devices to their limits, from the summits of Pacific Northwest volcanoes to the depths of Utah’s canyonlands, to assess their resilience.
In addition to our extensive testing, our in-house fitness coach consulted with clients and athletes, gathering insights and scouring online reviews. We meticulously analyzed spec sheets, comparing features across brands and models.
Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best fitness watches, GPS watches, and fitness trackers, based on our comprehensive testing. To aid you in selecting the perfect fitness watch for your specific needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, a FAQ section, and a comparison chart.
The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
- Best Off-Grid Solar Fitness Watch: Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
- Best Overall Fitness Watch: COROS Apex 2 Pro
- Best Fitness Watch for iPhone Users: Apple Watch Ultra
- Best Fitness Watch for Running: Garmin Forerunner 265
- Best Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Charge 5
- Best Backcountry Fitness Watch: Garmin fenix 7 Solar Multisport GPS Watch
- Best Budget Fitness Watch: COROS Pace 3
Best Off-Grid Solar Fitness Watch: Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 14.5 mm
- Weight: 67 g
- Battery: Lithium-ion. Provides up to 150 hours in battery-saving GPS mode; solar charging offers unlimited power
- GPS: Enabled with multi-band GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1.1″ Power Glass display and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Utilizes multiple satellite navigation systems for precise tracking
- Solar watch face charges the watch while in use
- Offers comprehensive smart fitness features to enhance workouts
Cons:
- Strap is not removable or replaceable
- Watch body is made of plastic material
With support for GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite navigation systems, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar ($450 on amazon) is a powerhouse of information ideal for any adventure seeker.
The newly updated Instinct 2X boasts enhanced features, including multi-frequency GNSS reception and an LED flashlight for added utility. However, the most notable upgrade is its updated watch face, incorporating Garmin’s latest Power Glass technology, which harvests 50% more solar energy than previous versions, ensuring extended battery life without the need for frequent charging.
Garmin claims an impressive 40 days of power in smartwatch mode, with solar charging providing theoretically unlimited power, depending on exposure to sunlight. The watch also impresses with its array of smart fitness features, such as Body Battery Energy monitoring and intensity minutes tracking throughout the day.
While there are some compromises, like a non-removable strap and a plastic watch body, the Instinct 2X maintains Garmin’s signature styling and durability, promising longevity with proper care.
Offering many features found in higher-priced models like the Garmin fenix 7 Solar but in a more compact and affordable package, the Instinct 2X Solar is our go-to companion for long and adventurous days outdoors.
Best Overall Fitness Watch: COROS Apex 2 Pro
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 46.1 x 46.5 x 14 mm
- Weight: 53 g
- Battery: Lithium-ion; provides up to 75 hours in battery-saving GPS mode
- GPS: Enabled with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1.3″ sapphire screen and titanium bezel
Product Badge: Voted as The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Remarkable GPS tracking capabilities
- Comprehensive suite of activity profiles
- Excellent battery life for prolonged use
- Comfortable band ensures wearability during activities
Cons:
- Limited mapping capabilities may hinder navigation
- Dial-wheel functionality may be challenging to operate during physical activity
While some larger watches prioritize longevity, the COROS Apex 2 Pro ($449) stands out for its sensible size, comprehensive features, and exceptional battery life, making it our top pick for the best overall fitness watch on the market.
The COROS Apex line, recently updated, offers a wealth of features within its 46 mm bezel, including a full range of activity tracking profiles, ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), and support for five Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
In comparison to its predecessor, the Apex 2 Pro boasts additional satellite technology with a Dual-Frequency chipset, enhancing performance in challenging environments like forests and canyons. It also boasts increased internal storage from 8 GB to 32 GB, along with extended battery life.
During testing, the Apex 2 Pro demonstrated exceptional longevity, with a confirmed 75 hours of battery life in GPS-only mode, surpassing competitors of similar size. Although watches like the Garmin fenix 7 Solar may offer longer battery life through solar charging, they come with bulkier designs.
In terms of app integration, COROS has made significant progress, providing a user-friendly interface through the COROS app. While it may lack some advanced fitness analytics found in Garmin’s ecosystem, it excels in displaying activity data and daily metrics like heart rate and sleep quality.
However, there are areas for improvement. We found ourselves missing the comprehensive fitness stats, reports, and workouts available in the Garmin ecosystem. Additionally, in an era of vibrant AMOLED screens, the color display of the Apex 2 Pro appeared somewhat muted in comparison.
Overall, the COROS Apex 2 Pro is an ideal choice for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts seeking a feature-rich yet compact solution. With its impressive array of features and exceptional battery life, it stands as a near-perfect solution for fitness tracking needs.
Best Fitness Watch for iPhone Users: Apple Watch Ultra
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm
- Weight: 61.4 g
- Battery: Lithium-ion. Provides up to 12 hours in battery-saving GPS mode
- GPS: Enabled with multi-band GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a sapphire crystal display and titanium bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of smartwatch features and downloadable apps
- Enables easy answering of calls and texts without a phone connection
- Advanced health monitoring capabilities
- Large, clear display for easy viewing
Cons:
- Battery life is not exceptional
- Heavier compared to other devices in its class
Apple dominates the smartwatch market for good reason, and the Apple Watch Ultra ($799) solidifies its position as the top smartwatch available today. While it may not excel as a dedicated GPS watch, its array of features and user-friendly design make it a standout choice.
The Apple Watch Ultra is tailored for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, boasting a larger titanium case, brighter screen with 2,000 nits, increased water resistance up to 100 meters, and extended battery life of up to 36 hours. Although these upgrades come at a premium, they undoubtedly enhance the overall user experience.
With comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including structured workouts for various activities and detailed metrics such as heart rate, pace, and elevation, the Ultra is well-equipped for workouts of all kinds. However, its GPS performance and battery life have been points of contention in the past. The inclusion of a multi-GNSS chipset with multi-band technology improves location accuracy, but battery life remains a concern, especially during extended GPS tracking sessions.
Despite its limitations, the Apple Watch Ultra excels in daily convenience and smartwatch features, making it an ideal choice for iPhone users. For those seeking alternatives, the Garmin Venu 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offer similar fitness tracking capabilities with broader device compatibility. However, for iPhone users invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate choice.
Best Fitness Watch for Running: Garmin Forerunner 265
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
- Weight: 79 g
- Battery: Lithium-ion. Provides up to 57 hours in battery-saving GPS mode; up to 73 hours with solar charging
- GPS: Enabled with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1.3″ Power Glass display and stainless steel bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life with solar charging capability
- Extensive range of sport modes and detailed reporting
- Advanced features like PacePro and ClimbPro for runners
Cons:
- Heavy build may be cumbersome for some users
- Higher price point compared to other models
The Garmin fenix 7 Solar ($700) stands out as the ultimate premium fitness watch tailored for backcountry adventures. With its rugged design, comprehensive features, and impressive battery life, it’s a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
The fenix 7 Solar boasts a durable construction tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Its 1.3-inch LCD display offers excellent visibility, and users can choose between stainless steel, titanium, or DLC-coated bezels to suit their preferences.
Featuring over 35 sport modes catering to various activities like trail running, swimming, cycling, and skiing, the fenix 7 Solar offers unparalleled data tracking for backcountry pursuits. Navigation is intuitive, with easy access to key data through customizable widgets.
One of the fenix 7 Solar’s standout features is its exceptional battery life, further enhanced by solar charging capabilities. With up to 18 days in smartwatch mode (22 with solar) and 57 hours in GPS mode (73 with solar), it surpasses expectations for extended use in remote environments.
Noteworthy features include PacePro for grade-adjusted running pacing guidance, ClimbPro for ascent information during climbs, and storm warnings using the barometric trend indicator. Additionally, Surfline Sessions captures videos of surf rides, while ski and golf resort maps provide comprehensive venue information.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the fenix 7 Solar is one of the heaviest options available, weighing in at 79 grams. For users seeking similar features in a lighter package, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar offers a viable alternative.
Garmin also offers upgrades like the fenix 7S ($800) with sapphire glass and multi-band GNSS reception, and the fenix 7X ($900) with extended battery life. However, for most adventurers, the fenix 7 Solar delivers the necessary features and durability for their outdoor pursuits.
Best Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Charge 5
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 36.7 x 22.7 x 11.2 mm
- Weight: 28 g
- Battery: Lithium-polymer. Lasts up to seven days; 5 hours in GPS mode
- GPS: Enabled with GPS reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1″ glass display and stainless steel bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Standalone GPS tracking without the need for a phone connection
- Comprehensive health-tracking metrics including heart rate monitoring
- Ability to control music playback
- Color AMOLED touchscreen offers enhanced display experience
Cons:
- Basic sports tracking capabilities may not meet advanced needs
- Small screen size may limit visibility and interaction
The Fitbit Charge 5 ($150) reigns supreme as the top fitness tracker, adorning the wrists of fitness enthusiasts worldwide. With its sleek design and advanced features, it offers a comprehensive solution for health monitoring and activity tracking.
The standout feature of the Charge 5 is its color AMOLED touchscreen, a significant upgrade from previous models. Additionally, it boasts a button-less design, enhancing its modern appeal. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive battery life, lasting up to seven days or 5 hours in GPS mode.
Equipped with an optical heart-rate monitor, the Charge 5 provides accurate calorie-burn calculations, sleep tracking, and heart-rate zones for workouts. It tracks daily steps, calories burned, and active minutes, empowering users to make informed health decisions based on real-time data.
While the Charge 5 offers up to 20 sport modes for tracking various activities, its capabilities may be limited for users seeking detailed metrics like cadence or power. However, the built-in GPS tracker allows for standalone outdoor workouts without the need for a smartphone.
Additional features such as notifications for calls, texts, emails, and calendar events, as well as music playback control, enhance the user experience. For those who prioritize affordability and don’t require advanced features, the Fitbit Luxe offers a suitable alternative.
Overall, the Fitbit Charge 5 excels as a versatile fitness tracker, offering a blend of style, functionality, and convenience for everyday use.
Best Backcountry Fitness Watch: Garmin fenix 7 Solar Multisport GPS Watch
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
- Weight: 79 g
- Battery: Lithium-ion. Up to 57 hours in battery-saving GPS mode; up to 73 hours with solar charging
- GPS: Enabled with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1.3″ Power Glass display and stainless steel bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life with solar charging capability
- Extensive range of sport modes and detailed reporting
- Advanced features like PacePro and ClimbPro for runners
Cons:
- Heavy build may be cumbersome for some users
- Higher price point compared to other models
The Garmin fenix 7 Solar ($700) stands out as the ultimate premium fitness watch tailored for backcountry adventurers. Boasting a rugged design and an array of advanced features, it’s the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking top-notch performance.
Featuring a durable construction tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, the fenix 7 Solar houses a clear and easy-to-read 1.3-inch LCD display. Users can customize their watch with options like stainless steel, titanium, or DLC-coated bezels to suit their preferences.
With over 35 sport modes catering to various activities including trail running, swimming, cycling, and skiing, the fenix 7 Solar offers unparalleled data tracking capabilities for outdoor pursuits. Navigation is intuitive, with widgets providing quick access to key information such as weather, music, activity history, and notifications.
One of its standout features is the exceptional battery life, further extended by solar charging capabilities. With up to 18 days in smartwatch mode (22 with solar) and 57 hours in GPS mode (73 with solar), it sets the standard for long-lasting performance.
Notable features like PacePro for grade-adjusted running pacing guidance, ClimbPro for ascent information during climbs, and storm warnings using the barometric trend indicator enhance its functionality. Additionally, Surfline Sessions captures videos of surf rides, while ski and golf resort maps offer comprehensive venue information.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the fenix 7 Solar’s weight of 79 grams may be a downside for some users. However, for those seeking similar features in a lighter package, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar provides a viable alternative.
For users desiring additional upgrades, Garmin offers the fenix 7S ($800) with sapphire glass and multi-band GNSS reception, as well as the fenix 7X ($900) with extended battery life. While these options come at a higher price point, the fenix 7 Solar remains a top choice for adventurers seeking unparalleled performance and durability.
Best Budget Fitness Watch: COROS Pace 3
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 41.9 × 41.9 × 13 mm
- Weight: 30 g with nylon strap, 38 g with silicone band
- Battery: Lithium-ion; provides 38 hours in battery-saving GPS mode
- GPS: Enabled with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS reception
- Screen/Bezel: Features a 1.2″ Corning glass touchscreen and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel
Product Badge: The Best Fitness Watches of 2024
Pros:
- Remarkably competitive price point
- Exceptional battery life for the price
- Dual-frequency GNSS reception for enhanced location tracking
- On-device 4GB music storage
- Next-generation 5 LED heart rate monitor
Cons:
- Less durable nylon polymer case and mineral glass
- Lightweight feel may be less sturdy
- Lack of training and coaching insight compared to competitors
The COROS Pace 3 offers an impressive array of features at an unbeatable price point, making it a standout choice in the GPS watch market. Packed with functionalities typically found in higher-priced models, the Pace 3 delivers exceptional value for fitness enthusiasts.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Pace 3 introduces significant upgrades, including a redesigned chipset with Dual Frequency reception, an enhanced heart rate monitor, and on-device music storage. Notably, it also extends battery life by an additional 8 hours, totaling 38 hours in standard GPS mode.
The incorporation of dual-frequency technology enhances location tracking accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense urban areas or rugged terrain. During testing, the Pace 3 demonstrated superior performance compared to peer watches, maintaining signal integrity even in dense foliage.
Additionally, the Pace 3 features a next-generation 5 LED heart rate monitor, providing accurate heart rate data during workouts. The lightweight design, coupled with the extended battery life, ensures comfort and convenience during extended use.
However, some compromises were made to achieve the competitive price point. The screen utilizes scratch-resistant Corning glass instead of scratch-proof material, and the polymer bezel may not offer the same durability as higher-end models. Furthermore, while the mapping functionality is user-friendly, it lacks the depth and detail of mid-tier competitors.
Despite these limitations, the COROS Pace 3 stands as an excellent entry-level option for individuals venturing into the fitness watch market. At just $230, it offers features comparable to much pricier models, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking value and performance.
How We Tested Fitness Watches
At GearJunkie, we take fitness seriously, and our team of testers is equipped with the knowledge and experience to put fitness watches through rigorous testing. Led by Cory Smith, an esteemed online running coach and freelance journalist with over 25 years of expertise in running and rock climbing, our team ensures comprehensive evaluations of each watch.
Joining Cory is Staff Writer Austin Beck-Doss, an avid climber, hiker, and snowboarder with a wealth of experience from over 250 product tests. Austin’s proficiency spans a wide range of outdoor gear, and his work on our “Emerging Gear” series keeps him at the forefront of wilderness technology.
Adding a unique perspective is Josh Wussow, who has been reviewing watches for GearJunkie since 2017. As a latecomer to wearable tech, Josh brings a fresh and skeptical approach, challenging conventional testing methods to provide insightful evaluations.
Together, our experts have devised a meticulous testing regimen to ensure fair comparisons among the watches. It’s not uncommon to see our testers wearing multiple watches simultaneously to assess them thoroughly. We meticulously compare track lengths, validate heart rate data against dedicated devices, stress-test satellite reception in challenging terrains, and push each watch to its limits, draining their batteries entirely.
In addition to our team’s expertise, GearJunkie actively seeks input from fellow runners, hikers, and climbers. Once all evaluations are complete, we compile the results to determine the top-performing fitness watches. However, it’s important to note that fitness technology is ever-evolving, with new features continuously being introduced. As these watches improve, so does our coverage, and we remain committed to providing up-to-date testing and reviews.
Smartwatches, GPS Watches, and Fitness Trackers
In the realm of wearable technology, three distinct categories of watches cater to different needs, each offering its own set of advantages and limitations.
Smartwatches serve as miniature smartphones for your wrist, providing app compatibility and the ability to handle calls independently of your phone. Popular examples include Apple and Samsung Galaxy watches. While offering convenience and health tracking functionalities, smartwatches often struggle with limited battery life, less precise GPS accuracy, and fewer workout features compared to GPS watches.
GPS watches, exemplified by brands like Garmin, COROS, Suunto, Polar, and Wahoo, are specifically tailored for activities requiring GPS tracking, such as running, cycling, hiking, and swimming. These watches boast significantly longer battery life compared to smartwatches and excel in workout functionalities, providing extensive metrics and tracking capabilities. While some GPS watches offer limited messaging functionalities, they typically lack the extensive app support found in smartwatches and cannot fully substitute for a smartphone.
Fitness trackers prioritize health and fitness metrics, including resting and variable heart rate monitoring, sleep patterns, and step counting. They offer fewer features compared to smartwatches and GPS watches and typically rely on smartphone connectivity for GPS tracking. Despite their limited functionality, fitness trackers provide a streamlined option for individuals primarily focused on monitoring their health and activity levels.
FAQ
- How does a fitness tracker work?
A fitness tracker primarily functions by monitoring health data such as heart rate, sleep patterns, steps taken, and calories burned. It utilizes sensors embedded within the band or watch to collect this information. Most fitness trackers require connection to a smartphone to access and analyze the gathered data.
- Fitbit vs. Apple Watch Ultra — Which is better?
For users with an iPhone, the Apple Watch Ultra is typically recommended due to its widespread popularity and extensive features. However, it’s important to note that the Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhones. Fitbit is also a solid choice, although uncertainties surrounding Google’s acquisition of Fitbit may impact its future.
- What fitness watch is the most accurate?
Determining the most accurate fitness watch can vary depending on the specific features being considered. In our evaluations, we’ve found that Apple watches excel in health tracking, Garmin watches offer superior GPS tracking capabilities, and Polar watches are renowned for their highly accurate heart-rate monitoring.