This is how COMPUTER BILD tests fitness trackers
More exercise, more frequent jogging through the landscape, occasionally getting up from the chair during office work and doing a few squats: many set themselves these goals at the beginning of the year. A fitness tracker increases the motivation to actually achieve it. Once set up, these wristbands collect all kinds of data about movement and sleep and process them in an app. COMPUTER BILD has sent the most important tapes - from 20 to around 150 euros - to the test and presents the results here.
The Fitbit Charge 4 scored highly in the test with precise
measurement of the heart rate and convincing analyzes of sleep, sport and
exercise. Thanks to its built-in GPS sensor, it records the route while jogging
or cycling without a mobile phone. The tape is also clever: it controls Spotify
music remotely, is suitable for contactless payment, mirrors incoming messages
and sends - in connection with Android - short replies. Shortcomings: The
plastic housing quickly gets scratched and doesn't look as valuable, the black
and white OLED display is sometimes difficult to read. With the Charge 5 there
is now a successor, but it is more expensive.
• Detects workouts automatically
• Setup via Android complicated
• Messaging poor
The Huawei Band 6 reliably monitors the heart rate and does
what its duty as a fitness tracker is - monitor sleep, record workouts.
However, a smartphone is also required to record the route. The cleverness is
hardly surprising: the bracelet reflects messages. Anyone using an Android
mobile phone can also control music remotely using a tape. A cheap plastic
back, a cumbersome wrist strap and the somewhat complicated setup for Android
spoil the impression. For just under 40 euros, Volume 6 is a bargain.
This is how COMPUTER
BILD tests fitness trackers
Some trackers record
swimming training - and land with a waterproof case. COMPUTER BILD checks the
water column to determine whether the manufacturer's information is correct.
Smartwatch , fitness tracker or sports watch : all wearables
complete the same COMPUTER BILD test. The editors check the sporty and other
functions as well as operation, display, battery, quality and comfort.
• Fitness functions: The most important test point is made
up of the fitness functions, above all the exact heart rate measurement. In the
test, every fitness band competes against a precise reference, the Polar H10
chest strap . The editors rate how well the trackers motivate and how extensive
the functions for exercise and sleep are.
• Other capabilities: COMPUTER BILD also checks whether the
fitness trackers also offer messaging, music functions, alarm clocks, calendars
and apps.
When doing sports,
the fitness trackers prove how well they record heart rate and the like.
• Operation and display: How quickly the display reacts to
inputs and how clear the menus are, has a decisive effect on the touch for
operation. COMPUTER BILD assesses the legibility in different light situations
in the daylight box in the test laboratory.
• Suitability for everyday use: In a 24-hour long-term test,
the editors assess the wearing comfort, and measurements such as weight and
case size are also important.
• Battery and quality: COMPUTER BILD checks the stamina of every fitness tracker with pulse measurement and notification reception and - if possible - with permanent time display. A visual test with checking the gap dimensions and immersion in the water column as well as a scratch test provide information about the robustness.