Top Notch Picks for Subscription-Free Fitness Trackers in the Year 2025, According to an Expert
In the realm of fitness technology, staying active and tracking progress has never been more accessible. This year, a plethora of devices cater to those seeking comprehensive features without the burden of subscription fees. Among the standout choices are offerings from Garmin, Samsung, Apple (for iPhone users), Google, and budget-friendly options like Huawei.
Garmin Forerunner 970 and Garmin Venu Sq 2
Known for their robust tracking capabilities, Garmin watches are a popular choice among athletes. The Forerunner 970 and Venu Sq 2 models offer extensive fitness tracking without the need for subscriptions, although premium health insights may require a subscription. Their accuracy and extensive feature set make them an attractive choice for fitness enthusiasts [1][2].
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024/2025 edition)
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a sporty powerhouse, boasting accurate GPS, comprehensive health tracking, and advanced sports features—all without mandatory subscription access [1][5]. With support for dual-frequency GNSS, 100ATM water resistance, and a large size, this watch is a reliable companion for fitness enthusiasts. Its battery life of 2-3 days can be inconsistent, but overall, it offers great standalone functionality without subscription fees [1][5].
Apple Watch Series 10
For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers deep integration with iOS and strong fitness features. While Apple Fitness+ requires a subscription for follow-along workout content, core health and fitness tracking features are available without additional fees [1][5].
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a strong Android smartwatch with good integration and fitness features. While some premium services may require an extra cost, basic fitness and health tracking are subscription-free [1][3][5].
Budget Options: Huawei Watch FIT4 Pro
Affordable options like the Huawei Watch FIT4 Pro provide good basic fitness tracking without requiring subscriptions [1].
In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stand out as the best feature-rich smartwatches and fitness trackers that do not require a subscription to access core data. Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch also offer comprehensive features but may have optional subscription services for extras. Budget models like Huawei Watch FIT4 Pro offer solid tracking for less, with no subscription needed.
If avoiding subscriptions is a priority, Garmin and Samsung watches provide the most reliable no-subscription experience with extensive fitness and health tracking capabilities.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 offers a lot of features without requiring a subscription, making it a Fitbit alternative. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a subscription for Apple Fitness+ to access follow-along workout content, but Health and Fitness apps are subscription-free. The subscription-free status of Samsung Health also applies to all the best Samsung watches and the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
- For fitness enthusiasts seeking comprehensive fitness tracking without subscriptions, the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Venu Sq 2 stand out as popular choices due to their robust tracking capabilities and extensive feature set.
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, particularly its 2024/2025 edition, is a reliable smartwatch choice for fitness enthusiasts, offering accurate GPS, comprehensive health tracking, and advanced sports features without the burden of mandatory subscription fees.
