Smart watch and fitness buying guide

What sports can it track?

All sports trackers let you monitor running and cycling, while most offer swimming, mountain biking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, roller skating, and rowing. Even if the tracker doesn’t specifically cover your chosen sport or activity, chances are there’s an app available to make it work for you

Is it compatible with my smart phone?

Fitness trackers are a great way to keep motivated. They track steps, distance, calories burned, and many also display notifications. They let you know your progress throughout the day and you can use an app for a more comprehensive view of your daily activity. All of the trackers we sell are compatible with current Android and iOS phones.

Many of the trackers feature dedicated apps, making it easy to track your progress. They can also be compatible with a range of popular running apps available for iOS and Android, so you can simply download the apps to your smartphone and start tracking your fitness.

Does it have a screen?

Bands with built-in displays let you keep an eye on the time and your fitness goals without your phone. They show you information such as a clock, your heart rate, and instant activity information, while some allow you to receive notifications from your smartphone or control music – great for staying motivated at the gym or when out running.

Built-in displays vary from simply showing activity information to a smartwatch-style screen with full health monitoring and phone information. If you prefer sports trackers without a screen, there are options such as LED lights that provide activity information and band-style trackers that can simply be synced with an app.

Can I swim and shower with it on?

If you want to track your swimming, make sure you check the level of waterproofing on the device. Most devices are at least splash proof but if you want a more reliable waterproof or resistant design that can be worn in the shower it’s worth checking for a higher IPX rating.

Will the design be comfortable?

Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes. They’re designed to be worn at all times so you’ll want to make sure that you pick a design that’s comfortable and stylish.

Sizing varies for each brand, but we make it clear online and instore which size you’re getting. All of the fitness trackers have a size guide on the side of their boxes or on their respective websites.

How long will the battery last?

Battery life is key. Most sports watches last just under a week and some may need charging daily if you have the GPS running a lot. Choose a device that provides you with enough power to suit your everyday needs.

Does it have a compatible app?

The app is where you view the detailed information captured by your tracker, so is an important element in choosing the right band. If you have a preferred health app, you should check that your tracker supports that app, and that the tracker itself is compatible with your smartphone (although most will work with both Android and iOS devices).

How detailed is the data?

If you’re looking for in-depth analysis and additional fitness metrics, pick a device with the best app. Different apps provide different data and will help you understand your performance with features like VO2 max and more.

If you’re training for a marathon or running long distances GPS is essential for accurately tracking your distance and pace.