Fitness bands are focused on the specific tasks associated with fitness (steps, sleep, tracking heart rate etc) while smartwatches also include additional productivity and communication features.

We recommend models with a CHOICE Expert Rating above 80%.

This overall score consists of: ease of use (30%), comfort (35%), pedometer accuracy (17.5%) and distance accuracy (17.5%).

We set up each fitness tracker on Android, iOS and Windows where available and score how easy they are to set up and wear, and how well they track information via the band and via the related app.

We use a panel of six people (3 men and 3 women) and get them to try on each fitness tracker. They rate how easy it is to put on and take off the band, how easy it is to adjust to get the best fit, and how comfortable the band is to use and wear daily. The scores are then averaged.

We measure how accurately each fitness tracker measures steps. Accuracy depends on what you put in as your height, weight and, in some cases, pace length, and the technology used by the fitness tracker.

We measure accuracy of distance and how well it tracks how you move. The fitness tracker uses a number of technologies to track how far you've travelled. Accuracy depends on what you put in as your height, weight and, in some cases, pace length.

We measure five different people tried on each fitness tracker and readings are taken against a medical-grade monitor. Each tracker is given time to stabilise. Note, we no longer test resting heart rate accuracy as of 2022.

We measure accuracy and how well each tracker responds to changes in heart rate, and how it deals with adverse conditions, such as sweat and motion. Note, we no longer test active heart rate accuracy as of 2022.

Models tested in, and after, 2022 are no longer assessed for resting and active heart rate.

Results taken from CHOICE reliability survey (2018) of 2105 members, where possible. Does not contribute to the overall score.

Results taken from CHOICE reliability survey (2018) of 2105 members, where possible. Does not contribute to the overall score.

Recommended retail price at time of purchase.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

There are a variety of certifications that indicate the degree of dirt, grime, grit and water protection these include ATM (Atmospheric Pressure), IP (ingress protection) and WR (water resistant). The rule of thumb is, the higher the number, the greater the protection. For example, 1 ATM is equivalent to 10 metres underwater and 5 ATM is equivalent to 50 metres. Some manufacturers may make broad claims instead such as "water resistant."

Whether or not the device works via Android, the smartphone operating system.

Whether or not the device works via iOS, the Apple smartphone operating system.

Whether or not the device works via Windows, the Microsoft smartphone operating system.

Models with screens display some or all relevant information on the band/smartwatch. Models without screens convey all information on the accompanying app. Some can provide basic information such as time or battery life using a series of LEDs.

Most trackers can eliminate the need for a standalone watch as they present the time on your wrist.

Built-in GPS. Some models also include GLONASS (the Russian version of GPS). Models that support GPS and GLONASS should deliver the fastest position identification.

Built-in GLONASS (the Russian version of GPS). Models that support GPS and GLONASS should deliver the fastest position identification.

Activating GPS/GLONASS will significantly reduce battery life.

Bluetooth 5 is the most recent, widespread version which improved battery life as well as speed, signal strength and performance over longer distances. But fitness bands and fitness features on smartwatches don't really require features beyond the slightly older Bluetooth 4.0. "Smart" Bluetooth is more or less the same as 4.0. Some brands do not specify the version used.

While fitness tracking is the main purpose for these devices, notification of a text or phone call coming in from your smartphone can be very handy.

Does the fitness tracker have a webpage that you can access via your PC to see your stats such as steps taken, calories burned, etc?

An alarm can be a useful thing, especially if it's a silent alarm that just buzzes on your wrist to wake you up without waking up anyone next to you.

Most fitness bands and smartwatches measure this by assessing barometric pressure. A useful feature for measuring floors climbed.

Heart rate monitors are a useful barometer of effort for some people and can act as a way to measure your fitness regime more precisely.

A sleep tracker claims to be able to measure when you are active in your sleep.

Some fitness bands have a session tracker which means you can trigger an activity type (such as a run or a cycle) and note it via the tracker rather than having to log it manually later. This means it can assess the number of calories you've burned in this period.

A food tracker built into the smartphone app used by the fitness band means you can log your intake of food throughout the day.

Motivational points in your training regime. Models vary between supplying preset goals and allowing you to customise your milestones.

Some devices allow you to share milestones reached via various social media. Most can share these with a few different social platforms.