Explore the latest wearable tech that’s taking the market by storm in 2025, from fitness trackers to smartwatches.

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I remember when the first generation of AirPods dropped. Memes abounded, making fun of them — and the people wearing them. They were the purview of gym bros and finance bros. They seemed “try hard” and decidedly uncool. Then, like a flipped switch, AirPods became so commonplace that my beloved wired headphones started seeming passé. Now, with the introduction of the over-ear headphones trend, it seems like everyone considers headphones the latest cool kid accessory.

We’re seeing the same shift happen with wearable tech. Apple Watches and Fitbits seemed like they were for personal trainers and almond moms. But now, in 2025, wearable technology has somehow flipped and become not just cool but commonplace.

Even my most fashionable friends lament having to take off their Apple Watches at fancy events. Many have turned to Oura rings as a solution or even sneakily wear their Apple Watches on their ankles under a long dress to keep their steps tracked while they dance all night.

Like Lululemon jackets or cute sweatbands, wearable tech has become a must-have wellness accessory. In this day and age, we’re more stats-obsessed than ever. So sophisticated health and lifestyle companions are necessary to stay on track with your goals. For today’s ambitious young people, these devices represent more than just status symbols – they’re essential tools for optimizing performance, health, and daily efficiency. 

Living in LA and New York, all my friends see health as an investment rather than an expense. Alongside their Equinox and Heimat memberships, they all use wearable devices as personal health advisors, sleep coaches, and fitness trainers, all wrapped in premium materials and backed by powerful algorithms. Gone are the days of personal trainers like Brad Pitt in Burn After Reading. Instead of spending money on a trainer, most people would rather invest in a high-end health tracker they can tap into at any time.

Is wearable tech worth it?

The latest generation of wearables combines advanced biometric sensors, artificial intelligence, and sleek design to deliver on-the-go insights into your physical and mental well-being. Plus, they work with any fashion trend.

Wearable tech isn’t just about vanity or productivity. These devices have become powerful tools for preventive healthcare, offering early warning signs of potential health issues before they become serious concerns. One friend, for example, knows she has a family history of heart disease. Therefore, she tracks her heart rate and sets cardiovascular fitness goals accordingly. Or, if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight, you can set movement goals and keep track of your progress.

And these tools do more than just count steps or calories. Advanced sensors now provide medical-grade data, while AI-powered analytics translate this information into personalized recommendations. Most importantly, modern wearables collect data for you to pull out when it matters most. This makes for a personalized experience. For example, I don’t want to know how I slept every night (believe me, I can tell), but on some nights, I like looking at the data to see how my habits can change my sleep score.

While each device has its strengths, the key is choosing one that aligns with your specific lifestyle and health goals.

What wearable tech is right for you

Apple Watch Series 9 – apple.com 

The Apple Watch keeps getting better with every upgrade. This new model is the best of the best when it comes to smartwatch technology. The signature Apple Watch display lets you see your health data in easy-to-understand apps and charts. It also uses AI to collate and analyze data, then notify you throughout the day about how to optimize your habits. If you’re concerned about style, the thin display means it’s not a bulky accessory but a sleek tool you’ll be proud to show off. For iOS users, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains the gold standard.

Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit is one of the original fitness trackers. Those prioritizing pure fitness tracking should consider the Fitbit Charge 6, which has capabilities to track metrics such as heart rate, daily steps, distance traveled, fitness activities, calories burned, nightly sleep, menstrual health, and more. The small touchscreen and sleek design make it lightweight and unobtrusive, which is perfect if you always wear it. 

Garmin Venu 2

With the Venu 2, Garmin wants to be the next Apple Watch. It has a longer battery life, more fitness-tracking capabilities, and a touchscreen that connects with Androids and iPhones alike. As a sports watch, it helps you go the distance, especially with its robust outdoor activity tracking. Perfect for the adventure-seeking executive, it combines premium build quality with sophisticated training features. I recommend it for lovers of the outdoors, thanks to its sensitive health monitoring capabilities. Also, Android users will appreciate how easily it pairs with their devices.

Whoop Strap 4.0

The Whoop Strap is revolutionizing the wearable tech game. It doesn’t just track your health, it helps you make better decisions about your health in the future for better planning. The subscription model makes it more than a watch; it’s a personalized tool that helps you keep track of your goals with five LEDs, four photodiodes, and a body temperature sensor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung’s answer to wearable tech is an extension of your smartphone with fitness, sleep, blood pressure, and heart rate tracking technology. The analysis provides detailed body composition metrics for anyone in the Samsung ecosystem. 

Oura Ring Gen 3

Smartwatches give you the ick? The Oura Ring stands out for its minimalist approach to health tracking. This sophisticated piece of jewelry packs impressive technology into an understated design. Its form factor makes it perfect for people who want comprehensive health tracking without the obvious presence of a smartwatch. The Oura‘s new platinum finish option adds a luxury element that appeals to style-conscious users.

Withings Steel HR

Withings blends the traditional with new tech. They excel in creating hybrid smartwatches that blend classical timepiece aesthetics with modern health tracking. The Steel HR‘s strength lies in its 30-day battery life and elegant analog design. But don’t let the new sapphire crystal display fool you. It’s waterproof and efficient, with enhanced heart health monitoring, a subtle notification system, automatic workout detection, and smartphone notifications.

Xiaomi Mi Band 7

The Mi Band 7 offers premium features in a more budget-friendly package. It’s a no-frills approach to wearable trackers for those seeking essential features without unnecessary complexity. Its always-on tracking doesn’t diminish its two-week battery life and robust build quality. Overall, it is a very practical choice for health-conscious professionals.

Polar Ignite 2

The Polar Ignite 2 is great for its holistic fitness capabilities. It tracks fitness metrics as well as meditation, recovery, and sleep. But unlike other smartwatches, this one doesn’t want to be a mini phone on your wrist. It’s for fitness enthusiasts who want to know the science behind what they’re tracking.

Suunto 9 Peak

The Suunto 9 Peak is a great example of modern tech meeting rugged durability. Its titanium construction and sophisticated GPS tracking make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in addition to its altitude adaptation features and advanced weather metrics.