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4 Best Fitness Trackers to Consider for Athletes – Adorama

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4 Best Fitness Trackers to Consider for Athletes – Adorama

The hot summer days are gone and the cool days of autumn are here with us. Today, same as many people, I feel the urge to level up my training and push myself further. I’m certain someone out there is prepping for a marathon, getting their strength training in, or registering for a triathlon. Whatever it is, the right fitness tracker can go a long way in ensuring that things are done right. 

I understand how hard it is to pick the right one. I mean… there’s just so many options! To help you, I’ve decided to list down 4 of the best fitness trackers that I can recommend. So, let’s get started and find out which one can possibly become your next favorite workout companion. 

4 Fitness Trackers to Consider for Athletes 

Photo via Garmin

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm Titanium Case 

With 3000 nits brightness, you can run a trail at dawn and still see pretty clearly. If you’ve got a long weekend hike planned, no sweat — literally. The battery keeps going for days on Low Power Mode. No more being stranded with a dead watch while going up a mountain.

This 2024 Apple fitness tracker has a titanium case that is practically bulletproof. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters. Finally, it has a precision dual-frequency GPS that acts like your own digital trail guide. It’s the most accurate fitness tracker for not getting lost! 

Fitbit Charge 6 GPS Smartwatch 

The Fitbit Charge 6 is for those who like to hop between cardio sessions and yoga classes. This watch has your back (and wrists, and heart) with 40+ exercise modes, ready for whatever you throw at it. high-intensity interval training to a laid-back walk in the park

The Charge 6 does real-time heart rate monitoring on exercise machines so you get more accurate stats — no guessing games. For that reason alone, it’s a candidate for “Best Fitness Tracker 2024.” Plus, its Google Maps integration, can help you run routes without ever having to fish out your phone. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic GPS + LTE 43mm 

Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is like Bruce Wayne — sophisticated, versatile, and hiding some serious tech under a sleek exterior. This fitness tracker has a rotating bezel that makes scrolling through apps easy and smooth. After a long day of meetings, you can put your workout gear on and the smartwatch will analyze your body composition, with just a touch. As you warm up, it already starts to monitor your muscle mass, fat percentage, and water levels.  

And when the day’s done, it helps you wind down with Advanced Sleep Coaching. From the moment you close your eyes, across sleep stages, to the time you wake up, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has analyzed everything. With the data gathered, it suggests ways to improve your snooze! It’s the best fitness watch for Android. 

Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire 43mm GPS Smartwatch 

This one is for that athlete who’s always pushing limits. This Garmin fitness tracker comes with advanced strength training plans, so you don’t have to worry about prepping those. The Fenix 8 even suggests targeted workouts to help you train smarter, not just harder. 

With a built-in LED flashlight, it’s great for late-night runs or hikes. And did I mention it has a speaker and mic for taking calls on the go? 

Fitness Trackers Comparison Chart 2024 

Feature Garmin Fenix 8 Apple Watch
Ultra 2
Fitbit Charge 6 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Display 1.3” AMOLED LTPO2 OLED, Always-on Retina Color Touchscreen Large Crystal Glass
Battery Life Up to 10 days in Smartwatch Mode Up to 36 hours, 72 hours in Low Power Mode 7 days Varies with usage
GPS Multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ Precision dual-frequency GPS Built-in GPS GPS + LTE options
Durability MIL-STD 810, 40m dive rating 100m water resistance Water-resistant to 50m 5 ATM water-resistant, sapphire glass
Standout Features LED flashlight, speaker & mic Cycle Tracking, S9 SiP with Double Tap Gesture Heart rate on exercise machines, Google Maps Rotating bezel, body composition analysis
Comparison chart between Garmin Fenix 8, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Fitbit Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker for Your Sport 

Let’s be real: picking the right tracker can turn your workout from good to game-changing. Let’s break down what you should be looking for, depending on your athletic flavor

Runners and Cyclists 

runner uses Apple Watch Ultra 2 while on a jog with his friends
Photo via Apple

If you’re always one step away from your next “runner’s high,” you need a watch that’s like a hyper-detailed map, coach, and cheerleader all rolled into one. 

This is where the Garmin fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 come into play. Their GPS capabilities are so precise you’ll feel like you have your own satellite hovering overhead. We’re talking advanced metrics like pace, cadence, and elevation gain—perfect for tracking that grueling uphill battle or the exact point where your pace started to sag on your last 10K. With these gadgets, you can map out new routes, revisit old favorites, or simply show off your awesome data on your fitness tracking app afterwards. 

Strength Trainers 

So, you’re not into miles or laps, but give you a heavy barbell and you’re in heaven. Your ideal fitness tracker should feel the same way. Forget about counting steps — you want to count reps, track rest times, and monitor muscle recovery. Enter the Garmin Fenix 8, again proving it’s a beast in the gym, too. 

This watch doesn’t just monitor your lifts, it’s also like it coaches you through them. 

Swimmers and Triathletes 

Swimmer putting on her swim cap in the water wearing one of the best fitness trackers, the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Photo via Apple

If you love being in the water, a regular shmegular fitness tracker won’t cut it. You need a device that can handle your aquatic lifestyle without throwing a tantrum every time it gets wet. This is where the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 8 dive in (pun intended).  

The Ultra 2 is basically Poseidon’s smartwatch. It’s swim-proof with a water temperature sensor that’s perfect for measuring just how cold that open water really is (and giving you serious bragging rights when you tell your friends).  

The Garmin Fenix 8, on the other hand, takes things a step further. It’s not just waterproof— it’s practically a mini-submarine on your wrist. We’re talking dive ratings that support everything from lap swimming to scuba and apnea dive activities. 

FAQs about fitness trackers 

man grabs dumbbell during strength training with his fitness tracker
What is the most accurate wearable fitness tracker? 

Word on the street is that the Fitbit Charge 6 is most accurate fitness tracker right now. It calculates your steps, heart rate, and your latest cardio session.

What is a fitness tracker? 

A fitness tracker is like a tiny, wrist-worn personal assistant that keeps tabs on and make reports about your health and activity.

Do doctors recommend fitness trackers? 

Many do! While they won’t replace a real stethoscope anytime soon, fitness trackers can help you (and your doctor) keep an eye on your health.

Why are fitness trackers so popular? 

Fitness trackers are popular because they provide real-time feedback on your health and activity levels, making it easier to set and achieve fitness goals.

Which fitness tracker is best for serious endurance training?

The Garmin Fenix 8 is ideal for endurance athletes thanks to its battery life, multi-band GPS accuracy, and special training features.

Can I use these trackers without a smartphone?

Yes, most of these trackers, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, offer standalone functionality, allowing you to track workouts, make calls, and more without needing a phone.

What is the best budget option for fitness tracking?

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the cheapest fitness tracker on this list. It has many comprehensive at a lower price point, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Do these trackers support swimming workouts?

Yes! All the featured trackers are water-resistant and support swimming workouts. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is swimproof with advanced metrics for pool and open water swimming.

Which tracker has the best battery life?

The Garmin Fenix 8 offers the best battery life with up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 28 hours in GPS mode. Buy it now!

Cop the Best Fitness Trackers for You!

In fitness, the right equipment can make a big difference, and a quality fitness tracker is one of them. With options like the fitness trackers listed above, we can all rest assured that there’s something for every type of athlete. So, strap on your tracker, get moving, and let these powerful tools help you achieve your personal best.

Thierry Jose


Thierry Jose


Thierry is a writer, content coordinator, and journalist on a mission to explore the world. She is driven by a fervent dream to read and write, joining multiple competitions and publications to advance her learning curve. Outside of writing, Thierry enjoys painting and watching classic movies.

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