5 Fitness Trackers That Don't Lock Basic Features Behind a Monthly Subscription

5 Fitness Trackers That Don't Lock Core Features Behind a Monthly Subscription

Fitbit Air has entered the chat.

Fitness tracker prices can be a bit misleading. For example, let's say the $399 Oura Ring 5 seems at first glance to be within your budget. But to make it remotely useful, you'll have to pay an extra $6 per month or $70 per year. After just two years, the total cost rises to about $550. (And if you hang on to it for 5 years, you'll see at least $750).

Oura isn't even the worst subscription-based offender in this space. Whoop, a popular screen-free fitness tracking band, requires a membership starting at $199 per year. Of course, this also includes the device itself, unlike other devices. But you don't have to be a math whiz to realize how quickly the costs can add up in the long run.

That's why Google's recently released Fitbit Air is so interesting. It's basically Whoop with a one-time fee of $100. Most features are available without an additional subscription. What a cool concept! Let's take a closer look at the landscape after Fitbit Air enters and see where it can cut through the paywall noise.

fitbit air

Starting at $100, the Fitbit Air is a direct competitor to Whoop. Crucially, Google's screenless band offers all the core features without a monthly fee. Gemini Powered by Al Coach and other benefits (e.g. exercise videos) only require a Google Health Premium subscription. If you choose this, you'll pay $10 per month or $100 per year. But again, this is more of an add-on rather than a necessity.

The device's battery life is about seven days, half of Whoop's 14-day runtime. However, the Fitbit Air charges quickly so this isn't a big issue. For example, our review units increased from 36% to 58% in just 5 minutes.

Fitbit Air works with both Android and iOS phones. However, it requires the Google Health app and does not sync with Apple Health by default.

Garmin Vivosmart 5

Unlike the Fitbit Air and Whoop, the vívosmart 5 has a narrow black and white OLED display. This, combined with its slim profile, is a sure-fire way to separate the difference between a full-fledged fitness watch and a screen-less tracking band.

The device records heart rate, sleep, steps, and exercise. Garmin's Body Battery score estimates how long you have to wait until your next vigorous workout. Like the Fitbit Air and Whoop, the vívosmart 5 doesn't have built-in GPS and instead uses GPS connected via a paired phone.

Best of all, there are no monthly fees whatsoever, so an upfront investment of just $150 gets you access to everything the device can do.

Garmin vívosmart 5 is compatible with Android and iOS. The accompanying Garmin Connect app can sync with Apple Health and Google Health.

samsung galaxy ring

Although it has its limitations, even the $400 Samsung Galaxy Ring works 100% with no monthly fees. Tracks sleep (hours, stages, skin temperature) and activity. It can automatically detect walking and running and provide detailed metrics for both. It can be used for at least 6 days on a single charge.

Unfortunately, Galaxy Ring doesn't work with iPhone. It works well on Android phones from other manufacturers, but you'll need a Samsung device for Galaxy AI features and dual-pinch gesture controls.

Apple Watch Series 11

Okay, maybe we're cheating a little by including a full-fledged smartwatch. However, the Apple Watch Series 11 has a variety of health tracking features without a monthly fee.

This latest model has longer battery life than the previous generation. In normal use, it can be used for up to 24 hours. On the health front, this model adds a high blood pressure warning. The watch can monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, track sleep (including a sleep score), and log a long list of workouts.

The downside is that the Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $400. It's also iOS-only, so people using Android phones are excluded.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

At the other end of the price spectrum is the Xiaomi Smart Band 10. The budget fitness tracker costs around $50 and has no subscription fee. Can't beat it.

The device features a larger, brighter, sharper display than its predecessor and an improved screen-to-body ratio. It covers the basics, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. It can be used for up to 21 days on a single charge. As a unique bonus, you can also wear it as a necklace or attach it to your shoes.

What is compromised at this ridiculously low price? Firstly, Xiaomi Smart Band 10 does not have built-in GPS. The sensor family is also limited. It cannot detect ECG, blood pressure, skin temperature, barometer, altimeter, or HRV. Sleep tracking also receives mixed feedback. This is not the device to get if you want premium health monitoring. Keeping costs down is more important.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is paired with the Mi Fitness app, available for iOS and Android.