What are the best 5 fitness trackers for walking? That’s the topic for this article. So, let’s get stuck into it and find out which are the most suitable wearable devices for walkers.
Introduction
Walking is one of the most underrated yet powerful forms of exercise. It is simple, accessible, and has proven benefits for physical and mental health. Whether it is a brisk stroll around the neighbourhood, daily commutes on foot, or long hikes in the countryside, walking can improve cardiovascular health, help manage weight, reduce stress, and increase overall fitness. With the rise of wearable technology, tracking walking sessions has become a practical way to stay motivated, measure progress, and better understand how your body responds to activity.
Fitness trackers are no longer just step counters. Today, they come packed with advanced features such as continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, oxygen saturation measurement, GPS for route mapping, and even stress management tools. For walkers, this means the ability to not only count steps but also to track pace, distance, calories burned, and recovery. With so many options available, choosing the best tracker for walking can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we will break down the five best trackers for walking, covering features, prices, pros and cons, and how they can help you achieve your wellness goals.
What Makes a Fitness Tracker Good for Walking
Before diving into the best devices, it is important to consider what makes a tracker ideal for walking. Unlike high intensity sports, walking requires balance between simplicity and insightful data. Here are the features that matter most:
☑ Step counting accuracy – essential for tracking daily activity levels
☑ GPS and distance tracking – for outdoor walkers who want detailed route maps
☑ Heart rate monitoring – to measure effort during brisk or fitness walks
☑ Battery life – long lasting power to avoid daily charging
☑ Comfort and lightweight design – important for wearing all day during casual and fitness walking
☑ Health tracking – sleep insights, stress tracking, and SpO2 monitoring add extra value
With these in mind, let us explore the top five fitness trackers for walking.
The Best 5 Fitness Trackers for Walking
1. Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a versatile and affordable fitness tracker that has been a favourite among walkers and casual exercisers. It balances simplicity with health focused features, making it ideal for daily walking routines.
Key Features
- Continuous heart rate tracking
- Built in GPS for outdoor walks
- Steps, distance, and calorie tracking
- Sleep monitoring with detailed stages
- Blood oxygen measurement
- Battery life up to 7 days
Price
Around $160 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Affordable and accessible for most users
☑ Accurate step and distance tracking for walkers
☑ Comfortable slim design for all day wear
Pros
☑ Excellent balance of price and features
☑ Lightweight and easy to wear daily
☑ Works well with popular health apps
Cons
☑ Battery life is shorter compared to premium trackers
☑ Small screen size may not appeal to everyone
2. Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a sleek fitness tracker with a strong focus on walking and everyday wellness. It offers robust activity tracking with Garmin’s well known reliability.
Key Features
- Step counting and distance tracking
- Pulse oximeter for oxygen levels
- Stress and recovery monitoring
- Sleep tracking with advanced insights
- Water resistant design
- Battery life up to 7 days
Price
Around $150 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Simple interface with reliable tracking accuracy
☑ Compact lightweight design for long walks
☑ Good companion for casual and brisk walking
Pros
☑ Affordable price point
☑ Comfortable and minimalistic
☑ Excellent Garmin Connect app for insights
Cons
☑ No built in GPS (requires smartphone connection)
☑ Lacks premium features like maps and detailed navigation
3. Apple Watch SE (Second Generation)
For walkers who want a combination of fitness and lifestyle features, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice. It blends walking specific tracking with a smart wearable ecosystem.
Key Features
- Built in GPS for route mapping
- Step, distance, and calorie tracking
- Heart rate monitoring with high accuracy
- Integration with Apple Fitness+
- Emergency SOS for safety during walks
- Battery life up to 18 hours
Price
Around $250 to $280 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Great option for those already in the Apple ecosystem
☑ Accurate walking metrics with detailed reports
☑ Includes lifestyle and communication tools
Pros
☑ Excellent design and comfort
☑ Seamless pairing with iPhone
☑ Rich walking and fitness features
Cons
☑ Shorter battery life than most trackers
☑ Higher price compared to entry level options
4. Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a running focused watch but also a fantastic option for serious walkers who want deeper insights. It offers advanced metrics while remaining lightweight and affordable compared to premium models.
Key Features
- Built in GPS for accurate tracking
- Steps, pace, and distance monitoring
- Heart rate and stress tracking
- Sleep insights and daily recovery suggestions
- Battery life up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode
Price
Around $200 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Strong performance metrics for fitness walkers
☑ Reliable GPS for outdoor routes
☑ Long lasting battery ideal for multi day use
Pros
☑ Great accuracy for distance and pace tracking
☑ Slim lightweight design
☑ Excellent value for price
Cons
☑ May feel like overkill for casual walkers
☑ Limited lifestyle features compared to smartwatches
5. Xiaomi Mi Band 8
For budget conscious walkers, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 provides incredible value with surprising accuracy. It is slim, stylish, and offers the essentials for daily walking.
Key Features
- Steps, distance, and calorie tracking
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Sleep and stress insights
- Lightweight, minimalist design
- Battery life up to 15 days
Price
Around $50 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Very affordable while still feature rich
☑ Lightweight and comfortable for long daily wear
☑ Ideal for beginners starting a walking routine
Pros
☑ Best budget option with solid accuracy
☑ Long battery life compared to premium options
☑ Easy to use and pair with smartphone apps
Cons
☑ Limited advanced features
☑ Build quality not as strong as premium trackers
Who Should Use Walking Fitness Trackers
Walking trackers are suitable for a wide range of people, including:
- Beginners starting a fitness routine who want an easy way to track progress
- Casual walkers looking to improve daily activity and health awareness
- Fitness walkers seeking to measure pace, distance, and effort
- Seniors who benefit from easy to use tracking and health monitoring
- Weight management users who want to track calories burned and progress
Less suitable for:
- People who want advanced performance tracking for high intensity sports
- Those who dislike wearing devices throughout the day
How to Get the Best From Your Wearable
☑ Wear it snugly – ensure proper sensor accuracy for heart rate and steps
☑ Enable GPS tracking – for outdoor walks, use built in GPS or smartphone pairing
☑ Set daily step goals – stay motivated by working toward achievable targets
☑ Monitor recovery – track sleep and stress levels for overall wellness
☑ Log walks consistently – build trends to measure long term progress
☑ Pair with health apps – sync with platforms like Google Fit, Apple Health, or Garmin Connect for deeper insights
6 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are fitness trackers accurate for walking?
Yes, most trackers are highly accurate for steps and distance, especially those with built in GPS for outdoor walks.
2. Do I need GPS for walking?
GPS is useful for mapping outdoor routes and measuring pace, but not essential for indoor or casual walkers.
3. Which fitness tracker is best for seniors?
The Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 are excellent for seniors due to their simplicity and health monitoring features.
4. How long should a tracker battery last for walking?
Ideally, a tracker should last at least 5 to 7 days, though premium models like Garmin can last up to 2 weeks.
5. Can trackers help with weight loss through walking?
Yes, they calculate calories burned and encourage consistency, which can support weight management goals.
6. What is the best budget tracker for walking?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers strong features at a very low cost, making it the best budget friendly option.
Conclusion
Walking may be simple, but with the right fitness tracker it can become a structured, motivating, and measurable activity that supports long term health. From affordable options like the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 to feature packed devices like the Apple Watch SE, there is a tracker for every type of walker. The Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 are excellent for casual walkers, while the Garmin Forerunner 55 suits those who want performance oriented insights.
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for walking depends on your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Whether you are walking for daily activity, fitness, or weight management, a wearable can provide the accountability and data you need to stay consistent. With technology supporting every step, walking can truly become one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve your health.
Our Thanks!
Many thanks for taking the time to read this article on The Best 5 Fitness Trackers For Walking. We hope that you have found it to be helpful and informative. Take a look at our related article which is titled The Best 5 Fitness Trackers For Swimming.
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Eamon