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You are here: Home / Health / Fitness / The best fitness trackers of 2017

The best fitness trackers of 2017

March 3, 2017 By Michelle Rogers

Fitness trackers have come a long way from the first-generation model of four years ago, which was little more than a glorified pedometer.

In addition to features such as heart rate monitoring and GPS, many of today’s activity trackers also let you sync with other devices such as smart bathroom scales, and apps like MyFitnessPal.

They can even share data remotely with your personal trainer or doctor. Individuals who combine wearing a fitness tracker with guidance from a wellness coach tend to get better results and wear the tracker longer, according to a recent study.

How fitness trackers work

Trackers use sensors to monitor your movements, connecting and syncing wirelessly with your mobile device or computer to report data. They use an accelerometer to measure your steps and other movements. Additional sensors may include:

  • Heart rate monitor to track your pulse during exercise and throughout the day
  • Gyroscope to determine if you’re standing, sitting, reclining, etc.
  • GPS to track your location
  • Magnetometer to detect specific movements and determine what direction you’re moving in
  • Barometer to determine your altitude, which is used to calculate how many flights of stairs you climbed

How fitness trackers are rated

My round-up of the best trackers for 2017 includes only those that have heart rate monitoring, and are the highest rated by Consumer Reports and Amazon user ratings.

Consumer Reports evaluated trackers based on the following: Ease of use, ease of interaction, ease of pairing, heart rate monitor accuracy, step count accuracy, water resistance, readability in low and bright lighting conditions, and versatility. Amazon’s user ratings are provided by verified purchasers of the product.

A complete list of features is available by clicking on the photo or link of each product. Amazon affiliate links are included, for your convenience. They are divided into two price ranges, $150-$250 and under $150. Most come in different colors, and sizes small and large based on your wrist size.

Five best fitness trackers with heart rate monitor, $150-$250

 

1. Fitbit Surge

Consumer Reports Score: 87

Amazon Rating: 3.5 Stars

Price: $235

Fitbit Surge

2. TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music Player

Consumer Reports Score: 85

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $249

Review: TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music Player
TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music Player

3. TomTom Spark Cardio + Music Player

Consumer Reports Score: 84

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $249

Review: TomTom Spark Cardio + Music Player
TomTom Spark Cardo + Music Player

 

4. Fitbit Charge 2

Consumer Reports Score: 83

Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars

Price: $179

Review: Fitbit Charge 2
Fitbit Charge 2

5. GarminVivosmart HR

Consumer Reports Score: 79

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $199

Review: Garmin Vivosmart HR
Garmin Vivosmart HR

Best fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring, under $150

 

1. Fitbit Charge HR

Consumer Reports Score: 82

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $108

Review: Fitbit Charge HR
Fitbit Charge HR

2. Mio Fuse

Consumer Reports Score: 72

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $77

Review: Mio Fuse
Mio Fuse

3. LifeTrak Zone C410 

Consumer Reports Score: 61

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $60

Review: LifeTrak Zone Heart Rate Watch
LifeTrak Zone Heart Rate Watch

4. Adidas Fit Smart

Consumer Reports Score: 57

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

Price: $100

Review: Adidas Fit Smart
Adidas Fit Smart

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

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Filed Under: Featured, Fitness, Reviews, Weight Loss Tagged With: exercise, fitness, review, running, technology, walking, workout

About Michelle Rogers

I'm a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Coach, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and a Senior Fitness Specialist. Visit my fitness services website!

About Me

Welcome to my healthy living blog! My name is Michelle Rogers. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Health Coach, a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and a Senior Fitness Specialist. I … Read more

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