From PCMAG · Andrew Gebhart · · 2m
Best Fitness Trackers for 2026
PCMag tests top fitness trackers for 2026.
In brief
PCMag tests top fitness trackers for 2026. PCMag recommends Fitbit Air, Charge 6, Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5, and others for different needs. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Best Screenless Tracker
PCMag tests fitness trackers for 2026, finding the Fitbit Air best for screen-free use.
“The affordable Fitbit Air is the best screen-free fitness tracker we've tested”
Most Advanced Fitbit Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers 40 exercise modes, Bluetooth integration with gym equipment, and Google lifestyle apps.
“40 exercise modes (up from 20)”
Best for iPhone Users
The Apple Watch Series 12 provides two-day battery life, upgraded health sensors, and fast contextual Siri AI.
“More than two days of battery life”
Best for Android Users
The Google Pixel Watch 5 delivers accurate exercise and sleep tracking with detailed Gemini health coaching.
“Detailed Gemini health coaching”
Best for Beginners
The Fitbit Inspire 3 has a color touch screen, long battery life, and all basic activity and sleep features under $100.
“With long battery life a color touch screen and all the basic activity and sleep features you need”
Best for Women
The Garmin Lily 2 offers slim design with interchangeable bands, good battery life, and sleep tracking for women.
“Plenty of options for activity tracking”
Best Battery Life
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 provides weeklong battery life, large AMOLED screen, and integrated GPS for fitness tracking.
“Weeklong battery life”
Best Smart Ring
The Oura Ring 5 improves on its predecessor with longer battery life and accurate sleep and stress tracking.
“10+ days of battery life”
Best Affordable Android Tracker
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is a simple, affordable tracker with accurate heart rate and sleep monitoring under $50.
“Accurate heart rate readings”
Most Affordable Apple Watch
The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers two-day battery life, always-on display, and upgraded sensors for under $250.
“Nearly two days of battery life”
Best for Onboard Music Storage
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a bright display, long battery life, and health insights for music storage.
“Bright responsive AMOLED touch screen”
Best for Serious Runners
The Polar Pacer Pro helps track running power, ascent and descent, and GPS performance for runners.
“Wrist-based running power measurements”
Best for Kids
The Fitbit Ace 3 tracks activity and sleep for kids without a monthly subscription fee.
“Tracks activity and sleep”
Best Early Prime Day Deals
Prime Day offers discounts on Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5, and Garmin Vivoactive 5.
“Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) $389”
Editor's Note
September 24, 2.026: PCMag updated recommendations to include Apple Watch Series 12 and Google Pixel Watch 5.
“September 24, 2026: With this update we replaced the Apple Watch Series 11 with the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 with the Google Pixel Watch 5”
Final Recommendation
PCMag's top picks for 2026 fitness trackers cover all needs from screen-free to advanced health tracking.
“The affordable Fitbit Air is the best screen-free fitness tracker we've tested”
The takeaway
PCMag recommends Fitbit Air, Charge 6, Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5, and others for different needs.
