Are Fitness Trackers Actually Worth It? We Asked the Team.

Is there anything more satisfying than waking up to a notification that you got eight hours of good sleep? Okay, maybe there is… but it still feels like a win.

With so many fitness trackers on the market, it’s hard to know which one is actually worth the money. Do you really need one? Is it motivating or just another thing to feel bad about? And what’s the real difference between them all?

Well, the girls at SOTM have tested a bunch. And surprise surprise, we all have different favourites. So we asked the team for their honest reviews.

Brooke: Apple Watch Queen Since 2019

What tracker do you use and how long have you had it?
I have an Apple Watch. This is my third and I’ve had one since 2019!

How much did it cost (and was it new or second-hand)?
Got a really good deal at Costco for like $500!!!

What do you mostly use it for?
I love a hot girl walk with no phone, so having a phone on my wrist is so handy. I can do calls, listen to podcasts, all without taking my actual phone.

Do you wear it every day?
Almost every day. I sometimes forget it, but it’s usually strapped to me. I love waking up every day and knowing what temperature I am, I know that’s weird, but it gives me peace of mind that I’m not sick and all my vitals are in range.

Favourite and least favourite features?
My favourite feature is the button that finds your phone, I use it at least three times a week. I also love that you can add friends on the fitness function and do little competitions, it adds a fun community vibe. Least favourite? The battery life. I wish it had like 50% more, but I only charge it every second day so it’s fine.

Has it changed any of your habits?
100%. When I first got it, the rings were my life. I didn’t go a day without closing them for over a year (until I broke my leg, RIP). Even now, it encourages me to move more because I see those rings every day and want to hit my goals.

Would you recommend it?
Yes. If it broke tomorrow, I’d go buy another one. It’s just so helpful. I can even check the weather from my wrist and know if it’s about to rain in 10 minutes. So much info at your fingertips.

Why did you pick this one over others like Fitbit or Oura?
I picked the Apple Watch over the Oura because I like having a screen, and I didn’t want to pay a subscription on top of a product I already spent so much on. Fitbit or Garmin just didn’t fit into my Apple ecosystem.

Kiara: The On-and-Off Apple Watch Wearer

What tracker do you use and how long have you had it?
Apple Watch I’ve had it since 2021, so about four years.

How much did it cost (and was it new or second-hand)?
I bought it brand new from Catch when it was on sale for around $330.

What do you mostly use it for?
Walking and running.

Do you wear it every day?
When I first got it, yes, absolutely. But now I only wear it if I’m intentionally working out and want to track my session.

Favourite and least favourite features?
I love that it syncs with my phone and I can track my progress through the app. Least favourite? The battery is terrible, and the band is kind of an eyesore.

Has it changed any of your habits?
Nope.

Would you recommend it?
Probably not. I’ve discovered built-in apps on the iPhone that pretty much do the same thing, and I think there are better options on the market now.

Why did you pick this one over others?
It was a COVID purchase. Everyone online was raving about theirs and I wanted to level up my isolation 5km walks.

Jess: One Watch, One Ring, All the Data

What tracker do you use and how long have you had it?
I have both an Apple Watch and an Oura Ring.

How much did it cost (and was it new or second-hand)?
Both were gifts. I think the Apple Watch retailed for around $700 and the Oura Ring was $800.

What do you mostly use it for?
To monitor my activity levels. I work from home and was clocking less than 1,000 steps a day (insane), so having something that tracks and prompts me to move has been great for making sure I’m looking after my body.

Do you wear it every day?
Yes.

Favourite and least favourite features?
I love that the watch keeps me connected, messages, calls, whatever, if I’m out and don’t have my phone on me. But the way the Oura Ring tracks and interprets your data? Incredible. It can pick up signs of sickness or fatigue and help me listen to my body, which I’m not naturally good at.

The downside is the Apple Watch doesn’t always match my outfits, especially for formal things. That’s why I got the ring. But even then, the Oura Ring scratches so easily. I’m careful with it and it’s still trashed.

Has it changed any of your habits?
1000%. My activity levels are way better. I move more, stretch more, and actively try to hit my step goal during the day.

Would you recommend it?
I know these are expensive, but the awareness they give me is honestly invaluable. You definitely don’t need both, but if you’ll use it, I think it’s worth it.

Why did you pick these over other brands?
Apple Watch made sense because all my tech is already Apple. For the ring, I went with Oura over Ultrahuman after reading heaps of reviews. Oura had a higher price tag but much better customer service feedback.

The Verdict?

Some of us love our trackers, some of us barely wear them anymore. For some, it was life-changing. For others, a cute but overpriced lockdown impulse buy.

So are fitness trackers worth it? Only if you actually use them. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your habits. And if that happens to include a hot girl walk with a podcast blasting from your wrist, we fully support that.

If you are in the market, make sure to check cash back offers and price match to get the best deal!