CNET has named the Fitbit Charge 6 as the best fitness tracker overall and the Apple Watch Series 11 as the top for heart rate accuracy following lab tests. The review highlights devices suited for various needs, from general activity tracking to serious athletic performance. Testing involved extensive workouts and comparisons for metrics like battery life, features and precision.
CNET's wellness and wearables experts tested numerous devices over years to recommend the best fitness trackers for 2026. The Fitbit Charge 6 tops the list overall, tracking heart rate, steps, distance, calories, VO2 max, sleep score, blood oxygen and stress management. It features SmartTrack for automatic workout recording, built-in GPS, support for over 40 exercises and water resistance to 50 meters. Some features require Fitbit Premium, costing $10 monthly or $80 yearly, and YouTube Music needs a Premium subscription without offline support. Quote from Anna Gragert: 'The Fitbit Charge 6 is ideal for anyone who wants a fitness tracker that primarily functions as just that.'