10 Best Fitness Trackers Without a Smartphone For 2023
Are you tired of being tethered to your smartphone for your fitness tracking needs? Discover the top 10 best fitness trackers that don’t require a smartphone, perfect for keeping you on track with your health and wellness goals.
Fitness trackers are common on Smartphones these days. If you’re a fitness buff or just a person trying to lose a little weight, owning a fitness tracker will help you towards your goals.
I work out, at least, 6 days a week and the fitness tracker on my phone can:
- Set a goal of how many steps that I want to do per day
- Record the amount of steps and distance that I do per day
- Record my workouts based on the type of workout and duration for that session
- Record calories per day
- Record my weight
- Record my progress, in terms of my goals
- Take my stress level
- Take my heart rate
Why exercise at all!
Exercising has many benefits, especially in today’s high-paced environment. Most of us sit behind a desk at work, so we don’t get enough exercise. We are also eating a lot of processed foods, but I’ll keep it to the lack of exercise here and tell you why you give you the benefits of exercising:
- Decreased stress levels
- You will sleep better
- Improved self-esteem
- Better self confidence
- Improved health
- Improved fitness
- Improved brain power
Why buy a fitness tracker without a smartphone
The problem with smartphones, though, is that they do emit some EMF radiation. Although the jury is still out on whether these emissions are harmful to humans, better to be safe than sorry. So while the smartphone is a necessary part of modern life, I would recommend an alternative for your health and fitness goals. Such an alternative would be in the form of a fitness tracker.
One of the main problems with having a smartphone with you on your workouts, is that it’s a distraction. If you’re serious about your workouts, you don’t need to be answering your phone or texts every minute. Working out is, not only, a way to achieve your fitness goals, but it’s a way to take your mind of everyday mental stress. Tagging your phone along with you on your workouts means that you’re not going to achieve that goal.
Most smartphones tend to be fairly heavy as well. Trying to run with your smartphone in your hand tends to be somewhat counterproductive.
A simple pedometer could do if you need a simple alternative, but if you’re using your smartphone, you are going to want something a bit more advanced than a pedometer. Here I’ve put together a list of the top fitness trackers that I would recommend.
My fitness tracker list
I’ll look at each of these fitness tracker in detail and give you my verdict on each of them below.
The Garmin Vivosmart4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a fitness tracker that you will find to be slim and lightweight. It can be worn all day without any discomfort.
It has Bluetooth and can therefore, be paired to your smartphone. Then you can take your jog, or run without having to have your phone on you. If you’re worried about the radiation, you can turn of the Bluetooth while you’re exercising.
When you’re back home, then you can turn on back the Bluetooth and sync the app on your phone with the date from the fitness tracker.
The Garmin Vivosmart won’t give you Smartphone notifications. If you need to have smartphone notifications, call, and SMS, without a smartphone, I would recommend getting a smartwatch.
- Slim, smart activity tracker blends fashionable design with stylish metal accents and a bright, easy to read display.Physical size: Small: Fits wrists with a circumference of 122-188 mm. Large:Fits wrists with a circumference of 148-215 mm.Supported Application:Phone. Connectivity technology:Cellular. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- Includes advanced sleep monitoring with REM sleep and can gauge blood oxygen saturation levels during the night with the wrist based Pulse Ox sensor. (Not a medical device and not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition)
- Fitness and health monitoring tools include estimated wrist based heart rate, all day stress tracking, Relaxation breathing timer, Vo2 Max, body battery energy monitor and more
- Features dedicated activity timers for walks, runs, strength training, yoga, pool swims and others; Lens material: Polycarbonate. Strap material: Silicone. Compatible Devices VIRB Ultra 30 , VIRB XVIRB X and VIRB XEVIRB XE
Last update on 2023-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fitness features of this watch include:
- Relaxation breathing timer
- VO2 max
- Dedicated activity timer for runs, walks, yoga, pool swims and other athletic activities
- Wrist-based heart rate
- All day stress tracking
- Advanced sleep monitoring
- Blood oxygen levels
- Battery life lasts up to 7 days
- Body battery energy monitor
- Vibration alert for texts, calls, and other notifications
Pros:
- Compatible with Android and Iphone devices
- Slim and swim-friendly
- Battery life
Cons:
- Strap is non-replaceable
- You won’t get smartphone notifications if you’re away from your phone
My verdict
You won’t need a smartphone If you own this fitness tracker. It also allows you turn off your Bluetooth if not required. Older men and women will also like this tracker.
Fitbit Charge 4
This is one fitness tracker that I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a tracker that doesn’t require a phone.
The fitness and health tracking on the Fitbit Charge 4 is quite advanced. Not only does it have monitoring around the clock, but you also don’t need your smartphone to enjoy the features on this tracker.
Read my post: How to Reset Fitbit Charge
You can also track your workout location, distance travelled, and pace with the built-in GPS.
- Use built-in GPS to see your pace and distance on screen during outdoor runs, rides, hikes and more and see a workout intensity map in the app that shows your heart rate changes along your route
- With Active Zone Minutes, feel a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise, and celebrate when you earn extra minutes outside of exercise
- Use 24x7 heart rate to track resting heart rate & better measure calorie burn. Syncing to mobile devices requires Bluetooth LE and internet connection. Syncs with Mac OS X 12.2 and up, iPhone 5S and later, iPad 5 gen. and later, Android 7.0 and later
- See your SpO2 nightly average and range on wrist, and view trends over the past week in the Fitbit app (SpO2 is not available in all markets. The SpO2 feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or for any other medical purpose)
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features include:
- Built-in GPS that tracks and shows your distance and pace on screen during your hikes, jogs, walks and more. You can also see your workout intensity in the app.
- Heart rate tracking around the clock. Also does a fairly accurate measurement of the amount of calories burned.
- Can sync to Iphone 5S, Mac OS 12.2 and later, Ipad 5 Gen and later, Android 7.0 and later.
- Can track skin temperature.
- SpO2 nightly average and range. Can also view trends over the past week.
- Active Zone minutes. With this feature, you can feel a buzz when your target heart rate zone is reached during exercise.
- Battery lasts up to 7 days. It will last up to 5 days when using GPS.
- Water resistant up to 50 metres.
Pros:
- Heart rate zones
- Tracks calories
- Cardio fitness score
Cons:
- Needs a smartphone for initial setup
- Poor display
My verdict
This is a fitness tracker that I would spend my money on. It comes with fitness features for almost everybody. With its sleek design, it’s also quite stylish and trendy.
Fitbit Inspire 2
Finding your smartphone distracting? No problem with the Fitbit Inspire 2. You can leave your smartphone behind as this fitness tracker doesn’t need a smartphone. You can say goodbye to all the distractions that can spoil your workouts when you have one of this phones. However, to save your data permanently, you will still need to pair your smartphone with the Fitbit every 24 or 48 hours.
- Active zone minutes
- 10 days of battery life
- Heart rate tracking around the clock and better calorie burn tracking
- Water resistant to 50 metres
- Sleep tracking
- All day activity tracking
- Heart rate zone
- Silent alarms
Pros:
- Multiple clock faces
- Can work with Android or IOS
- Hear rate zone
Cons:
- No GPS in-built
- Poor display
- No music control
My verdict
I like the Fitness Inspire 4 for its advance health and fitness tracking features. I also like the fact that you don’t need to have your smartphone with you to use this tracker. Distractions can wreak havoc on a good workout. However, remember that you will still have to pair it with your smartphone every 2 or 3 days.
Garmin Forerunner 35
Like its Vivosmart sibling, the Forerunner 35 not only allows you to turn the Bluetooth off and on, but it can also work without a smartphone.
You will find this fitness tracker particularly useful if you’re a runner. You will also find it very comfortable to wear during your activities with its sleek and lightweight design. It also has built-in GPS. With this feature, you can track and record the distance and speed of your workout in real-time.
Features:
- Smart notifications for incoming calls and texts.
- GPS running watch paired to Garmin Coach training plan
- Safety and tracking features. Can detect incidents during activities and send your location to emergency contacts on your paired smartphone.
- 7 days of battery life. Up to 14 hours on GPS.
- Sleep tracking
- Music control with smartphone
- Built-in sports apps
Pros:
- alarm clock
- Will store up to 200 hours of activity data
- Stopwatch
- Timer
Cons:
- Live even sharing not available with Iphone
- Low battery life with GPS
My verdict
I would recommend this watch for you if you’re a runner and need a stand-alone fitness tracker. You will have all the important fitness tracking features from the Garmin Forerunner 35 that will enable you to track, record, and improve your performance over time.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a favorite of mine when it comes to health and fitness tracking. Not only is it a premium smartwatch, but its fitness tracking are also high on this list of fitness trackers.
Not only does it allow you to turn its Bluetooth off and on, but you can download your favorite tunes from your laptop or Spotify app. You can listen to them while you’re away from your phone. In my opinion, this is one of its best features as a good choice of music can take your workout to the next level.
Features:
- More than 50,000 watch faces with military-grade durability.
- It can go for more than a day on a charge.
- It has EKG monitoring capabilities
- Automatic sleep tracker
- Integrated Bixby voice functionality
- Compatible with Android devices
- Automatically tracks 7 popular activities
- Blood oxygen saturation monitoring
- Fall detection
- Emergency SOS
- Online music streaming (LTE models)
- Send SMS and make calls (LTE models)
- Waterproof to 50 metres
Pros:
- Built-in music
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Built-in GPS
- Calorie tracking
- Advanced health and fitness tracking features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky
- ECG feature only available in the US
My verdict
With the LTE models, this smartwatch is packed with health and fitness features for everybody. Despite the cost, I would recommend this highly (if you can afford it).
Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6, like other Apple devices, is a great watch to have for fitness and health tracking. You can use it without having an Iphone nearby, but you will still have to sync it, at least, once a day to transfer all its health and fitness data to the Apple Health app.
This watch comes with advance features such as fall detection, ECG monitoring, blood oxygen level monitoring, and heart monitoring around the clock.
Features include:
- Always-on retina display
- Can track daily activities
- Measures workouts
- Measures blood oxygen level
- Calorie tracking
- Fall detection
- Battery life up to 18 hours
- Sleep tracking
- Advance activity tracking
- Send SMS and make calls (LTE)
- Emergency SOS
Pros:
- Built-in music
- Built-in GPS
- Advance activity tracking
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t work with Android
My verdict
If you’re an Apple user, the Series 6 is the best watch money can buy. Even without your smartphone, this watch will allow you to enjoy all its features. If I was an Apple user, this fitness tracker would be high on my list of health and trackers.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Another favorite of mine (like its aforementioned sibling), the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 also allows you to turn its Bluetooth off and on.
This watch is a great choice for those people that also want to be able to track their ECG on the move. Not only can you take your ECG anywhere, but you can also share it with your doctor. Unlike when your ECG is taken at the hospital, there are no cables or wires necessary and it only takes 30 seconds to take and another 30 seconds to get your result.
In addition to the ability to take your ECG, you can also monitor your heart rate anywhere and anytime. You will receive an alert if there is any variability from the norm.
The Active 2 also works without your smartphone. Very convenient when going out on your workouts. You will also be able to have access to your favorite music when you are away from your phone.
Battery life is also great, with one charge lasting for 2 days.
Features:
- Receives an alert if your heart rate is high or low
- Can last for more than a day on a full charge
- Built-in sleep tracker
- Activity tracker
- Bixby voice functionality
- Emergency SOS
- Sleep tracking
- Waterproof
- Blood oxygen level monitoring
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Works with IOS and Android
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in music
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive
- No blood pressure monitoring
My verdict
If you’re looking for a premium smartwatch that can work without a smartphone and has advanced health and fitness features, I would put this watch high on my list of fitness trackers if I were you.
Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 has a premium GPS that will track all your physical activities. This will track your speed and distance in real-time on the watch screen.
You can also turn its Bluetooth off or on. You will still need to transfer the date to your smartphone at least once a day.
Features:
- Music streaming (with phone close by)
- Garmin Pay
- Blood oxygen level monitoring
- Tracks running dynamics
- Ideal fitness tracker for athletes
- Compatible with Garmin Foot Pod
- On-board map
- Sleep monitoring
- Built-in storage and playback
Pros:
- Advanced health and fitness features
- Recovery time
- Can store up to 1000 songs
- Free workout plans
- Gives you comprehensive running data
Cons:
- Expensive
- No cellular model
My verdict
If you take your running seriously, the Garmin Forerunner series is the fitness tracker that you need. It will also work with a smartphone.
Apple Watch SE
I would recommend the Apple Watch as a serious alternative to the Series 6. However you won’t get some of the Series 6’s advance technology.
You can also leave your smartphone behind when you go out to exercise with the SE.
‘Like its more expensive sibling, the Apple Watch SE also has Emergency SOS and Fall detection features.
You can make calls and send texts while you’re away from your smartphone with this smartwatch. By using Spotify, Apple music apps, or any other compatible app, you can also stream music to your from your smartwatch.
Features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Not as expensive as the Series 6
- Elevation tracker
- Sleep tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Fall detection
- Irregular heart rate alerts
- Irregular heart rhythm alerts
- Fall detection
- Apple Fitness and support
- More than 12 activity modes
Pros:
- Voice assistant
- Swim proof
- Apple Pay
- OLED retina display
Cons:
- Expensive
- No ECG app
My verdict
If the Series 6 is above your budget, but you want an Apple smartwatch that’s more advanced than the Series 3, I believe that the SA is the watch that will fit your requirements perfectly.
Feifuns Simple fitness tracker
I would recommend the Feifuns fitness tracker, if you want a 100% radiation-free fitness tracker. If you’re not a big fan of technology, this tracker will also fit your needs for something simple yet effective.
This pedometer has no app, phone or internet to track your running, walking, or other fitness activities. It has an LCD screen which is bright enough to see the data on the screen.
Features:
- Dual vibration alarm
- Light and comfortable to wear
- Step count
- Easy USB charging
- Waterproof to 50 metres
- 2 weeks of battery life
- Real-time distance tracking
Pros:
- Wrist-based pedometer
- No radiation or Bluetooth
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Display poor
- No heart rate monitoring
- No sedentary monitoring
My verdict
This is my recommendation, if you need a fitness tracker that’s simple and easy to use. If you also don’t need all the bells and whistles that the all the high-tech trackers come with, then the Feifuns Simple fitness tracker is the one for you.
Samsung Gear 2
It is one of the smartest fitness trackers around. This tracker will is able to automatically identify and track the type of activity that you’re doing. Its advanced built-in GPS can accurately map your run. It will also keep track of your daily activities, heart rate and more.
Features:
- Advanced fitness tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Auto and multi-sport tracking
- Easy access to notifications and apps
- Built-in music
- Battery will last 3 to 4 days on a charge
Pros:
- Long lasting battery
- Advanced fitness tracking
- Water resistant
- Android and IOS compatible
- Wireless charging
- AMOLED display
Cons:
- Expensive
My verdict
I wouldn’t recommend this fitness tracker for weekend athletes. It will be money well spent on those who take their workouts seriously or are competing at a high level
I have listed fitness trackers to satisfy people who exercise at all levels. From the weekend warrior to the serious athlete. There is even trackers here to suit older people. It’s all about your particular requirement. I hope I’ve been able to list a fitness tracker here that will satisfy your needs.
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