A few years ago, no one heard of such a thing as a fitness bracelet. There were no special applications installed on smartphones that could track various moments, from breathing to quality of food. Many fitness experts and scientists only dreamed about this. In the modern world, fitness bracelets are integral accessories of those people who care about their own health, figure and quality of life. The most popular devices with a calorie counter and those that can count the number of steps taken per day. But these are only 2 functions known to everyone, and the modern tracker is capable of much more.
Based on research, to instill a certain habit, you need to follow the changes. This is where the devices come to the rescue - they track everything on their own, and the user does not have to bother with the charts and record how many steps, for example, he took today. From another study, it turned out that people using the gadget sit less and try to do more active work.
When important parameters are taken into account, a person more consciously approaches actions. People are so arranged that they underestimate the calorie content of food or overestimate their strength. A person who does not use such a bracelet would rather order a taxi than walk 10,000 meters. But it is the trackers that allow you to receive objective information in real time, which helps to identify "weak" places.
Consider the best fitness bracelets, get acquainted with their functionality and characteristics, and tell you how to choose them.
How to choose a suitable fitness bracelet?
The key criterion for choosing a tracker is the number of indicators that it tracks. It all depends on the installed sensors.
Main parameters:
- Gyroscope and accelerometer. These sensors take into account the movement of the bracelet in space. They are installed in all trackers and allow you to count the number of steps taken (pedometer).
- Heart rate monitor. A sensor that monitors heart rate (heart rate).
- Altimeter. The sensor measuring height. Useful if you need to know what height you are at. In addition, it counts the number of floors covered.
- Module GPS With this sensor, the user will know where he is. The operation of the pedometer is further improved.
- Sensor galvanic skin reaction. Designed for different tasks: from tracking stressful conditions to monitoring the level of dehydration.
- Thermometer. Everything is clear here - the sensor is responsible for measuring temperature, both of the skin and the environment.
- Bioimpedance sensors. The respiratory rate and blood composition are analyzed.
- NFC module. Allows you to make contactless payment from your bank card (but does not always work in Russia).
Most classic fitness trackers are equipped with a gyroscope, heart rate monitor and accelerometer, while other functions are found in more expensive models. Not all sensors work exactly. For example, a heart rate monitor operates as follows - heartbeats are measured optically, where the amount of blood in a vein is taken into account.
Accelerometers are also often mistaken in readings. For example, a hand movement is taken as a step taken. Thus, not a single sensor shows the most accurate results and should not be taken as true.
Attention! When choosing a device, pay attention for battery life. Not every user will want to charge another device every day, in addition to the phone. The norm is about 15 days without recharging.
The trackers are synchronized with the smartphone, therefore they support the Android or iOS OS, which is also paid attention to. When choosing a gadget, it’s a great plus if it can be paired with a proprietary application - with it you can configure the bracelet, the location of the icons, the information displayed on the screen, which is convenient, because everyone has different preferences.
Ordinary users do not always need a heart rate monitor or screen. In general, everyone selects a middle ground for themselves. Fortunately, almost all models can be purchased on the Aliexpress website.
Expensive models of fitness trackers are more like smart watches - in addition to a large number of sensors, they also have a high-quality screen, reliable electronics and even music. Many models load GPS maps. Such devices are more accurate in terms of performance, but do not always provide protection against moisture, so swimmers should be more careful.
Top 10 best manufacturers with various features
With NFC module
Many refer to fitness bracelets as assistants in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For other users, this is an ultramodern functional gadgets with a set of useful functions, one of which was NFC. NFC-enabled trackers are used for contactless payment. These are smart devices that do not require the physical presence of a card or cash - funds are debited through the operation of a unique chip.
10. Xiaomi Mi Band 3 NFC
Xiaomi offers modern smart devices at an affordable price. The first Xiaomi Mi Band model released was a hit. And the modern Mi Band 3 NFC, although it remains a fitness tracker, but in terms of functionality, successfully competes with a smart watch.
Specifications:
- There is a touch monochrome display with a diagonal of 0.78 inches.
- The gadget is waterproof, with protection against moisture IP - this indicates that the device is suitable for swimming and diving to a depth of 5 meters.
- In normal mode, from one charge it can work up to 20 days, in sports - about a week.
- It is configured to receive SMS and notifications.
- It takes into account weather conditions and monitors the phases of sleep.
- There is a smart alarm clock (in conjunction with a smartphone).
Minuses:
Since it does not have a built-in GPS, the distance traveled is not measured accurately. Another negative point is the “weak” heart rate monitor with an error of ± 10 beats.
Attention! This NFC Fitness Bracelet not suitable for payment in Russia - The function only works in China.
9. Xiaomi Mijia Hey Plus
The manufacturers of this model took into account the latest developments, as a result of which the device is endowed with qualitatively new parameters and characteristics. Users will primarily pay attention to the new generation display, whose diagonal is 0.95 inches. The screen has a resolution of 240 × 120 pixels. For the development of the display, AMOLED technology was used, which gives it excellent color reproduction. According to experts, this screen is now one of the leaders in this category of products. And this is important, because it is at the expense of it that the user learns about all the changes.
Specifications:
- Battery. Its capacity reaches 120 mAh, which is enough for 18 days of use. By the way, from 0 to 100%, the device charges in just 2 hours.
- Important and popular sensors. This device has a heart rate sensor, gyroscope and accelerometer. And thanks to Antimotion Skylark technology, the performance has become even more accurate.
- Wireless connection. These are Bluetooth and NFC modules.
- Design. Visually, the gadget is similar to its predecessor - Mi Band 3, with some improvements that take into account the size of the front panel.
- Belt. Now it is not only ergonomic, but also reliable, fits comfortably on the arm and does not constrain movements.
Compared to the popular Mi Band 2 and 3, Hey Plus is more in demand, as it already provides for the latest developments. Unfortunately, the NFC contactless payment chip is only useful in China, as it has not yet been adapted for our conditions. The enlarged screen speaks in favor of the model, this particular element is one of the determining parameters when choosing a gadget, since all information is displayed on it.
With pressure measurement (tonometer) and heart rate monitor
Even ordinary users are interested in tracking their own physical activity. There are manufacturers who offer functional devices that measure heart rate and blood pressure. This is a convenient modern solution for those users who suffer from pressure problems.
8. Smart Band CK11
This accessory is suitable for both athletes and ordinary users, that is, in everyday life. The feature of the bracelet, in addition to functions, is its attractive appearance, which makes it look like an expensive electronic watch. Yet buyers choose this model because of the heart rate tracking feature. It is important to note that the tracker not only tracks indicators, but also generates statistics. Similarly, the bracelet monitors blood pressure.
The manufacturer has provided a special application for the smartphone, so that the user gets the opportunity to activate and deactivate the functions of the device. Information is displayed on a high-quality 0.66-inch OLED screen. The device belongs to protected gadgets, that is, it is perfectly resistant to mechanical stress, dust, dirt and water. In 2018-2019, this is the best fitness bracelet with a pressure measurement function, in addition, it is on sale on aliexpress.
Specifications:
- blood pressure measurement;
- pedometer;
- calorie counting;
- accounting for the quality of sleep;
- a reminder that it is time for the user to take water;
- help finding a smartphone.
The CK11 bracelet is a 2-in-1 gadget, it is an effective fitness tracker and attractive sports watch.
7. Rovermate Fit Oxy
The bracelet will appeal to users involved in sports, due to the beautiful sports design. Readings are monitored in real time and displayed on a fairly large display. Of course, it is difficult to achieve accurate data, and manufacturers themselves are talking about this - the device is not suitable for medical purposes. In general, a tonometer difference of ± 5 divisions is not so critical.
This is an affordable model of a fitness tracker with a curved shape, thanks to which it comfortably fits your hand. Deficiencies in it are also available. Users note a small autonomy - the device from one charge is able to work no more than 1.5 days.
Specifications:
- OLED display, 0.86 inches;
- OS iOS 8.0, Android 4;
- IP67 protection;
- battery capacity 85 mAh.
This smart bracelet is good in that it determines the degree of oxygen saturation of the blood and measures blood pressure. Using a bracelet, tracking changes during training, it is easy to adjust your own lifestyle. The device saves all the obtained values, and, relying on them, the load is either increased or decreased, achieving optimal well-being.
For swimming in the pool (waterproof)
Such gadgets are in demand among those users who are fond of water sports and tend to track changes in their own body. A wide range of waterproof devices is available, with which you can swim in the pool and other bodies of water.
6. Garmin Vivoactive 3
This watch visually almost does not differ from traditional watches, except that they do not have an analog dial. Thanks to this format, the device is in demand for wearing in everyday life. Any user selects a strap depending on their wishes.
On the front side is a touch TFT screen. A distinctive feature of the model is a well-thought-out set of functions and the presence of many operating modes (yoga, swimming, golf, and so on). If necessary, create your own training mode, where the user activates only those functions that he needs.
The model is popular among swimmers, but swimming with this watch is allowed only on the surface, without diving, otherwise the device will be removed from the warranty. Thanks to the built-in application "Swimming in the pool", the owner receives all the necessary information. Data is entered manually, and intervals are calculated automatically. The Garmin watch counts the number of strokes, with a performance rating of Swolf scores.
5. Polar V800
Polar has released the most functional sports watch that is suitable for any sport.
Specifications:
- GPS
- measuring heart rate, the effectiveness of swimming training;
- various training programs;
- work in tandem with a smartphone;
- sensors for running and cycling.
Along with the key features, the V800 also offers other equally important characteristics, which makes this watch a real sports heart rate monitor that provides a complete picture of the state of the body during exercise. This functional bracelet has an attractive sports design, so it will be an excellent assistant to the athlete.
Useful features:
- Calorie Counting. The user enters their height, weight, age, gender, training intensity and gets the exact number of calories burned.
- Orthostatic test. It is necessary to determine the current state. It takes into account how the heart rate changes depending on training and other factors. By conducting a test regularly, it’s easier to understand what needs to be adjusted during class.
- Running program. Useful feature for those preparing for the marathon. Smart watches offer you to choose one of several options (5 km, 10 km, half marathon, marathon), in which a running plan is created.
- Guide. The built-in assistant will tell you what you need to do in order to be more active and improve your well-being.
- Recovery status. A useful feature that displays how much time to wait before starting your next workout.
The device analyzes swimming training: it records the distance, pace, heart rate, number of strokes, and also identifies the style of swimming. As in the previous model from the rating, Swolf points also work here - indicators of their own effectiveness.
For the elderly
Fitness trackers are popular not only among sports youth, but also among older people. Many of them also strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, given nutrition, relaxation and activity. And it is for this category of users that special models are produced that are also functional and beautiful.
4. Amazfit Cor 2
For the creation of this smart bracelet, 2 popular companies are immediately responsible - Xiaomi and Huami. As a result, we got a stylish gadget in which there is nothing superfluous. The color information display is made using IPS technology, protected by glass with an oleophobic coating, which does not leave prints.
Manufacturers took care of the security of the device - the case is sealed, so you can swim and dive to great depths in the watch. The battery charge is enough for the gadget to work for 12 days.
Specifications:
- compatible with Android and iOS,
- pedometer,
- heart rate monitor
- calorie counting
- determination of sleep quality,
- notification (works in tandem with a smartphone),
- alarm clock,
- stopwatch.
A convenient feature for older users - the watch will notify the owner of an increase in the rate of heart rate. For convenience, there are 4 types of physical activity: from walking to cycling.
3. Huawei Honor Band 3
This is a compact fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor and silicone strap. In favor of the gadget, we note that it automatically monitors the quality of sleep and heart rate. It has moisture protection, so you can safely go to the pool with a bracelet, where he will also count the number of strokes.
To display information, an OLED display is used. Synchronization with smartphones is available, so from social networks, alerts will begin to come directly to the gadget. To do this, a special application Huawei Wear.
The battery capacity is 100 mAh, which is enough for a month of work.If the gadget constantly monitors the heart rate, then the battery life will be reduced to 10 days. If we consider energy efficiency, Huawei Honor Band 3 compares favorably with its competitors.
With pedometer
Everyone knows the phrase "Movement - Life", so many try to make sure that they move more often. For convenient monitoring of this process, there are special pedometers - sensors in smart bracelets that display the number of steps taken over a time interval. There is nothing better if you want to stabilize daily activity, especially when you visually see the changes.
2. IWOWN i5 Plus
This is a simple and compact device with a large list of classic features. An additional feature is the smartphone camera control function. There is no heart rate monitor, but this is excusable in view of the affordable cost of the gadget. To display information, an OLED screen with a diagonal of 0.91 inches is used. Note that the display of data is vertical, and not horizontal, as in many popular fitness trackers.
Autonomous operating time of the gadget - 7 days. It seems that this is not enough, but given that the bracelet is charging in just 45 minutes - you can forgive.
Thanks to the bright backlight, even the sun's rays will not become an obstacle. The bracelet itself is a compact module with a USB connector, so you don’t have to take any extra wires with you, just a laptop. The only drawback of the device: only simple protection against splashes and dust is provided, but you can’t swim with it, you have to take it off.
1. Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit series is functional and at the same time affordable bracelets. These are waterproof devices (but, unfortunately, you won’t be able to dive), capable of measuring pressure, counting steps and much more.
The advantage of the model is that it is convenient to use, you do not need to study the instructions for a long time to figure out what's what. Thanks to the minimalist design, the gadget looks great in combination with any clothes. All data collected by the device is recorded in a special proprietary application.
An important advantage of the gadget! It works on a single charge of the battery for a year!
The only drawback that users note is that it is not available to pair with a smartphone, that is, SMS notifications will not come to the bracelet.