Garmin. You’ll probably spend a bit more on the hardware, but there’s nothing locked behind a subscription. I had the Fitbit Sense and switched to the Garmin Forerunner 265. If the skin temperature sensor is important to you, you’ll want a different model, but that’s the only thing I’ve noticed as missing so far.
I’ve been loving the Venu 3s, it has quite good hardware for the price point. Battery lasts 5-7 days, depending on my activities. I got a 20% off coupon by signing up for an app and doing 2-3 surveys, I can’t remember the name but it’s mentioned quite a few times in the Garmin subreddit (sorry I know…). Also get a couple different 18mm bands (I like nato style or a silicone band) and maybe a screen protector since it’s a raised bezel it’s prone to contacting more things than recessed glass.
Garmin. You’ll probably spend a bit more on the hardware, but there’s nothing locked behind a subscription. I had the Fitbit Sense and switched to the Garmin Forerunner 265. If the skin temperature sensor is important to you, you’ll want a different model, but that’s the only thing I’ve noticed as missing so far.
I’ve been loving the Venu 3s, it has quite good hardware for the price point. Battery lasts 5-7 days, depending on my activities. I got a 20% off coupon by signing up for an app and doing 2-3 surveys, I can’t remember the name but it’s mentioned quite a few times in the Garmin subreddit (sorry I know…). Also get a couple different 18mm bands (I like nato style or a silicone band) and maybe a screen protector since it’s a raised bezel it’s prone to contacting more things than recessed glass.