At first glance: This isn’t the most handsome-looking device on the planet—a silver oval-shaped tracker without a display nestled in a basic rubber bracelet.

Features: Only the bare basics, such as a step-tracking sensor that also tracks distance, active minutes and calories burned, an automatic sleep detector that records deep and light cycles and a heartrate detector (a feature which its economical counterparts like the Fitbit Flex and Jawbone Up24 still lack). There’s also a silent, vibrating alarm clock and a vibrating alert whenever your phone rings. Also, the band is waterproof so you won’t have to fret about it when you’re stuck in a downpour.

We say: The perfect starter for those who want to get a fitness band but aren’t sure if they should splurge just yet.

 

At first glance: A small tracker encased in a sleek interchangeable plastic bracelet without a display, except for a row of lights that tell

you how close you are to reaching your daily step goals.

Features: Sensors that record the number of steps you take per day, which also calculate the estimated calories you’ve burned, distance traveled and active minutes. Additionally, the band boasts a sleep tracker and vibrating alarm, but you’ll have to manually switch between sleep and wake mode. The band also tolerates water well, but you shouldn’t swim with it on for too long.

We say: This is the band you should invest in if you don’t want to go all out in terms of expense, but want something smooth and basic that will keep you accountable for your day-to-day activities.

 

At first glance: Arguably the best looking economical band, with its slick and “twisty” design making it look like a fashionable bracelet from afar. There is no screen, but two LED indicators light up when you switch between sleep and wake modes. Unlike its counterparts, the bracelet isn’t adjustable, so you’ll need to choose between three standard sizes.

Features: A built-in step counter tracks your steps and can differentiate between a regular stroll versus a workout. The nifty sleep tracking system comes with a silent alarm to ensure you don’t wake up feeling groggy by only waking you up during a light sleep cycle. Another quirky feature is the inactive alert, where the bracelet will vibrate whenever you’ve been sitting still for too long, acting as a reminder for you to get up and stretch out.

We say: Pricey for something basic, but it contains some useful features that the other bands lack.

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FITNESS FANATICS

At first glance: A medium-sized texture-finished band with a monochrome OLED display showing either the time, heart rate or steps taken.

Features: Everything that the Fitbit Flex covers and more. The sleep tracker upgrades from manual to automatic, there’s a heart rate monitor that makes calorie counting more accurate, as well as a little screen that will show your stats in real time. However, unlike the Flex, it isn’t waterproof so make sure you remove it before you go for a swim.

We say: A good economical choice for fitness fanatics who don’t want anything bulky.

 

At first glance: Designed as a high-end fitness tracker that will work for runners, the Fitbit Surge has the look of a fitness tracker and smartwatch hybrid. A square-shaped touchscreen display sits atop a rubber strap that grips nicely when you exercise.

Features: The Fitbit Surge contains all the basic features present in the Flex model, with the addition of a three-axis built-in accelerometer—so now your steps up the stairs will count. The automatic sleep tracker allows you to comfortably nod off in front of the TV without fretting about manually activating sleep mode. The built-in GPS will help you track your runs, as well as generate a reading of heart rate and calories burned. As a bonus, the band is also able to show your text messages on screen, as well as let you control your phone’s music playlist via Bluetooth.

We say: A great option for those who want a fitness tracker with a screen and built-in GPS.

 

At first glance: A lightweight round-faced watch with an easy-toread color screen, secured on your wrist with a comfortable silicone strap.

Features: A built-in, sensitive heart-rate tracker that will indicate your heart-rate zone (Active Recover, Aerobic Threshold, Tempo, Sub Lactate Threshold and Lactate Anaerobic Threshold) while you exercise. The Forerunner 225 also features a step tracker that is adjustable to the activity you’re doing. There is a built-in sleep tracker, too, which will give you detailed information on the app, including a breakdown of your physical movements while you sleep.

We say: A suitable option for those who are really into their fitness and for desk-jobbers who religiously run races.

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SUPER WATERPROOF

At first glance: An horizontal LED screen across a smooth-looking black plastic bracelet without any knobs or buttons.

Features: This waterproof band features a calorie and step counter which will detect whether you’re doing a high, medium or low intensity activity. The corresponding app will also show your daily, monthly and weekly activity levels as well as show you tips on how to reach your goals.

We say: Solid for those who want a waterproof version of the Fitbit Flex or Jawbone Up.

 

At first glance: A matte-colored, round-faced tracking module secured between a rubber band. The module can be removed and clipped anywhere on your body if desired.

Features: A sturdy but lightweight design that is waterproof up to 50 meters. Like other fitness bands, it features a step and sleep tracker and a personalized fitness goal setting.

We say: An excellent basic band for those who like to swim for exercise.

 

At first glance: The square face makes the tracker a look a little bulky, but it offers a semi-professional appearance with an easyto- read touchscreen.

Features: A sleep and activity tracker customizable to the sport you’re playing, from swimming to golf via special watch applications. One of the most accurate sport-focused activity trackers on the market that we’ve tried thanks to the built-in GPS with strong satellite and automatic VO2 max calculations.

We say: One of the best watches out there for all-round athletes who are fond of the water.