Fitness Gadgets Wearables for your connected health 
From our numerous reviews we are very familiar with step trackers, which are becoming more and more versatile and modern. From these reviews we have collected the best step tracker wristbands and step tracker watches, which we are familiar with and are able to classify well. A step tracker comparison shows the modern top step trackers clearly arranged in tabular form.
Here you will find the best step trackers available on the market today, depending on the application. Among other things:
- Step trackers wristbands
- Step trackers watches
- Step trackers with heart rate monitors
- Step trackers from well-known manufacturers like Fitbit, Garmin or Polar
Find your personal step tracker winner in the following article! Here we go….
Step Trackers – Overview
To get you started, we have summarized the best step trackers from our step tracker reviews.
| Allrounder + Heart Rate Monitor | Sport | Style + App | Battery life + Looks | |
| Model | Garmin Vivosmart HR | Polar A360 | Fitbit Alta HR | Withings Steel HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |
| Available since | 2015 (Nov.) | 2015 (Nov.) | 2017 (April) | 2017 (Jan) |
| Battery (up to) | 5 days | 12 days | 7 days | 45 days |
| Time of day | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Activity-Tracker | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Promotes more active lifestyle | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Active Minutes | yes | no | yes | no |
| Floors | yes | no | yes | no |
| Sleep Tracking | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Sleep Phases | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Silent Vibration Alarm | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterproof according to manufacturer | waterproof (5 ATM) | waterproof (WR30) | Rain, sweat, water splashes | waterproof (5 ATM) |
| Smartphone Notifications | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Synchronisation without cables | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Compatibility | ||||
| Further Strengths |
|
|
|
|
Buy at | Product Page | Product Page | Product Page | Product Page |
Step Trackers
In the following, you will learn what you need to know to select the right step tracker and what types of step trackers you will find on this page.
Why a Step Tracker?
A step tracker is a relatively simple wearable device for measuring distance, time and number of steps. The function range of the step tracker is simple with classic step trackers: time of day, training data such as time, distance and the current time are displayed on a high-contrast display. The small device is attached to your clothes with the supplied clip.
Activity Trackers
If you need more features, we advise you to check out our Activity Tracker Reviews and Guide. These devices usually offer slightly more functions, provide more fitness data, have a display and support more sports activities, such as running with GPS.
Activity Trackers with Heart Rate Monitors
If a heart rate monitor is important to you, we recommend our activity tracker heart rate monitor guide and comparison.
Heart Rate Monitors Without Chest Strap
If you are looking for equipment that can record your heart rate without a chest strap during training. We recommend our heart rate monitors without a chest strap. It contains heart rate monitors, sports and fitness watches suitable for everyday life and sport.
Step Tracker Band
At gadget.fitness we usually look at modern step tracker wristbands, which can be coupled with the smartphone and are enriched with a step tracker app. The device can be connected to a mobile phone, computer or app, but can be worn independently on the wrist. Depending on the battery life, the step tracker wristband automatically records all necessary data. Some offer a sport or training mode to improve calorie calculation and clearly indicate activity in the app, separating it from other activities. Activities include running, hiking, indoor running and so on.
Thus, the step trackers presented here often have other helpful features, such as a sports mode or an automatic activity detection, in addition to the above-mentioned functions. Step trackers with heart rate monitors are just as important in our reviews as step trackers with sleep monitoring or smartphone notifications.
A simple display often provides information about running data such as number of steps, time or incoming Smartphone notifications. The settings of the device are conveniently made in the App. Some step trackers also have wristbands with buttons or a touch screen to navigate through the device’s menu.
Step tracker wristbands have become one of the standard accessories for health-conscious people. They motivate people to get more exercise in their daily lives, earn points and rewards, and some of them even adorn their wrists to match their outfits. We present the best step trackers in the trade in our opinion.
Step Tracker Watch
The step tracker watches presented here also offer similar characteristics to the wristbands mentioned above. They offer a supporting app or even have an integrated heart rate monitor on the back of the device. The difference to the wristbands is that they look like classic watches and offer longer battery life.
Step Tracker – Functionality
All step trackers presented here have an acceleration sensor that detects accelerations or motion patterns, for example. Therefore, steps, rest periods or even the type of sport performed can be recorded automatically.
Step Tracker Wristband Accuracy
Most of the step tracker wristbands presented here are similarly accurate in measuring the steps. Although the manufacturers often use their own algorithms to calculate the steps and distances, in the end the result for all manufacturers – depending on how high the activity intensity of the wearer is – is just as good with +/- a few hundred steps per day.
It is important to know that step trackers with acceleration sensors, independent of the manufacturer, can also interpret, for example, the arm movements during tooth brushing as steps. If you cycle or push a shopping cart in front of you, however, all manufacturers will probably not count almost any steps if the arm movement is missing.
It is important that a step tracker should motivate, and that works best with daily goals. For example, you define 10,000 steps per day. Once you have reached your goal, you know if you have moved sufficiently or not.
Step Tracker Watch
Withings Steel HR
Size: for wrists up to 23 cm | Weight: 36mm Model: 39g, 40mm Model: 49g| Compatibility: Android, iOS | Battery: up to 45 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
The step tracker watch Withings Steel HR is a real eye-catcher and a daily companion that is always with you. Withings manages to pack a lot of technology into a small, elegant housing, such as a heart rate monitor. The strengths of the Steel HR lie in its simple operation and the high-quality appearance that matches almost every type of clothing. The wearing comfort, smart features and a good vibration alarm are also pleasing. Also the water resistance of 5 ATM makes the step tracker watch even more suitable for everyday use. The band can be replaced with your favorite band if necessary.
A highlight of the Withings Steel is their battery performance. It is ready for use with a battery charge for up to 25 days, depending on how you use the heart rate mode. The continuous use of the heart rate mode drains the battery faster than the exclusive use during activities. And that’s not all. A so-called power reserve mode allows the Steel HR to be used for a further 20 days, even if the watch is not immediately charged when it is almost empty. In this mode, the movement still works and the watch is still running as a step tracker, but the heart rate sensor is deactivated.
Withings Steel HR Overview and Purchase Options
The step tracker watch can be purchased in two different sizes (36mm and 40mm models), for example, here:
- Very good battery life
- Waterproof
- Elegant and high-quality appearance
- Convenient and adaptable
- Heart rate monitor
- Weak magnets in charging station
- Color of the hands
Garmin Vivomove
Size: One size fits all | Weight: Classic: 48g | Premium: 67g | Sport: 51g | Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Battery: approx. 1 year | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
With the step tracker watch Garmin Vivomove, users have the possibility to record their daily activities such as steps, calorie consumption and sleep phases. In conjunction with the Garmin Connect Mobile App, these can be analyzed to become more active in everyday life.
For even better control, the steps taken during the day can be clearly tracked on the classic watch face. And as a motivation coach, it also shows you how far away you are from your personal day’s goal. The Vivomove has two bar-like displays for this purpose. The left display shows the progress of the daily goal in percent (step status), the right one shows how long you were inactive (inactivity status) and motivates you to move again in time.
The very good battery life of about one year can be particularly emphasized. If you only need the basics for a step tracker watch, Vivomove is the right choice for you.
Vivomove Overview and Purchase Options
The Vivomove can be purchased in different colors and variants, for example, here:
- Waterproof (5 ATM, suitable for shower and swimming)
- Motivates to a more active lifestyle
- Battery life of up to one year
- Only Basics of an Activity Tracker
Step Tracker Wristband with Heart Rate Monitor
Fitbit Alta HR
Size: three sizes: S, L, XL | Weight: 29g | Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Battery: 7 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
The Alta HR step tracker wristband from Fitbit reflects the manufacturer’s long experience in the fitness sector. Not only in the hardware, but also in the software. Alta HR 24/7 not only records your heart rate, but also all the steps and automatically recognizes many things, such as some of the sports activities you have performed, such as running. With the well-done Fitbit App you get a clear overview of all recorded data and many tips and hints for the daily achievement of your goals.
The good activity tracker (calories, steps, distances, fully automatic sleep tracking, activity detection, daily targets), smartphone notifications such as incoming calls, calendar entries, SMS and detailed information about sleep patterns complete the step tracker wristband.
Fitbit Alta HR Overview and Purchase Option
The Fitbit Alta HR can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example, here:
- Many things run automatically
- Very good app
- Restrained and comfortable
- Not so accurate in sports activities
- Heart rate measurement can be done better by others
Polar A360
Size: three sizes: S, M, L | Weight: 31.7g | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Battery: 12 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
If you want to have a few more functions, we recommend the Polar A360. The versatile step tracker marks Polar’s entry into optical heart rate measurement, so that the band is not limited to recording daily activities. Among other things, there is an integrated heart rate monitor for sporting activities, smart coaching and smart watch functions, daily goals and a color touch display on board.
The tracker convinces above all with a good battery life of about 12 days, a great display, numerous sports profiles as well as helpful hints on training benefits and tips on how to achieve your goals.
Read the complete review: Polar A360.
Polar A360 Overview and Purchase Option
The Polar A360 can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example:
- Good battery life
- Waterproof
- Smartphone Notifications
- Good operating concept
- App
- Sleep analysis
Garmin Vivosmart HR
Size: two sizes: Standard, XL | Weight: 29.6g | Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Battery: 5 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
The Garmin Vivosmart HR offers the most functions and the most comprehensive app among the step trackers. Since a GPS variant (Vivosmart HR+, here our HR+ Review) with additional functions for runners is now available, the Vivosmart HR is quite affordable. Users love its versatility, wearing comfort and user-friendliness. It is suitable for hobby athletes and people who want to maintain a more active lifestyle.
It also comes with great features such as resting heart rate measurement, daily goals, weather forecasts, smartphone notifications, a floor counter and a good app. Its battery life of about 5 days remains within the range of other step trackers.
Read the entire review: Garmin Vivosmart HR.
Vivosmart HR Overview and Purchase Option
The Vivosmart HR can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example, here:
- Waterproof
- Smartphone Notifications
- Very good app
- Good operating concept
- Fancy loading clamp
- Partly confusing app
Sony SmartBand 2
Size: Standard size | Weight: 25g | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Battery: 5 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
SmartBand 2 (SWR12) offers many features for the money and a good app. Compared to its predecessor, it has been upgraded and improved in many ways. The popular step tracker offers, for example, an optical heart rate sensor that regularly records the heart rate and HRV directly on the wrist 24×7. HRV enables the user to make better statements about stress levels and recovery time compared to other devices.
In addition, the SmartBand 2 can also handle smartphone notifications such as incoming calls or other messages from your smartphone, and can also automatically detect physical activities such as walking and running, and add them to the app as such.
SmartBand 2 Overview and Purchase Option
SmartBand 2 can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example, here:
- Integrated heart rate sensor
- Inconspicuous and lightweight
- Good App
- Slightly loud vibration alarm
- Activity tracker while putting on fiddly
Step Tracker Wristband – The Simplest
Fitbit Alta
Size: three sizes: S, L, XL | Weight: 29g | Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Battery: 5 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
Fitbit is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of step trackers and also offers advanced activity trackers. Fitbit’s long experience in this area is not only evident in the hardware, but also in the software. The Alta 24/7 should do as many things as possible automatically and also recognizes, for example, that you are training and records this in the Fitbit app. Sleep is also recorded automatically.
In addition to a good activity tracker (calories, steps, distances, fully automatic sleep tracking, activity detection, daily goals) as well as a very good app and fitness platform, it also supports smartphone notifications such as incoming calls, calendar entries, SMS.
Fitbit Alta Overview and Purchase Option
The Fitbit Alta can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example, here:
- Many things run automatically
- Very good app
- Restrained and comfortable
- Not so accurate in sports activities
Polar Loop 2
Size: adjustable size (145-240mm) | Weight: 38g | Compatibility: Android, iOS | Battery: 8 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
The Polar Loop 2 step tracker from Polar has been available for a long time, which of course has led to a sharp drop in price. However, Loop 2 continues to serve its purpose and reliably tracks the daily activities of its owner and inspires a more active lifestyle by supporting and motivating him to engage in physical activities of varying intensities and to avoid prolonged sitting.
The Loop 2 is rounded off by Smart Notifications and a sleep tracker function that automatically records sleep activities. A detailed graphical overview of all fitness data and tips on a more active lifestyle can be viewed in the Polar Flow App.
Loop 2 Overview and Purchase Option
The Loop 2 can be purchased in different colors, for example, here:
- Good battery life
- Waterproof
- Helpful tips for achieving your goals
- Suitable for almost every wrist circumference
- App could be more comprehensive
- Sleep analysis
Garmin Vivofit 2
Size: Standard size (152-210mm) | Weight: 25.5g | Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Battery: 1 year | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
Similar to the Loop 2, the Vivofit 2 step tracker is also available for a longer period of time and is therefore cheaper than the Loop 2. In the meantime his successor Vivofit 3 is also available, but not so well received by the buyers due to various defects (such as the sometimes loosening band closure).
The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, has eliminated the weak points of its predecessor and retained its strengths. In addition to the 24×7 activity detection (steps, calories, distance, daily targets, fully automatic sleep tracking), it also supports external HR sensors, excels with a running time of more than one year and is waterproof (5 ATM).
Vivofit 2 Overview and purchase option
The Vivofit 2 can be purchased in different colors and sizes, for example, here:
- Outstanding battery life
- Inexpensive
- Very good app
- Heart rate sensors connectable (ANT+)
- Hardly any extras
- Partly confusing app
Step Tracker Review – Conclusion
These were the best devices from our step tracker reviews in comparison. We hope that the advice will have assisted you in your decision. The content of this page will of course be updated when new step tracker wristbands and watches are discovered.
Reviews for further reading
If you are not sure yet whether you have the right device for you or are looking for a device with more or less functions, we recommend the following articles for further reading:
