So, you’ve decided to join a group step challenge (wise choice!). Maybe your family is organizing an activity competition, or your friend group is putting one together for fun. Whatever your reason, you’ll need a fitness tracker that keeps up with you.

But with all the options out there, how do you choose the best tracker for your group step challenge?

We’re breaking down three of the most popular contenders (Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch) to help you find the perfect step-counting sidekick. Let the games begin…

Why Does a Fitness Tracker Matter?

Now, you don’t need a fitness tracker by any means, as longtime Stridekickers know, you can always just use your smartphone or manual addition to log your activity. But fitness trackers can boost your Stridekick experience by:

• Ensuring your steps are counted accurately
• Syncing easily with the Stridekick app
• Tracking your active minutes, in addition to your steps and distance
• Motivating you to move more!
• Adds a dash of fun and accountability (or maybe a little more than a dash)

Now let’s meet the contenders…

Fitbit

Best for: Casual steppers, data lovers, and challenge fanatics

Fitbit is basically the social butterfly of fitness trackers. It’s easy to use, super compatible with group challenges, and offers a wide range of models, from the budget-friendly “Inspire” to the feature-rich “Charge” and “Sense” lines.

Why Fitbit Shines in Group Step Challenges:

• Easy syncing with Stridekick via direct integration
• Built-in motivation with badges, daily goals, and reminders to move
• User-friendly app that gives you all your stats at a glance

Downsides? Fitbit’s newer models may require a Fitbit Premium subscription for some features, but the basic step tracking is still free and fabulous.

The bottom line: Fitbit is a solid, challenge-ready pick that’s perfect for most people, especially if your group wants a seamless experience.

Garmin

Best for: Runners, outdoor adventurers, and tech lovers

With super-accurate sensors and a long battery life, Garmin is a favorite among serious fitness buffs.

Why Garmin is Great for Group Step Challenges:

• Easy syncing with Stridekick via direct integration
• Accurate tracking (especially for walkers and runners)
• Battery that goes the distance, with many models lasting a week or more
• Great for outdoor activity, with specialized modes that are ideal for hiking and trail walking
• Deep insights into your activity, heart rate, sleep, and more

Bottom line: If you're the data-driven, outdoor-loving type (or you just have a kink for battery life that won’t quit), Garmin could be your ideal match.

Apple Watch

Best for: Apple fans, multitaskers, and smartwatch lovers

If you already live in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch could be a seamless transition into the fitness tracker world. It blends fitness tracking with smartwatch features so seamlessly, you might forget it’s even on your wrist (except when it’s buzzing you to stand up…).

Why Apple Watch Works Well in Group Step Challenges:

• Easy syncing with Stridekick via direct integration
• Smart features including texts, calls, reminders, and more
• Activity rings keep you motivated to move
• Great design and endless customization options

A few things to note: Battery life is shorter than Fitbit and Garmin (say hello to daily charging!), and step tracking is tied to Apple Health, which means you'll need to keep your phone settings in sync.

Bottom line: Apple Watch is a strong contender for people who love versatility and want their fitness tracker to truly go above and beyond.

And the Winner Is…

All three!!! 🎉

What can I say? This is like picking my favorite kid. But honestly, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your personal goals, your lifestyle, and what kind of challenge experience you're looking for.

Final Tips for Your Group Challenge

• Encourage everyone to sync daily to keep the leaderboard fresh
• Pick a tracker you’ll actually wear and be consistent with it
• Lastly, have fun! It’s not just about winning (okay, maybe a little), but the important thing is that we start moving more together ❤️

Final Thoughts ✨

No matter which tracker you choose, the most important part is showing up and putting one foot in front of the other. And remember, when you're syncing up with Stridekick, every step counts toward something bigger (like your health goals, team spirit, or being able to finally rub it in when you win).

👉 Create a challenge now and get to stepping!