{"id":97270,"date":"2018-02-15T14:44:10","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T14:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=97270"},"modified":"2025-07-01T23:39:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T06:39:49","slug":"the-4-best-smartwatches-for-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/the-4-best-smartwatches-for-fitness\/","title":{"rendered":"The 4 best smartwatches for fitness"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wearable technology has made great strides in the last few years \u2013 just like its owners. Be it running, walking, or swimming, smartwatches make great fitness companions, and could even replace your personal trainer (though won\u2019t be as attractive, of course). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So if you\u2019re after visual goals to keep you motivated, or just want to record your progress towards a stronger, fitter you, a smartwatch makes it easy. There are plenty to choose from, so to help you pick the best of the bunch, we\u2019ve put together a list of our favorites. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So read on and prepare to blitz those new year fitness goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<h2>Top 4 Smartwatches for fitness<\/h2>\n<h3><b>1) Apple Watch Series 3<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-97273\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-3-169x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"135\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-3-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-3.png 563w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 135px) 100vw, 135px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has excited fans with its sleek design and intuitive interface. Apple Watch\u2019s latest iteration, the Series 3, now includes an altimeter as well as GPS to track your hikes and trail runs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being waterproof to 50M, you can dive, surf, or swim without worrying about breaking your watch, and the heart-rate monitor tells you when to crank things up a notch. There\u2019s also optional LTE connectivity, so you can answer calls and texts without taking your phone with you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The intelligent tracker monitors all your activity \u2013 from biking to squats \u2013 and encourages you to complete your daily goals. And while the Series 3 isn\u2019t cheap, starting at $399 for the LTE version, if you\u2019ve got the spare cash it\u2019s worth splashing out.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-affiliation\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__content\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/shop\/buy-watch\/apple-watch\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__badge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$329<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__image\">\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/shop\/buy-watch\/apple-watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com\/4974\/as-images.apple.com\/is\/image\/AppleInc\/aos\/published\/images\/4\/2\/42\/alu\/42-alu-silver-sport-fog-nc-s3-grid?wid=270&amp;hei=275&amp;fmt=jpeg&amp;qlt=95&amp;op_sharpen=0&amp;resMode=bicub&amp;op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&amp;iccEmbed=0&amp;layer=comp&amp;.v=1504648160087\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__body\">\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__text\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/shop\/buy-watch\/apple-watch\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__title track-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple Watch Series 3<\/a>\r\n                <p class=\"sc-card-affiliation__supplier\">\r\n                From: <strong>Apple<\/strong>\r\n                <\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__cta\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/shop\/buy-watch\/apple-watch\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__button\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buy the Apple Watch Now<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>2) Fitbit Ionic<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-97272\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"287\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-2.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In 2008, Fitbit began measuring fitness activity with clip-on trackers. They then developed wristbands, and now, smartwatches. The Fitbit Ionic is their latest creation \u2013 a GPS-enabled smartwatch with a fully-integrated fitness coach. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Ionic\u2019s SmartTrack detects the type of activity you\u2019re doing and adjusts settings automatically, meaning you can spend more time training and less time fiddling. It\u2019s waterproof to 50M (like the Apple Watch) and includes a heart-rate monitor and onboard storage for your favorite songs.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s no LTE support, which could be a good thing if you want to stay focused, and also makes the Ionic cheaper than the Apple Watch at just $269.95.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-affiliation\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__content\">\r\n    <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/WNZjVVJ\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__badge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10%<\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__image\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/WNZjVVJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71ZjV1vN9-L._SX522_.jpg\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__body\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__text\">\r\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/WNZjVVJ\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fitbit Ionic<\/a>\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-affiliation__supplier\">\r\n          From: <strong>Amazon<\/strong>\r\n        <\/p>\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-affiliation__price\">\r\n          $269.99 <strike>$300<\/strike>\r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__cta\">\r\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/WNZjVVJ\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__button\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buy the Fitbit Ionic Now<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>3) Garmin Forerunner 645 Music<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-97271\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1-300x194.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"353\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1-768x497.png 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1-1024x662.png 1024w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1-1200x776.png 1200w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-1.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Garmin is well-known for its GPS navigational gear, and now they\u2019re shaking up the wearable tech market. Designed with runners in mind, the Forerunner series measures a range of useful data, including balance, cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and more \u2013 helping improve your technique and time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As well as a heart rate monitor, third-party apps for taxis, weather, and other info, the Forerunner 645 Music stores up to 500 songs \u2013 enough for a marathon. At $449.95 the Forerunner is the most expensive smartwatch on this list, but as a comprehensive wearable assistant for the professional athlete, it\u2019s tough to beat.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-affiliation\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__content\">\r\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/boK5mE\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__badge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$449.95<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__image\">\r\n            <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/boK5mE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71NnKpf9MJL._SL1500_.jpg\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__body\">\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__text\">\r\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/boK5mE\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__title track-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Garmin Forerunner 645 Music<\/a>\r\n                <p class=\"sc-card-affiliation__supplier\">\r\n                From: <strong>Amazon<\/strong>\r\n                <\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__cta\">\r\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/boK5mE\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__button\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buy the Garmin Now<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>4) Samsung Gear Sport<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-97274\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-300x225.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/media-20180213.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Samsung has delivered a range of quality smartwatches, and the Gear Sport is designed for the active, health-conscious user. It\u2019s equipped with a heart-rate monitor, GPS, Samsung Pay (for grabbing those energy drinks before the race), and personal coaching while you work out. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The circular design gives the Gear Sport a more traditional look, and the Super AMOLED display means vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 4GB storage lets you soundtrack your run with offline Spotify playlists \u2013 handy if you don\u2019t have your phone with you. At $249.99 it\u2019s the cheapest smartwatch, so a great buy if you\u2019re on a budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Any of these smartwatches would make a great virtual fitness coach. As they share a lot of features, choosing between them will come down to style, budget, and whether you want to take your phone with you while you train.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-affiliation\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__content\">\r\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/7fg0AN\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__badge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$249<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__image\">\r\n            <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/7fg0AN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81JmGQr%2BPDL._SL1500_.jpg\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__body\">\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__text\">\r\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/7fg0AN\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__title track-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Samsung Gear Sport<\/a>\r\n                <p class=\"sc-card-affiliation__supplier\">\r\n                From: <strong>Amazon<\/strong>\r\n                <\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"sc-card-affiliation__cta\">\r\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/geni.us\/7fg0AN\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-card-affiliation__button\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buy the Samsung Gear Sport Now<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wearable technology has made great strides in the last few years \u2013 just like its owners. Be it running, walking, or swimming, smartwatches make great fitness companions, and could even replace your personal trainer (though won\u2019t be as attractive, of course). So if you\u2019re after visual goals to keep you motivated, or just want to &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/the-4-best-smartwatches-for-fitness\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The 4 best smartwatches for fitness&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9103,"featured_media":97414,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[],"tags":[],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-97270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97270"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":328285,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97270\/revisions\/328285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97270"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=97270"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=97270"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=97270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}