For fitness enthusiasts, a good fitness tracker can be a major purchase in their lives. Many models of fitness trackers cost a couple hundred dollars and have a variety of functions that reflect that. However, while the difference between a fitness tracker that costs below $100 and way above $100 are a few extra features, that doesn’t mean you need to shell out the cash to have better functionality. If you want your next fitness tracker to cost below $100, you are often still getting the core functions that you need in a fitness tracker that work just as good as the more expensive models.
Best Fitness Tracker under 100
Garmin Forerunner 15
The lower in price you go, the more likely it will get that the first thing to be sacrificed is a screen. This is actually what convinces some people to spend those big bucks, because they don’t want to have to open an app just to see a few select metrics. Although the Garmin Forerunner’s screen looks like an old-school Casio watch, it provides the time and information on steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled right on the LCD screen. The Forerunner also has GPS capability that allows to your better track activities like running. This is further complimented by the ability to easily pause workouts since pausing at cross walks is common with urban running.
While the battery life is a less than preferable five hours, that is only while the GPS is running. When turned off, you get to use this fitness tracker for around five weeks before it will need to be recharged. While the Forerunner is very much geared towards runners, this fitness tracker still remains a great choice for those that just want it for its other fitness tracking capabilities, not so much for the GPS run tracking.
Fitbit Flex 2
Fitbit is considered the top of the line in terms of fitness tracking, or at least the most popular. Unfortunately, the prices for many of their models reflect that. However, while the affordable Fitbit Flex 2 may not be their most recent entry into the Fitbit line, it still proves to be one of their best. Although the Flex 2 lacks a screen, it makes up for it in supreme waterproofing and ultra-thin style that will make you forget that it is even there.
Instead of a screen display, the LED lights on the band flash different colors to let you know that goals are reached. In order to view your metrics, all you need to do is open the app on your phone that allows you to look over your fitness data on a number of activities, including swimming.
Polar Loop 2
Although Polar got its start with heart rate sensors, its affordable Loop 2 only has compatibility with external sensors while not having one built-in. However, it makes up for this lack of feature by offering better tracking of everything else. Through the Polar Flow app, you can plan and track workouts, sleep metrics like time, quality, and patterns, as well as the usual fitness metrics of steps, distance, and calories burned. The Polar Loop 2 also has an inactivity vibration alert to keep you motivated all day long.
There is one downside that has become infamous for the Polar Loop 2 – its band. It comes in one size and you need to physically cut it in order to create the right size for your wrist. If you mess up, they’ll send you another, but for some the process of sizing the band is enough to make them overlook the accurate and detailed fitness metric tracking of the Polar Loop 2.
