Whether you’re hitting the gym, running through your local park, or planning a big adventure, a fitness watch or tracker can keep you accountable and motivated, even when times get tough.
Recording all of your sessions and comparing them over time will show you exactly how much you’re progressing (or not), which is a great way of pushing you to go harder.
The top fitness watches also have a variety of training plans, meaning they’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve a faster 5km run or half-marathon and program your sessions accordingly.
As you wear the watch, the training plan will adapt in real time and it will feel like you have a personal trainer on your wrist, cheering you along to smash your goals.
Ranging in price from £100 to over £900, there’s a huge amount of price variation when it comes to fitness watches, which can make it confusing to pick the best one for your needs.
The talkSPORT Shopping team has tested a variety of fitness watches and trackers across different price ranges, digging into what they offer, to uncover which ones are the best value for your money.
How we tested
To find the best fitness watches and trackers, we gave each device a proper trial, wearing each one for at least two weeks to get a real feel for its features and performance.
During this testing period, we all used the watches in a variety of situations, including daily activities, gym workouts, outdoor runs, and casual lunchtime walks.
We paid close attention to features like step tracking, heart rate monitoring, GPS accuracy, battery life, and ease of use.
We also explored how well each watch synced with its companion app, looking at how data was presented and whether it helped us understand progress.
Comfort was another key factor – after all, a watch needs to feel good on the wrist during both workouts and everyday life.
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Best fitness watches and trackers at a glance
- Best overall fitness watch: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, £289.99 – buy here
- Best for battery life: Garmin Fēnix 8
- Best for value for money: Wahoo Elemnt Rival
- Best for Android users: OnePlus Watch 3
- Best for iPhone users: Polar Vantage M3
- Best running watch: Google Pixel Watch 3
Best fitness watches and trackers tried and tested
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music at Argos, £239.99
- Pros: Lightweight, comfortable for sleep, follow training plans on Garmin Connect app
- Cons: Using the music feature drains battery life
- Rating: 5/5
Garmin is to fitness watches what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners – the name is synonymous with the category.
The Forerunner 165 Music is one of their more affordable running watches, offering Garmin’s unrivalled GPS tracking, activity recording, wrist-based heart rate sensors and the Garmin Connect app and training plans for under £240.
Although Garmin watches can range in price to up to £1,000, I never felt as if the Forerunner 165 was lacking in anything.
I loved being able to play music directly from my wrist and found it easy to sync up my headphones with the watch.
Previously, I’ve taken my phone on runs, just because it was storing my music library, and being able to run without it meant I had more freedom in what I wore – no more being stuck to leggings or shorts with deep pockets.
After every run or swim session, the watch asked me to rate how I felt by clicking on a smiley face, and I could see the history of these self-evaluations in the Garmin Connect app.
The app can do as much or as little as I want, offering training plans for different distances, hydration tracking, VO2 max and more.
I’ve previously used a Garmin training plan when training for a half marathon, and having scheduled sessions in my calendar did help me achieve a PB.
It was an ego boost to see the watch calling my 5km time ‘Superior’.
I realise this is very competitive, but having a Garmin Forerunner 165 Music motivates me to keep up the training, as I couldn’t bear to lose this ‘Superior’ status.
It’s extremely lightweight and comfortable and packed with useful features and training plans, I think it’s a real bargain at under £240.
| Weight | 39.1g |
| Display Size | 30.4mm |
| Battery life | 11 days |
| Memory | 4GB |
Review by Zoe Nicol
Polar Vantage M3
Polar Vantage M3, £349
- Pros: Stylish strap, responsive GPS, tracks 150 activities, syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit
- Cons: Confusing to work out what all buttons do
- Rating: 4.5/5
With a unique greige strap and gold detail around the bezel, I was impressed by the smart appearance of the Polar Vantage M3 as well as by its smart features.
Although it’s a little heavy and chunky on the wrist, it’s packed with abilities to help the wearer improve their fitness and performance in the sports of their choice.
Like most sports watches, it can track multiple activities from hiking to SUP paddleboarding at the press of a button.
Two particularly useful features elevate this from your average sports watch to a device that can increase fitness and decrease the risk of injury.
First was the Polar FitSpark training guide that offers daily workouts, based on current fitness levels and how well-rested I was.
From the home screen, I swiped left and was presented with recommended strength, cardio and stretching workouts with step-by-step instructions.
The second feature that blew my mind was how the watch guides my workouts in real-time.
For example, if I selected a recommended run workout, it would vibrate to alert me to change speeds or lower the intensity to stay within a desired heart rate zone.
If you like to follow a plan, the Polar Vantage M3 will keep you on track and make you look stylish at the same time.
| Weight | 53g |
| Display Size | 35.5mm |
| Battery life | 7 days |
| Memory | 32GB |
Review by Zoe Nicol
Wahoo Elemnt Rival
Wahoo Elemnt Rival at Amazon, £130.42
- Pros: Budget-friendly price, large display, touchless transition, sleek design
- Cons: Slightly heavy, no in-built music
- Rating: 4/5
Wahoo may be more commonly known for their indoor trainers and bike computers but they also do a whole host of tech accessories – from heart rate monitors to smartwatches.
With a sleek, understated black and silver design, the Wahoo Elemnt Rival certainly looks the part of a modern sports watch.
Its minimalist appearance, with a simple black bezel and comfortable silicone strap, makes it versatile enough to wear both during training sessions and day-to-day life.
It was a little heavy, but I didn’t feel weighed down when I was in the office and typing on my computer keyboard.
What sets the Rival apart, though, is its focus on triathletes and multi-sport enthusiasts.
While many sports watches claim to cater to multiple disciplines, this one truly delivers seamless transitions between activities like swimming, cycling, and running.
One standout feature is its “Touchless Transition” mode.
During a triathlon, the watch automatically switches between tracking the swim, bike, and run segments without requiring you to press a button.
Having completed a few triathlons, I can testify that this is a game-changer for anyone who has ever fumbled with their watch mid-race or mid-session when going from the bike to a run.
Another impressive addition is the Rival’s integration with Wahoo’s ecosystem, including its bike computers and heart rate monitors.
For example, if you’re cycling with a Wahoo ELEMNT bike computer, the watch syncs seamlessly and hands over tracking duties to the computer, letting you focus on the ride.
I was very impressed by the battery life as it lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode or 24 hours in GPS mode – perfect for long training sessions or endurance events like Ironman races
It doesn’t have in-built music storage and it lacks some apps that other smartwatches offer, but you’d struggle to get a watch more suited to cyclists and triathletes.
| Weight | 53g |
| Display Size | 31.26mm |
| Battery life | 14 days |
| Memory | 16GB |
Review by Zoe Nicol
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6, £119.00
- Pros: Great entry-level watch, solid battery life, compact
- Cons: Difficult to read, premium features are behind a paywall
- Rating: 4.5/5
As one of the bigger brands on this list, I had high hopes for Fitbit’s Charge 6 device.
Released in October 2023, the Charge 6 is Google’s latest offering in the Fitbit family tree, and it’s jam-packed with several useful features.
Light as a feather, the Charge 6 fits comfortably around my wrist. Thanks to its compact design, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable under jackets or even when sleeping.
The watch tracks your heart rate, daily steps, workouts, calories burned, and distance covered, all of which can be viewed in Fitbit’s dedicated app.
Viewing the data on the device itself can be challenging due to the small screen, but there is a zoom-in feature to help with that.
I was a bit disappointed to see sleep trends and stress management locked behind the Fitbit Premium paywall (£8.99 per month).
But I’m not too surprised, considering the Fitbit Charge 6 retails at just £119.99 – which is a bargain compared to some of its competitors.
If you’re a serious athlete, this Fitbit isn’t the device for you, however, if you’re purchasing a fitness watch for the first time or simply looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, you can’t go wrong.
The Fitbit Charge 6 gets the basics right, and with a battery life of up to seven days, it’s pretty low-maintenance too.
| Weight | 37.6g |
| Display Size | 26.4mm |
| Battery life | 7 days |
| Memory | 0.78GB |
Review by Jack Strong
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm at Argos, £349
- Pros: Ultra lightweight, bright AMOLED display, easy-to-read screen, syncs with Google Pay Wallet
- Cons: Low battery life
- Rating: 4/5
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is one of the most stylish smartwatches I’ve ever worn, with a circular face, bordered by a minimalist bezel.
Some sports watches can feel bulky and heavy but this is light as a feather with a soft-touch silicone strap that feels comfortable enough to wear all day.
As someone who enjoys running and cycling, I was eager to see how the Pixel Watch 3 could enhance my workouts.
Right off the bat, I appreciated its seamless integration with Fitbit, which powers the fitness tracking features.
The watch offers detailed metrics for a variety of activities, from running and cycling to yoga and even swimming — it’s water-resistant up to 50 metres, so there’s no need to worry about taking it in the pool.
What stood out to me most was the Always-On AMOLED display, which is vibrant and easy to read even under bright sunlight.
This was particularly useful during outdoor runs, as I could glance at my pace or heart rate without fiddling with buttons or settings.
The watch also offers real-time GPS tracking, which I found highly accurate during urban runs and trail rides.
Post-workout, syncing my data to Fitbit’s app was straightforward, and I loved seeing detailed insights into my performance, including heart rate zones and calorie burn.
Another feature that impressed me was the sleep tracking.
The Pixel Watch 3 provides a comprehensive analysis of your sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep, and the Sleep Score helps you understand how rested you are.
I also found the “Daily Readiness” feature helpful – it uses your recent activity and sleep data to suggest whether you should focus on recovery or push for a high-intensity workout.
Battery life is decent, though not as long-lasting as some competitors.
However, I appreciated the fast-charging capability, which meant I could top it up quickly before heading out for a run.
And talking of top-ups, there was no need to top up an Oyster card while wearing this.
The watch has a Google Wallet, so I added my bank cards to it and tapped in and out of the London Underground with my wrist.
The improved charging port and USB-C compatibility made the process hassle-free, and I liked the fact that Google prioritises eco-friendly packaging and design.
If you’re looking for a watch that looks great, supports your workouts, and is fun to use on the commute for music and payments, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is definitely worth considering.
| Weight | 37g |
| Display Size | 35.5mm |
| Battery life | 36 hours |
| Memory | 32GB |
Review by Zoe Nicol
OnePlus Watch 3
OnePlus Watch 3, £269
- Pros: Huge screen display, Voice control functionality, music storage, easy to install apps like Strava and Spotify on the watch
- Cons: Heaviest watch we tested (81g)
- Rating: 4.5/5
OnePlus is a Chinese company based around the mantra of “never settle” and they’ve definitely not held back on features in this watch.
Having previously tried and been impressed by the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue Edition, I had some idea of how intuitive the watches are to use.
There are only two buttons on the OnePlus Watch3 with the bottom left being a quick way to start a workout and the top left one helping me to rotate between menus.
Everything else can be accessed by swiping left to right or from top to bottom on the screen itself, making it really easy to see exactly all of its features, such as sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, calendar notifications, weather alerts and more.
I was intrigued to see that Google Play is installed as an app, meaning that I could download several apps on the Google Play store, such as Strava and Spotify, directly to the watch.
It took a few seconds to sync my Bluetooth headphones to the watch and then I could listen to downloaded Spotify podcasts on my runs without needing a phone.
I also loved using voice commands to set up the watch for a session, saying “Hey Google” and then telling it to open Spotify, play my workout and start recording my session.
I then discovered that telling it to start recording was superfluous as it can automatically detect motion, work out what exercise you’re doing and record and pause running and cycling automatically.
Although I’ve been testing it in London, I could use it on all sorts of adventures as it has IP68, 5ATM and MIL-STD-810H ratings.
That basically means the Watch 3 can withstand anything I can, from desert or arctic temperatures to 50-meter submersion and high humidity.
Another top feature, useful for anyone trying to lose weight or lean up, is that it shows how much sugar and how much fat workouts burn as well as calories.
Considering it’s one of the lowest-priced watches I tested, it has an extraordinary amount of functionality and durability.
| Weight | 81g |
| Display Size | 38.1mm |
| Battery life | 16 days |
| Memory | 32GB |
Review by Zoe Nicol
COROS Apex 2 Pro
COROS Apex 2 Pro at Amazon, £349
- Pros: Super accurate GPS, incredible battery life, high-res display, durable build
- Cons: No music streaming service integration
- Rating: 4.5/5
The APEX 2 Pro is COROS’ mid-range smartwatch, built for anyone who needs state-of-the-art GPS functionality and second-to-none battery life.
Alongside the usual smartwatch features – monitoring your heart rate, displaying your phone notifications, and counting your steps – the APEX 2 Pro sets itself apart with super accurate GPS tracking.
To manage this, the watch makes use of dual-frequency GNSS, which basically means it communicates with multiple satellites simultaneously to give you a very precise GPS reading.
The watch also includes global offline maps, so you can still make use of the GPS functionality when you’re totally off grid, anywhere in the world.
This, combined with its titanium alloy bezel frame, sapphire glass display, 30-day battery life and water resistance up to 50m makes the COROS APEX 2 Pro an ideal choice for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
I also really liked the look and feel of the user interface, and the way you interact using a scroll wheel and two buttons.
The buttons and scroll wheel all felt super-high quality, plus the watch gives you feedback responses in the form of little vibrations; a really nice touch.
The main downside in my experience is that the APEX Pro 2 has no streaming service integration yet, so no listening to your Spotify playlists while you’re on a run.
You can download music to import onto its 32GB storage, but it’s a pain point I really hope they address sooner rather than later!
Overall, the APEX Pro 2 is an incredible pickup for those wanting a no-frills smartwatch focused on performance, GPS tracking and durability.
| Weight | 53g |
| Display Size | 30.5mm |
| Battery life | 13 days |
| Memory | 8GB |
Review by Maxim Hancock
Garmin Fēnix 8
Garmin Fēnix 8, £949.99
- Pros: Attractive watch and display, long battery life, huge range of features
- Cons: Not as lightweight and compact as some other fitness watches, expensive
- Rating: 5/5
The Garmin Fenix 8 is the most expensive fitness watch on this list and it is certainly packed with features to help justify that price.
Just opening up the activities menu you are met with a list of options that covers every conceivable type of fitness and outdoor activity, from windsurfing and cross-country to skiing and even fishing.
As I am primarily a runner, I was most interested in using the watch to track and improve my running experience.
I had previously been using a running armband to take my phone with me on runs, but I didn’t need to do that with the Garmin Fenix.
The watch has all the features you would expect such as GPS tracking, maps, and bags of post-run data on your performance and how this tracks against previous runs.
There were also two additional features I really liked.
Firstly, you can download music or podcast episodes onto the watch via Spotify before you head out and then connect your wireless earbuds to listen, all without needing to take your phone with you.
Secondly, post-run you can sync the data that has been recorded onto the Garmin Connect app with your Strava account.
I found this ability to integrate existing apps I use with the watch fairly simple and it really improved my exercise experience.
The watch itself has a comfortable silicone strap and the display is clear, with intuitive menus.
When fully charged the battery will last about ten days, meaning it doesn’t need to be charged often.
Other features include detailed sleep tracking, a “body battery” that estimates how well-rested you are, weather updates, the latest stock market info and suggested workout plans.
It is tested to be shock-proof to military standards, making it a highly rugged offering.
It even has a built-in torch and a compass, should you be on a particularly remote hike as the light starts to fade.
I have to say I think this watch does everything you would want and in all likelihood a whole lot more.
It’s expensive but in this case, you do get what you’ve paid for.
| Weight | 66g |
| Display Size | 35.5mm |
| Battery life | 10 days |
| Memory | 32GB |
Review by Jamie Lewis
COROS Pace 3 Emerald
COROS Pace 3 Emerald, £219
- Pros: Accurate GPS tracking, lightweight design, long battery life
- Cons: No music streaming service integration, no contactless payment functionality, no touchscreen
- Rating: 3.5/5
The Pace 3 offers impressive performance tracking and accurate GPS in a budget-friendly package.
Ideal for triathletes, outdoor sportspeople and long-distance runners, this smartwatch stands out with its impressive battery life and GPS capabilities.
The watch also feels super light on your wrist and has a stylish, sleek design.
The Pace 3, like many smartwatches, monitors your heart rate, steps and sleep, giving you a score out of 5 for the latter.
I did find the sleep tracking to be a little subpar. One night it reported I’d gone to sleep an hour before I actually had, but this did seem to be a one-off.
As is the case with the APEX Pro 2, my main concern with the Pace 3 is that it has no music streaming integration, so if you want to listen to music on the go you’ll need to download and transfer your playlists to the watch’s storage, which is a bit of a pain.
Furthermore, you can’t use it to make contactless payments or download apps – which might be why this watch is a fair bit cheaper than competitors offering a similar battery life and GPS-tracking capabilities.
A solid option for those looking for a top GPS watch on a budget, you will have to put up with a lack of some of the bells and whistles.
| Weight | 39g |
| Display Size | 30.5mm |
| Battery life | 17 days |
| Memory | 4GB |
Review by Maxim Hancock
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Best fitness watches and trackers FAQs
How accurate are fitness trackers?
Sports watches and fitness trackers have come a long way in terms of accuracy, but they are stronger in some aspects of health than others.
When it comes to tracking heart rate, most modern trackers do a solid job, using optical sensors to measure your pulse during workouts and rest.
These sensors use green or infrared light to shine through the skin and into the blood vessels in the wrist.
When the heart beats, the blood flow in the wrist changes, and the sensors detect these changes in blood volume by measuring how much light is absorbed and reflected.
However, features like calorie counting and blood pressure monitoring can be less precise, as they rely on estimates or algorithms rather than direct measurements.
Sleep tracking is another popular feature, and while fitness trackers can provide a good overview of your sleep patterns – such as time spent in light, deep, or REM sleep – the data does vary depending on what watch or ring you use.
Ultimately, fitness trackers are excellent tools for providing general insights into your health and activity but shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
Are the featured fitness watches in this article compatible with all android phones?
Yes, the fitness watches and smart watches featured in this article are compatible with most Android phones.
They typically connect via Bluetooth and pair with companion apps that you can download from the Google Play Store.
Whether you’re using a Samsung, Google Pixel, or another Android device, you’ll be able to sync your watch to track your fitness data, set goals, and receive notifications.
However, it’s worth checking the specific requirements for each model, as some watches may require newer versions of Android for full functionality.
Do you need a smart phone to use a fitness tracker or smart watch?
While most fitness trackers and smart watches work best when paired with a smartphone, some models can function independently.
Many devices can track steps, heart rate, and workouts without needing to sync with a phone.
However, if you want access to detailed data, GPS tracking, or advanced features like notifications, pairing the tracker with a smartphone is essential.
The companion app not only stores your data but also helps you analyse your progress over time, making it a key part of the overall experience.
Can fitness watches track running on a treadmill?
Yes, most fitness watches and trackers are capable of tracking treadmill runs.
They use built-in sensors, such as accelerometers, to measure your movement and estimate distance.
Some devices even allow you to manually input treadmill settings, like speed and incline, for more accurate tracking.
For the best results, look for a fitness tracker with indoor running modes or advanced algorithms designed for treadmill use.
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