How to choose a fitness bracelet – expert reviews

A fitness bracelet is a useful device not only for those who want to track their activity, but for everyone who just wants to start moving more.

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1. What is a fitness bracelet for?
2. Fitness bracelet selection options
3. How to choose a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor
4. Which fitness bracelet to choose for iPhone
5. Choosing a fitness bracelet on Android
6. Choosing inexpensive fitness bracelets from China
7. The best manufacturers of fitness bracelets
8. Review of the best fitness bracelets
9. Video on choosing a fitness bracelet

What is a fitness bracelet for?

Basically, a fitness bracelet is a device for measuring and tracking a person's physical activity. Powerful models can also detect biometrics such as heart rate, skin conductivity (to track emotional state), and self-identify the type of exercise.

Fitness bracelets can be roughly divided into three levels:

1. Elementary. This level includes devices such as Xiaomi Mi Band, Jawbone UP, etc. Such devices can count steps, analyze certain types of movement, work as a smart alarm clock, etc.

2. Amateur. This tier includes devices such as Fitbit Charge, Misfit shine , Withings Pulse, etc. They are able to track many types of activity, not just steps and similar movements. The functionality of the bracelet is expanded due to the capabilities of the application;

3. Professional. They know how to calculate height, determine the conductivity of the skin, independently track the type of physical activity and distinguish, for example, running from volleyball. Examples – Microsoft Band, Garmin Vivo active and others.

Structurally, the vast majority of fitness bracelets are nothing more than a “bunch of sensors with a battery”, and all the “smart” functionality is determined by the capabilities of the application. Therefore, for example, Xiaomi Mi Band can only calculate steps and analyze sleep, and Fitbit Charge can also track calorie consumption. True, the user will have to independently enter into the application the products that he ate for breakfast or dinner.

The main task of fitness bracelets is as follows:

1. Entry-level devices have user motivation. It is assumed that a person, frightened by his low physical activity, will begin to move more and more often;

2. For amateur devices – help for novice athletes. A fitness bracelet helps you train correctly, without overworking and burning those extra calories;

3. Professional level devices – tracking the activity of experienced athletes. The fitness bracelet collects information about all workouts, the state of the body and the environment during exercise.

So, if you just want to move more (or find out how much you walk around the house during the day), it's worth buying an entry-level fitness bracelet. To help with sports – amateur. And for serious training, extreme hobbies like mountaineering or activity tracking at an advanced level – professional.

Fitness bracelet selection options

When choosing a fitness bracelet, in addition to the 'level' of the device, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics. Among them:

1. Types of installed sensors;

2. Battery life;

3. Frequency and type of information synchronization;

4. Moisture protection of the case;

5. Smart watch functions;

6. Operating system compatibility;

7. Fixing the device;

8. The type and material of the strap, the presence of additional sensors on it.

9. The manufacturer of the device is also important.

Types of installed sensors

The number of biometric and physical indicators that a fitness bracelet can track directly depends on the installed sensors. The most common sensors are:

1. Gyroscope and accelerometer. Designed to track the movement of the device in space. Fitted in all fitness bracelets. Most often used for counting steps, hand waves, and other user movements;

2. Heart rate monitor. As the name implies, it is designed to count the heart rate. It can be active and passive. The active heart rate monitor works constantly, significantly reducing the autonomy of the fitness bracelet (up to a couple of hours of work without recharging), while the passive one is turned on manually through the application or automatically starts when it detects prolonged physical activity;

3. Altimeter. Height measurement sensor. Shows the number of floors climbed (for urban residents) or the height of the conquered mountain (for climbers);

4. GPS module. Designed to determine the location of the user. Can be used for tracking runs, hikes, crosses, marathons and other physical activities that involve moving long distances;

5. GSR sensor (galvanic skin response). It can be used for a variety of purposes – from detecting stressful conditions to monitoring the level of hydration of the body;

6. Thermometer. Can measure both skin temperature and environmental conditions;

7. Light sensor. Helps the bracelet determine the time of day;

8. Bioimpedance sensors. They work similarly to the GSR sensor, determine the conductivity of the skin, but through this parameter they analyze the respiration rate, the level of electrolytes in the blood, even its composition (but not too accurately, therefore, for example, they will not be warned of a drop in the sugar level). In general, they are designed to measure small changes in the body.

Most entry-level bracelets have only a gyroscope, accelerometer and heart rate monitor. The rest of the sensors are found in devices of a higher class.

It should be noted that the accuracy of most sensors is very imperfect. For example, a heart rate monitor measures the heart rate optically, that is, 'shining through' the skin and determining the amount of blood in the veins by the volume of absorbed photo radiation. Therefore, its readings may vary depending on many parameters, including the composition and diseases of the blood, the degree of adherence of the bracelet to the skin, skin color, the level of lighting in the room, and others. The discrepancy between the measured and real heart rate can be up to 10-20 beats per minute.

Other sensors work similarly. The accelerometer can count various hand movements for steps (for example, typing on the keyboard, which was verified by the author of the article); GSR sensor shows different values ​​on dry and wet skin; the light sensor can confuse day and night if you cover it with a sleeve.

There are no devices with perfectly calibrated and balanced sensors, so you shouldn't treat the sensor readings as absolute truth.

Battery life

The battery life depends on three parameters – the type of heart rate monitor, the presence of a display and the frequency of synchronization. It is worth mentioning separately that it makes no sense to buy fitness bracelets that need to be charged more often than once every few days.

The heart rate monitor, being an optical device, consumes the battery very actively. Therefore, the more often and longer it is used, the shorter the battery life of the bracelet. In constantly active mode, the heart rate monitor can drain the battery in just a couple of hours.

Therefore, fitness bracelets with a passive heart rate monitor, such as Xiaomi Mi Band 2 or Fitbit Charge HR , are suitable for most users. To measure heart rate in them, you need to open the companion application on your smartphone and press the corresponding button.

The screen is another resource-intensive element of the fitness bracelet design. Therefore, it is advisable to choose models that are not equipped with it. And if the display is still needed, you will have to prepare for the fact that the fitness bracelet will have to be charged once every couple of days.

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For comparison, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 with OLED – the display 'lives' from one charge to several days, and Misfit shine without a screen (though it uses an hour battery) – 2-3 months.

The synchronization frequency also determines the autonomy of the device, since the module activity depends on it Bluetooth. The lower it is, the longer the bracelet 'lives'. So, for Jawbone UP2 without BT-module the battery life is up to 10 days, but for UP24 with it it is already up to 2 days.

If you plan to only periodically review physical activity statistics, you should choose models with a low sync frequency (or even forced sync). But to track movements in real time, you need a device that would be constantly connected to a smartphone. But you can't expect autonomy from it.

The battery capacity, as is clear from the above, the autonomy of the fitness bracelet is practically independent.

Frequency and method of information synchronization

The frequency of information synchronization between the fitness bracelet and the smartphone to which it is connected can be conditionally divided into several types – forced, background, constant on demand, and active.

1. Forced synchronization means that the device records information about the user's physical activity in its own memory, and then, if necessary, transfers them to the companion application. This type of information exchange is implemented in the first generation Jawbone and Fitbit Charge fitness bracelets when connected to a computer, not a smartphone. Provides the greatest autonomy, however, it is impossible to determine how many steps were taken during a walk without special manipulations.

2. Background synchronization means that the fitness bracelet periodically (once every few minutes or even hours) sends information about physical activity to the companion application on the smartphone connected via Bluetooth. Implemented in the vast majority of such devices, including Xiaomi Mi Band. Provides optimal autonomy and allows you to view statistics for short periods without special manipulation.

3. Constant on demand is manually activated. Most often it works in beginner and amateur fitness bracelets with an active workout mode or heart rate monitor. Leads to a rapid discharge of the battery, so it should not be overused.

4. Active is similar to continuous on demand, only it sends data in real time regardless of user actions. It allows you to get the most relevant information, but it leads to a very rapid discharge of the battery.

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The best solution would be to buy a fitness bracelet with background synchronization and the ability to turn on constant on demand.

For information synchronization, wireless communication is most often used via Bluetooth, but some models of fitness bracelets (for example, the first generation Jawbone) require a 'wired' connection. The latter is not very convenient.

Waterproof housing

Fitness bracelets designed for active use and regular wear must be well protected from the external aggressive environment. Therefore, the best solution is models with a housing insulated to IP67 and higher. IP68 even allows you to swim without removing the bracelet.

Smartwatch functions

Fitness bracelets with a screen also have smartwatch functionality – for example, they can tell the time, view notifications, and answer calls. However, such capabilities lead to an increase in the cost of the device and a decrease in its battery life.

Therefore, choosing fitness bracelets with 'smartwatch' functions (such as Sony SmartBand SWR10 and Huawei TalkBand B2) should be based on your needs and budget.

Operating system compatibility

Some bracelets are compatible with all mobile and even desktop operating systems (for example, Jawbone, Xiaomi Mi Band and Fitbit Charge), while others are only compatible with some. For example, Sony SmartBand only works with devices on Android.

Therefore, when choosing a fitness bracelet, you should also check its compatibility with the operating system in use.

Mount

Despite the name 'fitness bracelet', some models of such devices have a different design. For example, the Jawbone Up Move is designed as a clip that attaches to clothing, while the Misfit shine can be transformed into a pendant.

Strap features

The ideal strap material for fitness bracelets is silicone or silicone rubber. It is both durable, hypoallergenic and non-deformable due to contact with moisture. Wet cloth can irritate the skin.

In addition, a leather strap can be used in premium fitness bands. It provides the best tactile experience in everyday wear, but is uncomfortable during sports and may deform when exposed to moisture.

It's good if the fitness bracelet will support strap replacement. However, multifunctional models are deprived of this opportunity. They contain additional sensors on the strap, as a result of which it is not possible to replace it without disassembling the device.

Features of the choice of fitness bracelets

When choosing fitness bracelets of various types and purposes, it is worth considering different parameters.

How to choose a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor

The following parameters affect the accuracy of the heart rate monitor:

1. The tightness of contact with the skin – the bracelet should fit snugly (that is, be small and preferably curved);

2. Heart rate monitor height – it is desirable that this sensor is not deepened into the bracelet and stands out slightly from it;

3. The ability to rotate the heart rate monitor to the back of your wrist for more accurate readings.

Which fitness bracelet to choose for iPhone

Almost all fitness bracelets are compatible with the operating system iOS, including Xiaomi. Limited compatibility occurs only with products from Sony and Microsoft.

Choosing a fitness bracelet on Android

Almost all fitness bracelets are compatible with the operating system Android. Limited compatibility occurs except for products Microsoft.

The fitness bracelets themselves are not equipped with an operating system, therefore, if the device specifications indicate that it works for Android, then this is not a fitness bracelet, but a smartwatch.

Choosing inexpensive fitness bracelets from China

The best option for a budget fitness bracelet from China is Xiaomi Mi Band 2. If this option is not suitable, then you should not choose models that are equipped with a screen, SIM cards and other built-in TVs – they will not work for long, and testimony will be highly controversial.

Among the ultra-budget fitness bracelets from Chinese manufacturers, we can also highlight the products of Bong, THL and Teclast. But in most cases they do not have interchangeable straps or a Russified application.

The best manufacturers of fitness bracelets

Among the best manufacturers of fitness bracelets are the following companies:

1. Xiaomi (ideal in their price segment);

2. Fitbit, Misfit, Withings (great mid-range devices)

3. Jawbone (pioneers, there are both successful and unsuccessful models);

4. Sony, Huawei (fitness bracelets with smartwatch function);

5. Microsoft, Garmin (professional fitness bracelets);

6. Teclast, THL, Bong ('China' with good functionality and low price).

7. Samsung and Moov deserve a mention as well, but their range of fitness bracelets is very limited.

Review of the best fitness bracelets

Among the best fitness bracelets are Xiaomi Mi Band of current version 2, Fitbit Charge HR, Misfit Shine and Withings Pulse.

Xiaomi Mi Band 2

Simply the best in its price category 'up to 2000 rubles'. It knows how to count the pulse, albeit not always very accurately (the discrepancy is up to 10-20 beats per minute), steps, calories, is equipped with a smart alarm function and an LCD screen that displays a clock and notification icons from a smartphone.

Fitbit Charge HR

Quite expensive, but a completely self-contained fitness bracelet that can be used without a smartphone. Compatible with computers, adapter included. Knows how to count the pulse and determine the number of floors climbed thanks to the built-in altimeter. All information is displayed. The app has a food diary.

Misfit Shine

The bracelet, which does not need recharging, is powered by a watch battery. Can be transformed into a pendant. It has excellent water resistance, smart alarm mode, power diary in the application. There is no heart rate sensor. There is a dial, which is completely useless, but interestingly realized.

Withings Pulse O2

Stylish fitness tracker with touchscreen. There is a heart rate monitor and a sensor for measuring the level of oxygen in the blood. There is no alarm clock, it has little autonomy with frequent forced synchronization on request, it does not count too accurately, there is no moisture protection. However, it's a great device for geeks who just need to move more. Well, the function of measuring the oxygen level is not found in every such device.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a heart rate monitor and the secrets of choosing Nordic walking poles.

Video on choosing a fitness bracelet

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.