{"id":257636,"date":"2025-10-29T00:38:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T00:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/257636\/"},"modified":"2025-10-29T00:38:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T00:38:12","slug":"the-stuff-gadget-awards-2025-our-fitness-tech-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/257636\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stuff Gadget Awards 2025: our fitness tech of the year"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Fitness tech took some appropriately big leaps forward this year, with wearables<\/a> getting smarter, more accurate and increasingly specialised. The smartwatch landscape evolved considerably, with brands like Google refining the Pixel Watch 4<\/a> and Apple pushing its Ultra Watch 3<\/a> into even more hardcore territory. Battery life became a serious battleground too, with several manufacturers finally cracking the code on week-long stamina.<\/p>\n

Beyond wristwear, cycling<\/a> gadgets climbed to new heights of sophistication, with bike computers integrating wind sensors and expanded displays to make navigation genuinely effortless. Even niche sports like skiing benefited from clever innovations, with external motion sensors replacing cumbersome insole-based systems.<\/p>\n

The line between fitness tracker<\/a> and medical device continued to blur, with several wearables introducing ECG monitoring and blood pressure tracking that worked with clinical accuracy. Meanwhile, brands like Huawei, Amazfit and Polar kept mid-range options competitive, ensuring nobody need spend flagship money for capable tracking.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the year\u2019s best and brightest fitness products.<\/p>\n

Fitness watch or tracker of the year: Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED<\/p>\n

\"\"\"Stuff<\/p>\n

The latest Fenix watch remains Garmin\u2019s most capable adventure tool<\/a> \u2013 but now elevated by some transformative upgrades. A razor-sharp AMOLED screen lifts the entire experience without sacrificing stamina, while the built-in mic and speaker unlock voice-activation and memo tools previously missing from Garmin\u2019s multisport line-up.<\/p>\n

The comprehensive tracking capabilities cover everything stat addicts could dream of: adaptive coaching, workout recommendations, training readiness monitoring and round-trip routing. ClimbPro previews route elevations, offline maps handle navigation and improved dive credentials allow exploration to a depth of 40m.<\/p>\n

Premium materials like sapphire glass and titanium reinforce the Fenix\u2019s rugged credentials across all three sizes. GPS and heart-rate accuracy remain reliable, battery life lengthy and smartwatch skills genuinely top-tier \u2013 including offline Spotify, contactless payments and Garmin Messenger.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s tough, talented and teeming with training essentials \u2013 plus loads of stuff most people will never need. The Fenix has always been brilliant, but this generation feels even better.<\/p>\n

Highly commended<\/p>\n

Coros Pace Pro<\/p>\n

\"Coros\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Garmin might dominate the running watch market, but this impressively specced alternative offers compelling reasons to buck the trend and look elsewhere. The Pace Pro<\/a> is Coros\u2019s first foray into AMOLED territory, and its brilliantly legible 1.3in display offers exceptional 1500-nit peak brightness and full-color mapping capabilities. Combined with upgraded processing power that makes it respond at genuinely impressive speeds, this creates an experience to rival considerably pricier competitors.<\/p>\n

The real kicker? At just 37g with a nylon band (49g with silicone), it\u2019s extraordinarily light for what it packs inside. The specifications stack up favourably against Garmin\u2019s Forerunner 965, yet the Pace Pro costs roughly half the price. Battery performance matches the ambitious feature set, ensuring extended training sessions won\u2019t leave you hunting down a charger. For runners seeking premium functionality on a mid-range budget, it represents exceptional value.<\/p>\n

Whoop MG<\/p>\n

\"Whoop\"Stuff<\/p>\n

This screenless fitness band feels like strapping a personal clinic to your wrist. Building on the existing Whoop formula, the MG edition<\/a> introduces medical-grade ECG monitoring and impressively accurate daily blood pressure estimates; in our tests, they stayed within 3mmHg of proper cuff readings. The lack of display initially seems like a limitation, but at just 27g it becomes easy to forget you\u2019re wearing anything at all \u2013 particularly useful for round-the-clock tracking.<\/p>\n

Its recovery scores genuinely aligned with how we actually felt each morning, while the Optimal Strain recommendations proved eerily accurate in predicting workout capacity. The substantial monthly subscription remains a hard sell, and automatic workout detection isn\u2019t reliable (particularly for strength training, which often goes unregistered). Yet for those willing to embrace the subscription model and prioritise deep health insights over convenience, the Whoop MG delivers tracking sophistication that surpasses \u201cnormal\u201d fitness wearables.<\/p>\n

Carv 2<\/p>\n

\"Carv\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Digital ski coaching once required shoving pressure-sensitive insoles into your boots \u2013 awkward for casual skiers and nigh-on impossible with rental equipment. Carv 2<\/a> eliminates that issue with external motion sensors that clip securely onto any ski boot, ditching the cumbersome installation hassles while maintaining coaching effectiveness through algorithmic refinement.<\/p>\n

Real-time audio feedback proffers improvements on every descent, with lift rides delivering targeted tips based on your previous performance. The gamified training modes transform skill development into something truly engaging, while customisable settings let you dial coaching intensity up or down depending on preference. In our tests, it improved Ski IQ scores by approximately ten points across just two days of use.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s definitely not beginner-friendly \u2013 you\u2019ll need solid technique first \u2013 and the subscription model plus hardware investment remains steep for sporadic skiers. But for intermediate skiers seeking affordable refinement of their technique, this significantly accessible redesign makes genuine technical improvement achievable.<\/p>\n

Also shortlisted<\/p>\n

Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro, Amazfit Active 2, Polar Vantage M3<\/p>\n

Fitness gadget of the year: Wahoo Elemnt Ace<\/p>\n

\"Fitness\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Wahoo\u2019s cycle computers have always prioritised substance over gimmicks, but the Elemnt Ace<\/a> pushes performance tracking into unprecedented territory. It\u2019s the first bike computer integrating a wind sensor, calculating air resistance in real-time to reveal exactly how much extra effort blustery conditions demand and quantifying the aerodynamic advantages of drafting. It\u2019s particularly appealing to competitive riders, though the comprehensive feature set suits cyclists of all types.<\/p>\n

The expanded 3.8in colour display adopts a wider aspect ratio to accommodate more route information simultaneously, with vivid navigation cues contrasting beautifully against detailed maps. Anti-glare coating ensures readability in bright sunshine, while the revamped interface works equally well via touchscreen or physical controls. Setup is remarkably straightforward via the companion app, with 64GB storage handling multiple countries\u2019 mapping data effortlessly.<\/p>\n

Battery performance nearly reached Wahoo\u2019s claimed 30 hours, comfortably exceeding multi-day excursion requirements. Tracking accuracy remains flawless, accessory compatibility extensive, and pricing undercuts closest competitors. After testing, reverting to our previous bike computer felt unthinkable.<\/p>\n

Highly commended<\/p>\n

Zwift Ride<\/p>\n

\"Zwift\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Indoor cycling training used to require either refitting your road bike for tedious turbo sessions or investing in generic exercise gear. The Zwift Ride<\/a> solves both problems by delivering a purpose-built smart bike that conjures the feel of outdoor riding whilst scotching setup stress. Everything arrives ready to assemble in under an hour \u2013 frame, integrated Wahoo Kickr Core trainer, Play controllers and mounting hardware \u2013 removing the barrier that kept casual cyclists from exploring Zwift\u2019s compelling virtual worlds.<\/p>\n

Those handlebar-mounted Play controllers deserve particular praise, seamlessly integrating menu navigation, virtual gear changes, braking and steering without awkward keyboard reaches or screen tapping. The intuitive A-Z sizing system means multiple household members can quickly adjust saddle and handlebar positions. While dedicated cyclists might quibble about fixed 170mm cranks, the \u00a31,200 package represents better value than hoarding separate components. Our testing confirmed the Ride delivers impressively authentic road bike feel, making winter training considerably more appealing than braving the icy, wet outdoors.<\/p>\n

Garmin Edge 1050<\/p>\n

\"Garmin\"Stuff<\/p>\n

Aimed at serious riders in need of a big screen, Garmin\u2019s newest Edge 10 series cycle computer delivers comprehensively. The crisp, clear display serves up copious amounts of information across activity profiles tailored for road, indoor, mountain bike, e-bike and gravel riders alike. For us, the amount of on-screen data easily justifies whatever aerodynamic drawbacks its size might impose.<\/p>\n

Battery life impresses and navigation proves second to none, while performance metrics including projected recovery time and performance score transform this into a genuinely grownup training partner. The data-rich interface caters perfectly to cyclists who view numbers as motivation rather than distraction, offering the comprehensive tracking suite that stat-obsessed riders crave.<\/p>\n

The size won\u2019t suit everyone; neither will the hefty asking price. But for committed cyclists hungry for detailed insights, this superb training partner goes a long way towards justifying the investment. Heaven for the data-driven.<\/p>\n

Also shortlisted<\/p>\n

Theragun Pro Plus Gen 6<\/p>\n

Smartwatch of the year: OnePlus Watch 3<\/p>\n

\"Smartwatch\"Stuff<\/p>\n

The OnePlus Watch 3<\/a> claims this year\u2019s smartwatch crown, mainly because it\u2019s proof that world-class fitness tracking doesn\u2019t mean sacrificing day-to-day usability. While its design could be described as merely utilitarian, what truly stands out here is the stamina: this device delivers a class-leading battery life of over a week with normal use. Daily charging? We don\u2019t know her. But if we did, 100W fast charging gets you from empty to full in under an hour.<\/p>\n

Powered by the snappy Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the watch provides a seamless and lag-free experience on its bright, sharp 1.43in AMOLED screen. Crucially for fitness enthusiasts, the Watch 3 offers reliable activity tracking with accurate GPS, making it a trustworthy partner for runs and workouts.<\/p>\n

With its excellent core performance, robust tracking, and the freedom of week-long battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a superb all-round device that elevates the smartwatch experience for the mainstream user.<\/p>\n

Highly commended<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic<\/p>\n

\"Samsung\"Stuff<\/p>\n

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic<\/a> is a thumping return to form, blending classic aesthetics and cutting-edge tech. The headline feature is the triumphant reappearance of the physical rotating bezel, which provides the most intuitive, satisfying and responsive way to navigate Samsung\u2019s feature-rich Wear OS 5 ecosystem. Blending a premium, sophisticated look with top-tier tech, this is the \u201cUltra\u201d equivalent Android users have been waiting for.<\/p>\n

Under the hood, the new Exynos W1000 chip ensures a zippy, lag-free experience that finally matches its competitors for smoothness. Samsung backs this phenomenal performance with a comprehensive suite of advanced health and fitness features, including ECG, blood oxygen, skin temperature and body composition analysis, plus super-accurate GPS tracking. The sleep monitoring is among the best in the business.<\/p>\n

A potent blend of sophisticated style, seamless software, and powerful performance, securing its spot as arguably the best all-round smartwatch for Android users today.<\/p>\n

Apple Watch SE 3<\/p>\n

\"Apple\"Stuff<\/p>\n

The Apple Watch SE 3<\/a> is living proof that top-tier wearable technology can still feel like a genuine bargain. This third-generation SE is an undisputed value champion, offering most of the experience of the flagship Series 11 at a fraction of the cost. That makes it the perfect entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem.<\/p>\n

While it understandably drops a few premium sensors (such as ECG and blood oxygen) to keep the price down, the core Apple brilliance remains. That means seamless performance, robust health monitoring and the option for cellular connectivity and staying connected during workouts.<\/p>\n

Despite having a slightly darker screen and fatter bezels than its more expensive sibling, the SE 3 feels like the smart choice for the vast majority of users. It brings flagship features to the masses, cementing its position as the most accessible path to the world\u2019s best-loved smartwatch platform.<\/p>\n

Also shortlisted<\/p>\n

Apple Watch Ultra 3, Google Pixel Watch 4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fitness tech took some appropriately big leaps forward this year, with wearables getting smarter, more accurate and increasingly…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":257637,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[337,97],"class_list":{"0":"post-257636","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-fitness","9":"tag-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=257636"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257636\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/257637"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=257636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=257636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=257636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}