Fitbits came onto the scene when the company was founded in 2007, and today the much-loved device has become so ubiquitous the company name has become pretty much a common noun for any kind of step-counter.
At least, that’s what they started out as. Today, Fitbits come in a ton of shapes, sizes, and functional purposes, whether you’re looking for something that truly just measures your steps or has a heart monitor, GPS, and other functionalities built in as well. And really, the sky is the limit with the latest models: Some measure your temperature, stress, and give you reminders that you can in fact take a recovery day off your workouts.
They exist across a wide range of prices that reflect how technically oriented they are, too. And yes, there’s Fitbits for kids now, too. Read on for six of our favorite Fitbits, from basic models to ones that are like a personal health tour right at your wrist.
What do Fitbits do?
At their most basic, Fitbits were invented as a sort of wearable pedometer, originally existing just to track your steps. Of course they’ve gotten more tech-savvy (and more complicated) since then: These days, they come in a range of models, each of which offers its own unique combination of Fitbit’s technology and sensors. They can stand in as phones, push app notifications to you, and even pay for your Starbucks latte—plus keep an eye on more important matters, like heart health and sleep tracking.
What features do Fitbits offer?
The most expensive Fitbit models offer a slew of features, mostly available through sensors. These involve keeping an eye on your heart beat variability, measuring your temperature around the clock, and even monitoring your stress levels as the company begins what will surely be a longer foray into the mindfulness aspect of health. A lot of the running- and swim-minded Fitbits — yes, you can wear some of them in the pool and shower! — also advise you when to take a recovery day.
More lifestyle-oriented Fitbits will also offer the ability to download apps like Pandora and Spotify, use the band to pay for purchases, and even take calls when you’re on the go.
What do Fitbits look like?
Fitbits have sleek, minimalist aesthetic, with bands that you can swap in and out and clock faces that you can customize for a display that suits your mood. Some are slimmer while others have a more Apple Watch-like, square display.
How much do Fitbits cost?
There are a wide range of Fitbits out there that begin at under $100 and go up to a significant chunk of change. How much you want to spend might depend on why you’re using it (as a workout buddy versus an all-day companion) and what kind of features you want to be sure are included.
Check out some of our best picks for Fitbits below.