Choosing the best fitness bracelet. Review of the best models in 2020

Regular exercise and proper nutrition are not giving results and the pounds just won’t go away? Do you want to learn more about your body, its features and capabilities? Just can’t pass up new gadgets with unique functionality? If you answered yes to at least one of the questions, then you need to check out our rating, which is designed to determine the best fitness bracelet of 2020! How to make the best choice, not overpay and become the happy owner of a functional gadget - read in our top!

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5

The most popular budget smart bracelet

Functions

• Heart rate monitoring
• NFC (optional)
• PAI Activity Index
• Women's cycle calendar
• Weather
• Phone player control
• Remotely control the shutter of a smartphone camera
• Sedentary reminders
• Sleep tracking (plus naps)
• Recognition of 11 sports
• Activity tracker
• Alarm clocks
• Stopwatch and timer
• Calendar Reminders
• Smartphone alerts
• Rejecting a driving call

Characteristics

Not exactly flawless, but incomparable for its price, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 health bracelet is an excellent companion for tracking activity and sleep. It has a built-in advanced heart rate sensor, is fully waterproof and offers exceptional battery life. Its color touchscreen display gives you at-a-glance information about time, date, weather, sports statistics and important smartphone notifications.

The tracker's removable capsule allows you to change the silicone strap to any suitable one from a wide range of assortments. But in comparison with the previous generation model, it does not need to be removed to connect to a charger: for this purpose, there are contacts on the case for a magnetic charging method.

In addition, Band 5 has new features for tracking the female menstrual cycle, daytime sleep and vigorous activity, which the tracker evaluates using a specific algorithm.

The 1.1-inch AMOLED touch display delivers clear content in color. The 125 mAh battery life is up to 20 days.

There are two versions: standard and with an NFC module for payment and reading QR codes.

The fifth generation Mi Band fitness tracker can be connected to your phone via the installed Mi Fit mobile application using Bluetooth 5.0 LE. There you can view physical activity statistics, as well as configure the bracelet and its functions.

Pros and cons of Xiaomi Mi Band 5

PROS:

• Color display
• Accurate data in fitness functions
• Improved heart rate monitor accuracy by 50%
• Daytime sleep detection
• Women's calendar
• Feature-rich application
• Long battery life

MINUSES:

• No built-in GPS
• No SpO2 function

Honor Band 5

Smart bracelet with accurate heart rate monitor

Functions

• Heart rate measurement
• Blood Oxygen Level Determination
• Activity Tracking
• 10 sports modes
• Heart rate monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Sedentary reminders
• Connected GPS
• One-way phone notifications
• Remote camera shutter on a smartphone
• Find Phone feature

Characteristics

The Honor Band 5 is one of the first wrist-worn devices from major companies that can track blood oxygen levels. This feature allows you to get a more accurate understanding of sleep phases and fatigue. Light weight of 20 g makes it easy to use in bed at night.

In addition, the tracker recognizes up to 10 different sports. Most of the information about workouts is stored in the Huawei Health application, which also allows you to configure the bracelet.

With Band 5 you can swim and record your pool workouts. The protection level is 50 m.

Thanks to its bright stylish design, large color 0.95-inch AMOLED display and attractive price tag, this device is in demand among lovers of an active lifestyle, and therefore we have identified it as one of the TOP fitness bracelets of 2020.

Pros and cons of Honor Band 5

PROS:

• Compact and lightweight
• Lasting
• You can swim
• Recognizes sports types

MINUSES:

• Quite narrow display
• No built-in GPS

GSMIN WR11 (2020)

The best fitness bracelet 2020 with blood pressure monitor and heart rate monitor

Functions

• Step counting
• Sleep monitoring (with phases)
• Calorie calculation
• Sports modes (running, cycling, fitness)
• Weather
• Alarm
• Phone search
• Notifications to move
• Heart rate monitoring
• ECG
• Pressure measurement
• Smartphone alerts
• Incoming call notification
• Wireless charging

Characteristics

The GSMIN WR11 2020 sports bracelet is designed for beginner athletes and simply lovers of a healthy lifestyle. With it, the user will be able to track their daily sports activities, sleep, heart rate and even measure their blood pressure.

WR11 (2020) allows you to set goals and notifies you of their achievements. The MeCare app is used to display activity statistics and other collected data.

The 0.96-inch TFT color screen allows you to clearly see all the important information during your workouts. Each sport calculates calories, heart rate and exercise time, and while jogging you can see the distance in steps and kilometers. Navigating through the menu is done using a large touch button.

The second generation GSMIN WR11 bracelet is capable of measuring heart rate both during training and periodically at specified intervals. In addition, it alerts you to an unstable heartbeat.

Thanks to the increased battery capacity, the gadget lasts from 5 to 7 days using the functions to their fullest, and up to 10 days when you use it to track steps and as a watch. To charge the device, just disconnect the capsule from the strap and plug the contacts into the USB connector of your PC, Power Bank or USB socket of another suitable device.

Pros and cons of GSMIN WR11 2020

PROS:

• User-friendly design
• Blood pressure measurement
• Heart rate monitor
• Sports modes
• Smartphone alerts
• Long-term work (up to 7 days)
• Notifications appear on the screen that you can read

MINUSES:

• Can't swim
• No GPS for route tracking

HerzBand Active ECG 2

With ECG, blood pressure and oxygen level measurement

Functions

• Step counter
• Arterial pressure
• Blood oxygen level (SpO2)
• Sleep monitoring (with phases)
• Heart rate measurement
• Detailed data in the application
• HRV index
• Phone notifications
• Driver call (caller's name)
• Alarm clocks
• Smartphone camera control
• Event Reminders
• Phone search
• Anti-loss

Characteristics

The HerzBand Active ECG 2 fitness tracker offers the most comprehensive range of functions that will be useful not only for those who play sports, but also for users who carefully monitor their health.

The large 1.14-inch color display offers a rich menu, which is easy and convenient to navigate with swipes. The screen is activated both by touching and turning the hand, which makes working with the device very comfortable.

The main features of the bracelet are its ability to measure not only resting heart rate, but also ECG and HRV. These functions use two electrodes in the gadget's body, and all information is displayed on its screen.

In addition, thanks to the HerzBand Active ECG 2 pulse oximeter, it measures the level of oxygen in arterial blood, and during measurements the bracelet provides vital data:

• Heart rate
• Load on the heart
• Sleep apnea
• Hypoxia level

To provide blood pressure readings, the device will have to provide its physical characteristics: age, weight, gender, height, skin color.

The Active ECG 2 sports mode gives an idea of ​​how active the owner has been, when you start it you will find out:

1. Number of steps and calories burned
2. Distance
3. Pulse

You can track the route when connected to your smartphone's GPS, and also note the number of laps and time covered.

If you are looking for the best fitness bracelets for health monitoring, then pay attention to the second generation HerzBand Active ECG. Anywhere and at any time, you can assess your condition and, if you have any unfavorable suspicions, consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Pros and cons of Active ECG 2

PROS:

• Multifunctional
• Large bright display
• Medical functions (but does not replace medical devices!)

MINUSES:

• Cannot be used while swimming
• No built-in GPS
• No contactless payment function

Garmin Vivosmart HR+

The best multi-sport bracelet

Functions

• Smart notifications
• Steps
• Calories burned
• Distance traveled
• Heart rate
• Floors
• Minutes of intensity
• Time/date
• Timer
• Stopwatch
• Anti-lost function
• Control music playback, VIRB camera

Characteristics

The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ fitness bracelet made it into our ranking of the best because of its multisport capabilities. If you really love sports and take analysis and statistics of your activities seriously, then this is the device for you.

The device synchronizes all collected data with the Garmin Connect application, and the Vivosmart HR+ system is designed to meet the needs of athletes and triathletes involved in various sports:

1. Run
2. A ride on the bicycle
3. Fitness
4. Hiking
5. Swimming
6. Dream

When used in GPS/HR mode, the gadget holds a charge for an average of 8 hours. In smartwatch mode, it will last up to 5 days.

The device offers an excellent combination of sports functions, and will also be useful for those who forgot to take their phone for a run, since it is a fitness bracelet with a GPS tracker. The heart rate monitor monitors your heart rate around the clock to provide more accurate data on your calorie burn.

Pros and cons of Garmin Vivosmart HR+

PROS:

• Easy
• You can swim
• Fairly accurate activity tracking metrics
• Sleep tracking
• Smart notifications
• Motivational notifications
• GPS module

MINUSES:

• May appear large on some wrists
• Disadvantages of synchronization with a smartphone
• Can count steps in the car
• Lack of modes for swimming and cycling

Samsung Galaxy Fit E

With basic features for fitness enthusiasts

Functions

• Activity Tracking
• Dream
• Steps
• Distance
• 90 types of exercises
• Walking, running and training recognition
• Pulse reading
• Calorie counting
• Calendar information
• Weather forecast
• Phone notifications (calls, SMS, social networks)

Characteristics

The Samsung Galaxy Fit E fitness bracelet belongs to the budget segment and offers only the essentials for tracking physical activity. The device does not boast a great design and a color touch display, but its screen conveys the most necessary information, and the tracker monitors sports activity quite accurately.

Navigation is carried out using a physical button on the gadget’s body, and some operations are performed by double tapping on the display.

Each screen contains a widget that can be rearranged using the Galaxy Wearable app on a connected smartphone. The user can view on the bracelet screen:

• Steps
• Calories
• Pulse
• weather
• Calendar

The tracker can track up to 90 different exercises and is an excellent fitness bracelet that is suitable for both women and men.

Walking, running and workouts are detected automatically, but for everything else - like rowing and cycling - you need to go into the app and specify the activity before starting.

Pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy Fit E

PROS:

• Light weight (15g)
• Affordable price
• Wide range of exercises
• Can be used in the pool

MINUSES:

• Not for professional athletes
• No GPS
• Monochrome non-touch display

The principle of operation of a bracelet for measuring blood pressure and pulse

There is such a thing as a pulse wave. It is on its measurement that the operating principle of fitness trackers is based. The wave is recorded by a variety of ultra-sensitive sensors and transmitted to a microprocessor, which processes the received information, and then displays it on the display in a form understandable to humans. Due to the enormous competition in this area, manufacturers are constantly improving their devices. The result, as they say, is obvious. Already today, the error in measuring blood pressure with such devices is only about two percent. Such sensors also detect pulsation, after which the microprocessor counts the number of beats per minute and displays the information on the screen.

A variety of colors will help you choose a device to suit any style.

Many people are interested in how a fitness bracelet counts steps. It depends on its design. Mechanical models work on the principle of a pendulum, electronic ones - using a microcontroller. There are models whose sensor is attached to the sole of the sneaker and reacts to foot pressure.

HUAWEI Band 3 Pro

The best tracker with sleep monitoring

Functions

• Smart Alerts
• Move Reminders
• Steps
• Calories burned
• Active activity
• Distance
• Alarm
• VO2 max estimate
• Counting the number of laps in the pool
• SWOLF value
• Tips for healthy sleep
• Measures pulse
• Smartphone camera control
• Anti-lost function

Characteristics

The Huawei Band 3 Pro takes its well-deserved place on the list: this fitness bracelet is waterproof, it is equipped with a full-featured color touch screen and offers a whole range of useful options and features.

Users can see incoming calls, reject calls, and view messages directly on the device's display.

Regarding fitness, the gadget automatically detects 3 specific sports, such as:

1. Run
2. A ride on the bicycle
3. Swimming

In addition, by analyzing your sleep, the tracker will offer advice on how to improve it, based on special technology that can detect 6 different sleep-related conditions. Depending on the user's individual sleep results, the app offers over 200 tips.

According to the manufacturer, with heart rate and sleep tracking enabled, the fitness bracelet will last up to 12 days before the next charge.

Pros and cons of Huawei Band 3 Pro

PROS:

• Color touch screen
• Good build quality
• Swimming mode
• GPS
• Accurate tracking in the pool

MINUSES:

• Inaccurate pedometer
• Weak vibration signal

What is the difference between an accelerometer and a gyroscope?

Although in some cases the gyroscope and accelerometer can perform the same functions, they are two completely different sensors that are often used in pairs for maximum effect. This duo is often called a 6-axis sensor.

The accelerometer cannot accurately measure the angle of rotation of the device in space, but can only approximately estimate it. In practice, this can result in false positives and hesitation when rotating the screen. And here the gyroscope comes to the rescue. Without going into details about the operating principle of this device, let’s say that it can determine not only the angle of rotation of the device, but also the speed of rotation, which, for example, while playing on a smartphone allows for faster and more accurate control.

Illustration of the operation of a mechanical gyroscope

Therefore, in most devices these two devices are installed together to achieve the greatest efficiency.

Fitbit Charge 3

Combining superior fitness features with an affordable price

Functions

• Breathing exercises
• Messages: SMS, mail, calendar, weather, Facebook, Twitter
• Blood Oxygen Level Determination
• Individual breathing exercises
• Women's calendar
• Steps
• Calories
• Alarm

Characteristics

Constant movement notifications, long battery life, an easy-to-use interface and an intuitive app make this a top-notch, full-fledged fitness tracker.

Charge 3 has a large black-and-white grayscale touchscreen display with protective Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The design of the device is made taking into account the anatomical features of the hand. In addition, you can choose the size of the bracelet.

The tracker acts as an ideal tool for tracking activities throughout the day, including:

• Total active minutes
• Number of steps
• Time
• Calories burned per day
• Hourly activity

The third generation Charge takes into account improvements in training, while also providing the ability to set personal goals and participate in the sports community.

The automatic sleep function tracks the amount of time you rest, recognizes the phases of sleep, and based on the analysis determines its quality. Thanks to the quiet vibration signal in the alarm clock, you will not wake up your loved ones.

There is constant heart rate monitoring and resistance to water pressure up to 5 ATM, which makes it possible to safely use the bracelet in the pool or in the shower. Although it doesn't have built-in GPS, you can connect it to your smartphone for GPS services to get your running route.

Pros and cons of FitBit Charge 3

PROS:

• Easy
• Good battery life
• Secure clasp
• Large bright display
• Good sleep aid
• Fully waterproof

MINUSES:

• Small selection of watch faces
• No GPS module (uses smartphone GPS)
• The screen is not color
• Quick replies to messages are only available for Android devices

Trackers “for health”: for which sports?

1. Swimming, athletics and weightlifting, fitness bracelet.

Use a fitness bracelet if you want to receive reliable data. But in the case of swimming, choose waterproof models with an IP67/68 waterproof rating (we recommend reading our review of fitness trackers for swimming).

Remember: even if your device says that it is waterproof, but does not indicate the protection class, it is not waterproof.

2. Running - clip.

If you want to get reliable data while running, then make sure to choose an activity tracker that:

• can be worn not only as a bracelet, but also as an independent sensor with a clip, on a belt, sports shoes or neck (like Runtastic Orbit, Misfit Shine).
• immediately available as a clip or sensor on a strap (like Jawbone UP Move, Runtastic Combo RUNBT1, Fitbit Zip, Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker).

Thus, when running, it is preferable to use a tracker-clip, since it more accurately records the distance you run and your steps.

The bracelet and clip are the standard, unisex options, but developers also create some fitness trackers specifically for women. For example, Canadians have come up with a new type of wearable gadgets - the Ear-O-Smart fitness tracker, hidden in an earring . It contains small sensors that can record your heart rate and the number of calories burned.

Honor Band 4 Running Edition

Special edition for runners

Functions

• Recording and providing running data
• Step counting
• Call Alerts
• Phone notifications
• Phone search
• Offline support

Characteristics

If you are someone who requires motivation for more active physical activity and cannot decide which fitness bracelet is better, the Honor Band 4 Running Edition, a stripped-down version of the Honor Band 4, may be your choice.

The device is a sports bracelet for running. However, it does not have a heart rate monitor or GPS module, and when worn on the wrist as a regular wearable device, there is no way to track runs, only count steps.

The tracker kit includes a special shoe mount, and in this case the athlete receives professional data while jogging:

• Step frequency
• Running technique
• Ground contact time
• Impact on the ground
• Step angle
• Deviation range
• Step length

The device connects to the Huawei Health mobile application, where you can configure it and view your workout statistics. Also, while jogging, you can use Honor Band 4 Running Edition without being tied to your phone, and then synchronize all data with the software to study the results in detail.

In addition, Honor Band 4 Running Edition provides specific recommendations for individual running techniques to improve efficiency.

Even though the bracelet does not have a heart rate sensor, there is a way to connect a second bracelet with a heart rate monitor to the application. Then the tracker on the shoe will collect running data, and an additional gadget on the wrist will count heartbeats. Both monitoring functions will be available at the same time, which can definitely improve work efficiency.

Pros and cons of Honor Band 4 Running

PROS:

• Advanced running data
• Especially for runners
• Good battery life
• Two ways to wear (on shoes and wrist)

MINUSES:

• No heart rate monitor
• No GPS
• Not completely waterproof

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

Stylish fitness bracelet with GPS tracker, competing with smart watches

Functions

• Move Reminders
• Steps
• Distance
• Calories burned
• Active activity
• Calories
• Heart rate
• Alarm
• Timer
• Stopwatch
• Smart notifications
• Anti-lost function
• Running routes
• Recording the trajectory of movements
• History of races, races, walks
• Swim tracking
• Food diary
• Personal training plan
• Music control
• Built-in 4 GB memory for storing music
• Automatic workout detection
• Tips for achieving goals
• Possibility of connecting Bluetooth headphones

Characteristics

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro is compared to a full-fledged smartwatch. Featuring a large AMOLED color display, this fitness band comes with a rubberized strap. Available in two sizes and two colors, making it suitable for both men and women. The device runs the Tizen operating system, which is also installed in Samsung smartwatches. And that means you have access to your smartphone's catalog of apps and notifications.

This is the best fitness watch available today and it adds swim tracking along with 5 ATM water resistance and the ability to accept and reject incoming calls.

The only major drawback of the gadget is the 9-hour operating period when GPS is turned on. But a big plus is the ability to use a fitness bracelet without being tied to a smartphone.

The Fit 2 Pro is an attractive activity tracker for those who want a full-featured fitness device with smartwatch-like features and a great display.

Pros and cons of Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

PROS:

• Big beautiful screen
• GPS distance tracking
• Playing music
• Multifunctionality
• Displaying message contents on the display
• Smart notifications

MINUSES:

• Overcharge
• Little autonomy
• No continuous heart rate measurement
• Does not recognize sleep phases
• Can't answer the call
• No NFC

Accelerometer: what is it and why is it needed?

In simple terms, an accelerometer is a device that measures acceleration (the amount of change in speed). The name of the device comes from the Latin “accelero”, which literally translates as “I accelerate” and the Greek “metreō”, which literally means “I measure”.

Measuring the magnitude of dynamic acceleration allows you to determine how fast and in what direction a device with an accelerometer is moving. According to their design, accelerometers are divided into single-component, two-component, three-component (single-axis, two-axis and three-axis). For example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor can detect the magnitude and direction of acceleration as a vector quantity in all three axes.

This sensor is often confused with a gyroscope, but they are completely different sensors, although they often complement each other to achieve more accurate results, and sometimes can even perform the same functions. These sensors differ in their operating principle and efficiency in performing a specific task.

Basically, in devices, the accelerometer is used to detect orientation, shock, vibration and coordinate acceleration. For example, in smartphones it is the accelerometer that is responsible for flipping the picture when the position of the body changes, and in fitness bracelets it activates the screen when you rotate the wrist.

Huawei Talkband B5

Fitness Tracker and Bluetooth headset in one device

Functions

• Bluetooth headset (two-way calling)
• Phone notifications
• Steps
• Distance
• Number of calories burned
• Mobility Reminders
• Alarm
• Measures pulse
• Controlling the camera and player of a smartphone
• Ant-lost function

Characteristics

Huawei Talkband B5 is included in our rating of the best fitness bracelets for a reason: it is an unusual hybrid product that not only helps you monitor your health and activity, but also acts as a means of telephone communication. The tracker capsule is installed in the ear and completely replaces a Bluetooth headset.

Although the ease of use is very questionable: every time you receive an incoming call, you will have to remove the capsule from the case.

The bracelet comes in three versions:

1. Sports Active: with black silicone strap (with color options) and chrome case.
2. Business version Classic: with a brown leather strap and a gold-colored case.
3. Premium version Elite: metal chrome bracelet and the same device body.

Various variations of colors and materials of the accessory are available on Aliexpress.

Working with the Huawei Health app, compatible on both Android and iOS, Talkband B5 gives you a clear picture of your fitness metrics:

• Steps
• Calories
• Distance
• Training time
• Sleep (deep, REM and wakefulness)

In addition, the bracelet can control the smartphone's camera, acting as a remote control for taking selfies and photos from a distance. It is also capable of displaying smart smartphone notifications:

• Incoming call
• Messages
• App Alerts
• Mail (topic display)

The 108 mAh battery allows the device to operate for up to 3.5 days without constant heart rate monitoring.

Bluetooth headsets have been falling out of favor lately and are typically only used by professionals whose work relies on phone calls for much of the day. Such people can appreciate Huawei Talkband B5, in addition, the gadget will help them track their health and activity level.

Pros and cons of Huawei Talkband B5

PROS:

• Two devices in one
• Beautiful design
• Large touch display
• You can receive and make calls
• Smart phone notifications
• Good call quality
• Moisture protection

MINUSES:

• Expensive
• Limiting characters in notifications
• Limiting notifications for iOS
• The list of contacts is entered manually into the tracker
• Signal sound quality needs to be better
• Doesn't automatically detect workouts
• Short battery life

Main conclusions

Now you know what a fitness bracelet is and why you need it. These devices help monitor physical activity and progress, adjust training and nutrition according to the results obtained, and monitor health status. There are trackers, fitness bracelets and smart watches on sale. To lose weight, you need to choose simple devices with a pedometer and calorie counting. For serious sports activities, you need a gadget with a large number of sensors that will provide more information about your activity. When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to the following nuances: purpose, functions, compatibility with the phone, autonomy, presence of a screen. According to user reviews, fitness bracelets are reliable assistants that will help you lead a healthy lifestyle and be in trend.

Amazfit Cor 2

High level of quality and comfort at a low price

Functions

• Smartphone notifications (calls, weather, calendar, SMS, social networks)
• Move Reminders
• Steps
• Distance
• Calories burned
• Sports activities
• Floors
• Heart rate
• Timer
• Alarm
• Find phone function

Characteristics

Amazfit Cor 2 is the second generation of a sports bracelet from the company, which differs from the previous version by adding an NFC module for making payments.

The device still comes with a heart rate sensor, offering activity and sleep tracking. The gadget combines high durability and elegant design, offering a marine-grade stainless steel body and damage-resistant 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass.

This fitness tracker is perfect for swimming in the pool and water activities, as it is protected for full immersion under water (5 ATM) and has a bright 1.23-inch color touch screen.

The display shows any messages such as:

• text messages
• emails
• calls
• app notifications

The Amazfit Cor 2 bracelet can automatically track sleep, sports exercises, and also has a number of useful functions:

• 7 day weather forecast
• alarm clocks
• timer
• stopwatch

In addition to all the features, you'll get 12 days of battery life on a single charge.

Pros and cons of Amazfit Cor 2

PROS:

• Suitable for swimming
• Basic functions

MINUSES:

• No GPS module

SMA B2

Fitness bracelet with blood pressure measurement

Functions

• Blood pressure function
• Phone Alerts
• Move Reminders
• Steps
• Distance
• Active activity
• Calories
• Heart rate
• Alarm
• Anti-lost function
• Smartphone camera control

Characteristics

The SMA B2 smart bracelet with blood pressure and heart rate measurement can be an excellent tool that will help you take care of your health, especially if you play sports.

The design of the device is not particularly different from similar wearable gadgets existing on the market: a monochrome touch screen is built into the silicone corrugated one-piece bracelet of the fitness tracker. The menu is intuitive, and the set of screens contains the following sections:

• Time/date/day of week
• Pedometer
• Pulse
• Weather
• Jogging mode
• Cycling training
• Pressure

In addition, SMA B2 notifies you of incoming calls and smartphone alerts by vibration, so you don’t have to take your phone out of your bag.

A distinctive feature of this sports device is the ability to measure blood pressure. To do this, a pressure sensor is applied to the fingertip and a button on the device is pressed, and the indicators provide information about blood pressure on the screen.

It should be borne in mind that since the SMA B2 is not a specialized medical device for measuring blood pressure, the error in the test results may be 10-20%.

The bracelet works with the SMA Care application, where you can see summaries and statistics of activity tracking data, heart rate and pressure.

This device is one of the budget devices among a large selection of fitness bracelets in 2020, which offers useful and necessary features for sports lovers.

Pros and cons of SMA B2

PROS:

• Blood pressure sensor
• Sleep and physical activity monitoring
• Incoming call notifications

MINUSES:

• Tight strap clasp
• No GPS

Which tracker is right for you?

To choose the right device, first determine your needs. What’s more important to you: just knowing how many steps you’ve walked and getting into the right phase of sleep, or wearing a stylish gadget that will help you not miss an important call, well, and at the same time it will just show you the calories burned, and it will help you log in to Twitter, and there are a lot of emoticons there in the app there...

If you choose a fitness tracker based on its functions, they can be divided into 3 categories:

1. fitness trackers “for health”;
2. «smart bracelets";
3. “smart watch” with fitness tracker functions.

Polar Loop

Waterproof fitness bracelet without screen

Functions

• Daily activity
• Calories burned
• Steps taken
• Times of Day
• Activity feedback LED display
• Sleep mode control
• Automatic sync with Polar Flow app
• Can be used in the pool
• Inactivity Warnings
• Hints for achieving the goal (in the appendix)
• Interaction with other users in the community

Characteristics

Polar Loop is a non-standard sports bracelet, as we are used to seeing today. Instead of a color touch display, it has an LED screen with 85 red luminous dots, transmitting only the most necessary information:

1. Times of Day
2. Time of active activity
3. Number of steps
4. Progress towards goal

The unique Polar Loop technology accurately tracks five different activity levels and can tell the difference between vigorous walking and running. This means you'll get a more complete picture of your daily movement.

The tracker does not include a heart rate monitor, but during workouts you can connect, for example, a chest strap with a Bluetooth Smart Polar H6 or H7 heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate tracking.

Since there is little data on the device's screen, all training statistics are collected in the Polar Flow app installed on your smartphone or on the Polar website. The bracelet is connected to the phone via Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth Smart.

An amazing fact is that the size of the bracelet is initially so large that it needs to be cut to fit your wrist. And irrevocably.

Pros and cons of Polar Loop

PROS:

• You can swim
• Bright display
• User-friendly software
• HRM sensor support
• Ability to distinguish between walking and running

MINUSES:

• You have to adjust the size by cutting the strap
• Doesn't count distance
• No vibration for alerts
• Not deep sleep tracking

How does an accelerometer work?

Most devices are equipped with capacitive, piezoresistive and piezoelectric devices. Often the accelerometer is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) containing several components, each ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers. The size of the device usually does not exceed the dimensions of a match head.

Mechanical accelerometer

It is easier to explain the principle of operation of an accelerometer using a mechanical device. It consists of a spring attached to the body, a moving mass and a damper. A mass, or, more simply, a weight, is attached to a spring. On the reverse side, the weight is supported by a damper that dampens vibrations of the weight. During acceleration of the body, the spring is deformed (stretched or compressed) along opposite axes under the influence of a weight, which tends to maintain its original position, that is, to lag behind or ahead of the body. The calculations of the device are based on the magnitude of the deformation.

To obtain information about the position of an object in three-dimensional space, three such devices are used, combined into one complex.

Of course, no one will “stuff” such a bulky design into a compact fitness bracelet or smartphone. Therefore, it is replaced by a miniature chip. Although the chip is more complex than a ball and spring device, it has the same basic elements.

Such a chip has a housing that is attached to a watch or smartphone, a “comb” section with plates on the sides, and a number of fixed plates that take readings. This section can move back and forth to change the field strength around the contacts. The received data is transmitted for processing by electronics and software, after which the physical location of the device is calculated.

Inner workings of the accelerometer

But the most interesting thing is how such accelerometers are made. At approximately 500 microns thick, no tool can create it. Instead, engineers combine some of the unique chemical properties of silicon and silicone with other substances. The entire manufacturing process is fully automated and is performed on conveyor lines without human intervention.

The short video below will also help you understand how the accelerometer works:

Lemfo M1

Chinese fitness bracelet with wireless headphones

Functions

• Blood pressure measurement
• Pulse measurement
• Measuring blood oxygen levels
• Multi-sport recognition
• Analysis for health monitoring
• Daily physical activity data
• Call and SMS alerts
• Sedentary reminders
• Sleep monitoring
• Pedometer
• Alarm
• Calorie counting
• Recording exercise history
• Remote control of smartphone camera shutter
• Find phone function
• Connecting to Bluetooth headphones
• Voice assistant

Characteristics

The Lemfo M1 smart bracelet is a unique device. In addition to the fact that it is a fitness tracker with blood pressure measurement, the gadget contains wireless headphones that are placed directly into its body.

The color touch screen of Lemfo M1 acts as an opening cover, under which the Bluetooth headset is located. So at any time you can listen to music or take a call without taking out your smartphone.

At the same time, the smart bracelet has standard functions inherent in this type of device. With its help, the user can monitor their activity and not miss important mobile phone notifications.

Like many sports trackers, the M1 collects data during your workout and provides information on the display:

• Distance
• Calories
• Number of steps
• Heart rate

And also events from the smartphone:

• SMS
• Email
• Meetings on the calendar
• Missed calls
• Messages from social networks

Everything will be stored in a special application on your phone.

Pros and cons of Lemfo M1

PROS:

• Wireless headphones directly in the bracelet body
• Smart Alerts
• Measures pulse

MINUSES:

• Quite large
• No GPS
• Cannot be used while swimming

How to choose the right one

To make the right choice of a sports gadget, you need to consider the following nuances:

1. Decide on a goal, for example, when losing weight, choose simple devices with a pedometer and calorie counting.
2. Decide on a list of functions. For beginner athletes, gadgets with a basic set of functions are suitable, while professional athletes need additional options, for example, a GPS sensor, barometer, lux meter, etc.
3. Protection from moisture and dust. This function is needed by people who constantly wear the device or often swim in the pool.
4. Phone compatible. Find out if the fitness bracelet syncs with your smartphone.
5. Battery life.
6. Availability of a screen.

Also pay attention to the design of the fitness bracelet; this parameter depends on personal preferences.

Jet Sport FT-7

Fitness bracelet with blood pressure measurement function

Functions

• Blood pressure control
• Pulse measurement
• Counting steps and calories
• Active activity monitoring
• Sleep quality control
• Reminders
• Smart smartphone notifications
• Remotely control your phone's camera shutter

Characteristics

The Jet Sport FT-7 fitness tracker will be useful for lovers of an active lifestyle and those who constantly monitor their health both daily and during sports.

Using the bracelet, you can track your sleep, its duration and depth, and also get recommendations for improving it.

The device works in tandem with the JetSport application, where activity and rest statistics are kept. Also, using the software, you can set up bracelet alerts about activity and achieving goals and view the history of your performance over a certain period of time.

Additionally, by installing the Mi Fit application and adding your friends, those who like to compete in their achievements will be able to brag about their successes.

Important information in text form is also available on the tracker display.

Pros and cons of the Jet Sport FT-7

PROS:

• Accurate pedometer counter
• Good build quality

MINUSES:

• There are problems syncing with iPhone
• Inaccurately detects blood pressure
• Short charging cord

What is a fitness tracker?

Trackers are not fans of Star Trek, as someone might think (it seems that at this point someone is already hastily closing this article), but the general name for wearable devices and programs with which you can track your physical activity is different body indicators (for example, pulse or correct posture), quality of nutrition, sleep rhythms, posture, etc.

There are even GPS trackers and specialized trackers for women and other interesting types of these devices.

But we are not interested in all trackers, namely those that are useful during sports and for monitoring everyday activity, i.e. fitness trackers .

Ta-daam! We got to the tastiest part.

Fitness trackers are very popular devices among athletes (usually beginners) who do not yet know how to regulate their exercise, wakefulness and sleep patterns. The device is a bracelet or clip with a built-in sensor that can monitor many factors related to your health and training:

• duration and quality of sleep (the function is a smart alarm clock that wakes you up exactly at the time when it will be easier for you to wake up),
• number of steps taken,
• food quality,
• heart rate indicators,
• calories burned,
• mood,
• blood oxygen saturation level (for example, Withings Pulse Wireless Activity Tracker),
• calorie content of food entering the body (as an innovative development - the HealBe GoBe tracker).

Comparison of fitness bracelets

This comparison table will help you finally decide which fitness bracelet to choose in 2020 and which is better among such a huge variety on the wearable technology market.

Let's sum it up

If you want to move more, sleep better, and improve your overall health, a sports tracker can help. The devices presented in our review are compatible with Android and iOS OS, so they can be connected to any smartphone, including iPhone.

These best fitness bands will suit your lifestyle and different preferences, but it's up to you to choose between them.

Leave your comments, share your experience and knowledge if you have already used a smart bracelet. Perhaps you have your own options that are worthy of a place on this list. Write to us, we will definitely consider them and, perhaps, include them in our selection.

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