Best Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers With VO2 Max – Top Choices In 2024

As a professional trainer, having the ability to measure vo2max is very useful, thus, I have decided to write on the best fitness tracker with Vo2 Max.

Today the world is being ruled by technology. The daily invention of new gadgets is mesmerizing. So much that it has taken over the health and fitness industry too.

Many modern health apps and gadgets are assisting us to maintain health records. Today we can measure our blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, body temperature all using electronic gadgets.

For many years these measurements have been considered to be important or as they are called “vital signs” of a healthy body.

However, nowadays there is an emerging trend of recording your VO2 Max. Wondering what is VO2max and how can you record it? Let’s get to know about it below.

Here is an article on my website that you must read, its about the Best Fitness Trackers with a Chest Strap And Why Do You Need It?

What Is VO2 Max?

VO2max is a measure of cardiorespiratory rate. Also known as aerobic respiration rate, it is a measure of the rate of oxygen taken in by the lungs and delivered to the bloodstream during exercise. Its normal value is 35 to 40 mL/kg/min.

The main idea beyond a VO2 Max test is to check how fit you are. The declining capacity for oxygen transport is alarming. Thus, it can not only tell the current health status but also predict future risks.

As I myself experienced, in labs measuring VO2max is a difficult process. The patient has to go through some cumbersome tasks like an exhausting 12 minutes of treadmill or other heavy exercises using an oxygen mask. I would prefer wearing a gadget and doing my routine exercise while it measures all the needed information. Let’s have a look at some amazing gadgets that will do this job for you.

How Do Fitness Trackers Track VO2 Max?

The modern wearable fitness trackers are tracking Vo2 Max by using an algorithm that uses a formula that includes data such as your resting heart rate, age, sex, weight, and other personal information.

The Vo2 Max test done by the trackers is different for each brand however, in general, it will require a 10 to 20 minutes run or walk outdoors while using a built-in or connected GPS.

All the fitness trackers are giving an estimation of your Vo2 Max level based on the data that you provide and that is being collected.

You can read more on VO2 Max Estimate here at the Garmin support center.

How Accurate Is The Vo2 Max Tracking Done By The Fitness Trackers Is And Which Brand Is The Most Accurate?

First of all, using a chest strap will always give more accurate HR data than a wrist-based HR monitor – better HR tracking means better and more accurate VO2 Max reading.

As for the Vo2 Max accuracy of the modern fitness trackers. I have read some research and comparisons done by different groups and my main conclusion is that all the fitness trackers will not give 100 percent accuracy. And it varies from one individual to another.

In fact, you should expect a deviation of 5 points up or down. Some researches showed Garmin as the most accurate, others Apple and some Fitbit and it will be hard to determine which brand is more accurate. My personal preference brand when it comes to a sports watch that measures Vo2 Max would be Garmin.

9 Best Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers With VO2 Max Reviews

In 2024, we have many great smartwatches available but not all of them come with VO2 Max. In this section, we are going to share the best smartwatches and fitness trackers with VO2 Max.

1. Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartwatch by Apple and it comes with premium build quality and a range of premium features that includes VO2 Max.

The VO2 Metric calculation in Apple Watch Ultra is pretty accurate as the watch uses the heart-rate sensor and motion sensors to accurately measure your VO2 Max during Workouts.

In Apple Watch Ultra, you also get the advanced skin temperature monitoring feature which works when you are sleeping and it collects tons of data throughout the night and provides valuable insights in the morning.

The Apple Watch Ultra is also equipped with advanced health features such as ECG, SPO2, and hearing health. Also, it can track your heart rate, indoor and outdoor workouts, detect falls, and crashes, count steps, and track your sleep.

Also, the build quality of the Apple Watch Ultra is really good, and its titanium body and sapphire glass are capable of handling rough treatment pretty well.

Another highlight of the Apple Watch Ultra is its battery life which is the longest among the Apple Watches. Apple Watch Ultra lasts for around 36 hours on a single charge which is remarkable. 

So, if you are looking for an Apple Watch that can detect VO2 Max and comes with a rugged build and impressive battery life, I’d recommend that you consider Apple Watch Ultra.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is another premium smartwatch with VO2 Max. It’s also a worthy competitor to Apple Watch Ultra as both smartwatches share similar features and build quality. On top of that, it works well with Android phones which is a big plus.

When it comes to features, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro can track your VO2 when you are running. It can also track a wide range of other workouts including swimming, gym workout, cycling, and hiking.

Similarly, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is packed with health-specific features including ECG, AFib detection, Blood pressure monitoring, body composition, blood oxygen saturation, and female health tracking. 

The build quality of Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is very solid and it comes with a titanium body and sapphire glass which protects the watch from scratches and bumps. The watch also shines when it comes to battery performance. It offers up to 20 hours with continuous GPS and up to 80 hours in smartwatch mode.

Overall, if you are looking for a premium Smartwatch with VO2 Max and a durable build, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a solid option.

3. Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch Series 8 is another premium Smartwatch by Apple that comes with VO2 Max. In terms of features, Apple Watch Series 8 is similar to Apple Watch Ultra but some features such as depth gauge, water temperature sensor, and dual frequency GPS are missing in Apple Watch Series 8.

In Apple Watch Series 8, you get features such as VO2 Max, skin temperature monitoring with sleep tracking, stress tracking, SPO2, ECG, AFiB Detection, automatic workout detection, and a step counter. Also, it’s capable of tracking various workouts including swimming, running, cycling, HIIT, and gym workouts.

The build quality of the Apple Watch Series 8 is also pretty solid and it comes with an aluminum body with Ion-X glass. The overall feel and looks of the Apple Watch 8 are pretty premium and you won’t have any complaints about its build quality.

Similarly, the battery life of Series 8 is on the good side and you get around 18 hours of battery on a single charge. Also, it’s capable of quick charging and it can recharge 0% to 80% within 45 minutes.

Overall, if you want an Apple Watch with VO2 Max and other premium features without breaking the bank, you can consider the Apple Watch Series 8.

4. Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the best smartwatches with VO2 Max in 2024. It’s one of the latest smartwatches by Garmin in the premium category and it’s packed with advanced features including VO2 Max.

When it comes to features, Forerunner 965 comes with features such as VO2 Max, performance condition, health snapshot, pulse ox sensor, sleep monitoring, body battery energy monitoring, and other great health features.

As Forerunner 965 is designed for runners, it’s pretty lightweight and it focuses on runners-centric features. The build quality of the Forerunner 965 is also solid and it feels pretty premium and lightweight.

The battery performance of Garmin Forerunner 965 is also great and it offers up to 31 hours of battery life with GPS. You can get even better battery life by managing GPS and extending the battery life up to 40 hours.

So, if you are a runner and you want a lightweight sports smartwatch with VO2 Max and other runners-centric features, I’d recommend that you should consider the Garmin Forerunner 965.

5. Fitbit Charge 5

Fitbit Charge 5 is the best fitness tracker with VO2 Max in 2024. It’s the most advanced fitness tracker that comes with premium build quality and advanced fitness features.

When it comes to VO2 Max, it’s called Cardio Fitness Score in Fitbit Ecosystem and the band will measure it during your exercise. Fitbit Charge 5 is also packed with other fitness tracking features including heart-rate tracking, SPO2 tracking, EDA Scan for stress management, skin temperature variation with sleep monitoring, sleep profile, and ECG.

The battery life of the Fitbit Charge 5 is also decent. Fitbit claims that it offers 7 days of battery life but you can only achieve it without GPS. If you use the GPS and other advanced features, you can get around 5 to 8 hours of battery life.

Overall, If you are looking for a Fitness tracker with VO2 Max and advanced health and fitness features, consider Fitbit Charge 5.

6. Amazfit Stratos 3 Sports FirstBeat Smartwatch

Amazfit Stratos 3 is one of the best Smartwatches with VO2 Max in the budget category. 

Integration of the featureful FirstBeat Analytics allows you to push the workout limits. Its trans-reflective professional MIP display perfectly suits outdoor uses. And the four buttons will get you its full control.

You can easily check the in-depth analytical data through the 1.34” display. A built-in VO2 Max tracks your oxygen consumption during every sport and workout. Evaluate your score from the dashboard to assess your session to crush the fitness goals.

There are additional measurements to let you catch a full health evaluation. Meantime, its functional GPS helps with 80+ included sports modes. And the dual-chip system enables normal or pro modes.

The battery life of Stratos 3 is also pretty good and you can get around 7 days of battery life but if you use the continuous GPS, the battery life will be affected. 

In terms of drawbacks, the biggest drawback of Stratos 3 is that its build quality isn’t as good as other smartwatches on the list. It’s not bad but still, you can feel that it’s a sub $200 smartwatch when you hold it. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent option for you if you want a smartwatch with VO2 max under $200.

7. Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Adventure Smartwatch

It’s time for you to take the training to a whole new level with Fenix 7. The multisport wearable runs on solar power for enough days. So, feel free to get the watch on your wrist for outdoor adventures.

It offers 24/7 health and fitness monitoring features to estimate essential metrics. And the built-in VO2 Max can measure your consumed oxygen level almost instantly. You can justify your activity workouts using the approximated value.

It even includes maps, modes, and buttons to complete control. You can even utilize the GNSS support for outdoor navigation. And the Sapphire lens to cover the 1.3” always-on display keeps it powered.

The battery performance of Fenix 7 is also solid and you can get 50+ hours of battery life with GPS. As it comes with a solar charging option, the Fenix 7 will keep recharging when you expose it to sunlight.

So, if you are looking for a premium smartwatch with VO2 Max and solar charging ability, consider the Garmin Fenix 7.

8. Withings Steel Multisport Hybrid Smartwatch

Withings lets you track everyday fitness workouts with superior style. And you can track 30+ sports to monitor your performance. Keep mapping your every session with elevation, distance, pace using GPS.

Meantime, the watch can assess your fitness level through the built-in VO2 Max. its estimated maximal oxygen consumption concerns running and walking-based activities. The higher the value in VO2 max, the better is your workout efficiency.

Sync your HR values on the health app on your smartphone as well. Smart notifications will let you have every call and text. And the rechargeable battery can last for 25 days (normal) and 45 days (reserve).

9. Garmin Forerunner 55

Garmin Forerunner 55 is another very popular smartwatch with VO2 Max in the budget segment. As the name suggests, this smartwatch belongs to the Forerunner lineup and it comes with tons of runners-centric features which help runners track their running sessions with great accuracy and provide useful insights.

When it comes to features, Garmin Forerunner 55 can measure VO2 Max, heart rate, respiration rate, stress, sleep, and hydration. Forerunner 55 is a multisport smartwatch and it can track other workouts as well that includes cycling and swimming.

In terms of battery life, Forerunner 55 is also great. It offers up to 20 hours with GPS and in smartwatch mode, you can use it for up to 2 weeks.

The build quality of Forerunner 55 is also pretty good. Although it comes with a plastic body, the watch doesn’t seem cheap and it feels pretty sturdy in the hands.

Overall, if you want a high-quality smartwatch with VO2 Max in the budget category, Forerunner 55 is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]

Will Losing Weight Increase VO2 Max?

Yes, VO2 Max is a metric to measure your aerobic fitness and when you lose body fat, it means that your body will be able to use oxygen more efficiently which will lead to an increase in VO2 Max.

Does Fitbit Show VO2 Max?

Answer: Of course. Simply check the cardio fitness score, aka VO2 Max, from the Fitbit app.

Is VO2 Max Accurate On Garmin?

Garmin Smartwatches are known for their accuracy and they are pretty accurate when it comes to measuring VO2 Max. However, you can still expect a margin of error of around 5%.

What Is A Good VO2 Max For My Age?

Many factors such as your fitness level, gender, and age can affect your VO2 Max. However, these are the general ranges for VO2 Max which are considered good for various age groups.

• If your age is between 20 to 29 years, your VO2 Max should be between 40 to 55 ml/kg/min.
• If your age is between 30 to 39 years, your VO2 Max should be between 35 to 50 ml/kg/min.
• If your age lies between 40 to 49 years, your VO2 Max should be between 30 to 45 ml/kg/min.
• If your age is between 50 to 59, your VO2 Max should be between 25 to 40 ml/kg/min.
• If your age is between 60 to 69 years, your VO2 Max should be between 20 to 35 ml/kg/min.
• Similarly, If you are in the 70s, your VO2 Max should be between 15 to 30 ml/kg/min.

How can I improve my VO2 Max?

If your VO2 Max isn’t good, you don’t have to worry because you can easily fix it by following these tips

• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight because it will increase your VO2 Max
• Follow a healthy diet and eat fruits and vegetables

Does Smoking decrease VO2 Max?

Yes, if you are a smoker, cigarettes will damage your lungs and affect your ability to use oxygen which will lead to a decrease in VO2 Max levels.

Which Fitness Trackers Measure VO2 Max?

In 2024, there are many fitness trackers which are capable of measuring your VO2 Max. These are some of the best fitness trackers with VO2 you can buy right now

1. Apple Watch Ultra
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
3. Apple Watch Series 8
4. Garmin Forerunner 965
5. Fitbit Charge 5
6. Amazfit Stratos 3
7. Garmin Forerunner 55
8. Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
9. Withings Steel Multisport Hybrid Smartwatch

Is SpO2 the same as VO2 Max?

Although both SPO2 and VO2 metrics involve Oxygen, they are different. SPO2 Metrics basically measures your blood oxygen saturation levels and VO2 Metric measures how efficiently your blood uses oxygen.

Does Apple Watch measure VO2 Max?

Yes, the following Apple Watch models are capable of measuring VO2 Max

1. Apple Watch Ultra
2. Apple Watch Series 8
3. Apple Watch Series 7
4. Apple Watch Series 6
5. Apple Watch Series 5
6. Apple Watch Series 4

Which Galaxy Watch measures VO2 Max?

VO2 Max is an advanced health feature that is available only on modern Galaxy Watches

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Conclusion

All these gadgets serve as an excellent fitness partner. They not only measure VO2 Max or heart rate but also track other fitness metrics. Besides, some of them provide live coaching too.

Indeed, they are a must-have in your collection. But be careful that they cannot replace medical professionals. In case of any health issue do not rely on them completely and get regular checkups.

I hope that I helped you with finding the best fitness tracker with vo2 max. If you have any comments, please share it with us in the comments section below.