Tag: fitness

Amazfit Active 3 Premium Review: A Surprisingly Capable Budget Running Watch

When most people picture a serious running watch, brands like Garmin and Coros tend to come to mind. Amazfit, not so much. That perception may be shifting, though. The Chinese brand’s latest release — the Amazfit Active 3 Premium — is sleek, solidly built, and loaded with tracking features, all for $169.99.

This is a budget fitness tracker, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. According to Amazfit, the Active 3 Premium was designed primarily for fitness beginners and casual exercisers “working towards their first clear goal.” That means it’s built around simple, actionable insights rather than the dense, data-heavy analysis that defines Garmin’s ecosystem and other high-end platforms. That said, it brings enough to the table — including offline maps and up to 12 days of battery life — to hold its own against wearables that cost two or three times as much. With that in mind, it was put through a thorough review.

Design

At first glance, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium bears a strong resemblance to the Amazfit Active Max tested a couple of months ago. Both are compact and unobtrusive, look sharp on the wrist, and share detachable silicone straps alongside engraved-style tick markers on a round bezel. Look closer, though, and the differences become clear.

The Active 3 Premium carries a slightly smaller AMOLED display than the Active Max – 1.32 inches versus 1.5 inches – which gives it a sleeker, more everyday-watch appearance. It also has four side buttons compared to the Active Max’s two, a practical design choice that makes mid-workout control far easier when hands are sweaty or gloved.

Durability is another area where the Active 3 Premium pulls ahead. Its bezel is stainless steel rather than aluminium alloy, offering better resistance to shocks, corrosion, and heat. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant Sapphire glass, while the Active Max has no display protection at all. Both share a 5 ATM waterproof rating, meaning they can handle surface-level swimming and shallow-water activities but aren’t rated for deep dives or high-pressure water exposure.

Wearing the Amazfit Active 3 Premium was a genuinely pleasant experience. It’s light, comfortable, and easy to forget about entirely – and it transitions well between activewear and casual clothing without looking out of place. Anyone fatigued by bulky, rugged-looking fitness wearables will find it a refreshing alternative. One caveat: the compact size won’t suit everyone’s taste, and those who prefer a larger watch face may find it a touch too small.

The display held up well throughout testing – bright, vibrant, and readable in direct sunlight, with no lag or freezing during demanding tasks. The one minor gripe is fingerprint smudging, which accumulates more visibly than on other running watches tested at this price point. It’s not a serious issue, particularly since the watch can be fully operated using the physical buttons, but it’s worth mentioning.

Amazfit Active 3 Premium
Built for Runners. Features a durable stainless steel frame, sapphire glass, and a lightweight build. The vibrant 1.32″ AMOLED display ensures your data and maps are easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
$169.99Amazon

Features

The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is built around fitness tracking, and that focus shows. Smartwatch features are present – Bluetooth calls, music control, NFC payments via Zepp Pay, and calendar notifications all make the cut – but the emphasis is firmly on workout measurement and analysis rather than general lifestyle functions. The result is an interface that feels purposeful rather than cluttered with widgets nobody uses.

The watch supports more than 170 activities but is clearly optimized for runners and race walkers. The running metrics on offer are notably advanced for the price bracket, including posture monitoring (detecting overstriding, hunching, or improper head position), lactate threshold assessment, ground contact balance tracking (measuring symmetry between left and right foot contact time), and running rhythm analysis that evaluates whether breathing, foot strikes, and body movements are properly synchronized. These are the kinds of data points typically reserved for premium athletic wearables.

Despite that depth, the Active 3 Premium remains approachable for beginners. It offers a range of structured running workouts and adaptive training plans, presented without overwhelming jargon or an excessive focus on constant progress metrics – a criticism frequently leveled at Garmin’s platforms. The overall effect is something like a compact running coach: providing feedback to improve form, reduce injury risk, and share achievements with others.

GPS is built in, with offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, automatic rerouting, and point-to-point route planning. These features don’t match the depth and precision of what Garmin or Suunto deliver, but they’re more than adequate for basic navigation and phone-free outdoor sessions.

Amazfit Active 3 Premium
Built for Runners. Features a durable stainless steel frame, sapphire glass, and a lightweight build. The vibrant 1.32″ AMOLED display ensures your data and maps are easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
$169.99Amazon

Performance

Amazfit rates the Active 3 Premium at up to 12 days of battery life under typical use, dropping to around 7 days with heavy use and 24 hours in continuous GPS mode. Real-world testing – wearing the watch day and night, tracking at least four workouts per week, and using GPS during outdoor sessions – landed around 10 days per charge, which aligns closely with those claims.

Outdoor tracking performed reasonably well. Testing across two full-day hikes through dense Welsh woodland and regular park runs produced location estimates accurate enough to serve as a reliable workout companion. That said, the Active 3 Premium uses single-band GPS rather than dual-band, which can limit signal strength in more complex, obstructed environments. Professional trail runners or those venturing into demanding terrain may find the GPS less dependable than they’d like.

Heart rate data was compared against readings from the Whoop MG screenless tracker, the Oura Ring Gen 4 smart ring, and the Polar H9 chest strap heart rate monitor. The results accurately reflected workout intensity and training load across most conditions. Accuracy dropped slightly during high-intensity efforts above 150 bpm, though that’s a common limitation across budget fitness trackers rather than a specific failing of this watch. Sleep and stress tracking both performed well.

Step counting and upper-body movement tracking were less reliable. The watch tended to underestimate steps and consistently struggled with exercises like indoor rowing, where stroke rate detection was noticeably off. Strength training tracking also left something to be desired. These shortcomings didn’t significantly affect the overall experience, and at this price point, they’re largely expected trade-offs rather than dealbreakers.

Should You Buy the Amazfit Active 3 Premium?

The Amazfit Active 3 Premium earns its place as one of the better budget smartwatches available for novice runners and casual exercisers. It’s durable, comfortable, reasonably accurate, and packs a genuinely impressive set of workout-tracking tools alongside beginner-friendly training guidance. The design holds up well across contexts, and the battery life is hard to fault. GPS and mapping fall short of premium standards, and the screen smudges faster than it should – but neither is a realistic expectation at $169.99.

✅ Buy it if: You’re a beginner or casual runner looking for a sleek, reliable smartwatch without spending a fortune.

❌ Don’t buy it if: You’re an experienced runner who needs advanced GPS accuracy and detailed mapping capabilities from a premium wearable.

Amazfit Active 3 Premium
Built for Runners. Features a durable stainless steel frame, sapphire glass, and a lightweight build. The vibrant 1.32″ AMOLED display ensures your data and maps are easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
$169.99Amazon

April 30, 2026
Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro Launches Globally with 3,000-Nit AMOLED and Up to 20 Days Battery Life

Amazfit has officially introduced the Cheetah 2 Pro to the global market, marking the debut of its new Cheetah 2 series. The launch follows a wave of recent leaks and brings a high-end smartwatch with a focus on endurance and outdoor tracking.

The Cheetah 2 Pro features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display housed in a 48 mm case, while still supporting relatively slim 20 mm straps. The screen reaches up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness and offers a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 353 PPI.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro
Built with extraordinary durability for high-mileage runs, the grade 5 titanium case and scratch-resistant sapphire glass protect a vibrant 1.32″ AMOLED display. Unnecessary material is removed while rigidity and precision are preserved.
$449.99Amazon

Battery life is a key highlight. The smartwatch packs a 540 mAh battery, with Amazfit claiming up to 29 hours of use with GPS enabled, 7 days in standard smartwatch mode, and up to 20 days under “moderate activity” conditions.

On the hardware side, the device includes Amazfit’s in-house 5PD PPG heart rate sensor and an Airoha Technology AG3353 GNSS module for positioning. It also features a built-in speaker, a digital microphone, and a LED flashlight—similar to what’s found on devices like the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Venu 4. The watch weighs 46 grams, supports 5 ATM water resistance, and uses sapphire glass for display protection.

The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro is now available across the Eurozone at €449 including taxes, slightly under earlier expectations of €459. In the US, it is priced at $449.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro
Built with extraordinary durability for high-mileage runs, the grade 5 titanium case and scratch-resistant sapphire glass protect a vibrant 1.32″ AMOLED display. Unnecessary material is removed while rigidity and precision are preserved.
$449.99Amazon

This positions it notably higher than the original Cheetah Pro, which launched in mid-2023 at a significantly lower price and has since dropped to around $179.99 on Amazon. For more details, Amazfit directs users to its official website.

April 19, 2026
Garmin announces a brand-new wearable – here’s what we know

We have lately reviewed, reported, and praised numerous Garmin wearables, praising the gadgets’ purportedly extended battery life. But according to leaks from Garmin’s Canadian website, the wearables company might be releasing something new soon.

Garmin recently gave us an official update at CES earlier this month, when they revealed that the Garmin Connect would soon provide complete nutrition tracking. Though not as fast as it just did, it appears the business has a brand-new wearable that it should be ready to reveal soon.

Garmin’s newest wearable appears online

Android Authority claims that on its Canadian website, the corporation unintentionally revealed the existence of a gadget known as the Cirqa Smart Band. A Redditor managed to capture a screenshot of the listing before it was removed.

It’s interesting to note that the ad contained a few facts but no photographs. It stated that the band will be offered in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and two colors (Black and French Gray) at launch. Additionally, the gadget will be ready for shipment in four to five months.

Apart from the listing, screenshots of the search results were taken by the5krunner, which showed that the S/M size fits wrist circumferences between 120 and 200 mm, while the L/XL size fits wrist circumferences between 145 and 200 mm.

The most likely explanation for this, in my opinion, is that someone with back-end site access unintentionally clicked publish before the business was prepared to make the product public. The shipment date indicates that devices would reach customers’ doorsteps by the middle of the year, just in time for the busiest time of year for outdoor training and jogging, even though it suggests the launch will occur shortly.

Though there have been goods in the past that were limited to Canada, particularly in the automobile sector, it is reasonable to believe that this one will be offered in the US. To find out more about availability and the specific features, we’ll need to wait till the official release date.

February 12, 2026

Amazfit Balance 2 – review – good but not the best

The Amazfit Balance 2, a smartwatch that puts your fitness first, is the sequel to the Balance.

The Active 2 has the intelligence to cover you whether you’re a Hyrox fan, want something to help you train for a marathon, or want to jump in the water with it. In addition to tracking, it aims to assist you in making more informed choices regarding when to workout and when to take a day off.

Through the ability to pay for itself, stream music while on the go, and download apps to improve the Balance 2’s functionality, it seeks to compete with the Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, such the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

Design and display

Like the original Balance, the Balance 2 features a totally circular case with a thin physical bezel, a single pusher, and a rotating crown-style button. Overall, it’s a quite stylish watch, but it’s a little chunkier than the previous Balance due to its 12.3mm thickness.

The well-weighted aluminum alloy used to make that 47mm case has polymer around the rear, which houses the optical sensor array. The silicone strap is rather commonplace and not all that unlike from those found on sports watches made by Garmin or Polar. The box comes with two different colored straps that you can interchange between, which is excellent.

A 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 480 x 480 resolution is front and center; its dimensions and resolution are identical to those of the original Balance.

The Balance 2 has a maximum screen brightness of 2,000 nits, which is something that smartwatch manufacturers currently love to boast about. Overall, the display provides a positive experience. It responds to swipes, touches, and prods, is razor sharp, and provides good visibility in brighter outdoor light.

Sapphire glass, which offers some of the strongest protection available on a watch, shields its display from scratches. It’s nice to see it on a more affordable watch because it’s typically found on much more costly ones. Additionally, there were no scratches found throughout testing.

The Balance 2 is also very waterproof. It has a waterproof rating of 10ATM, which is higher than the 5ATM found on the original Balance. Because of this, it can now be immersed in water up to 100 meters deep. Furthermore, it can be used for recreational diving up to 45 meters. Generally speaking, a smartwatch that can do that would cost a lot more.

Amazfit Balance 2

Built for Performance and Style: The sleek aluminum body and 1.5″ durable sapphire crystal glass screen of the Balance 2 smart watch offer a premium, resilient design, while dual speakers provide clear audio cues during training.

$299.99Amazon

Performance

Similar to other Amazfit smartwatches, the Balance 2 is powered by a proprietary operating system. It comes with Zepp OS 5.0, which has a significant AI effect. You can utilize Zepp Coach for exercise or the mediocrely helpful Zepp Flow smart assistant.

In addition to those AI-powered smarts, you’ll also receive standard smartwatch features, such as the ability to check notifications, which are shown on the watch as a stream. They accomplish the task, but they are not the actionable type. There is a well-optimized music player with playing controls, as well as the option to answer calls over Bluetooth, where the built-in speaker and microphone provide good loudness and clarity.

Zepp Pay, which is currently available in 31 countries, does support contactless payments. Although it’s not nearly as smooth as Apple Pay, it does allow you to leave your contactless cards and extra change behind, something that other Apple Watch and Wear OS wristwatch competitors make more difficult.

Other apps and watch faces are also available to you. Since the preloaded watch faces aren’t very great, I would highly advise looking at the other possibilities available in the store.

There is a variety of both free and paid applications accessible. GoPro, DJI, and Sonos all have a limited number of approved apps. In addition, you will need to seek for the most helpful ones to download. No, Google Play isn’t.

The software experience on the watch is a fairly standard gesture-based one. Key functionalities are all accessible with a finger swipe. While it is still busy in areas like device settings and workout tab navigation, the Zepp companion app has grown a little less cumbersome overall.

Is the experience on the wristwatch comparable to that of an Apple Watch or a Wear OS smartwatch? No, in my opinion. Is it sufficient? If you’re not too picky about having the greatest smartwatch features, I’d say there’s enough to please most people.

Amazfit Balance 2

$299.99Amazon

Features

Now let’s go into the specifics of the Balance 2, which is mostly a smartwatch that tracks your exercises. It possesses almost all of the necessary components to accomplish that.

Training insights like VO2 max and recovery time recommendations, the ability to create and follow training regimens, the newest dual-band GPS technology for more precise outside monitoring, and the ability to sync data to third-party fitness apps like Strava are all available.

When compared to one of Garmin’s best dual-band sports watches, the Balance 2 did well in our GPS testing from a tracking perspective. However, it did occasionally record somewhat shorter distances for certain outdoor exercises.

During exercise, the heart rate sensor also performed well. It performed well for average and maximum heart rate measurements when I used it for interval-style exercises instead of a dedicated heart rate monitor. The possibility to attach external heart rate monitors is also a nice feature in case you ever doubt the accuracy of the wrist-based data. It performed similarly to other swim trackers for pool swims in terms of stroke detection, pace, and distance.

In addition to promoting its Hyrox modes, Zepp Health also provides recognition for a variety of strength-based exercises for individuals who enjoy strength training.

Generally speaking, these modes function well. It can track runs and effort levels for the latter, whether you’re using it for Hyrox sessions or on race day. You may create training regimens on the app and choose exercises that will sync with your watch. It’s all quite simple.

Free color maps are also available for people who enjoy exerting themselves on adventures; these must be downloaded from the app and then synchronized across. Although it might not have as many settings as the greatest watch-based mapping support available, it still performs far better than the majority of smartwatches in this area.

I would argue that the Balance 2 is catching up to the sports watch industry if you want it to be more of a training partner. It didn’t feel very helpful or insightful to use the AI-powered Zepp Coach and premium Zepp Coach Chat capabilities.

With data and assistance comparable to sports watches, the Balance 2 may be used to build workouts and rely on training insights, such as VO2 Max predictions and training load.

The Balance 2 will track the length of sleep, create sleep scores, and separate sleep into its several phases. The data for the core sleep data has been quite comparable on the most of the nights that I’ve been wearing it in conjunction with the Oura Ring 4.

Battery

The Balance 2 is a smartwatch that can endure a week of heavier use or go weeks without needing to be charged. According to Zepp Health, the battery can last up to 21 days, but if you’re using the most power-hungry functions, it will only last 10 days.

There is a tiny proprietary charging cradle that needs one of your own USB-C charging cables to power back up when it’s time to charge because one isn’t included in the package. Although you won’t be charging it as frequently as you would other smartwatches, it is also a reasonably quick charger.

Amazfit Balance 2

$299.99Amazon

If you’re searching for a more affordable alternative to numerous sports watches that combine smartwatch and sports tracking capabilities, the Amazfit Balance 2 is another evidence that Zepp Health is making significant strides with its smartwatches.

The same thing that hinders other Amazfit smartwatches also hinders the Balance 2. It’s still not nearly the whole package. There are many things that it does well, but overall, the program is a little sloppy and just falls short of the competition.

I’d be more persuaded that watches like the Balance 2 are respectable substitutes for the top sports smartwatches available if Zepp Health could improve those aspects.

Full Specs

	Amazfit Balance 2 Specs
Battery	658 mAh
Colours	Black
First Reviewed Date	11/09/2025
GPS	Yes
IP rating	IP68
Manufacturer	Amazfit
Operating System	Zepp OS 5.0
Release Date	2025
Screen Size	1.5 inches
Size (Dimensions)	47.4 x 47.4 x 12.3 MM
UK RRP	£299
USA RRP	$299
Waterproof	10ATM
Weight	43 G

September 14, 2025

Xiaomi Band 10 – probably the best fitness tracker

After a few weeks of using the Xiaomi Band 10, I’m starting to see why the company is attempting to market this wearable as more than simply a fitness tracker. By combining convenience, adjustable design, and health tracking into a single small device, the Band 10 lives up to its marketing slogan, “Fit in Style.”

The Xiaomi Band 10 is intended for consumers seeking a harmonious blend of fashion and functionality. It’s helpful for someone who values a wearable that looks well in both casual and business contexts, is health-conscious, and wants to track their progress.

Design and display

The 1.72-inch AMOLED display was among the first features I liked. With a resolution of 212 x 520 pixels at 326 PPI, it is crisp, and at 1500 nits, it becomes bright enough to be seen outside. Additionally, compared to previous versions I’ve tried, the 60Hz display rate makes navigating menus feel more fluid.

I appreciate that Xiaomi allowed for some design freedom with the Band 10. It feels high-end thanks to the ceramic frames and aluminum alloy, and I can quickly switch up the style with the many strap alternatives (TPU and fluororruber in various colors). I wasn’t limited to a few static designs because there is even more personalization space because to the 200+ watch faces. However, I don’t update it very often. I’ll be stuck with a design for months after I feel familiar with it. Additionally, I didn’t have to worry about splashes if I perspired while working out because of its 5ATM water resistance.

Fitness and health tracking features

The Band 10 has more than 150 workout options for fitness. I primarily used it for strength training, indoor cycling, and jogging, and the monitoring was reliable. I also utilized it for hula hoops and jump rope.

One of the advantages is health monitoring. When combined with other devices, I found the heart rate broadcast capability to be helpful, and the heart rate sensor performed well for both daily monitoring and exercise. In addition to recording my number of hours slept, sleep monitoring provided me with tailored advice on how to enhance the quality of my sleep. The Band 10 does a good job of keeping me informed about my health when combined with all-day SpO2, stress, and activity tracking.

All of this is synchronized with the Mi Fitness app, which displays the data in an uncluttered, readable format. I like that the app allowed me to establish precise targets and monitor long-term changes.

Battery

Another advantage is battery life. Xiaomi says that the 233mAh battery may last up to 21 days of normal use. In my tests, I was able to use it for around two weeks with the brightness, workouts, and alerts set fairly high. Considering that many smartwatches only survive three days, it’s still excellent.

It’s also convenient to charge. It is simple to top up even between hectic schedules because the magnetic charger clips on simply and I was able to get a full charge in approximately an hour.

The Xiaomi Band 10 is compatible with iOS (12.0 and above) and Android (8.0 and above), and it supports Bluetooth 5.4. It was easy to pair, and the connection held.

I was able to view call alerts and read messages on my wrist without continually checking my phone thanks to the effective notification system. Convenience was increased by the seamless operation of basic controls including music playback, weather, and reminders.

What struck me after wearing the Xiaomi Band 10 every day was how effectively it struck a balance between being a fashion piece and a health tool. The lightweight design makes it simple to wear all day and even at night for tracking sleep, yet the screen is bright enough to make it feel like a tiny smartwatch.

That’s precisely what I want in a fitness band—I didn’t feel the need to take it off frequently. I seldom ever had any latency, the user interface is straightforward, and the touch reaction is fast. It concentrates on elements that make sense for its intended audience rather than being overburdened with extraneous features.

Xiaomi Mi Band 10
Enjoy stunning visuals and a seamless touch thanks to the huge 1.72-inch AMOLED display.The screen-to-body ratio can be increased from 66% to 73% thanks to symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels made possible by vacuum filling sealing technology.
Best choice
$67.70Amazon

For those who wish to move up from a simple fitness tracker without going all smartwatch territory, the Xiaomi Band 10 seems like a logical upgrade. It is practical due to its extended battery life and fast charging, dependable in terms of tracking health, and fashionable enough to wear in a variety of contexts.

In summary, this fitness band has more than 150 sports modes, precise health tracking, and a long battery life that eliminates the need for continuous charging. Its design can be altered to fit individual tastes in watch faces, bands, and frames.

The Xiaomi Band 10 fulfills company’s promises regarding pricing and features, allowing you to stay active and healthy while still looking stylish.

August 24, 2025
Fitbit Charge 6 update brings new faces and features
Prepare yourself for a small surprise today if you possess a Fitbit Charge 6. An upcoming upgrade to the fitness tracker will increase compatibility and include new watch faces. The Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4 will also receive an update soon.

The Fitbit team revealed three new watch faces for the Fitbit Charge 6 on its community blog. Axira, the first of the three, is an analog clock that displays your heart rate at the bottom and the date at the top. With your heart rate at the top and your step count at the bottom, Geometric is a two-line clock. Lastly, Momentum displays a number of statistics at a glance, such as your heart rate, distance traveled, and steps taken.

Fitbit claims that the purpose of these watch faces was to make important exercise and health metrics easily accessible. This update will increase the Charge 6’s compatibility with fitness equipment in addition to adding new watch faces. “You can connect to a wider selection of equipment and view your real-time heart rate on display during your home or gym workouts,” according to the business, thanks to this increased compatibility.

The following devices and applications are listed as compatible with the Charge 6 in Google’s support document:
- Peloton Bikes, Treads, and Rows
- iFit (NordicTrack)
- Concept 2
- Tonal
- Hydrow and Hydrow Wave
- Spinning bikes and mobile app
- Echelon
- Strava
Although “not all Bluetooth-compatible devices and apps will connect or act similarly,” Google cautions that additional computers and apps that aren’t on the list might function. Additionally, it notes that there is a known incompatibility between TechnoGym, Life Fitness, and Garmin.

An upgrade is also planned for users of the Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4. However, only general bug fixes and enhancements will be included in the update.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Turn little habits into healthier routines with Fitbit Charge 6 and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2; get advanced health and fitness insights from Fitbit and power through your workouts with the most comfortable, secure earbuds
~~$159.95~~ $139.79Amazon
July 30, 2025
Fitbit Versa 4 – a premium smartwatch and fitness tracker – on sale

After being acquired by Google a few years ago, Fitbit has greatly enhanced its software and products to become the leading brand among regular consumers searching for a dependable fitness smartwatch. For a brief while, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale on Amazon for a record-breaking $149, less than its original price of $199. This is a significant 25% discount.

Fitbit Versa 4
Get inspired and stay accountable with Versa 4 + Premium – learn when to work out or recover, see real-time stats during exercise and find new ways to keep your routine fresh and fun.
~~$199.95~~$149.95Amazon

Fitbit Versa 4 – premium features with a great price

The Fitbit Versa 4 combines smart features with high-end fitness capabilities in a sleek, slim design. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides strength and purity of vision for its bright 1.58-inch AMOLED display. People can wear the device in humid situations or when swimming without worrying about it becoming damaged because it is water-resistant up to 50 meters. All-day wearability is ensured by the elastic strap and aluminum case.

It provides a full range of fitness tracking features: Without carrying a phone, it can accurately track distance and pace thanks to its built-in GPS and GLONASS. In addition to auto-activity recognition to ensure that no workout is missed, its users can select from over 40 exercise modes, such as HIIT, yoga, strength training, and jogging. In order to keep users within their desired heart rate training zones, the watch also has round-the-clock heart rate tracking with high or low heart rate alarms. The Active Zone Minutes increases the efficacy of workouts by encouraging users to maintain their own desired heart rate zones.

Based on recovery, the Fitbit Daily Readiness Score, which comes with the extra six-month Premium membership, provides tailored recommendations for increasing training intensity or taking a day off. The user can use these in conjunction with the Cardio Fitness Score (VO2 Max) to maximize training for cumulative gains. In order to identify patterns that could have an impact on health, Versa 4 also tracks changes in skin temperature and blood oxygen levels at night and during high-altitude training.

Fitbit Versa 4
Get inspired and stay accountable with Versa 4 + Premium – learn when to work out or recover, see real-time stats during exercise and find new ways to keep your routine fresh and fun.
~~$199.95~~$149.95Amazon

Additionally, it offers a Sleep Score, a unique Sleep Profile, and percentage breakdowns of the light, deep, and REM sleep stages to help users better understand and manage their sleep. For better mornings, its intelligent wake-up alarm also wakes users at the ideal time in their sleep cycle. In order to support mental health, the watch additionally has stress management features including guided breathing, mindfulness training, and a daily Stress Management Score.

The Versa 4 aims to enhance everyday life in addition to exercise by enabling features like text messaging, app messages, and on-wrist Bluetooth calls. For Android users, there is voice response and quick reply, and contactless payments are made simple with Fitbit Pay and Google Wallet. The watch is an all-around partner for normal activities and workouts because it can be used with Google Maps for directions and Amazon Alexa for voice instruction.

With more than six days of everyday wear time between charges, the battery has an excellent lifespan that eliminates the inconvenience of regular recharging. The Versa 4 is comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time because to its lightweight design, which is approximately 15% lighter and 10% thinner than its predecessor.

Fitbit Versa 4
Get inspired and stay accountable with Versa 4 + Premium – learn when to work out or recover, see real-time stats during exercise and find new ways to keep your routine fresh and fun.
~~$199.95~~$149.95Amazon

June 8, 2025
Amazfit Bip 6 – an amazing smartwatch with a even better price – review

Admittedly, I made a snap judgment about the Amazfit Bip 6 based on its affordable price. I didn’t think it would compete with more expensive smartwatch rivals, much less hold its own at $80. I can tell, however, that it’s more than simply a terrific deal after a couple days of testing.

The Bip 6 is unique in a time when the majority of smartwatches cost hundreds of dollars since it does more than just the basics. During my testing of the Amazfit Bip 6, I discovered that the battery life lasted more than a week on a single charge, the fitness monitoring was reliable, and the advanced health indicators were accurate. One of the few smartwatches under $100 that is truly worth your time is this one, especially when you consider that it is compatible with both Android and iPhone.

It’s hardly the most sophisticated timepiece available. Compared to more expensive models, the Amazfit Bip 6’s design and navigation feel clumsy, but overall, it seems like a minor price to pay for everything else it offers.

The watch isn’t the most sophisticated one available. Comparing the Amazfit Bip 6 to more expensive models, the design and navigation feel clumsy, but this seems like a minor price to pay for all the other features it offers.

For those who prioritize functionality above style, the Amazfit Bip 6 offers a simple and cost-effective way to get started with smartwatches. It’s perfect for first-time smartwatch purchasers who want to experiment with fitness and health tracking without breaking the bank. iPhone users who are interested in smartwatches but aren’t ready to commit to an Apple Watch will find it especially enticing.

Design

Although it feels light, the 44mm watch looks bulky on my medium-sized wrist (6.5 inches), and it doesn’t come in any other size. The Amazfit Bip 6’s design is straightforward and practical; it has the boxy, flat appearance of an old Pebble Watch, with a slight curve to the screen and a metal trim that gives it a bit of polish. The 1.97-inch AMOLED display (390×450 pixels) looks bright and crisp indoors, but I have trouble seeing what’s on screen in direct sunlight.

All of the bands tend toward the sporty side of the design spectrum, and unless you choose an alternate band from Amazon, there isn’t really any way to dress it up. The black sport band that came with my review device is also available in charcoal, stone, and red (which I might have preferred).

Software and UI

The Amazfit Bip 6 doesn’t provide the most seamless onboarding experience right out of the box, and I had to do some tweaking to get the watch configured the way I wanted it. There isn’t a real always-on display, so I changed the watch face that came with it, changed the battery settings to keep the screen on when working out, and changed which fitness metrics I wanted to see while running. Determining the true functions of the physical button and other swiping movements also required some trial and error.

Although it’s not as user-friendly as other smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Galaxy, you should be able to figure it out if you delve deeply enough into the settings.

It’s not as user-friendly as other smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Galaxy, but if you dig deep enough into the settings, you should be able to figure it out. The Amazfit Bip 6 doesn’t offer the most seamless onboarding experience right out of the box, and I had to do some tweaking to get the watch configured the way I wanted it. There isn’t a real always-on display, so I changed the watch face that came with it, changed the battery settings to keep the screen on while working out, and changed which fitness metrics I wanted to see while running.

Thankfully, Android phone users can respond to texts using a keypad or voice recognition, but iPhone consumers are stuck without a remedy unless they use a third-party app. The fact that Flow functionality is dependent on the phone and that the Bluetooth range is excruciatingly limited (at least with an iPhone) doesn’t help either. When my phone was only a room away, I frequently lost connectivity. If you rely on Find My Phone as a lifeline to find your phone, this renders the feature essentially worthless.

Amazfit Bip 6
Stylish Design, Vibrant Display: The lightweight aluminum build blends effortless style with workout durability, while the vivid 1.97″ AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
A good choice
$79.99Amazon

Battery life

One of the best things about the Amazfit Bip 6 is undoubtedly its battery life. I tested it with several GPS workouts, heart rate monitoring, and running with the always-on display, and it still lasted more than a week—eight days, to be precise—between charges.

The manufacturer claims a two-week guarantee, which I probably would have achieved if I had been more cautious with the settings. After a day and a half, more expensive competitors like the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Pixel Watch require charging. The battery life of even the more costly Apple Watch Ultras with bigger batteries is only three days.

However, there isn’t a fast-charging option that I’m aware of, and it will take roughly two hours to go from zero to full when you eventually need to return for a charge. I’d rather leave it charging overnight once a week than have to find a time throughout the day to recharge it again, even though I’ll pick longer lasting battery life over faster charging any day.

Additionally, as the box only comes with a magnetic charging puck that must be plugged in, you will need to provide your own USB-C charging cable (and brick). The charging brick is no longer included with the majority of modern watches, such as the Apple Watch and Pixel Watch, although the charging cable is still included.

Fitness features

It would be an understatement to claim that the watch covers the fundamentals of fitness tracking. Along with detailed analytics for runners and other popular sports, it offers every workout you could possibly need. Since running is my major method of exercise, I primarily tested the running exercises.

At first, using the Amazfit Bip 6 to track a run feels unsteady because it takes around ten seconds to lock onto a GPS signal, which can be a deal-breaker when you’re ready to go. It’s off to the races after it locks in, though. Even without my phone, the GPS functioned consistently across several runs. Surprisingly, heart rate monitoring, including zone breakdowns, held up well. I utilized the Polar chest strap HR monitor, the industry standard for consumer heart rate tracking, to test smartwatches, and the results was comparable.

Amazfit Bip 6
Stylish Design, Vibrant Display: The lightweight aluminum build blends effortless style with workout durability, while the vivid 1.97″ AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
A good choice
$79.99Amazon

It monitors strength training during indoor exercises and even makes an effort to determine which muscle groups are being used. Accuracy is still unknown because I didn’t perform a conventional strength training session, but during a Pilates practice that I had designated as strength training for testing purposes, it accurately identified arm muscles.

Health and wellness

Amazfit Bip 6 awarded me around an hour’s worth of sleep “bonus credit” on weekend nights when I was fully awake since it had trouble detecting the difference between when I was sleeping and when I was watching White Lotus. Notably, the Apple Watch has previously made the same error, which raises doubts about my level of consciousness at the end of the day while I’m dozing off on the couch.

However, the actual measurements are quite useful because they monitor breathing quality, sleep stages, and changes in temperature and heart rate. Like the vitals check on other wearables like the Apple Watch and Oura ring, this might help indicate the onset of diseases.

Zepp Aura add-on, which includes sophisticated sleep analysis, AI-powered coaching, and tools to help identify issues like sleep apnea and insomnia, is also available if you really want to go into your health and sleep data. It generally costs $150 a year, but right now it’s only $60.

Additionally, I had some issues turning off notifications while I slept, and I had to manually configure the “do not disturb” option because it didn’t match what I had configured on my phone.

Zepp App for Amazfit Bip 6

All of this health data has the flaw of having little to no context. There is no instruction on what the statistics imply, what is deemed normal, or how to act based on them, whether you’re looking at the watch’s instant results or the Zepp app’s long-term health trends. I didn’t test the Aura premium option for this evaluation, but perhaps it helps make sense of everything.

Amazfit’s own Zepp OS powers the watch, and the Zepp app on your phone controls all of your data and settings. It manages the app and watch face stores in addition to system settings and health metrics. The Zepp app’s layout is confusing and has multiple tabs, so good luck locating what you need.

The data itself is frequently difficult to grasp, even if you are able to locate the necessary tab. I consider myself well-versed in fitness jargon, having reviewed smartwatches and fitness trackers for over ten years, yet even I had doubts about the meaning of several of these numbers.

An AI-powered food journal that automatically enters nutritional data and calories from a barcode or photo is an additional bonus function. I used a homemade cheese sandwich to test it, and I was surprised by how accurately it calculated the number of calories. I then compared the results with the real nutritional data for each ingredient. I can see this as a useful tool for those who prefer to monitor their intake in order to manage their weight, but have not kept long-term logs for a thorough examination of this feature.

Amazfit Bip 6
Stylish Design, Vibrant Display: The lightweight aluminum build blends effortless style with workout durability, while the vivid 1.97″ AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
A good choice
$79.99Amazon

Although it won’t impress you right away, the Amazfit Bip 6 is a powerful, discreet tracker that constantly goes above and beyond where it matters most. Easily the greatest option we’ve tested in its price category, it’s the kind of uncommon find you don’t expect to find in the world of smartwatches under $100.

May 16, 2025
#dealalert – Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker is back at its best price

Whether you are a runner, rock climber, or a frequent gym goer, a fitness tracker can help you stay motivated to maintain your good habits. For a limited time, you can save 25% on the Fitbit Charge 6 fitness smartwatch. Normally, the watch costs $160, but with the discount, you can get it for $120 on Amazon. This saves you $40.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Turn little habits into healthier routines with Fitbit Charge 6 and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2; get advanced health and fitness insights from Fitbit and power through your workouts with the most comfortable, secure earbuds
Buy on Amazon

Built-in GPS

The Fitbit Charge 6 is your fitness companion and coach, whether you are running or working out at the gym. There are over 40 distinct activity modes to choose from, and the watch immediately starts tracking when it detects a workout. You can view your numbers while lifting weights at the gym, kayaking, or doing anything else. It even boasts built-in GPS for tracking mileage and running pace during outdoor workouts, eliminating the need to utilize your smartphone.

To determine the intensity of your workouts, monitor your heart rate at all times. It will notify you when you reach fat burn, cardio, or peak zones, allowing you to modify your effort to match your goals. Monitoring your heart rate might also help you stay healthy. The ECG app and sensor can help you detect indicators of irregular heart rhythm, which could be caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib). Other health variables it will look at include your blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and more.

The Charge 6 has the ability to transmit metrics such as heart rate to your screen when using a compatible treadmill, elliptical, rower, or workout cycle. This way, you do not have to look down at your wrist and can concentrate on your form while doing exercise.

Have more restful sleep and feel reenergized when you wake up in the morning. The watch may be programmed to vibrate at the best sleep cycle, leaving you refreshed when you open your eyes. You will be assigned a sleep score and will be able to track your light, deep, and REM sleep, as well as your sleeping heart rate, to see how consistent your sleep is.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Turn little habits into healthier routines with Fitbit Charge 6 and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2; get advanced health and fitness insights from Fitbit and power through your workouts with the most comfortable, secure earbuds
Buy on Amazon

You will also have access to a few stress management tools. The Fitbit Charge 6 may provide you with a detailed explanation of your stress management score based on heart rate and other characteristics, as well as guided breathing exercises to help you develop healthier coping strategies.

Right now, Amazon is selling the Fitbit Charge 6 for only $120. It is presently 25% discounted, which equals $40 in savings.

April 16, 2025
Amazfit Active 2 launches in Europe: €99 Smartwatch

Amazfit has expanded the availability of its Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch to Europe, following its initial introduction in North America. The device’s stylish design is combined with fitness and health tracking functions, making it appealing to both casual and avid fitness users.

Amazfit takes a simple, holistic approach to wellness. It prioritizes preparation, sleep quality, and weekly activities above closing rings or cramming every performance measure possible into your dashboard. And, like prior Fitbits, the Active 2 has a longer battery life than more complex smartwatches. Amazfit estimates 10 days from a charge. In testing, I scored between eight and nine.

Design and Display

The Active 2 has a stainless steel body and a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits for outdoor use. There are two variants available: a normal model with red or black silicone straps, and a premium model with a black leather strap, red silicone strap, and sapphire glass for screen protection.

Tech used

The watch includes Amazfit is BioTracker 6.0 PPG biosensor, which improves heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as better sleep-tracking algorithms. New features include an altitude tracking barometer and support for skiing and other winter sports. Under typical conditions, the battery is expected to last 10 days. Zepp Flow voice controls let Android users to respond to communications by text or voice.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The watch supports over 160 sports modes, including HYROX races, and it automatically identifies strength-training routines (reps, sets, and rest intervals). Offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation are available and powered by five satellite systems. A daily Readiness score (used to monitor physical/mental recovery), HRV tracking, and Wild.AI integration for menstrual cycle insights are among the health features.

Pricing & availability

The Amazfit Active 2 is now available in Europe, with the standard model priced at €99 (~$100 in the US) and the premium model at €129 (~$130 in the US). There is no confirmation yet on additional regional launches.

March 22, 2025