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This article was taken from the March 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
We pitted the devices head-to-head, wearing both the Jawbone Up and Fitbit simultaneously, and testing the Polar RCX5 G5 GPS and MyTrek on outdoor runs, on the treadmill and working out in the gym. We tested the Withings blood-pressure monitor sleeve using advice from the British Heart Foundation.
Jawbone Up (above)
Life-tracking devices work best if they're always with you. The Jawbone Up makes this easy: it's a waterproof rubber bracelet. A cap on one end conceals a headphone jack, used to sync the Up with an iPhone app that monitors sleep (deep and light) and activity (kcals and distance). You can log your eating habits, but you have to do this yourself by taking photos.
Our example worked reliably, but Jawbone is having to replace a number of faulty devices.
Wired: It's always with you
Tired: iOS only; expensive
8/10
£79.99
F****itbit Ultra
This is a compact (but easy to lose) monitor that clips on to your clothing. Unlike the Up, you have to transfer it between gym kit and workwear, say, and to monitor your sleep you need to attach it to an uncomfortable sweatband. The Fitbit's accelerometer and altimeter track your movement, and basic info is displayed by an LED. The device uploads data when it is within range of its base station and it is platform agnostic, so it works with tracking services such as RunKeeper.
Wired: Wide compatibility
Tired: Wristband for sleep
7/10
£79.99
Sosche MyTrek
The MyTrek does away with the chest-strap heart-rate monitor: it's a lightweight band that wraps around your forearm, but is still extremely accurate thanks to two LEDs and a photosensor. It displays data only via a Bluetooth connection to an iPhone, so if you want to run you'll have to carry it and rely on audio prompts.
It was better in the gym and worked up to ten metres from an iOS device, although storing it in a bag shortened this distance.
Wired: Accurate monitor; no strap
Tired: Bulky when worn with an iPhone; not for Android or Windows
5/10
£129.99
Polar RCX5
This watch can be used for running, cycling and swimming thanks to its waterproof chest-strap, GPS unit and pedometer. Underwater, the RCX5 measures only heart rate, not stroke or distance. It's better for runs: you can set a race pace and show up to four data fields per page. A wireless USB key syncs data from the watch to your Mac or PC. This is detailed, down to a second, but syncing with the online Polar Personal Trainer is a pain and results are a mess visually.
Wired: Extremely versatile
Tired: Very expensive
7/10
£295
Withings Blood Pressure Monitor
It doesn't track you 24 hours a day, but the Withings sleeve provides data not available from the other devices on test. Plug its cable into your iOS device and the Withings app starts up. Wrap the strap around your bicep, hit start on the iPhone, and batteries cause it to inflate. The app displays systolic and diastolic pressure, and heart rate. Data is clearly displayed in graphs, and you can share it via email, Facebook and Twitter.
Wired: Easy to use; beautiful
Tired: Expensive; iOS only
*8/10
£119*
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
