u/Remote_Candidate2899

Hello, hello. I have been using an Apple Watch SE2 since September 2024. I quite like the functionality and all the features in it but my main issue is with the absolutely poor battery life. It does not even last for two complete days let alone one day fully.

My use case: tracking moderate physical activity in a week such as running, weight training, cycling, walking, outdoors and doing meditation and breathing; sleep Matrix if I can get myself to wear the device Throughout the night without feeling uncomfortable and frustrated; silent vibrating alarms for days when I have to get up very early; breathing and meditation reminders and inbuilt short exercises for habit maintenance

I am interested in checking out and researching some fitness trackers with a slimmer profile which have all the necessary features I want such as different sport modes, the silent vibrating alarm, guided breathing exercises, decent battery life (~4-5+ days) and so on.

Deal breakers: Short battery life like Apple Watch; significant subscription like that charged by Whoop; no availability of a fabric/textile band to swap out the typical rubber band (very uncomfortable); taking forever to charge completely

I have checked out the Fitbit Charge 6 which I really like but given that it launched a few years back I don't know if the hardware is still relevant in 2026. Fitbit Air is also another possible option, although I don't know how I will feel using it without a screen.

That leaves the following three Garmin products (never used them before) that I can see are in my budget: Vivoactive 6, Instinct 3 and Forerunner 70 or 170.

Would love the community's recommendations and advice on which of the five mentioned products - 2 from Fitbit and 3 from Garmin - I can consider as a decent, reliable replacement.

Or would you recommend any other brands' fitness trackers that I should take a look at?

Thank you for reading!