10 Best Fitness Trackers for Basketball (2022)

Whether you are a basketball player, football freak, or play any other sports, a fitness tracker can help you step up your game and maximize your potential. There are various options in the market which you can choose to get better at your fitness and game. 

When it comes to the best fitness tracker for basketball, players usually use smartwatches and activity trackers to track their fitness. While activity trackers are fitness-focused, smartwatches combine the functionality of an activity tracker with smartphone features. 

Stick till the end to learn all about the best fitness trackers for basketball, including:

  • See detailed reviews of the 10 best smartwatches with their specs, pros, and cons 
  • Compare all smartwatches in a grand comparison table 
  • Consider all factors when looking for a smartwatch in a buying guide 
  • Answer some of the most frequently asked questions to clear any doubts

Best Fitness Trackers for Basketball 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 — Best Overall

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm; 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm
  • Weight: 30 g; 26 g
  • Display: SUPER AMOLED; 1.4 and 1.2 inches
  • Resolution: 450 x 450; 396 x 396
  • Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass DX+
  • Operating System: Wear OS
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wifi, LTE, NFC
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: Android
  • GPS: Built-in
  • Battery Life: 40 hours
Reasons to Buy
  • Supports Cellular connectivity (call/texting)
  • Has Samsung’s personal virtual assistant Bixby
  • Supports contactless payment with Samsung Pay
  • 90+ exercises supported with fitness traction
  • Water Lock & Eject Water mode
Reasons to Avoid
  • Incompatible with iOS devices

The Galaxy Watch 4 is an all-in-one smartwatch for players looking for a gadget beyond activity trackers. It comprises advanced business features such as cellular connectivity, contactless payment (Samsung Pay), voice recognition (Bixby), and water lock mode. 

As a fitness tracker, the watch supports more than 90 exercises and provides detailed insights into health metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, heart rhythm, blood oxygen levels and snoring patterns.

However, such a long list of features is likely to put a strain on the battery, though Samsung claims the watch can be expected to last for up to 40 hours. 

Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 4 features a promising upgrade from its predecessor Galaxy Watch 3, including the Wear OS, which has limited the watch’s compatibility to Android devices only. 

Additionally, the watch is highly customizable as you can choose from various colours, style it with different bands, and personalize it with your preferred watch face.

Bottom Line 

The Galaxy Watch 4 is suitable for players with Android devices. LTE, NFC, Bixby, 90+ exercises traction, and Water Lock & Eject Water modes are some of the hallmarks of the Galaxy Watch 4. 

Apple Watch 7 — Best Smartwatch for iOS Devices

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm; 41 x 35 x 10.7 mm
  • Weight: 38 g; 32 g
  • Display: Retina LTPO OLED; 1.78 and 1.9 inches
  • Resolution: 484 x 396; 352 x 430
  • Glass: Ion-X glass
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: iOS
  • GPS: Built-in 
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Reasons to Buy
  • Higher resolution than most other alternatives
  • Includes a full QWERTY keyboard
  • Tracks ECG in just 30 seconds
  • Has Apple’s personal virtual assistant Siri
  • Supports contactless payment with Apple Pay
Reasons to Avoid
  • Incompatible with Android devices
  • Short battery life

The Apple Watch 7 is another modern gadget that combines the functionality of a smartwatch, activity tracker, and smartphone. As a successor to the Apple Watch 6, it features a rugged body, cellular connectivity, virtual assistant (Siri), and NFC (Apple Pay).

With an innovative Retina LTPO OLED display, the watch features an incredibly higher resolution, rarely found in other smartwatches. Furthermore, the watch also features a bigger display screen than Samsung (and most other) watches, allowing the users to enjoy a full QWERTY keyboard for typing texts. 

The watch can track various health metrics, including heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen. It takes only a touch to the Digital Crown to generate an ECG waveform in 30 seconds. 

Besides, though the Series 7 still has the same battery life as Series 6 (18 hours), Apple claims the Series 7 can be charged 33% faster than Series 6. Other breakthrough health innovations include Tai Chi and Pilates exercise tractions, besides other 16 supported workouts.

Bottom Line 

Indeed, the Apple Watch 7 is a great pick for players with iOS devices. With advanced features like a QWERTY keyboard, higher resolution, Apple Pay, LTE, Siri, and fitness traction, it is worth every penny. 

Garmin Vivosmart 4 — Best Budget-Friendly Activity Tracker

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 15 x 10.5 x 197 mm; 15 x 10.5 x 223 mm
  • Weight: 16.5 g; 17.1 g
  • Display: OLED; 0.26 x 0.70 inches
  • Resolution: 48 x 128
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: iOS, Android
  • GPS: Built-in
  • Battery Life: up to 7 days
Reasons to Buy
  • Premium fitness traction 
  • Supports various exercises 
  • Daily Body Battery energy monitoring
  • Receives calls, texts, and smartphone notifications
  • Long Battery Life
Reasons to Avoid
  • Partial incompatibility with iOS devices

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is an extremely lightweight activity tracker dedicated to your wellness and fitness. 

Like other Garmin gadgets, the Vivosmart 4 also has a long battery life (up to 7 days). Its premium fitness traction includes heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, all-day stress tracking, blood oxygen saturation levels (during sleep), breathing patterns, VO2 max (oxygen consumption during an exercise), and more. 

The activity tracker also supports various exercises, and you can get insights into workouts like walking, running, yoga, pool swimming, strength training, etc. 

Another great feature of the Vivosmart 4 is its Body Battery energy monitoring — a score based on your recent stress levels, heart rate variability (HRV), and sleep and activity data. Fitness freaks can use this score to estimate their body’s behaviour for the rest of the day and choose workouts wisely. 

Furthermore, since the gadget is paired to your phone using Bluetooth, it supports text, call, and other notifications. You can also reply to texts using presets (Android only). 

Bottom Line 

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is an activity tracker with advanced fitness traction and supports notification alerts. Fitness addicts who prefer to stay focused on their wellness yet want to stay connected to the world should go for it. 

Fitbit Sense — Best Fitness-Focused Smartwatch 

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 40.4 x 40.4 x 12.4 mm
  • Weight: 33.1 g
  • Display: AMOLED; 1.58 inches
  • Resolution: 336 x 336
  • Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: Android, iOS
  • GPS: built-in 
  • Battery Life: 4-6 days
Reasons to Buy
  • Equipped with innovative fitness tracking features
  • Includes Biosensor Core for premium fitness traction
  • Supports Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Supports contactless payment with Fitbit Pay
  • 20+ exercises supported with auto-detection 
Reasons to Avoid 
  • Quick replies/voice replies for text available for Android devices only

Fitbit Sense has a classic design, smart software and outstanding health traction. The watch is known in the smartwatch world for its cutting-edge fitness features, tough body, and long battery life. 

This fitness-focused smartwatch comes with the Biosensor Core — an innovative sensor that tracks temperature, heart rate, and SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation). During workouts, your heart rate zones show where you spend your energy: fat burn, cardio or peak zone. 

Moreover, the watch timely updates you about your body with a Daily Readiness Score — a number calculated based on your sleep, recent activity, and heart rate variability. Similarly, the Workout Intensity Map tells you your heart rate zones through an outdoor activity route. 

Besides, the SmartTrack feature automatically detects workouts and supports up to 20+ exercises. You can also step up your fitness game by subscribing to Fitbit Premium and get access to Sleep Tools, Guided Programs, Workouts, Advanced Insights, Challenges, etc. 

Bottom Line 

The Fitbit Sense is a fantastic watch for fitness freaks. However, the watch doesn’t support cellular, so it’s most suitable for players who prefer carrying their phone with their smartwatch. 

Garmin Forerunner 45 — Best Smartwatch for Runners 

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 39.5 x 39.5 x 11.4 mm; 42 x 42 x 11.4 mm
  • Weight: 32 g; 36 g
  • Display: MIP transflective; 1.04 inches
  • Resolution: 208 x 208
  • Glass: Chemically Strengthened glass
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: Android, iOS
  • GPS: Built-in
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 days
Reasons to Buy
  • Chemically strengthened, sunlight-visible display glass 
  • Receives calls, texts, and smartphone notifications
  • Supports contactless payment with Garmin Pay
  • Has Incident Detection for emergency 
  • Free personal Garmin Coach included 
  • Long battery life 
Reasons to Avoid 
  • Partial incompatibility with iOS devices

The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a smartwatch designed for runners but can be a great pick for other fitness freaks too. 

Its chemically strengthened glass is sunlight-visible, so even though the watch has low resolution, it will still be bright in broad daylight. 

Also, the watch is not cellular, unlike Samsung and Apple watches, but receives calls, texts, and smartphone notifications via Bluetooth. You can also accept/reject calls and reply to messages using presets (presets are available on Android only). 

The Garmin Forerunner 45 doesn’t come with a virtual assistant but has other great features, including Incident Detection, which allows you to send your name and location to your emergency contacts using Garmin Connect

When it comes to fitness, Garmin has its personal, free Garmin Coach added to the watch, allowing you to get guided workout (running) notifications based on your previous running ability. 

The watch also features a long battery life, allowing you to choose from various battery modes that can last up to 7 days.

Bottom Line 

The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a tough glass and vibrant display; it supports notification alerts, contactless payments and features like Incident Detection and Garmin Coach. All this makes it a good choice for fitness lovers looking for an activity tracker with some smartwatch features. 

SUUNTO 9 Baro — Best Rugged Smartwatch 

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm
  • Weight: 81 g
  • Display: Matrix; 1.34 inches
  • Resolution: 320 x 300
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Water Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Compatibility: Android, iOS
  • GPS: Built-in GPS
  • Battery Life: up to 7-14 days
Reasons to Buy
  • Ultra-endurance, military design 
  • Water Resistance of up to 100 m
  • 80+ sport modes supported 
  • Up to 14 days of battery life 
  • Intelligent battery modes 
Reasons to Avoid  
  • Doesn’t track blood oxygen 
  • Doesn’t support contactless payment or voice-recognition

The SUUNTO 9 Baro is the magnum opus of rugged smartwatches, thanks to its Ultra-endurance design and resistance to extreme temperatures, shocks, accidental drops, sand, dust, humidity, and freezing rain. 

Due to its sturdy body and tough glass, the watch weighs more than its competitors, but its robustness also makes it a fantastic pick for athletes and adventurers. Furthermore, the gadget has 100 meters of water resistance, a feature rarely found in alternative smartwatches or activity trackers. 

Additionally, the SUUNTO 9 Baro is designed for fitness enthusiasts supporting 80+ sport modes and tracking health metrics like heart rate, stress, steps, calories, stress, etc. 

Another hallmark of this watch is up to 14 days of battery life. It also includes various intelligent battery modes (time mode, Ultra battery mode, Endurance battery mode, Training mode, and custom mode) to help you make the most of it. 

Bottom Line 

The SUUNTO 9 Baro is all about ruggedness, advanced functionality, and fitness traction. It’s most suitable for players often facing dangerous games, rough weather, or hard training.

Fossil Gen 6 — Best Smartwatch for Everyday Use

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 12 mm; 44 x 44 x 12 mm
  • Weight: 43 g; 72.6 g
  • Display: Color AMOLED; 1.28 inches
  • Resolution: 416 x 416
  • Glass: Tempered Glass
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wifi, NFC
  • Water Resistance: 3 ATM
  • Compatibility: Android, iOS
  • GPS: Built-in GPS
  • Battery Life: 24+ hours
Reasons to Buy
  • Supports contactless payments through Google Pay 
  • Make and receive calls
  • Supports Alexa (built-in) & Google Assistant 
  • Tempered glass is tough and durable 
  • Various battery modes to enhance the battery life 
Reasons to Avoid
  • Low water resistance 
  • Short battery life 

The Fossil Gen 6 is another best smartwatch for basketball players and athletes, featuring a handful of features, including a vibrant display, strong glass, contactless payments, voice recognition, and call support. 

First, the watch is popular for its bigger and brighter display enframed with tempered glass,, which is durable and tough. It also makes the watch resistant to shock, drops, and strikes and 3 ATM water resistance also provides safety from water splashes. 

Also, the Fossil Gen 6 includes dual voice-recognition (Alexa and Google Assistant) — a feature that Fitbit gadgets are famous for. Alexa is built-in, while you can also switch to Google Assistant as your personal assistant. 

However, the only thing concerning is the 24+ battery life, though you can use the following Fossil smartwatch modes to enhance the battery life:

  • Daily mode
  • Extended mode
  • Time-only mode

Besides that, the watch supports contactless payments, and you can add your debit/credit cards to Google Pay to make money transactions right through your wrist.

Bottom Line 

The Fossil Gen 6 is a good smartwatch for players and fitness freaks whose schedule doesn’t travel afar since the watch needs to be recharged daily. However, given the features, it includes, it is worth consideration. 

Apple Watch SE — Best Budget-Friendly Apple Watch

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm; 40 x 34 x 10.4 mm
  • Weight: 36.4 g; 30.7 g
  • Display: OLED; 1.78 and 1.57 inches
  • Resolution: 448 x 368; 394 x 324
  • Glass: Ion-X strengthened glass
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: iOS
  • GPS: Built-in
  • Battery Life: 18 hours
Reasons to Buy
  • Higher resolution and strong glass
  • 18 workouts supported with fitness traction
  • Has Apple’s personal virtual assistant Siri
  • Supports contactless payment with Apple Pay
  • Supports calling/texting
Reasons to Avoid 
  • Short battery life 
  • Doesn’t track blood oxygen

The Apple Watch SE is an iconic smartwatch for those looking for a cost-effective but highly functional Apple Watch. It supports advanced features like cellular connectivity, contactless payment (Apple Pay), voice-recognition (Siri), and fall detection. 

Like other latest Apple watches, it is strong and durable, designed with Ion-X strengthened glass and vivid display resolution. The watch tracks heart rate and sends high, low, and irregular heart rate notifications. Besides that, it supports 18 workout activities like Apple Watch 7. 

However, the Watch SE doesn’t include a blood oxygen sensor and an electrical heart sensor. Another concerning thing is 18 hours of battery life, same as the Apple Watch 7. 

Yet, you can get a phone-free experience by supporting texting/calling, Siri is there to perform most of the tasks for you, and you can also track your health with premium fitness tools. 

Bottom Line 

The Apple Watch SE contains many features available in the latest Apple watches, but it comes at a lower price. With top-notch features and advanced fitness traction, it is a good option for Apple lovers with a tight budget.

Fitbit Inspire HR — Best Fitness Focused Activity Tracker

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 16.2 x 37 x 12.6 mm
  • Weight: 20 g 
  • Display: OLED; 1 & 1/2 x 1/2 inches
  • Resolution: 128 x 72
  • Glass: Plastic
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: iOS, Android
  • GPS: Uses Phone GPS
  • Battery Life: up to 5 days
Reasons to Buy
  • Cost-effective 
  • Advanced-level sleep monitoring 
  • Supports 20+ workouts
  • Includes premium features like Cardio Fitness Score, Guided Breathing Sessions, and heart rate zones
Reasons to Avoid 
  • Fragile plastic display

The Fitbit Inspire HR is an activity tracker which offers fitness features in a classy design at a fairly affordable price. While connected to the phone with Bluetooth, it also shows notifications. 

The tracker monitors heart rate, stress, calories, and other fitness metrics. The Inspire HR takes sleep traction to another level as it provides insights into time asleep, and restlessness, and monitors time spent in light, deep and REM sleep stages. 

Moreover, features like Cardio Fitness Score (calculated using your resting heart rate and personal information such as age, gender, weight, etc.) help you know more about your health. The gadget supports 20+ workouts while actively tracking your steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and timely performance like active minutes, hourly activity and stationary time. 

Guided Breathing Sessions help you destress,, and real-time heart rate zones inform you about your recent heart activity. You can also set reminders for workout time, drink more water, or a sleep schedule. 

Bottom Line 

The Fitbit Inspire HR is worth consideration for athletes working hard every day for a big game. It provides a distraction-free environment focused on your health while keeping you connected to your phone simultaneously. 

Fitbit Versa 3 — Best Budget-Friendly Smartwatch 

Specs 

  • Dimensions: 40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35 mm
  • Weight: 39 g
  • Display: AMOLED; 1.58 inches
  • Resolution: 336 x 336
  • Glass: Corning Gorilla 3
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Compatibility: iOS, Android
  • GPS: Built-in
  • Battery Life: 2-3 days 
Reasons to Buy
  • Cost-effective smartwatch
  • Equipped with advanced fitness tracking features
  • Supports Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Supports contactless payment with Fitbit Pay
  • 20+ exercises supported with auto-detection
Reasons to Avoid 
  • Some advanced fitness features require subscription to Fitbit Premium

The Fitbit Versa 3 is another fitness-focused smartwatch but in a cost-effective range. With features like sturdy glass, contactless payment (Fitbit Pay), dual-virtual assistants (Alexa & Google Assistant), and superior fitness traction, the watch meets the demands of the modern era. 

The Fitbit Versa 3 is much like a copy of Fitbit Sense besides a few sensors and health monitoring. It is slightly bulkier than the Fitbit Sense, doesn’t notify for irregular heartbeats (no Biosensor Core), and has a shorter battery life than the Sense. 

However, this doesn’t stop the Versa 3 from becoming one of the most-demanding watches of the era, as it includes all the necessary features required in daily life. The watch supports up to 20 workout activities and gives insights into monitored heart rate, stress, sleep, blood oxygen, etc. 

It also gives a personalized Daily Readiness Score, heart rate zones, and a Workout Intensity Map — all are Fitbit Sense’s features but at a lesser price in Versa 3.

Bottom Line 

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a good option for players looking for a fitness smartwatch on a budget. It has a sturdy body, advanced health monitoring, and business features, perfect for fitness freaks. 

Comparison Table: Best Smartwatches for Basketball

ProductsGalaxy Watch 4Apple Watch 7 Garmin Vivosmart 4
Fitbit SenseGarmin Forerunner 45SUUNTO 9 BaroFossil Gen 6Apple Watch SEFitbit Inspire HRFitbit Versa 3 
Dimensions44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm;40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm45 x 38 x 10.7 mm;41 x 35 x 10.7 mm15 x 10.5 x 197 mm;15 x 10.5 x 223 mm40.4 x 40.4 x 12.4 mm39.5 x 39.5 x 11.4 mm;42 x 42 x 11.4 mm50 x 50 x 16.8 mm42 x 42 x 12 mm;44 x 44 x 12 mm
https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Watch-GPS-40mm-Starlight/dp/B09G9FS5YN/?tag=khizerkaleemu-20
44 x 38 x 10.4 mm;40 x 34 x 10.4 mm16.2 x 37 x 12.6 mm40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35 mm
Weight30 g;26 g38 g;32 g16.5 g;17.1 g33.1 g32 g;36 g81 g43 g;72.6 g36.4 g;30.7 g20 g39 g
DisplaySUPER AMOLED;1.4 & 1.2 inchesRetina LTPO OLED;1.78 & 1.9 inchesOLED;0.26 x 0.70 inchesAMOLED;1.58 inchesMIP transflective;1.04 inchesMatrix;1.34 inchesColor AMOLED;1.8 inchesOLED;1.78 & 1.57 inchesOLED;1 & 1/2 x 1/2 inchesAMOLED;1.58 inches
Resolution450 x 450;396 x 396484 x 396;352 x 43048 x 128336 x 336208 x 208320 x 300416 x 416448 x 368;394 x 324128 x 72336 x 336
GlassCorning Gorilla Glass DX+Ion-X glass
Corning Gorilla Glass 3Chemically Strengthened GlassSapphire crystalTempered GlassIon-X Strengthened GlassPlasticCorning Gorilla 3
ConnectivityBluetooth,Wifi,LTE,NFCBluetooth ,Wi-Fi,NFC,LTEBluetoothBluetooth,Wi-Fi,NFCBluetoothBluetoothBluetooth,Wifi, NFCBluetooth,LTE,Wi-Fi,NFCBluetoothBluetooth,Wi-Fi,NFC
NFCSamsung PayApple PayNOFitbit PayNONOGoogle PayApple PayNOFitbit Pay
CompatibilityAndroidiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid,iOSAndroid,iOSAndroid,iOSAndroid,iOSiOSAndroid,iOSAndroid,iOS
GPSBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-inUses Phone GPSBuilt-in
Heart Rate SensorYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
Blood Oxygen SensorYESYESYESYESYESNOYESNONOYES
Sleep TractionYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
Water Resistance5 ATM5 ATM5 ATM5 ATM5 ATM10 ATM3 ATM5 ATM5 ATM5 ATM
Virtual AssistantBixbySiriNOAlexa (Built-in), Google AssistantNONOAlexa (Built-in), Google Assistant SiriNOAlexa (Built-in), Google Assistant
Fall DetectionYESYESNONOYESNONOYESNONO
Do Not Disturb ModeYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
Always-On ModeYESYESNOYESNONOYESNONOYES
Battery LifeUp to 40 hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 7 days4-6 daysUp to 7 daysUp to 7-14 daysUp to 24+ hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 5 days2-3 days
PriceCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fitness Trackers for Basketball 

All the options mentioned in this guide are worth a try, but not every gadget is made for everyone. Still, various features are designed especially to help players and athletes, as follows. 

Strong Body & Glass

Whether you prefer a smartwatch or an activity tracker, a durable body is a must. The display glass should be tough and resistant to shocks and drops. Similarly, the watch should be water resistant (up to 50 meters / 5 ATM) to endure sweat, hand washing, and water splashing. 

LTE/Bluetooth

For smartwatches, you can choose between cellular or Bluetooth connectivity for notification alerts. Cellular connectivity is suitable for outdoor activities/travelling (a phone-free experience), while you can also go for Bluetooth if you prefer keeping your phone along with it. 

Note that cellular smartwatches don’t require a phone in the surrounding for messaging/calling but are expensive. Similarly, Bluetooth smartwatches cost less but require a compatible phone in a specific range to receive notifications. 

Fall Detection Feature 

Fall Detection (or Incident Detection on Garmin gadgets) is a valuable feature to look for in a smartwatch for game players. With this feature, the watch can detect a fall and sends alerts for emergency help. 

If the user doesn’t respond within a limited time, the watch automatically shares your location and other information to the added emergency contacts. 

Do Not Disturb & Always-On Modes

Most smartwatches and activity trackers have a Do Not Disturb mode to turn off all the notification alerts for a set time. As an athlete, you can choose to silence sound or vibration (or both) alerts when working out or running an errand. 

Similarly, the Always-On mode on your smartwatch keeps the screen on for as long as the mode is on. Many users find it helpful when going on a run (or doing any other exercise) as you don’t have to tap on the screen, again and again, to wake it and see your fitness metrics. 

Virtual Assistant (Voice Recognition)

Voice recognition is a feature supported by smartwatches where you can ask a virtual assistant to type a text, set the alarm, search something on the web, and more. 

Apple smartwatches have Siri, while Samsung wearables come with Bixby. Other smartwatches support Alexa or Google Assistant (or both). Once set up, you can call your watch’s supported personal assistant by saying its name (“Hi Siri”, “Hello Google”, etc.). 

Fitness Traction

Workout monitoring is essential for athletes to look for in a smartwatch/activity tracker. Based on your preference, you can either get an activity tracker (fitness focused) or a smartwatch (which combines an activity tracker with smartphone features). 

Depending on your workout type, you can select a gadget that supports it (running, walking, cycling, etc.). Modern smartwatches come with a long list of supported workouts such as swimming, skiing, elliptical training, and more.

Moreover, along with various workout exercises, you should also check which health metrics are supported. Heart rate, stress, and sleep are the most common fitness metrics supported on smartwatches/activity trackers. 

Some advanced gadgets also track blood oxygenation, breathing patterns, menstrual cycles, and more. 

NFC (Contactless Payment)

You can look for NFC in your considered smartwatch as it allows you to make money transactions right from your wrist. 

Also, NFC payments are considered safer since the data is shared between two devices using various payment security solutions such as encryption and tokenization.

Battery & Battery Modes

Long battery life is good to have in a smartwatch/activity tracker for players. Some smartwatches also include various battery modes to enhance battery life. 

Did You Get What You’re Looking For?

Hopefully, now you know some of the best fitness trackers for basketball which are durable, fitness-focused, and support advanced smartphone features. 

However, the Galaxy Watch 4 is worth every penny if you are looking for the best option. It is a multi-functional, all-in-one smartwatch, including features like cellular connectivity, contactless payment, voice recognition, and support for up to 90+ workout exercises. 

Moreover, you can also consider the following options if you are looking for the best fitness trackers for basketball:

Frequently Asked Questions

How are smartwatches different from activity trackers?

Activity trackers have limited features and are mostly focused on fitness. Smartwatches, on the other hand, include many other features like cellular support, contactless payments, virtual assistants, and fitness traction.

What should be the water resistance of a good fitness tracker for basketball?

The water resistance for a fitness tracker for a basketball player depends on the type of workout you do or the average water interaction. Most smartwatches/activity trackers with 5 ATM support swimming and can endure water splashes and sweat. 

Alexa versus Google Assistant: which is better in a smartwatch?

Some smartwatches support both Alexa and Google Assistant as virtual assistants. When deciding which one to set up, remember that Google is more accurate and popular than Alexa in recognizing voices while Alexa is more intelligent in logical thinking.

Do activity trackers have better battery life than smartwatches?

Activity trackers tend to have a better battery life than smartwatches, given most battery-draining features like cellular support, virtual assistant, and Always-On mode are absent. However, many smartwatches also come with various battery modes to last longer. 

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