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Kamis, 30 September 2021

Review: The Fitbit Versa 3 just might be the best Google smartwatch

At this price point, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better Google smartwatch.

In the early fall of 2020, Fitbit held a virtual press briefing where it announced updates to its Versa and Inspire wearables and introduced a new holistic fitness watch in the Fitbit Sense. At Android Central, we were quick to test out the latter two devices and write up our impressions of them, but it took a little while for us to sort out our feelings about the former watch. Even at this later date, when I first endeavored to write this Versa 3 review, I wasn't sure that it would blow me away. After all, we'd already been calling its predecessor, the Versa 2, our favorite fitness tracker for quite a while leading up to the launch of this smartwatch. How could the new device be that much better?

The Versa 3 had a little bit of a rocky start for some reviewers, including myself, but after a firmware update with new features and bug fixes, I've really been enjoying wearing it on my wrist. It's comfortable, stylish, and does just about everything that I want a smartwatch to do. It also plugs into the Fitbit app and ecosystem, where most of my fitness data and fit friends have lived for the better part of four years. And following news that Google's purchase of Fitbit had gained regulatory approval by the EU, I can only imagine that the already good Google assistant integration will improve even more moving forward.

The watch isn't perfect; Fitbit OS can still be laggy at times, and while the hardware is gorgeous, the side button can be finicky. However, for around $230, the Versa 3 is arguably the best smartwatch for most Android users (shots fired at the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4!).

Fitbit Versa 3

Bottom line: The Fitbit Versa 3 builds on the successful formula of its predecessor, adding in formerly premium features like built-in GPS and NFC, as well as new and updated health sensors. The watch looks and feels great, and on-device calling, texting, and your choice of voice assistants make it a smart buy.

The Good

  • Comfortable and stylish
  • Premium features like built-in GPS and NFC included
  • SpO2 and skin temperature sensors
  • Google Assistant AND Amazon Alexa on-device

The Bad

  • Finicky haptic "button"
  • SpO2 tracking only with a specific watch face
  • Still waiting on audible Google assistant responses

From $229 at Amazon $229 at Walmart $230 at Best Buy

Fitbit Versa 3: Price and availability

The Fitbit Versa 3 was announced at a virtual event in August 2020, and it started shipping to customers later the next month. It debuted at a retail price of $230, and while that price has remained fairly consistent, it has dropped several times below the $200 mark. Amazon and other retailers have run regular sales on the device, so I encourage you to keep an eye out for a good deal.

What's new from the Versa 2

Fitbit Versa 3: What I like

When I review one of the best new smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other wearables, I generally like to lead off this section talking about the fit, feel, and finish of the device.

At first glance, it's hard to deny that the Versa 3 is an attractive smartwatch. It continues to lean into the "squircle" design that the Apple Watch popularized but literally turns that look on its head with a more horizontal, even rectangular orientation that is continued from previous Versa models. The casing is made from an attractive and sturdy aluminum alloy, and it is available in a Black or Soft Gold finish. The included silicone band is extremely soft and comfortable, and the available first-party and third-party band selection is fantastic. Plus, the Sense bands will work with the Versa 3, which is a welcome bonus, and the attachment design is much easier and improved over that from the Versa 2.

The bands are soft and comfortable, and easy to change. They're also swappable between the Versa 3 and Sense.

Also improved in this generation is the charging mechanism. It's still a proprietary charger, and no, the Versa 3 didn't gain Qi or any kind of wireless charging. Still, the new magnetic charger pops right on the back of the watch with ease, and it's certainly more user-friendly than the previous clamp or cradle chargers. For as much as it can do, the battery life on the Versa 3 is actually quite good. Under normal usage, you can eke out over six days on a single charge, though this number does drop dramatically if you're constantly using GPS (12 hours) or the always-on watch face setting (~two days).

The Versa 3 also includes some significant feature improvements over the Versa 2. NFC for contactless payments is back with the Versa 3, which is perfect during these pandemic times when nobody wants to be touching payment terminals in public. Fitbit also brought on-device GPS to the Versa 3, which had previously been limited to the Charge 4 fitness band and the now discontinued Ionic smartwatch (the Sense also has these features).

As with other recent devices like the Charge 4 and Sense, the Versa 3 can measure your SpO2 — or blood oxygen variation — while you sleep and display your results in the app on in an attractive watch face right on your wrist. Then with a tap, you can transition from SpO2 to step count, to heart rate, to Active Zone Minutes, to floors climbed. Pretty cool, and very useful and readable.

Like the more expensive Sense smartwatch, the Versa 3 can measure your SpO2 and skin temperature from your wrist.

Before testing, I had forgotten that the Versa 3 could measure my skin temperature, just like the more expensive Sense can. The data can be found under the Health Metrics section, which is part of Fitbit Premium, and it can alert you to a possible oncoming illness or other condition that you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider. Speaking of Fitbit Premium, the Versa 3 comes with six months of the service, which includes guided fitness programs, helpful health tips, and in-depth metrics to help you better understand and take action on all of the data your Versa 3 collects.

Other features found on the Versa 3 include sleep stages and monitoring, guided breathing sessions on-device, heart rate variability, menstrual health tracking, automatic workout detection, and on-device music storage with Pandora and Deezer, just to name a few. The watch is also waterproof up to 50 meters.

I'm surprised to admit this, but low key my favorite new feature of the Versa 3 just might be its Google Assistant integration. That's right — Versa 3 users are no longer limited to using Alexa as their on-wrist voice assistant. As much as I use and adore Amazon's voice assistant on my Alexa speakers and Echo devices, I've found that the experience of using the Google Assistant on the Versa 3 to be just a tad bit snappier and more responsive than Alexa. I'm not quite sure why that is, but I definitely am not the only one to have noticed it, as 9to5Google's Ben Schoon pointed out. I do wish that we had audible responses from Google Assistant as we have for Alexa, but there's still hope that will come in a future update.

I also appreciate how Fitbit has been regularly updating its devices post-launch. September 2021, Fitbit officially brought snore and noise detection capabilities to the Versa 3 and Sense smartwatches as part of the Fitbit Premium subscription. Additionally, Fitbit Premium users now have access to select featured content from the Calm mindfulness app, which can be paired with the on-wrist EDA Scan app on the watches. These features bring added value to this device and should really help a lot of people.

Minor quibbles being fixed by updates

Fitbit Versa 3: What I don't like

I don't really have a ton of criticisms about the Fitbit Versa 3. This fitness watch shares a lot of DNA with the Sense, so it stands to reason that many of the drawbacks of that device from Joe Maring's Sense review apply here as well.

For example, I agree with Joe that the SpO2 sensor and watch face are great additions (it's actually my favorite watch face so far), but the fact that you can't access this information outside of that watch face, nor take a reading on-demand, is kind of a bummer.

The haptic side "button" is a clever solution to streamline and waterproof the device, but it can be a bit hit or miss in everyday use.

Another thing that Joe pointed out in his Sense review (and others have noted as well) is the watch's the finicky side "button." Like Joe, I had wildly inconsistent experiences with the capacitive button, at least for the first few days of wearing the device. What's odd to me is that I've been using just such a faux button on my Charge 3 for over two years, and I've always found that experience to be rock-solid and just as reliable as the physical button on the Charge 2. I can say that after receiving a firmware update (Version 36.128.417), the responsiveness of the side "button," as well as the touchscreen UI gestures, seemed to improve. Before that update, it was almost unusable for me.

Thanks to a recent update, Versa 3 and Sense users can now take advantage of the built-in microphone and speaker on the watch to answer calls and dictate text replies on Android, and Alexa has finally gained the ability to speak back responses to you. Unfortunately, while we now finally have Google Assistant integration, we're still waiting on audible responses. Hopefully, an update in the not-too-distant future will bring feature parity here.

Fitbit Versa 3: Competition

Fitbit itself makes two of the strongest competitors to the venerable Versa 3. For those looking for a more premium smart fitness watch with the most advanced sensors to track things like ECG and EDA (electrodermal activity), there is the Fitbit Sense. Still, that device retails for as much as $100 more than the Versa 3. While you can still find it, the better alternative to the Versa 3 just might be its predecessor, the Versa 2, which still tops our list of best fitness trackers in 2021.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is also a fantastic smartwatch with really good fitness tracking features, and right now you can get it for about the same price as a Versa 3.

Another great option to consider is the new Garmin Venu Sq. It sports many of the same health sensors as the Versa 3, and many users swear that the Garmin ecosystem is the best for fitness fanatics. Plus, it's a bit more affordable than the Versa 3. Alternatively, the newer Venu 2 is a more premium counter to the Versa 3, though it's priced accordingly.

Finally, even though this is an Android website, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Apple Watch SE. If you are someone who uses an iPhone (or are considering buying the Versa 3 for someone who does), it's pretty damn tough not to just recommend the first-party fitness smartwatch over the Versa 3.

Fitbit Versa 3: Should you buy

You should buy this if ...

You are already invested in the Fitbit ecosystem

Fitbit has a fantastic app and social ecosystem, so if you already feel at home there, this smartwatch is a great way to stay connected. Pro tip: add the Leaderboard app to your watch to see how you stack up against your friends in real-time.

You want a capable and affordable smartwatch

For Android users, there's not much that you can't do on this device that you can on other smartwatches. Plus, it's still $50-$100 less than the Apple Watch SE for iPhone users.

You want the best Google Assistant experience on your wrist

The Google Assistant is actually much more responsive on the Versa 3 than on other smartwatches. Couple that with the better fitness suite, and you've no reason to even look at a WearOS device.

You should not buy this if ...

You rely on lots of third-party apps

While there are some big-name apps from the likes of Strava, Starbucks, and Spotify, that's not the strong suit of this watch or Fitbit OS.

You don't want to share more with Google

Even though Google has sworn that it won't share or monetize Fitbit user data, many people are still put off by the idea of Google even having access to such information. If that describes you, you may feel more comfortable looking elsewhere, like at Samsung.

You just need a basic tracker

If all you really care about is tracking your steps, calories, sleep, and occasionally checking the time, you can get that on a basic fitness tracker for much less. You can even do so while staying in the Fitbit family with the Inspire 2.

4 out of 5

As a diehard fitness tracker fanatic, I still don't know if I personally will be able to keep a smartwatch on my wrist for the long term. However, after using the Fitbit Versa 3 for a while now, I'm actually considering doing so for the first time in a long time. The price and feature set finally match my expectations for what I want and need out of a smartwatch. The six-plus day battery life, ability to take calls or verbally reply to texts on my wrist, the fitness tracking and ecosystem, extra health insights, and smart assistant access are just great. I honestly don't know why anyone would choose a WearOS device over something like this right now.

Fitbit Versa 3

Bottom line: The Fitbit Versa 3 builds on the successful formula of its predecessor, adding in formerly premium features like built-in GPS and NFC, as well as new and updated health sensors. The watch looks and feels great, and on-device calling, texting, and your choice of voice assistants make it a smart buy.

From $229 at Amazon $229 at Walmart $230 at Best Buy

Review Changelog, September 2021

This article was originally published in December 2020. It was updated in September 2021 with the following changes.

  • Swapped Galaxy Watch Active 2 for Galaxy Watch 4 in competition section.
  • Included information about Calm meditation sessions and snore and noise detection features being added.

It was updated in May 2021 with the following changes.

  • Updated pricing.
  • Added price and availability section.
  • Updated competition section.
  • Added changelog.
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PlayStation Recap: Marvel games and hardware updates highlight September

PlayStation showcased an impressive roadmap that left us with more questions than answers.

Welcome to Android Central's newest PlayStation recap. In an effort to bring our readers all of the latest PlayStation news in one place, we'll be compiling everything that happened throughout the month in PlayStation land, from exclusive game releases to the biggest announcements in the industry, along with any notable happenings in the community. September 2021 was headlined with a massive PlayStation Showcase that gave us a look at the years ahead for the PS5, but that's not the only thing that happened this month. Let's dive in and check everything out.

PlayStation held an outstanding showcase

When Sony announced that it was holding a PlayStation Showcase, the community immediately perked up. Not calling it a regular State of Play set expectations high, and those expectations were met in almost every way. With Sony being a no-show at E3 and Gamescom, it had yet to hold a showcase of its own until this month. What PlayStation had in store for us may have been the best showcase of the year, with unexpected announcements and reveals that had social media on fire.

I'll get into more of these announcements below, but you can watch the entire 40-minute showcase on YouTube.

Insomniac revealed Spider-Man 2 with Venom

It's been a long time coming and Insomniac knew it had to nail the reveal. The success of Marvel's Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales set a high bar for the eventual sequel. When Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was revealed on Sony's stage, it had everyone talking as Venom took center stage.

Venom's been a popular character for a while now, especially with the recent Tom Hardy movies. Everyone hoped that Venom would make an appearance after the ending to Insomniac's first Spider-Man game, though who he is remains a mystery. Harry Osborn was seen in a stasis pod surrounded by what looked to be Venom's signature black webbed symbiote, but Venom has historically been Eddie Brock, while Harry takes on the mantle of the Green Goblin.

Whatever Insomniac has in store for us, we'll find out when Marvel's Spider-Man 2 launches exclusively on PS5 in 2023.

Insomniac unveiled a new Wolverine game

Not one to rest on its laurels, Insomniac revealed another Marvel game that surprised everyone. It was a short teaser set after a pretty gnarly bar fight, and when the claws came out at the end, everyone went wild. Marvel's Wolverine is in development at Insomniac with an unspecified release date.

As it's still very early in development, there aren't too many details regarding it yet. What we do know is that it will have a mature tone and be exclusive to the PS5.

Here's a live look at Insomniac right now.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is coming back

Sony opened up its showcase confirming the existence of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake, and I'm pretty sure my (and everyone else's) screams could be heard around the world. Fans have been asking for years for this beloved and legendary classic to be remade, but some never thought it would actually happen. As soon as Lucasfilm Games and Aspyr's logos popped up on-screen, fans knew exactly what to expect.

"Peace is a lie. That is what the Sith believe. They promise power. Now they wield it. We face the greatest Sith in generations. They must be stopped," is what the narrator says shortly before Darth Revan is revealed in the remake's trailer, sending chills down the spines of Star Wars fans everywhere.

In an interesting turn of events, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake will be PS5 console exclusive, with no word on any potential Xbox release. It's also set to come to PC.

God of War Ragnarok was officially titled with a new trailer

We can finally put to bed the rumor that God of War Ragnarok wouldn't be called God of War Ragnarok. It is. We also received our first good look at the game, and we even have some God of War Ragnarok story and character theories based on what we've seen. As Fimbulwinter begins and Ragnarok approaches, Kratos and Atreus must fight against time to stop it, all the while battling Thor and Freya, vengeful after the deaths of their sons.

Ragnarok is set to be the end of the Norse chapter in God of War, so fans would be looking at a high body count by the time the credits roll. If it's anything like God of War from 2018, we could be looking at one of the best PS5 games ever to release. It's currently expected to hit PS5 sometime in 2022, but with one delay already in the books, anything could happen.

PlayStation acquired another studio that isn't Bluepoint

It's that time again when PlayStation announces another studio acquisition. This time the company revealed it had purchased Firesprite, a UK team that previously worked on VR titles. It's currently hiring for a multiplayer shooter and a "dark narrative blockbuster," and it also recently bought Fabrik Games, which has collaborated with Firesprite in the past.

It's been 84 years and PlayStation finally acquired Bluepoint

Would you look at that. PlayStation has "surprised" everyone and announced its acquisition of Bluepoint Games, the developer behind the Demon's Souls remake. The studio is apparently working on an original title for PS5. In honor of me having written this article before the announcement was made, here's a sneak peek at the excerpt I had included above in Firesprite's section.

When will we finally get an official announcement about Bluepoint Games' acquisition? Who knows. Bluepoint seems adamant to note that it's independent, but PlayStation Japan appeared to leak its acquisition with an official graphic. It's been rumored for months now, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

Maybe I could have held my breath after all.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say, thank you, Sony, for finally officially announcing this. Even if I had to go back rewrite part of this recap in the 11th hour before publication.

PS5 users can now add internal SSDs

The PS5 launching without expanded storage support for PS5 games was a huge blunder on Sony's part. It's something fans have been asking for for months, and it was finally released in beta over the summer. On September 14, PlayStation announced that the feature had left beta and was available for everyone.

Sony's SSD requirements are interesting, to say the least, but models like the Seagate FireCuda 530 and WD SN850 have been confirmed to work. PlayStation architect Mark Cerny notably purchased the latter SSD for the PS5 in his household.

Taking a look at the list of the best SSDs for PS5, you have a few options available. Just make sure you have a heatsink and you should be good to go. Also, make sure you don't break the PS5 faceplate when you pull it off, because Sony did not make the process easy.

PS4 Update 9.00 breaks and fixes the system

Just because the PS5 is out doesn't mean that the PS4 will stop receiving firmware updates. Even at over 10 million units sold, PS5 restocks are hard to come by. When Sony dropped Update 9.00 for the PS4, it was supposed to update a few simple features. Instead, players reported that it bricked their consoles and caused errors. This isn't the first time a PlayStation firmware update has done that, and I'd wager it won't be the last.

On the bright side, Update 9.00 also appears to have fixed its dead battery issue where the CMOS battery would prevent players from accessing their games and content offline after it died. Sony didn't advertise that this was fixed, but it also never acknowledged the issue in the first place.

Deathloop launches to rave reviews

Arkane's latest project sees players stuck in a time loop, tasked with killing eight targets before the day is over to break the loop once and for all. Despite now being a first-party studio under Xbox, Deathloop was announced before the acquisition took place as a PS5 console exclusive. For anyone who overlooked Dishonored or Prey, it seems that Deathloop struck a chord, becoming a highly acclaimed game right after its release.

Hopefully, this means Arkane's next game, Redfall, is another masterpiece as well. However, that one will only be coming to Xbox consoles and PC.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits found itself subject to some trolling

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a charming indie game that players seem to almost universally love, but shortly before its launch, it found itself the target of trolls on social media. After it came out that review codes were only given to a select number of outlets and reviews would be embargoed for when the game was released, many took this as a sign that the game was terrible. Someone even went so far as to create a fake IGN review giving it a 4/10. (For the record, IGN gave it an 8/10).

As it turns out, all of those worries were unwarranted. It's a good game that you should play for yourself.

Pedro Pascal reveals the first image from HBO's The Last of Us

The Last of Us Day almost came and went without a major announcement, but leave it to Pedro Pascal to squeak one in before the day ended. Pascal revealed the first official image from HBO's The Last of Us television series, which is written by Chernobyl's Craig Mazin and Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann. Standing next to Pascal as Joel, we see Bella Ramsey as Ellie. Both are looking off into the distance at a crashed plane.

Fans have already pointed out the show's apparent attention to detail in Joel's backpack, with similar straps and markings found all over it.

With filming having begun, HBO expects the series to premiere sometime in 2022. However, don't expect it to be a one-to-one copy of the game because despite being incredibly faithful to its source material, it's also set to contain a few surprises.

Let's see what October holds

As you can tell, PlayStation had quite an eventful month. Though its next big release is Horizon Forbidden West in February, who knows what the company may reveal in October. Regardless, the months and years ahead look exciting for the brand.

– Jennifer Locke

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How much RAM does my Chromebook need?

Best answer: Most Chromebooks on the market today have 4GB of RAM, and that is indeed enough to get by. If a model you're considering has options for 8GB of RAM, though, I'd highly recommend it now that Chromebooks are getting significantly longer support lives.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Think of it as a container where the things you're doing on your Chromebook — both what you can see and what's happening behind the scenes — can store and retrieve data randomly. That means it can access any byte of that data without affecting the preceding or trailing bytes. That makes it fast because the location of the data you need has no effect on the time it takes to read, write, or overwrite it. With no moving parts, there are no mechanical limitations on access times.

RAM is also volatile — once the integrated circuits lose their power, the data disappears. That means it's different from your Chromebook's storage (what we think of as a hard drive) and isn't used to store anything long term. Every time you shut off your Chromebook (or any computer), the RAM is erased.

When a tab opens in a browser on your Chromebook, all the data needed to draw what happens on your screen and interact with the software is held in the RAM. That's the important thing to know here, and we'll talk about why that matters.

How a Chromebook manages RAM

Chrome OS is a very scaled-down Linux desktop. As a result, Linux works well with less RAM than other operating systems, and Chrome OS is lightweight when nothing else is running. Chrome also uses what developers call a double wall for low-memory states and zRAM to have things perform better on less memory.

A few words about zRAM (also known as compcache) are needed. It's a feature of the Linux kernel that uses virtual memory compression and makes a portion of the RAM into its own compressed block device. Paging (moving files in and around the memory) is done in that compressed block until it runs out of space and needs to be done on the hard disk. It's OK if that sounds like something you don't understand. All you need to know is that it does wonders on computers — like a Chromebook — that don't have much RAM installed. Google has used zRAM by default in Chrome OS since version 27, and they do an excellent job managing it. Unless you're moving a lot of small files around, usually, the amount used is zero. But it's there, ready when you need it. Since Android 4.4, this was also done to your phone or tablet.

Chrome OS manages memory better than the Chrome browser on your Windows laptop.

Google's "double-wall" low-memory states are how they try to prevent apps (mostly the browser window) from crashing. It reserves a certain amount of RAM for the first "wall," and when that threshold is reached, the software evaluates what order to close processes so that what we are actively doing isn't affected. Background operations (like a browser tab that you haven't looked at yet) are closed first. Next to go are background tabs or windows that you've never interacted with — clicked, scrolled, or typed in — but you have viewed. After that, the background tab or window you haven't used the longest gets its data moved out of RAM. Finally, if none of that works, the kernel OOM (Out Of Memory) function kicks in and closes tasks and processes based on priority. Here's an interesting read on it all, written when it was being developed for those of us who dig this kind of thing.

Hope you saved your work first.

This all happens so we won't see the "He's dead, Jim" or "Aww Snap" pages and lose what we're working on. Things have come a long way since the CR-48 was introduced.

This all means that Chrome the operating system manages memory a lot better — and needs much less of it — than Chrome the browser on your Windows or Mac computer does. So when you hear people saying how great their Chromebook runs, while it doesn't nearly run as well on your Windows computer or Mac as a browser, all this is a big part of the reason why. It's OK if you don't understand how it all works; just know that Google has done a lot on the software side to allow even a 2GB Chromebook to be pretty functional.

How will you use your Chromebook?

After talking about what RAM is and how Chrome manages it, what will determine how much you need is what you intend to do with your Chromebook.

You'll find most Chromebooks come with 4GB of RAM installed, but some expensive models might have 8GB or 16GB installed. I'll be the first one to tell you that you don't need 16GB of RAM on your Chromebook unless you're doing more than running Chrome on it. While an Intel i7, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD Chromebook make for a nice Linux Ultrabook, it's about $1,000 of overkill for most users. Now that the outliers are out of the way, let's talk more about "realistic" Chromebooks.

4GB is good, but 8GB is great when you can find it at a good price.

For most folks who are just working from home and doing casual computing, 4GB of RAM is all you really need. It'll handle Facebook, Twitter, Google Drive, and Disney+ just fine and likely handle them all simultaneously. Most Chromebooks today come with 4GB of RAM, and even for someone like me who spends most of the day with 8-20 tabs open on my Chromebook and some Android and Linux apps installed, 4GB handles the load with few issues.

As Chromebooks start getting longer and longer support lives, 8GB is ideal from a futureproofing and power-user perspective. The problem is that most Chromebook models just don't have an 8GB option, especially in the more compact 11.6-inch model category that dominates the market. 8GB will easily handle most remote clients and VM access with grace, which is great for professionals that use their Chromebook to interact with their ultra-powerful desktop while out on the road.

If you see a Chromebook for sale with 2GB of RAM, just turn around and walk away as quickly as you can. It's old, unacceptable, and likely past its expiration date and no longer getting updates.

Choosing your Chromebook

There are a vast number of Chromebooks to choose from today, from kids Chromebooks to business Chromebooks and everything in between. Thankfully, most of them have enough RAM to keep you and your machine working well, whether you're a casual user looking for a secondary machine or a power user looking for something to dual-boot Ubuntu for you and Chrome OS for your kid's homework assignments.

4GB is enough

Lenovo Chromebook Duet - Ice Blue + Iron Grey

4GB of RAM will give you enough memory for juggling a dozen tabs or so at a time, and the small screen on the Duet is bright and crisp, great for playing solitaire, watching videos, and surfing Twitter on the couch during commercial breaks. A 10-inch screen may be small for a primary computer, but the Duet is the perfect companion device.

I have used the Duet and a dozen other 4GB Chromebooks as my daily driver over the last three years and can tell you firsthand that 4GB of RAM is all I need to get work done on a Chromebook, which I use everywhere. So whether you need to get a term paper done or need to kill some time with solitaire and Twitter, 4GB of RAM is more than enough most of the time.

If you intend to deal with virtual machines, game streaming, Linux apps, or you just keep 150 pages open all the time like my tab-hoarding father — sweet motherboards, man, consolidate your Chrome windows! — you'll want to get 8GB or 16GB, which will be an option on most business and premium models.

8GB is better

Acer - Chromebook Spin 713 (2W, 8GB RAM)

From $529 at Amazon $529 at Best Buy

This sleek Chromebook has 8GB RAM and a bright 2K screen perfect for split screening your team's victory and finishing expense reports no matter where you and your Wi-Fi are. This is also one of the few Chromebooks to offer a backlit keyboard, perfect for long nights and dim offices.

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Bluepoint Games is making an 'original' game next, not a remake

It's the "next step" for the studio, says Bluepoint Games president.

What you need to know

  • Sony is acquiring Bluepoint Games, a studio known for working on remasters and remakes.
  • Bluepoint Games' next title is something "original" though there's no further details right now.
  • The team's last game, a remake of Demon's Souls for the PS5, crossed 1.4 million copies sold.

Bluepoint Games, a studio well known for its work on remasters and remakes, is the newest member of PlayStation Studios, as announced on Thursday. While that work on remasters and remakes will no doubt continue, it seems like Bluepoint Games will also be making new things, instead of just sticking to revamps of other developers' past titles. Speaking with IGN, Bluepoint Games president Marco Thrust explains that the next title from Bluepoint Games is actually something "original."

"Our next project, we're working on original content right now. We can't talk about what that is, but that's the next step in the evolution for us,"says Thrush.

Sony also confirmed that the Demon's Souls remake crossed 1.4 million copies sold and that talks of acquiring Bluepoint Games only began after the remake launching alongside the PS5 in Nov. 2020. Bluepoint Games grew to around 70 developers over the course of the last few years, so it may be a while before we see the team's next game.

"It's always about making quality games in a way that's sustainable for the teams, for theindividuals on the teams. Because obviously when we acquired team like Bluepoint, this is a long-term play for us, right? We're not in it to get some quick results," says PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst.

The remake

Demon's Souls

The one that started it all

If you like Souls-like then you have Demon's Souls to thank. If you want to play this cult classic, you soon will be able to thanks to a PS5 remake that launched with the console. It's available to purchase now.

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Sony is acquiring Demon's Souls PS5 remake developers Bluepoint Games

Numerous successful projects secured this team's place at PlayStation.

What you need to know

  • Bluepoint Games is a studio that has specialized in remastering and remaking older games.
  • The team has worked with PlayStation on titles like Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Shadow of the Colossus and the Demon's Souls remake.
  • We've learned that Sony is acquiring Bluepoint Games, which will now join Sony Worldwide Studios.
  • Sony also recently acquired Housemarque and Nixxes Software.

Sony Interactive Entertainment isn't done expanding. The company has just announced that it is acquiring Bluepoint Games, a studio in Austin, Texas. Bluepoint Games has specialized in remastering and remaking games, working with PlayStation on games such as Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Shadow of the Colossus and most recently one of the best PS5 games available, the Demon's Souls PS5 remake.

This follows Sony recently announcing the acquisitions of Returnal developer Housemarque, porting specialist studio Nixxes Software and the growing Liverpool-based Firesprite.

Bluepoint Games now joins 14 other game development studios that make up Sony Worldwide Studios, including the developers at Naughty Dog, Sony Santa Monica, Guerrilla Games and Sucker Punch. Sony Worldwide Studios has fluctuated over the past several years, with Sony acquiring Insomniac Games but closing several other teams such as Manchester Studio.

It'll be interesting to see just what Bluepoint Games' next project ends up being and whether or not it is another remake or an original game. Either way, this announcement has been a long time coming ever since Sony Japan accidentally leaked it months ago.

The remake

Demon's Souls

The one that started it all

If you like Souls-like then you have Demon's Souls to thank. If you want to play this cult classic, you soon will be able to thanks to a PS5 remake that launched with the console. It's available to purchase now.

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Here's everything we know about Battlefield Mobile for Android so far

When will it release?

The world of Battlefield is a huge one, and has become known for its large-scale warfare, destructible environments, and cinematic moments of gameplay. Back in April, DICE announced that in partnership with Industrial Toys, the developers would be creating a new Battlefield experience specifically for the mobile audience. The game is set to release some time in 2022, and will aim to be a fully standalone game that operates completely different from the current Battlefield games that exist.

While fans wait for more information, DICE has hinted at some of the things they hope to accomplish with the future title, including it becoming one of the biggest and best Android games available With that in mind, here's all we know at the moment about the upcoming Battlefield Mobile.

Play the newest entry

Battlefield 2042

From $60 at Amazon From $70 at Xbox (Series X|S) From $60 at Xbox (Xbox One) From $60 at PlayStation Store

Battlefield goes back to the future

Battlefield 2042 debuts Electronic Arts' next-generation vision for the military shooter, supporting up to 128 players, the largest-ever maps, and is shaping up as its most ambitious entry to date.

What is Battlefield?

Battlefield is a series of first-person shooters developed primarily by EA DICE, and has been one of the longest-running video game series of the past few generations. The series began in 2002 and has since grown into arguably one of the most popular shooter franchises of all time, rivaling only Call of Duty as the biggest in the world. Over the past few years, Battlefield has become known for its take on massive scale warfare, often featuring huge lobbies of players and giant maps that allow for some incredible fights to break out.

Alongside the large-scale battles, the Battlefield series is also known best for its destructible environments. Ever since the release of Battlefield 1942, the series has leaned heavily into the ability to knock down buildings, blow walls apart to create new entryways, and more. Recently, the newest entry in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 2042, was shown off at E3 2021, and looks every bit as grand as the series has always been.

What's gameplay like in Battlefield Mobile?

In their initial announcement of the game, the company said that with the game being designed specifically for mobile platforms, their goal was to create a fully-fledged, skill-based experience for mobile players. While it was initially unknown what gameplay may look like, thanks to the game now entering early testing in Southeast Asia, we're able to get a good look at how alpha gameplay looks in the upcoming.

As you can tell from the video below, gameplay fairly similarly to that of normal Battlefield games. Not only did the Conquest game mode make its way into the mobile game, but the look and feel of a Battlefield title is also there, with the HUD displaying your available weapons above your health, and the phone screen having various button options for reloading, firing, and switching your characters stance.

Pausing the game also allows you to check out the map, which looks almost identical to that of the main versions Battlefield. all in all, it looks as if Electronic Arts and Industrial Toys have made a specific effort to make sure the gameplay of Battlefield Mobile doesn't stray too far from what players are used to, and so far, it looks as if they've succeeded. Of course, we'll have to wait for more testing opportunites to arrive before coming to a final verdict.

As the game will be competing with the likes of Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG: Mobile, and other mobile shooters, it'll be interesting to see if DICE leans into the more short-burst gameplay style of its competitors. Console and PC matches of Battlefield can often last a long time, and mobile players can't really afford to spend upwards of 45 minutes battling it out on one giant map. However, Battlefield is also known for these experiences, so it'll be up to DICE and Industrial Toys to try and strike a careful balance in how the game feels.

Will Battlefield Mobile be different than the regular game?

As mentioned above, it's unknown exactly just how much the mobile version of Battlefield wil differ from its console and PC counterpart. Because the console and PC version of the game is so grand in scale, however, it's more than likely that the mobile version will have to be different in some form.

DICE has already mentioned that the hope for Battlefield Mobile is to create a "skill-based" experience for players. While this could mean that the company hopes to have a general skill floor for players of all experiences, it could also hint a bit at what the developers are looking to accomplish. Taking the world of Battlefield and shrinking it down into a more competitive experience while trying to keep their epic scale could work, in theory. DICE has also mentioned that Battlefield Mobile will be its own standalone product, and a "completely different" one than any of the current Battlefield iterations.

This makes it seem like DICE is well aware that it can't possibly port over the full Battlefield experience to mobile devices, but will instead be focusing on making the best mobile version of the game they can. There's some precedent for mobile shooters finding success with the recent releases of Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG: Mobile, but those games are way different than Battlefield in how they play and the types of players that flock to the games.

Will Battlefield Mobile feature cross-play with other Battlefield games?

No. According to EA, there will be no cross-play with any console or PC versions of Battlefield, because the game is being built specifically for mobile devices.

Will Battlefield Mobile be free-to-play?

According to a post made on Electronic Arts' Answers HQ in regards to Battlefield Mobile's early play test, Battlefield Mobile will be free-to-play, and will only include cosmetic items in the game. "Battlefield Mobile will feature its own Battle Passes, collectible cosmetics, and unlockables unique to this mobile game," the post says in regards to how other collectibles will be unlocked.

How can I play Battlefield Mobile early?

According to Electronic Arts, Battlefield Mobile play tests will be "steadily rolling out," with a series of tests in Indonesia and the Philippines currently planned to become some time in Autumn 2021. These play tests will only be available on Android devices, although EA has said that as testing continues, the size and regions of the tests will be expanded to fit the new information.

For those looking to get into the tests, Electronic Arts says that once the game becomes available in your region, simply pre-registering for the game in your local Google Play Store is all you need to do. From there, you'll be "informed automatically when the play testing opens up in your area." According to the FAQ on EA's Answer HQ, testing slots will be limited, so make sure to sign up if you see the game in your Google Play Store.

When will Battlefield Mobile release?

Currently, no information regarding a release date for Battlefield Mobile has been revealed beyond a 2022 release date. When the game was initially announced, DICE mentioned that they were hoping to get players into a testing period for the game ahead of its launch next year.

With the game likely still in the very early stages of development, don't expect too much news or updates from EA DICE until they're fully ready to get players into the world of Battlefield Mobile

Play the newest entry

Battlefield 2042

From $60 at Amazon From $70 at Xbox (Series X|S) From $60 at Xbox (Xbox One) From $60 at PlayStation Store

Battlefield goes back to the future

Battlefield 2042 debuts Electronic Arts' next-generation vision for the military shooter, supporting up to 128 players, the largest-ever maps, and is shaping up as its most ambitious entry to date.

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Stay fit with the best fitness trackers you can buy!

If you're looking for a fitness tracker that truly does it all, we highly recommend the Fitbit Charge 5 for its unique design and multiple uses, which include automatic activity tracking, onboard GPS, advanced health monitoring, Fitbit Pay, music controls, and so much more. It's no wonder that Fitbit continues to be one of the many highly regarded names in the industry with all it has to offer. However, don't worry if that's not your cup of tea. There are many other options to choose from that cater to a wide range of needs. So whether you're looking for specific software, design, or feature set, you'll be able to find a fitness tracker that checks all the boxes on your wish list.

What are the best fitness trackers?

You'll be happy to know that there's no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a fitness tracker. One of the most reputable names, as you may know, is Fitbit. The industry leader makes up a good portion of our list, including options such as the Charge 5, Charge 4, Versa 3, Luxe, and Inspire 2. Coming from the same company, they share some features, but each of these trackers is geared toward a slightly different type of user. Whether you want the look and feel of a smartwatch, a dedicated fitness tracker with onboard GPS, or a basic tracker that's ideal for beginners, Fitbit has it all.

Fitbit isn't the only name you'll find here. You'll also find other significant players that may catch your eye, such as Garmin, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to name a few. Once you've decided what type of experience you're looking for, it'll be easier to narrow down your options and find the right fitness tracker for your needs.

Are you seeking the most robust activity tracking suite possible? Perhaps you're more focused on certain health aspects, like energy, stress, and blood oxygen saturation levels. If you're on a tight budget, it also won't be difficult to find a fitness tracker at a reasonable price. Not to mention that there are also tons of great fitness smartwatches if you need a bit more from your wearable.

Fitbit Charge 5

The best overall fitness tracker

Bottom line: Some fitness trackers only cover the basics, but the Fitbit Charge 5 goes above and beyond that. This is as close as you'll get to a smartwatch in the form of a highly capable fitness tracker. It follows its predecessor's footsteps with key features such as GPS, Active Zone Minutes, heart-rate tracking, and Fitbit Pay. It also has new advanced health sensors to give you a better picture of your overall well-being.

Category Fitbit Charge 5
Display size 1.04-inch AMOLED
Replaceable bands ✔️
Weight 15g
Battery life 7 days
OS Fitbit OS
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS ✔️
NFC ✔️
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Steel Blue/Platinum, Black/Graphite, Lunar White/Gold

Pros:

  • Gorgeous AMOLED display
  • Slimmest design yet
  • Built-in GPS
  • New ECG & EDA sensors
  • Waterproofing

Cons:

  • Touchscreen can be finicky
  • New proprietary chargers and bands

While we've generally known what to expect from fitness trackers, the Fitbit Charge 5 is the device that will change those presumptions. Sometimes, we only get a few subtle changes when a new tracker is released. However, with the Fitbit Charge 5, a lot has improved.

One of the most noticeable differences is the refined design with a gorgeous AMOLED touchscreen and a sleek stainless steel body. This fitness tracker is 10% thinner than its predecessor and has a rounded design rather than a rectangular one. Most importantly, the improved design allows for a more natural and comfortable fit that seamlessly contours to the shape of your wrist. With big changes to the design, we also get a new proprietary charging cable and new proprietary bands.

It has many essential fitness features that were so appealing about the Charge 4, including onboard GPS, automatic workout detection, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, and 5 ATM waterproofing. Fitbit has also included advanced health sensors that give you more details than ever before. The EDA sensor takes precise temperature measurements and records stress levels. The ECG sensor measures your heart rhythm and can detect irregular heartbeats.

You won't be missing out on some of the key "smart" features that made the Fitbit Charge 4 such a hit. The Fitbit Charge 5 is also equipped with NFC support for contactless payments with Fitbit Pay. You'll also be able to control music playback right from your tracker. But, unfortunately, there's still no on-device music storage.

Best overall fitness tracker

Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker

$180 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy $180 at B&H

Next-level health and fitness tracker

The Charge 5 takes health tracking to the next level with its new ECG and EDA sensors. The refined design is a looker, too.

Fitbit Charge 4

The best value fitness tracker

Bottom line: The Fitbit Charge 4 is the most well-rounded fitness tracker for the money. It features NFC for contactless payments, onboard GPS to track your workouts without a phone, and easily replaceable bands for convenience and style. Plus, you get all of the regular fitness tracking goodies like step tracking, sleep tracking, automatic workout tracking, and Fitbit's Active Zone Minutes.

Category Fitbit Charge 4
Display size 1-inch grayscale, OLED
Replaceable bands ✔️
Weight 30g
Battery life 7 days
OS Fitbit OS
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS ✔️
NFC ✔️
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Rosewood, Storm Blue

Pros:

  • Crisp, responsive screen
  • Thin, comfortable design
  • Improved notifications
  • GPS is built-in
  • Waterproofing

Cons:

  • Finicky side button
  • No local music storage

Before it made smartwatches, Fitbit was known for its excellent fitness bands. The Charge 4 takes everything the company has learned about the form factor over the years and stands out as one of the most polished and refined devices Fitbit's released to date.

The big draw to the Charge 4 is that it has GPS built right in. This allows you to map outdoor runs, walks, and bike rides without needing to bring your phone with you — something you won't even find on the Versa 2. Of course, it also has all of the other fitness features you'd expect, such as all-day activity tracking, sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and automatic workout detection. There's also 50-meter waterproofing if you want to use the Charge 4 for tracking any swims.

The design is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and thanks to its seven-day battery life, you can wear the Charge 4 for a full week without having to stress out over how much gas is left in the tank.

Fitbit offers a few great smart features, including Fitbit Pay, notifications from your phone, and a Spotify app to control music playback. It would have been great to see local music storage to give the Charge 4 even more independence from your phone, but even so, this is an incredibly complete package.

Best value fitness tracker

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker

From $130 at Amazon From $130 at Best Buy $138 at Walmart

Everything you need at a remarkable value

With built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, and 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, the Charge 4 packs many features into a small package.

Fitbit Versa 3

Best upgraded fitness tracker

Bottom line: As one of the most popular names in the wearable world, Fitbit is always a good option. The new Versa 3 is centered around health and fitness tracking, ideal for workout enthusiasts. In addition, you have built-in GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and Fitbit Pay.

Category Fitbit Versa 3
Display size 40mm / 1.58 inches, 336x336 AMOLED
Replaceable bands ✔️(Custom, OSFA)
Weight 40g
Battery life 6+ days
OS FitbitOS
Voice assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Water-resistant ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS ✔️
NFC ✔️
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automatic workout tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Soft Gold

Pros:

  • Built-in GPS
  • Sleek, attractive design
  • Excellent battery life
  • Solid smartwatch features
  • Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons:

  • Limited app selection
  • Old bands won't work with Versa 3

The Fitbit Versa 3 takes everything that is great about the Versa 2 and kicks it up a notch, putting it in the company of the best Android smartwatches. Though Fitbit didn't alter the design too much, it did make the case a bit slimmer and rounder, and it dramatically improved the mechanism to swap out bands. Unfortunately, the bad news is that any old bands you purchased for your Versa, Versa Lite, or Versa 2 won't work on this new watch.

It does the same tracker things as the Versa 2, but with an improved heart rate sensor, SpO2 monitoring, and a new Active Zone Minutes feature. In addition, all versions of the watch include Fitbit Pay for contactless payments, and the watch now has built-in GPS, so you can accurately track your workout without bringing your phone along for the ride (or run). It also offers on-screen activities that you can follow along with.

The Versa 3 has smartphone notifications that are easy to navigate and an app store with popular names such as Spotify and Starbucks. You can also talk directly to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa and hear responses. If your ears perked about Spotify, the good news is that there is storage for 300+ songs on the Versa 3.

Best upgraded fitness tracker

Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch

From $225 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy From $229 at Walmart

Adding missing features from its predecessor

The Versa 3 improves everything over the original, including better battery life, Google Assistant integration, and built-in GPS.

Xiaomi Mi Band 6

The best budget fitness tracker

Bottom line: When you're looking for a fitness tracker that won't break the bank, look no further than the Xiaomi Mi Band 6. It's the company's latest tracker and offers heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, 30 sport modes, and menstrual health tracking.

Category Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Display size 1.56 inches, AMOLED
Replaceable bands ✔️
Weight 2.2oz
Battery life 14 days
OS Xiaomi
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking 🚫
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Blue, Orange, Yello, Olive, Ivory

Pros:

  • 30 sports modes
  • Activity/sleep tracking
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • Female health tracking
  • 14-day battery life
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Lacks built-in GPS
  • No NFC payments
  • Doesn't automatically track workouts

When you want to be able to cover your bases with your fitness tracker without breaking the bank in the process, you'll love the Xiaomi Mi Band 6. It's a definite improvement from its predecessor, sporting a larger display area that's easier to read and navigate. But, more importantly, it offers a satisfying list of tracking abilities and other features that are hard to find at this low price point.

You'll be able to choose from up to 30 sport modes, including outdoor running, treadmill running, indoor cycling, outdoor cycling, pool swimming, yoga, and more.

Other than that, you'll have a solid 14 days of battery life, which can stretch up to 20 days in power-saving mode. You'll also enjoy sleep tracking, all-day heart rate monitoring, and menstrual health tracking. It might not be a smartwatch and is missing features like built-in GPS, but it's difficult to complain about this powerful little tracker at this price point.

Best budget fitness tracker

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Smart Wristband

$50 at Amazon $49 at Walmart

As cheap as it gets

Be kind to your wallet with the Mi Band 6. You get connected GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and more.

Fitbit Inspire 2

The best heart-rate monitor on a fitness tracker

Bottom line: As one of the most popular names in the wearable world, Fitbit is always a good option. The Inspire 2 features an improved 24/7 heart rate monitor, female health and sleep tracking, and an astounding 10+ day battery life.

Category Fitbit Inspire 2
Display size 1.4 inches, OLED
Replaceable bands ✔️
Weight 30g
Battery life 10+ days
OS Fitbit OS
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Rose, White

Pros:

  • Attractive design
  • Generous battery life
  • Lightweight and inconspicuous
  • One free year of Fitbit Premium
  • Works with Tile trackers

Cons:

  • No altimeter or built-in GPS
  • No quick replies
  • No Fitbit Pay

The Fitbit Inspire 2 is so compact and lightweight; you'll likely forget you're wearing it. This tracker also offers a more traditional buckle band as opposed to the peg-and-loop style. The bands are stylish and easy to switch when you feel like changing it up.

You'll need to swipe up to see additional stats and squeeze both sides with the haptic "button" panels to return to the home screen. Swipe down when you're ready to start exercising. With all that said, there are some restrictions to having such a small screen. You'll need to go to the app to set alarms and bring your phone with you to utilize GPS. This is an excellent option if you want to monitor your heart rate but don't care about other fancy features. It'll help you with the basics, but you'll miss out on features like Fitbit Pay and an altimeter.

The Inspire 2 has a phenomenal battery life for a Fitbit at around 11 days. It is also a difficult device to lose, thanks to its integration with Tile's tracking network.

Best heart-rate monitor on a fitness tracker

Fitbit Inspire 2 Bluetooth Fitness Tracking Smart Band

From $99 at Amazon $100 at Best Buy From $99 at Walmart

An easy, budget-friendly way to track your heart-rate

The Inspire 2 proves good things come in tiny packages. All the tracking and bonus features make it an affordable front-runner.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

The best premium tracking suite on a fitness tracker

Bottom line: If you're all about health tracking, there's no better choice than the Garmin Vivosmart 4. It tracks your activity and sleep patterns while monitoring your heart rate, stress, energy, and blood oxygen saturation levels.

Category Garmin Vivosmart 4
Display size .70-inch OLED
Replaceable bands 🚫
Weight 17g
Battery life 7 days
OS Garmin
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Gray, Berry, Azure Blue

Pros:

  • Ultra-lightweight design
  • Premium health tracking
  • Helpful Body Battery Energy Monitor
  • All-day stress tracking
  • 7-day battery life

Cons:

  • No built-in GPS
  • Slim screen can be hard to navigate
  • Bands cannot be changed

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 does everything you would expect it to as a fitness tracker. It keeps track of your steps, sleep, calories burned, floors climbed, various exercises, and heart rate. However, where this tracker shines is its health-tracking features.

For starters, you'll have advanced sleep tracking with REM sleep. It can also gauge blood oxygen saturation levels during the night with its wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor. In addition, a relaxation breathing timer complements the all-day stress tracking feature. Lastly, the "Body Battery" monitor helps optimize your daily activities based on your energy levels.

A couple of things you'll miss include GPS and replaceable bands. However, you'll still have access to smartphone notifications on your wrist. If you're an Android user, you can respond with preset quick replies. If you want detailed health tracking data, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is the way to go.

Best health tracking suite on a fitness tracker

Garmin Vivosmart 4 Activity and Fitness Tracker

From $99 at Amazon $100 at Best Buy $106 at Walmart

A health enthusiast's dream come true

This tracker offers more health monitoring features than most other options in its price range. It's also slim and easy to use.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 2

The best alternative tracking suite on a fitness tracker

Bottom line: The Galaxy Fit 2 is ideal for users who are committed to in-depth activity tracking. You'll have access to automatic workout tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. It's also made to be highly durable, which is great for intense workouts.

Category Samsung Galaxy Fit 2
Display size 1.1-inch, AMOLED
Replaceable bands 🚫
Weight 91g
Battery life Up to 21 days
OS FreeRTOS
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Black, Scarlet

Pros:

  • Lightweight durability
  • Fantastic 21-day battery life
  • Impressive activity tracking suite
  • Multiple exercise modes
  • Stress monitoring
  • Smartphone notifications

Cons:

  • Lacks built-in GPS
  • Bands are not interchangeable
  • Limited watch face options

If you've been searching for the perfect fitness companion that'll go the distance for any activity you have in mind, you'll have met your match with the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2. In addition to being water-resistant to 50 meters and compliant with military-level durability standards, this handy device is built for endless activity tracking.

You'll have the convenience of automatic activity tracking for five workouts. You can also use the Samsung Health mobile app to select from over 90 exercises; 10 can be customized and set as preferred activities.

The Galaxy Fit 2 will also monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels. You might notice that GPS is lacking here, but this robust activity tracking suite is hard to pass up. The FreeRTOS on this fitness tracker isn't nearly as sophisticated as Tizen OS found on Samsung smartwatches, but it just takes some getting used to.

Best alternative tracking suite on a fitness tracker

Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 Fitness Tracking Smart Band

$60 at Best Buy $59 at Walmart

Track all of your activities

The robust activity tracking suite, heart rate sensor, and low price tag are a few reasons why the Galaxy Fit 2 is a great tracker.

Fitbit Luxe

The best luxury Fitness tracker

Bottom line: The Luxe is not the Fitbit tracker with the most high-end features, but it is without question the most premium Fitbit tracker you can buy. It has the style to go up against the Fitbit Sense, with the profile and capabilities of the Inspire 2.

Category Fitbit Luxe
Display size .76-inch
124x206 AMOLED
Replaceable bands ✔️ custom
Weight 26.2g
Battery life 5 days
OS Fitbit OS
Voice Assistant 🚫
Water Resistance ✔️ (5ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️
Sleep tracking ✔️
Colors Soft Gold/Lunar White, Graphite/Black, Platinum/Orchid

Pros:

  • Perfect for smaller wrists
  • Premium design and materials
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • First color screen on a Fitbit tracker
  • Includes six months of Fitbit Premium
  • Supports Google Fast Pair on Android

Cons:

  • No onboard GPS
  • No NFC
  • Half the battery life of comparable Inspire 2

If you prefer a lightweight, low-profile tracker but want something that has the high-end looks of a much more expensive smartwatch, then the Fitbit Luxe might be just the device you're looking for.

The Luxe's casing is made from high-quality stainless steel and is available in three premium finishes. You can dress it up and accessorize with jewelry-style bands, but it can also handle your HIIT classes or half-marathon training. It includes six months of Fitbit Premium service for you to try out, and setup is a breeze thanks to Google Fast Pair (Android only). The Luxe is also the first Fitbit tracker to feature a color touchscreen.

While this is one of the best-looking wearables we've ever tested, it does make a few tradeoffs that you might want to be aware of. For starters, it is priced comparably to the Charge 4 but lacks the NFC for contactless payments and built-in GPS of that larger band. It also has the same capabilities as the cheaper Inspire 2, but lacks the Tile tracker integration and near two-week battery life.

If you just want the basics done extremely well in a device that looks fantastic, you can't go wrong with the Luxe!

Best luxury fitness tracker

Fitbit Luxe Fitness and Wellness Tracker

$149 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy $150 at B&H

The best-looking fitness tracker

The Luxe can do just about everything its Fitbit tracker siblings can do, but it looks even better doing it.

Wyze Band

Track your health and control your smart home

Bottom line: Those who are just beginning their fitness-tracking journey may want to ease into it. The Amazfit Band 5 is a great way to go about that. You'll have activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, female health-tracking, smartphone notifications, and more.

Category Wyze Band
Display size .95-inch color AMOLED
Replaceable bands 🚫
Weight 73g
Battery life 10 days
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
Water Resistance ✔️ (5 ATM)
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking ✔️(running)
Smart home controls ✔️ (Wyze products)
Sleep tracking ✔️
Female health tracking 🚫
Colors Black

Pros:

  • Color AMOLED screen
  • Amazon Alexa integration
  • 10-day battery life
  • Smart home controls

Cons:

  • No social competitions or integrations
  • Only sport tracked is running
  • No GPS support

Wyze is better known for making affordable smart home devices like cameras and lights than for making wearables, but don't let that dissuade you from trying this fitness tracker out. Sitting somewhere in-between the size of a Fitbit Inspire 2 and Fitbit Charge 4, the Wyze Band brings a large color AMOLED display and comfortable silicone band to your wrist.

While it may not have all of the advanced health tracking features of a Fitbit or Garmin device, it does all the basics well. It doesn't do automated workout tracking, and the only fitness mode onboard is for running, but that might be enough for you. Plus, it brings features to the table that other bands can't match, like the ability to control your Wyze smart home devices by tapping on the screen of your tracker or the ability to issue commands to Alexa through the included microphone.

The AMOLED display is quite striking, and you can change the colors and patterns to suit your preference. The biggest downside to this device, in our opinion, is the fact that it doesn't currently integrate with social competition apps like Strava or MapMyFitness. Perhaps that will come in a future update.

Best fitness tracker for the smart home

Wyze Band Activity Tracker

$30 at Amazon

The Wyze smart home choice

The Wyze band can measure your steps and sleep, track a run, or control your Wyze smart home with the tap or with Amazon's Alexa.

Amazfit Band 5

The best fitness tracker for beginners

Bottom line: Those who are just beginning their fitness-tracking journey may want to ease into it. The Amazfit Band 5 is a great way to go about that. You'll have activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, female health-tracking, smartphone notifications, and more.

Category Amazfit Band 5
Display size 1.1 inches color OLED
Replaceable bands 🚫
Weight 12g
Battery life 11-15 days
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
Water Resistance ✔️ Splash-proof
GPS 🚫
NFC 🚫
Heart rate monitor ✔️
Automated workout-tracking 🚫
Health assessment system ✔️ (Huami PAI)
Sleep tracking ✔️
Female health tracking ✔️
Colors Orange, Midnight Black

Pros:

  • Activity/sleep tracking
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • Female health tracking
  • Stellar battery life

Cons:

  • Lacks built-in GPS
  • No NFC for contactless payments

Amazfit has built a solid reputation for making quality Android smartwatches and fitness trackers at an affordable price point. So whether you want a full-fledged smartwatch like the GTS 2 or a more basic retro watch like the Neo, you're sure to find something suitable from this company.

The Band 5 has a similar name, look, and price to its rival Xiaomi, but Amazfit does have a few tricks up its sleeve to differentiate it from the low-priced competition. For starters, this is one of the only pure fitness trackers to have built-in Amazon Alexa integration, the others being the Fitbit Versa 2 and 3 and the Wyze Band. The other important feature of the Amazfit Band 5 is its innovative PAI health assessment system. Using data from the heart rate monitor, daily activity tracking, and other health metrics, the Amazfit Band 5 can easily understand your overall health and fitness score. This can help you to make adjustments and decisions to improve your health and improve your life!

The Amazfit Band 5 also includes table-stakes features like a heart rate monitor and accelerometer for step tracking. Still, unlike many affordable bands, this one can also handle female health tracking and SpO2 monitoring. For this price, you're not going to find a better starter band than this one.

Best fitness tracker for beginners

Amazfit Band 5 Fitness Tracker

$35 at Amazon $35 at B&H

For those who are new to fitness tracking

The Amazfit Band 5 is a great introductory fitness tracker that can measure SpO2, women's health, steps, sleep, heart-rate monitoring, and more.

How to pick the best fitness tracker

When it comes right down to it, the Fitbit Charge 5 takes the top spot on our list for various reasons. For starters, the number of features you receive is simply unmatched. You'll have a full week of battery life, NFC support for contactless payments, built-in GPS so you can leave your phone behind on a workout, heart-rate monitoring, convenient music controls, sleep tracking, and much more. Let's not forget about the new ECG and EDA sensors that dive deeper into your overall health.

While there might be some drawbacks to the Charge 5's smaller display, it's much easier and fun to use now that you get a color AMOLED touchscreen. These concerns certainly don't hold a candle to the slew of features, though. You can track every step taken, floor climbed, and lap swam. You can do all this while controlling your Spotify playlist, checking notifications, monitoring your heart rate, and tracking your blood oxygen levels.

If you're looking for the best fitness tracker for your needs, you may find yourself stuck in one of those infamous internet black holes. How do you know which activity tracker has the features you want at a price you can afford—and won't feel like you've strapped a brick to your wrist?

If you're starting your search, here are a few tips to help you decide which fitness tracker is best for you:

1. Start with price

Depending on which features you want, your new fitness tracker could be surprisingly affordable, or it could end up setting you back quite a bit. (Yeah, we eyed a smartwatch that was nearing the quadruple digits for a good 30 seconds before our conscience brought us back to reality).

Of course, you should still be cautious about buying anything that's dirt cheap. Unfortunately, most cheap fitness trackers are just that: cheap. Even less costly models by well-known brands like Fitbit won't come with a full display, so you'll need to swap to the app to get all the details on your latest workout.

2. Decide on features

Narrow down your search by deciding which features you need. For example, if your primary goal is to track your steps as you stroll around the neighborhood, you probably won't need a heart rate monitor or GPS.

But if you're using your tracker to keep tabs on calories burned, heart rate, and miles traveled while you hit the trail on your mountain bike, you'll want both a heart rate monitor and GPS.

And if you plan on wearing your tracker while you swim laps in the pool, you'll want to pay attention to the waterproof rating. And make sure the model you pick out tracks swimming.

3. Look at the wristband

If you're blessed with average-sized wrists, wristband fit likely isn't an issue for you. But if your wrists are on the slimmer or thicker side, you'll want to pay attention to the bands that come with fitness trackers.

Brands like Fitbit typically offer fitness trackers in different sizes ranging from small/medium to large. Others offer adjustable bands that provide a snug fit for wrists of all sizes.

Another thing to note about the wristbands is the strap style. Is it a traditional watch-style strap with a buckle? Or does it simply "button" together? The button style sometimes feels less secure, especially if we're tackling three-point rows and deadlifts at the gym.

Luckily, most fitness trackers come with band replacements. This lets you upgrade the material, color, and fit if you like. We're all about having choices.

4. Consider style

Are you content with a fitness tracker that looks like a fitness tracker? Or do you prefer something that looks like a traditional watch?

Activity trackers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can go as simple or fancy, modern or traditional, as you like.

If you're looking for a smartwatch that could fool a coworker into thinking it's an actual watch, we're impressed by the design of the Fitbit Versa 3. If you're not ready for a full-blown smartwatch, but you still want something on the stylish side, the Fitbit Charge 5 or Luxe may be calling your name. On the other hand, if you're looking for something simple, the Fitbit Inspire 2 and Luxe are slim and uncomplicated.

5. Don't forget about the apps

Our favorite fitness tracker app is Fitbit, hands down. It's user-friendly and offers a full range of features. It even has menstrual cycle tracking, which we've never seen on any other fitness tracker apps.

The Fitbit app integrates well with many popular third-party apps for a more robust tracking system that meets your needs. Here are some of our favorites:

Top 5 health and wellness apps:

  1. MyFitnessPal
  2. Calm
  3. C25K
  4. Headspace
  5. Strava

How do fitness trackers work?

Each fitness tracker works slightly differently, but some sensors and technology are relatively common across them all, like altimeters, accelerometers, and optical sensors. Here's some of the technology you may stumble upon if you break into your fitness watch.

  1. 3-axis accelerometer — This measures your movements in every direction and helps track those steps.
  2. Gyroscope — This gets a read on your orientation and rotation as you move. Now it's time for some split squats!
  3. Altimeter — Whether you're tracking your hike up the mountain or climbing stairs on your work break, this keeps track of your altitude.
  4. Optical sensors — These shine light into your capillaries to measure how quickly or slowly your blood is pumping to give you an idea of your current heart rate.
  5. Actigraphy — Ever wondered how activity trackers monitor your sleep? Actigraphy identifies your sleep patterns by tracking your activity and rest cycles, then gives you an idea of how much you tossed and turned last night.
  6. GPS — The GPS receiver collects data from different satellites to calculate your position as a set of coordinates. This lets you track your terrain and distance after a trail run or day on the slopes.

Of course, not all fitness trackers are created equal when it comes to their sensors' accuracy. For the most part, actigraphy isn't as accurate as measuring your sleep cycle in a lab, and optical sensors aren't as precise as bioimpedance sensors when it comes to monitoring your heart rate.

What are the best fitness watches for large wrists?

When you're shopping for a fitness tracker, it's important to keep size in mind. Luckily, most bands are adjustable to fit your wrist without an issue. However, if you have a particularly large wrist circumference, you'll want to keep an eye out for options that'll work for you.

Out of our list of 10 top fitness trackers, here's what we recommend for large wrists:

3 best fitness watches for large wrists

  1. Fitbit Charge 5 - The large size sport band can fit bigger wrists between 6.7 to 8.3 inches in circumference.
  2. Fitbit Charge 4 — The large size band will fit comfortably on larger wrists that range from 7.1 to 8.7 inches in circumference.
  3. Fitbit Versa 3 —While the Versa couldn't look more different than the Charge 4, it can also fit 7.1 to 8.7 inches.
  4. Xiaomi Mi Band 6 —This may not be the biggest tracker on the market, but it can still accommodate wrists from 6.1 to 8.6 inches.

What are the best fitness trackers for small wrists?

If you've got an especially dainty wrist, finding the right fit can be even more challenging. The last thing you want is for your tracker to be sliding around as you go about your day.

So what should you do? We think these activity trackers fit like a glove—er, watch:

3 best fitness trackers for small wrists

  1. Garmin Vivosmart 4 —The small/medium band can fit wrists as small as 4.8 inches and as large as 7.4 inches. Now, that's impressive.
  2. Fitbit Inspire 2 — This tracker is lightweight and compact. Did we mention it can fit wrists that measure between 5.5 and 8.7 inches?

Now that you've found your fitness tracker match, you're one step closer to running laps around your goals. #YouCanDoIt

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Courtney Lynch is a freelance writer at Android Central. She's obsessed with all things health, fitness, and music. At any given time, she can be found checking out the latest and greatest gadgets while simultaneously petting her dog and sipping iced coffee.

Joe Maring was Android Central's News Editor for several years and has loved anything with a screen and CPU since he can remember. He's been talking/writing about Android in one form or another since 2012 and often does so while camping out at the nearest coffee shop.

Jeramy Johnson is proud to help Keep Austin Weird and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. When he's not writing about smart home gadgets and wearables, he's defending his relationship with his smart voice assistants to his family. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.

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