If you are new to fitness trackers, most experts opine that you should begin by using your phone as a tracker as that will help you get acquainted with the process and display various metrics and performance indicators. Some of the best apps out there include Fitbit, Argus, and Moves. The mobile experience is recommended as people who purchase fitness trackers often have to take their mobile phones as well for accurate readings and GPS. However, today many fitness trackers from top brands are already equipped with GPS functionality.

Yet, knowing how to pick a tracker can be tricky. Let’s examine some of the parameters if you wish to buy a fitness tracker from a top brand.

How much should you pay?
It is important to note that most trackers cost up to $250 and start at around $50. It is best to avoid fitness trackers lower than $50 as these products will not be up to the mark and they may not even have a screen so you will have to use your phone’s app to view your progress. You can get you a decent tracker that can monitor progress, make suggestions, and also have a built-in optical heart rate monitor towards the higher end of the price scale. For people who walk, there are separate fitness trackers. The range for people who walk starts around $49 and goes as high as $149. For people who actively work out, there are some great finds for $99.

Know your taste in design
It is important to choose your style when it comes to fitness trackers as they are available in bracelets, watches, and even clip-ons. The watches and bracelets are high-end and they fit perfectly on your wrist. In addition to this, these fitness trackers also have loads of other features. However, if you do a lot of typing, these trackers could get in the way. The clip-ons are another useful product and are usually clipped on to the waistband. The clip-ons are great if you want something discreet as the watches and bracelets cannot always be worn as accessories. Nowadays, there is also the option of the new Motiv Ring that can also track fitness and looks just like jewelry.

Consider whether you need a heart rate monitor
Many fitness trackers do not come with a built-in heart rate monitor. While people may think this monitor is one of the most important features, many people do not really need it. The optical built-in heart monitor really sends the cost soaring. Many good models of fitness trackers do not use an optical heart rate monitor and instead can be paired with a chest strap. A purchase can be made and the chest strap can be bundled in for an additional $40 or slightly more. For people who wish to know what their resting heart rate is, there are several apps for that on a smartphone.