Fitness Lifestyle Technology

The Best Smartwatches For Fitness

Working out has gone high tech in recent years with a range of products designed to monitor, track and motivate us on our fitness journeys. A long way from simple step counters, today’s smartwatches will track everything from heart rate to sleep patterns and workout goals. Here are three of our current favourites.

  1. Apple Watch Series 6, starting at $599

Pros

  • Great for iPhone users as it is designed to work seamlessly
  • Can track sleep, steps, heart rate, workout goals and blood oxygen levels
  • Different workout modes
  • Stylish bands that can be changed to suit your outfit or mood
  • Ability to share your workout progress and compete with other friends who are also using an Apple watch
  • Easy to use Fitness app
  • Very lightweight 
  • Waterproof up to 50 metres
  • Cellular mode with SIM available, if you prefer a stand alone watch that doesn’t require your phone to be in range

 Cons

  • Price, expect Apple brand pricing
  • It only works with the iPhone
  • Battery life (about 17-18 hours)
  • Bands are expensive to replace

ele Score 9/10

2. Samsung Watch Active, starting at $349

Pros

  • Works perfectly with Samsung devices
  • Can track sleep, steps, heart rate, workouts and stress levels
  • Fitness focused watch
  • Well priced
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof up to 5 metres
  • Fast and responsive
  • Larger sizes which may suit larger wrist sizes
  • Up to 45 hours of battery life
  • Different style colours

 Cons

  • Has only bluetooth mode only, no cellular
  • Not as many apps available as some other watches
  • Not compatible with iPhone

ele Score 8/10

3. Garmin Venu, starting at $649

Pros

  • Works perfectly by itself, no phone required
  • Can track sleep, steps, heart rate, workouts and breathing
  • 5 day battery life
  • Best for fitness tracking
  • Accurate heart rate and GPS
  • In-built workout app
  • Great for music
  • Works with iPhone and android devices
  • Stress tracking
  • Hydration tracking
  • Garmin coach which talks you though how to do a workout
  • On screen videos of workout

Cons

  • Limited app store
  • Higher price
  • Only one size
  • Screen can be glitchy
  • Only 3 colors available

ele score 9.5/10

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