Fitness trackers have surged in popularity in recent years due to their convenience and wealth of health metrics. However, there are some compelling reasons you may want to refrain from buying the latest model in 2023. Before making a purchase, consider the following drawbacks.
Smartwatches Are Catching Up Quickly
Many leading smartwatches now match or exceed the fitness tracking capabilities of dedicated wearables:
- The Apple Watch Series 8 has a new skin temperature sensor, crash detection feature, and can monitor sleep, heart health, activity and more.
- Samsung‘s Galaxy Watch 5 line leverages a BioActive sensor to provide comprehensive health data including V02 max, bone mass and body water percentage.
- Even Google‘s Pixel Watch includes an ECG, heart rate sensor, activity tracking and sleep stages breakdown.
| Watch Model | Key Health Sensors | Exercise Modes Tracked |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Heart rate, ECG, SpO2, temperature | Hiking, running, swimming, dance |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 | Optical HR, ECG, BIA sensor | Walking, cycling, pilates, rowing |
| Google Pixel Watch | Heart rate, ECG | Running, cycling, strength training |
With smartwatches becoming so advanced, you may no longer need a dedicated fitness tracker if you own one of the latest models.
Not a Replacement for Professional Medical Advice
I don‘t want to scare you, but it‘s important to note fitness tracker health data does have limitations and margins of error. Heart rate variability can fluctuate throughout the day and optical sensor readings may not always be precise depending on skin contact and calibration.
Blood oxygen sensors also have a variance of about 2% to 3% compared to medical devices. So the data should be viewed as supplemental for spotchecking, not a substitute for medical guidance from your doctor. Don‘t cancel annual checkups just because you have a fitness tracker!
For example, a 2022 study inNPJ Digital Medicine analyzed the accuracy of the Fitbit Charge 4. While good for tracking exercise and sleep, it had between 10-20% error margins for heart rate variability metrics compared to an ECG – important for gauging stress.
So take your tracker‘s data with a grain of salt. Share the information with your physician but don‘t replace professional expertise with it.
Privacy Risks Exist
To function properly, fitness trackers continually collect data on your activities, vitals, location and more. This data could be shared with or accessed by third parties if a company doesn‘t have stringent safeguarding practices.
For example, a 2022 security incident uncovered by Consumer Reports exposed Fitbit user data including names, exercise logs and location histories. While rare, breaches or oversharing of data are privacy risks to consider.
I recommend thoroughly researching different fitness tracker brands‘ stances on data usage. Seek out companies that limit sharing of personally identifiable information and offer ways to delete your profiles. Without vigilance, your personal data could end up in unwanted hands.
Over-Emphasis on Data Can Backfire
On the surface, the wealth of health metrics from fitness trackers provides valuable insights. However, an over-emphasis on hitting specific targets like 10,000 steps or 90% sleep efficiency can reduce enjoyment of exercise.
Psychology Today reported some users who became addicted to closing their Apple Watch rings experienced emotional distress on days they fell short of their streaks. Others reported feeling they "failed" themselves by not continually improving VO2 max or other scores.
The key is balancing awareness of the data with listening to your body‘s signals. Don‘t become a nervous wreck striving for new records or forgetting common sense rest to achieve ultimately arbitrary milestones. Moderation is essential.
Refurbished Models Are Much Cheaper
Instead of paying $250 or more for the latest fitness tracker, consider checking out refurbished or used models. Reputable retailers like Amazon thoroughly test and restore returned units before reselling at often substantially discounted prices.
For example, a refurbished Fitbit Versa 2 costs under $100 but still provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking and advanced workout modes. That‘s $150+ cheaper than buying it brand new!
| Model | New Price | Refurbished Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Versa 4 | $229 | $152 | $77 |
| Garmin Vivosmart 5 | $149 | $93 | $56 |
The savings on restored tracker models can be substantial while still getting core activity tracking and health features. Why not keep some extra cash in your wallet?
If you want an all-in-one smartwatch with fitness tracking instead, here are my top picks:
iPhone Users
Consider the Apple Watch Series 8 if you want the best experience paired with your iPhone 14. It starts at only $399 but provides crash detection alerts, temperature sensing for women‘s health and an always-on Retina display. It‘s the ultimate two-in-one solution.
Android Owners
You can‘t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 for comprehensive fitness and wellness tracking. It leverages a BioActive sensor for in-depth health readings all while enjoying a beautiful AMOLED display and battery lasting over 24 hours per charge. At $279, it will be your Android watch workout partner for years to come.
Budget-Friendly Hybrid
The refurbished Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a stylish hybrid between a smartwatch and fitness tracker I recommend checking out. The built-in GPS makes it easy to track pace, distance and route for outdoor workouts. And it keeps tabs on energy levels, sleep, stress and more – all for just $130 refurbished.
Hopefully this breakdown of reasons why someone may want to avoid a brand new tracker in 2023 helps inform your buying decision. Fitness trackers provide many upsides but also some privacy, accuracy and over-data consumption drawbacks to consider. Still interested in one? Be sure to research the brand thoroughly first and set expectations accordingly.
And if you simply want robust activity and health feedback from one device, a full-featured smartwatch may better suit your needs these days over a dedicated band. Regardless what you choose, use the information as helpful supplemental feedback – not the sole source guiding your exercise and wellbeing.
Stay happy and healthy!
