5 fitness trackers offer full features without monthly subscription

Many fitness trackers charge extra fees to unlock key features, but several devices offer full functionality without a monthly subscription.

Fitbit Air Google's Fitbit Air is among the newest entrants in this category. Starting at $100, the screenless fitness band competes directly with Whoop while providing sleep, activity and recovery tracking without a subscription. Users can optionally pay for Google Health Premium to access Gemini-powered AI coaching and workout content, but the device remains fully functional without it. The Fitbit Air delivers around seven days of battery life and supports both Android and iOS devices.

Garmin vívosmart 5

The Garmin vívosmart 5, priced at about $150, offers a middle ground between a smartwatch and a fitness band. Featuring a slim design and monochrome OLED display, it tracks heart rate, sleep, workouts and daily activity. Garmin's Body Battery feature helps users gauge their energy levels and recovery status. All features are available without additional fees, making it one of the most straightforward fitness-tracking options on the market.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

For users seeking a smart ring, the Samsung Galaxy Ring provides comprehensive health monitoring without a subscription. The $400 wearable tracks sleep stages, skin temperature and physical activity, while automatically detecting walking and running workouts. Battery life extends to at least six days. The device works only with Android phones, and some advanced Galaxy AI features require a Samsung smartphone.

Apple Watch Series 11

Although primarily a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11 also earns a place on the list. Starting at $400, it includes extensive health and fitness tools without requiring a paid membership. The watch can monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels and sleep quality, while also offering hypertension alerts and support for a wide range of workouts. Its main limitation is compatibility, as it works exclusively with iPhones.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

At the budget end of the market, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 offers basic fitness tracking for around $50. It features a larger and brighter display than its predecessor, tracks heart rate and sleep, and delivers up to 21 days of battery life. While it lacks advanced sensors and premium health-monitoring capabilities, it remains one of the most affordable ways to track daily activity without ongoing costs.

As subscription-based fitness services become more common, these devices stand out by providing essential health and activity tracking features for a one-time purchase.