The Best Fitness Trackers With GPS For 2021

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If you’ve been looking to upgrade your lifestyle into a healthier one, I’ve got the right thing just for you. In this article, I’ll be recommending to you the best fitness trackers with GPS for 2021.

Fitness trackers are a great option for anyone who needs a gentle nudge or subtle reminders of ways to improve their health. These little encouragements can be in the form of taking a walk to get those daily steps in. Sometimes, it can also be just getting more sleep.

In any case, these small changes and habits can actually make huge improvements over time in your health. A dedicated fitness tracker will help you with that in the long run. So if you’re interested in investing in these activity bands, just keep on reading to find out my top recommendations for you.

Why Do You Need A Fitness Tracker?

Fitness trackers are not an absolute necessity for anyone. To some, it’s considered a luxury. But it is a very convenient device to have on the go. So if you want something that will help you improve your lifestyle and you can afford it, a fitness tracker is your best bet.

Since its introduction years ago, fitness trackers have risen in popularity and have taken over plenty of fitness enthusiasts’ favors. How could it not? It keeps track of your daily activities, monitors your sleep, how many steps you’ve taken, calories you’ve burnt, and so much more nifty features.

While I think these fitness wearables are worth the investment, I also understand a lot of them are quite the splurge. So before you make any impulsive purchases, you have to ask yourself first if you do need that extra push or motivation from a fitness tracker.

If your answer is yes, then scroll a little bit further down to see the best fitness trackers I can recommend to you.

My Top Recommendations

1. Fitbit Charge 4

Overview

Taking the top spot in our list of the best fitness trackers with GPS this 2021 is the Fitbit Charge 4.

This comes as no surprise as Fitbit was the first company and brand that introduced us to fitness trackers back in 2009. They’re actually one of the leading manufacturers of fitness trackers in the market.

They are dedicated to helping you improve your lifestyle and health by making it a fun experience for you through the use of their products.

What sets the Fitbit Charge 4 apart from its predecessor (the Charge 3) is the built-in GPS. The built-in GPS helps you see your pace and distance on-screen during your outdoor runs, rides, hikes, and more. Apart from that, you’ll also see a workout intensity map in the device’s app that shows your heart rate changes along your routes.

But aside from the GPS, the Charge 4 has a lot more interesting features that you will surely appreciate.

These features include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, which will notify you through a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercises, activity tracking, sleep tracking, skin temperature measurement, and SpO2 readings.

While admittedly, the screen is not as flashy as other fitness trackers you might come across in the market, the simple icons and menus for navigation are well laid out and easy to understand for anyone. So this particular wearable is most suitable for beginners as well.

Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The Fitbit Charge 4 Here.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches, 1.06 ounces.
• Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit.
• Batteries Used:  1 Lithium Polymer battery.
• Battery Life: Lasts up to 7 days and up to 5 hours 
• Wireless Communication: Bluetooth.
• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes, 24/7 monitoring.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Black, Rosewood, Granite, Blue, and etc.
• Extra Features: Active Zone Minutes, SpO2 sensor, built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, Spotify playlist controls.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Charge 4?

2. Apple Watch Series 6

Overview

Of course, when talking about the best fitness trackers with GPS for 2021, it’s impossible to leave out the Apple Series 6.

While it’s not a dedicated fitness tracker, this smartwatch still packs a punch with its equipped features and is at par with the likes of Fitbit, Garmin, and other fitness brands in the industry. And if you’re looking for a wearable that does it all, might as well pick the best of the best, right?

This particular wearable does not merely track your daily activities and workouts. It actually does a lot more for you.

From a faster charging time, SpO2 sensor app to measure your blood oxygen levels, an FDA-approved ECG app to check your heart rhythm to the “Always-On” Retina display, you’ll surely not see any smartwatch doing it like the Apple Watch Series 6 in the market as of writing this.

If that’s not enough to convince you, the Apple Watch Series 6 also has access to the App Store, which is one of the biggest libraries for apps out there. Not only that, but you also have the option to subscribe to Apple’s most in-demand streaming service for fitness enthusiasts, the Fitness+.

Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The Apple Watch Series 6 Here.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: ‎1.57 x 1.34 x 0.42 inches, 1.08 ounces.
• Screen Size: 40 mm and 44mm
• Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
• Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery.
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of battery life.
• Wireless Communication / Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS.
• Compatibility: iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen display.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Interchangeable bands with multiple colors to choose from.
• Extra Features: Fitness Tracker, Built-In GPS, Cellular Data, Sleep Monitor, Voice Assistant, Elevation Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, FDA-approved ECG app, SpO2 Sensor App, Fall Detection, and Always-on Retina display.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Apple Watch Series 6?

3. Fitbit Versa 2

Overview

Now if you’re someone who wants the Apple Watch Series 6 but can’t quite afford it, the Fitbit Versa 2 is the next best thing. Though keep in mind that this alternative wearable is more of a fitness tracker with smartwatch perks and features rather than a smartwatch with fitness tracking features.

Nonetheless, it’s a near-perfect budget-friendly smartwatch you can find in the market right now.

Aside from the usual activity tracking such as sleep monitoring, heart monitoring, your daily steps, calories burned, and etc., the Versa 2 has Amazon Alexa built-in to the device. Which I find pretty nifty when it comes to the latest updates regarding the weather, the news, trends, and a lot more.

The Versa 2 also features a larger display that is always on so every information you need is just a quick glance away. Not to mention, this affordable wearable lasts up to more than 6 days with a single charge.

When your phone is nearby, you’ll also get notifications from text messages, calls, app notifications. What’s more, if you’re using an Android phone, you can also send out quick replies from the comfort of your wrist without having to pick up your phone.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 1.56 x 1.59 x 0.47 inches, 0.16 ounces.
• Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
• Batteries Used: 1 LR44 battery.
• Battery Life: Lasts up to more than 6 days depending on use.
• Wireless Communication: Bluetooth
• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Black/Carbon, Bordeaux/Copper Rose, Navy & Pink Woven/Copper Rose, Petal/Copper Rose, Smoke Woven/Mist Grey, and Stone/Mist Grey.
• Extra Features: Built-in Amazon Alexa, Weather, Sleep Monitor, Reminders, Voice Assistant, Alexa, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Spotify controls, Pandora stations, and Deezer playlists.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Versa 2 ?

4. Fitbit Sense

Overview

The Fitbit Sense is the perfect hybrid between fitness and wellness. Calling this a dupe for the Apple Watch Series would be an understatement. personally, I think this is in a league of its own and competes fairly against the likes of Apple and Samsung.

While admittedly, the Fitbit still has miles to go in the smartwatch department, its efforts don’t go unnoticed and are still leading in terms of fitness tracking. But we already all know the latter. Fitbit is pretty much the pioneer of fitness tracking there’s really no surprise there.

When it comes to health and wellness, however, Fitbit has added a slew of features that are definitely familiar if you have used Apple’s or Samsung’s smartwatches in the past.

The Fitbit Sense is now equipped with sensors such as stress monitoring with the EDA scan app, blood oxygen level readings, temperature measurement, sleep monitoring, and as well as an FDA-cleared electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).

While these features are not anything new, it’s still pretty great for Fitbit to finally keep up and give you more options to choose from that are coming from different manufacturers.

If these don’t convince you, the Fitbit Sense has the most impressive battery life in smartwatches. While the Apple and Samsung wearables struggle to last for more than a day’s use, the Fitbit Sense can easily last up to more than 6 days depending on your usage.

Not to mention, the Sense has ultra-fast charging as well. This wearable gives you a full day’s use just by charging it for 12 minutes.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions:‎ 1.59 x 1.59 x 0.49 inches; 1.06 Ounces
• Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
• Batteries Used:  ‎ 1 Lithium Polymer battery.
• Battery Life: Lasts up to more than6 days.
• Wireless Communication: Bluetooth and GPS.
• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Black only.
• Extra Features: EDA Scan app, Fitbit ECG app, Always On screen, on-wrist skin temperature sensor, built-in GPS, supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, built-in mic and speaker.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Sense?

5. Garmin Vivosmart HR+

Overview

If you’re someone who loves to run as part of your daily exercise or just a fitness fanatic, you’ll absolutely love the Garmin Vivosmart HR+.

Garmin is a reliable company that is no stranger to manufacturing fitness devices that will help you improve your lifestyle. They’re dedicated to creating fitness devices like these wearables that you can use and integrate conveniently as part of your daily life.

The Vivosmart HR+ is one of those.

Personally, I think this particular model is an odd hybrid. While some companies and manufacturers are looking to create the next wearable that will overthrow the Apple Watch Series. A fitness device that balances between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker perfectly.

Instead, Garmin gives us a device that somewhat puts substance over the style first. Nevertheless, it’s still pretty solid for what it is. With built-in GPS, it has a waterproof and modest design that is made to last you for up to 5 days on a single charge, depending on usage.

Looking at just the pictures, the design looks quite sleek and simple, but for some of you who have smaller wrists, you might find this device a little chunky than expected. The Vivosmart HR+ also sports a 160 x 68-pixel monochrome display, which is touchscreen enabled.

For some of you, you might find the display pretty boring. It definitely lacks the flashiness the Apple Watch has or the Samsung Galaxy Watch. But if you don’t mind the thickness and size of this wearable, as well as the pretty basic design, then you’ll have no problem using the Vivosmart HR+.

But what this wearable lacks in design and style truly makes up for impressive GPS run tracking, smart notifications, and daily activity tracking. Which are its strongest points. After all, the Vivosmart HR+ is a fitness tracker first.

I find the built-in GPS is a terrific upgrade from its predecessor and helps you give accurate data regarding your daily steps. The heart rate monitoring runs 24/7 to keep tabs on you, and it also conveniently shows notifications your smartphone is getting.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.83 x 0.48 inches, 1.12 ounces.
• Manufacturer / Brand: Garmin
• Screen Size: 2 inches.
• Band Width: 21 milliliters.
• Band Material: Rubber.
• Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery used.
• Battery Life: Lasts up to 5 days, depending on use.
• Wireless Communication: Bluetooth, GPS.
• Compatibility: iOS and Android.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Black, blue, and purple.
• Extra Features: Fitness Tracker, Email, Messages, Social Media, Calendar, Pedometer, Time Display, Sleep Monitor, Phone, Alarm, Elevation Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Music Player.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Garmin Vivosmart HR+?

6. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is definitely one of the best wearables you can find in the market right now. It actually goes head to head with the Apple Watch.

Though personally, I prefer the Galaxy Watch’s take on the traditional wristwatch design. It just makes the overall appearance classy and attractive without it looking like a piece of technology around your wrist. The subtle design just makes it look like a high-end wristwatch due to its stainless steel case and stylized bezel.

But what really makes fans of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 happy is the ever fan-favorite rotating bezel. Mixing style and functionality, this helps you navigate through the smartwatch’s menu easily and without any fuss.

You also get two size variants of the Galaxy Watch. 41mm and 45mm. I would suggest getting the smaller variant as I find the 45mm option a little too big and chunky around the wrist. This wearable also comes in three different colors and two different finishes.

Unlike the Apple Watch’s mediocre battery life, the Galaxy Watch has stepped up and improved theirs with a battery that can last up to 3-5 days of use. This depends on your usage and the size variant that you’ve chosen. The bigger 45mm definitely lasts a few days longer.

When it comes to performance, Samsung’s core apps are included in the Galaxy Watch which is all pretty solid. Though keep in mind, when it comes to third-party apps you’ll notice this wearable tends to lag behind.

Nevertheless, I found this smartwatch a lot more fitness-focused than previous models. This is thanks to the additional sensors Samsung has included like SpO2 measurements, an improved and fairly accurate sleep tracker, and a revamped Samsung Health app.

Additionally, it automatically detects six of 39 exercises built into the watch while also helpfully nudging and reminding you when you’re too sedentary.

Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Here.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches, 4.8 ounces.
• Manufacturer / Brand: Samsung.
• Batteries Used: 1 Lithium-ion battery, 340mAh (60H).
• Battery Life: Lasts up to 3-5 days depending on usage and the size variant chosen.
• Wireless Communication and Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. GPS, and NFC.
• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen and a rotating bezel.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Black, Gold, Silver, Titanium.
• Extra Features: Bixby, Sleep Monitor, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, SpO2 Sensors, Samsung Health.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3?

7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Overview

Now if you’re looking for more of a dedicated fitness tracker rather than a smartwatch, the Active 2 is perfect for you.

This is still, by all means, a smartwatch in my opinion. But definitely has a few upgrades and perks that make it a better fitness tracker than its sibling, the Galaxy Watch. The latter focuses more on being a traditional wristwatch with the added perks of a smartwatch.

As you can see, the Active 2 has a more sporty design along with the fan-favorite bezel. It’s also a lot slimmer and sports a more minimal and modern style.

But apart from the beautiful design, this wearable packs just enough impressive features and capabilities that rival the Apple Watch Series 6. Dedicated runners will definitely love this variant in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. Though all of these come at a much steeper price.

Is it worth it though? Personally, I would stick with the Galaxy Watch 3. But if you love this design on a smartwatch, I’d say go for it.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches, 4.8 ounces.
• Manufacturer / Brand: Samsung
• Batteries Used: 1 Lithium-ion battery.
• Battery Life: Lasts up to 5 days on a single charge, depending on usage.
• Wireless Communication: Bluetooth.
• Compatibility: Android and iOS.
• Interface Output: Touchscreen and a rotating bezel.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Heart Monitoring: Yes.
• Sleep Tracking: Yes.
• Colors: Silver, Black, Gold, Pink Gold, and Rose Gold.
• Extra Features: Sleep Monitor, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2?

Before You Buy

Now that we have covered my top recommendations for the Best Fitness Trackers With GPS For 2021, let’s dive into a few things you need to consider before you finally purchase your chosen fitness tracker.

Simply searching up “best fitness trackers for 2021” on Google can sometimes give you overwhelming results. So let me help narrow it down for you.

Set Your Budget

As I’ve mentioned before, fitness trackers can be quite a splurge. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to burn a hole through your wallet just to get one.

Every now and then, these fitness trackers do go on sale and you might find the one you have been eyeing on fall into the price range you can actually afford. If you can’t wait for the sale season, there are definitely fitness trackers in the market that are budget-friendly and could go as low as under a hundred or even fifty dollars.

What’s important is you get a fitness tracker that is fully-functioning and checks the boxes in your criteria.

Activity Tracking

This is probably the most important thing to consider and the main reason why you are getting yourself a fitness tracker in the first place. With the abundance of fitness trackers to choose from in the market right now, there are so many options out there and each of these wearables offers unique ways to track your activities.

The most standard ones would usually just track the basics like your daily steps, your sleep schedule plus habits, your heart rate, calories burned, and of course, your workout sessions.

But something to keep in mind, if you want accurate results with these trackers, it’s best to pick a fitness tracker that has GPS built-in or at least supports it. Heart rate monitoring is also essential if you want accurate data on the calories you burned. Or else, your results will only be an estimate of your movement or steps.

Style

When it comes to a wearable’s style, it really all comes down to your preference. But don’t also forget functionality.

Fitness trackers comes in all shapes and sizes. Some have a slimmer build, some are square-shaped or have round-shaped displays, while the bands may either be leather, rubber, or woven fabric.

I fully understand if you tell me that the different styles of these wearables excite you. It can be overwhelming even. So to narrow down your options, try to base a style on the size of your wrist. Then pick one you think that will suit you the best.

These applies with the colors too. Choose one you can wear everyday, then play around with other colors over time. So many fitness trackers in the market offer interchangeable and customizable bands. Which I find pretty fun to mix and match. I think it’s easy to say, you’ll never run out of options in this department.

Display & Controls

Your fitness tracker’s display is an important part of your wearable. Obviously, it’s the one that will give you information regarding your daily activities and other stuff. Depending on what you’re looking for, displays vary a lot. Here is a range of options for you to choose from.

• Touch screen display.
• OLED or AMOLED display.
• Colored screens or black and white screens.
• Visibility of the display in various light conditions.
• Side buttons.
• Size of the screen and display.

Apart from these options, I also highly recommend choosing a fitness tracker with intuitive display and controls. Nothing is worse than finding out that the wearable you’ve picked has a buggy interface or a laggy screen or is hard to control.

Some wearables can have unique controls which takes a bit of time to get used to but can also be quite efficient once you’ve gotten the hang of it.

Battery Life

Your desired fitness tracker’s battery life is another important factor for you to consider. Most dedicated fitness trackers tend to last for several days. But that’s also because that’s their only purpose and the built-in features are not too demanding in general.

But if you want a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness tracker, you’ll find these devices last a lot less and will require more constant charging. However, you will be getting more functionality out of this. Such things might be Wi-Fi connectivity, music playback, voice assistance, better sensors for your health tracking, and a lot more.

If you feel you don’t need the added perks of a smartwatch, then I would suggest going for the former. They’re a lot more affordable and will last you longer in terms of battery life.

Extra Features

Aside from the mentioned things above, you might also want to check out if you would like your fitness trackers ot have these options or features as well:

Heart Monitoring

Usually, the most standard fitness trackers being sold right now have this feature already. But even so, not all of them are built equally. So you have to make sure that the fitness tracker you have chosen gives you accurate results.

Also, some wearables also offer 24/7 heart monitoring. While others only function when you activate them manually. It’s up to you which one of these you prefer.

Sleep Tracking

Just like heart monitoring, it seems to be the norm for fitness trackers to also have sleep monitoring features. Such feature does help in regulating your sleep cycles and knowing what areas you need to improve on.

Sleep trackers tend to rely on sensors to detect your physical movements and heart rate during your down time. If this is something that interests you, you won’t have any problem looking for a fitness tracker that has this option.

SpO2 Measurement

This is a fairly new sensor that manufacturers are integrating into their wearables. Especially with the rise of COVID-19 infections. It’s more important than ever to keep track of one’s blood oxygen levels to see if you would need to do a visit to the doctor’s office.

ECG Reading

Some wearables in the market today are coming out with FDA-cleared ECGs with their latest fitness trackers and smartwatches. This helps in keeping tabs on your heartbeat rhythms and possibly spot potential heart problems before they get worse.

Though keep in mind some of these ECG features are locked behind certain regions or countries.

Conclusion

Overall, fitness trackers are awesome in what they are supposed to do. They give users nice, little encouragements to help you keep up with a healthier lifestyle without being too pushy. Wearables like this are really great if you prefer making subtle changes over time that will improve your health in the long run.

Do you already own a fitness tracker? Did your favorite make it in our list? Let me know about your insights and experiences below in the comments section!

Recommended reading for you:

The Best Smartwatch For Nurses 2021: Stay Healthy With These Wearables

Your Quick Guide To Buying Fitness Trackers With GPS 2021

The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ Review: The Best Wearable For You?

The Fitbit Charge 4 Review: Your New Bestfriend To A Healthier Lifestyle

The Apple Watch Series 6 Review: Is It The Best Choice For You?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Review: Is It The Best Android Smartwatch?