Best Fitness Tracker That doesn’t Need Phone (2024)

A fitness tracker in March 2024, especially one that works independently of your smartphone or computer, is ideal for tracking your health and fitness journey.

Now is the time to adopt healthier habits and set and achieve health goals that were once pushed to the back burner due to lack of time. Progress needs to be constantly monitored, and a fitness tracker is a convenient solution for this.

Unlike a bulky cell phone or static scale, a standalone fitness tracker allows you to seamlessly track your fitness progress even when you don't have your phone at hand.

If you're short on time, here are our Top 2 fitness trackers.

Best Fitness Trackers: Buyer’s Guide

Based on our experience, before making a purchase, you need to understand in more detail what you should look for when choosing a fitness trackers.

Sensors

You need a fitness tracker that has a working sensor. This is the most essential feature that you need, especially when you are religiously tracking your progress to a better and fit lifestyle. More sensors mean you will get accurate data.

Both trackers use sensors to control your activity, frequently wirelessly linking and synchronizing with a machine or mobile device to store details from your everyday activities. They also can contain external sensors:

• GPS – to monitor where you are
• Gyroscope – to decide how you stand, lie, recline, float, spin, etc.
• Heart rate monitor – to control the rhythms during the day and throughout exercise
• Barometer – to evaluate your altitude, which is then used to measure how many stairs you climbed to get to you this morning
• Magnetometer – for detecting different motions and assessing the path in which you are moving

Compatibility with Fitness Applications

A fitness tracker should be compatible with many fitness applications. Whether you’re trying one workout and pairing it with another diet, you can easily have it all together in your wrist. The kinds of behaviors tracked differ by device which may involve various measures taken, sleeping hours, pulse rate, skin temperature, and rates of perspiration.

Smartwatch

Wouldn’t it be great to have a wristwatch that alerts you on your mobile phone notifications? Like receiving calls and message alerts? You’ll never have to be behind the important information and emergency even without your phone in your pocket. Many versions provide smartwatch-like calls, email, instant messaging, and e-mail notifications.

And when it’s time to get up and go, they can provide motivational support in the guise of challenges, badges, interaction with online friends and a vibrating alert. They will also exchange the data with the doctor remotely.For example, Garmin Vivoactive 4withanimated workouts right on your watch screen, including cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates or SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2withautomatic notification if your watch detects a high or low heart rate.

Budget

The more expensive a fitness tracker watch is, the more special and advanced features it can offer. Cost has become one of the main categories of fitness trackers. Based on the apps you want, you will invest from $40 to several hundred dollars. When you are on a small budget, there’s always plenty you might do that can show you the essentials like monitoring your moves. Spend a little more and you can track your heart rate, spend even more than that and get GPS or a higher water rating.

Battery Life

Consider having a smartwatch that has a longer life when fully charged. Maximize its features with a better battery. Battery life may reach from one day to several months, based on the complexity of the gadget.

The battery in a color display tracker and an armada of sensors would need to be replaced more often than that in a plain band with a pair of LED lights on its nose. Often notable is that not all trackers are rechargeable. Others operate on batteries sometimes found in cameras and calculators for coin cell operations.

Best Fitness Trackers That don’t Need a Smartphone - TOP 10

As we delve deeper into the world of smartwatches, we've compiled a list of the top 10 models that offer the best features and performance for a variety of uses.

Best Fitness Trackers: Comparison

Each of these fitness trackers offers a unique combination of features and value that sets them apart from their competitors in the market.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch

Author’s Choice

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS smartwatch is a versatile and comprehensive fitness tracker that offers a wide range of health monitoring features. It tracks energy levels, respiration, sleep, stress, hydration, menstrual cycle, and heart rate, although it is important to note that the Pulse Ox feature is not intended for medical diagnosis.

For music enthusiasts, the watch supports easy song downloading from platforms such as Spotify and Amazon Music, which requires compatible headphones for hands-free listening. More than 20 pre-loaded sports apps cover a variety of activities, including yoga and swimming, complete with animated on-screen workouts. The battery life of the watch is impressive: up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS and music mode.

Personalization is a breeze with a wide selection of watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ store. Plus, it keeps you connected with smart notifications and is 5 ATM water resistant, making it more appealing to active fitness enthusiasts.

Summary:As indicated by our tests the Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS watch is a multifunctional health and fitness tracking device that offers features such as sleep, stress, hydration, and menstrual cycle monitoring. It integrates music from popular streaming services, has more than 20 sports apps, and offers animated workouts.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2

Best Overall

Samsung has made some of the best smart watches for Android users. Galaxy Watch Active 2 is equipped with GPS for jogging and they support integration with popular fitness services, such as Strava and Endomondo. Tizen OS is fast and easy to use. The Active series uses a virtual bezel instead of a physical rotating bezel, you can navigate through the menu with the help of swipe around the edge of the screen. The watch is available in two sizes (40 and 44 mm) with an optional LTE modem. Cellular version allows you to receive calls without your smartphone nearby.

With Active 2 you can automatically detect the type of activity and enjoy 40 sports modes. You can reply to messages with voice entry, keyboard or quick answers. Offline music playback is also available for Spotify premium subscribers. And Samsung has finally added electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring functionality which has been approved by FDA. Without Always-on Display, the fitness tracker works for up to 3 days, and it supports wireless charging. Since GPS can significantly reduce the operating time, a 44mm model with a bigger battery is better suited for sports enthusiasts. Formally, the device is compatible with iOS, but iPhone users will not get all the features.

Summary:Our findings show that Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a top choice for Android users, featuring GPS, integration with fitness services like Strava, and a user-friendly Tizen OS. It offers a virtual bezel for navigation, two size options, and an LTE model for calls without a smartphone. The watch includes 40 sports modes, messaging responses, offline music for Spotify Premium users, and newly added FDA-approved ECG monitoring.

Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire Multisport GPS Watch

People’s Choice

For the ordinary person, Garmin Fenix 6X offers an overwhelming amount of data, but it is an excellent choice for those who take sport seriously. The Fitness Tracker has a full range of sensors including HRM, pulse oximeter, GPS, compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, and thermometer. There is a triathlon multisport mode and built-in maps for step-by-step navigation. For each sport it is possible to create custom displays showing the most important information. The new PacePro feature helps you maintain an optimal workout pace and the Body Battery can assist you in managing your daily activities. Popular fitness apps can be downloaded from the Connect IQ store. Of course, the work with external sensors is supported.

In the Sapphire edition, the round 1.4-inch screen is covered with sapphire lens. The watch will display notifications, a quick response function is also available on Android. You can store up to 2000 songs and synchronize your music from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music. Garmin Pay is announced, so you can pay for your purchases without a phone at hand. The battery life lasts up to 21 day or up to 15 hours in GPS plus music mode. You can extend the battery life by turning unnecessary sensors off.

Summary:Our research indicates that the Garmin Fenix 6X is ideal for serious athletes, offering a wealth of data through its comprehensive sensor suite, including a heart rate monitor, GPS, and more. It features triathlon multisport mode, built-in maps, custom displays for various sports, PacePro for workout pacing, and Body Battery for activity management. With up to 21 days of battery life, or 15 hours with GPS and music, it's a robust tool for extensive fitness tracking and navigation.

Garmin Forerunner 35 Smartwatch

Best Budget

The Forerunner 35 has a bigger monitor compared to the Garmin bracelets, with legible big letters and numbers. The watch finds GPS satellites easily during outdoor training, and tracks the user’s route. The device has four hard buttons at the sides, rather than just a touchscreen. This is also a heart rate monitor, and compatible with additional ANT+ devices ( e.g., more sensitive chest strap) may be included).

The Garmin Forerunner 35 body has water resistance up to 5 ATM, however the manufacturer did not include swimming mode for some reason. The bracelets are replaceable. Working time is up to 14 days. As for the Vivosport bracelet, you can use a mobile application or desktop software for synchronization.

Summary:The Garmin Forerunner 35 features a larger display with clear, legible text, GPS tracking for outdoor activities, and four physical buttons for ease of use. It functions as a heart rate monitor and is compatible with additional ANT+ devices. Despite its 5 ATM water resistance, it surprisingly lacks a swimming mode.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS Smart Watch

Best for iPhone

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS Smart Watch is a versatile and efficient device for fitness, connectivity, health monitoring, and safety. It's now faster, with features like Crash Detection and improved workout metrics, offering great value.

The watch is highly customizable in terms of size, color, and bands, and includes health features like heart rate notifications and Emergency SOS. It integrates smoothly with Apple devices and services, including automatic unlocking of Mac and Apple Pay.

Additionally, it's swimproof and environmentally conscious. The Watch SE also provides access to numerous apps and comes with three months of Apple Fitness+, making it a powerful fitness partner.

Summary:Our analysis of this product revealed that the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) GPS smartwatch combines improved performance, health and safety features, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It's customizable, waterproof and environmentally friendly, with access to a wide range of apps and advanced fitness tracking capabilities.

Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition

Best Health Tracker

Fitbit Charge 4 has GPS and now users don’t need to take their smartphone for a jog. The fitness tracker recognizes more than 20 types of workouts, monitors the heart rate during the day and controls the sleep of its owner. A Fitbit Premium subscription is therefore needed for more comprehensive sleep quality statistics. The device is equipped with a blood oxygen level sensor SpO2 and can be used in the pool – the body is waterproof up to 50 meters. The bracelet can also display notifications from the phone and control music (but only in Spotify).

The built-in memory of the watch is adequate to store fitness details over the last 7 days, so not even your Iphone will synchronize information with the Fitbit app. The company provides a Fitbit Connect mobile program for Mac and Windows 10/8.1 by Bluetooth (if not enabled, you can purchase a USB-dongle).If you have a pet, you can train and set fitness goals together as you can link it with dog GPS tracker.

Summary:This device features built-in GPS for tracking pace and distance during various outdoor activities, along with a workout intensity map that shows heart rate changes. It offers heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, SpO2 readings, and skin temperature tracking, with 20+ goal-based exercise modes and is swimproof up to 50 meters. The battery lasts up to 7 days, or 5 hours with GPS, and it syncs with multiple operating systems for comprehensive fitness and health monitoring.

SUUNTO 9 Non-Baro GPS Sports Watch

Best on Wear OS

The SUUNTO 9 Non-Baro GPS sports watch is a reliable tool for athletes with more than 80 sports modes and a wrist heart rate monitor for comprehensive fitness tracking. The watch provides seamless connectivity with sports apps for detailed training analysis and data sharing. The watch combines a sleek Scandinavian design with durable materials to track sports, daily activity, and sleep.

The FusedTrack algorithm improves track and distance accuracy while providing impressive battery life - up to 7 days in time measurement mode and up to 100 hours in GPS training mode. In addition, it supports quick view of messages and calls, is waterproof to a depth of 30 meters, has weather functions, music control and sleep tracking, making it a versatile sports watch for serious athletes.

Summary:The SUUNTO 9 Non-Baro GPS Sports Watch is a comprehensive tool for athletes, featuring over 80 sports modes and advanced tracking technology with the FusedTrack algorithm. It's durable, designed for extreme conditions, and offers a long battery life. The watch is highly connective with various sports apps, enhancing its functionality.

Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch

Best Stylish

The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch is a versatile device designed for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness lovers. It features precise positioning with 5 satellite systems and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. The watch includes Alexa for voice control, over 120 sports modes with smart recognition, and health monitoring capabilities like heart rate, blood-oxygen saturation, and stress level tracking.

With the Zepp OS, it offers smooth operation and various mini apps. The smartwatch boasts a long battery life of up to 15 days on typical usage and 45 days on battery saver mode, plus a choice of over 50 watch faces.

Summary:The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch excels in outdoor and fitness tracking with its precise satellite positioning and over 120 sports modes. It offers robust health monitoring, including heart rate and blood-oxygen levels, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Smartwatch

Best For Runners

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a compact and lightweight sports watch for runners. The fitness tracker monitors all important metrics like speed, paces, heart rate zones, cadence, temperature, elevation and others. The app allows you to customize the screens to reflect the information you need. If you need the most accurate data, there is support for external sensors. Transflective display is perfectly readable in all lighting conditions. It isn't touch screen but it is much easier to press physical buttons on the go. There are as many as five of them. The gadget measures the body's blood oxygen saturation, monitors sleep and has a pool swimming mode. Body Battery monitor assesses your energy level and shows when it is better to exercise or rest.

The watch not only supports music management on your smartphone, but also allows you to download tracks for stand-alone music playback. You can transfer up to 500 tracks via USB cable from your computer. With a premium subscription to Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music, you can also synchronize your playlists over Wi-Fi. What's more, the watch also has the ability to connect to your home network to send data to the cloud without having to open an app.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music works up to 7 hours in the smart watch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode or 6 hours with GPS and music. The built-in memory stores 200 hours of activity data.

Summary:The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a versatile sports watch designed for runners, offering detailed fitness tracking including heart rate zones, cadence, and more. It features a transflective display for clear visibility in various lighting, physical buttons for ease of use, and supports external sensors for enhanced data accuracy. Additionally, it offers music storage and streaming capabilities, sleep and swim tracking, and a Body Battery monitor. The watch delivers up to 7 hours of battery life in smartwatch mode, 24 hours in GPS mode, or 6 hours using both GPS and music.

Garmin Approach S62 Premium Golf GPS Watch

Best for Golf Players

Although Garmin Approach S62 is designed for hardcore golf players, the watch also obtained most of the fitness features of the top Garmin models.They are able to track your steps, running, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, stand up paddleboarding, paddling, indoor training and sleep. The device constantly measures heart rate and stress levels, and SpO2 functionality and Body Battery monitoring are also available. It comes preloaded with more than 41,000 full-color CourseView maps of golf courses. They help identify major hazards and hole layouts. AutoShot automatically meters the shot distances and records the data for further analysis.

The battery life of Garmin Approach S62 is 14 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours with GPS enabled. A model with a charging station in the kit is also available for purchase.

Summary:The featured device boasts a large 1.3” color touchscreen display, enhanced battery life, and a range of golfing features like Virtual Caddie, Hazard View, PlaysLike Distance, and PinPointer. It includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments, integration with the Garmin Golf app for detailed game analysis, and over 41,000 preloaded CourseView maps, providing a comprehensive tool for avid golfers.

FAQ about Best FitnessWatch

Answering your most pressing questions about finding the right fitness tracker.

Can I use a fitness tracker without a smartphone?