They might sound the same, but once you decipher the details, fitness watches and fitness trackers are two very different pieces of tech.
For one, a fitness tracker usually comes at a cheaper price point. Our guide to the best fitness trackers saw top-rated options from $50/£30 up to $299.95/£219.99. In contrast, some top-rated fitness watches can start at around the $180/£170 marker.
In terms of their design, fitness trackers can come in various styles. For example, along with finding a design in a watch form, some fitness trackers can be strapped around your chest to monitor your heart rate and track your activity levels. While, as its name alludes to, you can only wear a fitness watch around your wrist.
Another difference between the two is the number of features they have. In their most basic form, fitness trackers are there to track your fitness. Whether this is your step count, run time, sleep or minutes spent working out in the gym. While many exercise watches can switch from cardio mode to weights mode, some have GPS-tracking technology, and you can discover your Vo2 max levels all the while playing music through your headphones.
Essentially, these two designs of fitness tracking tech are better suited for different users. A fitness tracker might be your best bet if you just use a piece of tech to solely track your fitness levels. But if you’re looking for something that can do it all — both business and play — an exercise watch might be a better fit.