How to choose a fitness bracelet - expert reviews

Fitness bracelet is a useful device not only for those who want to track their activity, but for everyone who wants to just start moving more.

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1. What is a fitness bracelet for?
2. Fitness bracelet selection options
3. How to choose a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor
4. What fitness bracelet to choose for iPhone
5. Choosing a fitness bracelet on Android
6. Choosing inexpensive fitness bracelets from China
7. The best manufacturers of fitness bracelets
8. Review of the best fitness bracelets
9. Bracelet Fitness Choice Video

What is a fitness bracelet for?

In fact, a fitness bracelet is a device for measuring and tracking a person’s physical activity. Powerful models can also determine biometric indicators, such as pulse, skin conductance (to track the emotional state), as well as independently determine the type of exercise.

Fitness bracelets can be divided into three levels:

1. Elementary. This level includes devices such as Xiaomi Mi Band, Jawbone UP, etc. Such devices can count steps, analyze certain types of movements, work as a smart alarm clock, etc.

2. Amateur. This level includes such devices as Fitbit Charge, Misfit Shine, Withings Pulse, etc. Able to track many types of activity, not just steps and similar movements. The functionality of the bracelet is expanded due to the capabilities of the application;

3. Professional. They are able to calculate the height, determine the conductivity of the skin, independently monitor the type of physical activity and distinguish, for example, running from volleyball. Examples are Microsoft Band, Garmin Vivoactive and others.

Structurally, the vast majority of fitness bracelets are nothing more than a “bunch of sensors with a battery,” and all the “smart” functionality is determined by the application's capabilities. Therefore, for example, Xiaomi Mi Band can only count and sleep steps to analyze, and Fitbit Charge can also track calorie consumption. True, the user will have to independently add to the application the products that he ate for breakfast or dinner.

The main task of fitness bracelets is as follows:

1. For entry-level devices - the motivation of the user. It is assumed that a person, frightened by his low physical activity, will begin to move more and more often;

2. At the amateur level devices - help to beginner athletes. Fitness bracelet helps to train properly, not overwhelming and burning exactly the extra calories;

3. At the professional level devices - tracking activity of experienced athletes. Fitness bracelet collects information about all workouts, the state of the body and the environment during training.

Thus, if you just want to move more (or find out how much you walk through the house during the day), you should buy an entry-level fitness bracelet. To help in sports - amateur. And for serious training, extreme types of hobbies such as mountaineering or tracking activity at an advanced level - professional.

Fitness bracelet selection options

When choosing a fitness bracelet, in addition to the "level" of the device, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics. Among them:

1. Types of installed sensors;

2. Battery life;

3. Frequency and type of information synchronization;

4. Housing moisture protection;

5. Functions "smart watches";

6. Compatibility with the operating system;

7. Fastening device;

8. The type and material of the strap, the presence of additional sensors on it.

9. Also important is the manufacturer of the device.

Types of sensors installed

The number of biometric and physical indicators that a fitness bracelet is capable of tracking directly depends on the installed sensors. The most common sensors are:

1. Gyroscope and accelerometer. Designed to track the movement of the device in space. Fitted in all fitness bracelets. Most often used to count the steps, the wave of the hand, other movements of the user;

2. Pulsometer. As the name implies, it is designed to calculate the heart rate. It happens active and passive. The active heart rate monitor works constantly, significantly reducing the autonomy of the fitness bracelet (up to a couple of hours of work without recharging), while the passive is turned on manually through the application or automatically starts when it detects prolonged physical activity;

3. Altimeter. Height measurement sensor. Shows the number of floors covered (for city dwellers) or the height of a conquered mountain (for climbers);

4. GPS module. Designed to determine the location of the user. It can be used for tracking jogging, hiking, cross-country racing, marathons and other physical activity, which involves moving over a long distance;

5. KGR sensor (galvanic skin response). It can be used for various purposes - from detecting stress conditions to monitoring the level of hydration of the body;

6. Thermometer. It can measure both skin temperature and environmental conditions;

7. Light sensor. Helps the bracelet to determine the time of day;

8. Bioimpedance sensors. They work similarly to the GSR sensor, determine the conductivity of the skin, but through this parameter they analyze the respiration rate, the level of electrolytes in the blood, even its composition (but not too accurately, therefore, for example, they will not warn about a drop in sugar level). In general, they are designed to measure small changes in the body.

In most entry level bracelets, only a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a heart rate monitor are installed. The remaining sensors are found in devices of a higher class.

It is worth considering that the accuracy of most sensors is very imperfect. For example, the heart rate monitor measures the heart rate optically, that is, “shining through” the skin and determining the amount of blood in the veins by the volume of absorbed photo emission. Therefore, his testimony may vary depending on a variety of parameters, among which are the composition and blood diseases, the degree of adhesion of the bracelet to the skin, skin color, the level of lighting in the room and others. The discrepancy between the measured and real heart rate can be up to 10-20 beats per minute.

Similarly, other sensors work. Accelerometer can count for the steps of various hand movements (for example, typing on the keyboard, which was verified by the author of the article); KGR sensor shows different values ​​on dry and wet skin; light sensor can confuse day and night, if you cover it with a sleeve.

Devices with perfectly calibrated and balanced sensors do not exist, so do not treat the sensor readings as an absolute truth.

Battery life

The battery life depends on three parameters - the type of heart rate monitor, the presence of the display and the frequency of synchronization. Separately, it is worth mentioning that it is pointless to buy fitness bracelets that need to be charged more often every few days.

The heart rate monitor, being an optical device, is very actively consuming battery power.Therefore, the more often and longer it is used, the less the battery life of the bracelet. In the constantly active mode, the heart rate monitor is able to discharge the battery in just a couple of hours.

Therefore, for most users fit fitness bracelets with a passive heart rate monitor - such as Xiaomi Mi Band 2 or Fitbit Charge HR. To measure the heart rate in them, you will need to open the companion application on your smartphone and press the corresponding button.

Screen - Another resource-intensive design element of the fitness bracelet. Therefore, it is advisable to choose models that are not equipped with them. And if the display is still needed - you have to get ready for the fact that the fitness bracelet will have to be charged every couple of days.

Sync Frequency It also determines the autonomy of the device, since the activity of the Bluetooth module depends on it. The lower it is, the longer the bracelet “lives”. So, Jawbone UP2 without a BT-module has a battery life of up to 10 days, while the UP24 with it has only up to 2 days.

If you only plan to periodically view statistics on physical activity, you should choose models with a low synchronization frequency (or even with forced synchronization). But to track movements in real time, you need a device that would be permanently connected to a smartphone. But autonomy from it can not wait.

From the battery capacity, as is clear from the above, the autonomy of the fitness bracelet is almost independent.

Frequency and method of information synchronization

The frequency of information synchronization between the fitness bracelet and the smartphone to which it is connected can be divided into several types - forced, background, persistent on demand and active.

1. Force sync is that the device records information about the user's physical activity in its own memory, and then, if necessary, transfers it to the companion application. This type of information exchange is implemented in the first-generation Jawbone fitness bracelets and Fitbit Charge when connected to a computer, rather than a smartphone. It provides the greatest autonomy, but it is impossible to determine how many steps were completed during the walk, without special manipulations.

2. Background Sync lies in the fact that the fitness bracelet periodically (every few minutes or even hours) sends information about physical activity to the companion application on a smartphone connected via Bluetooth. Implemented in the vast majority of such devices, including Xiaomi Mi Band. Provides optimal autonomy and allows you to view statistics for short-term periods without special manipulations.

3. Constant on demand is activated manually. Most often it works in fitness bracelets of primary and amateur level with active exercise mode or heart rate monitor. It leads to the rapid discharge of the battery, so it should not be abused.

4. Active is similar to constant on demand, only sends data in real time regardless of user actions. Allows you to get the most current information, however, leads to a very fast battery discharge.

Bluetooth is most often used to synchronize information, but some models of fitness bracelets (for example, the first-generation Jawbone) require a wired connection. The latter is not very convenient.

Housing moisture protection

Fitness bracelets designed for active use and regular wear should be well protected from the external aggressive environment. Therefore, the best solution is models with enclosures insulated according to IP67 and higher. IP68 even allows you to swim without removing the bracelet.

Functions "smart watches"

Fitness bracelets equipped with a screen also have the functionality of a smart watch - for example, they allow you to determine the time, view notifications and answer calls. However, such opportunities lead to an increase in the cost of the device and a decrease in its battery life.

Therefore, to choose fitness bracelets with the functions of "smart watches" (such as, for example, Sony SmartBand SWR10 and Huawei TalkBand B2), it is based on their needs and budget.

Compatible with operating system

Some bracelets are compatible with all mobile and even desktop operating systems (for example, Jawbone, Xiaomi Mi Band and Fitbit Charge), and others only with some. For example, Sony SmartBand works only with Android devices.

Therefore, when choosing a fitness bracelet, you should also check its compatibility with the OS used.

Mount

Despite the name "fitness bracelet", some models of such devices have a different design. For example, Jawbone Up Move runs as a clip that attaches to clothing, and Misfit Shine can turn into a pendant.

Strap Features

The ideal material for a fitness bracelet strap is silicone or rubber with silicone coating. It is both durable, hypoallergenic and not deformed due to contact with moisture. Wet tissue may cause skin irritation.

In addition, a premium leather strap can be used in premium fitness bracelets. It provides the best tactile sensations in everyday wear, but it is unpleasantly felt during sports and can be deformed when in contact with moisture.

Well, if the fitness bracelet will support the replacement strap. However, multifunctional models are deprived of this opportunity. In them, additional sensors are placed on the strap, as a result of which it is not possible to replace it without disassembling the device.

Features of the choice of fitness bracelets

When choosing fitness bracelets of various types and purposes, you should consider different parameters.

How to choose a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor

The accuracy of the readings of the heart rate monitor is influenced by the following parameters:

1. Density of contact with the skin - the bracelet should fit snugly (that is, be small and preferably curved);

2. The height of the heart rate monitor - it is desirable that this sensor was not deepened into the bracelet and slightly stood out from it;

3. The possibility of turning the heart rate monitor on the back of the wrist for more accurate readings.

What fitness bracelet to choose for iPhone

Almost all fitness bracelets are compatible with the iOS operating system, including Xiaomi. Limited compatibility is found perhaps in products from Sony and Microsoft.

Choosing a fitness bracelet on Android

Almost all fitness bracelets are compatible with the Android operating system. Limited compatibility is found except in Microsoft products.

Fitness bracelets themselves are not equipped with an operating system, therefore, if the device specifications indicate that it works on Android, then this is not a fitness bracelet, but a smart watch.

Choosing inexpensive fitness bracelets from China

The best option for a budget fitness bracelet from China is Xiaomi Mi Band 2. If this option is not suitable, then you should not choose models that are equipped with a screen, SIM cards and other built-in TVs - they will not work for long, and the accuracy of readings will be very controversial.

Among ultrabudget fitness bracelets from Chinese manufacturers, you can also select products from Bong, THL and Teclast. But in most cases they do not have interchangeable straps or a Russified application.

The best manufacturers of fitness bracelets

Among the best manufacturers of fitness bracelets are the following companies:

1. Xiaomi (ideal in its price segment);

2. Fitbit, Misfit, Withings (excellent devices of the middle price segment);

3. Jawbone (pioneers, there are both successful and failed models);

4. Sony, Huawei (fitness bracelets with smart watch function);

5. Microsoft, Garmin (professional fitness bracelets);

6. Teclast, THL, Bong (“China” with good functionality and low price).

7. Samsung and Moov also deserve mentioning, but the range of fitness bracelets from them is very limited.

Review of the best fitness bracelets

Among the best fitness bracelets can be identified Xiaomi Mi Band current version 2, Fitbit Charge HR, Misfit Shine and Withings Pulse.

Xiaomi Mi Band 2

Just the best in its price category "up to 2000 rubles." Able to count the pulse, though not always very accurately (the discrepancy is up to 10-20 beats per minute), steps, calories, equipped with a smart alarm function and an LCD screen that displays hours and notification icons from a smartphone.

Fitbit Charge HR

Rather expensive, but completely autonomous fitness bracelet, which can be used without a smartphone. Compatible with computers, adapter included. Able to count the pulse and determine the number of completed floors due to the built-in altimeter. All information is displayed. Attached is a food diary.

Misfit shine

A bracelet that does not need recharging - works on a clock battery. Can turn into a pendant. It has excellent water resistance, smart alarm mode, the application has a power diary. There is no pulse sensor. There is a dial, and it is absolutely useless, but interestingly realized.

Withings Pulse O2

Stylish fitness bracelet with touch screen. There is a heart rate monitor and a sensor measuring the level of oxygen in the blood. No alarm clock, has a small autonomy with frequent forced synchronization on request, considers not too accurate, there is no moisture protection. However, a great device for geeks who just need to move more. Well, the function of measuring the level of oxygen is not found in every such device.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a heart rate monitor and secrets selection of Nordic walking sticks.

Bracelet Fitness Choice Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.