vívofit 4

Easy replacement of watch bands, plus my current model (vivofit 4) has user-replaceable batteries so I don't have to worry about proprietary chargers like with Fitbit or Apple. Also, unlike Apple and Google, Garmin doesn't seem to be investing in LLMs, so I feel better buying from them than I would from most of their competitors. (I know they are developing AI coaching algorithms, but those are easy enough to avoid as I don't use Connect+.)

Garmin has something in every price range. If you don't care about some of the smartwatch features, they even have the vivofit which is more akin th the Fitbit Charge or Inspire. You can also usually find the last generation models still available for sale at a decent discount.

The cheapest wearable that reliably does move reminders via vibration already exists, and it is usually a basic fitness tracker rather than a smartwatch. For this use case, Garmin Vivofit models and Fitbit Inspire models are the most practical options. They both offer inactivity or move alerts, long battery life measured in weeks or months, and simple vibration nudges without needing to engage with apps daily. Phone integration is technically required for setup, but once configured they work largely on their own. Second‑hand units are widely available and still convenient to use.

So whilst I do think the exercise cals are wonky, I think on my garmin vivofit the slight under reporting of cals burned lifting is balanced out in the over reporting of cals in any cardio I do. And overall, my garmin thinks I burnt average of 2103 cals daily in the past 6 months. Back in summer when I was a bit heavier than I am now, but not by much I tracked my maintenence calories for 4 weeks and got something like 2200. So it's not bad overall. I also like to look at my activity cals over time. For example I know I burn less working from home, when I stay at my mum's, when I having a lazy week, but I didnt know how different it is. Is given me a bit of perspective on the weeks where my routine is off.

Currently at the rare formal occasion where I dont want to wear a forerunner, I keep the module from a vivofit in my pocket to track steps and wear a mech watch. I had considered a ring (even if garmin isn't going that route) but think it would be too obvious and in the way for day to day. An ankle wrap would be great, like OPs band just not worn on the arm.