Fitbit has always been consistent when it comes to pumping out the best and our favorite fitness trackers in the market. The Charge 4 is no different. But how good exactly is their latest iteration of their Charge lineup? Well, let’s find out in our dedicated review of the Fitbit Charge 4.
Since its debut in 2014, Fitbit’s Charge line has seen and gone through a lot of changes. Now in its 4th generation, it’s safe to say that this is truly one of their best yet.
Despite the rise of smartwatches in the market such as the Apple Series Watches and the Samsung Galaxy Watches, Fitbit seems to have decided to forge its own path and continue towards its route in being the leader in terms of fitness trackers.
Admittedly, Fitbit has yet to put out a bad product. Why change something that isn’t broken, right? But what’s so exciting about the Charge 4 is the impressive features Fitbit has equipped it with.
Packed with the features we already know and love from the past models, the Charge 4 also now has built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes which gives you very personalized heart rate data and to make sure you’re hitting your goals, improved sleep and health tracking sensors, Fitbit pay, as well as supporting Spotify music controls.
Even with all these improved and added features, you’d be very happy to know Fitbit decided not to make any price increases and kept it the same as the Charge 3. So you’re really getting a lot of value for that money.
The only thing I’d suggest for Fitbit right now is to add a colored screen in their future Charge models. While the monochrome screen has worked for them throughout the years, it would have been a lot better to see a colored screen in the Charge 4. So one can only hope to see this in future models.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches, 1.06 ounces.
Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
Screen Size: 1 inch.
Operating System: Android
Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery used.
Battery Life: Lasts up to 7 days depending on usage.
Wireless Connectivity: NFC and Bluetooth.
Compatibility: iOS and Android.
Interface Output: Grayscale touchscreen.
Waterproof: Yes, for up to 50 meters.
Heart Monitoring: Yes.
Sleep Tracking: Yes.
Colors: Black, Black Granite, Blue, and Rosewood.
Extra Features: Active Zone Minutes, SpO2 sensor, built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, Spotify playlist controls.
Here’s a preview of the Charge 4 on Fitbit’s Youtube channel.
What We Love About The Fitbit Charge 4
Design
When it comes to design and style, the Charge 4 has kept the minimal look its predecessor (the Charge 3) has sported. There were really no significant changes in the overall design and even on the display itself.
Personally, that’s neither a good thing nor a bad thing. I would love it if there were some improvements, especially on the display. But at the same time, the current design of the Charge 4 works.
Overall, it’s decent-looking, not too flashy, and still a pretty comfortable wearable to have around your wrist. Albeit, it could be just a tad thinner.
So if you always loved the minimalist and sleek look of Fitbit’s Charge lineup, then you’ll surely have no problem with the Charge 4.
Built-In GPS
One of the biggest disappointments with the Charge 3 was the fact that you had to avail the special edition variant in order to get a built-in GPS with your wearable.
But you’ll be happy to know that Fitbit has heard our pleas and included the GPS in the Charge 4 without having to buy the “special edition”. The built-in GPS in this fitness tracker helps immensely in providing you with more accurate data regarding your fitness routines and goals.
To be more specific, the GPS workouts gets your distance, speed, time, pace, and heart rate. These workouts include running (both on the street and on treadmills), walking, swimming, biking, and other outdoor exercises.
I’d dare say that this was one of the most anticipated upgrades we’ve been waiting for on Fitbit’s Charge lineup.
Gone are the days when you have to rely on having your phone with you just to have GPS during your workouts. However, it’s best to keep in mind that battery life is shortened to 5 hours when you’re using the built-in GPs on the Charge 4.
Activity Tracking
Aside from the built-in GPS, most of the upgrades the Charge 4 was equipped with were mainly for sports and activity tracking.
It definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to the basics: counting steps, calories burned, floors climbed, heart rate monitoring, and distance. Thanks to the added GPS, these are also now measured a lot more accurately as well.
Apart from that, the Charge 4 also gives you a friendly reminder by buzzing gently when it’s time to get active. I find this pretty useful when it comes to getting my daily exercises in. The Charge 4 also tracks 20 different workouts and activities while giving you the option to include 6 programs for exercise shortcuts.
That’s pretty convenient when you have a routine or certain workouts you frequently follow.
Active Zone Minutes
Speaking of activity tracking, one new and exciting feature on the Charge 4 is called “Active Zone Minutes”.
Basically, this new metric measures how hard you worked during an activity or workout based on your age and heart rate zones. You earn one Active Zone Minute for each minute you spend in the fat burn zone and you get two Active Zone Minutes for time spent in the cardio zone. More information is found on Fitbit’s site here.
The recommended goal is to get 150 active minutes by the end of each week. But you can definitely customize this goal depending on your preference.
According to Fitbit, this metric can help prevent potential diseases, improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and sleeping habits, among other health benefits.
Battery Life
What I always found amazing with Fitbit products is how impressive their battery lives are. The Charge 4 has a battery life of 7 days and will last you 5 hours if you’re using the built-in GPS continuously. So they’re always so reliable to last you for up to a week or less depending on your usage.
When you’re someone with a busy schedule, the last thing you want is your fitness tracker dying out on you before the day has even started. With the Charge 4, you’ll only need to worry about charging this wearable once or twice a week depending on how you use it.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t completely hate the monochrome touchscreen on the Fitbit Charge 4.
In fact, I actually find the touchscreen display on this wearable pretty intuitive without being too overcomplicated with the controls.
The screen is quite responsive without lagging as well. Swiping right leads you to the wearable’s menu and settings, swiping up shows your daily statistics such as step counts, distance, and calories burned, and swiping down reveals your most recent texts and calls.
Meanwhile, the button can be pressed to either take you back to the previous screen or to the clock face display.
However, as much as I love how easy the controls are, the screen itself does lack brightness especially when you’re standing under harsh lights or if it’s too sunny outside. So you’ll find yourself squinting a lot and having a hard time reading the Charge 4’s screen during those instances.
Here’s to hoping that Fitbit makes a colored screen on their next iteration of their Charge lineup. Fingers crossed!
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Fitbit Charge 4.
Pros
Active Zone Minutes gives great encouragement in reaching your target heart rates and provides personalized data.
SpO2 readings.
Built-in GPS.
Waterproof build for up to 50 meters.
Impressive battery life of 7 days.
Sleek and minimalist design.
No price point increase.
Fitbit Pay allows for contactless payments.
You can control your Spotify playlist from the convenience of your wrist.
Cons
The screen can be improved into a colored one and be made brighter to be seen better under harsher lights.
The overall design can also be improved.
Final Verdict
The Charge 4 is amazing in what it does. It’s an impressive fitness tracker from a reputable brand with terrific sensors that provides encouragements and helpful nudges or reminders when it’s time for you to get your daily steps in, how to improve your sleep, and give you insights into your heart rate data.
Plus, you also get a few perks that you can only see from smartwatches. The Fitbit Charge 4 builds on everything we loved about the previous models and further upgraded it in the latest iteration while adding other additional features to level up our fitness tracking.
Not to mention, they did all this without having to increase the price point.
Overall, the Charge 4 is an excellent companion if you’re looking to improve your health and your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a wearable that prioritizes wellness first rather than fitness, then you’d be better off with a smartwatch that tends to balance between the two.
Already own the Charge 4? Or still on the fence about buying one? Let me know what your thoughts are about Fitbit’s latest iteration of their Charge lineup in the comments section below!
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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.
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+.
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.
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.
Pros
Impressive battery life as expected from Fitbit.
You get detailed sleep analysis and results.
Supports Google Assistance and Amazon Alexa for getting the latest updates.
The screen and display are bright and vibrant.
The ECG is fairly easy to use.
Cons
No integrated music storage.
Interface is a little laggy compared to its competitors.
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.
Pros
Impressive 5-day battery life.
Terrific fitness tracking features.
Great for dedicated runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Waterproof design.
The rugged design might be suitable for people who like that kind of style.
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.
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.
Pros
Great for dedicated runners and athletes.
Minimalist, sporty, and modern design is really attractive.
Has a rotating bezel for convenient navigation through the smartwatch’s interface.
Cons
Too pricey for the little upgrades you get.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2?
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!
The Best Home Treadmill Buying Guide for 2021 is here to help you make wise purchase decisions when it comes to investing in a folding treadmill that will suit your home.
So if you’re looking to do just that, then you’re in the right place. I’m here to help you figure out the things you need to consider and if a folding treadmill is exactly what you need for your home.
To start off, let’s answer the question: why should you pick a folding treadmill instead of any other fitness equipment?
I could enumerate a lot of reasons why a folding treadmill is the best choice for anyone who is looking to upgrade their home gym or just wants to exercise and lose weight effectively. But then the list would be endless. So here are just some of those reasons I think are the most significant ones:
A folding treadmill will benefit you whether you’re a casual runner, fitness enthusiast, or professional athlete.
It can effectively help you reach your fitness goals as it can cater from light to moderate exercises to more intense interval or hill training if you want to work on your cardio.
You can easily incorporate daily fitness into your lifestyle even if you have a busy schedule because you’ll have a treadmill right in the comfort of your own home.
Before You Buy
Before we skip to the actual treadmills, I highly recommend doing your research first so you don’t go buying units blindly and end up regretting it later.
Find Out What Workouts You’ll Be Doing With The Treadmill
Not all folding treadmills are made equally. Some are done better than others, some have a lot of extra features, and there are some that are as basic as it gets. But that doesn’t mean the latter is not a good option.
Obviously, a lot of you would want a running machine that comes with a lot of perks. But keep in mind those come at a cost. So to manage your options wisely, find out first what kind of workouts you’re into as well as your fitness goals.
This will really help you not get overwhelmed with the number of treadmills to look for out there in the market and will narrow down your best options.
Set Your Budget And Expectations
One of the most important things you need to consider before making any final investments in a folding treadmill for your home is your budget.
Understandably, not everyone can easily shell out a thousand dollars for a piece of fitness equipment. That’s completely fine though and achieving our fitness goals shouldn’t be a luxury in the first place.
That being said, if your budget is set for under a thousand dollars, there are plenty of home treadmills to choose from that are still of great quality. But be prepared that they won’t come with some of the more high-tech features premium models have.
Premium features come with a premium price after all. But the important thing is that you have a treadmill that works and keeps you healthy.
Determine Your Space Available For The Folding Treadmill
When it comes to folding treadmills for your home, size definitely matters.
So it’s best to check the measurements of your spare space where you’ll be putting your home treadmill. Thankfully, folding treadmills are a great way to reclaim our floor space when it’s not in use. All you have to do is fold it then store it somewhere in your house.
Check Out Reliable And Trusted Brands
When it comes to manufacturers and brands of different treadmills, you have to make sure you’re in safe hands. So it’s best to read reviews of actual consumers to see just how reliable their home treadmills are in terms of quality and durability.
After you’ve determined the brands manufacturing folding treadmills, it’s time to read up on their warranty coverages. This is so you know how many years they will cover your machine in case it breaks or needs any part replacements.
Some brands offer lifetime warranties which is terrific, some offer just 5 years, some even offer much less. Of course, you would want to buy a treadmill unit from a company that has your back for several years to come.
Try It Before You Buy It
Some of you prefer buying your folding treadmills online and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if it’s possible for you, I would highly suggest trying your desired treadmill in a physical store first (while following safety protocols of course!).
Online shopping is great and all but sometimes you would encounter unsatisfactory products every now and then because you haven’t really tested out the actual product yet. That leads to a lot of stress of having to return the item back and sometimes customer support isn’t as supportive as we thought it would be.
So to avoid all those things and to save you from the hassle, try to make a quick trip to a physical fitness equipment store near you to check how you really feel about the treadmill you have set your eyes on.
Specifications And Features To Look Out For
Now that you’ve done your full research with folding treadmills, let’s dive into the specifications and features you might want your desired running machine to have.
When it comes to your chosen treadmill’s horsepower, you need to determine the type of workouts you’ll be doing to see if the machine is compatible or powerful enough to support and accommodate your preferred exercises.
The horsepower of a treadmill is measured by its strength. But keep in mind there are two kinds of horsepower or motors that you might see in different treadmills: Horsepower (HP) and Continuous Duty Horsepower (CHP).
If you’re just seeing the normal horsepower, it means the motor of the treadmill has no actual evidence of its strength when used over time. So this is not the most reliable.
However if a manufacturer puts CHP in their treadmill, it means its motor has been assessed and its measurement has been taken over an extended period of time. The strength of the motor is assured to maintain its power without faltering or straining from being used over time.
Max Speed Rating & Incline Range
In terms of a treadmill’s max speed rating and incline range, it’s always good to have variety. So I recommend choosing a treadmill that at least has a maximum of 10 MPH and up to 10 incline levels.
This way, our workout sessions never get dull or repetitive. It’s also a good way to challenge ourselves every now and then.
Deck Cushioning
Deck cushioning is important as this will help decrease the impact and stress our joints go through when we run.
Most treadmills for home use nowadays offer some kind of cushioning mechanism unique to their units. So it’s best to research which one will work the best for you. This is also where trying treadmills in physical stores come in handy. You’ll be able to figure out if a certain treadmill is comfortable enough for you.
Max User Weight Capacity
A treadmill’s max user weight capacity is important to determine so you know if a certain unit will be able to support you. Usually, the standard units have a weight capacity of around 200-300 lbs. If you’re on the heavier side, the 300 lbs. may either work or not work for you.
But don’t lose hope as there are still plenty of treadmills out in the market that can accommodate heavier individuals with ease. Though the ones I’ve seen do come at a higher cost. So keep this in mind!
Workout Presets
The average home treadmill usually has at least around 10 presets to choose from. Depending on who is using the machine, 10 workout programs can be either too little or just enough. But some more impressive treadmills offer up to 30 different workout presets like the Horizon Fitness T101. And that one is a budget-friendly option too!
Either way, it really depends on you to determine how many workout programs you want your treadmill to have. Some treadmills also offer subscription-based programs like iFit so you can have access to their library of different workout classes, programs, interactive coaches, and so much more!
Other Accessories
Some extra accessories a home treadmill can have are heart monitoring features, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, a device tray, a wattle bottle holder, and so much more. It’s really just up to you whether you’d want these added features included in your chosen running machine.
But do keep in mind, these kinds of features can come at a cost. Though there are definitely budget options out there in the market.
Our safety when using fitness equipment is not something we should overlook. Especially for our elderly fitness enthusiasts and individuals who have pets or children out there. So I highly suggest picking a home treadmill with an auto-stop feature.
The auto-stop feature is usually controlled by a key that is attached to you via a lanyard. So if you slip, the key slips out of its hole, and the treadmill automatically stops. You can also opt to remove this particular key when the treadmill is not in use to prevent any accidental activation of the machine.
Conclusion
To sum it up, a folding treadmill is a great addition to your home whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual runner. It’s versatile, effective in helping you reach your fitness goals, and you can easily get that daily mileage without having to step out of the comfort of your own home.
Now that we’re at the end of my Home Treadmill Buying Guide For 2021, I can only hope that I was able to help you figure things out. After learning all of these, you are now ready to invest in a folding treadmill for yourself and your home gym. Happy shopping!
Do you already own a folding treadmill for your home? Was I able to help you figure out the things you need to know before buying a folding treadmill? Let me know your insights below in the comments section!
The Horizon Fitness T101 is the perfect folding treadmill for you if you’re not into long-distance runs or too intense exercises. But let’s find out in our dedicated review below why this is the best budget-friendly option for you.
Runners and fitness enthusiasts who prefer light to moderate walks or jogs will certainly love the Horizon Fitness T101.
Manufactured by Horizon Fitness, they are a company that manufactures low-cost yet high-quality gym equipment for your homes to provide for fitness enthusiasts who are on a tight budget. They prioritize comfort, value, and making sure you get the best results from using their products.
Who says staying healthy and getting fit needs to come at a luxury price, right?
With such an affordable price tag, the T101 also doesn’t get too overcomplicated with the features it’s equipped with. They’re not too high-tech as those tend to cost more. But at the same time, there are also a lot of really useful and handy features built-in into this modest running machine for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, parts and labor have 1 year.
Extra Features: Built-in cooling fans, Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your device on the T101’s integrated speakers, energy saver mode, device holder, audio input jack, USB charging port, and heart rate monitoring.
Check out the Horizon Fitness T101’s preview below.
Let’s discuss the things that makes us love the T101.
Budget-friendly Price
One of the main things that attract us to the T101 is its affordability. Despite having an inexpensive price tag, you’re getting a lot of value for this machine and some features you’ll only experience in more high-end folding treadmills.
So if durability, stability, or functionality is a concern of yours, the T101 won’t certainly disappoint. With this unit, you don’t have to burn a hole through your wallet to get a high-quality running machine.
Great Variety of Preset Workout Programs
Another amazing feature of the T101 is its large variety of preset workout programs
You’re actually getting up to 30 different preset workout programs to choose from with this model and they’re all free! Even folding treadmills on the more premium side don’t have this many preset programs to offer.
Usually, those high-end treadmills offer around 10 to 15 built-in workout programs then give their users an option to join a subscription-based library of workout programs so they have more access to classes and even interactive trainers.
The T101 doesn’t have that option but it definitely makes up for its 30 preset workout programs. Not to mention, you won’t have to pay a single dime to access it.
3-Zone Cushioning Deck System
If you’re worried about putting too much stress or impact on your joints, the T101 has a unique 3-zone cushioning deck system that provides comfort on its users and will help decrease the stress on your joints as well as your spine.
This way, you can run pain-free for longer sessions and without having to concern yourself with the soreness you’ll feel after your exercise.
Wide Range Of Incline Levels
Horizon Fitness offers up to 10 levels of incline with their T101 model. If you ask me, that’s pretty decent and even at par with other high-end models that offer the same levels of incline.
Not to mention, the T101 also allows auto adjustment so you don’t have to hop off the machine to change your incline levels mid-workout. You can easily switch up the incline to include some variety in your walks and jogs. This will also help you get better results in the long run.
Bluetooth Connectivity
I don’t see a lot of folding treadmills having the option for Bluetooth connectivity. So it’s really nice that the T101 has this feature available for us. Especially if you’re someone who loves to listen to music, podcasts, or even watch shows while you burn through your calories.
All you have to do is connect your device to the T101’s built-in Bluetooth speakers and voila! You can now be entertained and exercise at the same time. Who said working out has to be dull and boring, right?
Usually, other folding treadmills require an AUX input or a USB before you can enjoy your media consumption. But we are slowly going towards a future wherein everything is becoming wireless. So it’s great to know that Horizon Fitness made sure their T101 is future-proof.
But in case you prefer having your device wired to the built-in speaker system, the T101 allows that as well.
Maximum User Weight Capacity
The T101 can easily accommodate fitness enthusiasts and runners weighing up to 300 lbs. without a fuss. For a folding treadmill of this level and price, that is already quite impressive.
A lot of the running machines I’ve checked out that fall within the same price range or are more budget-friendly tend to support the average or lighter individuals.
Impressive Warranty Coverage
For a folding treadmill of this level and price, I would expect only getting a handful of years in terms of warranty coverage. But I am gladly surprised that Horizon Fitness offers a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, while you get 1 year on labor and parts.
Least Favorite Things
No product is ever perfect, so here are a few things we were a bit disappointed in with the T101. So we’d like you to consider these before making your final purchase.
Not Meant For More Intense Training Or Long Distance Runs
Due to the 2.5 horsepower on the T101’s motor, this places the machine to only be suitable for light to moderate walks and jogging.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking forward to doing some intense interval or hill training or any long-distance running, you will be quite disappointed.
It’s best to set your sights on another folding treadmill that will be able to handle your preferred workout routines.
The Running Surface Area Is A Little Small
Shorter or smaller individuals won’t have too much of an issue with the 20 x 55 inches measurement of the T101’s running surface area. But if you’re on the taller or bigger side of the spectrum, you might feel a little cramped up in space. If you’re someone who takes longer strides when running, this might not be suitable for you as well.
Faulty Or Broken Parts When Delivered
Now, this doesn’t apply to every T101 unit delivered, but it does happen and the users have reported and complained about those faulty or broken parts upon unboxing their packages.
However, as I’ve previously mentioned, the T101 does have a great warranty coverage so you can easily get those certain parts replaced in case those types of unfortunate situations arise.
So this is just something for you to keep in mind when considering of purchasing this folding treadmill for your home.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Horizon Fitness T101.
Pros
Great for anyone who is looking for a folding treadmill at a budget-friendly price.
Great for beginners and fitness enthusiasts who just like light to moderate walks or jogs on their folding treadmills.
The 3-Zone Cushioning Deck System is ideal for anyone who wants less stress and less impact on their joints when running.
30 different workout programs to choose from so you’re getting a lot of variety.
Quiet operation when in use.
Impressive warranty coverage.
The maximum user weight capacity is quite nice as well for its price.
Has built-in cooling fans and Bluetooth speakers to keep you fresh as well as keep you entertained during your workout sessions.
Cons
The 2.5 horsepower is only suitable for light to moderate walking or jogging.
The 20-inch x 55-inch tread belt is quite short.
There have been instances of faulty or broken parts were delivered to customers.
Cushioning is pretty mediocre.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think the Horizon Fitness T101 shines the brightest among a sea of budget-friendly folding treadmills for your home. It does a pretty good job on what it is supposed to do and delivers well on its promises.
You have to manage your expectations with the T101, though. If you’re looking for more high-tech features like interactive training and having access to a library of subscription-based workout programs like iFit, you’re going to have to shell out more money or look for brands that offer those certain features.
If you don’t mind the few bells and whistles the T101 compromised on and you just prefer doing light to moderate walks or jogs with your folding treadmill, the T101 would be perfect for you.
Do you already own the Horizon Fitness T101 or considering of getting one? Let me know about your experiences or thoughts about this particular folding treadmill! Just leave your insights below in the comments section.
The Sole Fitness F80 is one of the most popular folding treadmills being sold in the market right now. A lot of people recommend this machine if you’re looking for a mid-range priced folding treadmill.
So in this dedicated review, we’ll find out if this running machine is worth the hype it’s getting and if it’s really as good as everyone says.
A folding treadmill is one of the best folding equipment you can invest in right now. Especially when public gyms are working in a limited capacity. With a folding treadmill, we can still get those runs and cardio in our regular workout routines without having to step outside in the comfort of our home.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a versatile folding treadmill that is solid, won’t falter, and are equipped with high quality features, then your search is finally over.
Let me introduce to you the Sole Fitness F80.
If you’re unaware of who Sole Fitness is, they’re a company specializing in manufacturing fitness equipment that is high quality and long-lasting. They are a receiver of multiple awards for their top-tier and commercial grade products and are easily one of the go-to brands of numerous people in the states.
The F80 is actually Sole Fitness‘s flagship model in their lineup of folding treadmills. If you think about it, other folding treadmills in this price range under popular brands usually only offer their entry-level units. So you’re getting so much more for this value with the F80.
With a mid-range price tag, this running machine is built like a beast that is meant to last you for a long, long time. The F80 is made up of high-quality commercial grade parts to provide you with the most comfortable workout session ever.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 85.43 x 37.01 x 17.32 inches (LxWxH)
Preset Workouts / Fitness Programs: Six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs.
Warranty: lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on parts, 2 years on labor.
Extra Features: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, Sole Fitness app, two-ply belt, pulse grip, and chest strap heart rate monitoring.
Check out Sole Fitness’ preview of the F80 below.
What We Love About The Sole Fitness F80
Let’s dive in to what makes the F80 so hyped about.
Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
The F80 folding treadmill has impressive shock absorption that allows you to go for more intense and grueling runs so you can get the best results out of your cardio routines without the risk of stressing or straining your joints.
This is all thanks to the F80’s unique feature called the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck.
The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck helps in minimizing the stress and impact by up to 40% in comparison when you’re running on asphalt. With this kind of feature, you worry a lot less about the impact your joints are getting with each run. In turn, you can focus more on your stats and getting optimum results in every workout session.
Overall, the F80’s top quality cushioning system is designed in a way to take the stress off your joints so that you can run without it being painful.
The 3.5 Horsepower
The F80 is equipped with a 3.5 horsepower motor. This means the F80 can withstand even the most intense and demanding workouts for running without a fuss.
So if you really want to improve and work on your cardio at home, the F80 has your back. What’s more, this folding treadmill can also easily support any grueling workout from long-distance runs to interval and hill training. You’re certain to not feel any faltering or shaking as you shred through those calories.
Incline Range and Top Speed Limit
The F80 has an incline range from 0 up to 15%. That in itself is pretty great as you’re getting 15 levels of incline. So if you really want to challenge yourself during your workouts or do more interval and hill training, you have a lot of options to choose from with this folding treadmill.
Aside from the impressive incline, you can go as fast as 12 miles per hour with the F80 as well. This makes it perfect if you like long-distance runs and intense cardio workouts.
Large Running Surface Area
The F80 has a pretty roomy deck that measures 22 x 60. So if you’re on the heavier side or just generally prefer a larger running surface area, then the F80 is perfect for you. You won’t feel too cramped up as you exercise.
Reversible Deck
One of the best features of the F80 is its reversible deck. This will help prolong your F80’s longevity and durability. You won’t have to worry about replacing your unit after a few years. Just simply flip the deck once the other side you’ve been using has worn out.
Terrific Maximum User Weight Capacity
With a 375-lb. max user weight capacity, this is perfectly suited for individuals who lean more onto the heavier side. This running machine will easily support you without feeling any trembles or shakes in the machine while you use it.
Apart from that, athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts who like long-distance runs will also love this sturdy treadmill. In general, because the F80 has a user weight capacity of up to 375 lbs. or 170 kg, it can easily accommodate a wider range of runners and fitness enthusiasts of any size.
Ergonomic Folding Design
If you’re stressed about having to manually fold your treadmills before storing them, well no need to worry! The F80 can be folded with a single push of a button. No need to stress about putting further strain on yourself after an intense workout. Just let the F80 do its work then you can easily store this in whichever part of your house.
Amazing Warranty
Sole Fitness offers its users a lifetime warranty on the F80’s frame, motor, and deck, 5 years on parts, and 2 years on labor. Personally, I just think that’s pretty amazing coverage on a running machine of this level.
After covering the things we liked about the F80, let’s move on to a few things we were a little disappointed in.
Limited Preset Workout Programs
When compared to other competing folding treadmills in its range, the F80 tends to fall behind in terms of the built-in preset workout programs on this machine.
With NordicTrack, you get the option of joining their iFit subscription plus 20 free preset programs built into their unit. Then the BowFlex T10 offers the JRNY Experience which is another subscription-based app.
On the other hand, the F80 only has 10 preset workout programs and no subscription-based workout library apps for people who might be interested.
The Price
I’ve mentioned before that the F80 has great value for its price. After all, you’re getting a flagship model for a mid-range price from a premium manufacturer as opposed to other high end brands who only offer their entry-level folding treadmills within this price range.
But for some of you, spending over a thousand dollars for a folding treadmill for your home is a bit much. Which I understand completely. Especially when you can find cheaper and more budget-friendly alternatives out there in the market by comprising some bells and whistles.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the F80.
Pros
The best folding treadmill you can find within its price range.
Terrific maximum user weight capacity.
Compact and easy-to-use design.
Great warranty coverage.
Suitable for individuals who like intense and longer runs.
Built-in cooling fans to keep you fresh during workout sessions.
You can opt to install the Sole Fitness App for free on your smartphone or tablet to keep track of your progress.
Quiet operation when in use.
Comfortable to use due to its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck feature.
You get a lot of fun extra features.
Cons
The mid-range price can still be pricier for some people.
Very limited range of workout programs to choose from compared to other competing folding treadmills in its range.
Not the most compact folding treadmill.
Final Verdict
Overall, I really like the Sole F80. I think it’s a solid folding treadmill that doesn’t go overboard or too complicated with its features. It’s easy to use for everyone while being compact and durable at the same time.
With a mid-range price, you are really getting your money’s worth and more. The only real drawback I see is the limited number of preset workout programs built in the F80. Even so, you can just opt to slot in your smartphone or tablet in its device holder to choose your own workout programs to follow.
So it’s pretty hard to go wrong with choosing this running machine.
If you want a sturdy and versatile folding treadmill that covers almost everything you’ll need from pain-free, long-distance runs to accommodating runners of every size, I highly recommend getting the F80.
Already own or still thinking of buying the Sole Fitness F80? Let me know about your thoughts on this folding treadmill in the comments section below!
