Top 5 Best Fitness and Activity Tracker Bands with Screen

Other fitness and activity trackers you might consider.

• Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch – COLOUR, GPS, HR SENSOR, UP TO 5 DAYS
• Microsoft Band 2 – COLOUR, GPS, HR SENSOR, UP TO 2 DAYS
• Samsung Gear Fit2 – COLOUR, GPS, HR SENSOR, UP TO 3-4 DAYS
• Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 – E-INK, HANDSFREE, UP TO 3 DAYS
• Fitbit Surge – MONOCHROME LED, GPS, HR SENSOR, OVER 7 DAYS
• Fitbit Alta – OLED, UP TO 5 DAYS
• Garmin vivosmart – OLED, HR SENSOR, UP TO 7 DAYS
• Samsung Gear Fit – COLOUR, HR SENSOR, UP TO 5 DAYS
• Garmin vivofit 2 – OLED, OVER 1 YR
• Huawei TalkBand B2 – PMOLED, UP TO 6 DAYS, BLUETOOTH HEADSET

Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch

Fitbit Blaze is a smart fitness watch that helps you maximize every workout and every day. The device is built to track your workouts, monitor your performance stats, and gauge your progress. There is PurePulse, a continuous heart rate monitor and multi-sport modes to enhance every exercise, while next-generation features like Connected GPS and FitStar on-screen workouts (with instructions and coaching) help you take your fitness to the next level.

All-day activity and sleep tracking and call, music control, alarm, text & calendar notifications takes this health tracker beyond just a tracker wristband. The interchangeable band and frames as well as customizable clock faces on the hi-res color touchscreen let you personalize your style for every occasion. We like the minimalist metal band in silver available separately.

• Track steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed and active minutes.
• PurePulse for continuous, wrist-based heart rate monitoring
• Simplified heart rate zones to check exercise intensity during workouts
• Multi-sport tracking to track runs, cardio, cross training, biking and more.
• FitStar workout regime offers step by step instructions and graphics to make sure you complete the moves correctly.
• Together with a phone, map your route via GPS and check out your run stats like pace and duration.

Microsoft Band 2

The second generation Microsoft Band 2 with continuous heart rate monitor tracks heart rate, calorie burn and sleep quality. With 11 sensors including GPS, UV monitor and barometer, it is one of the most complete tracker wristband in the list. Track your goals and get actionable insights through Microsoft Health app and web dashboard. It supports tracking of different activities. If you are running, it shows a comprehensive run summary. If you are biking, it measures heart rate, speed and elevation. If you are golfing, the built-in GPS detects which hole you are on. The Guided workout feature used with the companion app allows access to expert designed exercises. The band also works with Windows Phone, iPhone and Android.

The second generation Microsoft Band 2 comes with smartwatch and fitness tracking functions. To make the most of the watch, pair it with a Windows Phone and gain access to Cortana on your wrist. Beyond that, smartwatch features include notifications for email, text and reminder. The fitness tracker monitors heart rate, calories burned, sleep quality, steps and different activities. It is by far the most comprehensive wristband.

• Curved AMOLED touchscreen display, 320 x 128 pixels, size: 1.26 x 0.50 in (32 x 12.8 mm) – COLOUR DISPLAY
• Sensors: Optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer/gyro, Gyrometer, GPS, Ambient light sensor, Skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, Capacitive sensor, Galvanic skin response, Microphone, Barometer – HR MONITOR
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Battery Life: 48 hours on normal use, full charge in 1.5 hours.
• Notifications: see email preview, calendar reminder, receive and reply to text messages and use Cortana to set reminder (with Windows Phone 8.1 update or later)
• Compatibility: Windows 8.1 update or later, iPhone iOS8.1.2, Android 4.4 or later with Bluetooth and Microsoft Health App
• Water resistance – SPLASH PROOF

Samsung Gear Fit 2

Following on fromt the success of Gear Fit, the Gear Fit2 continues with its original Curved Super AMOLED display making it easy to read in both sun shade. Set your fitness goals with S Health and the band will automatically tracks your work out so you can check on your progress. The Gear Fit 2 automatically identifies the type of activity you are doing and offers a summary of your exercise session. You will also get the option of selecting the appropriate activity manually such as strength training, yoga, pilates and more. The integrated heart rate monitor measures your heart rate every second during your workout. The built-in GPS gives real time stats and mapping of your cycling or run so you can leave your phone behind. TheIP68 rated band making it water resistant up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Just make sure you rinse and dry it after submersion.

• Track your step count, calories burned, heart rate, sleep Quality and More
• Map your activity accurately with the built-in GPS
• Auto tracking recognizes and starts Tracking multiple exercises when you move
• Receive and respond to notifications, calls and texts right on your wrist. 
• Case Dimension :24.5mm x 51.2mm; Strap Length: 95mm x 84mm; Strap Width :20mm – WATER RESISTANT
• Store your favorite music on the GearFit2 or connect with Spotify to access millions of songs
• Available in black, blue or pink and in two sizes, small or medium/large

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30

The SmartBand Talk is an innovative life-logging activity tracking wristband with interchangeable straps. Sony offers handsfree calling over the SmartBand Talk when paired with an android phone with its built-in microphone and loudspeaker. This can also be used to record voice memo on the move. To accept incoming call, simply press answer and talk away. The display also shows notifcations, messages and reminders apart from time and daily activities. It keeps track of how you live and move. Detects when you run, walk, and even when you sleep. You can then view the Lifelog app for in-depth analysis of progress.

Available in black or white, Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 also doubles as a Bluetooth handsfree calling band with its built-in loudspeaker and microphone. Sony trades handsfree function for heart rate monitor. The smartwatch function includes notification for incoming messages (both text and email), reminders, voice memo and time. For fitness tracking it detects run, walk and sleep and send this to the Lifelog app. Set your goals, monitor your progress and stay motivated with coaching notifications to stay on track.

• Curved black and white E-ink display, 296 x 128 (192 dpi), size: 1.4″ with tap, gesture input and voice capability
• Bluetooth 3.0 and micro USB
• Battery Life: up to 3 days use, up to 1 hour talktime
• Notifications: Smart wake-up, messaging, email with audible alert and vibration
• Waterproof up to 4.9 feet (1.5m), IP68 rated – WATERPROOF – SHOWER OR SWIM
• Compatibility: Android 4.4 KitKat or later, SmartBand Talk app, Lifelog app (Android Only) and Bluetooth enabled smartphone
• Dimensions & Weight: Thickness 9.5 mm, Width: 23.5 mm, 24 grams

 

Fitbit Surge

The biggest or at least the widest bands in our list, the fitbit surge uses a rectangular touchscreen display allowing it to show more information such as progress, workout record, run or bike stats, step count, calories burned, progress and milestones and more. There is a built-in Heart Rate monitor that continuously and automatically monitors the heart rate. The activity tracker monitors steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed and active minutes. Together with GPS tracking offers more accurate information such as distance, pace and elevation as well as routes and split times. The multi sport function records running, cycling, cross training and other workouts. Notifications covers text and calls straight to the display. Use it to control music tracks from mobile playlist. Surge also monitors sleep automatically and set a silent alarm.

fitbit surge is has a rectangular screen with bigger display and combines the basic features of a smartwatch i.e. notification for incoming calls, text and music control as well as track fitness activities; steps, distance, calories burned, floor climbed, time taken and monitors sleep. It also has a GPS and Optical Heart Rate sensor built-in. Even with all that it still manages a good battery life of up to 7 days.

• Rectangular touchscreen monochrome LED display, approx. 20.88 x 24.36mm – BIGGEST DISPLAY
• GPS tracking: distance, pace, elevation climbed to review routes and split times – GPS
• PurePulse Heart Rate continuous monitor – HR MONITOR
• Sensors: GPS, 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscope, Digital compass, Optical heart rate monitor, Altimeter, Ambient light sensor, Vibration motor
• All Day Activity tracks steps, distance, calories burned, floor climbed and time.
• Record Multi-Sport; running, cycling cross training and other workouts. Monitor Sleep automatically and set a silent alarm
• Battery Life: over 7 days, 1 to 2 hours charge time – LONG BATTERY LIFE
• Notifications for call and text on display and Music Control from mobile playlist
• Sync Wirelessly via Bluetooth and automatically to smartphone and computer
• Compatibility: fitbit mobile app is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Fitbit dashboard available for PC and Mac.
• Water resistance up to 5 ATM – sweat, rain and splash proof but NOT swim proof – SPLASH PROOF

BONUS: Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker

Much like the Sony, Samsung and Microsoft bands, the Fitbit Alta has a slim profile, save getting in the way of your workout. It tracks all day activity such as steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes and together with SmartTrack does this automatically. It also tracks your sleep with a silent alarm to wake up after a good rest. Once configured and paired with a phone it will push text notifications, calendar reminders  and calls to the display.

• Track steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes with SmartTrack auto exercise recognition and reminder to move.
• See stats and time with a bright OLED tap display
• Automatically track how long and how well you sleep, and set a silent, vibrating alarm
• Personalize with interchangeable metal, leather and classic bands (sold separately)
• Get call, text and calendar notifications at a glance (when phone is nearby)

 

OTHERS

Garmin vivosmart

Vívosmart features an invisible display that comes to life when you get a notification or when you give the band a tap. Then the OLED display shines through the band to reveal your steps, distance traveled, calories burned, time of day and more. For notifications be it a text, email or call on your Bluetooth® Smart device, the wristband gently vibrates and automatically displays the information. To read more, touch and swipe the screen. Set the sleep mode at bedtime and monitor your rest. Later, you can view your total sleep hours, as well as periods of movement and restful sleep, on your Garmin Connect page. vívosmart learns your current activity level, then assigns an attainable daily goal. As you meet your milestones, vívosmart adjusts your goal for the next day, gradually nudging you toward a more active lifestyle.

Vivosmart combines the features of a smartwatch showing notifications such as email, text, social media and incoming calls with a fitness wristband that tracks steps, calories, distance and sleep.

• Heart Rate monitor – included in some models – HR MONITOR
• Stay active with audible alert and red move bar that detects inactivity
• Learn activity level and propose a personalised daily goal and adjust this for the next day to a more active lifestyle
• Tracks steps, distance, calories, time, inactivity, monitor sleep, activity timer
• OLED backlit touchscreen display 128 x 16 pixels, size: 1.35″ x 0.14″ (34.4 mm x 3.5 mm) operate using touch and swipe
• Battery Life: up to 7 days – LONG BATTERY LIFE
• Shows steps, calories burned, distance traveled and time of day
• Smart notifications with vibration alerts for calls, texts and emails from smartphone and automatically displays the information. find my phone, VIRB remote, music player controls
• Sync via Bluetooth with Garmin Connect app to save, plan and share progress
• Water resistant up to 5 ATM (50m) water rating – SHOWER OR SWIM
• Dimensions & Weight: Length varies; short 5.0-6.77″ (127-177 mm) and long 6.10-8.70″ (155-221 mm), 0.67 oz (19.0 g) (large); 0.66 oz (18.7 g) (small); 0.049 oz (1.4 g) (vívokeeper)

Samsung Gear Fit

Gear Fit works with the S Health app to track fitness and daily activities. The Gear Fit works as a personalised fitness motivator. With the built-in Heart Rate Sensor, Gear Fit offers real time coaching to support and motivate users towards achieving their fitness goals. The always on activity tracker keeps track of movements throughout the day.

• Curved Super AMOLED touchscreen display, 432 x 128 pixels, size: 1.84″ (46.6mm) – COLOUR DISPLAY
• Sensors: Heart Rate (HR) Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Pedometer, Exercise, Sleep, Heart Rate, Notifications, Media Controller, Timer, Stopwatch, Find My Device – HR MONITOR
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Battery Life: 3-4 days typical use, up to 5 days on low usage
• Notifications – see instant notifications of emails, SMS, incoming calls and 3rd party apps and interact with connected device
• Dust and Water Resistant protection (IP67) dust tight and water proof up to 1 metre for 30 mins – SPLASH PROOF
• Compatibility: Android on Galaxy smartphones and tablets including 3rd party apps
• Dimensions & Weight: 57.4 x 23.4 x 11.95 mm

Garmin vivofit 2

Not as advanced as the Samsung Gear Fit, Microsoft Band 2 or Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, but if activity tracker and sleep monitor is all you need, the vivofit 2 does it nicely with super long battery life to boot. Compared to other wristbands here, the vivofit 2 has over 1 year of battery life. The display shows stats that are both easy to read and clear even at night with backlight. It shows steps, distance, calories, time and heart rate as well as the ‘time to move’ red bar to keep wearer active. There is also an activity timer to help manage activities such as walks and workouts.

• Stay active with audible alert and red move bar that detects inactivity
• Learn activity level and propose a personalised daily goal and adjust this for the next day to a more active lifestyle
• Tracks steps, distance, calories, time, inactivity, monitor sleep, activity timer
• Back lit display
• Battery Life: over 1 year – LONGEST BATTERY LIFE
• Show steps, calories, distance, sleep tracking and time of day on backlit display
• Sync via Bluetooth with Garmin Connect app to save, plan and share progress
• Can be paired with a heart rate monitor
• Water resistant up to 5 ATM (50m) water rating – SHOWER OR SWIM

Huawei TalkBand B2

A company that is receiving a lot of publicity lately with the launch of Google Nexus 6P smartphone. Google has chosen Huawei to be the company that manufactures Google’s Nexus smartphone, a pure Android phone with minimal skinning or customization from the manufacturer. The Huawei TalkBand B2 is a premium smartband with built-in microphone for voice call function. Its more a hybrid smart band as it doubles as a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling.

The aluminium alloy metal body unhooks from the strap revealing a silicon ear piece hidden underneath. The SmartBand has a PMOLED touch screen with notifications, reminders, alarms, tracking and monitoring functions. For tracking, it automatically recognises the type of fitness activity performed and offers essential fitness data to improve fitness information. It monitors sleep quality and length to best understand sleep patterns. Other features include Direct Unlock for Huawei P8 and P8max only, Phone Finder that makes the phone ring and Remote Control Camera again for Huawei phones running EMUI2.3 and above only.

• Built-in dual microphone for best call quality with the function for incoming call display + Pick up to answer + Touching to call back, what’s more, it ability to connect to two mobiles.
• 0.73-inch, 128×88 PMOLED display, Touch-and-swipe UI keeps you informed with on-screen notification, reminders, alarms, tracking, and monitoring
• 6-axis motion sensor automatically identity what sort of exercise you’re doing, giving you the essential data you need to monitor and improve your fitness performance.
• 95mAh battery, 6 days (depending on wireless call usage time). 14 days stand by with Bluetooth turned off. Charging time: 1 hour
• Water and Dust Resistant – SPLASH PROOF
• Compatible with Android 4.0 and iOS7.0 with Huawei Wear app [Google Play | Apple AppStore]