In the past, there has been a clear divide between what was a fitness tracker and what was a smartwatch. A fitness tracker was a band with sensors that relayed data to your smartphone, while a smartwatch had a screen that was essentially an extension of your smartphone, a wrist-bound device that allowed you to check texts, emails and even social media. Over the last few years, however, the two devices have converged.
Fitness trackers became more complicated, adopting screens and even the ability to show smartphone notifications, while smartwatches really leaned into the fitness side of things. Today, the old guard of fitness trackers, like Jawbone and Pebble (and even Misfit, to some extent), are pretty much extinct. And the most popular device for fitness tracking (the Apple Watch) is actually a smartwatch.
The main difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch is the list of features and smart abilities. A smartwatch is generally going to have all of the same fitness tracking abilities as a fitness tracker and then some; for instance, most smartwatches have heart rate sensors and built-in GPS for more accurate health tracking, along with coaching and specific workout-tracking, which only the most advanced fitness trackers have.
Smartwatches have more advanced smart features, too, like music control and built-in Bluetooth (to connect to wireless headphones), built-in mics for calls and voice assistant, and NFC for on-the-go payments. They also come in cellular models, which allows them to operate fully independently from a smartphone. Again, some of the more advanced fitness trackers can have some of these smart features and capabilities, but generally, most fitness trackers are way less versatile.
The one feature that most feature fitness trackers have is battery life. Because smartwatches have large bright displays and are way more demanding in terms of power, the also generally have worse battery life. For instance, the Apple Watch (any model) needs to be charged almost every day, while Fitbit’s Inspire 2 ($70) or Garmin Vivosmart 4 ($100), which are two of the most popular fitness trackers, have a long battery life.
But that’s not always a good thing.
Fitness trackers are definitely smaller than smartwatches, and that is arguably the biggest appeal for them. A lot of people don’t like wearing watches because they’re big and bulky, but they still want something to track their steps and tell them how many calories they burned — that’s exactly what a fitness tracker is good at. They don’t have large displays and relatively lightweight, meaning they’re also more comfortable wearing while you sleep.
A good fitness tracker is much easier to find for less
The most affordable smartwatches are all around the $200 mark. That’s about how much the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 ($175), Apple Watch Series 3 ($199), and Fitbit Versa 2 ($200) all cost. However, the cost of smartwatches can way up depending on its size, the materials its made of, if it’s a cellular model and what fitness-focused features you want it to have. For example, a Garmin Forerunner, which is a rugged smartwatch with some really advanced runner-specific features, can cost around $600. And you can get an Apple Watch that’s made out of more expensive materials, like titanium or ceramic, are it can cost well over $1,000.
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple — and simply good.
Dyson makes some of the smartest home appliances around, including its exceptional fans and air purifiers. This one has both — a combo that will come in handy for allergy season and as temperatures warm this spring and summer.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
$250 OFF + $100 LULULEMON GIFT CARD W/ CODE MOTHERSDAY21
When you're not using it, it functions just like any other mirror in your house. When you turn it on, Mirror reveals an LCD panel with stereo speakers and access to hundreds of workout classes.
It is just about time to start hanging out outside, thank goodness. This Adirondack chair takes one of the most classic outdoor chair silhouettes and twists it just a bit to make it distinctly DWR, which we love.
When it comes to deciding where to spend your money on clothes, we have two words: elevated basics. This jacket is a classic silhouette but has an attention to detail you won't find anywhere. Plus, it is made in New York.
The Nike Blazer is a sneaker icon. Re-release the Mid '77 version and it has instantly become the best shoe you can wear this spring and summer. It will go with anything and is durable for daily wear.
We love Knoll for its exceptional home design and we especially love its chairs. We have made it firmly into patio furniture season and Knoll has started its outdoor furniture sale just in time.
This gym bag seriously has everything you would ever need for everyday use: a shoe compartment, laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket, separate compartments for clean clothes and even 1680D ballistic nylon on the outside to keep your things protected.
Burrow is one of the best direct-to-consumer brands around, especially in the home space. We love the simplicity of its sofas and armchairs, including this one, which is easy to move and has a built in USB charger.
Todd Snyder's collaborations with Timex always hit. Paired with a vintage military-inspired band, this bullseye design is straight from the Timex archives.
This is the only non-Apple MagSafe charger that is endorsed by Apple themselves. One device that lets you charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro? Say less — we're in.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io