Michael Hicks, the Wearables Editor at Android Central, takes us through the ever-changing world of fitness tech. He’s on a mission to discover which smartwatches really help us track our steps accurately.
Back in 2023, I tested six smartwatches while taking 6,000 steps. Garmin came out on top, outperforming rivals like Apple and Samsung. Now, two years later, I’m diving deeper. I’m testing ten different brands, including new models, to see if Garmin still reigns supreme.
It’s interesting to see how companies adapt. Google tried to enhance its step-count algorithm, but ultimately rolled the changes back due to inflated counts. This shows how often wearable tech undergoes updates, impacting accuracy. Brands that excelled before may have slipped, and underperformers might have improved.
To assess the step-counting capabilities, I strapped ten top fitness watches to my arms and put them through two walking tests and one jogging test, each covering 5,000 steps. I also logged my steps manually for comparison.
By doing this over a single day, I managed to collect a lot of data. Here’s what I found from the latest tests on step accuracy:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Garmin Forerunner 970
- OnePlus Watch 2R
- Suunto Race 2
- Garmin Forerunner 970
Walking tests revealed interesting insights. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner structured their readings well, resulting in minimal discrepancies. Other brands like Samsung didn’t fare as well, showing significant inaccuracies.
When it comes to jogging, all watches seemed to perform better. It appears that the consistent motions of running make it easier for devices to track accurately than the subtle shifts during walking.
A fun twist came when I tested the watches while keeping some in my pocket. The Garmin and COROS APEX actually tracked steps while stowed away—an unexpected win for those on the go!
Why does accuracy matter? Studies show walking 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily lowers health risks like heart disease and depression. A small miscalculation can lead to thousands of extra or fewer steps logged over months. Thus, investing in an accurate watch makes a real difference.
For anyone aiming for that 10,000-step goal, accuracy helps you stay on track. While smart rings may look sleek, they often miscount when you’re sedentary, adding unnecessary steps during desk work.
Most major brands are now taking step counting seriously, but the results can still vary. Runners, however, seem to get reliable data no matter which watch they choose.
The journey to accurate fitness tracking isn’t just about counting steps; it’s about understanding how technology can aid our health goals. Whether you’re casually walking or hitting the pavement to jog, the right smartwatch can make a big difference.
For more insights on fitness tech, you might want to check out Consumer Reports and The New York Times for extensive coverage on health and fitness benefits associated with regular outings.
