These Are the Fitness Trackers Worth Watching in 2026

Fitness trackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, moving from basic step counters to devices that can monitor workouts, sleep, heart rate and broader wellness trends.

PCMag’s latest fitness tracker roundup highlights several devices that stand out across different categories, from discreet wearables and smart rings to full-fledged smartwatches.

Here are eight of the notable picks from the list:

Fitbit Charge 6 — For Advanced Fitness Tracking

The Charge 6 packs many of Fitbit’s core health and fitness features into a compact wearable, including GPS, heart-rate monitoring and support for a range of workouts.

Apple Watch Series 11 — For iPhone Users

Apple’s smartwatch remains aimed at users who want fitness and health tracking alongside apps, connectivity and deeper integration with the iPhone ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — For Android Users

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch combines traditional smartwatch features with fitness and health monitoring, making it an option for Android users looking beyond a dedicated fitness band.

Fitbit Inspire 3 — For Beginners

The Inspire 3 takes a simpler approach, focusing on everyday activity, sleep and wellness tracking in a lightweight form factor.

Garmin Lily 2 — For a Smaller, More Stylish Wearable

Garmin’s Lily 2 targets users who want fitness and wellness features without the bulkier look associated with many traditional sports watches.

Oura Ring 5 — For Sleep and Recovery Tracking

The Oura Ring 5 takes the fitness-tracking experience away from the wrist. Its ring design makes it particularly suited to people who want continuous wellness and sleep insights in a more discreet format.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 — For Everyday Fitness

The Vivoactive 5 sits between a dedicated fitness tracker and a full smartwatch, combining workout and health features with GPS and Garmin’s broader fitness ecosystem.

Polar Pacer Pro — For Runners

Polar’s Pacer Pro is geared toward runners and users who want more detailed training data rather than just basic activity tracking.

The biggest takeaway is that there is no single fitness tracker designed for everyone. The right choice increasingly depends on whether the priority is running performance, sleep and recovery, everyday activity, smartwatch functionality or simply a smaller wearable that stays out of the way.

PCMag’s roundup reflects that shift, with the category now stretching well beyond traditional fitness bands.