You will agree with us when we say a fitness watch is one of the best accessories you can get for yourself. The great thing about it is that you can track your daily fitness progress more accurately and always be aware about your body functioning.
Fitness watches do more than just complement your outdoor outfit and timekeeping. They make sure you challenge yourself every day and get credit for every step you take.
For most men, using a fitness watch has made a huge difference in their lives. Adoption of fitness watches will certainly benefit you in more ways than one. They are a life saver for those who do not want to fall victim of poor eating habits and routine.
So, how do you choose the perfect fit for you from the many countless models available on the market? Each model you will come across has its ups and downs. To help you with your selection, we have selected 8 best fitness watches for men that will fit the budget and meet your expectations.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Display | Specific Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix | 3.2 oz | 1.2-inch chroma display | Wrist-based heart rate, black silicone band, wireless connectivity | Check price on Amazon |
| Apple 42 mm | 1.1 oz | 1.5-inch display | 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, bluetooth 4.0, SIRI integration, HRM, tactical alerts | Check price on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 735XT | 1.6 oz | 215 x 180 pixel, color display | Smart notifications, HRM, race predictor, connect IQ, move bar, step counter | Check price on Amazon |
| TomTom Spark 3 | 2.7 oz | 0.87 x 0.98 inches display | Route exploration, multisport mode, GPS tracking, 24/7 activity tracking | Check price on Amazon |
| Fitbit Alta | 0.8 oz | Tap OLED display | Auto sleep tracking, clock faces, tap display, long battery life | Check price on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 920XT | 2.08 oz | High-resolution color display | Live tracking, smart notifications, running dynamics | Check price on Amazon |
| Fitbit Charge | 1.3 oz | Multi-line display | PurePulse heart rate, guided breathing sessions, interchangeable bands | Check price on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 230 | 1.4 oz | 180 x 180 pixel, color display | Activity tracking, smart notifications, audio prompts | Check price on Amazon |
Things to Consider Before Buying
The ideal fitness watch should boast a plethora of features that deliver a remarkable performance. However, you need to know the basics in order to single out the best performing brand and model among the many that you will come across.
Each fitness watch brand has its own ups and downs, but the best brand will always be popular among users. In this section, we will shortlist and discuss the things you have to take into consideration before buying your ideal watch.
Ergonomic Design and Durable Material
An ergonomic design is necessary for superior performance. You need a watch that will be easy to operate; a device that will be more user-friendly in every regard. The controls must be stress-free to use and the band should be easy to secure on your wrist.
The band of your desired watch should be made to last. It has to be constructed with a heavy-duty material that guarantees both flexibility and durability. The frame has to be engineered from surgical-grade material for durability.
Dimensions and Color Options
The best fitness watches for men do usually come in a number of size options in order to meet the needs of a diverse market. If you have a small wrist, then you should choose a wrist size that ranges from five to seven inches.
If you have a large wrist size, you should consider a wristband that measure between seven and eight inches. You can settle for a larger wristband size, if you have an extra-large wrist size (above eight inches in circumference).
Power Source and Battery Life
The source of power for your desired watch must be reliable. Most fitness watches are battery-powered. The most popular battery types that are compatible with most fitness tracking devices are: CR2 batteries and lithium ion batteries.
You have to buy a fitness watch with a remarkably long battery life. Consider a tracking device with a battery life that can last for a considerable amount of time in both training and watch modes. The battery should also not take long to recharge.
What is the Activity Tracking Ability of the Watch?
This is in fact the most important feature of any fitness watch. This particular feature will certainly help you keep track of your movements throughout the day, and can encourage you to meet your fitness goals, effortlessly.
The fitness watch you choose should allow you to count the distance you cover throughout the day, calories, and steps. The tracking ability should give you a more detailed picture of your everyday activity. This is regardless of where you do your fitness training.
Heart Rate Monitor
A fitness watch offers you the ideal way of monitoring your exercise intensity, which is usually assessed by the pulse rate. The new digital fitness tracking watches are incorporated with a digital heart rate monitor, which eliminate the need of old-fashioned manual way.
The digital heart rate monitor feature has a major benefit; with a quick glance at your watch, you get to see your heart rate in a second. There is no need of you stopping in order for you to check your pulse. So, make sure the fitness device you are buying has this feature.
Top Product on Today’s Market
Once you decide to buy the best fitness watches for men, then your ultimate goal is to sit less and be more active by completing your exercise routine, every single day. To help you achieve this goal, we have shortlisted and reviewed the following top products on the market for your selection.
Garmin Fenix HR GPS Watch 
Price: Approx. $400
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Display: Chroma display
Specific features: Elevate wrist heart rate technology, Omni-directional stainless steel EXO antenna, and outdoor navigations such as, 3-axis compass, barometer, altimeter and trackback.
Best use: Swimming, golf, rowing and cycling.
Description: The Garmin Fenix HR GPS Watch is a high performing fitness watch model available at a very competitive price range. The multisport training GPS watch features a rugged design that allows it to be used in various training activities or competitions.
It features an elevate wrist heat rate technology that allows to track your heart rate without having to wear a chest strap. The technology also counts your steps, monitors your sleep, provides you with calories burned data and quantifies your fitness intensity.
It incorporates of a VO2 max estimator that provides you with running speed, beats per minute and heart rate data. This data enables you to estimate the maximum volume of oxygen you consume per minute. It comprises of outdoor navigations that include barometer, compass and altimeter.
The altimeter provides you with elevation data that allows you to monitor ascent and descent. The barometer on the other hand, allows you to predict weather changes. The compass keeps you informed on whether you are moving or not.
PROS:
- Accurate tracking activity with its wrist heart rate technology that measures your heart rate.
- Durable, resistant to discoloration, the band is soft which makes the watch comfortable.
- The Chroma display provides you a clear view even in sunlight.
- Waterproof (100 meters), suitable for swimming.
- Its wireless connectivity allows you to use various Wi-Fi spots in order for you to update its software and sync your data with Garmin connect automatically.
CONS:
- It does not have Bluetooth and does not work in swim mode.
Related: You should also consider buying the Gamin Fenix 3 Screen Protector and the Garmin Replacement Watch Band. The shield offers more protection for the display, and you can switch the bands for preference.
Apple 42 mm Smart Watch 
Price: Approx. $300
Weight: 1.1 ounces
Display: 1.5-inch display
Specific features: Changeable faces with widgets, SIRI integration, TAPTIC alerts, Apple pay, Bluetooth 4.0, aluminum chassis with ion-X glass, activity and heart rate monitoring.
Best use: Golf, cycling and running.
Description: The Apple 42 mm Smart Watch is the ideal watch that provides you with the next generation of connectivity. It features a rose gold anodized aluminum chassis and a stone Fluorolastomer band, making it comfortable to wear.
It comprises of 4.0 Bluetooth that connects you to your iPhone. With its 1.5 inch display you get to view your apps, notifications and other items clearly. It features an internal battery that can last you up to 18 hours and gets recharged with the included inductive magnetic charger.
You are able to move all your iPhones apps and functions to the watch and get to do more even with your iPhone at home. It is integrated with SIRI that is, the Apples digital assistant that helps you in launching apps, reply messages or search the web.
It features a heart rate monitor that allows you to check your heart rate any time. The monitor uses an array of LEDs and sensors in order to determine how hard your heart is working.
PROS:
- 11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 246 mAh internal battery with capacity to last up to 18 hours
- The watch’s face is customizable – from chronographs to digital faces or to a model of the solar system
- Heart rate monitor
CONS:
- It is not waterproof
Related: You should also consider buying the ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protector along with the watch. This shield is yellow-resistant, ultra-tough, and scratch-proof, providing your watch with unmatched protection.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT GPS Watch 
Price: Approx. $400
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Display: 215 x 180 pixel, color display
Specific features: Live tracking audio prompts, built-in activity data support, heart rate monitoring system, Garmin connects and music controls.
Best use: Cycling, hiking, XC skiing, swimming, and running.
Description: The Garmin Forerunner 735XT GPS Watch is a running watch that features a wide range of sport features. It features a wrist based heart rate that allows you to freely run during the main race. It estimates your VO2 max and you get race time predictions and you get to analyze your stat and recovery.
You get to improve your skills with the provided running dynamics data that include: stride length, ground contact time balance and vertical ratio. It is compatible to connect IQ that allows you to customize your watch faces and apps.
You also get to enjoy smart notifications and automatic uploads. It features the Garmin connect which is a free online community that allows you to save, share and plan activities.
This connect feature allows you to compete, gain health tips and moves by connecting with other athletes. It comprises of an auto multisport feature that allows you to shift to various sports by just pressing one button.
PROS:
- Comfortable and appealing to wear
- Compatible with connect IQ
- Heart rate monitor
- The Garmin connect allows you to save, plan and share your activities with other individuals.
- Smart notifications from your smartphone
CONS:
- Does not feature Bluetooth
Related: The manufacturer also produces a Forerunner Screen Protector for the Garmin Forerunner 735XT. This military shield is integrated with self-healing technology that ensures your watch is free from scratching.
TomTom Spark 3 Fitness Watch 
Price: Approx. $100
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Display: 0.87 x 0.98 inches, display
Specific features: Waterproof up to 40 meters, route exploration, activity tracker, multi-sport mode, GPS tracking and activity tracking.
Best use: Gym workouts, cycling, swimming and running
Description: The TomTom Spaark 3 Fitness Watch is a state-of-the-art fitness watch that allows you to smartly train with real time information. You access information, such as distance, time, and burnt calories and pace, making you know when to push or scale it back.
With the route explorer you get to explore new paths and get back to the start without getting lost. It features an activity tracker that tracks your steps, burnt calories, heart rate and active minutes.
It has an amazing battery life that can last up to three weeks in non-GPS mode and eleven hours in GPS mode. The Tom-Tom spark 3 features numerous sport modes such as swimming, cycling allows you to wear it in various sport activities.
It only weighs 2.7 ounces, making it a lightweight watch that is comfortable and light to wear. With the TomTom Spark 3, you get more than simple performance. For preference, you have black and aqua color options to choose from.
PROS:
- Compatible with a wide range of phones
- Long battery life in both GPS and non-GPS mode
- Activity tracker
- Route exploration
- Features a wide range of sport modes such as gym workouts, treadmill runs, cycling or swimming.
CONS:
- It does not feature a touch screen for smooth operation.
Related: TomTom also sells a Compatible Screen Protector for this fitness watch. The TomTom Screen Protector safeguards the display against fingerprints, oil residue, and sweat.
Fitbit Alta HR Watch
Price: Approx. $130
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Display: Tap OLED display
Specific features: PurePulse heart rate monitor, interchangeable bands, auto sleep tracker and smart track automatic exercise recognition.
Best use: Cycling and running.
Description: The Fitbit Alta HR Watch features a slim design and only weighs 0.8 ounces, making it light and comfortable to wear. It comprises of the smart track auto exercise recognition with Alta HR that automatically detects workouts such as biking or running and logs them to your dashboard.
It features an auto sleep tracking with sleep stages that uses your heart rate to know your sleep cycle. The Alta HR shows your sleeping time in light, deep and REM in order for you to see whether you get quality sleep.
This type of technology allows you to track how you burn calories. By monitoring your heart rate daily and during workouts you are able to accurately measure the amount of calories burnt.
You also get to use heart rate zones such as cardio, peak and fat burn to acquire the best workout for achieving your goals. With this type of watch you are able to improve your health by comparing your activities with your heart rate trends.
PROS:
- Battery lasts up to seven days
- The smart tracking features keep you informed of all your workout progress
- The auto sleep tracking allows you to know and understand your sleeping cycle.
- Syncs wirelessly and automatically to compatible phones, allowing you to enjoy numerous apps.
CONS:
- Not waterproof
Related: Fitbit also sells the Fitbit Alta HR Screen Protector that is compatible with this fitness watch. The screen protector offers superior optical transparency, non-yellowing, self-healing, and unmatched sensitivity response.
Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch 
Price: Approx. $260
Weight: 2.08 ounces
Display: High resolution display
Specific features: Running dynamics such as cadence, live tracking, smart notifications, VO2 max, recovery time and race predictor.
Best use: Running, swimming and cycling.
Description: The Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch is a lightweight gear with a high resolution color display, hinged bands and watch mode, making it flexible to wear the entire day.
It features an activity tracker that captures your sleep, burnt calories and steps for you to view your daily activities. It features Garmin connect which allows you to save, plan and share with other athletes.
With the connect you can also sync data by transferring the data through your Garmin connect mobile app via Bluetooth. You may also set various Wi-Fi hot spots and the watch will automatically sync with Garmin connect.
It features a live tracking whereby you can invite followers using email or social media in order for them to see your stats and location in real time on a map. This fitness watch features smart notifications that alert you after you pair it with your smartphone.
PROS:
- Live tracking feature
- Smart notifications
- Control VIRB elite action camera4 that records and relives all your experiences and accomplishments.
- Activity tracker that measures your steps, calories burnt and sleep.
- It provides you with the best water activity experience by capturing detailed swim metrics such as, stroke count, distance, stroke rate and pace.
CONS:
- The GPS may stop working after sometime.
- You may have to buy a separate heart rate monitor.
Related: You should consider buying this fitness watch along with the Garmin HRM-Tri Heart Rate Monitor and the Garmin Forerunner 920XT Screen Protector. The heart rate monitor supports advanced features and heart rate variability; while the screen protector offers additional protection for the display.
Fitbit Charge Fitness Wristband Watch 
Price: Approx. $130
Weight: 1.3 ounces
Display: Multi-line display
Specific features: Interchangeable bands, PurePulse heart rate tracker, auto sleep tracker, multi-sport tracking and connected GPS
Best use: Cycling and Running
Description: The Fitbit Charge Fitness Wristband Watch is among the best watches on the market that feature the latest technology. It features the PurePulse heart rate tracker that continuously tracks your heart to maximize your workouts all through your training sessions.
This uniquely made fitness tracker ensures that your health is at its best by also tracking burnt calories and heart activities. It is incorporated with personalized breathing sessions established from your heart rate, allowing you to find calm moments.
You never miss on your mobile phone texts, app notifications or alerts because you can connect your phone with the watch. It features interchangeable bands and customizes clock faces depending on your preference, style or activity.
It features multi-sport modes that allow you to record your workouts in order for you to view real time activities on the screen. It features a Smart-Track feature that allows you to automatically record your selected exercises.
PROS:
- Interchangeable bands and customized faces
- PurePulse heart rate track
- Multi-sport modes
- Personalized breathing sessions
CONS:
- The band may not be user-friendly for some people.
Related: You should consider purchasing the Fitbit Charge 2 Screen Protector and the Fitbit Charge 2 Bands. The screen shield is for additional protection, while the bands are for preference.
Garmin Forerunner 230 Smart Watch 
Price: Approx. $200
Weight: 1.4 ounces
Display: 180 x 180 pixel, color display
Specific features: Audio prompts, activity tracking, smart notifications, connected features such as live tracking, music controls, social media sharing and automatic uploads to Garmin connect.
Best use: Running, swimming and cycling
Description: The Garmin Forerunner 230 Smart Watch is the ideal model for making you stay on pace and exercise in a stylish way. It features an inbuilt activity tracker that records your steps during activities and also when not active.
It allows you to connect it to your compatible phone in order for you to enjoy connected features such as, smart notifications, audio prompts, live tracking and automatic uploads to Garmin connect.
You can design your watch differently by downloading customizable faces and apps from the connect IQ store. It provides you with HR data, such as VO2, heart rate zone and heart rate estimates allowing, you to effectively train.
If you wish to experience challenging runs you can download advanced workouts and training plans from Garmin connect. It incorporates an inbuilt accelerometer that captures the pace and distance data when you are exercising on a treadmill. With its live track you can compete with friends and compare results in real time.
PROS:
- Long battery life – 16 hours in training mode and five weeks in watch mode6
- Heart rate monitor
- Live tracker
- Customize your data fields, download watch faces and apps at connect IQ.
CONS:
- It is hard to keep a Bluetooth connection.
Related: It is wise to buy this fitness watch along with the EXUUN Tempered Glass Screen Protector. The screen shield is necessary for protecting the display against fingerprints and any other kind of stain.
Wrap Up
The Garmin Forerunner 230 is the final product of our best fitness watches for men reviews. We selected what are the best and most trending fitness trackers on the market on your behalf. All our picks come highly recommended by most users.
In this guide, we presented two major sections: the buying guide and the product reviews. The information is meant to help you learn as much as you can about fitness watches before you can engage the market. And the info is particularly useful for those who are new to fitness devices.
The reviews have particularized the features that properly define a high performing fitness device. Some of the most important qualities that you must confirm before buying any fitness watch include, but are not limited to, heart rate monitor, state-of-the-art display, wireless connectivity, and superior water resistance rating.
Have we been helpful to you through this guide? We will appreciate your response in the comments section below. And we will surely get into a productive conversation with you as we help each other explore more options.
The Garmin Forerunner 230 is indeed one of the best. At a very budget-friendly price range, you get audio prompts, large display, smart notifications, and superb activity tracking service.
The Garmin Fenix 3 comes highly recommended by users and for good reasons. The watch provides superior wireless connectivity, excellent water-resistance, superb Chroma display, and unmatched wrist-based heart rate monitoring abilities.