My Fitbit is dying after years of loyal, reliable service. I would automatically buy a new Fitbit except for one thing. Fitbit moved all of their health dashboard services to a mobile app and removed it from the web. I hate that. I hate using my phone for anything but talking to and texting other people and sometimes using google maps. I just like for the interactive aspect of health tracking to be on my PC where I can use a decent monitor and an actual keyboard.
What health trackers let you enter weight, food intake, and activities directly on your PC instead of requiring a phone app?
I’ve had an Apple watch for about a year now and it’s been life changing as far as tracking exercise and diet. I pair it with my phone, though. You’d probably need a Mac to work on a desktop.
Garmin and Apple are the lead players here, though if you want a simpler health tracking band as opposed to a full-fledged smartwatch I think Garmin is the play.
There’s also Withings, though I don’t think their web interface lets you input data, it just shows you stuff that’s been collected by your device.
Garmin has over a dozen models of smartwatches, many tailored to specific sports, as well as simpler trackers more akin to Fitbits. Those simpler devices (Vivofit 4 and Vivosmart 5 appears to be the current ones) do have timekeeping, but don’t have GPS for recording runs, for example, like the Fenix and Venu lines do.
There are tons of, maybe too many, Garmin models. They all keep time, as far as I know. I have the Fenix 7 and my daughter got the Fenix 6 (which is now two generations old) on a great sale. Another friend has the Vivoactive, I think, cheaper still.
What’s your price range? What functions/tracking are you looking for?
Price range is up to $200. I’m looking to track my walking and biking, caloric intake and output, and weight. Other metrics and services like relaxation modes are nice, too. But those are my core interests.
For the record, I got the Vivosmart 5. Still getting used to it. My fitbit had hourly step goals and I find myself missing those. I like how much easier it is to put the Garmin into “do not disturb” mode. Continuing my research to get the most use out of it.
I found the Fenix almost overwhelming when I first got it (moving from a Samsung watch), but now I find it really intuitive, so stick to it!
The Fenix has assignable shortcut buttons (holding down one or more buttons at a time). I don’t know if the Vivosmart has that, but they are really handy.
vaguely unrelated to your question, but if you have money to burn another thing to buy is a portable indirect calorimetry device.
Calibre makes them, I believe some other companies do too. Its a good way to gauge how many calories you burn at rest, during daily activities, during exercise, etc.