2024's Best Wearable Tech: Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers, and More

The world of wearable technology is constantly evolving, and 2024 promises to bring some of the most exciting advancements yet. From smartwatches that can monitor your health in unprecedented detail to fitness trackers that provide real-time coaching, the latest wearable tech is set to revolutionize the way we live. In this post, we'll explore the best wearable tech hitting the market in 2024, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.

Smartwatches: Beyond Timekeeping

1. Apple Watch Series 9

Kicking things off on our 2024 Best Wearable Tech list is the Apple Watch, which continues to set the standard for smartwatches, and the Series 9 is no exception. With a faster processor, improved battery life, and new health monitoring features, this smartwatch is a game-changer. The Series 9 introduces blood pressure monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and even blood glucose level detection, making it a must-have for health-conscious individuals.

The Apple Watch Series 9 offers an all-day battery life of up to 18 hours, extendable to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. It features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with fast-charge capability, reaching up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes.

Series 9 Sensor Features:

• Electrical Heart Sensor

• Third-Generation Optical Heart Sensor

• Temperature Sensing

• Compass

• Always-On Altimeter

• High-G Accelerometer

• High-Dynamic-Range Gyroscope

• Ambient Light Sensor

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 combines sleek design with powerful functionality. It features a rotating bezel for easy navigation, enhanced fitness tracking, and integration with Samsung Health. This Wearable Tech watch also boasts an improved electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and fall detection, ensuring your safety is always a priority.

• Cycle Tracking: Powered by Natural Cycles, uses nightly skin temperature from your watch to predict period and cycle dates.

• Durable Display: Sapphire Crystal glass makes the watch display ultra-resilient and sturdy, with IP68 and 5ATM ratings for toughness.

• Bigger Screen: Up to 20% more display space with a 30% slimmer black margin, featuring customizable watch faces.

• Fall Detection: Standby emergency feature detects falls and prompts for help if needed.

• Workout Tracking: Tracks over 90 workouts, including indoor swimming and yoga, with progress monitoring and custom workout options.

• Seamless Pairing: Pairs with Galaxy Z Flip5 for remote photo and video capture, utilizing Flex mode and Camera Controller.

Fitness Trackers: Your Personal Coach

3. Fitbit Charge 6

Fitbit remains a leader in the fitness tracker market, and the Charge 6 solidifies this position on our 2024 Best Wearable Tech list. With enhanced heart rate monitoring, stress management tools, and personalized exercise recommendations, the Charge 6 is designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Its built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking for outdoor activities, making it perfect for runners and cyclists.

Advanced Health Tools:

• ECG App: Monitor heart health and check for irregular heart rhythms; get notified of heart rate changes.

• EDA Sensor: Assess stress levels and receive a sleep score to evaluate sleep quality.

• Stress Management Score: Daily score showing physical response to stress; see the impact of exercise, mindfulness, and sleep on stress levels.

• Sleep Score: Daily sleep score with metrics on sleep phases and rest habits.

• YouTube Music Controls: Control your favorite YouTube Music Playlist; start, stop, and skip songs directly from your wrist during workouts.

• Built-In GPS: Track pace and distance during outdoor workouts with built-in GPS; view workout route maps in the Fitbit mobile app.

• Google Maps: Get turn-by-turn directions on your wrist with Google Maps.

• Google Wallet: Tap and pay with Google Wallet on your wrist.

• Notifications: Receive call, text, and app notifications (Google Calendar, Gmail, WhatsApp) with quick response options from your wrist.

• Up to 7-Day Battery Life: Enjoy up to 7 days of battery life, ensuring you don't miss a beat.

4. Garmin Vivosmart 5

If you want a simple, user-friendly fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 could be a great fit. It monitors essentials like activity, calories burned, heart rate, steps, and sleep 24/7, plus advanced metrics like blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), energy levels, respiration rate, and stress. Although it may look pretty standard for a fitness tracker, this piece of tech is an excellent choice for fitness tracking beginners. This comfortable, easy-to-use device stays with you every step of the way, helping you monitor your health and stay active from sunrise to sunset.

Key Features:

• Fitness Tracking: Tracks steps, heart rate, and energy levels effortlessly.

• Bright Display: Clear, bright screen for easy readability.

• Battery Life: Up to 7 days of battery life.

• Sports Apps: Preloaded apps for walking, running, yoga, cycling, and more.

• Sleep Monitoring: Provides a sleep score based on your sleep quality.

• Connectivity: Receives texts, calls, and notifications from your paired smartphone.

• GPS Integration: Connects to your smartphone’s GPS for tracking outdoor activities.

• Pulse Ox Monitor: Measures blood oxygen saturation for health insights.

Innovative Wearables: Beyond the Basics

5. Oura Ring 3

The Gen 3 Oura Ring, available in two stylish designs—Heritage and Horizon—offers comprehensive health tracking in a sleek, waterproof, and comfortable package. It excels in sleep tracking, providing detailed insights into sleep quality and the effectiveness of your sleep routine. A new feature, Pregnancy Insights, helps track and understand changes throughout pregnancy. The ring’s fitness tracking accurately monitors steps and activity, with personalized exercise recommendations based on daily activity levels.

Features:

• Lightweight and discreet

• Waterproof with a long battery life

• Variety of metal options

• Extensive health insights, including breathing and meditation exercises

• Easy setup and a free sizing kit

• Bluetooth tracking if lost

6. Whoop Strap 4.0

The Whoop Strap 4.0 is crafted for athletes aiming to optimize performance. This wearable tech offers continuous monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, daily activity, and sleep, providing detailed insights into recovery, strain, and sleep. The new haptic alert system wakes you at the optimal point in your sleep cycle, ensuring a refreshed start to your day. You can also customize your straps.

What's Included:

• Initial 12-month WHOOP membership

• 4.0 hardware

• Onyx SuperKnit band

• Wearable, waterproof battery pack

• Note: This package is for first-time WHOOP members.

Key Features:

• Continuous Monitoring: Tracks a wide range of physiological data to help you understand and improve overall health.

• Personalized Insights: Offers a science-backed approach to track behaviors like activity, diet, alcohol consumption, stress levels, and caffeine intake, helping you adopt healthier habits.

• On-the-Go Charging: The waterproof battery pack allows continuous data collection for days with on-the-go charging.

• Community Support: Join a community of professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts for inspiration, encouragement, and access to expert resources.

• Custom Bands: Easy to install and remove with Fast Link technology, making it a convenient accessory for those who want to switch between different styles (sold separately).

Choosing the Right Wearable for You

When selecting the best wearable tech, consider your specific needs and lifestyle. If you're focused on general health and wellness, a smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers comprehensive features. For fitness enthusiasts, the Fitbit Charge 6 or Garmin Vivosmart 6 provides detailed exercise and health tracking. If you prefer a discreet option, the Oura Ring 4 and Whoop Strap 4.0 are excellent choices for continuous health monitoring.

Conclusion

2024 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking year for wearable technology. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness routine, monitor your health, or simply stay connected, there's a wearable device that's perfect for you. Stay ahead of the trend and invest in one of these innovative gadgets to make the most of what technology has to offer.

For more information on the latest tech trends, stay tuned to our blog and don't forget to check out our detailed reviews and buying guides to help you make informed decisions.