I’m interested in maybe getting one of these, but not interested in paying Apple prices. Basically, I don’t care about features like GPS or linking to other devices. I like the idea of O2 readings, heart rate, calorie burn, sleep information, steps, etc. I’ve looked at website recommendations, but they’re all over the place, so I’m hoping Dopers can give some real world recommendations. Thanks!
I’ve used a Fitbit Versa before. It gives you all the data, and is stylish and not too pricey.
The only problem I had was that I had to wear it all the time to get readings, and that led to a rash on my wrist. I especially didn’t like sleeping with it on.
If I ever got something again, it’d be a smart ring.
It really depends on what your use case is.
I like my Garmin Forerunner 165. It does what you list, albeit I’ve never used the pulse ox and just had to check that indeed it does that. But it has the GPS and outside run/bike distance pace tracking that you don’t seem to care about. Those, with heart rate during them, are the main functions it is built around. If you are not wanting those there are likely cheaper options that work as well.
Well, I run a Samsung Galaxy Ultra, which is most definitely not cheap (though I got it pretty cheap with a sale and trade-in.) Combined with the Ring, it’s pretty nice, though I don’t like Samsung phones so I don’t get the full integration (I’m running a Sony phone running nearly stock Android 15 instead.) You pretty much need smartphone integration to get anything to work well, whether that’s Samsung or Google on Android or all Apple.
@Hypno-Toad had a thread last month and settled on the Garmin Vivosmart which seems to hit your list. Seems like it runs about $150.
@Hypno-Toad, how have you been liking it?
I have had a fitbit for a long time. I refuse to hand over my data now that google has bought fitbit.
If you value your privacy and personal data, you might want to add that to the equation.
I’ve had a Fitbit Versa 4 for a while now. It does everything on your list except O2.
@Chefguy, and anyone else who has the O2 sensor (pulse ox) on their use list, why?
What do you see as the value of that number in your everyday life?
I’m still trying to adjust to the different style. I didn’t realize how much effect the Fitbit had on my behavior with the hourly step goals. The Garmin just reminds you to move if you’ve been inactive for an hour. But the Garmin has online support rather than just on app. So my reason for switching has been worth it.
I learned my lesson on oxy monitors during covid. The one we had gave us a scare, as the readings were wildly inaccurate. I only included it because it seems most of the models have it as a feature. I don’t care if it’s there or not.
I have some lung issues that cause me to keep an eye on it, especially when flying. At this point I have enough experience to know what it feels like when O2 sat is low, so I don’t use it as much. It’s still helpful to have an objective measurement to corroborate that feeling.
With that said, the O2 sat reading on my Apple watch fails to give a reading at least 50% of the time when I use it manually, and seems to have worse repeatability than a cheap finger pulse oximeter (to help validate the watch reading, I’ve often used both at once).
Interesting. Do you carry an oxygen concentrator with you on the plane?
Nice to know there are some people who have a rational use case! Somehow though I expect that people with your and similar sorts of pulmonary conditions are the target market driving the near ubiquity of pulse oximetry on these devices.
No, that is a possible next step if the situation gets worse, but doesn’t look like I will need that. Fortunately I think my doctors have a good handle on the situation and I expect to be in better shape in the next few months.
If you want a watch, I use Garmin; you don’t have to use the GPS functions (& not using them will increase the time needed between charges). If you want a ring, look at Oura; there are some benefits available with just a ring purchase but more things are unlocked w/ monthly membership.
I must say, the sleep tracker on my Garmin seems to work backwards. When I think I’ve slept well, it says I did not. But when it gives me a high sleep score, I feel like I slept like crap. I think I may not sleep like other people.
Yeah I look at it because it is on my morning screen but it’s not adding any reliable actionable information.
I do like the HRV tracker feature though.
This. I thought I would start collecting all sorts of informative data about my life 24/7, but it turns out wearing a watch all the time is kind of gross on my skin and uncomfortable.
I have a Garmin 255S that’s great for mapping my running routes, and for biometrics while I’m running or doing other workouts. I picked it in part because I wanted to do those things, and also because it has a fairly “normal” watch look about it with a small face that doesn’t feel bulky or get in the way of tight sleeves. It replaced a cheaper/older model I had that had a slower-to-connect GPS, was much less stylish, and lacked the ‘current’ UI.
I only put it on for workouts, or if I want to map a long walking route (like spending the day in a new city).
I have to believe that the percentage of folks who consistently use a smart watch for daily and/or nightly metrics is a tiny subset of the folks who think they will use it for daily and/or nightly metrics.
I’ve read that they are, at best, 75-80% accurate. I know on me that it’s not uncommon for it to show me in REM sleep after I’m already awake but still lying in bed. 
My first alarm is wakeup, while the second one is getup & when I look later, it’s the time between those two where I know I’m awake that it has me in REM.
I don’t have any issues with leaving mine on all the time. The wrist strap wears out a lot faster because I’m bending it back each time I take it off. I take it off about 1x/wk to charge it. I did just order a nylon/velcro replacement strap so maybe I’ll take that one off more frequently