Every one of us has unique requirements when it comes to bettering our lifestyle. The needs of a male will differ quite substantially from that of a female, as we’ve explained in our best fitbit for women article. The age of the subject matters as well; younger fitbit users require more straightforward analytics and interfaces.
The active men require durability and style in equal measure alongside supportive and informative analytics and fitness features. And Fitbit promises to deliver on these requirements. Their wearables are sold the world over as companions on that journey to the pinnacle of active wellbeing. So what is the best Fitbit for men? Let’s find out!
Update: some of the Fitbit device prices have dropped during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Be sure to head over to our Fitbit deals page to find out!
The Best Fitbit for Men in 2019
The Rundown
Best Overall– Versa 2 + the latest and most advanced Fitbit on the market.
Best for Running – Inspire + a slender running tracker with a modern design.
Best for Multisports– Charge 3 + a compact, multisport wearable with a wealth of features.
Best for Everyday Wear– Versa Lite + the pared down version of Fitbit’s latest watch.
Best Value for Money– Alta HR + a fitness tracker that gives you all you need as well as great value.
Best for Heart Rate – Inspire HR + a beautifully designed tracker with heart rate monitoring.
Best for Style – Blaze + an interesting design with a lot of great smartwatch and fitness features.
Best GPS Watch – Ionic + a large screen and lots of functionality, including Fitbit’s only GPS offering.
Our Top Picks
| Best for GPS | Best for Multisport | Best for Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Product | Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Versa 2 |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 days | Up to 7 days | Up to 7 days |
| GPS | |||
| Heart rate monitoring | |||
| Price | From $199.99 on Amazon | From $149.95 on Amazon | From $199.95 on Amazon |
How We Pick The Best Fitbits
Compiling incisive research alongside hands-on reviews of specific models, we can confidently select the best Fitbit’s on the market. When catering the list towards the male demographic, we have taken into account functionality, design, and price for male-centric needs.
Males require a device that both helps them to refine their active lifestyle, as well as providing them something they can wear to a range of events and occasions, including tough outdoor conditions. This need demands a sleek watch that is durable as well as presentable.
To find these devices, we have tested Fitbit watches and bands rigorously, assessing battery life, the amount of smart and fitness features available, and the value for money.
Fitbit Versa 2
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Touchscreen AMOLED | Band sizes: 140 – 220mm | Battery Life: up to 7 days | Charging method: Magnetic charging cable | IP rating: Water resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Colors: Stone, Black, Bordeaux, Petal, Navy & Pink Woven, Smoke Woven
From $229.95 $129.99
The Fitbit Versa 2 represents the best Fitbit on the market when speaking in a general sense. Released mid-2019, the watch sported the traditional ‘squircle’ Fitbit design mirroring that of the Apple Watch. However, this is by no means an imitation of Apple’s popular smartwatch.
With reminders to move, goals set using data captured, and intricate insight into your active performance during the day, Versa 2 is the best bet to improve your fitness exponentially.
It also caters to a wide range of activities, with dedicated modes for swimming, cycling, hiking, and many more. On-screen workouts can introduce you to the best method when exercising.
Why we love it: this smartwatch encompasses almost all Fitbit has to offer in a sleek and premium finish.
PROS
- Large AMOLED display
- Waterproof
- Alexa included
- Week-long battery life
CONS
- Not explicitly manly in design
- No built-in GPS
- Color choice limited
Fitbit Inspire
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Monochrome OLED | Band sizes: 140 – 180mm | Battery Life: 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Black, Lilac, White
From $69.95 on Amazon.com
When looking explicitly for support when running, Fitbit doesn’t offer much better than the Inspire fitness band. It proves lightweight and discreet in design, and the screen is not bulky, allowing for comfort during tracking.
The Fitbit Inspire’s analytics provide a well-rounded insight into a running session, including steps taken and calories burned. All-day activity tracking and automatic exercise recognition make it a worthy companion for the office as well as during cardio fitness.
Why we love it: this minimalistic fitness tracker provides a man with all he needs to track his run.
PROS
- Streamlined design
- Automatic activity recognition
- All-day activity tracking
- Smartphone app alerts
CONS
- No built-in GPS
- Flimsy strap design
- No heart rate tracking
Fitbit Charge 3
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Grayscale OLED touch | Band sizes: 140 – 220mm | Battery Life: 7 days | Charging method: Charging Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 | Colors: Black, Berry, Grey, Lavender, Frost-White
From $119.99 $149.95
Building on the progress of the Fitbit Charge 2, the Fitbit Charge 3 is the most advanced band that Fitbit offers. With a slightly larger screen worked seamlessly into a sporty band, it’s a lovely looking device.
Surprisingly the Charge 3 offers the user dedicated modes for all of the sports that the Versa 2 does. A circuit training mode is engineered to push you to the limit, whereas the cycling mode can help you to set the pace and record your efforts.
Smart features like access to your calendar and a weather report push this fitness band above others in a big way.
Why we love it: a sophisticated but multifaceted Fitbit highlight, giving men access to multiple sports modes
Read our full review of the Fitbit Charge 3.
PROS
- Beautiful modern finish
- Text and reminder notifications
- Sharp, high-def touchscreen
- Corning Gorilla Glass protection
CONS
- Fitbit Pay only on the special edition
- Limited color choice
- On the pricey side
Fitbit Versa
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: IPS LCD | Band sizes: 140 – 210mm | Battery Life: up to 4 days | Charging method: Charging cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Colors: Blue, Mulberry, Lilac, White
From $199.99 $159.65
The Fitbit Versa Lite’s design presents a sleeker, more friendly version of the Versa 2. The main difference resides in the redesign of the watches side areas. On the Versa 2, you’ll find three external buttons, whereas on the Versa Lite you’ll find one.
There a few losses in this streamlining; most notably, there are fewer onscreen workout options, and the Lite does not track floors climbed. But the Versa Lite is that little bit less weighty, and you won’t find yourself in a tizzy with the extra buttons.
Why we love it: this is a simplified version of Fitbit’s leading watch that sacrifices features for comfort.
PROS
- Simplified external button
- Vibrant color choice
- Shares dynamic Versa design
- Less expensive
CONS
- Less on-screen workouts
- No Fitbit pay
- No Amazon Alexa
Fitbit Alta HR
Compatibility: 200+ iOS, AndroidTM and Windows | Display: OLED display | Band sizes: S-XL | Battery Life: Up to 7 Days | Charging method: USB | IP rating: Splashproof | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Black, Blue Gray, Fuchsia, Coral, Gunmetal Series Black, Rose Gold
From $74.49 on Amazon.com
The Fitbit Alta HR’s slim design sets it apart from many other Fitbit devices. Within the slender device, you’ll still find advanced tech like automatic exercise recognition and a battery lasting up to seven days.
The best part of Alta HR is its price tag. It provides so many fantastic features and is available for under $100. This price makes it the ideal choice for a man looking to take a leap into the world of fitness and keep their bank balance looking good.
Why we love it: it is a beautifully slim design with a selection of Fitbit’s best features for an agreeable price.
Read our review of Fitbit Alta HR here.
PROS
- Beautifully discreet design
- Heart rate monitoring
- Exercise recognition
- Smart notification
CONS
- The display is hard to read
- Limited color choice
- No VO2 Max tracking
Fitbit Inspire HR
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: Monochrome OLED | Band sizes: 140 – 180mm | Battery Life: 5 days | Charging method: Magnetic Cradle | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Black, Lilac, White
From $99.95 $69.95
The Fitbit Inspire HR model offers notable improvements upon the original iteration of the fitness band. Firstly in design, the Inspire HR supplies users with a more sturdy watch strap design, as opposed to Inspire’s silicone wristband. This helps for a more trustworthy fit.
In its operations, the Inspire HR allows users to track their pace and distance via the GPS on your phone, a feature not available on the original model. Also (as seen in the name “HR”), the Inspire HR features heart rate monitoring. A fantastic asset that refines sleep tracking, fitness tracking, and also allows you to take part in guided breathing exercises, a perfect way to wind down after a workout or a busy meeting.
Why we love it: the trustworthy format of the Inspire with the addition of great features.
PROS
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sturdy watch strap design
- 15+ dedicated sports modes
- Cardio fitness analytics
CONS
- No color choice
- Strap design is bulky
- Unresponsive touchscreen
Fitbit Blaze
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: LCD | Band sizes: 140 – 236mm | Battery Life: 5 days | Charging method: Charging Cradle for module | IP rating: N/A | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 | Colors: Gold/Pink, Black/Silver, Black, Gunmetal, Blue, Plum
From $159.99 on Amazon.com
With a dynamic design and multiple fitness tracking features, the Fitbit Blaze was designed to compete head-on with the likes of the Pebble and Apple Watch of its day. It offers the user a chance to set daily goals and track heart rate and a multitude of exercises.
The design, though somewhat outdated, is undoubtedly stylish and has stood the test of time. The sleek frame that the tracking module fits into gives the watch both a formal and active feel. The tracking module can also be removed from the frame and provide into others with different strap materials, allowing for customization.
Why we love it: a hardy fitness smartwatch that still looks fantastic.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Responsive touchscreen
- Heart rate monitoring
- Alternative strap choices
CONS
- Expensive
- Outdated hardware
- Inefficient charging process
Fitbit Ionic
Compatibility: Android/iOS | Display: LCD | Band sizes: 140 – 220mm | Battery Life: up to 5 days | Charging method: Contact Point Charging | IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE | Colors: Charcoal/Grey, Blue/Orange, Blue/Silver
From $249.95 $199.00
The Fitbit Ionic set the world on fire when it was first released, as it represents Fitbit’s first step into the smartwatch realm. It boasts a fantastic, large screen and built-in GPS. The display makes reading the reminders and analytics the Ionic provides an easy process.
Its advanced sleep tracking capabilities allow it to track each of your sleep stages and give you informative readouts on your smartphone via Bluetooth. Many people believe that Fitbit nailed the design and interface of a smartwatch with the Ionic, and it is quite hard to fault that theory.
Why we love it: this smartwatch may be discontinued, but it offers a fantastic GPS tracking experience.
Read our full review of Fitbit Ionic.
PROS
- Large, readable screen
- Coaching modes
- Fitbit Pay
- Good battery life
CONS
- Outdated hardware
- Still expensive
- Clunky design
How to Find the Right Fitbit for Men
What makes a good fitness tracker for men?
A good fitness tracker needs to be able to track a multitude of sports for men. Running and walking are fantastic when you get a readout for them, but things like biking and swim tracking are also integral (this means the watch must be swim-proof too). A well-rounded analysis of your fitness lifestyle gives a man every opportunity to improve on his current performance.
This also means that several dedicated exercise modes would be a huge benefit. The tracker’s features must make it an all-round fantastic activity tracker to be able to provide the man with all he needs.
Connectivity turns a tracker into a fitness assistant. Smartphone notifications are a significant aspect of a smartwatch for a man on the move. Stable phone connectivity allows him to assess his fitness level whenever he may feel the need.
What to look for in Men’s Fitbit?
Size and Display
The best Fitbit for men must impress with its display and size. Though bold designs make a confident statement, if the watch is too large on the wrist, its size can have an adverse effect. The best Fitbit will find a middle ground between size and sleekness. Though Fitbit does have a particular focus on small, slender devices, they do offer smartwatches that have a confident and large design.
The display must be dynamic and easy on the eyes. A strong backlight that doesn’t drain the battery life is the ideal feature.
Comfort and Durability
A Fitbit tracker is only comfortable when it fits the wrist perfectly. To achieve this, the best Fitbit for men employ a range of strap sizes and a selection of varied model sizes. From the Fitbit Flex 2’s incredibly discreet design to the Fitbit Blaze’s large bezel and frame, Fitbit does offer a lot of choices.
Durability is not just a case of strength of materials; it comes down to the water-resistant qualities the Fitbit has. As well as this, the protection of the screen is a crucial feature. If you take a tumble on your bike, you don’t want your Fitbit to pay the price.
Fitness Features
The key to a Fitbit’s fitness features is one simple question: ‘Does it help me to achieve my fitness goals?’ With this in mind, it’s understandable that every man’s needs are different. But personal coaching and dedicated sports modes are a fantastic asset that allows a man to improve his fitness in an advanced and innovative manner.
Heart rate tracking is critical. Men are often more likely to encounter heart issues than women are. The best Fitbit for men requires a way to track the fluctuations in heart rate; it is a critical feature that enables a man to achieve his goals.
GPS
GPS is a must-have for fitness enthusiasts. Calories burned and steps taken only tell you so much, but when you can chart and analyze your run, the chances of fitness improvement are greatly increased. Plus, it inspires you to get outside and run in the great outdoors without fear of losing your way.
Many Fitbits have what is known as connected GPS, tracking that only works when connected to your phone. But some Fitbit trackers, like the Ionic, come with a GPS integrated within the watch’s hardware.
Connected Features
Any feature that can help your Fitbit to be an everyday help is a plus for a man. NFC payment allows someone to purchase things with a simple flick of the wrist. Music storage can help you to play your favorite warm-up songs straight from your watch. Smartphone apps like Uber and Glympse can help a man to get where he needs to be, on time and prepared.
Fitbit has often shirked creative features to advance their fitness offering, but the latest models and designs they are producing using a different methodology.
Battery Life
A man can’t be plugging his watch into a fiddly charging cradle every time it’s running low on juice. Long and reliable battery life can help the Fitbit experience to become natural. Thankfully, many of Fitbit’s devices boast up to 5-day battery life. But it’s an important aspect that needs to be confirmed before purchasing your chosen Fitbit.
The charging method is also essential, a simple USB charging cable can help a man who is traveling charge up their Fitbit quickly. Charging cradles can often result in slow and faulty charging sessions, which you want to avoid as much as possible.
Final Thoughts
Fitbit is a trustworthy purveyor of fitness bands and watches. Though Fitbit’s often designs devices with a focus on minimalism and discreteness, they offer a wide selection of devices that will suit a man looking to improve his fitness. They range from simple fitness trackers that sit on the wrist in an understated manner, to hefty smartwatches that provide more features and a bold design.
Within the needs and requirements of a male user, there are a great many Fitbit’s that can provide a positive fitness experience and help improve fitness and everyday organization.
