5 best running bracelets and smartwatches

The junior representative of the Fit series of sports bracelets is an inexpensive gadget that can impose competition on budget solutions from Chinese brands. Outwardly, it also has similar features with competitors, including Xiaomi Mi Band 3 . The oblong-shaped core is made of plastic, and the strap is made of silicone.

Samsung Galaxy Fit E come with a different color of the bracelet: black, white and yellow.

The fitness tracker provides a standard set of features for its class. It captures the steps taken, measures the pulse (if necessary, even in continuous mode), tracks sleep, displays notifications (but only in the form of an application icon and the beginning of the text), weather information, etc.

Samsung Galaxy Fit E correctly recognizes walking and running. Measurement of steps in terms of accuracy, as a rule, does not cause any complaints: other movements are not taken into account. Long walks are also automatically considered a workout. Despite the lack of GPS, the gadget quite accurately captures the beginning of the run, the pace of the run, the distance traveled. There is no need to specifically launch training modes.

The sole control of the bracelet is a 0.74-inch monochrome PMOLED display. It recognizes only touch touches (taps), which simplifies the interaction with the device. Users note that in bright sunlight it can be problematic to read the readings on the screen.

Synchronization with mobile gadgets is performed via Bluetooth 5.0. Galaxy Wearable app required for connection and basic settings, Samsung Health required for fitness data analysis. Most Samsung smartphones come preinstalled with both.

With a declared water resistance of 5ATM, the manufacturer does not recommend using a fitness tracker for water sports. The battery capacity of 70 mAh should be enough for 7-13 days (depending on the intensity of use), but in practice it happens even less (about 5-6 days). A branded cradle is offered as a charger.

Samsung Galaxy Fit E is able to become the best low-cost solution for owners of smartphones from the Korean giant, admirers of its ecosystem and / or the proprietary Samsung Health application.

The most affordable watch in the line of the Finnish company Suunto is positioned as the best solution for fans of an active lifestyle.

Suunto 3 Fitness has a metal bezel, a durable reinforced case and a silicone quick-release strap. In addition to versions in the classic colors of the case and strap, suitable for everyday use, variations are offered in bolder and more colorful colors.

The watch features Adaptive Training Guidance. This is an adaptive training plan that the device develops based on the user's activity data. For example, after the first run, the gadget will prepare a plan for further runs for the week. If you exceed the recommended intensity or miss a workout, the watch will automatically adjust the subsequent schedule. The main goal is to improve physical fitness with each lesson, saving time on planning.

Suunto 3 Fitness is designed for running, cycling, other types of cardio and strength training. The total number of preset workout profiles includes 70 pieces, including various cyclic and team sports, skiing, hiking, yoga and Pilates. Also implemented is the ability to switch between modes on the go when alternating types of activity.

The watch counts steps and distance traveled, estimated calorie consumption, tracks sleep and the recovery process, measures heart rate using a wrist sensor (third-party heart sensors are also supported, for example, Suunto Smart Sensor Price from 2 518 up to 2 544 ₴ It does not have its own GPS module, but when synchronized with a smartphone, the model is able to register its indicators with an interval of 1 second.In this mode, the watch will work up to 30 hours without recharging.

The model is equipped with a color screen with adjustable brightness of the LED backlight. The display does not support touch control: instead, there are 5 physical keys with the ability to lock, which prevents accidental pressing.

Convenient analysis of sports data and synchronization with a smartphone is provided by the proprietary Suunto app. If necessary, fitness statistics can be transferred to other services, such as Strava, Google Fit or TrainingPeaks.

Suunto 3 Fitness is an interesting smartwatch with adaptive workouts suitable for beginners and undemanding users. Models are able to impose competition on the basic versions of Garmin.

Released in 2019, the smartwatch of the American manufacturer Garmin represents the Forerunner running series and belongs to mid-range solutions.

In addition to the variation with a 44 mm case, a compact 39 mm version is also offered - Garmin Forerunner 45S Price from 6 499 up to 8 743 ₴.

The sports watch is equipped with a GPS module, which will allow you to receive more accurate data on runs and other outdoor activities. The model measures distance, duration, speed, cadence, calorie consumption, etc.

Those involved with any level of training will benefit from a constant measurement of heart rate (HR) and the calculation of pulse zones. For beginners, the Garmin Coach feature will come in handy. When test runs are uploaded to the Garmin Connect app, the user will be provided with an appropriate training plan for their goals. Experienced recreational athletes will appreciate the fact that based on the data of the wrist heart rate monitor, an approximate value of VO2 max is calculated - an indicator of oxygen consumption, which is a direct confirmation of the current fitness and level of running training.

Garmin Forerunner 45 can also analyze other types of physical activity, including cycling, yoga, walking or swimming (water resistance of the case up to 50 m). The total number of profiles for indoor and outdoor activities reaches 12.

Due to the support of the ANT + standard, it is possible to connect various (ek.ua/list/928/pr-16408/"> professional sensors to the model, which will expand the amount of data for analysis.

The model is equipped with a 1.04-inch screen made using Transflective technology. The display operates in Always on display mode and uses ambient light to illuminate the screen. True, you will have to interact with the device using mechanical buttons: the screen does not support touch commands.

With active GPS, the watch will work up to 13 hours, and when using only basic smart functions (notifications from applications, etc.) - up to 7 days.

The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a well-balanced watch in terms of price and features for running fans who are not ready to spend money on more expensive solutions like Garmin Forerunner 645 Music Price from 10 399 up to 12 876 ₴.

Created in collaboration with Nike, the version of the smart "apple" watch differs from the basic version primarily in appearance. The case is made of aluminium, and the strap has holes for better moisture removal. They also emphasize the sporty orientation of the model.

Apple Watch 5 Nike 40 mm provides an expanded set of themed watch faces. But the main feature for runners is the pre-installed Nike Run Club app. With it, you can not only control the main parameters of a running workout - distance, duration, speed, pace, but also receive voice prompts, listen to Nike trainers' motivational speeches, use the built-in music player, use ready-made training plans, for example, to prepare for marathons.

If necessary, it is easy to download other applications or watch faces in the App Store. And 32 GB of internal memory eliminates the lack of space for storing software or other data, such as music for training.

Against the backdrop of the 4th generation of Apple Watch 5, Nike stands out with an updated OLED display with support for the Always on display function. Touch control is complemented by a scroll wheel with a pleasant tactile feedback. A compass has also been added to an extensive set of sensors.

Otherwise, the filling includes a 2-core processor with 768 MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 5, NFC with Apple Pay support. There is a microphone and speaker for hands-free calls, voice prompts from Siri, and over-the-air charging.

The model will help with the control of different types of training. Thanks to the protection of the case according to the IP68 standard, it is suitable for swimmers, and without deep diving, the smartwatch can also be used in salt water. Additional features include a smart alarm clock, ECG heart analysis, emergency call for help.

The disadvantages of smartwatches include a rather high price and full compatibility only with gadgets from the company from Cupertino. But you can’t find the best wearable gadget on the market in pair with the iPhone.

The appearance of the flagship smartwatch of the Finnish brand Polar was awarded the IF Design award 2019. The case of the model is made of reinforced plastic, and a steel bezel is provided around the round dial.

Polar Vantage V received a 1.2-inch display with Gorilla Glass and Always on display mode. Touch control is duplicated by 5 physical buttons.

The water resistance of the model reaches WR50, so the smartwatch is suitable for swimming and withstands short-term deep dives. During the swim, the device itself will determine the style, number and frequency of strokes, pace and other indicators.

A feature of Polar Vantage V is the patented Precision Prime heart rate monitor. It has 4 contact sensors for measuring heart rate (most analogues have 2), which is designed to increase measurement accuracy and reduce errors.

Also available compass, GPS-module, altimeter. The watch is compatible with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled sensors, including heart rate, cycling speed, cadence, and more.

Polar Vantage V is positioned as a multisport solution as it supports 130 sport profiles. In addition to the constant measurement of heart rate and steps taken, additional features have been implemented for runners, cyclists, triathletes, etc. The Training Load Pro feature will help you evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity, excluding both overtraining and under-effort. To form a comprehensive assessment, both the indicators obtained by the sensors and information from the user himself are used.

The watch is also capable of tracking sleep and recovery from exercise. Maximum control and information for analysis is provided by the proprietary Polar Flow application. A nice bonus is the compatibility of the wearable gadget with third-party software, such as programs such as Strava, Nike Run Club or Endomondo.

A 320 mAh battery will provide up to 40 hours of active work (with GPS enabled) or up to 7 days in normal mode with constant heart rate monitoring, step measurement and display of notifications on the screen. For charging, a universal microUSB is used.

The disadvantages of Polar Vantage V include a large weight (66 grams) by the standards of analogues, although some users will rather like this feature, and the high price is a disadvantage. But the patented heart rate monitor and a rich set of sports "features" justify it. And with a limited budget, you should take a closer look at the related version Polar Vantage M without touch controls and less battery life (up to 30 hours).