AI Fitness Wearables 2026: Beyond Basic Step Counting

Look, I'll be honest: I have a problem. Not with fitness—I'm decidedly average there—but with buying fitness tech. My apartment looks like a CES booth exploded in it. There's a smart ring charging next to my coffee maker, AI-powered earbuds tangled with my headphone cables, and something called a "biomechanical analysis pod" that I'm pretty sure is just judging me from the corner of my bedroom.

It started innocently enough. I wrote about AI fitness apps that promised to replace personal trainers. The software side was fascinating—some apps genuinely impressed me, while others were glorified timers with ChatGPT bolted on. But everyone in the comments kept asking: "What about the hardware? What about wearables that actually coach you?"

So naturally, I did the reasonable thing and spent nearly $4,000 testing every AI fitness wearable I could get my hands on.

About 40% of what I tested genuinely changed how I train. Real-time form correction is actually here and works shockingly well. Some of these devices caught issues my former personal trainer missed. The tech isn't science fiction anymore—it's just expensive and occasionally buggy.

The other 60% was expensive garbage wrapped in marketing speak. "AI-powered" often means "we added a smartphone connection." Battery life claims are fantasy. And subscription models are everywhere—many devices are basically $300 paperweights without monthly fees.

I've broken everything into categories: the products I genuinely recommend (and still use), the "maybe if you're rich" tier, the "wait for version 2" products that show promise, and the "save your money" category that's honestly most of this industry right now.

I've dealt with the customer service, paid for the subscriptions, and experienced the disappointment of overhyped crowdfunding projects that shipped a year late. This isn't a first-impressions piece — this is the reality check you'd want from a friend who made all the expensive mistakes first.

Let's talk about what's actually worth your money in 2026.

The Main Contenders: 8 Products I Actually Tested

1. Forme Studio Lift

Price: $1,495 (hardware) + $39/month (required subscription)

Forme promised a full-length smart mirror with AI-powered form correction, real-time coaching, and the ability to replace a personal trainer. The pitch: mount it on your wall, and get instant feedback on every rep through computer vision that analyzes your movement patterns.

What actually works well:
Holy hell, the form correction is genuinely good. I've been lifting for 15 years, and this thing caught compensation patterns I didn't know I had. During barbell rows, it noticed I was favoring my right side by about 15%—something I'd never caught on video analysis. The AI coach (voice + on-screen avatar) gives real-time cues: "Drive through your heels," "Keep your core tight," "You're rushing the eccentric."

The computer vision is impressively accurate. It tracks 25 points on your body and maintains accuracy even in mediocre lighting. I tested it in my poorly-lit basement gym, and it only lost tracking maybe 5% of the time. When it works, it's like having a coach watching every rep. It'll literally count down your tempo ("3-2-1-up, 3-2-1-down") and adjust based on your form degradation.

The workout library is extensive—over 1,000 classes ranging from bodybuilding to functional fitness. I particularly love the "Coach Mode" where the AI builds progressive programs based on your goals, equipment, and the movement quality data it collects. After three weeks, it suggested I deload my squats because my depth was decreasing—it was right, I was grinding into overtraining.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The subscription requirement is aggressive. Without it, you have an expensive mirror. They claim it's necessary for the AI processing, but come on—$468 per year in perpetuity? That's a gym membership.

Setup was genuinely difficult. You need to mount this 65-pound mirror securely to a wall, calibrate the camera positioning (which took me three attempts), and have excellent WiFi. The installation guide says "easy DIY," but I'm handy and it took me 2.5 hours plus a slightly-cracked drywall patch I now try not to look at.

The AI gets confused with certain movements. Olympic lifts? Forget it—too fast and complex. Even power cleans made it glitch out. Anything involving a bench partially obscuring your body causes tracking issues. And God help you if you have a dog that wanders into frame; it once tried to coach my golden retriever's "plank form."

Battery life on the wireless connectivity features drains faster than advertised. They claim 6 hours of continuous use, but I get maybe 4.5 with the AI coaching active.

Real-world usage:
I use this 4-5 times per week for strength training. My typical session: 45-minute coached workout in the morning before work. The form feedback has genuinely improved my lifts—my squat depth is more consistent, and I've added 20 pounds to my deadlift by fixing a hip hinge issue the AI identified.

The most valuable feature? The video playback. After each set, you can review your form in split-screen with the AI's ideal model. I've caught myself doing weird stuff I'd never notice otherwise, like shifting my weight during overhead press.

Who should buy it:

• Serious strength trainers willing to invest in form improvement
• People who've had personal trainers and miss the feedback
• Anyone with a dedicated home gym space and wall-mounting capability
• Those comfortable with long-term subscription commitments

Who should avoid it:

• Casual exercisers who won't use it 3+ times weekly
• Renters who can't mount heavy equipment
• Anyone primarily focused on cardio or flexibility training
• People on tight budgets (this is a luxury item, let's be real)

2. Vi Trainer AI Earbuds (Gen 3)

Price: $249 + $15/month for premium coaching

Vi positions these as "the world's first real-time AI personal trainer in your ears." They promise adaptive coaching that responds to your biometrics, personalized running programs, and voice-controlled workout guidance. The pitch video shows someone having natural conversations with their AI coach mid-run.

What actually works well:
The audio quality is solid—better than I expected for fitness earbuds. They stay in during runs, handle sweat reasonably well (IPX7 rating actually holds up), and the call quality is clear enough for phone calls. Battery life is decent at about 6 hours with coaching active, 8 hours without.

The basic heart rate monitoring through in-ear sensors is surprisingly accurate. I compared it against my chest strap HR monitor, and it was within 3-5 BPM most of the time. For casual runners who don't want to wear additional gear, that's actually useful.

The voice coaching does work from a technical perspective—Vi responds to your voice commands and provides audio feedback. You can ask for your pace, heart rate, or distance mid-run without pulling out your phone.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The "AI coaching" is embarrassingly basic. It's essentially scripted responses triggered by biometric thresholds. Vi will say things like "Your heart rate is elevated, maybe slow down" or "You're doing great, keep this pace!" It's not intelligent coaching—it's conditional statements dressed up as artificial intelligence.

The conversational aspect is clunky and frustrating. I tried having a "conversation" with Vi about my training plan, and it felt like talking to a phone tree from 2010. It frequently misunderstands commands, gives generic responses, and can't handle any nuanced questions. "Vi, my knee hurts, should I keep running?" resulted in "Great! Keep up the good work!" Uh, no.

The training programs are cookie-cutter and don't actually adapt meaningfully. Despite six months of data, Vi still suggests the same generic interval workouts. It doesn't learn your preferences, remember your injuries, or adjust for your progress in any sophisticated way.

Connection issues plague this device. It drops Bluetooth connection with my phone about once per week, usually mid-workout, which means you lose all your coaching and data for that session. The app frequently needs updates that interrupt your routine.

Real-world usage:
I used these for about three months regularly, then sporadically. They've now been in my drawer for six weeks. I keep defaulting back to my regular earbuds plus a simple running app because Vi's "coaching" started feeling more annoying than helpful.

The breaking point: I was doing an easy recovery run, intentionally keeping my heart rate low. Vi kept nagging me to "pick up the pace" and "push harder" despite me repeatedly telling it I was doing recovery. It doesn't understand training philosophy—it just sees low effort and assumes you're being lazy.

Who should buy it:

• Complete beginners who want ANY voice guidance while running
• People who find value in motivational audio prompts (even if generic)
• Anyone looking for decent fitness earbuds who might use the coaching occasionally

Who should avoid it:

• Experienced athletes who understand training principles
• Anyone expecting genuine AI conversation or adaptation
• People sensitive to repetitive audio cues
• Those unwilling to pay $15/month for coaching that's worse than free apps

3. Athos Smart Apparel (Complete Set)

Price: $498 (shirt + shorts) + $0/month (no subscription required!)

Athos embeds EMG (electromyography) sensors directly into compression clothing to measure muscle effort in real-time. The promise: see which muscles are actually working during exercises, identify imbalances, optimize your training, and prevent injuries through objective muscle activation data.

What actually works well:
The muscle activation data is legitimately fascinating and, as far as I can verify, accurate. During exercises, you see real-time heat maps showing which muscles are firing and how hard. I discovered I was barely using my left glute during squats—my right glute and both quads were compensating. Physical therapy later confirmed this imbalance that I'd been carrying for probably years.

The insights for isolation exercises are game-changing. When doing bicep curls, I could see my forearms taking over when I got fatigued. During planks, the visualization showed my hip flexors working harder than my core—indicating I was doing the exercise wrong despite "feeling" it in my abs.

The apparel quality is genuinely excellent. After six months and dozens of washes, the sensors still work perfectly. The compression is comfortable, the fabric breathes well, and the EMG sensors are so well-integrated you barely notice them. The charging system is clever—a small core device clips onto the garment and charges via USB-C.

NO SUBSCRIPTION. In 2025, this feels like finding a unicorn. You buy the clothes, you own the tech, the app is free, all features unlocked. Athos, you beautiful bastards, thank you for not rent-seeking.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The price is brutal. $498 for one shirt and one pair of shorts. To get full-body coverage (they also make leggings, long-sleeves), you're looking at $800-1,000+. And while the clothes last, you'll probably want multiple sets if you train frequently, which means $1,000+ investment.

Setup and calibration are tedious. Before each workout, you need to do calibration movements so the system knows your baseline. It takes 3-4 minutes and feels like unnecessary friction when you just want to start training. I often skipped it out of impatience, which degraded data quality.

The app is functional but not intuitive. Finding historical data, comparing workouts, and analyzing trends requires more clicking around than it should. The UI feels like it was designed by engineers for engineers—it's powerful but not friendly.

Battery life on the core device is short—about 2 hours of active training. For most people that's fine, but if you're doing long hiking days or endurance events, you'll need to charge mid-activity or pack a battery.

The data can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. If you're prone to overanalyzing or analysis paralysis, seeing that your left bicep is firing 18% less than your right might send you down a rabbit hole of worry rather than simply adjusting your training reasonably.

Real-world usage:
I use the Athos gear about twice a week for strength training sessions where I really want to focus on form and muscle activation. It's not my everyday training wear—it's my "I'm being scientific today" outfit.

The most practical application: identifying compensation patterns. When my back hurts, I put on the Athos gear and film a session. Usually I can spot exactly which muscles are overworking and which are slacking. Then I program corrective exercises and actually see them activate the sleeping muscles. It's like having X-ray vision for your training.

Who should buy it:

• Athletes rehabbing injuries who need objective activation data
• Serious lifters focused on addressing muscle imbalances
• People who've plateaued and suspect technique issues
• Anyone working with physical therapists or coaches who'd value the data
• Folks with the budget to invest in long-term training tools

Who should avoid it:

• Casual gym-goers who won't use the data meaningfully
• Anyone on a tight budget (this is premium pricing)
• People who get anxious about too much biometric information
• Those wanting comprehensive full-body tracking without buying multiple garments

4. Whoop 5.0 - The Recovery Obsession Enabler

Price: $239 for 12 months (device included), then $239/year required

Whoop markets itself as the ultimate recovery and strain tracking system. No screen, no distractions—just 24/7 monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, respiratory rate, and strain. The AI-driven algorithm supposedly tells you how recovered you are and how much strain you should take on that day.

What actually works well:
The sleep tracking is genuinely the best I've tested. It accurately catches when I fall asleep (I've compared against video footage, yes I'm that person), identifies sleep stages with impressive accuracy, and the sleep insights are legitimately useful. It's caught sleep issues I didn't know I had—like my HRV tanking on nights I eat late, even if I "feel fine."

The recovery score is actually predictive. On days Whoop says I'm 20% recovered (red), I objectively perform worse in training. Lower weight on lifts, can't hit pace targets on runs, feel sluggish. On 85%+ recovery days (green), I set PRs and feel great. After six months of data, I trust the recovery score more than my subjective "how do I feel?"

The strain tracking helps prevent overtraining. I'm a classic overtrainer who thinks more is always better. Whoop literally shows me when I'm accumulating too much strain without adequate recovery. It's helped me actually take rest days instead of pushing through stupidly.

Battery life is solid—4-5 days, and the battery pack charging system means you never have to take it off. You just clip on a wireless battery pack for an hour while you shower or work, and you're good.

The community challenges and integration with friends adds motivation. Seeing my training partners' data creates healthy accountability. We've got a group challenge running, and knowing others can see my strain makes me less likely to skip workouts.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
You MUST pay the subscription or the device is literally useless. It won't even show you basic stats without an active membership. This feels like hostage-taking—I paid $239 for a device that becomes a bracelet if I ever stop paying.

The recovery algorithm can be demotivating. Some mornings you wake up feeling great, ready to crush a workout, and Whoop says you're 15% recovered. Following its guidance means taking a rest day when you genuinely feel good. The algorithm doesn't account for mental readiness, motivation, or life context—only biometrics.

The lack of a screen is both a feature and a bug. Yes, it reduces distraction and encourages checking the app less frequently. But it also means you can't quickly glance at your heart rate mid-workout or see the time. You're tethered to your phone for any information.

The sizing and comfort are tricky. Too tight and it's uncomfortable 24/7; too loose and data accuracy suffers. The bicep band (an alternative placement) works better for me than wrist, but that's an extra $49 accessory.

Social pressure around recovery scores is real. I've seen friends stress about low recovery scores and create anxiety that probably makes their recovery worse. The gamification can become unhealthy obsession.

Real-world usage:
I wear Whoop 24/7 except when showering (while it's charging). I check the app every morning to see my recovery score and plan my training day accordingly. On low recovery days, I do mobility work, easy cardio, or take full rest. On high recovery days, I schedule hard sessions.

The most valuable insight: Whoop proved alcohol destroys my recovery. Even two drinks drop my HRV by 15-20% and push my recovery score down 20-30 points. Seeing the objective data made me cut drinking almost entirely. My average recovery went from 58% to 71% just from that change.

Who should buy it:

• Data-obsessed athletes who will actually modify behavior based on metrics
• People prone to overtraining who need external limiters
• Anyone serious about optimizing sleep and recovery
• Athletes training for specific events who need periodization guidance

Who should avoid it:

• Casual exercisers who won't check the app daily
• People prone to anxiety about health metrics
• Anyone uncomfortable with subscription models
• Those who want a device that "just works" without phone dependency

5. Tonal

Price: $3,995 + $49/month required

Tonal is the premium smart home gym: electromagnetic resistance up to 200 pounds, AI-powered strength training programs, form tracking through 3D sensors, and personalized weight recommendations. The promise is simple: eliminate the need for free weights, personal trainers, and gym memberships forever.

What actually works well:
The electromagnetic resistance is legitimately impressive technology. It's smooth, adjustable in 1-pound increments, and can do things traditional weights can't—like automatically adjusting resistance through your range of motion (lighter in weak positions, heavier in strong positions). This "eccentric mode" where it increases resistance during the lowering phase actually builds strength effectively.

The convenience factor is undeniable. When I'm motivated, I can do a full strength workout in 30 minutes without changing plates, adjusting benches, or setting up equipment. The machine handles all that. For time-crunched people, this efficiency is valuable.

The programs are well-designed and varied. I've done everything from hypertrophy focused blocks to power training to metabolic conditioning. The coaches are engaging, and the instruction is clear. The AI weight recommendations are generally accurate—it tracks your performance and suggests increases or decreases workout by workout.

Space efficiency is a major benefit. It mounts to the wall and has a small footprint compared to a full home gym with rack, barbell, dumbbells, and plates. For apartment dwellers or people with limited space, it actually solves a real problem.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The price is absolutely insane. $4,000 for the device, then $600/year in perpetuity. If you use it for five years (a reasonable lifespan), that's $7,000 total. You could build a genuinely comprehensive home gym for that price and own it outright.

The movement patterns feel... off. Cable-based training is different from free weights, and not always in a good way. Certain exercises like squats and deadlifts lack the proprioceptive feedback and stabilization demands of real barbells. You're training, but you're not building the same movement competency.

The 200-pound resistance limit is real and limiting. I'm not a huge guy (190 pounds), but I hit the weight ceiling on exercises like leg press and back squats within three months. For serious strength athletes, this is a very expensive machine you'll outgrow quickly.

Reliability issues are concerning for the price point. In six months, I've had three instances where the machine glitched and wouldn't provide resistance properly. Each time required customer service intervention, including one firmware update that took the machine offline for three days. At this price, it should be bulletproof.

The subscription requirement is offensive. The hardware is $4,000. Charging $49/month on top of that is pure greed. Without the subscription, you can use "free mode" but lose all programming, tracking, and smart features—so you've got an expensive cable machine with a screen.

Real-world usage:
I used Tonal heavily for the first three months (5-6 days per week), then usage dropped to 2-3 times weekly, and now I use it maybe twice a week. The novelty wears off, and I find myself preferring my barbell for heavy compounds and using Tonal for accessories and burnout work.

The most useful application: high-rep accessory work and supersets. The quick adjustments between exercises make it perfect for circuit training and metabolic conditioning. But for building maximal strength? I'd rather have a barbell.

Who should buy it:

• High earners with disposable income and limited space
• People fully committed to home training forever
• Beginners to intermediate lifters who won't hit the weight ceiling quickly
• Anyone who truly values convenience over cost-effectiveness

Who should avoid it:

• Budget-conscious buyers (obviously)
• Advanced strength athletes needing heavy loads
• People who prefer free weights and traditional training
• Anyone unsure about long-term commitment to home fitness

6. Tempo Move

Price: $395 (hardware) + $39/month required

Tempo Move is positioned as accessible AI-powered strength training. It uses your iPhone's camera for 3D motion tracking, comes with free weights (dumbbells and plates), and provides real-time form correction. The pitch: professional strength training guidance for a fraction of premium smart gym costs.

What actually works well:
The value proposition is genuinely compelling. For under $400, you get a complete dumbbell set, weight plates, an excellent mat, and the 3D scanning cabinet that holds everything. That's reasonable pricing for equipment alone, before adding the AI coaching layer.

The 3D motion tracking is surprisingly accurate using just your phone's camera. I was skeptical—how good could phone-based tracking be? But Tempo's AI genuinely tracks joint angles, counts reps accurately, and catches form breakdowns in real-time. During dumbbell rows, it noticed my shoulders rotating and cued me to stabilize my core. That's real coaching, not just rep counting.

The workouts are well-programmed and varied. I've done strength programs, HIIT classes, boxing-inspired conditioning, and mobility work. The coaches are engaging without being annoying (looking at you, Peloton instructors who scream at me). The difficulty scaling works—programs adapt if you're struggling or crushing the prescribed weights.

The storage solution is clever. The entire setup packs into a cabinet slightly larger than a large suitcase. This is genuinely space-efficient for apartments or small homes. Setup and teardown takes about 60 seconds once you've got the routine down.

Integration with Apple Health and other platforms is seamless. All workout data syncs automatically, and I can see my strength training alongside running, cycling, and other activities in one place.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The weight limit is capped at 100 pounds total (two 50-pound dumbbells included). For me, that's enough for most movements, but bigger, stronger athletes will max out quickly on exercises like goblet squats, rows, and presses. You can't add heavier weights—the system is limited to what's included.

Phone mounting and positioning is finicky. You need to set your phone at the right distance and height, ensure good lighting, and keep the area clear. If your phone shifts during a workout or lighting changes, tracking accuracy degrades. I've had workouts interrupted because my cat walked in front of the camera. Multiple times.

The subscription is (again) required for all smart features. Without it, you have dumbbells and a mat—no coaching, no tracking, no programming. At $39/month, it's cheaper than Tonal but still $468/year forever.

The AI sometimes gets confused with complex movements. Anything involving lying down or positions where your body is partially obscured causes tracking issues. It works brilliantly for standing exercises, gets weird with ground-based work.

Customer service is hit-or-miss based on my experience and online reviews. When I had a technical issue with the app not connecting to the equipment, it took four days and three support tickets to resolve. For a connected device, that's too slow.

Real-world usage:
I use Tempo Move 3-4 times per week for 30-40 minute strength sessions. It's become my go-to for morning workouts before work—quick setup, guided session, done and stored away. The convenience factor is high enough that it actually increases my workout consistency.

The best use case: full-body strength maintenance and conditioning. I'm not trying to set powerlifting records with Tempo; I'm trying to stay strong, build some muscle, and maintain mobility. For those goals, it's perfect. For serious strength building, I'd still want heavier weights and barbell movements.

Who should buy it:

• Budget-conscious buyers wanting smart training under $1,000 first year
• Beginners to intermediate lifters who won't outgrow the weight limits
• Apartment dwellers needing genuinely space-efficient solutions
• People who value form coaching and will use it 3+ times weekly
• iPhone users (Android support is limited)

Who should avoid it:

• Advanced lifters needing heavy weights (100+ pounds)
• Android users wanting full functionality
• Anyone without good workout space for phone positioning
• People resistant to subscription models

7. Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro with AI Sensors

Price: $399

Hyperice added pressure sensors and "AI-guided recovery protocols" to their popular massage gun. The pitch: the sensors detect muscle tension, the AI creates personalized recovery routines, and the app guides you through science-backed protocols to optimize recovery. It's supposed to be smarter recovery, not just random muscle pounding.

What actually works well:
It's a good massage gun. The motor is powerful (up to 3200 percussions per minute), quiet compared to cheaper alternatives, and the battery lasts 3+ hours. The head attachments are well-designed and actually serve different purposes (the flat head for large muscles, the bullet for trigger points, etc.).

The build quality is excellent—solid, premium-feeling, good ergonomics. After six months of regular use, it still works perfectly with no degradation. The wireless charging base is convenient; I keep it charged and ready to go.

The basic functionality of a massage gun works: it helps with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), feels good on tight muscles, and increases blood flow to worked areas. I use it post-workout and before bed on particularly sore days.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The "AI" features are borderline fraudulent marketing. The pressure sensors detect how hard you're pushing the device into your muscles, but the AI doesn't do anything meaningful with that data. The app shows a pressure meter and says "good pressure" or "too much pressure." That's not artificial intelligence; that's a sensor with conditional statements.

The "personalized protocols" are pre-programmed 3-5 minute guided routines for different muscle groups. They're not personalized to you—everyone gets the same protocols. The app plays a video showing where to use the device and a timer counting down. You could watch a YouTube video and get the same thing for free.

The price premium for these "smart" features is $200 over the regular Hypervolt. You're paying $200 for sensors that add minimal value and an app with videos you'll watch twice before ignoring forever.

App connectivity is spotty. The device pairs via Bluetooth, but connection drops happen regularly. Several times the app insisted I needed a firmware update mid-recovery session, which required turning off the device, updating, and restarting. Incredibly annoying when you just want to massage sore muscles.

The promised integration with other Hyperice devices (compression boots, ice compression, vibrating foam rollers) to create a "complete recovery ecosystem" is pure upsell. Each device costs $300-800, and the integrated AI across devices doesn't actually do smart cross-device programming—it just shows you data from multiple devices in one app.

Real-world usage:
I use the Hypervolt 2 Pro about 4-5 times per week, but I literally never open the app anymore. I just turn on the device, adjust intensity manually with the buttons, and use it on whatever muscles are sore. The exact same experience as the $199 non-Pro version.

The sensors? Never think about them. The AI guidance? Watched the videos once, found them basic and unnecessary. The device works great—but only the basic massage gun functionality, which doesn't require the Pro features.

Who should buy it:
Honestly, almost no one. Buy the regular Hypervolt for $199, or another quality massage gun for $100-150, and you'll get 98% of the benefit at half (or less) the cost.

Who should avoid it:

• Anyone on a budget (so... most people)
• People who've seen through marketing BS before
• Smart shoppers who read reviews (hi, that's you)

8. Stryd Power Meter for Running

Price: $279 + $0/month (no subscription!)

Stryd is a foot pod that measures running power (watts) and claims to be more accurate than pace or heart rate for training intensity. The pitch: power is the most reliable metric for running intensity because it accounts for terrain, wind, fatigue, and all the variables that make pace unreliable. Train by power, and you'll train smarter and run faster.

What actually works well:
Running power is legitimately useful, and Stryd's measurement is accurate and consistent. Unlike pace (which varies by terrain) or heart rate (which lags your actual effort), power responds immediately to effort changes. Running uphill? Power spikes instantly. Wind resistance? Power shows the real cost.

This makes pacing workouts and races dramatically easier. Instead of trying to run 7:30 pace on a hilly course (which means wildly fluctuating effort), you can run at consistent power (say, 250 watts) and let your pace vary with terrain. You arrive at the top of hills less fatigued because you didn't overcook the climb.

The data accuracy is impressive. Stryd measures foot contact time, stride length, cadence, leg spring stiffness, and other biomechanics with precision. I've compared it against professional gait analysis labs, and the measurements matched closely. For runners nerdy enough to care, this data is gold.

Battery life is excellent—20+ hours per charge, which means weeks between charges for most runners. The device is tiny, waterproof, and I've forgotten I'm wearing it. It clips to your shoe securely and has survived six months of rain, mud, and abuse without issues.

NO SUBSCRIPTION. Stryd provides free apps, free data analysis, and optional premium features that are one-time purchases. In 2026, this pricing model feels revolutionary.

What doesn't work or disappoints:
The learning curve is steep. Understanding running power requires research and experimentation. What's your critical power? How should your power vary in intervals? What power can you sustain in a marathon? Unlike pace (which is intuitive), power requires education.

The benefit is limited for casual runners. If you run 3-4 times per week casually and don't race or train structured workouts, Stryd is overkill. The insights matter most for athletes training specific intensities or racing competitively.

Integration with third-party apps and watches is hit-or-miss. Stryd works natively with Garmin watches but requires workarounds for Apple Watch and COROS. Some features don't sync, and occasionally you're managing data across multiple platforms.

The price-to-benefit ratio depends heavily on your running seriousness. $279 is expensive for something that provides marginal gains. If you're trying to break a marathon PR or qualify for Boston, those marginal gains matter. If you're running for fitness and stress relief, spend that money on good shoes instead.

Real-world usage:
I use Stryd for every run—it's always clipped to my shoe. For easy runs, I ignore power and just run by feel. For workouts and races, I rely heavily on power for pacing. It's particularly valuable for trail running where pace is meaningless but power tells me if I'm overworking climbs or underworking descents.

The most dramatic benefit: interval workouts. Before Stryd, I'd run intervals by pace on a track. Simple. But road intervals with hills? I'd destroy myself on uphills trying to hold pace and then coast downhills. With power, I hold consistent effort regardless of terrain, which means better training stimulus and less injury risk.

Who should buy it:

• Serious runners training for races and specific time goals
• Trail runners where pace is unreliable due to terrain variation
• Data-loving athletes who'll actually study and use power metrics
• Anyone training for hilly/mountain races where pace-based training breaks down

Who should avoid it:

• Casual runners satisfied with pace and heart rate
• Beginners still developing basic running fitness
• Budget-conscious athletes who can achieve goals without power data
• People overwhelmed by too many metrics and data points

Underground Hits: 20 AI Fitness Wearables Enthusiasts Are Actually Buying

Smart Rings & Minimal Wearables

1. Ultrahuman Ring AIR ($349, no subscription)

This Indian startup's ring hit $35M in funding and sold 50,000+ units in 2025. What makes it interesting: it's lighter than Oura (2.2g vs 4-6g), has comparable sleep tracking accuracy, and—critically—doesn't require a subscription. The AI-powered "Movement Index" analyzes not just exercise quantity but quality, giving recovery recommendations based on movement patterns throughout the day. Won TIME's Best Inventions 2025 in the Wellness category.

The circadian rhythm tracking is legitimately sophisticated, using body temperature fluctuations and activity patterns to optimize your schedule. It'll suggest ideal workout times, when to have caffeine, and optimal sleep windows personalized to your patterns.

Battery life: 5-6 days. Sizes: 6-13. Shipping: Currently in stock, ships in 3-5 days. The catch: sizing is critical—too tight and it's uncomfortable, too loose and data suffers. They provide a free sizing kit, but the process adds 1-2 weeks before you get the actual device.

2. Circular Ring Slim ($279 + $6.50/month)

French startup, raised $9M, notable for being THE thinnest smart ring (2mm profile vs Oura's 2.5mm). The AI here focuses on keto and fasting tracking—it claims to estimate blood glucose trends from heart rate variability and temperature patterns. Take that claim with enormous salt (no device can truly measure glucose without blood contact), but for keto enthusiasts tracking patterns, it's interesting data.

Battery life: 3-4 days (the thinness trade-off). Sizes: 6-12. Shipping: 2-3 week delay currently. Controversially, their crowdfunding campaign shipped 6 months late, which hurt trust, but current shipping is reliable.

3. RingConn Smart Ring ($279, no subscription)

The value king of smart rings. Chinese manufacturer, solid build quality, accurate sleep and HRV tracking, zero subscription. It won't win design awards—it's chunkier than Oura or Ultrahuman—but for $279 one-time cost with lifetime access to all features, it's the smart financial choice.

Their AI recovery algorithm is simpler than Whoop or Oura but still useful—it gives a 1-10 daily readiness score based on HRV, resting heart rate, and sleep quality. Battery life: 7 days (longer than premium competitors). Available on Amazon, ships immediately.

AI Form Correction & Motion Tracking

4. Sency AI Fitness SDK (embedded in multiple apps, $15-30/month per app)

Not hardware—it's the AI engine powering dozens of fitness apps' form correction features. Sency raised $18M Series A and their computer vision SDK is now in apps like FitOn, Freeletics, and 30+ others. Using just your phone camera, it provides real-time form feedback with surprising accuracy.

I tested it through three different apps. The squat depth tracking is genuinely good, it catches knee valgus collapse, and notices shoulder rounding in presses. Not as accurate as dedicated hardware (Forme, Tempo) but incredible for just using a phone. The business model is B2B, so you access it through various fitness apps.

5. Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition ($599, no subscription required)

French health tech company's luxury hybrid smartwatch. The "AI" is light here—it does basic activity and sleep tracking—but the medical-grade sensors are what matter. It's the first consumer wearable with FDA-cleared ECG and medical-grade sleep apnea detection. If you have (or suspect) sleep issues, this is the device that'll catch it and provide data your doctor will actually trust.

The AI sleep analysis correlates respiratory disturbance events with sleep position, alcohol intake, and other factors to identify patterns. It flagged my mild sleep apnea, which led to lifestyle changes that improved my sleep quality dramatically. Battery life: 30 days (hybrid display, not full color). Shipping: In stock.

6. FORM Smart Swim Goggles ($249 + $13/month for premium coaching)

Augmented reality display in swim goggles showing real-time metrics. The AI here tracks stroke rate, split times, distance per stroke, and compares your current interval to previous efforts—all displayed heads-up in your goggles while swimming.

For lap swimmers, this is game-changing. No more stopping to check your watch, no more losing count of laps, no more guessing if you hit your target split. The display is bright enough for outdoor pools, and the battery lasts 16+ hours of swim time.

The catch: you MUST subscribe for workout programming and detailed analytics. Without it, you get basic metrics only. 5,000+ units sold to competitive swimmers, masters teams, and triathletes. Ships in 1-2 weeks.

7. Lumo Run ($59 pod + $9/month for coaching)

This little pod clips to your waistband and analyzes running biomechanics. It measures cadence, bounce, brake (deceleration with each step), pelvic drop, and rotation. The AI gives real-time audio coaching through headphones: "Increase your cadence," "Reduce your bounce," etc.

I was skeptical—how good could a $59 pod be? Surprisingly decent. It caught my overstriding (heel-striking with excessive braking force) and coached me toward a more efficient midfoot strike. After six weeks of using the real-time coaching, my running economy improved measurably. The subscription unlocks training plans and detailed analytics; without it, you get basic metrics only.

Shipping: Immediate from Amazon. The company went through bankruptcy and resurrection, so long-term support is questionable, but at $59, the risk is low.

Specialized & Sport-Specific

8. Catapult Vector ($999 for athletes, no subscription)

This is the GPS + inertial sensor system that professional athletes and college teams use. It tracks total distance, sprint distance, acceleration/deceleration events, jump height, impact forces, and metabolic power. The AI analyzes workload and injury risk based on acute-to-chronic workload ratios.

It's designed for team sports (soccer, football, basketball), not casual use. But it's now available to individual athletes, and serious competitors are buying it. You get the same data NFL players use to manage training load. The software is complex—expect a learning curve. But if you're training for semi-pro or elite competition, the insights are legitimately pro-level.

9. Pivot Bio-Sensing Sleeves ($149/pair, no subscription)

Compression sleeves for arms or legs with embedded IMU sensors that track movement patterns specific to sport. The basketball version analyzes shot mechanics—release angle, release speed, wrist snap. The pitching version tracks arm slot, rotation, velocity contributors.

The AI provides comparative analysis: "Your release is 3 degrees lower than optimal" or "Your follow-through rotation decreased in the 4th inning." For skill-focused athletes, this is incredibly valuable for technique refinement. Raised $4M seed funding, 3,000+ units sold to youth and high school athletes.

Battery life: 5 hours active use. Charging via embedded USB-C ports (slightly weird but works). Shipping: 2-3 weeks currently.

10. SwingVision Tennis AI ($299/year subscription, works with phone/iPad)

Not hardware you buy—it's an app that turns your smartphone/tablet into an AI tennis umpire and coach. Mount your phone on the fence, and SwingVision's AI tracks the ball, calls lines (with Hawk-Eye-like accuracy), generates video highlights, and analyzes your shot patterns.

The AI coaching identifies patterns: you're hitting 73% of backhands down the line (predictable), your second serve lands short 60% of the time (attackable), you win 80% of points when you approach the net (do it more). For serious tennis players, this is $299/year of coaching insights. Over 50,000 active users, mostly USTA-competitive players.

11. Arc'teryx FTLO Performance Vest ($449, no subscription but limited AI)

Arc'teryx (outdoor apparel company) made a smart vest with posture sensors and haptic feedback. It's designed for trail running and hiking—the sensors detect when you're slouching or losing core engagement, and the vest vibrates gently to cue posture correction.

The "AI" is basic—it's pattern recognition based on IMU data—but the application is clever. Better posture during long mountain days means less fatigue and lower injury risk. 2,000+ units sold, mostly to ultrarunners and mountaineers. Battery life: 12 hours. Shipping: In stock but limited size availability.

Strength & Resistance Training AI

12. Kabata ($449 for handles + $29/month)

Smart cable handles with force sensors and AI coaching. They connect to any cable machine at the gym, measure your force output throughout the range of motion, and provide real-time feedback on rep quality. The AI tracks your strength curve—where you're weak in the movement—and suggests variations to address weak points.

Example: during lat pulldowns, it noticed I was weakest in the bottom 6 inches of the movement (full stretch position). It suggested adding paused reps in that range and partial reps to overload that position. Four weeks later, my strength curve evened out, and my total weight increased.

The subscription includes AI-generated programs based on your force data. Without it, the handles are just expensive handles. Raised $6M funding, shipping in stock. Popular with bodybuilders and powerlifters who train at commercial gyms.

13. Speediance Gym Monster ($2,995 + $39/month)

The Tonal competitor nobody talks about. Similar concept: digital resistance (up to 220 pounds), wall-mounted, AI coaching, form tracking. It's $1,000 cheaper than Tonal, has slightly higher resistance, and honestly... it's pretty comparable.

The AI coach uses voice recognition and conversational training—you can have somewhat natural conversations about your workout plan, ask it to adjust weights mid-set, and request exercise substitutions. The form tracking is less sophisticated than Tonal, but it's there.

The reason it's "underground" rather than mainstream: marketing budget. Speediance is a Chinese company with minimal US marketing, so it's primarily sold through word-of-mouth in fitness communities. 10,000+ units sold, mostly to people who researched alternatives to Tonal and found this. Shipping: 4-6 weeks currently.

14. Omorpho G+ Gravity Sportswear ($295/shirt, $345/tights, no subscription)

This is weird but intriguing: compression clothing with strategically placed weighted "MicroLoad" beads (totaling 2-4 pounds depending on garment). The "AI" element is minimal—it's biomechanics, not software—but the company claims proprietary algorithms determined optimal weight placement.

The idea: adding small amounts of resistance to natural movement increases power output and calorie burn without altering form (unlike wearing a weighted vest, which changes your movement patterns). Studies funded by the company show 8-10% increase in energy expenditure wearing the gear.

I tested the shirt for running and HIIT workouts. Honestly? It does feel like you're working harder, and my heart rate data confirmed increased intensity. Whether that justifies $295 for a shirt is personal, but serious athletes training for explosive power are buying it. Kyrie Irving and other NBA players use it. About 15,000 units sold since launch.

Recovery & Health Monitoring AI

15. Apollo Neuro ($349, no subscription)

Wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to supposedly improve HRV, sleep, and stress resilience through "touch therapy." The AI learns your usage patterns and recommends optimal times to use "energy" mode (morning stimulation), "focus" mode (daytime concentration), or "sleep" mode (evening relaxation).

This is borderline pseudoscience, but... my Whoop data showed HRV improvements when I used Apollo consistently. Whether it's placebo, I genuinely don't know. The device has multiple published studies showing effects, but they're small sample sizes and mostly funded by the company.

40,000+ units sold, popular in biohacking communities. Battery life: 3-4 days. Shipping: In stock. No subscription is a huge plus—you buy it once, use it forever.

16. Biostrap Kairos ($349 + $9/month for AI coaching)

Advanced health monitoring band focused on recovery and strain. Similar to Whoop but with added respiratory monitoring and overnight oximetry. The AI analyzes your HRV trends over time and predicts illness 2-3 days before symptoms appear (based on deviations from baseline).

This actually worked for me—twice. The app alerted me to unusual HRV drops and suggested taking recovery days. Both times, I developed cold symptoms 48-72 hours later. If you can preemptively rest and support immunity, potentially avoiding full illness, that's valuable.

The subscription is cheaper than Whoop ($108/year vs $239), the hardware is comparable quality, and you're not forced into 12-month commitments. It's the smart alternative for people who want Whoop-style data without Whoop prices. 8,000+ users, mostly endurance athletes and CrossFit competitors.

17. NOWATCH ($499, no subscription—it's a fashion smartwatch)

Dutch "non-watch" smart wearable disguised as high-end jewelry. It has no screen, no notifications, no time display—just continuous health monitoring (HRV, stress, activity) with data in the app. The AI provides "wellness scores" and patterns over weeks and months.

This is for people who want health data but hate the constant pinging and distraction of smartwatches. It looks like an attractive accessory (actually beautiful designs), tracks health passively, and leaves you alone otherwise. My partner uses this specifically because she wants recovery data without phone addiction triggers.

Premium price for premium design. Battery life: 5 days. Won Red Dot Design Award 2025. Shipping: 4-6 weeks. Very niche—you either get why someone would pay $499 for this or you don't.

18. Somaderm Health's Circul Ring ($249 + $6/month)

Another smart ring, but focused entirely on circulation and vascular health. It measures blood oxygen continuously, pulse wave velocity (vascular stiffness), and perfusion index. The AI tracks trends and alerts you to significant changes that might indicate health issues.

This is targeted at people with or at risk for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or circulation problems. It caught one user's peripheral artery disease early based on perfusion trends—legitimately saved them from serious complications. For healthy athletes, it's probably overkill, but for health monitoring, it's sophisticated.

FDA-registered as a medical device (class II). Battery life: 4 days. Shipping: 2-3 weeks. About 5,000 users, mostly older adults and people with chronic conditions.

Emerging & Crowdfunding Projects

19. Movella DOT ($1,699 for 4-sensor starter kit, available now)

Professional motion capture system that's now accessible to consumers. Uses 4-17 wearable sensors to create full-body motion tracking. Originally designed for film/animation, it's being adopted by athletes for comprehensive biomechanical analysis.

The AI analyzes movement patterns across your entire kinetic chain—how your hip mobility affects your shoulder position, how ankle stiffness changes your squat pattern, etc. It's used by physical therapists, elite athletes, and movement coaches. Way too expensive and complex for casual users, but for professionals or very serious athletes, it's legitimate full-body analysis.

Ships immediately from their website. 2,000+ professional users.

20. Komodo AIO Sleeve ($249, ships Q4 2026)

Crowdfunding project on Kickstarter that hit $2.1M (1,800% funded) for an arm sleeve with blood flow restriction, muscle stimulation, and EMG sensors. The AI promises personalized recovery protocols combining these modalities based on your workout data.

Red flags: shipping delayed twice already (originally Q2 2026, now Q4 2026). The technology is complex, and combining three modalities in one device is ambitious. But the backer enthusiasm is real, and the team includes sports science PhDs.

This is "pre-order cautiously" territory. If it delivers as promised, it's revolutionary. If it's another overhyped crowdfunding project that ships a mediocre product two years late... well, we've all been there.

Buying Guide: What to Buy Now, What to Wait For, What to Skip

Immediate Buys (Available Now, Worth the Money)

Wait for Version 2.0

Skip Entirely

FAQ

Personal Reality Check

Daily Use (Used 5-7 Days Per Week)

1. Whoop 5.0 - Still wearing it 24/7, check the app every morning. The recovery score genuinely influences my training decisions, and I've learned patterns about my body I never would've noticed otherwise. The subscription annoys me philosophically, but I keep paying because the value is there.
2. Stryd - Clipped to my shoe for every run. I don't always train by power, but I love having the data. For workout days and race pacing, it's indispensable. For easy runs, I ignore it and run by feel, but it's there gathering data anyway.

Weekly Use (2-4 Times Per Week)

1. Forme Studio Lift - I use this for 3-4 strength sessions weekly. It's my primary strength training tool now, and the form corrections have legitimately improved my lifting. The subscription still bothers me, but I'm getting value from it.
2. Athos shirt - I wear this 1-2 times per week for specific sessions where I want muscle activation data—usually when focusing on correcting imbalances or trying new exercises. It's not my everyday training gear, but it's valuable when I use it intentionally.
3. Tempo Move - My partner uses this 3-4 times per week (I use it occasionally). It's become primary strength training tool because it's accessible, non-intimidating, and the form coaching gives confidence.

Occasional Use (Few Times Per Month)

1. Hyperice Hypervolt - I use it after particularly hard training sessions or when specific muscles are sore. But honestly, I'd get the same benefit from the cheaper non-Pro version. The "AI features" remain completely unused.
2. FORM Smart Swim Goggles - Pool access is my limiting factor (I don't have consistent pool access). When I do swim, these are fantastic. But that's maybe twice per month, which doesn't justify the subscription cost. I'll likely cancel soon.

Never Use Anymore (In the Drawer/Closet)

1. Vi Trainer AI Earbuds - Haven't touched these in two months. They're fine earbuds, but the AI coaching is so unhelpful that I prefer regular earbuds with a training app. They've been completely replaced in my routine.
2. Tonal - Used heavily for three months, sporadically for two months, haven't touched it in the past month. I got bored of cable-based movements and missed barbell training. It's now an expensive reminder of an impulse purchase, and I'm genuinely considering selling it.
3. Various smart clothing items - Bought several sensor-embedded shirts, shorts, and socks that measured heart rate, temperature, etc. All abandoned because they didn't provide data meaningfully different from my watch, required charging/pairing, and were expensive for basic clothing.

Should You Buy AI Fitness Wearables Right Now?

Here's my framework for making the decision:

You should buy NOW if:

• You've identified a specific limitation in your training that a particular device addresses. Example: you know your form breaks down but can't afford a trainer—Forme or Tempo solve that specific problem.
• You're willing to commit to actually using it 3+ times per week. These devices require consistent use to justify costs. If you'll use it twice and abandon it, save your money.
• Your budget genuinely allows it without financial stress. Don't go into debt or skip other financial priorities for fitness tech. If $500-2,000 is meaningful money to you, these are luxury purchases, not necessities.
• You've researched the specific device thoroughly and seen multiple independent reviews confirming it works as advertised. Don't buy based on marketing alone.

You should WAIT if:

• You're new to training and still building basic habits. Six months of consistent training with basics will benefit you more than expensive tech right now. Revisit AI wearables once you've got solid habits.
• The device category is rapidly evolving. AI coaching earbuds, for example, are likely to improve dramatically in 1-2 years. Current versions are meh; wait for the technology to mature.
• You're not sure exactly what problem you're solving. Buying tech hoping it'll magically motivate you or fix unclear issues rarely works. Identify the specific problem first, then find the tool that solves it.
• Reviews are mixed or the product just launched. First-generation products are usually buggy and get replaced quickly. Let early adopters test it, wait for version 2.0 or at least several months of user feedback.

You should SKIP if:

• You can't clearly articulate what value the device provides beyond "it's cool." Cool wears off fast; functional value lasts.
• The subscription cost makes you hesitate. If you're questioning whether the monthly fee is worth it, that's your answer—it's not. Only buy subscription devices where the value is obvious and undeniable.
• You've got inconsistent training habits. Fix the consistency problem first (which probably doesn't require fancy tech), then optimize with devices once you're training regularly.
• The device requires major lifestyle changes. Wall-mounting heavy equipment, training in specific locations, wearing multiple devices—if the friction is high, you probably won't use it long-term.
• It's solving a problem you don't have. Just because elite athletes track 47 biometrics doesn't mean you need to. Most people need basics done consistently, not advanced optimization.

What's Coming That Might Be Worth Waiting For

1. True non-invasive glucose monitoring (2027-2028 realistically)

Multiple companies (Apple, Samsung, startups) are working on optical glucose monitoring without finger pricks. Current attempts aren't accurate enough, but if someone cracks this technology, it'll revolutionize health wearables. Knowing real-time glucose responses to food and exercise would be game-changing for everyone, not just diabetics.

Worth waiting for: Yes, if you're interested in metabolic health optimization. But don't hold your breath—this has been "2 years away" for the past decade.

2. AI coaching that's actually conversational (2026-2027)

Current AI coaches are pretty rigid and scripted. But with rapid improvements in language models, genuinely conversational AI coaches that understand context, remember your history, and adapt to nuanced questions are coming soon. Imagine asking "My knee hurts a bit, should I skip squats today or modify?" and getting intelligent, personalized advice based on your injury history and training phase.

Worth waiting for: Maybe. The early versions will be imperfect, but this could legitimately replace personal trainer check-ins for many people.

3. Integration across devices creating actual "ecosystems" (2026 onwards)
Right now, even devices from the same company barely talk to each other. The future is smart integration: your ring sees poor HRV, automatically adjusts your smart mirror's workout intensity, and alerts your meal planning app to adjust macros for recovery. True ecosystem intelligence, not just multiple devices in one app.

Worth waiting for: Yes, but this requires industry standardization which moves slowly. Probably 2-3 years before this is seamless.

4. Affordable biomechanics tracking (2027-2028)

Professional motion capture is $1,000+ currently. But computer vision is improving fast, and phones are getting better cameras. Within 2-3 years, your phone camera might provide motion analysis nearly as good as expensive systems. This democratizes form analysis massively.

Worth waiting for: Probably not worth actively waiting, but exciting when it arrives. Keep using current solutions until this matures.

5. Predictive injury risk AI (late 2026 onwards)
Current devices identify current imbalances and recovery status. Next generation will predict injury risk 2-4 weeks before injuries develop by analyzing patterns in movement quality, workload trends, and recovery markers. "Your right knee loading pattern has shifted 8% over three weeks, research shows this predicts patellofemoral pain syndrome—adjust now."

Worth waiting for: If you're injury-prone, yes. This could be incredibly valuable for preventing the injury-training-rehab cycle. But it'll only work if you actually modify behavior based on predictions.

Final Thoughts: The Hype Versus Reality

The hype is partially true. AI fitness wearables have genuinely improved my training. Real-time form correction works, recovery tracking is accurate, and power-based training is legitimately useful. These aren't gimmicks—they're real tools that, when used properly, deliver measurable benefits. My strength is up, my running times improved, and I've avoided injuries by respecting recovery data.

But the hype is also mostly bullshit. "AI-powered" is slapped on everything, most subscriptions are predatory rent-seeking, and half the products I tested were solutions in search of problems. The vast majority of fitness success still comes from basics done consistently: showing up, progressive overload, adequate recovery, and decent nutrition. Fancy tech optimizes at the margins.

The uncomfortable truth: I'd probably have made 80% of my progress with zero AI wearables. Just barbell, dumbbells, running shoes, and consistency. The devices accelerated some things, caught issues earlier, and made training more efficient, but they weren't transformative. They're performance enhancers, not magic bullets.

My personal recommendations by budget:

$0-300: Buy quality basics (shoes, maybe a fitness tracker), invest in coaching or programming, focus on consistency. Don't buy AI wearables yet.

$300-800: Stryd ($279) or a smart ring like Ultrahuman ($349) or RingConn ($279). These provide genuine value without subscriptions, and you'll use them long-term.

$800-1,500: Add Athos ($498) if you're serious about strength training, or Tempo Move ($395 + subscription) if you want smart home training. These have clear value propositions for committed athletes.

$1,500-3,000: Forme Studio Lift ($1,495 + subscription) is the only device in this range I'd recommend. Nothing else justifies this price point unless you're wealthy enough that money isn't a consideration.

$3,000+: Honestly, don't. Unless you're a professional athlete with sponsorship money or genuinely wealthy where $4,000 is meaningless, nothing in this category is worth it for regular people. Build a comprehensive home gym with free weights, or pay for years of excellent gym memberships and occasional coaching.

Should you wait or buy now?

If you've identified a specific device that solves a real problem in your training, and you've done research confirming it works, buy now. Waiting for perfect technology means never buying—there'll always be something better coming.

But if you're just interested in AI fitness wearables generally, or hoping they'll motivate you to train, or excited by the novelty—wait. Let the market mature, let prices drop, let subscriptions stabilize. The devices in 2027 will be better and cheaper than what's available now.

The best time to buy is when you've identified a specific limitation in your training that a specific device addresses. Until then, your money is better spent on basics, coaching, and building consistent habits.

I've spent nearly $4,000 and six months testing these devices so you could learn from my expensive mistakes. Some purchases were worthwhile—they've genuinely improved my training. Others are gathering dust, expensive reminders that marketing hype exceeds functional value.

The future of AI fitness wearables is genuinely exciting. But the present is messy, overpriced, and full of false promises. Be skeptical, do research, start with cheaper options, and only upgrade when you've identified specific problems that specific devices solve.

And for the love of God, don't buy a $300 massage gun just because it has "AI" in the name. Buy the $150 one without AI. It works exactly the same.

Trust me. I learned this lesson expensively.

Related Articles & Suggested Reading

AI Fitness Apps: I Tried 4 Personal Trainer Alternatives

I tested 4 of the best AI fitness apps to see if they can actually replace a personal trainer. Here’s what works, what doesn’t, and which apps are worth your money in 2025.

Humai.blog - Al Insights, Tools & Productivity WorkflowsDani

Oura Ring vs Whoop: Which Fitness Tracker is Right for You?

Oura Ring vs Whoop: a detailed comparison of design, sleep tracking, recovery insights, workout features, accuracy, pricing, and who each device is best for.

Humai.blog - Al Insights, Tools & Productivity WorkflowsDani

The Best Whoop Alternatives: Comprehensive Guide to Fitness and Recovery Trackers in 2025

The best Whoop alternatives in 2025, including Oura, Garmin, Apple Watch, Fitbit, Polar, and Biostrap. Compare features, recovery metrics, and pricing.

Humai.blog - Al Insights, Tools & Productivity WorkflowsDani