Which fitness tracker is best for you and your lifestyle? People around the world walk of life are choosing to track their day-to-day activities with an electronic device. With the addition of sleep monitoring technology, even more, people are showing interest. You are here to learn the state of this art technology. We reviewed Six of the best devices on the market, thoroughly examining each for its interface and data management, portability, durability and construction quality, accuracy, ease of use, sleep tracking, and motivational power.
Selecting the Right Running Watches
In a world ever more dominated by data and associated technology, this tested subset of instrumentation for quantifying oneself is united by a few key features and design criteria. We only tested the best devices on the market that sync with and displayed data on a smartphone and computer and translate nighttime movement to track your sleep.
Initial Consideration: What’s your first impression about a fitness tracker?
The burgeoning market for formalized, daily activity tracking for each consumer is mostly driven by one of three initial objectives. Some wish to track their daily activity for curiosity and quantification. Others are interested in motivating further daily motion. The third category of consumer seeks to monitor sleep patterns to identify the ways to improve their quality of rest. Of course, many will find that the data generated by a tracker is useful for all of the above reasons. However, it is usually one or the other that gets a user in the door, so to speak.
For those who are already physically active, especially those with a personality type at the beginning of the alphabet, quantifying their daily activity is of great interest. Regardless of what is eventually done with the data, this type of user will value the depth, accuracy, and type of information collected by the highest end products on the market. For instance, our Editors’ Choice winning Garmin VivoFit has by far the best data management.
For those who are coming initially to an activity monitor in order to motivate an increase in daily activity, the associated day-to-day comparison and the manufacturer’s social networking prowess determines the suitability of the device. Again, each product we tested can serve most consumers, and we fully understand that most will appreciate all the potential applications of these devices. However, the Nike+ FuelBand SE comes with Nike’s proprietary fuel scoring rubric and a relatively long history of connecting like-minded users. These attributes combine to make the FuelBand one of the more effectively motivating tools we tested.
Keeping a heart rate monitor is a great path to improve your running or training. It not only allows your post-run condition more accurate, but it also helps you to start heart rate training in specific zones, which can make your regime more effective. Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband offer the best way to get tip-top accuracy.
If you are looking primarily to track sleep, ongoing use of your device will be most convenient if that tool automatically senses when its movement pattern resembles sleep and switches its software rubric to generate a sleep graph. In our test, the Misfit Shine is the only one to do this automatic step. The Shine, with its multiple wearing options, is perhaps the best sleep tracker we tested. The graph it puts out is confusing at first, but after using it for a few weeks, you will begin to be able to correlate your subjective self-assessment of sleep with the graph output.
Best Running Tracker : Buying Guide
You’ve heard that there is a category of electronics that may help motivate you to be more active each day. Or you have been tracking steps with a simple phone app or basic Pedometer and are looking for a more user-friendly and comprehensive upgrade. Perhaps you are a dedicated athlete on a rigorous plan and wish to better monitor the non-training stressors between workouts. Maybe you feel as though you aren’t sleeping very well and wish to validate that impression and work on sleeping better. In any event, you’re considering a modern, socially networked, full-function fitness tracker. In our Best Fitness Tracker review we collected seven of the best products on the market. Along the way we learned a great deal about how you will go about choosing your own device. Everything we tested is worthy, and there are even other products available that may be suitable. Each offers slightly different features, attributes, and strengths. Here we offer general and carefully thought-out advice on sorting through the market.
1. Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband
The Fitbit Charge 2 is exclusive fitness tracker with heart rate monitor that earned our editor’s choice. Our Top Pick Misfit Shine is the closest comparison because it can be configured for wrist or clipped wear. If you’re a long-distance away-from-your-phone runner, or want to swim, or want a fully-connected smartwatch, go with other choices. But the Charge 2 is a do it all fitness watch for the average person.
Additionally, the One has far more usable data directly on the device. In order to sync the Misfit, the user must put it very close to the receiving smartphone and activate the phone app. The Fitbit app pulls data from the connected device. In the end, because the Misfit can be configured in a variety of ways, it earned our Top Pick award.
Durability and Construction Quality
We had no problem with the overall construction quality of the Fitbit Charge 2 . However, its battery life is near the bottom of our test. Only the Jawbone UP24 has a similar amount of time between charges. Currently there are alternatives that last for about a year between battery changes. As compared to these products, like the Garmin VivoFit, charging every 4-5 days is massive.
The One is the most accurate device in our test. The original Jawbone UP came close, while the Nike FuelBand SE was far far less accurate.
Ease of Set-up and Use
The One is the second least expensive device in our test. Only our Best Buy winner, the Jawbone UP costs less.
Conclusion
Pros: Secure clip-on, on device screen
Cons: Not water-resistant for swims or showers. No GPS
2. Nike+ FuelBand SE Review
The Nike+ FuelBand SE is an incremental upgrade of the original FuelBand. We tested the original Nike+ Fuel Band, liked it, and like the upgrades on this version. As compared to our latest test roster, the SE is bulkier, tracks sleep in a less sophisticated fashion, but has by far the most robust built-in social network. Our Editors’ Choice winner, the Garmin Vivofit has an easier to read on device display, a more comfortable wrist-band, far more sophisticated sleep tracking, and a social network that is almost as well-developed. The Nike+ FuelBand SE is the latest iteration of a very successful product from a very successful company.
Interface and Data Management
With rudimentary data on the device itself, automatic uploading of additional information to the Nike+ app, and a well-developed graphical app, Nike does well in this category. Only our Editors’ Choice winning Garmin VivoFit has better data management.
Portability
The FuelBand is the bulkiest and stiffest wrist-mounted device in our test. Like other sorts of jewelry, one can grow accustomed to the shape and bulk, but something like the gently spring-loaded Jawbone UP or sleek wrist-watch style Misfit Shine have much greater initial comfort.
Durability and Construction Quality
The FuelBand is durable and sturdy. However, the clasp on the band came undone at least once a day in testing. The rigid shape kept it on there most of the time, but it seems vulnerable. The battery life, as compared to other rechargeable devices, is near the top of the heap.
Step Count Accuracy
It is important to note that, while Nike does indeed provide a rudimentary step count, they really want you to gauge your motion using their proprietary “fuel” score. All comparisons and social networking on the Nike+ app and community are done in fuel ratings. The fuel score is calculated from your movement using a secret formula. Rest assured that it does indeed correlate to activity levels, but it doesn’t readily compare to the data generated by other devices. Regarding step count, in our formalized testing, the SE was far less accurate than other devices on our roster. With a degree of inaccuracy averaging 14.3% off of actual, the error margin was more than twice as much as the next in line. The Jawbone UP24 scored 6.6% off of actual. The most accurate device in our test, the Fitbit One had an inaccuracy score of 0.5%.
Ease of Set-up and Use
Nike leverages their deep and ever-deepening history of inspiring and motivating action in arranging the set-up and use of the FuelBand. We had no problems with initial or ongoing use and interpretation of the data generated.
Sleep Tracking
This tracker offers the most rudimentary sleep-tracking function of any device in our review. First of all, the device must be prompted to change to sleep tracking through the associated app. For comparison, the Misfit Shine does this automatically while every other device we tested can either be switched from the device or switched retroactively or both. Next, when recording a night’s sleep on the Nike, it is little different from recording a session of running or walking. Once you’ve finished the sleep session, it shows it in a darkened, muted fashion, but only shows a very rough graph of your action overnight. Nike tips their under-filled sleep tracking hand when the app congratulates the sleeper, upon waking, for the amount of activity sensed.
Social Networking
Nike nails it. For a variety of reasons, the Nike app and community are among the more motivational on the market. Notably, a significant number of people have bought in over the years. Also, Nike offers a whole suite of products that record and organise Fuel scores.
Best Applications
This is the right choice for those interested in tracking activity which already have an interest in the Nike community and a need for only rough sleep tracking.
Value
The FuelBand SE sits solidly in the middle of the pack for the cost. With that investment, you get access to a big community of like-minded and similarly equipped active people.
Conclusion
If you are already in the Nike family and don’t need sophisticated sleep tracking, the SE model could be a good choice. Realize that the rigid wrist band takes some getting used to and the device needs to be plugged in for recharging.
Best Uses: Day-to-day activity tracking for casual multi-sport enthusiasts who value a big community of like-minded consumers
Pros: Solidly built and connected to a big network
Cons: Bulky and limited sleep tracking data
3. Garmin VivoFit Review
The VivoFit from Garmin is their first entry to the fitness tracker field. The company has a long history of creating compact personal data collection devices. As a first effort in this niche, it is impressive. It surpasses all others that we tested in practical applications, on-device data viewing, and compatibility with hard-core training software, which earns it our Editors’ Choice award. Our Top Pick Misfit Shine is more compact and aesthetically pleasing and also tracks your sleep a little better. Otherwise, the Garmin is a little better.
The Garmin VivoFit, an initial offering in the activity monitoring category, is a well-designed, practical, high-functioning device. With it, on your wrist, you can now log all of your activity, formalized and day-to-day, in Garmin’s ubiquitous Connect platform.
Interface and Data Management
Garmin has been in the activity data collection game longer than any other manufacturer in this test. Their Connect platform collects and analyzes information from sports watches and devices. Runners and cyclists have long used Connect. Hikers and mountaineers have gradually come on board, and now, with the VivoFit, even more, will be served. If you already use Connect for tracking your hiking or cycling, you can fill in the gaps between training sessions with data from this daily tracker. If you are just starting to pay attention to your activity, starting with this product will leave room for your training and record-keeping to grow. Later on, you can add a dedicated bicycle computer or training watch for even more sophisticated data collection on Connect. Further bridging this gap, it can be used with an aftermarket heart rate band.
Even if you use just the VivoFit device, the platform is easy and clear. The phone app screens are clean and easy to read. The data generated is useful, simple, and comprehensive. If you wish to dig deeper, you can. If you wish only to know how many steps you’ve taken, you have that option too. Truly setting the device apart from the rest, Garmin equipped it with a proper digital watch style LCD screen. On that screen you can see the time, your steps were taken, steps remaining in your daily goal, today’s date, and a couple of other customizable options.
Portability
Garmin includes a large and a small band for wrist carry with the tracking device. You choose from six color options, but the shape is fixed and utilitarian. Why manufacturers haven’t yet made an activity monitor that simply looks like a beautiful wristwatch is a thorough mystery. In any case, with the time display and comfortable soft band, you’ll have little to no excuse to not wear it everywhere you go.
Durability and Construction Quality
Aside from a couple wrist band disengagements (just like every wrist-mounted device in our test) we had virtually no issues with the construction of this product. Our test didn’t last long enough to test Garmin’s claimed one-year battery life, but we trust their experience with small electronics and battery life.
Step Count Accuracy
With an inaccuracy percentage of 6.4% the VivoFit wasn’t the most accurate in our test, but it fared far better than some. The devices from dedicated fitness tracker companies like Jawbone and the Fitbit Flex were just a little more accurate, while the Nike+ FuelBand came in at the bottom of the list. Your need for accuracy in a fitness tracker will depend some on your usage patterns. If you are using the device to simply compare your own efforts from one day to the next, as long as you wear the device in the same place each day, the errors will not matter and the comparisons will be apt. If you are comparing your action with that of people using other devices, however, the error amounts could matter more. Since most people use an activity monitor for personal motivation and inspiration, at OutdoorGearLab we somewhat discount accuracy in our overall scoring.
Ease of Set-up and Use
All of the small electronics we tested in this review are basically intuitive and easy to use. The only drawback to the Garmin, as compared to something like the Jawbone UP24 and Nike+ FuelBand SE is that the Garmin must be manually prompted to sync its data with the smartphone app. In practice this is pretty simple, especially as compared to the Misfit Shine. One simply pushes the button until the word “sync” appears on the screen. In order to sync the Misfit, however, the app must be opened and syncing activated with the Shine and phone right next to one another. Nike and Jawbone do it best, but Garmin has a workable solution too.
Sleep Tracking
The data generated by the sleep tracking mode is useful and clear. The graphical display is easier to interpret than that of any other device in our test. The Shine offers a little more information about your sleep, but the Garmin suffices. The main drawback of the sleep tracking function of the Garmin is the fact that you must activate the sleep tracking mode. This is done by pushing and holding the button on the device until the word SLEEP is displayed. Since the LCD screen has no backlight, this must be done with some sort of light assistance. We suppose that, with practice, one could learn to count out exactly the right interval of button holding.
Social Networking
Purchasing VivoFit allows for an easy entry to the Garmin Connect community. Runners and cyclists have been using Connect to organize and compare their activity data for years now. In fact, a major advantage of this product is the ability to collect day-to-day info right next to your more formalized training data. Holistic training plans require quantification of the day-to-day stressors in between dedicated training sessions. Similarly, training and activity plans do better with community support, friendly competition, and the accountability that comes with both. You’ll do better at sticking to a plan and stepping it up if you can network with others. Garmin does this well. You can use just Connect to compare with friends, or you can post to Facebook and other social networks. Garmin and Connect make it easy to fully customize your active record keeping.
Best Applications
Essentially, this fitness tracker is appropriate for anyone that can wear this sort of device. Only those with strict dress codes won’t justify the techier and more utilitarian look. Desk jockeys, hardcore athletes, and everyone in between will find a use for all the features.
Value
The VivoFit and Jawbone UP24 are tied for the most expensive products in our test. As compared to the Jawbone, however, the Garmin device is far more functional and practical. Only on aesthetics does the Jawbone edge slightly ahead.
Conclusion
Choosing the VivoFit as our Editors’ Choice was easy. The solid instrumentation in a user friendly package generating excellent and useful data gives it solidly superior scores across the board.
Pros: On-device screen and comprehensive data collection
Cons: Must be manually synced and manually set to record sleep
Best Uses:Day to day activity monitoring and down-time tracking for hard core athletes
4. Misfit Shine Review
The Shine is the tiniest device in our test, with far and away the most customizing options. The Editors’ Choice winning Garmin VivoFit is more technically advanced with a more practical application, but the Shine is sexier and smarter. Regarding technical performance, the Shine is the best sleep tracker in our review. No device we found can match its ease of use, accuracy, and value of data generated during slumber. The Misfit Shine earned our Top Pick award for its style, superior sleep tracking, and tiny stature.
Interface and Data Management
If you run a start-up tech company in this day and age, you had better have solid skills in designing a user interface. The folks at Misfit match that description and came out with a solid product. The Shine device is a compact wonder, and the associated app and data management is similarly excellent. Like with Nike products, we do wish it were a little easier to dig through the manufacturer’s proprietary activity score to find hard and fast, easily interpreted step count data. Misfit and the Nike+ Fuelband SE both use proprietary activity quantification methods. Misfit calls their score a points system. More activity is more points. You can dig into the data and find a step count, but Misfit really wants you to think in terms of points. In fact, if you record an activity other than walking or running, the score will only be communicated in terms of points. For instance, the Shine app has a cycling recording mode. In the end, after a bike ride, you only have a point score to view. No distance or any other information is logged. Nitpicking on the activity quantification aside, overall we liked the Misfit system and app.
Portability
The Shine is by far the most compact device in our test and its versatile carry options earned it our Top Pick award. If you are undecided as to how you’ll carry your activity tracker, the Misfit is perfect for you. Out of the box it comes with a wrist band and a pocket clip. One can even comfortably carry the quarter-sized device loose in your pocket. It is worth noting that, in our objective accuracy testing, there was a significant difference in the step count in wrist wear versus pocket clip mode. In fact, wrist carry of the Shine resulted in a quite competitive accuracy average of 5.7% error margin while pants pocket carry elicited an abysmal 36% inaccuracy percentage. Carried in a pocket, the Shine missed 36 out of 100 steps. Other wrist-mounted devices suffered a similar fate, but do not claim to work in a pocket. Therefore we omitted the outlier 36% error from our overall Misfit accuracy score. In the end, all that matters, just like with all devices, is that your day-to-day carry method remains consistent. The real value of a fitness tracker is in comparing and motivating further action each day. The multiple aftermarket Shine wristbands, in addition to its function as a rudimentary wristwatch, mean that you should be able to wear it on your wrist at all times.
Durability and Construction Quality
This tiny device, as long as you can keep track of it, inspires confidence and seems ready to take some abuse. We had no problems at all with the Shine’s construction or durability. The device is powered by a disposable watch battery and the company claims indicate that the Shine will track steps for at least 3-4 months before a battery replacement is necessary. Just like with all the products we tested in wrist-mount, the included wrist band periodically came undone. Aftermarket Shine wrist bands at least appear to be more secure in wrist attachment, although the rubberized device capture system always seems vulnerable. We did not test the Shine long enough to challenge the battery life claims, nor did we test any of the many other wrist mount options.
Step Count Accuracy
As noted above, the Shine delivered a competitive, middle-of-the-road accuracy score in wrist-mounted mode. However, in the pocket mode, the Shine gave a pretty poor performance.
Ease of Set-up and Use
As slick as the interface and app are, the syncing and set-up is a little finicky. Sometimes it won’t sync at all, while other times it takes a while. Also, in order to make that tiny battery last a long time, the data transmission signal from the Shine is very weak. This is fine, and a worthy trade off for compact convenience. However, it means that the device must be in very close proximity to the receiving smartphone. Essentially, the two electronics must be held immediately next to one another for over a minute. By far the easiest way to do this is to remove the Shine from wherever you carry it and place it directly on the screen of your smartphone.
Sleep Tracking
The Misfit Shine is the best sleep tracker we reviewed. The device automatically senses when movement patterns have shifted from those of the awake to those of someone asleep. After recording the movements of a full nights’ sleep, the app generates a sleep report that includes a graph of the movement, an overall rest time, and an estimate of what percentage of that rest time was of greatest value. The sleep graph of our Editors’ Choice Garmin VivoFit is a little easier to view, but the device must be manually switched into and out of sleep mode.
Social Networking
Like the Jawbone UP24 and the FitBit 2, the Misfit Shine does the bulk of its social networking through Facebook and other existing platforms. One can join other Misfit users in a small social network, but the critical mass for good comparison and motivation just isn’t there. Both Nike and Garmin tap into their bigger brands for more robust dedicated motivational networks.
Best Applications
As the most aesthetically pleasing and versatile device in our test, the Misfit Shine is well suited for those that are a little on the fence about recording their activity data. If you desire more robust information and a deeper social network, other products might suit you better. If you wish only to track your sleep, the Shine may be just what you need. The tiny form factor and automatic sleep mode set it apart from the others we tested.
Value
The Shine sits squarely in the middle of the heap, cost-wise. In fact, none of the products we tested and few on the market varies all that much in cost. The real value of the Shine, however, comes in the ability to accessorize and customize.
Conclusion
Awarding the shine our Top Pick honor was a natural choice. It is by far the unique product in our test. It’s tiny size, versatility, and high-tech sleep tracking mode will appeal it to many. The Garmin VivoFit is overall more technically proficient and practical, but the Shine has its own glow.
Best Uses: Everyday activity monitoring and sleep tracking
Pros: Tiny and Versatile
Cons: Slow syncing and proprietary points system
5. Fitbit Flex Review
The Fitbit Flex joins a competitive and almost uniformly excellent field of products. It tracks steps and distance, records the quality of the user’s sleep, and presents and store the data almost accurately. Use social network to share the data with other. The Fitbit can be worn on the users wrist or carried in a pants pocket. With just a tweak the opening of the smartphone app, the Fitbit Flex’s data is pulled out and maintained. Thanks to the app which can organize and document the user’s diet. In living a healthy lifestyle, diet and activity must go hand in hand.
Interface and Data Management
The device syncs wirelessly with both computer and smartphone. In order for the Flex to transfer data to your PC, you must have their dedicated receiver attached to a USB port on the computer. However, once the connection is established, whether it be to your phone or computer, you only need to open the appropriate program with the Flex nearby. Data uploaded to your PC can be readily viewed on your smartphone, and vice versa. All is connected
Portability
The bulk of the information is sent via Bluetooth to your computer or phone. The Flex’s activity monitoring algorithm is tuned for wrist-wear. Fitbit includes wristbands, in two sizes, with the initial purchase of the Flex. You pick a color to start with, but can accessorize with bands in a total of seven colors. The wristband securely holds the Fitbit, while allowing for viewing of the indicator lights. The user must remove the pod for charging. Worn in the wristband, the Fitbit Flex counts steps and distance with an inaccuracy of only 2.2%. Although Fitbit doesn’t recommend it, we also tested the Flex by carrying it in our pants pocket. This is an excellent option for those that can’t or won’t always wear a band on their wrist. Predictably, because the device is tuned for the users wrist, the data from a pocket-carried Fitbit is less accurate. In this configuration, the average deviation from the actual is 3.3%. Indeed, this is less accurate than wrist carry, but not by much.
Durability and Construction Quality
We had no problems with the reliability and durability of this product. The simple instrumentation seems to remain functional. Additionally, the entire product is weather resistant. The user can wear it in the shower. The battery lasts 4-5 days of normal usage. This is on par with most of the rechargeable pedometers in our test.
Step Count Accuracy
The Fitbit Flex, in our objective testing, scored just below the middle of the pack in accuracy. The step count and distance error averaged 2.2% off from actual. Interestingly, the distance was exactly accurate (to the nearest hundredth of a mile, or about 53 feet) but the step counts came in a little over the actual amount.
Ease of Set-up and Use
For a regular computer and smartphone user, the Fitbit is easy to set-up. The device itself must be charged upon purchase, but then all of the set-up is conducted through the accompanying phone app or PC application. Our lead tester and one subsequent tester both performed the full set-up routine for the Flex. In both cases, set-up took less than 4 minutes after the device was fully charged.
Sleep Tracking
The step count on the Flex is derived from the device’s digital interpretation of the integrated accelerometer. An accelerometer senses movement. If the user wears the Fitbit on his or her wrist overnight, then movement during sleep can be detected. The Flex has an algorithm to interpret movement during sleep and extrapolate the quality of that sleep. The user must “tell” the Flex to interpret the data for sleep quality, but the output is informative. The user can put the Flex into sleep mode before and after rest or can do so retroactively through the app or website interface. In our testing, the sleep graph and assessment gave by the Flex roughly correlates to a more subjective personal assessment of sleep quality.
Social Networking
The user can link their Fitbit account to various social media outlets, as well as share progress and inspiration with Fitbit’s online community.
Value
Among the top performers in our test, the Fitbit is among the less expensive, creating it an ideal product for a useful fitness tracker.
Conclusion
Every product we tested is functional and can be recommended, and the Fitbit Flex is no exception. Ultimately we found the Garmin Vivofit with its on-device display to be more practical and useful, but the Fitbit is still an impressive fitness tracker.
Best Uses: Tracking day-to-day activity
Pros: Variety of carry options, wireless sync, excellent interface and data collection
Cons: Shorter battery life, lower accuracy
6. UP 24 by Jawbone Activity Tracker
The UP24 by Jawbone is an excellent, high-end product that is only narrowly edged out by our Editors’ Choice winner, the Garmin VivoFit. If Jawbone could solve how to display data on the device, other faults would be easily overlooked. As it could not, however, we prefer the Garmin. If you like Nike+, the FuelBand SE is apt to be a better choice. If you are fashion conscious, consider this UP24 or the sleek Misfit Shine. The Jawbone is neutral as it is, but the Misfit can be accessorized and customized for your style.
The Jawbone UP24 is one of the easiest to use sleep trackers in our test. A simple and blind button push activates sleep mode, and the data is readily viewed the next morning. As a daytime activity monitor, the UP24 does well too. However, we do wish that one could view at least a step count or even an estimate of goal acquisition percentage on the device itself.
Interface and Data Management
The attribute we wish for the most on the UP24 is at least a little on-device data. There is none at all. To see even the most inceptive of data, the user must pull out a smartphone and view synced data. Fortunately, as compared to the first generation (and our Best Buy winner) Jawbone UP, the UP24 can synchronize wirelessly.
Portability
Most users found the supple and low profile wristband to be comfortable and unobtrusive. Only the Misfit Shine in wrist-mounted mode is lower profile and less bulky.
Durability and Construction Quality
We had no problems with the construction of the UP24. Jawbone continues essentially the same form as their original UP device. With wireless sync capability, the UP24 has among the shortest battery life in our review. Only the Fitbit One is similar. Our Editors’ Choice winning Garmin VivoFit, by comparison, will go for a claimed year before needing a battery change.
Ease of Set-up and Use
The UP24 needs to be charged when new, and then set up is remarkably easy. Data transfers automatically and regularly, and the app is intuitive and straightforward.
Sleep Tracking
Once you get in the habit of changing the mode of the device (which can be done in the dark with a vibrating confirmation of the change) before sleeping, the data generated is useful and clear. The Misfit Shine automatically starts sleep mode, which is even easier.
Social Networking
Jawbone does not have its robust community like Garmin and Nike do, but the data and app can be combined with Facebook’s technology for participation in discussion, challenges, sharing, and other motivating acts.
Best Applications
For someone who regularly views their phone screen, the UP24 is an excellent choice.
Value
Both the UP24 and Editors’ Choice winner Garmin VivoFit share a price at the top of our select list. For this cost, the Garmin offers on-device data and time and a bigger community of other users while the UP24 is a little more convenient for sleep tracking. Overall we recommend the Garmin at this price point.
Conclusion
The UP24 is, in most ways, a contender for top billing. However, the Misfit is more versatile, the Nike is better networked, and the Garmin is far more feature packed.
Best Uses: Unobtrusive day-to-day and nightly activity tracking
Pros: Unobtrusive wrist carry and easy sleep tracking
Cons: No on-device data and short battery life