Smartwatches have become much more than just a tool to check time and notifications. For fitness enthusiasts, these devices are now powerful companions that help track progress, set goals, and improve performance. Whether you’re running, cycling, or simply tracking your steps, the right smartwatch can elevate your workout experience. Let’s explore five of the best smartwatches for fitness lovers in 2025.
Best Smartwatches for Fitness
1. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 remains one of the top choices for fitness enthusiasts, thanks to its sleek design and a wide range of features. It comes with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and a variety of fitness tracking options like running, swimming, cycling, and even yoga. The watch can also detect your workout automatically, so you don’t have to manually start tracking. One of the standout features is its Always-On Retina display, which ensures you can easily check your stats during your workout, even under bright sunlight.
In addition to fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 9 integrates seamlessly with the Health app on your iPhone, allowing you to monitor your overall wellness, including your sleep patterns and mindfulness activities. It also has a blood oxygen sensor, and with the watchOS 10, it offers even more refined fitness features.
Pros:
- Excellent fitness tracking
- Seamless integration with iPhone
- Always-On display
- Wide range of third-party fitness apps
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery life is about 18 hours, which may not last a full day of intense training
2. Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin is well-known for creating high-end fitness watches, and the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a fantastic choice for serious athletes. This smartwatch is designed with advanced fitness tracking in mind, offering features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, sleep analysis, and VO2 max estimation (which measures your cardiovascular fitness).
The Forerunner 965 is perfect for runners and cyclists. It tracks all the important metrics and offers specific modes for different activities. Its long battery life (up to 2 weeks) and rugged design make it ideal for outdoor adventures and long training sessions.
Garmin’s Connect app offers insights into your fitness progress and helps set personalized goals. If you’re someone who participates in triathlons or ultramarathons, this smartwatch can handle it all with ease.
Pros:
- Great for serious athletes
- Impressive battery life
- Advanced fitness metrics like VO2 max and lactate threshold
- Durable design
Cons:
- A bit bulky for everyday use
- Expensive
3. Fitbit Charge 6
For those looking for an affordable yet powerful fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great option. While it’s technically a fitness band, not a full-fledged smartwatch, it offers a solid set of features that can track everything from steps to heart rate and workouts. The Fitbit Charge 6 comes with a built-in GPS, so you can track your runs without needing your phone.
The Active Zone Minutes feature is an excellent addition, helping users stay within their optimal heart rate zones for maximum workout efficiency. Fitbit’s health tracking is also top-notch, including sleep analysis, stress tracking, and even guided breathing exercises.
One of the biggest advantages of the Charge 6 is its battery life. It can last up to 7 days on a single charge, making it one of the longest-lasting trackers on the market.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Built-in GPS
- Excellent sleep and stress tracking
Cons:
- Screen is smaller compared to full smartwatches
- Lacks some advanced features like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 is another great option for fitness enthusiasts, especially those who are Android users. It combines smart features with health and fitness tracking in a stylish, modern design. The Galaxy Watch 6 offers everything you would expect, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and automatic workout tracking.
One of the standout features is the BioActive Sensor, which tracks your body’s composition (fat percentage, muscle mass, etc.), giving you a clearer picture of your fitness goals. It also has a blood oxygen sensor and a stress management tool. With built-in GPS, you can track your runs or cycling sessions without needing your phone.
The watch’s battery life can last up to two days, and it charges quickly, making it perfect for users who are always on the move.
Pros:
- Solid fitness tracking features
- Stylish and customizable design
- Great for Android users
- Tracks body composition
Cons:
- Battery life is shorter compared to some others
- Can be expensive
5. Whoop Strap 4.0
For those who prefer a more minimalist design, the Whoop Strap 4.0 is a great choice. Unlike traditional smartwatches, the Whoop Strap 4.0 is a fitness band that focuses on recovery and performance tracking. This strap doesn’t have a screen, but it connects to your smartphone to provide in-depth analysis.
It tracks metrics like sleep performance, heart rate variability, and strain (the amount of physical effort you put into your activities). The device also helps you monitor your recovery so you can optimize your workout intensity based on how well you’ve recovered. The Whoop Strap 4.0 offers a battery life of up to 5 days and doesn’t need charging constantly because it comes with a battery pack.
Pros:
- Minimalist design
- Focuses on recovery and performance tracking
- No screen, so it’s great for non-disruptive use
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- No screen or on-watch display
- Requires a subscription for full access to data
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or are already a seasoned athlete, choosing the right smartwatch can make a big difference in achieving your goals. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Garmin Forerunner 965 are perfect for those who want comprehensive features and tracking capabilities, while the Fitbit Charge 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offer solid performance at more affordable prices. If you want to focus on recovery and performance without distractions, the Whoop Strap 4.0 is a unique option.
No matter which you choose, each of these smartwatches provides the tools you need to stay motivated, track your progress, and keep pushing your limits.