5 Amazing Wearable Health Gadgets To Try In 2024

Go Full Cyborg With These 5 Wearable Health Gadgets

Fitness trackers go WAY beyond just counting steps now.

In 2024, wearable technology has become an increasingly sophisticated extension of ourselves, offering a treasure trove of data to monitor our health and fitness.

In fact, nearly 70% of Americans now own some form of wearable tech, showcasing the mainstream adoption of these devices.

This surge in popularity is fueled by the ever-expanding capabilities of wearables. They can now track everything from your heart rate variability to your blood oxygen levels, providing a holistic view of your well-being.

Imagine being able to identify sleep patterns that are impacting your energy levels or monitor your heart rate during exercise to optimize your workout intensity…the possibilities continue to evolve each day.

We found 5 wearable health gadgets that you should check out, and we’ll explore their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you find the perfect fit for your goals.

1. Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 stands out as a compelling option for health-conscious individuals seeking a feature-packed wearable without breaking the bank.

Retailing for around $40, it boasts a wide range of functionalities typically found in more expensive devices.

The Mi Smart Band 8 offers continuous heart rate monitoring, which allows you to gain valuable insights into your overall cardiovascular health and daily activity levels.

Additionally, it includes sleep tracking, providing metrics on your sleep stages and quality to help you identify areas for improvement.

Imagine waking up groggy and checking your Mi Band to discover you spent most of the night in light sleep. This valuable information can prompt you to establish a relaxing bedtime routine or prioritize activities that promote better sleep hygiene.

Battery life is another area where the Mi Smart Band 8 shines. On a single charge, you can expect up to 16 days of typical use, eliminating the need for daily charging hassles.

However, it's important to consider some limitations before jumping on the Mi Smart Band 8 bandwagon.

While it offers heart rate monitoring, some users report occasional inconsistencies in data accuracy, particularly during high-intensity workouts.

Another caveat is the lack of built-in GPS. This might be a dealbreaker for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize features like route tracking during outdoor runs or bike rides.

Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 offers exceptional value for its price point. It delivers a comfortable design, versatile style options, and a range of health tracking features that can empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being.

2. Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 builds upon its predecessor's success, solidifying its position as a comprehensive wearable specifically designed for iPhone users.

This integration with the iOS ecosystem allows for seamless data transfer and a cohesive user experience across your Apple devices.

Beyond its compatibility, the Series 9 boasts a range of features that cater to the health-conscious tech enthusiast.

The Series 9 offers advanced heart rate monitoring with new low-range and high-range alerts.

Additionally, the Series 9 incorporates fall detection and emergency SOS, providing peace of mind for activities that carry a higher risk of injury, like cycling or hiking.

The Series 9 also seamlessly integrates with popular fitness apps like Strava, Nike Run Club, and Peloton, allowing you to track your workouts in detail and share your progress with friends.

However, despite its impressive features, battery life remains a point of concern.

While Apple claims 18 hours of typical use, users often report needing to charge it more frequently, especially with heavy GPS usage or extensive fitness tracking.

3. Garmin Forerunner 165

For athletes seeking a data-driven companion on their fitness journey, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is your new best friend.

This GPS running smartwatch isn't for the casual gym-goer. It caters specifically to runners, cyclists, and swimmers who prioritize detailed workout insights and performance optimization.

One of the Forerunner 165's biggest strengths lies in its advanced training metrics. It goes beyond basic pace and distance tracking, offering VO2 max estimation, recovery time recommendations, and training load analysis.

VO2 max reflects your maximum oxygen consumption rate, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. By monitoring your VO2 max over time, you can gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Recovery time recommendations help you plan your training schedule strategically, ensuring you give your body adequate time to rest and rebuild after intense workouts.

Training load analysis provides a holistic view of the strain you're placing on your body, helping you avoid overtraining and potential injuries.

Beyond these core functionalities, the Forerunner 165 boasts a vibrant AMOLED display, making data visualization clear and easy to interpret even in challenging lighting conditions.

Battery life is another area where the Forerunner 165 excels. In smartwatch mode, you can expect up to 11 days of use, and even with GPS enabled, it can last up to 19 hours.

4. Fitbit Charge 5

The Fitbit Charge 5 strikes a commendable balance between offering a comprehensive suite of health metrics and maintaining a user-friendly interface.

One of the Charge 5's unique features is that it can actually monitor your stress levels.

The Charge 5 monitors stress by tracking your heart rate variability for long-term trends and using an EDA sensor to detect tiny sweat fluctuations, indicating immediate stress responses.

It also has built in GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor workouts, providing valuable insights for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

The Charge 5 is also a champion when it comes to sleep health. It provides detailed sleep stage analysis, including REM, light sleep, and deep sleep, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and optimize your sleep hygiene, as well as a unique "Sleep Score" that summarizes your overall sleep quality.

5. Whoop Strap 4.0

The Whoop Strap 4.0 prioritizes a singular focus: optimizing recovery for athletes.

Whoop achieves this focus through its unique bioimpedance monitoring technology.

This technology sends a low electrical current through your body to measure various physiological markers, including heart rate variability, sleep quality, and resting heart rate.

By analyzing these metrics, Whoop provides a daily "Strain Score" and "Recovery Score."

The Strain Score reflects the physiological stress your body experienced during the previous day, encompassing both training and daily activities.

The Recovery Score, on the other hand, indicates your body's readiness for another high-intensity workout.

Beyond the core metrics, Whoop offers a personalized coaching experience through its premium membership program.

Based on your individual data and goals, the Whoop app provides daily personalized recommendations, suggesting ideal sleep durations, optimal training intensities, and recovery strategies like hydration and stretching routines. It’s like having your own personal trainer.

However, Whoop's niche focus comes with limitations, the most agreed upon being the lack of a screen which prevents real-time data visualization during workouts.

The BMM Takeaway

Remember, the "best" wearable is subjective. Consider your fitness goals, budget, and desired features to make an informed decision.

Also, keep in mind that health tech is an added bonus to your fitness routine but won’t be the key driver for your success.

You’ll need to give your diet and workouts 110%, and these gadgets can help you significantly along the way.