Ankle fitness trackers are an innovation in the wearables world. These relatively small devices can monitor how active you are and intelligently track your movement to improve your health. This is a major upgrade from old-fashioned pedometers as many of them are not designed for serious activity, but walking exercise or for general counting of steps.
Ankle Fitness Trackers work by tracking your steps, distance, the number of flights of stairs you climb, and the number of calories burned. This is basic information, but it can help you get started on an exercise routine. The trackers also monitor your sleep patterns, what time you fell asleep, and when you woke up with a silent vibrating alarm.
Best Ankle Fitness Trackers
1. Moov Now
The Moov Now 3D perhaps is the best ankle fitness tracker on our list for design and battery life. This fitness tracker has a very different look than most other fitness trackers. While most fitness trackers go with a display that shows all the information, this tracker has no display.
This display-less design may come as a shocker. But it is a pure ankle fitness tracker. Why would you need a display on an ankle fitness tracker?
The tracker features a simple design with circle cutouts and a green circular body inside the band. The circular cutout of this fitness tracker makes the fitness band breathable. SO it shall not cause any skin irritations. There is no display on the fitness band. It is extremely lightweight than all other fitness bands on the market. Because of this lightweight design, you will have no trouble wearing it around and walking around all day.
This gadget also delivers high performance in fitness tracking. It uses Omni motion sensors. The tracker uses three times more sensors for accurate tracking of your motion throughout the day.
It emphasizes heavily rep-based tracking. You can use it for many different exercises and fitness training. You wear this ankle fitness tracker for cycling, hiking, running, and jogging. The tracker is also waterproof. Thus you can use it for your swimming training as well.
The display-less design of the Moov Now gives it another huge advantage in the fitness tracking industry. That advantage is the whopping 6 months battery life. It can run for 6 months with one full charge.
Pros
- 6 hours of battery life
- Three times more motion sensors than other traditional fitness trackers
- Lightweight design
- Breathable band
- Waterproof body
- Can be used for different rep-based tracking
Cons
- No display
- No onboard song and media storage
2. Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker
If you want to have the best ankle fitness tracker with a built-in display for displaying all the crucial tracking information, check out the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker.
The Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker was originally a fitness tracker designed for the wrist. But because of its slim design, it can be easily worn on the ankle.
This ankle fitness tracker offers high reliability and accuracy in tracking data. It has all the necessary functions to keep track of your fitness activities. But there is no optical heart rate measuring sensor. That is not a necessity for an ankle-based fitness tracker.
Back to the pros of the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker, it has a durable body design. It is designed with durable materials so that its coils last longer. The tracker is built for athletes and sports enthusiasts. So you can expect something good with the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker.
One of the most attractive features of the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker is its battery life. While the Move Now 3D fitness tracker could last for 6 months, the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker can last for up to a year, with a built-in display.
Because of the one-year battery life, you can wear it all day without worrying about charging it for months. It makes it one of the most attractive deals for the best ankle fitness trackers.
Moreover, the Garmin Vivofit 2 Wireless Fitness Activity Tracker can provide notifications about your status on the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. It allows you to keep track of your activity and be motivated.
Pros
- 1-inch backlit display
- Waterproof and durable body design
- Keeps track of your daily fitness goals and notifies you on messenger
- Can last for a year with one full charge
- Can be worn on both wrist and ankle
Cons
- No optical sensor for heart rate monitoring
3. Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker
Here is another unique ankle fitness tracker for your daily activity. The Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker is not something you can wear on your ankle, nor can you wear it on your wrists. The Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker is supposed to sit on the shoelace of your tracking shoes.
This attractive fitness tracker does have some disadvantages. For example, it can’t monitor your heart rate, and it can’t help you in rep-based exercises. The only thing it is designed to do is calculate your footsteps throughout the day and provide you with the final result in the smartphone companion app.
One significant downside of this pod is that it slips into the shoelaces of your shoes. That means you can’t use this on shoes with no shoelaces. It makes it a difficult choice of ankle fitness tracker for all-day use.
However, the Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker is significantly cheaper than other traditional fitness trackers. So if you are looking for something to track your daily morning cardio only, then this Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker can be a very affordable choice, to begin with.
The Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker can offer you a 70-hour battery life. It does not have any rechargeable battery. It runs on AAA batteries.
Overall, the Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker can be a good choice for tracking your footsteps. If you want to use the Garmin Foot Pod Fitness Tracker like other ankle fitness trackers, you can buy an Ankle Band. You can swipe the Garmin Foot Pod inside the ankle band and pretend it to be your regular ankle fitness tracker. But d remember to change the batteries.
Pros
- Easily clips with shoelaces
- Compatible with your Garmin smartwatch
- Accurately calculates your footsteps
- Small and lightweight design
Cons
- No-rechargeable battery
4. Garmin Vivosmart Activity Tracker
It’s another device you could perhaps wear around your ankle to track your fitness. It also looks sleek and is easy to carry. The Vivosmart activity tracker from Germany can keep track of heart rate, steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and other things. With this fitness tracker, you’ll never get caught in the rain as it will tell you when it will rain.
What if it starts to rain out of the blue?
Don’t be afraid. Even if the rain shows up out of the blue, your device won’t be damaged.
This health tracking device works with all Bluetooth devices and stays in touch easily. It works with Bluetooth up to 30 feet away. Most Bluetooth devices can stay in touch for a long time at this range.
This device can handle water. It’s waterproof up to 50 meters deep and can also be worn while taking a shower. But you can’t connect this device to the Garmin IQ app, so you can’t use the great features that the app has to offer.
This fitness device can not be switched out with different accessories so that it can be used in different ways, like an ankle strap. So if you purchase the ankle strap, you can only use it for this particular accessory.
Based on how you use it, the battery could last for 8 days. Since you wore it on your ankle, you might not even check the screen as often, which could make the battery last longer.
Pros
- Weather Update
- It can be used for various tracking
- Waterproof
- Battery lasts up to 8 days
Cons
- It cannot be switched with different accessories
5. Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker
If you’re looking for the best ankle fitness tracker in terms of accuracy, this is it! The Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker is designed for the wrist with highly accurate algorithm. But it can be worn on the ankle as well.
Moreover, Fitbit does make their fitness bands be used in diversified ways. For example, they can be disconnected from their strap and attached to your clothes with the FitBit clips (For the Fitbit Inspire models).
So, the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker will also deliver accurate results despite being worn on the ankle. However, you may feel some discomfort in the ankle.
The Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker features all the usual features that you would want in a traditional ankle fitness tracker. It is a pedometer that records and tracks your different movements and shows data. It can also track your sleep, and how many calories you have burnt throughout the day. The Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker is equipped with an optical heart rate monitoring system, but that won’t be necessary if you use the tracker on your ankle.
The Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker is filled with other fancy features like receiving notifications from your smartphone, 20 exercise modes, and blood oxygen monitoring. But these features won’t be helpful if you use them on your ankle.
But since the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker is equipped with industry-leading fitness tracking, it will work as a fine fitness tracker.
Pros
- Industry-leading fitness tracking hardware
- Built-in GPS
- Comes in an affordable price range
- Sleep tracker and calorie tracker
- Stylish design
Cons
- Can be a bit painful on the ankle
What Is A Fitness Tracker And Do I Need One
A fitness tracker is a wearable device that helps you track your physical activity. This can include things like how many steps you take, how far you walk, and how many calories you burn. Fitness trackers can also monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns. Fitness trackers have been around for a few years, but they’ve become more popular through the years as technology has improved.
You might need a fitness tracker when you want to lose weight, get in shape, or be more active overall. Fitness trackers can help you set and reach goals, and they can also be motivating to see your progress over time.
How To Choose A Fitness Tracker
There are a lot of fitness trackers on the market right now. Choosing one can be confusing if it’s your first time making such a purchase. There are a lot of factors you should consider like style, size, and compatibility. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best tracker for your needs.
1. Connectivity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fitness tracker is connectivity. Some trackers only work with certain devices or apps. Others have Bluetooth connectivity so they can sync with your smartphone. Some trackers come with their proprietary app. Make sure to choose a tracker that is compatible with the devices and apps you use.
2. Battery
When choosing a fitness tracker, it is important to consider the battery life. Some fitness trackers have a built-in battery, while others need to be charged regularly. The average fitness tracker has a 100mAh battery, which will last for about 7 days of use. If you are looking for a tracker that will last longer, choose one with a built-in battery.
3. Design
The design of the fitness tracker is also important. You should consider the size and weight of the tracker. Some trackers are bulky and heavy, while others are sleek and lightweight. Choose a tracker that is comfortable to wear and won’t get in the way of your daily activities.
4. Size
The size of the fitness tracker is important for two reasons. First, you need to make sure the tracker is comfortable to wear. Second, the size of the tracker will determine the number of features it can track. Some fitness trackers are very small and only track a few basic metrics, while others are larger and can track a variety of metrics. Choose a tracker that is the right size for you and has the features you want.
5. Water resistance
If you are looking for a fitness tracker to wear while swimming or doing other activities, make sure to choose one that is water-resistant. Most fitness trackers are only water-resistant up to 50 meters. However, some trackers are designed for swimming and have a water resistance of up to 100 meters. Choose a tracker that has the water resistance you need.
6. Warranty
A warranty is a service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of a product. Most warranties are offered by the manufacturer and are included in the purchase price of the product. Some retailers also offer extended warranties for an additional fee. When choosing a fitness tracker, it is important to consider the warranty. Some manufacturers offer a limited warranty, while others offer a full warranty. Make sure to choose a tracker that comes with a warranty that meets your needs.
7. IOS OR Android Compatibility
When choosing a fitness tracker, you should also consider the compatibility with your smartphone. Some trackers only work with certain types of smartphones. Others are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Choose a tracker that is compatible with the type of smartphone you have.
How Often Should You Replace A Tracker
How often you need to replace your fitness tracker depends on a few factors, such as the type of tracker you have, how often you use it, and what you use it for. If you have a basic tracker that you use occasionally to track your steps, you may not need to replace it for a few years. However, if you have a more advanced tracker that you use daily to track your fitness and activity levels, you may need to replace it every 1-2 years. The average lifespan of a fitness tracker is about 2-3 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of tracker and how often it is used.
Conclusion
Ankle fitness trackers have the potential to help ordinary people engage in a more proactive approach to their health and exercise. This can mean a healthier, better quality of life and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases.
Many people are too busy for a serious part-time activity like going to the gym. But with a little thought and planning, you can set up your mini-workout around everyday chores like taking out the garbage or washing the dishes by doing them hard and fast.
Of course, nothing should be done at the expense of safety; whatever you do, make sure that all safety precautions are taken and that these activities won’t cause you injuries or accidents.
