The best fitness trackers for 2025

Engadget - May 9th, 2025

Fitness trackers provide a cost-effective and focused solution for individuals looking to monitor their health without the extra features of a smartwatch. Key players in this market include the Fitbit Charge 6, Garmin vívosmart 5, Xiaomi Mi Band 8, and Withings Move. These devices offer functionalities such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS mapping, catering to different consumer needs with price points ranging from budget-friendly to premium. The Fitbit Charge 6, for instance, emphasizes accurate heart rate monitoring and built-in GPS, making it a top recommendation for those prioritizing fitness tracking over smartwatch capabilities.

The significance of this development lies in the growing consumer interest in health and wellness tech that is both accessible and practical. Fitness trackers stand out for their long battery life, lightweight design, and seamless integration with smartphones and fitness apps, offering users a streamlined experience. They are particularly suited for individuals focused on exercise and health metrics without the distractions of additional smartwatch features. As fitness and health monitoring become more mainstream, these devices are positioned to meet the demands of a health-conscious audience, potentially shaping future trends in wearable technology.

Wearable Technology Fitness Trackers Fitbit Charge 6 Garmin Vívosmart 5 Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Withings Move Health Monitoring

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thorough overview of several fitness trackers, emphasizing their features and suitability for different consumer needs. Its strengths lie in its clarity and timeliness, presenting information in an accessible format that aligns with current consumer interests. However, the article would benefit from increased transparency and source quality, as it lacks explicit citations and detailed methodology for its conclusions. While it is balanced in presenting both pros and cons of each device, the focus remains on the positive aspects, with limited exploration of potential drawbacks. The piece serves as a useful guide for potential buyers but could enhance its impact and engagement by incorporating diverse perspectives and interactive elements.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate overview of the fitness trackers mentioned, with specific claims about features such as the Fitbit Charge 6's built-in GPS and heart rate monitor, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 8's extensive exercise modes. These claims are largely supported by external sources and align with known specifications of these devices. However, some points, like the claimed superiority of the Fitbit Charge 6 as the best overall tracker, would benefit from additional data or comparative analysis with similar products. The story is precise in detailing the features of each tracker, but there is a need for more detailed evidence or reviews to substantiate the claims fully.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the different fitness trackers, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. For instance, it notes the Fitbit Charge 6's lack of Apple Health integration as a downside, providing a counterpoint to its many features. However, the focus is predominantly on the positive aspects of the devices, with limited exploration of potential drawbacks. The story could include more perspectives, such as user reviews or expert opinions, to provide a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear, accessible manner. It logically organizes information by presenting each fitness tracker separately, detailing their features, pros, and cons. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms for readers unfamiliar with fitness tracker technology.

Source quality

The article references specific models and features, suggesting a reliance on product specifications and potentially press releases. However, it lacks explicit citations or references to authoritative reviews or studies, which could enhance the credibility of its claims. The absence of diverse sources limits the ability to assess the impartiality and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methodology behind the selection of the 'best' fitness trackers, nor does it explain any potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliate links or sponsorships. While it offers a straightforward presentation of features, the lack of transparency about how conclusions were reached or any biases in the selection process reduces the overall transparency.