11 Best Ankle Fitness Tracker Models (2024) Review

This is a review of the best ankle fitness tracker models available on the market. 

IfIf you are a person who wants to have an effective, convenient, and precise way to monitor your training, fitness tracker ankle devices are the way to go.

In fact, one of the studies titled “Stepping Up” Activity Poststroke: Ankle-Positioned Accelerometer Can Accurately Record Steps During Slow Walking,” found on Europe PubMed Central’s website, showed that accelerometer (found in almost all fitness tracker ankle devices) had 10% or less error when positioned at the ankle for all speeds between 0.4 and 0.9 m/s [1].

So, as a fitness enthusiast myself and someone who values accurate workout tracking, I’ve dedicated more than 30 hours to researching and finding the ultimate ankle health tracker devices that cater to various preferences and needs.

In the article below, I will give you my top picks for the best ankle watches that are currently available on the market, their biggest benefits, key factors you should consider before making a purchase, and much more.

Top 3 Ankle Fitness Trackers

Best Ankle Fitness Tracker 2024 Reviews

Below, you may find the best ankle fitness tracker models according to our meticulous research and testing process.

1. Fitbit Flex 2 – Best Overall Pick

The Fitbit Flex 2 is a versatile and compact fit pro smart watch that is made so it can offer several important features, some of which include calories burned, distance tracking, step counting, and active minutes to ensure you are progressing as fast as possible.

Based on my first-hand experience, one of the features that set this Flex 2 step counter ankle apart from its competitors is that it is an ultra-thin, removable fitness tracker that you can place in all kinds of accessories like pendants, bangles, or bands; besides that, this step counter ankle is a swim-proof and life-proof so you can wear it while showering or swimming.

The Smart Track will be a great addition since, with it, you can automatically record and identify your workouts, while text and call notifications that are indicated by LED lights or vibrations to keep you connected while training. This makes the Fitbit Flex 2 an ideal fitness tracker on ankle for comprehensive fitness tracking.

As indicated by my tests, the main drawback to getting this step counter anklet is the fact that sometimes you can’t count on the step counter to work the best. However, it is still the best Fitbit for ankle and the best pedometer ankle overall, without a doubt.

2. Fitbit Alta HR – Best Premium Pick

The Fitbit Alta HR is a step counter for ankle fitness tracker that has continuous heart rate monitoring, which provides valuable insight to help you keep track of the calories burned. It is one of the best pedometer ankle bracelet models that will identify and find the perfect workout intensity with heart rate zones.

After conducting experiments with one of the best ankle pedometer models, the thing I believe that sets apart this fitness tracker is the sleep tracking feature, which uses technology to measure how much time you spend in deep, light, and REM stages of sleep, helping you achieve the best possible quality sleep.

The battery life of this ankle step tracker is excellent since you can expect up to 7 days of usage. It also comes with an OLED display so you can properly and clearly see the notifications and stats alongside custom clock faces to match your style.

My analysis of this ankle step tracker revealed that you could expect it to be used for a year, and then you have to replace it, which is not good when compared to other ankle activity tracker models that last several years.

3. Garmin vivosmart 4 – Best Budget Pick

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a smart and stylish ankle smart watch that comes in a slim and fashionable design. This Garmin step tracker ankle features a bright and easy-to-read-off display that makes the appearance of this product outstanding. In addition to that, this ankle smart watch also comes in different sizes to accommodate different wrist circumferences.

For all of you fitness enthusiasts, this Vivosmart 4 fitness ankle tracker comes with features, some of which include all-day stress tracking, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, the innovative Body Battery energy monitor, and a VO2 max estimation.

You can easily stay connected with the feature of smart notifications, and apart from that, you can also see if there are any weather updates or even if you want to change the music that you are listening to on your Garmin ankle fitness tracker.

Based on my observation and after testing this Garmin ankle step counter, the one feature that needs to be looked into more is sleep monitoring, which is not among the best on the market.

4. OCTANDRA Active VeryFitPro

The Octandra Active VeryFitPro smart watch is an excellent step tracker ankle if you want to turn your working out intentions into lifelong habits. It comes with a versatile and sleek design watch that can be your digital assistant. It can help you meet your daily goals and stay focused and motivated all the way.

After trying out the Very Fit Pro smart watch, I believe it can be used as a step tracker ankle, heart rate monitor, active minutes tracker, or distance monitor, ensuring you are aware of your everyday physical activities; besides this, it also provides valuable insight into your sleep patterns.

In addition, this pedometer ankle can also be used as a notification, text, and call alert system, making sure that you never miss an important message while exercising. Furthermore, this product includes handy features like a sedentary reminder, alarm, camera shutter remote control, and a stopwatch.

After purchasing and testing out this Very Fit smart watch ankle heart rate monitor, the display wasn’t the best and was unreadable outside.

5. Moov Now 3D 

The MOOV NOW is an exceptional ankle pedometer bluetooth that is made so you can get real-time audio coaching for all sorts of activities, some of which include cardio boxing, running, bodyweight exercises, and cycling.

Based on our experience with this ankle bracelet step counter, you can expect to get a personal coach that will actively monitor your movements, track all of the progress you make, and give you the motivation to keep going and achieve all of the goals that you set for yourself which is why this is valuable for both experienced athletes and beginners.

With its Omni Motion sensor, that is three times more sensors than on normal fitness trackers, gives unmatched real-time accuracy, making sure you get the most useful fitness data possible so it doesn’t matter if you are swimming, cycling, doing cardio boxing, or running, the real-time audio coaching and extensive analytics will help you improve your form and performance.

After conducting experiments with this ankle fitness monitor, the GPS signal broke a dozen times while using it outside for activity tracking.

6. Garmin Dynamic Pod 

The Garmin dynamic pod has a compact size due to the fact that it only weighs less than 0.5 ounces and is an excellent step tracker ankle bracelet to help you improve and analyze your training.

After conducting experiments with this step tracker for ankle, the main reason why the Garmin foot pod stands out from all other fitness trackers is its long-lasting replaceable battery, out of which you can expect to get up to a year of usage if you are using it one hour per day.

This Garmin ankle step counter measures 6 essential running dynamic parameters, including vertical oscillations, ground contact time, stride length, vertical ratio, cadence, and ground contact time, to offer you a deeper insight into your running performance.

For enthusiasts who prefer treadmill running and are looking to enhance their cardio training even further, learning more about the best fitness trackers for treadmills can be a game-changer.

From using this step tracker for ankle, I can say that the pod might disconnect a couple of times during a single run.

7. Garmin vívofit 2

The Garmin Vivofit 2 fitness tracker on ankle is just a perfect fit for you if you are someone who values long battery life, minimal maintenance, and accurate heart monitoring. This tracker will outperform all of its competitors on the market.

After testing this fitness tracker for ankle several times, the heart monitoring will stay precise and consistent even during high-intensity workouts because of its compatibility with chest bands that usually require more adjustment; the data they provide is worth the hassle.

When buying and using the Garmin Vivofit 2, the main difference between most fitness trackers is that they don’t have such a nice display that is clear and visible, making this ankle health monitor just ideal for workout tracking.

Through my practical knowledge, after just two hours of testing this Garmin ankle fitness tracker, the date changed by one day for no apparent reason.

8. Misfit Ray 

The Misfit Ray is a unique and minimalist ankle watch that will help you diligently track your sleep and fitness, providing some of the essential fitness tracking like calorie burn, activity tagging, distance, tracking steps, sleep quality, and many other useful features.

Besides its functional design, the Ray boasts a fashionable and sleek look, making it stylish but also very functional, and it is worth mentioning that you can stack other accessories to suit your personal preferences with its hidden 8-mm spring bars.

Nonetheless, this tracker will send you constant reminders of which goals you haven’t achieved that day, like movement reminders and vibration alerts, so that you won’t miss any important smartphone notifications, and you can use it as a smartphone to manage home devices and music.

My findings show that every now and then, it will stop working; it seems the battery drains all of a sudden for no specific reason.

9. Garmin Foot Pod

The Garmin foot pod is a fitness accessory that can be easily attached to your shoelaces, or it can fit easily into the mid-sole of compatible shoes, making it always ready while you are on the go, powered with a replaceable battery with years of training use. This makes it a convenient pedometer ankle bracelet.

Unlike most pedometers, this foot pod is highly responsive to changes in stride length, giving you an impressive result of 98 percent accuracy for tracking distance and speed.

Based on our experience, it is made to work seamlessly with several Garmin products, and it is a valuable tool that runners can use to get precise workout monitoring.

The main drawback of getting this foot pod is that you can expect it to fall off somewhere while you are running outside.

If you want to find out more about this device, read our Garmin foot pod review.

10. Fitbit Zip 

The Fitbit Zip is a perfect pocket-size fitness gadget that will bring a burst of new motivation into your daily routine with its ability to diligently record your steps, calories burned, and distance covered while allowing you to sync the data to your smartphone or laptop. This makes it an excellent smart watch veryfit alternative for those who prefer an ankle-worn device.

After using this product for some time, I noticed that the best feature of this fitness tracker is the tap display that will allow you to check your current time and daily stats with ease.

Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry about frequently recharging it since the replaceable battery keeps it running for up to 6 months, which is great if you don’t want to check up on your battery all the time and worry about charging your fitness bands.

When I trialed this fitness tracker, the problem was I couldn’t manually enter my daily weight directly on the phone app.

11. Xiaomi Mi Smart Band

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is an innovation in the world of wearables due to the fact that it has a 1.56″ AMOLED touchscreen with excellent graphics and a display that is 40% larger than before.

After trying out this product, by far the most impressive aspect of this smart band is its battery life; it can last you up to 2 weeks, making it just perfect if you are on the move a lot, and the magnetic snap-on charger just adds to its convenience.

It is worth mentioning that it is compatible with the Mi Wear App and a wide range of devices, including both IOS and Android devices, and the band doesn’t only track steps but can cover 30 different activities, which is perfect if you want to have an extremely versatile device.

Based on my first-hand experience, the calls seem to show up late, like right before they go to voicemail, which can be a problem for some users.

Best Ankle Fitness Trackers Compared

Image	Product	Features	Score
	Fitbit Flex 2	– Automatically tracks your sleep quality – Swim-proof for tracking swimming – Smart Track automatically recognizes select workouts and records them in your Fitbit app	5.0
	Fitbit Alta HR	– Made from durable and flexible elastomer material – Fitbit app – Up to 7 days of battery life	4.97
	Garmin vivosmart 4	– Advanced sleep monitoring – Slim and smart activity tracker – Get vibration alerts for notifications	4.93
	OCTANDRA Active VeryFitPro	– Smart notifications – IP67 waterproof – 14 sports modes	4.9
	Moov Now 3D	– 6-months battery life and a waterproof – Sleep score and tracking – Real-time audio coaching	4.83
	Garmin Dynamic Pod	– 1 year plus battery life – Weights less than 5 grams – Computes and sends 6 dynamic metrics	4.8
	Garmin vívofit 2	– Activity tracker – Automatically syncs with Garmin Connect app – Accurate tracking of calories burned, heart rate, distance, etc.	4.73
	Misfit Ray	– Vibration alerts for call and text notifications – Sleep tracking – Replaceable battery that lasts up to 6 months	4.67
	Garmin Foot Pod	– Small replaceable battery – Sleep tracker – Shoe-mounted accessory	4.6
	Fitbit Zip	– Distance tracking – Free iPhone and Android apps – A long battery life	4.53
	Xiaomi Mi Smart Band	– Sleep tracking – Step tracking – 24-heart rate monitor	4.47

What Is a Fitness Tracker?

A fitness tracker is a device that is made to record several aspects of your health and fitness activity. These devices are getting more and more popular because they allow you to track and manage your well-being more effectively than without them. For those who prefer not to wear a wristwatch, an ankle bracelet step counter can be a great alternative.

A fitness tracker comes with sensors that will monitor and collect data on activities such as steps taken, heart rate, sleep patterns, calories burned, and many others. Trackers are a powerful tool that will help you set and achieve fitness goals and encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle.

How to Choose the Best Ankle Fitness Tracker?

You can choose the best ankle fitness tracker by looking into several key features that are required. Some of those are design and comfort, battery life, size, water resistance, and others. 

After conducting several tests with more than a dozen ankle trackers, here is a list of the main features you should look for before getting yourself a new tracker.

Compatibility 

Make sure to check if the fitness tracker ankle devices of your choice are supported by your smartphone and the operating system running on it.

This is crucial for tracking your progress and sharing data between your devices. 

Making it as easy as possible to make the best decisions about your exercise routine and health.

However, there are also fitness trackers that work without a smartphone as well and are fully functional.

Design and Comfort

When picking your fitness tracker, the first priority should be comfort since you will be wearing it for extended periods of time during your workout, so make sure you pick one that fits you the best [2].

Another thing you can take into consideration is the style of the tracker and how you can align it with your personal preference.

Tracking Features

Look at the list of the tracking features that the device offers, and check if it aligns with your needs. 

The common features are step tracking, distance measurement, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking, with some offering more specific features [3]. 

The best ankle fitness trackers will give you a wider range of features and give a better look into your activity and health.

Battery Life

Before buying fitness trackers, it is important to check for the battery life. 

Longer battery life ensures that the ankle fitness tracker remains on during the day and reduces the need for charging, which makes it easier and more convenient to track your fitness journey.

Water Resistance

Having good water resistance protection is important for fitness trackers. 

It ensures that your tracker stays accurate and operational during intense workouts or while getting caught in the rain.

Size

The size of the ankle fitness tracker is crucial; you don’t want it on too tight or too loose. 

Having it fit securely helps you achieve your fitness goal by making sure that the tracking is accurate and you don’t feel any discomfort while wearing it.

Mobile App Integration

Check out the companion app that comes with the fitness band. 

The best ankle fitness trackers come with a user-friendly app that provides easy-to-access data and helps you stay motivated to reach your fitness goal. 

However, the app should help you make informed decisions on your fitness plan.

Price and Budget

When looking for a good device for you, besides the features, you should look at the price. 

Look for a device that’s within your budget and has the features you want out of your ankle band. 

The balance between price and features is crucial for making sure you are making the right choice.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Check the brand’s reputation. 

Brands with a good reputation and positive user feedback are a good sign that the product is high-quality. 

Read user reviews to check the real-life experiences of other users with the fitness bands.

Additional Features

Consider if any of the extra features can make your fitness routine better 

and more enjoyable. 

These include built-in GPS, various workout modes, stress monitoring, and the ability to integrate with other fitness or health apps. 

Warranty and Customer Support

Read the warranty terms and check for the availability of customer support. 

A good warranty and quick customer service are really valuable things to have. 

Providing help and peace of mind during your ownership of the device. 

Who Should Buy an Ankle Fitness Tracker?

You should buy an ankle fitness tracker if you are a person who is passionate about fitness. Buying one of these devices will be a valuable investment to help you with specific health and fitness goals.

These trackers will provide a detailed insight into your health and fitness activities.

Also, if you are a person who likes to track your progress and see real-time data from your life, getting one of these may be a great addition for you.

Who Shouldn’t Buy an Ankle Fitness Tracker?

You shouldn’t buy an ankle fitness tracker if you are a person who casually exercises. If you are a person who occasionally does some physical activity and you aren’t interested in deep tracking your workouts, you shouldn’t spend huge sums of cash on this device. 

But still, if you want something on the more budget-friendly side, pick cheaper options that have basic features you can use to the fullest.

How Significant Are Ankle Fitness Trackers?

Ankle fitness trackers are extremely significant in the fitness world due to their incredible benefits. One of the most important factors in a fitness tracker is the accuracy that it possesses, which will help you move to your fitness goal.

With a fitness tracker, you can easily see precise metrics like stride length, cadence, step count, and many others that will give you a deeper understanding of your everyday routines. Using a step counter anklet can enhance these tracking capabilities.

It will be of significant importance that all of the data you get is as accurate as possible to help you improve yourself.

What Are the Disadvantages of Wearing an Ankle Fitness Tracker?

The disadvantages of wearing an ankle fitness tracker are skin irritation, limited screen size, placement restrictions, battery life, and limited style options. To help you better understand how significant these disadvantages are for you specifically, I will dive into details about each downside of having an ankle fitness tracker.

Skin Irritation

Ankle fitness trackers can sometimes cause some kind of skin discomfort or irritation, especially when you wear them for a long time. 

The snug fit, which is necessary to track the data, and constant contact with your skin may cause redness or itching for some people.

Limited Screen Size

When you compare smartwatches to ankle trackers, it is easy to notice that the display size is much smaller. 

Because of this, you might have problems reading and interacting with a device while working out.

Placement Restrictions

Ankle trackers are made so you can wear them around your ankle, therefore limiting their versatility.

On the other side, you can wear a smartwatch on both hands, allowing you to pick which side you are willing to put it on.

Battery Life

Some ankle fitness devices have a shorter battery duration compared to their wrist counterparts because of their smaller size. 

Furthermore, you are expected to charge them more often, which may be a problem for people who are in need of continuous tracking devices.

Limited Style Options

Ankle trackers are usually limited with different style options due to the materials out of which they need to be made. 

This may be a problem for you if you want to have a tracker with a fashionable look to complement your appearance.

How Often Should You Replace a Tracker?

You should replace your tracker every 2 to 4 years. With this timeframe, you are able to get all of the new technology, and the natural wear and tear will occur, making you want to get a new fitness tracker.

In addition, if you are at the moment having trouble with your tracker lagging or isn’t performing as it should be, it is a great choice to consider replacing it with a new one.

Another important factor is wear and tear since ankle fitness trackers will be exposed to water and sweat, which can lead to display problems, device deterioration, or even some sensor bugs and issues. 

Besides all of this, you can’t forget about the degradation of the battery over time and after intense usage, which will result in short battery life.

What Is the Best Ankle Fitness Band?

The best ankle fitness band is Fitbit Flex 2. This Fitbit Flex stands out as the best option because of its features to track steps, distance, calories, and active minutes. 

Also, it has an ultra-thin design that is versatile and durable. Nonetheless, it comes with sleep tracking, text, and call notifications, and one of the best LED displays to help you monitor your goals.

Ankle Fitness Tracker Instructions

Using an ankle fitness tracker requires understanding its functionalities and features to maximize its benefits. This is why it is so crucial you have useful ankle fitness tracker instructions along the way. Here are some general instructions (every ankle fitness tracker is different, so bear that in mind) you should probably consider.

Device Charging

Connect the cable to the magnetic port of the tracker. A full charge typically takes 5 to 6 hours.

Device Button Operations

• Short press for 1 second to power ON.
• Check LED and device status with a short press when powered ON.
• Without a SIM card, short press the button 7 times to power OFF.
• Long press for 15 seconds to restart.
• For SOS alerts, long press for 3 seconds.

Wearing & Key Function

• Install a NANO SIM that supports 4G and has a GPRS plan.
• Wear the tracker snugly around the ankle and secure it with the special screw.
• Avoid tampering with the strap or tracker; it will send an alert if tampered with.

Device Tracking

• The tracker uses GPS for outdoor tracking and Wi-Fi or LBS for indoor and outdoor tracking.
• Tracking priority is GPS > Wi-Fi > LBS.
• Real-time tracking is supported.

SOS Alert

• Activate or deactivate SOS alerts via the GPRS command.
• Long press for 3 seconds to trigger an SOS alert.

Low Battery & Tamperproof Alert

• The tracker vibrates at battery levels of 30%, 20%, and 10%.
• Tamperproof alerts are sent if the strap is opened or broken.

Mobile Application Guide

Download the “Beehome” app from Google Play or the App Store. Register and enroll your device using its IMEI or by scanning the barcode. The app offers various functions like setting SOS numbers, real-time location, and more.

Waterproofing

The tracker is rated IP67, meaning it’s splash, water, and dust resistant.

Avoid submerging it in water and exposing it to high-velocity water or steam.

FAQs

Can You Wear a Fitness Tracker on Your Ankle?

Yes, you can wear a fitness tracker on your ankle. If you can get a strap fit, nothing can stop you from doing so, and therefore, you might find that some of the metrics improve, like step counting.

Can You Wear a Fitbit Around Your Ankle?

Yes, you can wear a Fitbit around your ankle. If you fix it and make it stabile around your ankle, nothing is stopping you from using it that way if it’s more comfortable for you.

Can You Get a Step Counter for Your Ankle?

Yes, you can get a step counter on your ankle. By doing this, you can expect to improve the accuracy of step counting compared to using it on your wrist.

Is It Ok to Wear an Apple Watch on the Ankle?

Yes, it is ok to wear an Apple watch on the ankle. If it is more comfortable for you that way, there is no reason why you shouldn’t wear an Apple watch on your ankle.

Does Fitbit Make an Ankle Bracelet?

No, Fitbit doesn’t make ankle bracelets. You can get additional accessories to pair with your Fitbit products to use them as an ankle bracelet.

Can I Wear My Fitbit Charge 3 on My Ankle?

Yes, you can wear your Fitbit Charge 3 on your ankle. Since you will wear it around your ankle, some features like heart monitoring might not work the best.

Is Fitbit or Garmin Better?

Garmin is better than Fitbit. If you are looking for a device with advanced fitness features, look no further than Garmin.

What Is the Best Ankle Fitness Tracker?

The best ankle fitness tracker is a Fitbit Flex 2. 

With this best pedometer for ankle, you can expect to get a comprehensive set of features like calorie monitoring, counting steps, and active tracking, making sure you can effectively track your progress.

One of the best features that sets this device apart from others on the market is its ultra-thin and removable design, allowing you to wear it as a bangle, band, or pendant. 

Moreover, it has a swim-proof and life-proof design, which means you wear it while swimming in the pool or showering.

Please let me know out of these 11 ankle fitness trackers which one suits your needs the best.

References:

1. Klassen TD, Simpson LA, Lim SB, et al. “Stepping Up” Activity Poststroke: Ankle-Positioned Accelerometer Can Accurately Record Steps During Slow Walking. Phys Ther. 2016;96(3):355-360.
2. Mabrouk S, Whittingslow D, Inan OT. Robust Method for Mid-Activity Tracking and Evaluation of Ankle Health Post-Injury. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2021;68(4):1341-1350. doi:10.1109/TBME.2020.3027477
3. Mazzeo M, Hernan G, Veerubhotla A. Usability and ease of use of long-term remote monitoring of physical activity for individuals with acquired brain injury in community: a qualitative analysis. Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1220581. Published 2023 Sep 13. doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1220581