Fitbit ruled the fitness tracker market in 2018. The company stayed at the top of the wearables game while other brands quietly stepped up their game. The sheer number of devices available now amazes me after spending countless hours researching them.
Most people jump straight to Fitbit when they need a fitness tracker. However, some budget-friendly options deserve a closer look. The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 costs less than $35 online and shows that quality fitness tracking can be affordable. The Garmin Vivofit 4 stands out for anyone who hates frequent charging – it runs for a full year on a single charge.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch might just be the standout smartwatch of 2018. It pairs a beautiful AMOLED display with powerful fitness tracking features. The Withings Go takes a more specialized approach. This waterproof tracker handles everything from running and walking to swimming and sleep tracking, and its battery lasts up to 8 months. My extensive research of trackers at different price points led me to create this piece that helps you pick the perfect fitness companion.
Fitbit Charge 3
Image Source: PCMag
The Fitbit Charge 3 emerged as a standout choice among 2018’s best fitness trackers by striking the right balance between features and cost. This swim-proof tracker hit the market in October 2018 and quickly became a great alternative to expensive smartwatches.
Fitbit Charge 3 key features
A larger, more responsive touchscreen OLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 3 makes the Charge 3 stand out. On top of that, it delivers an impressive seven-day battery life with a single charge. Users can take it swimming since it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters. The device tracks your heart rate around the clock, monitors sleep stages, and supports 20 different exercise modes. An SpO2 sensor helps detect sleep conditions like sleep apnea.
Fitbit Charge 3 pros and cons
Pros:
- Amazing battery life that lasts 6-7 days
- You can take it swimming thanks to its water-resistant design
- Detailed sleep tracking that shows your sleep stages
- Better touchscreen response and size compared to older models
Cons:
- You’ll need your phone for GPS tracking
- Fewer apps than what you get with smartwatches
- Heart rate readings can be off during intense workouts
- Notifications sometimes bunch up and arrive late
Fitbit Charge 3 pricing
The regular Fitbit Charge 3 started at $149.95, while you’d pay $169.95 for the Special Edition with Fitbit Pay. Both versions let you swap bands, with extra straps costing between $29.95 and $49.95.
Fitbit Charge 3 best for
Casual fitness enthusiasts who want detailed tracking without the complexity of a smartwatch will love the Charge 3. Swimmers will find it especially useful since older models weren’t waterproof. The device works great for people who care about sleep tracking and long battery life. This tracker packs core fitness features into a simple, optimized package.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Image Source: Crutchfield
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 stands out in the best fitness tracker 2018 market. This slim device packs advanced technology into a stylish frame with metal trim accents, measuring just 15mm wide.
Garmin Vivosmart 4 key features
A wrist-based pulse ox sensor measures your blood oxygen saturation levels while you sleep. The innovative Body Battery energy monitor tracks your energy reserves throughout the day by analyzing your stress, heart rate variability, sleep, and activity data. You’ll find Garmin’s redesigned Elevate heart rate sensor, abnormal heart rate alerts, and detailed sleep tracking that shows light, deep, and REM stages. While it doesn’t have built-in GPS, the device tracks walks, runs, strength training, pool swims, and yoga.
Garmin Vivosmart 4 pros and cons
Pros:
- Battery lasts seven days
- You can swim and shower with it
- Tracks stress and reminds you to relax
- Body Battery helps plan your daily activities better
Cons:
- Needs phone connection without built-in GPS
- Screen size limits what you can see
- Display button doesn’t respond easily
- Can’t store or play music
Garmin Vivosmart 4 pricing
You can get the Vivosmart 4 for $129.99 in the US, making it a budget-friendly choice among the best fitness tracker 2018 options.
Garmin Vivosmart 4 best for
This tracker works great if you want detailed health metrics beyond simple step counting. It shines when tracking sleep quality, managing stress, and optimizing energy levels. The device fits perfectly if you want a slim tracker that offers sophisticated health monitoring features.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3
Image Source: TechTheLead
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 proves that great fitness trackers don’t need to be expensive. This budget-friendly device became a standout choice in the best fitness tracker 2018 market. You get amazing value and all the features you need.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 key features
A 0.78-inch OLED touchscreen display shows your notifications, time, and weather updates. The device works well underwater up to 50 meters, so you can take it swimming. It tracks your steps, heart rate, sleep patterns and reminds you to move when idle. The battery lasts an impressive 20 days on one charge.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 pros and cons
Pros:
- Long battery life (15-20 days)
- Very affordable at under $30
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- Complete sleep tracking
Cons:
- Screen hard to read in bright sunlight
- Heart rate readings can be inaccurate
- Simple exercise tracking options
- Less stylish than premium models
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 pricing
The Mi Band 3 costs between $26-$30, making it the best fitness tracker 2018 under 100—in fact, under $50. You’ll pay a bit more for the NFC version, around $33.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 best for
Budget-conscious users who want core fitness tracking features will love this device. The tracker works great for people who need text notifications without paying premium prices. Newcomers to fitness tracking will appreciate its user-friendly design and great value.
Oura Ring
Image Source: Oura Ring
The Oura Ring challenges traditional tracker design by offering a sleek, discrete ring instead of a wrist-worn device. This smart piece of jewelry delivers powerful health monitoring capabilities without the bulk you’ll find in standard fitness trackers.
Oura Ring key features
The ring tracks over 50 biometrics through advanced sensors. It uses infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) to monitor heart rate with 99.9% reliability compared to medical-grade ECG. A digital temperature sensor detects changes as small as 0.1°C, while a 3D accelerometer tracks activity. The ring stands out from other fitness trackers with its sleep analysis capabilities. It measures sleep stages, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate. The battery performs well too, lasting 4-7 days and reaching full charge in just 20-80 minutes.
Oura Ring pros and cons
Pros:
- Looks like regular jewelry and blends with other accessories
- Better sleep tracking than wrist-worn devices
- Withstands water up to 100m, perfect for swimming and saunas
- Changes activity goals based on how well you recover
Cons:
- You need a subscription ($5.99 monthly) to see detailed statistics
- Daily wear might cause scratches
- Not the best choice for live workout tracking
- You must order a separate sizing kit first
Oura Ring pricing
The base model comes in silver or black titanium at $299. Premium finishes like gold or matte black cost $399. A luxury version with diamonds reaches $999. Beyond the purchase price, you’ll need a $5.99 monthly subscription to access detailed metrics and insights.
Oura Ring best for
This tracker works best if you care about sleep quality and recovery optimization. You’ll love it if you want a screen-free way to monitor your health. The ring’s passive tracking makes it perfect when you want health data without constant notifications.
Fitbit Versa
Image Source: PCMag Middle East
The Fitbit Versa has found its place among the best fitness trackers of 2018. This versatile hybrid combines smartwatch features with fitness tracking capabilities, sporting an Apple Watch-like design at a much lower price point.
Fitbit Versa key features
The Versa showcases a “squircle” design – a square display with smooth rounded edges. Its color touchscreen remains visible regardless of lighting conditions. The device runs for over 4 days on a single charge and tracks your steps, heart rate, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, and active minutes. You’ll get a detailed sleep analysis that breaks down your time in REM, light, and deep sleep stages. The watch handles water exposure well up to 50 meters, so you can take it swimming.
Fitbit Versa pros and cons
Pros:
- Charges quickly in just one hour
- Fits comfortably throughout the day
- Tracks various activities including swimming and running
- Provides effective silent alarms with strong vibrations
Cons:
- Lacks built-in GPS and needs phone connection
- Stores only 300 songs maximum
- New Fitbit users might find setup challenging
- Some users need time to adjust to the watch size
Fitbit Versa pricing
You can get the standard Versa for $199.95. The Special Edition costs $229.95 and includes NFC for contactless payments. This price point makes the Versa an attractive option for anyone looking for the best smartwatch under $200 in 2018.
Fitbit Versa best for
We found the Versa appeals most to users who want smart features with strong fitness tracking. It works well as a dressy fitness tracker that fits right in at the office. The combination of its detailed features and elegant design makes it my top pick for women who want the best 2018 fitness tracker with text notifications.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 3 | Garmin Vivosmart 4 | Xiaomi Mi Band 3 | Oura Ring | Fitbit Versa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 (Standard) $169.95 (Special Edition) |
$129.99 | $26-$30 | $299 (Standard) $399 (Premium) $999 (Diamond) |
$199.95 (Standard) $229.95 (Special Edition) |
| Battery Life | 6-7 days | 7 days | 15-20 days | 4-7 days | 4+ days |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50m | Yes (swimming capable) | Up to 50m | Up to 100m | Up to 50m |
| Key Features | – OLED touchscreen – 24/7 heart rate monitoring – 20 exercise modes – SpO2 sensor – Sleep tracking |
– Pulse ox sensor – Body Battery monitor – Sleep tracking – Abnormal heart rate alerts |
– 0.78-inch OLED display – Heart rate monitoring – Sleep tracking – Weather forecasts |
– 50+ biometrics tracking – Temperature sensing – Advanced sleep analysis – HRV monitoring |
– Color touchscreen – Heart rate tracking – Sleep stage analysis – Multi-sport tracking |
| Main Pros | – Long battery life – Swim-proof – Detailed sleep tracking |
– Advanced stress tracking – Body Battery feature – Water resistant |
– Exceptional battery life – Very affordable – Water resistant |
– Discreet design – Superior sleep tracking – High water resistance |
– Fast charging – Comfortable wear – Swimming capable |
| Main Cons | – No built-in GPS – Limited app ecosystem – Heart rate accuracy issues |
– No built-in GPS – Small screen – Difficult display button |
– Poor sunlight visibility – Heart rate inaccuracy – Simple exercise tracking |
– Requires subscription – Prone to scratches – Limited workout monitoring |
– No built-in GPS – Limited music storage – Complex setup |
Conclusion
Fitness trackers have evolved from simple step counters into powerful health monitoring tools. This piece shows how different devices shine for various users. The Fitbit Charge 3 excels as a balanced option with long battery life and detailed tracking features. The Garmin Vivosmart 4 takes things further with its Body Battery feature, which helps users track their recovery and energy levels effectively.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is a great find for budget-conscious users. At under $30, it packs water resistance and impressive battery life. The Oura Ring takes a different approach by ditching the traditional wristband design. Its elegant ring format appeals to style-conscious users who want discrete tracking. The Fitbit Versa sits between a fitness tracker and smartwatch, combining style with extra features.
Your perfect fitness tracker depends on what you need most. Swimmers need water resistance, while people focused on sleep quality might prefer the Oura Ring or Garmin Vivosmart 4’s advanced sleep metrics. You’ll find great options at every price point, from the budget-friendly Mi Band 3 to the premium Oura Ring.
I’ve tested many fitness trackers and found that the best device combines features you’ll use with comfort and battery life that fits your routine. While Fitbit leads the market, Garmin, Xiaomi, and Oura have built impressive alternatives worth a look. These modern fitness trackers are a great way to get insights about your body and make smarter choices about your health and activity.
FAQs
Q1. What are the top fitness trackers for 2026? The top fitness trackers for 2026 include the Fitbit Charge 3, Garmin Vivosmart 4, Xiaomi Mi Band 3, Oura Ring, and Fitbit Versa. Each offers unique features catering to different user needs, from comprehensive health monitoring to budget-friendly options.
Q2. How does the Oura Ring compare to traditional wrist-worn fitness trackers? The Oura Ring offers a discreet, jewelry-like design that sets it apart from wrist-worn trackers. It excels in sleep analysis and recovery metrics, making it ideal for users focused on these aspects. However, it may be less effective for real-time workout monitoring compared to traditional trackers.
Q3. Which fitness tracker offers the best value for money? The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 stands out as an excellent value proposition. Priced at around $26-$30, it offers core fitness tracking features, impressive 15-20 day battery life, and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.
Q4. What features should I look for in a fitness tracker for swimming? For swimming, look for a tracker with water resistance of at least 50 meters. The Fitbit Charge 3, Xiaomi Mi Band 3, and Fitbit Versa all offer this level of water resistance. The Oura Ring goes further with 100m water resistance, suitable for swimming and even saunas.
Q5. How do smartwatch-style fitness trackers differ from basic bands? Smartwatch-style trackers like the Fitbit Versa offer more features beyond fitness tracking, such as larger color touchscreens, app support, and sometimes music storage. They often provide a more comprehensive experience but may have shorter battery life compared to simpler fitness bands.
