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As a professional trainer, the ability to measure VO2max has proven to be incredibly valuable, leading me to explore and discuss the best fitness trackers with this capability.
In today’s technology-driven world, we are witnessing a constant stream of new and mesmerizing gadgets. This trend has also made its mark in the health and fitness industry, with a plethora of modern health apps and gadgets designed to help us monitor and maintain our well-being. From measuring blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse to tracking body temperature, electronic devices have become the go-to tools for monitoring vital signs of a healthy body.
Now, a new emerging trend in the fitness realm is the recording of VO2max. But what exactly is VO2max, and how can we measure it? Let’s delve into the details below.
VO2max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense physical activity. It is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular fitness and endurance levels. Traditionally, this measurement was limited to specialized lab equipment, but with advancements in wearable technology, fitness enthusiasts can now conveniently track their VO2max with compatible smartwatches and fitness trackers.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Apple Watch Ultra | Check Price | |
 | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | Check Price | |
 | Apple Watch Series 8 | Check Price | |
 | Fitbit Charge 5 | Check Price | |
 | Withings Steel HR | Check Price |
Best Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers With VO2 Max Reviews
While there are numerous great smartwatches available on the market, not all of them come equipped with VO2max tracking capabilities. In this article, we will explore and highlight the best smartwatches and fitness trackers that offer this valuable feature, empowering users to optimize their fitness routines and achieve their health goals.
1. Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra stands out as a premium smartwatch offered by Apple, boasting a top-of-the-line build quality and an array of premium features, including the highly sought-after VO2 Max tracking.
With its precise heart-rate sensor and motion sensors, the Apple Watch Ultra ensures accurate VO2 Max calculations during workouts, providing users with valuable insights into their cardiovascular fitness and endurance levels.
Beyond VO2 Max tracking, this impressive smartwatch also boasts advanced skin temperature monitoring capabilities, especially useful during sleep. Collecting extensive data throughout the night, it offers valuable insights to users when they wake up in the morning.
The Apple Watch Ultra goes the extra mile in prioritizing user health with additional cutting-edge features like ECG monitoring, SPO2 tracking, and hearing health monitoring. It is a comprehensive health companion that keeps tabs on heart rate, indoor and outdoor workouts, fall detection, step counting, and even sleep tracking.
The smartwatch’s durability is equally noteworthy, with its titanium body and sapphire glass designed to withstand rugged treatment and daily wear and tear.
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra is its remarkable battery life, surpassing other models in the Apple Watch lineup. With a battery that can last for approximately 36 hours on a single charge, users can enjoy extended usage without constant recharging.
For those in search of an Apple Watch that excels in VO2 Max detection, boasts a robust build, and offers impressive battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra is a compelling choice worth considering.
2. Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is yet another premium smartwatch offering VO2 Max tracking, making it a strong contender alongside the Apple Watch Ultra, as both devices share similar features and build quality. An added advantage of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is its seamless compatibility with Android phones, appealing to a broader user base.
As for its capabilities, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro excels in tracking VO2 Max during running sessions. Beyond that, it offers an extensive range of workout tracking options, encompassing activities such as swimming, gym workouts, cycling, and hiking.
In the realm of health-specific features, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro leaves no stone unturned. It boasts an impressive array of functionalities, including ECG monitoring, AFib detection, blood pressure monitoring, body composition analysis, blood oxygen saturation tracking, and female health tracking.
When it comes to durability, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro stands strong with its solid build quality. Its titanium body and sapphire glass protection ensure resistance against scratches and bumps, ensuring the smartwatch remains in pristine condition over time.
Battery performance is another area where the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro shines. It offers up to 20 hours of continuous GPS usage and an impressive 80 hours in smartwatch mode, ensuring prolonged usage without frequent charging.
All in all, for those seeking a premium smartwatch with VO2 Max tracking and a robust build, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro presents itself as a compelling and solid option worth considering.
3. Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is yet another premium smartwatch from Apple, equipped with VO2 Max tracking capabilities. While it shares similarities with the Apple Watch Ultra, it does lack certain features like the depth gauge, water temperature sensor, and dual-frequency GPS.
In terms of features, the Apple Watch Series 8 still packs a punch. It includes VO2 Max tracking, skin temperature monitoring with sleep tracking, stress tracking, SPO2 monitoring, ECG, AFiB detection, automatic workout detection, and a step counter. The smartwatch is capable of tracking various workouts, making it suitable for activities like swimming, running, cycling, HIIT, and gym workouts.
The build quality of the Apple Watch Series 8 remains impressive, featuring an aluminum body with Ion-X glass. This combination provides a premium feel and appearance, ensuring users are satisfied with its sturdy construction.
In terms of battery life, the Apple Watch Series 8 performs well, offering around 18 hours on a single charge. Additionally, its quick charging capabilities allow it to reach 80% charge within just 45 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
All in all, for those seeking an Apple Watch with VO2 Max tracking and other premium features without breaking the bank, the Apple Watch Series 8 is definitely worth considering. Its well-rounded capabilities and solid build quality make it a reliable companion for your health and fitness journey.
4. Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 stands out as the top fitness tracker with VO2 Max capabilities in 2024. This advanced device boasts a premium build quality and an impressive array of fitness features.
In the Fitbit ecosystem, VO2 Max is referred to as Cardio Fitness Score, and the Fitbit Charge 5 measures it during your exercise sessions. Beyond VO2 Max tracking, this fitness tracker is packed with a multitude of other fitness features, including heart-rate tracking, SPO2 monitoring, EDA Scan for stress management, skin temperature variation tracking with sleep monitoring, sleep profile insights, and ECG functionality.
The Fitbit Charge 5 also performs well in terms of battery life. Fitbit claims it can last up to 7 days on a single charge, although this duration can vary depending on your usage. Utilizing GPS and other advanced features may result in around 5 to 8 hours of battery life.
In summary, if you are in search of a fitness tracker that offers VO2 Max tracking along with an array of advanced health and fitness features, the Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent choice. Its compact and lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear, and the device’s comprehensive capabilities make it a reliable companion for your fitness journey.
5. Withings Steel HR
Withings offers a fitness tracker with a sleek and stylish design that allows you to monitor your everyday workouts in superior fashion. With the ability to track over 30 sports, you can easily monitor your performance, while the GPS feature maps your sessions with elevation, distance, and pace.
Notably, the fitness tracker includes a built-in VO2 Max feature, which assesses your fitness level during running and walking-based activities. This measurement reflects your estimated maximal oxygen consumption and indicates how efficiently you’re working out. The higher the VO2 Max value, the more effective your workout is.
Furthermore, the tracker syncs your heart rate values to the health app on your smartphone, enabling you to keep a comprehensive record of your fitness data. Smart notifications ensure you never miss an important call or text.
One of the most impressive aspects of this fitness tracker is its long-lasting battery life. With up to 25 days of normal use and an impressive 45 days in reserve mode, you can enjoy extended usage without frequent charging.
This hybrid model combines the best of both worlds, offering advanced health and fitness tracking features, including VO2 Max, while maintaining an affordable price point. Additionally, the device boasts water resistance up to 50 meters, ensuring it can handle various water-based activities.
However, it’s worth noting that the device lacks GPS and music storage, and the display size is relatively small. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Withings fitness tracker remains an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and efficient fitness companion with advanced tracking capabilities.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, these gadgets undoubtedly make excellent fitness partners. Beyond measuring VO2 Max and heart rate, they also offer a wide range of other fitness metrics and, in some cases, even provide live coaching to enhance your workouts.
They are undoubtedly valuable additions to your collection, assisting in monitoring and optimizing your fitness journey. However, it is essential to remember that these devices cannot replace the expertise of medical professionals. While they offer valuable insights, it’s crucial to prioritize regular health checkups and not solely rely on these gadgets in case of any health concerns.
I hope this guide has helped you in finding the best fitness tracker with VO2 Max. If you have any feedback or comments, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. Your input is appreciated and will help us improve our content and recommendations. Happy fitness tracking!