The Apple Watch Series 10 46mm (£424.99) is the most capable fitness tracker you can buy, but it’s overkill if you just want activity tracking and heart rate monitoring. For most people, the Google Fitbit Charge 6 (£119.95) strikes the best balance between features, accuracy, and price. If you’re on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto Watch 40 (£55.59) delivers solid basics without the premium markup.
Our Top Picks
1. Apple Watch Series 10 46mm — Best Overall (If Budget Allows)
£424.99 | Best for: iPhone users who want full ecosystem integration
The Apple Watch Series 10 dominates if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. The 46mm Midnight GPS model offers ECG readings, advanced workout modes (100+), blood oxygen tracking, sleep monitoring, and always-on Retina display. Battery lasts roughly 18 hours—you’ll charge daily, but the feature set is unmatched. Fair warning: this is a premium product for premium budgets.
2. Google Fitbit Charge 6 — Best Value
£119.95 | Best for: Android users seeking serious tracking without the smartwatch price tag
The Fitbit Charge 6 (Coral/Champagne Gold) is a fitness-focused wristband that skips the flashy extras and nails the fundamentals. Six-day battery life beats Apple Watch decisively. Built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress management tools, and over 40 exercise modes cover 95% of what typical users need. Google Play Store integration and Fitbit Premium integration give it genuine ecosystem depth without requiring a full smartwatch.
3. Motorola Moto Watch 40 — Best Budget Pick
£55.59 | Best for: First-time trackers and anyone under £60
At under £56, the Moto Watch 40 is genuinely impressive. It delivers heart rate monitoring, workout tracking (multiple sports modes), sleep tracking, and water resistance. The AMOLED display is crisp for the price tier. Battery lasts 10+ days. You’ll sacrifice some advanced metrics and smoothness compared to premium options, but for budget-conscious buyers, this is where value peaks.
4. Fitbit Inspire 3 — Best for Casual Tracking
£84.99 | Best for: Beginners wanting simplicity over complexity
The Inspire 3 (Black with Zen Silicone band, 38mm) is Fitbit’s entry-level option and it’s genuinely good for the price. 10-day battery, GPS, heart rate tracking, and basic workout modes. No blood oxygen or stress tracking, but the interface is beautifully simple—great if you want tracking without constant notifications.
5. Noise ColorFit Pro 6 Max — Best Alternative at Mid-Price
£87.49 | Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting smartwatch functionality
The Noise ColorFit Pro 6 Max sits between a fitness band and a smartwatch. Always-on AMOLED display, heart rate + SpO2 monitoring, 100+ watch faces, music control, and app notifications. Battery lasts up to 7 days. Less polished than Fitbit or Apple, but significantly cheaper while maintaining smart features.
6. Garmin HRM 600 — Best Dedicated Heart Rate Monitor
£139.99 | Best for: Serious runners and cyclists needing precise cardiac data
This isn’t a wearable—it’s a chest strap. The Garmin HRM 600 (XS-S, Black) connects to your existing smartwatch or fitness device and delivers medical-grade heart rate accuracy. Professional athletes and training plan followers benefit most. Pointless if you just want casual activity tracking.
7. Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring — Best for Minimalists
£369.49 | Best for: Users wanting hidden tracking in an unconventional form factor
The Galaxy Smart Ring (Size 7, Titanium Black) tracks heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, and sleep—but it’s a ring, not a watch. Battery lasts 6-7 days. It’s brilliant if you hate wrist-worn devices, but it requires a Samsung phone and offers fewer features than competitors at this price point. Premium positioning for a niche use case.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | £424.99 | Full-featured tracking + iPhone integration | ECG + 100+ workout modes + always-on display |
| Google Fitbit Charge 6 | £119.95 | Android users + value | 6-day battery + built-in GPS |
| Motorola Moto Watch 40 | £55.59 | Budget buyers | 10+ day battery at under £60 |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | £84.99 | Beginners | Simple interface + 10-day battery |
| Noise ColorFit Pro 6 Max | £87.49 | Smartwatch features on budget | AMOLED display + app notifications |
How We Chose
- Battery life threshold: Products needed to last at least 5 days (or 10+ for budget models) to reduce daily charging frustration.
- GPS accuracy: Included GPS models to eliminate reliance on paired phones during outdoor runs; GPS is standard at £80+ but rare under £60.
- Heart rate reliability: Only included trackers with 24/7 optical sensors or chest-strap monitors; static-only monitors excluded.
- Price-to-feature ratio: Ranked value by calculating features per pound—£119.95 Fitbit Charge 6 offers 1.5× more utility per pound than £424.99 Apple Watch.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Google Fitbit Charge 6 (£119.95) unless you have specific reasons not to—it’s the fitness-tracking sweet spot for Android users and anyone avoiding smartwatch bloat. If you’re locked into Apple, get the Apple Watch Series 10 (£424.99), but only if you’ll use smartwatch features beyond tracking. Tight budget? The Motorola Moto Watch 40 (£55.59) is the only sub-£60 option worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best fitness tracker under £100?
The Google Fitbit Charge 6 (£119.95) is just above £100 but worth the stretch for its 6-day battery and built-in GPS. If you must stay under £100, the Motorola Moto Watch 40 (£55.59) or Fitbit Inspire 3 (£84.99) are the best options—each offers solid tracking without premium pricing.
Do I need GPS in a fitness tracker?
Yes, if you run or cycle outdoors and want accurate route mapping without carrying your phone. No, if you’re tracking gym workouts, walking, or only care about step counts. Budget models (under £60) rarely include GPS, while mid-range options (£80–£120) almost always do.
What’s the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?
Fitness trackers (Fitbit Charge, Garmin bands) prioritise health metrics and battery life—typically 5–10 days. Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy) add apps, notifications, and calling but drain batteries in 1–2 days. Choose a tracker if you want simplicity; choose a smartwatch if you want your wrist to be a second phone.
Which fitness tracker is best for Android users?
The Google Fitbit Charge 6 (£119.95) is purpose-built for Android and Google Fit integration. Motorola Moto Watch 40 (£55.59) and Noise ColorFit Pro 6 Max (£87.49) also work well with Android, but Fitbit’s app ecosystem is deeper.
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