The 13 Best Fitness Trackers For CrossFit In 2024
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Are you struggling to pick the best fitness tracker for training? Wondering which one will amplify your CrossFit workouts? With a plethora of options in the market today all with advanced features, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure which is your best bet.
In this guide, we’ll review the top fitness trackers, and clarify which device will truly enhance CrossFit training. Say goodbye to uncertainty around fitness trackers and join me to find the best fitness watch for you.
Best Fitness Tracker For CrossFit Shortlist
Best Overall: Polar Vantage V
Best For Tracking Training Strain: Whoop Strap
Best Minimalist Watch: Fitbit Inspire
Best Apple Substitute: Fitbit Versa
Best For App Connectivity: Apple Watch
Best For Outdoors: Garmin Fenix
Best Non-Watch Tracker: Oura Ring
Best For Design: Garmin Vivosmart
Best For Runners: Garmin Forerunner
Best For Samsung Devices: Samsung Galaxy Fit
Best For Basic Features: Xiaomi Mi Band
Best Battery Life: Amazfit Band
Best For Visual Aesthetics: Huawei Band
What Is The Best Fitness Tracker For Crossfit In 2024?
A fitness tracker can be a game-changer for CrossFitters, they offer benefits that skyrocket performance for all fitness levels by providing key insights into how your body is working.
From setting and nailing fitness goals to tailoring training plans with data-driven insights, any of these thirteen devices can be the watch you need.
By monitoring recovery metrics, catching potential health issues early, and getting personalized insights based on your unique fitness data – it’s like having a coach on your wrist.
My Top Pick: Polar Vantage V
Polar Vantage V
MY QUICK TAKE: I have had a Polar Vantage V for roughly four years now and have no plans to change any time soon. It is a comfortable watch that gives me all of the essential info that I need and is also durable at the same time. If you are looking for the top fitness tracker for CrossFit in 2024 then click the link below and grab one!
Unlock the full potential of your training with the Polar Vantage V, a powerhouse designed for the serious athlete. Featuring an Advanced Precision Prime heart rate sensor, this watch ensures spot-on heart rate monitoring, providing the accuracy you need during intense CrossFit sessions.
My favorite part of the Polar Vantage V is the heart rate variability assessment. After several days of wearing the watch, it will begin to track and understand your heart rate patterns. With enough time and info, it will establish a baseline of your HRV which is a measure of the time between beats, and tell you when you have fallen below your baseline.
The reason I love this feature is that this is a great indicator of how well you are recovering from your training sessions and once you know where you stand you can make training decisions to make sure you are not overreaching too much and putting yourself at risk for injury.
Another aspect that sets it apart is the Training Load Pro feature, offering a comprehensive view of the strain from various workouts, helping you tailor your training regimen for maximum effectiveness. The Recovery Pro feature takes things further by optimizing your rest periods based on your unique recovery status, ensuring you’re always at your peak.
With Running Power measurement and seamless syncing to a Polar Chest Strap for precision, it can deliver invaluable insights to elevate your CrossFit performance and keep you training hard.
Key Features:
- Advanced Precision Prime heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate monitoring.
- Training Load Pro feature for tracking the strain of different workouts.
- Recovery Pro feature to optimize rest based on individual recovery status.
- Running Power measurement for additional training insights.
- Syncs to a Polar Chest Strap for accurate heart rate monitoring.
Why Consider:
- Excels in providing detailed insights into training load and recovery, which is crucial for a CrossFit athlete managing intense workouts.
Whoop Strap
The Whoop Strap is a game-changer for those seeking a fitness tracker that goes beyond the basics. This device optimizes workout intensity and enhances overall performance by offering features beyond simple step counting and heart rate tracking. The Strain Coach feature takes the guesswork out of exercise sessions, ensuring you hit the ideal intensity every time you train.
Moreover, the Whoop Strap provides recovery tracking, emphasizing the importance of rest in maximizing your physical capabilities. Continuous heart rate monitoring and daily exertion tracking add further depth to its capabilities. This device is particularly well-suited for CrossFit athletes who understand the delicate balance between intense training and the need for sufficient recovery.
But, it is important to note that although the Whoop strap is an excellent choice for you as a CrossFiitter for ensuring recovery and gaining insights from training it is not an actual watch. So If you are looking for a device that can monitor your activity and tell you what time of the day it is the Whoop strap may not be your tracker.
Key Features:
- Strain Coach for optimizing workout intensity.
- Recovery tracking to maximize performance.
- Sleep tracking to enhance overall recovery.
- Continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Strain tracking for monitoring daily exertion levels.
Why Consider:
- Focus on recovery and strain makes it suitable for CrossFit athletes aiming to balance intense training with adequate rest for optimal performance.
Fitbit Inspire
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker that doesn’t compromise on essential features, the Fitbit Inspire might be your ideal entry-level option. Its slim and lightweight design seamlessly blends into your daily routine without weighing you down or being an obvious accessory.
The Fitbit was one of the first fitness trackers to hit the market and as such they have dialed in the technology to provide you with precise information about your fitness and activity.
The Fitbit Inspire covers the basics of fitness and sleep tracking, ensuring a comprehensive overview of your daily activities and rest patterns. Heart rate monitoring adds an extra layer of insight into your overall health. Affordability is a vital advantage of the FitBit Inspire, making it a practical choice for individuals who want a reliable fitness tracker without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Slim and lightweight design.
- Basic fitness and sleep tracking.
- Heart rate monitoring.
- Affordable entry-level option.
Why Consider:
- Suited for those looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with essential features for basic activity monitoring.
Fitbit Versa
The Fitbit Versa seamlessly blends style with substance, offering a new health and fitness monitoring dimension. One of its standout features is the ECG and irregular heart rhythm monitoring. It provides users with valuable insights into their heart health and enhances the watch’s capabilities for early detection of potential cardiac issues.
The Fitbit Versa excels in comprehensive fitness and health tracking, offering detailed data on steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. Its holistic health insights include sleep tracking and sleep stage analysis, providing users with a well-rounded view of their overall health. The integrated GPS enhances outdoor activity tracking, offering accurate distance and route information, while cellular connectivity options add convenience for calls, texts, and notifications on the go.
The Fitbit app ecosystem further expands the watch’s functionalities, allowing users to customize their experience with various third-party apps for weather, productivity, and more. For those seeking a versatile smartwatch that goes beyond basic activity monitoring, the Fitbit Versa stands out for its wide range of health and fitness features. Additionally, iPhone users within the Apple ecosystem can benefit from its compatibility, making it a feature-rich and convenient choice for a smartwatch.
Key Features:
- Built for rugged conditions, ensuring durability in challenging environments.
- Equipped with cutting-edge GPS technology for precise tracking and navigation.
- Versatile activity tracking with a dedicated mode for various sports and exercises.
- Continuous monitoring for accurate insights into cardiovascular health.
Why Consider:
- Tailored for CrossFit enthusiasts engaging in outdoor activities, offering both durability and advanced tracking features for an optimal workout experience.
Apple Watch
If you want to maintain the Apple ecosystem with all your devices, the Apple Watch is a good choice for you. It is engineered with features finely tuned for CrossFit, such as HRV tracking and connection to Apple’s Fitness+ feature. As well as ECG and irregular heart rhythm monitoring.
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that can essentially “do it all” then grabbing yourself an Apple Watch is your best bet. The Apple Watch can serve as a phone, watch, fitness tracker, text message, and computer all in one, among other capabilities with Apple’s vast app ecosystem.
As a bonus, if you are someone who likes to take their fitness to remote locations then the Apple Watch could be a good option for you because of its ability to reach emergency services in the event of an emergency.
Key Features:
- ECG and irregular heart rhythm monitoring.
- Comprehensive fitness and health tracking.
- GPS and cellular connectivity options.
- App ecosystem for diverse functionalities.
Why Consider:
- Offers a wide range of health and fitness features, suitable for iPhone users in the Apple ecosystem seeking a versatile smartwatch.
Garmin Fenix
For CrossFit athletes seeking a fitness tracker that thrives in rugged conditions, the Garmin Fenix is the go-to choice. With its robust design, this smartwatch can endure various challenging outdoor activities. It has advanced GPS and navigation features and ensures precise tracking during every workout.
The multisport mode caters to diverse activities, aligning perfectly with CrossFit’s dynamic routines. Wrist-based heart rate monitoring adds a crucial dimension to performance insights. The Garmin Fenix is an excellent choice for CrossFit athletes who demand durability and advanced tracking features for their outdoor pursuits.
Key Features:
- Robust design suitable for rugged conditions.
- Advanced GPS and navigation features.
- Multisport mode for diverse activity tracking.
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring.
Why Consider:
- Ideal for CrossFit athletes who engage in outdoor activities, providing durability and advanced tracking features.
Oura Ring
With detailed sleep stage analysis, continuous heart rate monitoring, and temperature tracking, the Oura Ring provides a comprehensive approach to health insights. Its unique feature is the daily readiness score, which evaluates sleep, recovery, and activity levels. For CrossFit athletes, the emphasis on sleep and recovery aligns seamlessly with their needs, aiding fatigue management and performance optimization.
The minimalist and comfortable design, cleverly integrated into a ring, ensures inconspicuous wear without compromising functionality. Elevate your CrossFit journey with the Oura Ring, a subtle yet indispensable tool for tracking and enhancing your overall well-being.
Key Features:
- Sleep tracking with detailed sleep stage analysis.
- Daily readiness score based on sleep, recovery, and activity.
- Continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Temperature tracking for additional health insights.
- Minimalist and comfortable design.
Why Consider:
- Emphasis on sleep and recovery aligns well with the needs of CrossFit athletes, helping them manage fatigue and optimize performance while being inconspicuous as a ring.
Garmin Vivosmart
If you’re looking for a discreet yet advanced fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivosmart is the optimal choice. Its slim design, coupled with a hidden display, offers inconspicuous wear without sacrificing functionality. This fitness tracker goes beyond the basics with advanced fitness tracking capabilities, stress monitoring, and relaxation features.
The standout feature, Body Battery energy monitoring, provides a holistic approach to managing energy levels. Ideal for those who prioritize a discreet and slim profile while benefiting from advanced health and stress tracking, the Garmin Vivosmart is the perfect companion for navigating the demands of CrossFit.
Key Features:
- Slim design with a hidden display.
- Advanced fitness tracking.
- Stress tracking and relaxation features.
- Body Battery energy monitoring.
Why Consider:
- Suitable for those who prefer a discreet, slim fitness tracker with advanced health and stress tracking.
Garmin Forerunner
The Garmin Forerunner is for CrossFit enthusiasts who integrate high volumes of running into their training program. With its specialized features, this fitness tracker stands out for CrossFitters. It offers advanced running dynamics, GPS mode, and precise heart rate tracking, making it a crucial piece of equipment for runners.
Training status, load monitoring, and VO2 max estimation provide comprehensive insights into performance and can guide your training such as when to push, when to pull back, and when to rest.
If you’re a CrossFit athlete who wants a fitness tracker focused on running. In that case, the Garmin Vivosmart is the ideal choice. It ensures that your training efforts are tracked and optimized for peak performance.
Key Features:
- Advanced running dynamics.
- GPS mode and heart rate tracking.
- Training status and load monitoring.
- VO2 max estimation.
Why Consider:
- Specifically designed for runners, it is ideal for CrossFit athletes to incorporate running into their training.
Samsung Galaxy Fit
The Samsung Galaxy Fit is the go-to fitness tracker for CrossFitters seeking a sleek and lightweight design without compromising essential health features. With its AMOLED display for vibrant visuals, this tracker adds a touch of style to functionality. It excels in automatic activity tracking, ensuring seamless monitoring of your CrossFit sessions.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit also incorporates valuable sleep and stress-tracking features, providing a holistic approach to well-being. If you’re searching for a slim and stylish fitness tracker that covers the basics of health monitoring, the Samsung Galaxy Fit is the perfect companion for your CrossFit training.
Key Features:
- Slim and lightweight design.
- AMOLED display for vibrant visuals.
- Automatic activity tracking.
- Sleep and stress tracking.
Why Consider:
- Suitable for those looking for a sleek fitness tracker with essential health features and app connectivity to Samsung devices.
Xiaomi Mi Band
For budget-conscious CrossFitters seeking essential features, the Xiaomi Mi Band emerges as a standout option. With its affordable price point, this fitness tracker keeps its functionality intact. It offers basic fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, ensuring you stay on top of your daily activities without breaking the bank.
The Xiaomi Mi Band’s long battery life adds to its appeal, providing extended usage between charges. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option that covers the essentials for basic activity monitoring, the Xiaomi Mi Band is the ideal companion for your CrossFit training.
Key Features:
- Affordable price point.
- Basic fitness tracking features.
- Heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.
- Long battery life.
Why Consider:
- A budget-friendly option with essential features for basic activity monitoring.
Amazfit Bip
For CrossFitters seeking a fitness tracker with a long battery life, the Amazfit Bip is another ideal choice. With an impressive battery life of up to 45 days, this tracker keeps up with your active lifestyle without frequent charging. Built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring cater to essential fitness tracking needs, while its lightweight and durable design ensures comfort during intense workouts.
With water-resistant features for swim tracking, the Amazfit Bip is the perfect watch for those prioritizing extended battery life without compromising on essential fitness tracking features, making it a reliable partner for the rigors of CrossFit training.
Key Features:
- Long battery life (up to 45 days).
- Built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring.
- Lightweight and durable design.
- Water-resistant for swim tracking.
Why Consider:
- Ideal for those prioritizing extended battery life without compromising essential fitness tracking features.
Huawei Band
The Huawei Band is a top pick for CrossFit athletes who prioritize aesthetics and functionality. This fitness tracker features an AMOLED color display and vibrant visuals that add style to your workouts. With advanced sleep tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring, it goes beyond basic functionality, providing comprehensive insights into your overall well-being.
The built-in GPS further enhances its capabilities, catering to outdoor activities. If you value visual aesthetics and advanced sleep-tracking features in your fitness tracker, the Huawei Band is the perfect choice for elevating your CrossFit experience.
Key Features:
- AMOLED color display.
- Advanced sleep tracking.
- Continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Built-in GPS.
Why Consider:
- Offers a colorful display and advanced sleep-tracking features, suitable for those valuing visual aesthetics.
Why You Should Consider Using A Fitness Tracker As A CrossFitter
Goal Setting and Motivation
Fitness trackers make setting and achieving realistic fitness goals more attainable. By tracking progress over time, these devices provide a tangible way to stay motivated, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging continued dedication to the fitness journey.
Data-Driven Training
Fitness trackers empower users with data-driven insights to tailor their training plans. By analyzing workout data, individuals can optimize their performance and avoid plateaus. This ensures that each training session is purposeful and improves overall fitness.
Recovery Optimization
Ensuring proper recovery between workouts is vital for sustained performance improvement. Fitness trackers assist in recovery optimization by tracking sleep and recovery metrics. This information helps users make informed decisions about when to push themselves and when to prioritize rest.
Health Monitoring
Continuous health monitoring is a crucial benefit of fitness trackers. These devices detect potential health issues early on, providing users with timely alerts and insights. By supporting overall well-being, fitness trackers contribute to a holistic approach to health and performance.
Personalized Insights
Fitness trackers offer more than just generic data; they can provide personalized insights based on individual fitness data. These devices offer tailored recommendations by analyzing your unique metrics, enabling more effective and targeted training. This customized approach enhances the efficiency and impact of your fitness training.
What Are The Best Fitness Trackers Tracking?
Heart Rate Monitoring
Monitoring heart rate data is a fundamental metric fitness devices track, providing real-time insights into your cardiovascular system’s performance. During workouts, it helps ensure that exercise intensity aligns with your fitness goals and personal health considerations. Resting heart rate trends can indicate improvements in cardiovascular fitness, and unusual patterns may warrant medical attention.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking goes beyond just monitoring the duration of your sleep. It evaluates the different sleep stages, including deep and REM sleep, offering a comprehensive view of your sleep quality. By understanding your sleep cycle and patterns, you can adjust your bedtime routine, creating an environment conducive to more restorative deep sleep.
Activity Tracking
Activity tracking monitors your daily movements, counting steps, calories burned, and active minutes. This information helps you set and achieve fitness goals, promoting an active lifestyle. Gradually increasing your daily step count can enhance overall cardiovascular health and maintain an optimal weight.
GPS and Distance Tracking
GPS and distance tracking benefit outdoor activities like running, walking, or cycling. It provides accurate distance measurements and records the route you’ve taken. Analyzing this data can help you identify areas for improvement in pacing, endurance, and overall performance.
Caloric Expenditure
Estimating caloric expenditure is essential for those focused on weight management or specific fitness goals. By understanding how many calories you burn during various activities, you can make informed decisions about your diet based on accurate data, ensuring you meet your nutritional needs without excess or deficit.
Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Monitoring
SpO2 monitoring measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood. Monitoring blood oxygen levels is crucial for assessing respiratory and circulatory efficiency. Tracking changes in oxygen levels during exercise and recovery helps ensure your body receives an adequate oxygen supply, supporting overall health and performance.
Stress Tracking
Stress tracking evaluates your stress levels by analyzing heart rate variability. Chronic stress can impact both physical and mental well-being. By identifying stress patterns, you can incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, promoting overall health and resilience.
Training Load Analysis
Training load analysis assesses the impact of your workouts on your body. It considers factors like exercise intensity, duration, and frequency. Balancing intense workouts with adequate recovery is crucial to prevent overtraining, reduce the risk of injuries, and optimize long-term performance gains.
Buyers Guide For The Best Fitness Tracker For CrossFit in 2024
Here are the main things to consider when choosing your fitness tracker.
Compatibility
Check if the fitness tracker is compatible with your smartphone, ensuring a smooth sync process for real-time data tracking and analysis. CrossFitters benefit from immediate access to workout metrics.
Battery Life
Prioritize a fitness tracker with a battery life that accommodates your CrossFit routine. Look for long-lasting options to avoid disruptions during extended training sessions or competitions.
Comfort and Overall Design
Opt for a fitness tracker with a comfortable and durable design, considering the physical demands of CrossFit. Ensure it’s resistant to sweat, water, and the occasional impact, providing reliability during various workouts.
App Features
Please evaluate the features the accompanying app offers or its connectivity to other third-party apps. CrossFitters may seek apps that provide in-depth analysis of their training sessions, allowing them to tailor workouts, set goals, and track progress over time.
Budget / Payment Type
CrossFit enthusiasts should find a balance between the features they need and their budget constraints. While high-end trackers may offer advanced metrics, there are budget-friendly options with essential features suitable for CrossFit training. As well as some watches, like the Whoop band, are a subscription model but are continuously updated.
Final Thoughts On The Best Fitness Tracker For Crossfit
As you can see, many devices are available on the market to track your fitness training and share some similar functionalities. Yet, each one brings its unique features to the table when it comes to uncovering critical insights into your fitness. It is hard to go wrong with a fitness tracker these days as the level of competition has risen, and the market is demanding more for their wearables.
The thirteen watches I have mentioned above can fit the needs of any CrossFitter looking for their ideal training watch. The biggest lesson I have learned however is that you get what you pay for with training watches.
If you want a watch that will last you for years to come and give you the insights you need my advice to you based on the mistakes I have made would be to make the one-time investment in a high-quality watch versus trying to save a few dollars and not getting what you need.
By using this article as a guide, you can thoroughly evaluate the top products in the market today and view them from the lens of a CrossFitter, just as I did when I bought my fitness tracker.
Carefully consider your daily CrossFit training and the demands you will place on the watch. Are you prioritizing your strength training and need a more durable watch? Or are you focusing on your running and cyclical training and therefore need accurate readings on your heart rate zones? You may be a female athlete and want to organize your training around your menstrual cycle for optimized results.
These are critical components to choosing the best fitness tracker for you, and now you have the ultimate guide. So, evaluate all fifteen watches and pick the best one for you!