Best Fitness Trackers and Running Watches
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · Products hand-picked and curated, updated daily
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 ($69.99) is the budget tracker, and the Garmin Forerunner 70 ($249.99) is the simplest GPS running watch for any phone. iPhone users get the most features from the Apple Watch Series 11.
Our picks at a glance
- Best budget tracker: Samsung Galaxy Fit3 Activity Tracker — Activity and sleep tracking for $69.99. (USD 69.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best for runners: Garmin Forerunner 70 GPS Running Smartwatch — Built-in GPS; iOS and Android. (USD 249.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best value Apple Watch: Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm Starlight — Key health features for $249. (USD 249.00, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best smartwatch for iPhone: Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 46mm Jet Black Aluminum — Most complete health tracking. (USD 409.00, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best for outdoor athletes: Apple Watch Ultra 3 GPS + Cellular 49mm Titanium — Titanium case with satellite connectivity. (USD 749.00, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best running headphones: SHOKZ OpenRun Mini Bone Conduction Headphones — Bone conduction keeps your ears open. (USD 129.95, reference 2026-11-12)
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 Activity Tracker
A light 18.5g fitness band with a large 1.6-inch display and an aluminum body for workouts and sleep tracking.
Garmin Forerunner 70 GPS Running Smartwatch
An easy-to-use GPS running watch with pace, distance and wrist heart rate for beginner runners.
Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm Starlight
The value Apple Watch with sleep score, Vitals app, fast charging and an Always-On display in a 40mm case.
Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 46mm Jet Black Aluminum
Apple Watch Series 11 with sleep score, hypertension notifications, up to 24 hours of battery and a 46mm case.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 GPS + Cellular 49mm Titanium
Apple's toughest watch with satellite communication, multiday battery, dual-frequency GPS and a 49mm titanium case.
SHOKZ OpenRun Mini Bone Conduction Headphones
Lightweight open-ear bone conduction sport headphones that keep you aware of your surroundings.
Pick by how you train and which phone you use.
How we chose
We compared the published specifications, reference prices and listed pros and cons of products in our catalog. We have not tested these products. Prices were checked on November 12, 2026, and can change at the retailer.
Steps and sleep on a budget
The Galaxy Fit3 is light (about 18.5 g) with a 1.6-inch screen, but has no built-in GPS.
Running with GPS
The Garmin Forerunner 70 has built-in GPS and works with iOS and Android.
Full smartwatch
Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 combine health tracking with iPhone apps; most users charge daily.
Outdoor athletes
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds a 49 mm titanium case and satellite connectivity.
Hear traffic while running
Pair any watch with SHOKZ OpenRun Mini bone conduction headphones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest fitness tracker here?
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 at $69.99 (reference price).
Which running watch works with Android?
The Garmin Forerunner 70 works with iOS and Android.
Do I need GPS?
For accurate pace and distance on outdoor runs, yes; the Galaxy Fit3 has no built-in GPS.
General shopping guidance. Verify exact specifications and retailer terms before buying. Our editorial policy