Simple, accurate, and budget-friendly alternatives to full smartwatches
If you don’t need a full-blown smartwatch but still want to track steps, workouts, heart rate, sleep, and recovery, fitness trackers and bands are the perfect solution. They’re lighter, more affordable, and have better battery life than most watches — and many now include advanced health metrics once reserved for pro wearables.
Here’s our pick of the best fitness trackers and bands for active lifestyles in 2025.
⌚ Top Fitness Bands Compared
| Device | Best For | Display | Battery Life | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Best all-around | ✅ AMOLED | 7 days | ECG, GPS, Google apps | ~$160 |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | Budget + big screen | ✅ AMOLED | 14 days | SpO₂, sleep, steps, workouts | ~$80 |
| Garmin Vivosmart 5 | Compact & Garmin users | ❌ Monochrome | 7 days | HR, VO₂ Max, Body Battery | ~$130 |
| Amazfit Band 7 | Long battery life | ✅ AMOLED | 18 days | SpO₂, PAI, sleep tracking | ~$60 |
| Whoop Strap 4.0 | Serious recovery tracking | ❌ LED indicators only | 4–5 days | HRV, strain, recovery score | Subscription only |
1. Fitbit Charge 6
🔥 Best overall fitness band for most people
The Charge 6 is Fitbit’s most powerful tracker yet, with built-in GPS, ECG, continuous heart rate, and even access to Google Maps and YouTube Music controls. It syncs perfectly with Google Fit, Fitbit, and Apple Health.
Pros:
✔️ Lightweight and waterproof
✔️ Daily Readiness Score
✔️ Google Wallet + Maps built-in
✔️ Accurate HR and sleep
Cons:
➖ Subscription needed for advanced insights
➖ No third-party app installs
2. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
💸 Best budget smart band with a premium screen
Don’t let the price fool you — Xiaomi’s Band 8 Pro offers a large AMOLED display, 150+ workout modes, sleep tracking, SpO₂, and up to 14 days of battery. It’s an incredible value under $100.
Pros:
✔️ Big display and responsive UI
✔️ Very affordable
✔️ Tracks heart rate, sleep, SpO₂, steps
Cons:
➖ Limited app ecosystem
➖ Data export can be buggy outside Mi Fit
3. Garmin Vivosmart 5
🎽 Best lightweight tracker for Garmin users
Garmin’s answer to Fitbit keeps it simple: no touchscreen, just reliable sensors, and excellent battery. Perfect for runners who already use Garmin Connect and want Body Battery without a full watch.
Pros:
✔️ Very slim and discreet
✔️ Syncs with Garmin watches, HR straps
✔️ Long battery life
Cons:
➖ No color screen
➖ No built-in GPS
4. Amazfit Band 7
⚡ Best for battery life and low-profile use
The Band 7 boasts a big screen and an 18-day battery, with surprisingly robust health tracking: sleep score, stress levels, PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence), and more.
Pros:
✔️ Very long battery life
✔️ Slim but vibrant display
✔️ Tracks HR, sleep, SpO₂, PAI score
Cons:
➖ Zepp app is clunky
➖ Some accuracy tradeoffs at high intensity
5. Whoop Strap 4.0
🧬 Best for recovery + serious training
Whoop doesn’t have a display — it focuses entirely on HRV, recovery, strain, and sleep quality, giving you a readiness score every morning. You wear it 24/7, and all data goes to the app.
Pros:
✔️ 24/7 HR + HRV monitoring
✔️ Best-in-class recovery analysis
✔️ Adjustable straps, waterproof
Cons:
➖ Requires monthly subscription
➖ No screen = no real-time stats
🧠 Which Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Best all-around tracker | Fitbit Charge 6 |
| Big screen on a budget | Xiaomi Band 8 Pro |
| Garmin ecosystem + small size | Vivosmart 5 |
| Best battery life | Amazfit Band 7 |
| Deep recovery insights | Whoop 4.0 |
🛠️ Integration Notes
- Fitbit Charge 6 supports Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, Apple Health (via 3rd-party)
- Garmin works natively with Strava, TrainingPeaks, Apple Health
- Whoop syncs with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Apple Health (limited)
Conclusion
Fitness trackers have come a long way — and in 2025, they offer serious health insights, long battery life, and comfort that beats most watches. Whether you’re starting a new fitness habit or upgrading your data game, there’s a tracker here that fits your needs and budget.