We all know we should probably move a little more and sit a little less. But honestly, who’s actually keeping track? That’s where fitness trackers step in. These handy little gadgets count our steps, monitor our heartbeats, and even nudge us (well, vibrate at us) when we’ve been sitting too long. It’s kind of like having a polite, slightly judgy coach on your wrist.
When we started looking for fitness trackers for beginners, things got overwhelming fast. Some trackers are so loaded with features, we wondered if they could launch a rocket (they can’t, unfortunately). For beginners, what really matters: easy controls, long battery, a comfy band, and a screen that doesn’t make us squint. If we need to read a manual thicker than a novel or charge it every few hours, we’re out.
Don’t forget to check if the tracker plays nice with your phone and apps. Nobody wants a tracker that ignores your phone after 8 p.m. With all this in mind, we tried out a bunch of trackers so you can start your fitness journey without needing a PhD in tech.
Best Fitness Trackers for Beginners
We all want to get fit, but sometimes our wrists just feel empty (and lonely, honestly). Let’s fix that with some of the best fitness trackers for beginners. If we can count our steps together, maybe we’ll finally remember where we left our motivation.
Grab this tracker if you want a reliable, easy starter for checking your steps, sleep, and just how stressed you are about both.
Pros
Tracks heart rate, steps, and sleep (so you know if you’re actually alive or just tired)
Comfy and light—sometimes you’ll forget it’s there until it buzzes at you
Battery lasts longer than our willpower for cardio
Cons
GPS works only if you bring your phone along for the ride
Some features need a subscription that costs more than our daily coffee
Screen is small, so those with sausage fingers might struggle
Let’s be honest, the Inspire 3 makes us feel like fitness pros, even if our biggest sprint is to the fridge. It keeps track of every step, heart flutter, and nap—basically acting like a tiny, silent coach that doesn’t yell about leg day.
After a week of wearing it, we almost forgot it was even on. We got silent nudges to move, gentle reminders to breathe, and a surprisingly accurate rundown of our chaotic sleep schedule. The daily scores made us rethink life choices without making us feel guilty, which is actually refreshing.
It’s not all perfect. If you want GPS to map your heroic strolls, you’ll need your phone—so much for “minimal gear.” The Premium trial is nice, but deciding to pay for it later feels like a tougher workout than burpees. Tapping the tiny screen with clumsy fingers? That’s a workout of its own. Still, Inspire 3 keeps us accountable, entertained, and maybe—just maybe—a little healthier.
If you want to stop pretending your phone tracks steps in your pocket and actually keep tabs on your health (without spending a fortune), this one’s a solid pick.
Pros
Sleek look with a screen so bright you won’t squint while jogging
The app keeps your fitness data sorted—no more scribbling on napkins
Cons
Setting up the app takes a few extra steps (and maybe some patience)
Touchscreen confused us at first—we almost poked a hole through it
Learning all the features feels like unlocking secret game levels
Honestly, we didn’t expect much at this price, but the BSLIZHEN C60 surprised us. The band feels light and doesn’t pinch, and the curved AMOLED screen looks way more expensive than it is. The display is so clear you could probably use it during a midnight sprint.
The health features are impressive for beginners. Real-time heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen checks made us feel like we had our own mini health lab. We tried the sleep tracker—now we finally know why Mondays hurt. There are helpful reminders to drink water and move, so it’s basically a tiny, polite coach.
Setup tested our patience a little. We had to download the “Keep Health” app and pair it with Bluetooth, so cue the dramatic music. Once we figured out the light touch needed for the screen, it was smooth sailing. If you’re ready for more than just step counting and want reliable health tracking without shelling out for a big brand, try the BSLIZHEN C60 Fitness Tracker.
If you want a straightforward fitness tracker that won’t break the bank or your spirit, this is a good pick for rookies with big goals and small budgets.
Pros
Simple to use, even for us non-tech wizards
Handy sleep, heart rate, and activity tracking all in one
Waterproof, so it forgives us for that “forgot I was wearing it in the shower again” moment
Cons
The screen is a bit tiny (do we really need to see our heart rate mid-workout? Well…)
Instructions could win an award for “Most Confusing QR Code”
Lacks bells and whistles like GPS or fancy text replies
When we first strapped on the LIVIKEY Fitness Tracker, we just hoped it wouldn’t confuse our steps with our “who left the oven on?” panic sprints. It actually kept up pretty well. Steps, sleep, heart rate—this watch quietly recorded our attempts while we pretended to exercise with confidence.
Notifications popping up on our wrist made us feel more important than we are. And with 5-7 days of battery life, it outlasted that kale we swore we’d eat after buying this thing.
Using it in the rain or while washing dishes didn’t faze it (unlike us when exposed to water). The display is small, though. Trying to check our BPM mid-burpee turned into an eye test. Setup wasn’t a breeze either, thanks to instructions that felt like a puzzle. But if you want the basics at a friendly price, LIVIKEY Fitness Tracker Watch gets the job done and doesn’t nag—unlike our gym teacher.
If you want a no-fuss starter tracker, this one keeps you moving without making your head spin.
Pros
Simple to set up, even for the tech-challenged
Bright display actually shows up outdoors (finally, a win for lunchtime walks)
Battery lasts long enough to make us forget where the charger is hiding
Cons
Blood pressure readings get a little creative
App notifications might interrupt your deep thoughts
A few features don’t always nail accuracy, but nothing major
We tried the ST-CARE Fitness Tracker and didn’t need to channel our inner IT support. Connecting it with the Keep Health app took less time than brewing coffee. Once it’s running, tracking steps, calories, and our questionable sleep habits became weirdly satisfying.
That AMOLED screen is like putting sunglasses on our stats—everything is surprisingly clear, even in bright sunlight. It’s nice not feeling weighed down; this watch is feather-light and doesn’t make us look like we’re wearing a mini-computer.
The waterproof rating means it survived our handwashing marathons and “surprise” downpours, though we didn’t dare scuba with it. Having 25 sport modes felt ambitious, but at least now we can pretend we’re versatile athletes, if only in data.
On the realistic side, the sleep tracker sometimes overestimates our “deep sleep,” and the blood pressure readings seem optimistic enough to make a doctor suspicious. But for everyday basics and staying motivated, this tracker is a fun, workable pick that’s kind to both beginners and our wallets.
Lightweight and comfortable—even our laziest friend forgot they were wearing it
AMOLED screen is so bright, we couldn’t ignore notifications if we tried
Cons
Step counting accuracy can be hit or miss—sometimes our dog does more steps than us
Sleep tracking gets fooled by our Netflix binges (apparently, we sleep with our eyes open)
Some fitness stats need our phone to be truly detailed
Let’s talk about how this thing looks on the wrist—honestly, we’ve tried trackers that look like tiny spaceships, but the Zeacool is slim and has a pop of color that doesn’t scream, “I’m new here.” The AMOLED screen is the real MVP—super crisp for all our urgent reminders not to skip leg day.
We played around with the heart rate, sleep, and step tracking. Heart rate readouts came in fast and felt pretty solid for our morning walks, but the step counter seemed convinced we broke a sweat running to the fridge (relatable, but not accurate). Tracking our sleep got a little wild after a late-night movie; apparently, we “slept” through two Marvel films. Can’t confirm if fake sleeping helps with recovery.
Our favorite surprise? The tracker held a charge for nearly two weeks—less time stuck charging means more time pretending we’re healthy. The waterproofing is also legit; someone (not naming names) wore it into the pool and lived to tell the tale. This fitness tracker isn’t perfect, but for first-timer-friendly features and a price that doesn’t make us panic, we give it a “why not?”
If you want to get serious about your health without turning into a cyborg, the Fitbit Inspire 3 makes a cheeky, reliable sidekick.
Pros
Tracks sleep like it’s spying on your dreams
Lightweight, so you might forget you’re even wearing it (until it buzzes)
Battery lasts long enough that you’ll lose—and then find—the charging cable
Cons
Screen’s a bit petite for those of us with sausage fingers
Some features need an app to be useful
Not the most stylish if you’re hoping to impress at dinner parties
Let’s be real, we always say we’ll exercise more, but counting steps on our fingers just doesn’t cut it.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 gives you an easy way to see your progress, and it’s so light you probably won’t notice it—unlike that gym membership you keep “forgetting” to use.
The sleep tracking is probably our favorite part.
It tells you if you tossed and turned all night or if you actually made it to the magical land of REM.
Honestly, it knows more about our sleep than we do.
It’s water-resistant too, so if you accidentally cannonball into the pool—watch and all—it’ll survive and even tell you how many calories you burned splashing around.
Some of us wish the screen was a touch bigger, especially when we’re squinting half-awake in the morning.
But for getting the basics right and helping us dodge the “Did you work out today?” interrogation, this little device pulls its weight.
It’s not the fanciest, but for beginners who want to get moving without reading a thick manual, it just works.
If you want a no-nonsense tracker with plenty of features and a friendly price tag, keep this one on your radar.
Pros
The display is super clear and easy to swipe, even after a sweaty workout.
Loads of exercise modes for those of us who can’t pick just one sport.
Battery lasts for ages—no constant recharging panic.
Cons
The app takes some getting used to.
Sometimes it vibrates for notifications we’re not sure we signed up for.
Touchscreen gets finicky with wet fingers.
Unboxing this tracker, we realized we’d finally upgraded from those plastic step counters we had as kids.
The Wontrum’s color screen pops, and seeing your step count in bold colors actually keeps you motivated.
Trying out a few of the 128+ exercise modes, we had to admit: if there’s an athletic hobby we forgot, this watch still remembers.
Health tracking features go deeper than we expected.
You get heart rate, sleep analysis, and random reminders to drink water—sometimes it cares a bit too much.
We wrestled with the app at first, but once everything synced, the data felt like having a mini coach on your wrist.
Long battery life means you can forget your charger at home for a few days and not panic.
The waterproof rating lets you keep it on when you wash your hands, no drama.
If you want a budget-friendly tracker with practical features, this one might actually get you moving—even if it’s just a victory lap around the kitchen.
If you want an easy-to-use tracker with solid features and a battery that could outlast your willpower, the Amazfit Band 7 is a strong contender—just don’t expect it to make your coffee.
Pros
Lasts so long on a single charge, you might forget where you left the charger
Lightweight and comfortable—you’ll barely notice it until it vibrates
Tracks lots of different workouts—even your “briskly chasing the bus” routine
Cons
Screen can feel cramped if you’ve got bigger wrists or less-than-perfect eyesight
Alexa sometimes hears you, sometimes doesn’t
No built-in GPS, so you’ll still need your phone for precise run tracking
The Amazfit Band 7 feels comfy and light right away.
It won’t dig into your wrist, so you might forget you’re wearing it until it buzzes you off the couch.
Setup is fast—just a quick app download, a few taps, and you’re set.
You can go nearly three weeks between charges, which is perfect if you forget to plug things in until they’re blinking red.
The sleep tracking seems pretty accurate, and the heart rate features give you a detailed (but not scary) look at how your heart handles everything from Netflix marathons to actual marathons (okay, maybe half-marathons).
One thing that surprised us—this tracker handles over 120 sports modes, though honestly, we only do like three.
The bright screen is sharp, but if your eyesight isn’t great (or your arms are big), swiping can feel a bit pokey.
Alexa can help out, but sometimes she just ghosts us.
And if you want GPS tracking for runs, you’ll need to bring your phone along.
Not a deal breaker, but worth knowing.
If you’re after something affordable that tracks health, doesn’t need daily charging, and gives you a little push to move, the Amazfit Band 7 fits the bill.
If you want to track your activity without feeling like you’re wearing a tiny computer, this one fits the bill.
Pros
Easy to figure out, even for the tech-challenged
Sleep tracking actually made us rethink our bedtime stories
Battery lasts so long we nearly forgot to charge it
Cons
Premium subscription required for some features (yep, another subscription)
Screen is a bit small, so squinting happens
Needs the Fitbit app and a Google account—more logins to remember
We’re not professional athletes, so we wanted something simple, and the Fitbit Inspire 2 checks that box.
Setup is quick, and we appreciate how light and comfortable it feels.
No joke, we even slept with it strapped on, and most of us forgot it was there until morning.
Day-to-day tracking is smooth.
Steps add up without you needing to remember to push any buttons.
The sleep feature surprised us most: apparently, we sleep better than we thought (except on Sunday nights).
The heart rate data gives a clear picture and helps us know when it’s time to actually rest, not just pretend.
There are a few quirks.
Some of us squint at the tiny display, especially when our eyes are barely open in the morning.
To get all the bonus features, you’ll have to sign up for another subscription, which made our wallets sigh.
And if you’re tired of downloading apps, you’ll need to mentally prepare for another login and password.
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is a great starter fitness tracker as long as you don’t mind the tiny screen and the usual sign-up dance.
And if you forget to charge it, don’t worry—the battery will probably outlast our good intentions.
Buying Guide
Picking a fitness tracker can honestly feel like shopping for socks in a giant mall—so many options, and somehow, every single one claims to be “the best.” Let’s just cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.
1. What Do We Want to Track?
Steps: Great if you walk as much as your neighbor’s cat, or maybe even less.
Heart Rate: Handy if you want proof you’re still alive after hauling groceries up the stairs.
Sleep: Curious what you’re (not) doing at 3 AM? This feature’s for you.
2. Battery Life
Nobody wants to charge their tracker more than their phone. Aim for something that’ll last at least a week, or you’ll just toss it in the junk drawer with all the other dead gadgets.
3. Comfort and Size
If your tracker feels like strapping a mini sandwich to your wrist, it’s just not it. Go for something lightweight and comfortable. Adjustable bands? Definitely a plus—your wrists shouldn’t have to go on a diet just for tech.
Feature
Why It Matters
Waterproof
Rainy days, sweaty workouts, or that random pool party—no problem
Easy to Use
We want to track things, not launch a rocket
Mobile App
A simple app makes it way easier to actually understand your stats
Before you buy, maybe just ask yourself: “Will this thing make me move more, or is it destined for the mystery drawer with all the old chargers?”
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
