GPS and fitness tracking are standard features of fitness watches. You can find out what else the best models can do and what the differences are in our list of the best.
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Fitbit Versa 3: With a fashionable lifestyle design
The Fitbit Versa 3 offers you fitness functions with a lifestyle look. The watch not only impresses with its integrated hardware and range of functions, but also with its design. Wristbands are available in different materials, from silicone to leather. So if you find the typical look of a fitness watch too boring, you have a choice here.
The Fitbit Versa 3 includes all the usual functions for athletes. The fitness watch tracks 20 different training modes and informs you in real time of the distance and speed covered. The companion app assesses your current fitness level and suggests individual goals.
A heart rate monitor is also integrated into the watch, with which you can keep an eye on your pulse. Fitbit specifies battery life at six days. Thanks to the quick charge function, the watch should also be ready for use again within twelve minutes. The Fitbit Versa 3 is priced at 200 euros. A good value pack!
Huawei Watch Fit new: The inexpensive fitness watch
There is a large selection of colorful straps for the Huawei Watch Fit new.
Image: © HUAWEI 2021
You can travel even cheaper with the new Huawei Watch Fit. The fitness watch is available for less than 100 euros. Nevertheless, the smartwatch offers many fitness functions such as heart rate and oxygen saturation measurement. You can also follow your favorite sports through 97 different sports modes. In addition to running, swimming and cycling, this also includes, for example, jumping rope.
If you want, you can display animated workouts on the 1.64-inch AMOLED screen. According to Huawei, the watch’s battery lasts up to ten days. With the GPS activated, however, the autonomy is reduced to twelve hours.
Apple Watch Series 7: also ideal for athletes
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch for iPhone.
Image: © Apple 2021
iPhone users looking for a fitness watch cannot ignore the Apple Watch Series 7. Even though Apple does not primarily market the smartwatch as a sports gadget, the watch still has many suitable functions.
In addition to measuring blood oxygen, you can also use the Apple Watch to perform an ECG. Different training modes allow you to follow sports such as swimming and running, but also boxing, Pilates and bowling. Connected to a headset, the watch will notify you via voice output when you have achieved certain goals.
The smartwatch also automatically recognizes when you start exercising and reminds you to turn on tracking. A useful feature of the Apple Watch is the combination of fall detection and emergency call function. This fitness watch also supports you in case of problems. However, the Apple Watch is not cheap. The watch costs more than 400 euros.
Galaxy Watch4: Samsung’s flagship model
Not only informs you about incoming calls, but also about your physical condition: the Galaxy Watch4.
Image: © SAMSUNG 2022
What the Apple Watch is for iPhone users, the Galaxy Watch4 is for Android smartphone owners. Samsung’s smartwatch isn’t explicitly marketed as a fitness watch either, but it does offer plenty of functions in this area.
For example, the Galaxy Watch4 informs you about your body composition, such as body fat percentage and muscle. The GPS tracks running or cycling routes and with a total of 90 training programs you can measure various sports – from jogging to golf. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and ECG can also be viewed with the fitness watch and not only give you insight into your fitness, but also your health. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 7, the Galaxy Watch4 is mid-priced with a price tag between 200 and 300 euros.
Polar Vantage V2: measures heart rate with the chest strap
Unlike the fitness watches presented so far, the Polar Vantage V2 is all about sports. For example, the fitness watch informs runners of the number of watts generated by each of their steps. The watch also helps you check if your legs are recovered enough for a hard workout or if you need to take a longer break to recover.
After the end of a training session, the fitness watch not only provides information on the general calorie consumption, but also uses the heart rate to calculate in detail the amount of fats, carbohydrates and proteins consumed. Additionally, the watch can be combined with Polar’s chest strap heart rate sensor if more accurate measurement is important to you. The altimeter, coordinates, compass and weather functions are useful additional functions for exploring new routes. A real complete package for demanding athletes, the price of which is comparable to that of the Apple Watch.
Garmin Fenix 7: premium watch with solar cells
The Garmin Fenix 7 is an absolute luxury model among fitness watches. The most striking feature is the solar cells which are integrated into the display of the wristwatch and ensure a longer lifespan of battery. The Fenix 7 should last up to 18 days if the wearer gets enough sunlight. Of course, the watch allows you to train with numerous training modes, from running and cycling to bouldering.
However, the Fenix 7 goes beyond simple training recognition and offers, for example, a special ski touring app for skiers that provides precise ascent and descent information. Mountain bikers, on the other hand, get detailed information about the difficulty of the chosen route. Of course, the Fenix 7 also offers heart rate measurement and information on the oxygen content of the blood. The fitness watch even monitors your water balance. Altimeter, compass and barometer help you explore new routes as well as detailed maps – even for ski slopes and golf courses.
In other words: this watch leaves nothing to be desired in terms of sport, but it also costs accordingly. With currently over 600 euros, the Fenix 7 is not a bargain. If that’s too expensive for you, you can take a look at the Garmin Instinct Solar. The range of functions is less extensive, but still good and the watch costs less than half. The Instinct Solar also relies on solar cells and offers an extra long lifespan.
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