Looking for a fitness smartwatch that won’t drain your wallet? Whether you’re training for a marathon, lifting weights, or just trying to move more, the right wearable can actually make a difference in how you track progress. This guide covers the top fitness smartwatches of 2024, comparing features, battery life, health tracking, and current prices so you can pick what actually works for you.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Fitness Smartwatches at a Glance
Here’s the short version if you don’t want to read the whole thing.
Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 9 is the most versatile option, with solid health sensors, easy integration with iPhones, and over 100 workout modes. The S9 chip keeps things snappy, and the bright screen is easy to read mid-workout.
Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 265 gives you serious fitness tracking without the Apple tax. Multi-band GPS, training metrics, and around 15 days of battery life make this a favorite among runners and cyclists who don’t want to spend flagship money.
Best Budget: Fitbit Inspire 3 shows that basic fitness tracking doesn’t need to cost much. It handles heart rate, sleep, and basic workouts for under $100—and the battery lasts 10 days.
How We Test Fitness Smartwatches
We evaluate each watch across categories that actually matter for fitness use.
Health and Fitness Tracking Accuracy: We compare heart rate readings against chest strap monitors during different workout intensities. Sleep tracking gets checked against user reports, while step counts and calorie estimates go through multiple test scenarios.
Battery Life Testing: We run watches continuously in different modes—always-on display, GPS workout tracking, and standard daily wear. We report real results, not manufacturer claims.
Durability and Build Quality: We assess water resistance, scratch resistance, and how each watch holds up to sweat, rain, and everyday knocks.
Software and Ecosystem: We test how easily each watch syncs data, connects with fitness apps, and provides useful health insights.
Value Assessment: We compare what you actually get against the price, factoring in sales and bundles.
Best Smartwatches for Fitness: Complete Reviews
Apple Watch Series 9 – Best Overall
The Apple Watch Series 9 remains the standard for general-purpose fitness smartwatches, combining Apple’s design with solid health monitoring.
Key Features: The S9 SiP chip enables on-device Siri and a brighter always-on Retina display at 2000 nits. Health monitoring includes ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing for cycle tracking. The 45mm case fits most wrists without getting in the way during workouts.
Fitness Capabilities: Over 100 workout types cover running, cycling, swimming, and more. Enhanced GPS tracks distance and pace without your phone. Recovery recommendations and training load indicators help athletes tune their routines.
Battery Life: Around 18 hours normally, extendable to 36 hours in low-power mode. GPS tracking runs about 7 hours—fine for most runs but shorter than dedicated fitness watches.
Pros: Great app ecosystem, full health sensor suite, fast performance, excellent display, find-my features work well
Cons: Only works with iPhone, battery lags behind competitors, expensive
Current Pricing: Starts at $399 for the 45mm GPS model, cellular versions at $499. Seasonal sales often drop prices $50-$100.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Best Premium Pick
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who need something that can handle extreme conditions.
Key Features: The 49mm titanium case has Apple’s brightest display ever at 3000 nits—easy to see in direct sunlight. The action button gives quick access to workouts, compass, or other functions. Dual speakers make audio cues audible in noisy places.
Fitness Capabilities: Precision Find locates your iPhone, 100-meter water resistance handles swimming, and dual-frequency GPS gives accurate location data. Depth gauge and water temperature sensors make this great for swimmers. Training Load and Recovery metrics compete with dedicated sports watches.
Battery Life: Up to 36 hours normally, 72 hours in low-power mode. GPS runs 12 hours—solid for ultramarathons and long rides.
Pros: Best battery life in the Apple lineup, tough build, precise GPS, safety features, incredibly bright display
Cons: Large case won’t work for everyone, expensive, overkill if you just want basic tracking
Current Pricing: Starts at $799. Watch authorized resellers for bundle deals with sports bands.
Garmin Forerunner 265 – Best Value for Athletes
The Garmin Forerunner 265 balances professional training features with everyday wearability, making it our top value pick.
Key Features: The 46mm watch has an AMOLED display, a nice upgrade from older Forerunners. Multi-band GPS with SatIQ gives accurate tracking while saving battery. The heart rate sensor works well in most conditions.
Fitness Capabilities: Training readiness scores, recovery recommendations, and load monitoring help serious athletes optimize training. 24/7 health tracking covers heart rate variability, stress, sleep, and pulse ox. Over 30 sports apps handle running, cycling, strength, and HIIT.
Battery Life: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 24 hours in GPS mode with music. Solar versions last even longer.
Pros: Great battery, professional training metrics, reliable GPS, comfortable, covers lots of sports
Cons: Smaller app ecosystem than Apple, basic smart features, no cellular option
Current Pricing: Starts at $499 for the feature set. Garmin runs promotions regularly, especially around holidays.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – Best for Android Users
Android users get a solid fitness-focused option in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
Key Features: The 44mm case (also available in 40mm) has a Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal. BioActive sensors measure heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition including skeletal muscle and body fat. The rotating bezel makes navigating menus easy.
Fitness Capabilities: Samsung Health tracks 90+ exercise types. Body Composition gives detailed metrics beyond basic BMI. Blood pressure and ECG features work where approved. Sleep tracking includes scores and recommendations.
Battery Life: Around 40 hours with always-on display. GPS workout tracking runs about 20 hours, depending on settings.
Pros: Great display, full health sensor suite, works well with Android, nice design, rotating bezel is intuitive
Cons: Battery could be better, software updates vary, some features need a Samsung phone
Current Pricing: Starts at $329 for the 44mm Bluetooth model, LTE at $379. Deals throughout the year often cut $50-$100.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is the tool for outdoor athletes who need rugged build quality and mapping.
Key Features: The 47mm case handles extreme conditions. TopoActive maps with multi-continental coverage, ski resort maps, and golf courses come preloaded. LED flashlight with variable intensities helps in the dark.
Fitness Capabilities: ClimbPro ascent planner, real-time stamina tracking, and VO2 max adjustments for altitude. Multi-band GPS with multi-continental maps ensures navigation works anywhere. Training readiness combines sleep, recovery, and training load into useful guidance.
Battery Life: Up to 22 days in smartwatch mode, 73 hours in GPS mode, 26 days in expedition mode. Solar versions last even longer.
Pros: Incredible battery, full mapping, tough build, professional training features, solar option
Cons: Expensive, bulky, interface has a learning curve, premium price
Current Pricing: Starts at $799 for the standard version, solar variants cost more. Bundle deals sometimes include extra bands and maps.
Fitbit Sense 2 – Best for Stress and Wellness Tracking
The Fitbit Sense 2 focuses on holistic wellness rather than just workout metrics, good for people focused on stress and sleep.
Key Features: The 40mm aluminum case has an AMOLED display with always-on option. Continuous electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors detect stress through skin conductance. SpO2 tracks blood oxygen during sleep and high-altitude activities.
Fitness Capabilities: Not as deep as Garmin or Apple for dedicated athletes, but it tracks 40+ exercise modes. SmartTrack automatically recognizes workouts. Active Zone Minutes motivate based on time in target heart rate zones.
Battery Life: About 6+ days normally, longer in battery saver mode—good given the features.
Pros: Excellent stress and wellness tracking, comfortable for all-day wear, solid sleep analysis, more affordable, works with iOS and Android
Cons: Limited third-party apps, GPS needs your phone, less detailed training metrics
Current Pricing: Starts at $249, often under $200 on sale. Fitbit Premium adds more insights but basic features work without it.
Garmin Instinct 2 – Best Rugged Fitness Watch
The Garmin Instinct 2 is a durable option for people who beat up their gear.
Key Features: The fiber-reinforced polymer case meets military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Monochrome display stays readable in sunlight and saves battery. Three buttons work in wet or gloved conditions.
Fitness Capabilities: VO2 max, recovery time, training load, and acute load alerts. Activity profiles cover running, cycling, swimming, strength, and more. Body Battery energy monitoring combines stress, sleep, and activity into daily readiness scores.
Battery Life: 28 days in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in GPS mode, 65 days in expedition mode—exceptional for extended trips.
Pros: Amazing battery, military-grade toughness, full fitness tracking, affordable, solar option
Cons: Basic smart features, no color display, limited apps
Current Pricing: Starts at $299, solar versions around $349. Sales often drop below $250.
Amazfit GTR 4 – Best Budget Premium Features
The Amazfit GTR 4 brings premium features to a budget price, worth considering if you want a lot for less.
Key Features: The 46mm stainless steel case has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 100-meter water resistance. Dual-band GPS and an optical heart rate sensor provide continuous monitoring. Offline voice assistant helps during workouts.
Fitness Capabilities: Over 150 sports modes cover most activities, with automatic recognition for common workouts. The Zepp app gives detailed post-workout analysis with AI coaching. Health monitoring covers 24-hour heart rate, stress, sleep, and SpO2.
Battery Life: Up to 14 days normally, 24 days in battery saver mode, 40 hours with GPS on.
Pros: Great battery for the price, lots of features, nice design, dual-band GPS
Cons: App isn’t as polished as competitors, limited third-party integration, less known brand
Current Pricing: Starts at $199, often under $180 on promotion. Strong value for what you get.
Google Pixel Watch 2 – Best for Google Ecosystem
The Google Pixel Watch 2 works well within Google’s ecosystem with improved fitness tracking over the original.
Key Features: The 41mm case has a crown for navigation and a haptic side button. Fitbit-powered health tracking gives the best fitness experience in a Pixel Watch. Safety features include fall detection, emergency sharing, and crisis alerts.
Fitness Capabilities: Now has Fitbit’s full suite including Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, and sleep analysis. Over 40 exercise modes with automatic detection. GPS tracks accurately without your phone.
Battery Life: About 24 hours with always-on display, varies a lot with use. This is the main weakness.
Pros: Deep Google integration, good design, full Fitbit health tracking, smooth performance
Cons: Short battery life, Android only, expensive for the features, needs phone for some functions
Current Pricing: Starts at $349, down from the original. Occasionally drops below $300.
Fitbit Inspire 3 – Best Budget Option
The Fitbit Inspire 3 shows essential fitness tracking can be cheap.
Key Features: The slim, lightweight 40mm case is comfortable for all-day wear. Optical heart rate and SpO2 provide core health metrics. Simple button and touchscreen interface keeps things easy.
Fitness Capabilities: Tracks heart rate zones, Active Zone Minutes, steps, calories, and sleep stages. Exercise recognition automatically picks up walking, running, cycling, and swimming. Limited compared to premium options but covers the basics.
Battery Life: Up to 10 days on a charge—no daily charging needed.
Pros: Very affordable, great battery, lightweight, simple interface
Cons: Limited features, no GPS, small display, basic design
Current Pricing: Starts at $99, often under $80. Good value for basic tracking.
Comparison Table: Key Specifications
| Model | Display | Battery Life | GPS | Water Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 9 | OLED 45mm | 18hrs | Built-in | 50m | $399+ |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | OLED 49mm | 36hrs | Built-in | 100m | $799 |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | AMOLED 46mm | 15 days | Multi-band | 5ATM | $499 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Super AMOLED 44mm | 40hrs | Built-in | 50m | $329 |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Pro | MIP 47mm | 22 days | Multi-band | 10ATM | $799 |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | AMOLED 40mm | 6+ days | GPS | 5ATM | $249 |
| Garmin Instinct 2 | Monochromatic 45mm | 28 days | Multi-band | 10ATM | $299 |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | AMOLED 46mm | 14 days | Dual-band | 10ATM | $199 |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | OLED 41mm | 24hrs | Built-in | 5ATM | $349 |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | OLED | 10 days | No | 5ATM | $99 |
How to Choose the Right Fitness Smartwatch
Picking the right watch comes down to what you actually need and what you’re willing to spend.
Primary Use Case: What matters most to you? Marathon runners need GPS battery and training metrics. Casual users might prefer simple interfaces. Figure out your main focus first—it narrows things down quickly.
Ecosystem Compatibility: Your phone matters. Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Samsung and Google watches work best with their own phones. Garmin and Fitbit work with both, though some features are better on specific platforms.
Battery Life: How often do you want to charge? Hikers and ultramarathoners need serious battery. Everyday users might trade longevity for other features.
Budget: Prices go from under $100 to nearly $1000. Figure out what you actually need—most people don’t need everything the premium models offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch has the best battery life for fitness tracking?
Garmin leads on battery. The Fenix 7 Pro lasts 22 days in smartwatch mode, the Instinct 2 goes 28 days. For Apple users, the Ultra 2 gets 36 hours—best in Apple’s lineup.
Is Apple Watch or Garmin better for fitness tracking?
Depends on what you want. Apple Watch is a better general smartwatch with more apps and smoother integration with iOS. Garmin excels at dedicated fitness tracking with professional metrics, better battery, and more for serious athletes.
What’s the best budget fitness smartwatch in 2024?
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best value under $100. For around $200, the Amazfit GTR 4 gives you premium features like dual-band GPS that cost much more elsewhere.
Do I need GPS in my fitness smartwatch?
GPS matters for accurate distance and pace in outdoor activities. If you mainly work out indoors or don’t care about route tracking, you can skip it and save money.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision
Your best fitness smartwatch depends on your specific situation. The Apple Watch Series 9 works well for most people—solid fitness tracking, good health monitoring, and it integrates seamlessly if you use iPhone. Android users get good options with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Google Pixel Watch 2, depending on which ecosystem you prefer.
Serious athletes who want professional training data should look at the Garmin Forerunner 265 or Fenix 7 Pro—they offer better battery life and deeper workout analysis than anything else. Budget buyers can feel good about the Fitbit Inspire 3 or Amazfit GTR 4, which cover the basics without the premium price.
Current sales make 2024 a good time to buy. Watch authorized retailers for promotions, consider certified refurbished models, and remember: the best watch is the one you’ll actually wear. Pick what fits your life and get moving.
