Whether you’re in the gym, at home or work, there are always ways for you to stay active so you can improve your health. After all, your heart is one of your vital organs, so you should take good care of it.

Thankfully, fitness watches have become more popular, making it more accessible regardless of your budget. Aside from helping you keep track of your workouts and everyday activities, it also keeps track of your heart rate. As people have become increasingly conscious of their health, watches with health monitoring features have become a must-have, so are these worth the hype?

Why Heart Rate Monitors Are Useful

You can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle even without a heart rate monitor. However, having one does have a lot of benefits.

By measuring electrical signals from your heart and showing it to you through digestible information, you can quickly gauge the effectiveness of your workout. Keep in mind that the heart is a muscle, so the more you push it through exercise, the stronger it gets.

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Heart rate monitors can help you check the intensity of your workouts and gauge your progress. Pixabay (CC0)

Monitoring your heart rate also allows you to see if you can enjoy optimal caloric expenditure and burning of fats and carbohydrates. When you measure the intensity of your workouts, you can know how much effort you need to put into your workouts to improve your health.

With so many options available, do take note that not all heart rate monitors are the same. To help you, here's a list of the best smartwatch for fitness, the best smartwatch with heart rate monitor and other smartwatch options that are highly recommended from Watches2U:

Best Smartwatches of 2021

1. Guess Connect Logan Smartwatch

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Guess Connect Logan Smartwatch watches2u.com

The Guess Connect Logan Smartwatch is luxury, style and function all-in-one. Aside from its blue silicone strap, the watch is housed in a plastic case that complements its digital display. It also has an in-depth heart rate monitor, accelerometer, pedometer and calorie counter. It also has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

2. Guess Connect Men’s Rex Smartwatch

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Guess Connect Men’s Rex Smartwatch watches2u.com

If you’re looking for a tough but simple-looking smartwatch, the Men’s Rex Smartwatch is perfect for you. Featuring a rugged design and custom digital display, this smartwatch comes with essential health features like a pedometer, calorie counter, heart rate monitor and more. It also comes with a 2-year warranty for your security.

3. Fossil Ladies’ Sport Smartwatch (Refurbished)

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Fossil Ladies’ Sport Smartwatch (Refurbished) watches2u.com

Made by one of the most popular watch companies, the Fossil Ladies Sport Smartwatch is stylish and functional. It has a lot of useful features like a custom display, wireless charging, GPS, calorie counter and a heart rate monitor while still looking sleek. It also has a 1-year warranty to keep you worry-free.

4. Michael Kors Access Ladies’ Runway Smartwatch (Refurbished)

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Michael Kors Access Ladies’ Runway Smartwatch (Refurbished) watches2u.com

If you want a luxurious smartwatch without having to pay a hefty price, then the Michael Kors Access Ladies Runway Smartwatch is perfect for you. Combining the look of luxury watches with the functional features of a modern smartwatch, this hybrid is stylish and useful. Even if it's refurbished, it still functions like new and comes with a 1-year warranty.

5. Michael Kors Access Ladies’ Runway Smartwatch MKT5049R (Refurbished)

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Michael Kors Access Ladies’ Runway Smartwatch MKT5049R (Refurbished) watches2u.com

If you prefer minimalist styles, then the Michael Kors Access Ladies Runway Smartwatch MKT5049R is perfect for you. Featuring a custom display and jet-black strap, this refurbished unit is still very functional. The health functions are working great, so you can wear it in and out of the gym.

6. Fossil Refurbished Men’s Explorist Smartwatch

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Fossil Refurbished Men’s Explorist Smartwatch watches2u.com

For a pop of color in your outfit, accessorize with the Fossil Men's Explorist Smartwatch before hitting the gym. With a minimalist strap and a gold-rimmed watch face, it’s the perfect combination of style and simplicity. Its features include a pedometer, calorie counter, accelerometer and heart rate monitor.

7. Skagen Connected Men’s Falster Smartwatch

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Skagen Connected Men’s Falster Smartwatch watches2u.com

Feeling a bit adventurous? With a sturdy mesh strap and a rose gold faceplate, this smartwatch showcases style and attitude. It also offers a complete lineup of smartwatch features like health features, wireless charging, 24-hour battery life and comes with a 1-year warranty.

8. Fossil Ladies’ Venture Smartwatch (Refurbished)

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Fossil Ladies’ Venture Smartwatch (Refurbished) watches2u.com

The Fossil Ladies’ Venture Smartwatch makes for a great addition to any outfit. With a simple watch face, custom display and stylish strap, this smartwatch can easily match any look.

9. Emporio Armani Connected Men’s Smartwatch (Refurbished)

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Emporio Armani Connected Men’s Smartwatch (Refurbished) watches2u.com

If you’re looking for something more high-end, then check out the Emporio Armani Connected Men’s Smartwatch. With a sophisticated watch face, rugged design strap and top-of-the-line smart features, this smartwatch will satisfy your many needs.

10. Misfit Men’s Vapor 2 Smartwatch (Refurbished)

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Misfit Men’s Vapor 2 Smartwatch (Refurbished) watches2u.com

The Misfit Men’s Vapor 2 Smartwatch is perfect for people that prioritize function. Focusing on providing health insights, this simple smartwatch will help you maximize your workouts and keep track of your health to stay fit.