Fitness trackers have taken the world by storm, and it's easy to see why. In addition to tracking exercise, you get daily insight into your health so you can level up your overall wellness.

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If you're interested in tracking activity, receiving wellness insights, improving sleep habits, or just want a more accurate pedometer than your smartphone, there are plenty of fitness trackers on the market -- even with Amazon's abrupt discontinuation of its 'Halo' line. 

While the variety of features, aesthetics, and approaches to fitness tracking are vast, it can often seem overwhelming -- especially when each one claimsit'sthe most accurate, unobtrusive, etc. Those factors are important, yes, but like exercise, a wearable is something to serve your specific body, needs, and habits. That said, this list features fitness trackers of different approaches to form factors, tracking metrics, and wellness in general for you to compare and decide which fitness tracker is the best fit.

Also: The best smart rings that are reliable 

Fitbit Charge 5

Best fitness tracker overall

Matthew Miller/ Pros & Cons Pros

• GPS
• Elegant, simple form factor
• Comfortable wear
• Daily readiness scores set a good benchmark
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• GPS performance can be inconsistent
• Fitbit Premium requires a monthly fee
• Workout data isn't the most detailed

More Details

Fitbit Charge 5 Specs: Display:21.93 x 14.75mm; AMOLED color touchscreen with 326 ppiBattery life:Up to seven days, five days when using continuous GPS Dimensions:36.7 x 22.7 x 11.2mm (sensor unit, not including band length)Weight:28 g Water/dust resistance: Up to 50 meters, sweat, rain, and splash-proof Connectivity:Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFCSleep tracking:Yes

Fitbit has long been known as one of the leading brands for fitness trackers, so it is no surprise that it leads the pack as the best fitness tracker you can buy. Along with calorie tracking, the Charge 5 calculates Sp02, skin temperature variation, and heart rate variability (HRV). 

The Fitbit Charge 5's modern form factor is almost as impressive as its functionality with a display that's still versatile despite being a little over one inch wide. This is fantastic if you want a sleek, comfortable screen that doesn't engulf your entire wrist. 

"The display is small but feels large for a tracker with extremely crisp fonts and brilliant colors. It lies fairly flat against your wrist and the touchscreen is very responsive," said longtime contributor Matt Miller in his Charge 5 review. 

Review:Fitbit Charge 5: Best fitness tracker with color display, GPS, and elegant form factor 

If you're directionally challenged or just want to track your running route, another standout feature of the Charge 5 is a GPS map. In Miller's experience, the GPS feature "did an excellent job with walks, but [had] a couple of inconsistent experiences on runs."

Built into the Fitbit ecosystem, you'll also get access to a suite of meditations, workout videos, and a "daily readiness score." However, after a six-month trial, you'll be required to pay a fee to access Fitbit premium features. For other Fitbit options, make sure to check out our list of the best Fitbits. 

View now at Amazon

Oura Ring 3

The best wellness-focused fitness tracker

Sherin Shibu/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Week-long battery life
• Fashionable, discrete design
• Accurate sleep tracking

Cons

• Membership required
• Still chunkier than a normal ring
• Most feedback isn't immediate
• Have to get the ring sized

More Details

Oura Ring 3 specs: Materials:Titanium with PVD coatingBattery life: Four to seven days, full charge in 20-80 minutes Dimensions:7.9 by 2.5mm Weight:4-6 g, depending on size Water/dust resistance:Waterproof and sweatproofConnectivity:Bluetooth LESleep Tracking:Yes 

Don't like the bulky design or constant notifications that come with wearing a smartwatch, but want wellness insights? Enter the Oura Ring. Taking up a fraction of the real estate, the Oura Ring tracks exercise, sleep, and more. While a bit thick, the high-quality titanium ring with PVD coating looks and feels more like an everyday accessory than a fitness tracker. 

's Sherin Shibu recently purchased the ring for herself and was impressed by its minimalist and comfortable design along with its detailed and actionable insights, all without implementing a screen. 

The ring is even subtle and sleek enough to wear at night. In fact, you're supposed to. Equipped with Sp02 sensors, the Oura Ring tracks heart rate variability (HRV) along with overall blood saturation levels during the night. 

Much like its design, the Oura ring takes a more well-rounded approach to fitness rather than giving immediate stats. Using an intuitive app interface, you can access data on your own time, getting insight into data beyond activity tracked and calories burned. This insight includes recovery and readiness, and it is quite comprehensive. 

"I think of the Oura as what happens overnight. It's more of a big level view of myself and my wellness, taking a step out and considering the consequences of what you've been doing for the past few weeks/days," said Dr. Jason Fanning, an assistant professor at Wake Forest University who researches the use of commercial and research-grade activity monitors. 

Review: Is the Oura Ring 3 worth buying in 2023? Yes, if you value these features

"If I'm training too hard or too little, getting sick, if I've had too much alcohol -- all those things show up and give an idea on how I'll be feeling," Fanning elaborated. 

The Oura Ring also features bedtime guidance, period prediction, and an "automatic nap" prompt. The only downside? In addition to the$299 price tag and custom fitting process, you'll need a membership fee to access the full suite of features. Non-paying members only have access to sleep, readiness, and activity. 

View now at Oura

Apple Watch Series 8

The best fitness tracker for Apple users

Christina Darby/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Enhanced sleep tracking features
• Crash detection notifies first responders
• Advanced workout metrics

Cons

• Less than 2-day battery life
• Sensors aren't a match for Samsung watches

More Details

Apple Watch Series 8 Specs: Display:396 x 484 pixels OLEDBattery life:18 hours Dimensions:45 x 30 x 10.7mmWeight:38.8 g Water/dust resistance:50m with IP6XConnectivity:LTE cellular option, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 

Apple was an early adopter of the fitness-tracking trend, and the Apple Watch lineup continues to improve. I know, I know, it is a smartwatch, but with the right band, it can be more of a subtle statement than a techy eyesore. Plus, with upgraded battery life, top-quality performance, and a pretty accurate HRV, it's worth the consideration. 

I reviewed the Apple Watch Series 8 in October and was quickly impressed with the quick charge time despite having a shorter battery life than competitors. The more advanced workout features, like showing your mile split and debuting a multi-sport function, also make the Series 8 a standout tracker. And, along with tracking your stride the Series 8 also made strides in women's health and sleep tracking features. 

Review:Apple Watch 8 is a sleeper hit, even if it doesn't match Samsung's sensors 

I found the sleep tracking stats to be extremely insightful, and the bedtime feature got me on a much-needed post-grad sleep schedule. While sleeping with a watch took some getting used to, I'm now conditioned to wake up from it buzzing on my wrist. 

If you're an Apple user, this fitness tracker will work seamlessly with your device ecosystem and introduce new healthy habits aside from the typical workout tracking it's known for. 

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