Best Fitness Tracker That doesn’t Need Phone
Why to Choose A Fitness Tracker that Doesn’t Require a Phone?
This quarantine has pretty much given us time to evaluate our lifestyle. Do you agree? More than lifestyle, it gave us time to reflect on the quality of life we are living. Is our current energy level at par with the energy we need for the activities we want? Do you have enough stamina to run around with your children? Can you still breathe after a Zumba? A fitness tracker is the ultimate solution, especially the best Fitness Tracker that doesn’t need a smartphone or computer!
This time is a chance to develop a healthy habit, to realize the health goals we once put off because we didn’t have enough time. Shifting our diets and junking fast-food take-outs to carefully portioning our proteins and vegetables. Making excuses for working out eventually took its toll and now tracking progress just had to be religious.
You can’t just bring your weighing scale everywhere, right? And your mobile phone on your arms is too heavy to carry throughout a run! What a great way to make progress and track it through a fitness tracker that doesn’t need a smartphone! This fitness tracker can be synced with and can be operated even when you don’t bring your mobile phone with you!
Garmin Vivoactive 3
11 Best Fitness Trackers That don’t Need a Smartphone
Author's Choice  |
Garmin Vivoactive 3
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People's Choice  |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
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Premium Choice  |
Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch
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Best Budget  |
Garmin Forerunner 35, GPS Running Watch
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Best for iPhone, New Release  |
Apple Watch SE
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Best Health Tracker  |
Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition Fitness and Activity Tracker with Built-in GPS
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Best on Wear OS  |
Suunto 7, GPS Sport Smartwatch
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Best Stylish  |
Amazfit GTS Smartwatch
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Best For Runners  |
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
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Best for Golf Players  |
Garmin Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch
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Best Slim Design  |
Garmin vívosport, Fitness & Activity Tracker with GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring
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Detailed Overview
Author’s Choice
Garmin Vivoactive 3
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 7 days, w/ GPS – 13 hrs
Garmin Vivoactive 3 tracks all of the most essential metrics and has some golf-specific features too. The watch comes preloaded with more than 15 indoor and outdoor sport profiles and can monitor your stress level. You can download applications, widgets and watch faces from the Connect IQ store. The device displays notifications from your smartphone and even allows you to respond to messages (this feature only works with Android). There is also support for Garmin Pay to pay for purchases. Now being sold for almost half of its original price, the Vivoactive 3 is easy to recommend.
Pros:
- Color touchscreen is visible in direct sunlight.
- Support for both Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ sensors.
- Contactless payments through Garmin Pay.
Cons:
- Users complain about inaccurate sleep tracking.
- Side-swipe navigation feature isn't all that great.
People’s Choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 3 days, w/ GPS – 6 hrs
Samsung has made some of the best smart watches for Android users. Galaxy Watch Active 2 is equipped with GPS for jogging and they support integration with popular fitness services, such as Strava and Endomondo. Tizen OS is fast and easy to use. The Active series uses a virtual bezel instead of a physical rotating bezel, you can navigate through the menu with the help of swipe around the edge of the screen. The watch is available in two sizes (40 and 44 mm) with an optional LTE modem. Cellular version allows you to receive calls without your smartphone nearby.
With Active 2 you can automatically detect the type of activity and enjoy 40 sports modes. You can reply to messages with voice entry, keyboard or quick answers. Offline music playback is also available for Spotify premium subscribers. And Samsung has finally added electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring functionality which has been approved by FDA. Without Always-on Display, the fitness tracker works for up to 3 days, and it supports wireless charging. Since GPS can significantly reduce the operating time, a 44mm model with a bigger battery is better suited for sports enthusiasts. Formally, the device is compatible with iOS, but iPhone users will not get all the features.
Pros:
- Automatic tracking of training. Watches can detect running, walking, cycling, swimming, and other activities.
- Good balance of functionality and operation It can easily go several days without a charge.
- Advanced health functions. You will get ECG monitoring with an update.
Cons:
- Bixby voice assistant is still not very smart.
- Not the most accurate sleep monitoring.
Premium Choice
Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 21 days, w/ GPS – 60 hrs
For the ordinary person, Garmin Fenix 6X offers an overwhelming amount of data, but it is an excellent choice for those who take sport seriously. The Fitness Tracker has a full range of sensors including HRM, pulse oximeter, GPS, compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, and thermometer. There is a triathlon multisport mode and built-in maps for step-by-step navigation. For each sport it is possible to create custom displays showing the most important information. The new PacePro feature helps you maintain an optimal workout pace and the Body Battery can assist you in managing your daily activities. Popular fitness apps can be downloaded from the Connect IQ store. Of course, the work with external sensors is supported.
In the Sapphire edition, the round 1.4-inch screen is covered with sapphire lens. The watch will display notifications, a quick response function is also available on Android. You can store up to 2000 songs and synchronize your music from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music. Garmin Pay is announced, so you can pay for your purchases without a phone at hand. The battery life lasts up to 21 day or up to 15 hours in GPS plus music mode. You can extend the battery life by turning unnecessary sensors off.
Pros:
- Big screen with scratch-resistant sapphire lens.
- Multi-sport watch, tracking everything from running and swimming to gym workouts.
- Excellent battery life. Can last for three weeks and more on a single charge.
Cons:
- If you don't need multisport features, Garmin has other cheaper models.
- Big size makes it uncomfortable to sleep with the watch on.
Best Budget
Garmin Forerunner 35, GPS Running Watch
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Built-In GPS: Yes Battery Life (Up to): 9 days
The Forerunner 35 has a bigger monitor compared to the Garmin bracelets, with legible big letters and numbers. The watch finds GPS satellites easily during outdoor training, and tracks the user’s route. The device has four hard buttons at the sides, rather than just a touchscreen. This is also a heart rate monitor, and compatible with additional ANT+ devices ( e.g., more sensitive chest strap) may be included).
The Garmin Forerunner 35 body has water resistance up to 5 ATM, however the manufacturer did not include swimming mode for some reason. The bracelets are replaceable. Working time is up to 14 days. As for the Vivosport bracelet, you can use a mobile application or desktop software for synchronization.
Pros:
- Well-readable screen. It has a larger display with large letters and numbers. This feature perfectly suits the fit but non-techy.
- Excellent GPS performance as it quickly finds GPS satellites to track your route. It will keep you on track with your fitness and be in the direction.
- Simple control with four physical buttons instead of a touch screen. It would be easier to access features with the simplicity of style. The straps are replaceable.
- ANT+ sensor support making it more compatible with many and different external sensors.
- Water protection up to 5 ATM that can withstand showers and splashes.
- This fitness tracker band’s working time is up to 14 days.
Cons:
- The fitness band has no swim tracking and is not fit for water sports.
- It only tracks a limited sports regime.
Best for iPhone, New Release
Apple Watch SE
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 1.5 days, w/ GPS – 6 hrs
Apple's mobile watch has become a fantastic fitness tracker. It monitors your performance precisely enough, motivates you to exercise your reward system and helps with educational services in developing wellness apps. So while Apple Watch is still an iPhone device, the recent watchOS updates have reduced the dependence on the mobile. You will connect the watch to Wi-Fi and enjoy all the features involving an internet connection. Or you can buy the Cellular edition to operate over an LTE network. Both versions come with GPS.
Apple Watch SE comes with a new display with improved brightness and second-generation heart rate sensor. As for activity tracking, the fitness tracker is as good as the flagship Apple Watch Series 6. The lack of Always-On display, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring in the more accessible SE isn't a deal breaker. Apple claims to have 18 hours of battery life, but in real life only more than 50% of the charge is usually left by the evening. That's just enough for sleep monitoring. The feature added to watchOS 7 uses about 15%. Apple Watch SE is also a good fitness tracker for seniors without smartphone thanks to its Fall Detection feature. More over, you can set up and manage your Apple Watch for someone who doesn’t have his own iPhone, like your older parents or grand parents. Just use your iPhone, create a Family Sharing group and set up for family members.
Pros:
- A large and bright display. It looks great and is clearly visible in sunlight.
- The watch supports installation of fitness apps with training programs. It can help you to track your progress accurately.
- Smooth operation that functions with Wi-Fi even without your mobile phone.
- The LTE version is also available if you don’t have a constant Wi-Fi connection.
- GPS is available on all models.
Cons:
- Insufficient battery life. You can reach 2 days only with light use.
- Fitness tracker works only with Apple devices. No Android compatibility.
- Does not display detailed data about sleep zones, unlike major competitors.
Best Health Tracker
Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition Fitness and Activity Tracker with Built-in GPS, Heart Rate, Sleep & Swim Tracking
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- 2Built-In GPS: Yes Battery Life (Up to): 7 days and 5 hrs
Fitbit Charge 4 has GPS and now users don’t need to take their smartphone for a jog. The fitness tracker recognizes more than 20 types of workouts, monitors the heart rate during the day and controls the sleep of its owner. A Fitbit Premium subscription is therefore needed for more comprehensive sleep quality statistics. The device is equipped with a blood oxygen level sensor SpO2 and can be used in the pool – the body is waterproof up to 50 meters. The bracelet can also display notifications from the phone and control music (but only in Spotify).
The built-in memory of the watch is adequate to store fitness details over the last 7 days, so not even your Iphone will synchronize information with the Fitbit app. The company provides a Fitbit Connect mobile program for Mac and Windows 10/8.1 by Bluetooth (if not enabled, you can purchase a USB-dongle). If you have a pet, you can train and set fitness goals together as you can link it with dog GPS tracker.
Pros:
- Precise GPS operation. Keep track of your mobile activity in this convenient and portable device. This wristband can display your phone notifications, you’ll never have to miss out on an important alert. You can also customize your music vibe while working out with Spotify only.
- Fitbit pays. Thoroughly monitor your heart rate and sleep by subscribing to Fitbit Premium. This premium subscription allows you to explore the detailed statistics on your sleep quality. This also allows you to access a contactless payment that makes you shop at your favorite places, seamlessly!
- Up to 50 meters, waterproof! This means you can use it to track your swimming in the pool! This smart wrist band is also equipped with a blood oxygen level sensor (SpO2).
- Recognizes up to 20 workout modes. This helps you track the range of workouts you’re practicing in repetition and intervals.
- Long battery life! One full charge lasts up to 7 days depending on use. It may only last up to 5 hours when GPS is turned on.
Cons:
- Access to special features will be limited and is only activated with a premium subscription.
- The music management is only limited to Spotify.
Best on Wear OS
Suunto 7, GPS Sport Smartwatch
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 1.5 days, w/ GPS – 12 hrs
Suunto 7 runs on Wear OS. The built-in Googe Fit platform is used to track daily activity, and Suunto application has more than 70 training programs available. If this is not enough, the Google Play store provides access to thousands of applications and watch faces for every taste. The watch got a large 1.39-inch AMOLED display. It can reach 1000 nits of brightness, which is more than enough for outdoor workouts. There is a GPS, barometer and an optical heart rate sensor. With detailed offline maps you will always know where you are. You can store a 40-mile area in memory, which will be automatically updated via Wi-Fi while your watch is charging.
The updated Wear OS is faster and more energy efficient, but battery life is not yet impressive. Suunto 7 works only one and a half days or 12 hours with GPS tracking mode on. The fitness tracker has no built-in speaker, but you can give voice commands to Google Assistant. Contactless payment through Google Pay is also here.
Pros:
- Tough and durable. The casing is made of fiber-reinforced polyamide with stainless steel bezel.
- Sports tracking and offline maps for outdoor training.
- Google Assistant and G Pay integration.
Cons:
- The necessity to switch frequently between Google Fit and Suunto app.
- The battery life leaves much to be desired.
Best Stylish
Amazfit GTS Smartwatch
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Built-In GPS: Yes Battery Life (Up to): 20 days
The Amazfit GTS looks like a smart watch, but works like a fitness tracker. It counts moves, monitors heart rate and records sleep. There is an automated behavior detecting feature, but it does not operate very well. So, it is best to say what you want to do before you begin the preparation. Totally 12 sports modes are available, from jogging to swimming. The system is safe from cold, understands how to hold data on all pool activities and open-water swimming. For the following, having a built-in GPS benefits.
The watch facilitates dial loading for all preferences, but only one module allows for extra details to be applied to widgets. The supplier guarantees up to 46 days of work, depending on the frequency of training with the use of GPS, the successful utilization of all functions with one charge is enough for a week or two. If you have a smartphone nearby, the watch will notify you of calls and notifications but the watch will not be able to answer calls and messages.
Pros:
- This amazing smart-watch looks stylish with a juicy screen but is also a fitness tracker.
- 24/7 Heart-rate monitoring, tracking your steps and your sleep. It has an automatic activity detection feature.
- It has 12 sports modes available that includes jogging and swimming. It is protected from water perfect for swimming in the pool and open water.
- Good Autonomy that lasts up to 46 days’ work with light use and a week or two for full functional use.
Cons:
- Interface slowdowns on multiple tabs.
- You cannot reply to a message from the watch, but it alerts you on calls and messages when your smartphone is nearby.
Best For Runners
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 7 days, w/ GPS – 24 hrs
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a compact and lightweight sports watch for runners. The fitness tracker monitors all important metrics like speed, paces, heart rate zones, cadence, temperature, elevation and others. The app allows you to customize the screens to reflect the information you need. If you need the most accurate data, there is support for external sensors. Transflective display is perfectly readable in all lighting conditions. It isn't touch screen but it is much easier to press physical buttons on the go. There are as many as five of them. The gadget measures the body's blood oxygen saturation, monitors sleep and has a pool swimming mode. Body Battery monitor assesses your energy level and shows when it is better to exercise or rest.
The watch not only supports music management on your smartphone, but also allows you to download tracks for stand-alone music playback. You can transfer up to 500 tracks via USB cable from your computer. With a premium subscription to Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music, you can also synchronize your playlists over Wi-Fi. What's more, the watch also has the ability to connect to your home network to send data to the cloud without having to open an app.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music works up to 7 hours in the smart watch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode or 6 hours with GPS and music. The built-in memory stores 200 hours of activity data.
Pros:
- Always active and easily visible display.
- Advanced health tracking, fairly accurate heart rate monitor.
- Storage for music, the synchronization with online music services.
- Excellent battery life.
Cons:
- A large number of menus and submenus makes interface navigation more complicated.
Best for Golf Players
Garmin Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Battery Life (Up to): w/o GPS – 14 days, w/ GPS – 20 hrs
Although Garmin Approach S62 is designed for hardcore golf players, the watch also obtained most of the fitness features of the top Garmin models.They are able to track your steps, running, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, stand up paddleboarding, paddling, indoor training and sleep. The device constantly measures heart rate and stress levels, and SpO2 functionality and Body Battery monitoring are also available. It comes preloaded with more than 41,000 full-color CourseView maps of golf courses. They help identify major hazards and hole layouts. AutoShot automatically meters the shot distances and records the data for further analysis.
The battery life of Garmin Approach S62 is 14 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours with GPS enabled. A model with a charging station in the kit is also available for purchase.
Pros:
- Packed not only with special golf-related features, but with fitness monitoring and app support Approach S62 doubles as everyday smartwatch.
- Support for multiple outdoor and indoor activities.
- Good battery life. Lasts about 2 weeks in normal use.
Cons:
- Doesn't have offline music capability as other Garmins in this price range.
- The user interface takes some time to get used to.
Best Slim Design
Garmin vívosport, Fitness & Activity Tracker with GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring
- Activity Tracking: Yes Call & Text Alerts: Yes
- 24/7 Heart Rate: Yes Swimproof: Yes
- Built-In GPS: Yes Battery Life (Up to): 7 days
Garmin Vivosport is a functional fitness tracker, which is hardly felt on the hand. The bracelet can display notifications from your smartphone, but it’s also perfect without it. The workout can be started directly from the wrist and there is also a GPS for tracking jogging routes. The bracelet records steps, distance traveled, calories spent, stress levels and other indicators. The color transflex screen remains readable in all light conditions, but due to its small size it’s harder to read at a glance while on the move. You can view more information about your accomplishments either in the mobile app or on your computer.
Despite its full moisture protection, Garmin Vivosport can’t track your pool workout. Another drawback to the tracker is its fixed strap. In case of damage, it can be replaced under warranty, but you will have to send it to the company and wait for a few weeks.
Pros:
- Compact size that is hardly felt on hand. It can record steps, distance traveled, stress levels, and calories spent. The workout can be started directly from the fitness tracker band.
- A quality working time when fully charged.
- Easy to operate and can be replaced when damaged under warranty.
Cons:
- The text is hard to read because of its compact size.
- GPS starts slow so you have to set your route in advance.
- No swim modes despite its full moisture protection. It cannot track swimming workouts.
- The strap is fixed and cannot be replaced by itself when damaged.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Consider When Choosing a Fitness Tracker?
Sensors
You need a fitness tracker that has a working sensor. This is the most essential feature that you need, especially when you are religiously tracking your progress to a better and fit lifestyle. More sensors mean you will get accurate data.
Both trackers use sensors to control your activity, frequently wirelessly linking and synchronizing with a machine or mobile device to store details from your everyday activities. They also can contain external sensors:
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GPS – to monitor where you are
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Gyroscope – to decide how you stand, lie, recline, float, spin, etc.
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Heart rate monitor – to control the rhythms during the day and throughout exercise
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Barometer – to evaluate your altitude, which is then used to measure how many stairs you climbed to get to you this morning
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Magnetometer – for detecting different motions and assessing the path in which you are moving
Compatibility with Fitness Applications
A fitness tracker should be compatible with many fitness applications. Whether you’re trying one workout and pairing it with another diet, you can easily have it all together in your wrist. The kinds of behaviors tracked differ by device which may involve various measures taken, sleeping hours, pulse rate, skin temperature, and rates of perspiration.
Smartwatch
Wouldn’t it be great to have a wristwatch that alerts you on your mobile phone notifications? Like receiving calls and message alerts? You’ll never have to be behind the important information and emergency even without your phone in your pocket. Many versions provide smartwatch-like calls, email, instant messaging, and e-mail notifications. And when it’s time to get up and go, they can provide motivational support in the guise of challenges, badges, interaction with online friends and a vibrating alert. They will also exchange the data with the doctor remotely.
Budget
The more expensive a fitness tracker watch is, the more special and advanced features it can offer. Cost has become one of the main categories of fitness trackers. Based on the apps you want, you will invest from $40 to several hundred dollars. When you are on a small budget, there’s always plenty you might do that can show you the essentials like monitoring your moves. Spend a little more and you can track your heart rate, spend even more than that and get GPS or a higher water rating.
Battery Life
Consider having a smartwatch that has a longer life when fully charged. Maximize its features with a better battery. Battery life may reach from one day to several months, based on the complexity of the gadget. The battery in a color display tracker and an armada of sensors would need to be replaced more often than that in a plain band with a pair of LED lights on its nose. Often notable is that not all trackers are rechargeable. Others operate on batteries sometimes found in cameras and calculators for coin cell operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fitness tracker without a smartphone?
Yes. Many fitness trackers can be used independently from a smartphone. Commonly, smartphones and mobile devices have helpful functions for monitoring exercises and configuring settings. For most exercise watches, the software used to monitor steps, speed, and heart rate information is generally self-contained.
Why would I want to use my fitness tracker without a smartphone?
Assume anything or not, certain people choose not to use a smartphone in our age of intense technology dependency or willing to reduce the reliance on one. This could be related to reservations over anonymity, financial considerations or just being purely old-fashioned! You may also be wondering whether you would actually use a fitness tracker without your cell phone app. Regardless of the fact that almost all fitness trackers can be used without a smartphone, we will seek to clarify the situations where that might not be the case, as well as any risks without a smartphone for the fitness tracker.
The fact is, the response depends heavily on the particular workout tool you are utilizing or contemplating. Some exercise trackers may be used without a smartphone but some might need one.
Setup via computer or tablet?
Many fitness trackers focus on uploading and installing an update for configuration on a mobile device, so when you don’t have a smartphone, the configuration will typically be accomplished by attaching the system to a monitor or laptop. Many trackers will typically work independently of a smart device until configuration is complete.
Summary
Purchasing a smartwatch is a smart upgrade, especially when you are into fitness and convenience. It allows you to track your fitness progress and keep you in touch with important alerts from your mobile phone. You can also conveniently answer phone calls and respond to messages from it. Price ranges from $70-$200 with a set of excellent features you can already enjoy.
