Review: The best fitness trackers and smartwatches
CNET says the Fitbit Charge 2 is among the best fitness trackers. Credit: CBS Interactive
If your New Year’s resolution is to get off the couch and start getting in shape, your first step is finding a reliable fitness tracker or smartwatch. Here are four that will help you put your best foot forward.
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: associate editor Dan Graziano and senior editors Scott Stein and Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit cnet.com
FITBIT CHARGE 2
CNET RATING (Out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD Swappable bands; a multiline OLED display that can show time and fitness data; an always-on heart-rate monitor; a great companion app; affordable price; five-day battery life.
THE BAD It’s not water-resistant for swims or showers, there is no GPS, and phone notifications on the Charge 2 display are limited and hard to read.
THE COST $149.99
BOTTOM LINE If you can live without water resistance and GPS, this is the best overall fitness tracker for the money.
GARMIN FORERUNNER 235
CNET RATING (Out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD The accurate GPS is great for tracking runs. It also has a 24/7 wrist-based heart-rate monitor, can track all-day activities like steps and sleep, can display notifications from iPhone and Android devices, and it’s water-resistant.
THE BAD Heart-rate accuracy drops off during interval training, there are occasional connection and syncing problems, and Garmin’s Connect app can be confusing to navigate.
THE COST $329.99
BOTTOM LINE The best value for serious and casual runners looking for an all-in-one running watch and fitness tracker.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 2
CNET RATING (Out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD The new Apple Watch is faster, has a far better operating system than its predecessor, onboard GPS, a brighter display and is waterproof to 50 meters in salt or fresh water.
THE BAD It has the same battery life, mostly, as the previous model. GPS activity causes a big hit on battery life. It lacks an always-on display, is a tad thick and requires an iPhone to work.
THE COST $369 to $405.90
BOTTOM LINE This made-for-sports upgrade is great if you’re a runner or swimmer.
FITBIT FLEX 2
CNET RATING (Out of 5)
3.5 stars (very good)
THE GOOD The Flex 2 is slim and swim-proof, can track basic fitness data and supports a variety of accessories, including pendants.
THE BAD No heart-rate tracking or the display and more advanced features of other Fitbit trackers. The LED lights can be confusing and battery life should be better.
THE COST $99.99
BOTTOM LINE The Fitbit Flex 2 lacks the bells and whistles of other trackers, but it’s finally swimproof.
Bitter cold and some snow return ... Tuberculosis case in school ... Mariah at the Olympics ... State Democratic convention
Bitter cold and some snow return ... Tuberculosis case in school ... Mariah at the Olympics ... State Democratic convention
