This year, as part of our inaugural Health Tech Awards, we tested nearly 150 products within this category to determine the best of the best. Sure, high-tech stuff always sounds cool, but we wanted to know which items out there actually deliver on their promises and deserve a spot in your wellness arsenal. So, our editors rigorously tested products to figure out which actually earned our seal of approval—and, ultimately, are worth clicking “buy now.”

We know our readers rely on our recommendations, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Below, we laid out exactly how we chose products to test and the criteria we used to thoroughly vet each item that came across our desks during this months-long process.

How We Chose Products to Test: We kicked off this awards process by first opening up submissions to brands back in November 2024. After receiving over 100 submissions, we narrowed down our testing pool to the top picks that were the newest and most promising. To help guide our testing process, we asked health and fitness experts to share what, exactly, we should test for in each category. We wanted to know what features are the most important to look for, and how the pros suggest testing for each one. Our expert panel also noted things to avoid or be wary of as we went throughout the testing process.

Meet Our Experts

• Shannon Ritchey, DPT, founder of Evlo Fitness and host of The Dr. Shannon Show
• Laura Norris, MS, CPT and run coach, co-host of Tread Lightly
• Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, exercise science expert and author
• Whitney Biaggi, CPT and run coach
• Marilisa Morea, PsyD, clinical psychologist and owner and director of Monarch Therapy and Wellness Center in Thornhill, Ontario
• Courtney Roselle, CPT, USA Weightlifting certified strength coach, and owner of Iron Grace Studio

How We Tested Recovery Products

Here’s what we considered when testing recovery products, including massage guns, vibrating recovery tools, heat and vibration pads and compression boots, and smart alarm clocks:

• Size, weight, and comfort. Handheld recovery devices should be small and lightweight enough to comfortably hold and use. We also considered if it was travel-friendly for tackling sore muscles on-the-go. When testing a massage gun, we held it in different positions to make sure we could comfortably reach the muscles we wanted to use it on, noting any issues we had maneuvering it. For rollers, we noted the density of surfaces and how comfortable they are to lie on and use.
• Setup. We considered if any assembly was required, or if the device came ready straight out of the box. If it came with attachments, we noted how many were included and how easy they were to put on and take off
• Battery life. A high-tech device is useless if it dies halfway through your session or is never charged when you go to grab it from the shelf and actually use it. We noted how long each device takes to fully charge and how long a full charge last (per the manufacturer’s instructions and our actual experiences).
• Customizability. A good recovery product should be adaptable to your needs. You should be able to adjust and control various factors during use, including: the speed, length of time used, and amount of pressure. The attachments included should target different body parts or use cases, and work effectively in the areas they are intended.
• Noise. Some products in this category is pretty dang loud. When testing, we considered the noise each item made, and whether or not we could use it in public, or with a baby sleeping in a nearby room, without disturbing them.
• Price vs. expected benefit. Reducing tissue tightness and increasing circulation, hydration, and/or nutrition are all components of recovery; any recovery product should be able to effectively hit on one of those. To determine if a product is worth the money, we compared the cost to not only the intended outcome (what the manufacturer says it will do for you) but also how we felt right after using it, if it seemed to affect our workouts the day after, if we felt like we had more strength/power or extra energy, and the experience overall.
• For alarm clocks: Sound features, light, and overall experience. We’re just going to say it: Some alarm clocks are kind of annoying. While testing these products, we noted the variety of sound options and how much we enjoyed them (or didn’t). We also paid attention to the light feature and how good it was at gradually brightening. Overall, we noted what the experience was like and if it actually made it easier to wake up in the morning.

How We Tested Wearables

Here’s what we considered when testing fitness wearables, including wrist-based watches and trackers, rings, and more:

• Included workout modes. Some wearables are excellent for tracking specific kinds of workouts; others are more Jacks of all trades. We used each device during its intended workout(s) to gauge how well it fulfilled its purpose.
• GPS and Bluetooth. A satellite connection makes it possible to track routes and distances. While testing, we noted how quickly the GPS connected and if it stayed connected through the workout. We also looked for Bluetooth capabilities and how easy it was to connect to other devices like wireless earbuds or a smartphone.
• Accuracy. What good is a tracker if it’s not accurate? To test accuracy, we chose a couple data points to track through a variety of workouts, and then tested them against something more “old school” but accurate, such as a traditional heart rate monitor.
• Battery life. It feels like a true betrayal when your tracker dies mid workout. For each device we tested, we noted the manufacturer’s instructions for fully charging, how long it takes to do so, and how long the battery is expected to last on a full charge (both with and without GPS use). During use, we noted real-use details such as how much the battery drained during a workout and how much time you have between getting a low-battery alert and when it actually dies.
• Companion app. Sometimes, the app can make or break the tracker—what good is the latter if you can’t easily see all your stats in the former? For each tracker and app, we considered which phone operating systems it’s most compatible with and how easy it is to navigate and use.
• Comfort/fit. An ill-fitting wearable can be distracting during a workout. For each device, we noted how it felt to wear (any pinching? rubbing?) and how adjustable it was. We also made sure to get it wet or sweaty and assessed if that changed anything.
• Durability and maintenance. After using a wearable a few times, we looked for any noticeable scratches, smells, or discoloration. Then, we tried cleaning it off, noting how easy that was to do and if it was easy to replace the strap once it got dirty over time.
• Water/weather resistance. It’s important to read the manual to determine if a wearable is waterproof. If there was a swim feature, we tested it by either swimming or submerging it in a sink or tub to see how it behaved. We also noted if a device was not waterproof, and if it seemed like it would at least hold up to the elements while training.

How We Tested Fitness Equipment and Gear

Here’s what we considered when testing fitness equipment and gear, including at-home connected gym equipment, weights, treadmills, rowers, bikes, yoga mats, VR equipment, and more:

Weights:

• Material and coating. The material of a weight, and especially the coating on the outside, can make it easier or harder to grip, affecting both comfort and functionality during a workout. It also can make a weight easier or harder to clean, and some materials may become damaged while using a product like a Clorox wipe.
• Shape. A weight’s shape can make it better suited for some exercises than others. For example, weights that have hexagonal heads on them can be placed on the floor and used easily for an exercise like a renegade row, whereas ones with circular heads cannot. We noted if a weight’s shape made it easier or harder to hold and maneuver, and if it affected how/where you can store it when not in use.
• Durability. Weights are often a decent investment, so yo want to make sure they will hold up over heavy use. Specifically, we took note of any chipping, scratching, or other damage that occurred during the testing process.

Smart or adjustable weights:

• Size. Some adjustable weights on the market can be large and unwieldy. During tested, we paid attention to the size and shape of these weights, and noted how easy or difficult it was to maneuver them with various exercises.
• Weight options. The point of adjustable weights is that they replace a set of multiple weights, saving you space and ideally money. When deciding on a set, you want to make sure the weight options meet your needs, and that the increments they change by are right for your strength goals and workouts.
• Ease of use. Racking and unracking adjustable weights should be seamless so that your workout seems easier, not harder. During testing, we noted how easy and quick it was to rack and adjust the weights, and noted if they ever got stuck or otherwise glitched.

Cardio machines (treadmills, rowers, bikes):

• Modes and features. A variety of manual and automatic workout modes makes it possible to truly customize your workout on a cardio machine. We noted any that were unique and worth calling out, and those that were notably missing. Another pro we looked for: Profiles or another way for the machine to remember our settings, track progress, and easily switch between users.
• Noise. If you’re bringing a cardio machine into your home, you want it to be as unobtrusive as possible. So, we paid attention to how loud the machines were, and whether someone could hear it in the next room.
• Size. Most cardio machines are one-size-fits-all, but it’s important to ensure that whatever you’re buying is right for your body. That means the arm rails, handles, or pedals are positioned in a way that allows you to have a comfortable fit (or are adjustable) and for a treadmill, that the belt is long enough to accommodate your stride.
• Stability and durability. If you’re investing in a cardio machine, you want to make sure it’s stable as you use it, and feels durable enough to hold up over hours of use.
• Ease of use. Again, easy-to-use equipment = more enjoyable workouts. We noted how easy it was to change the speed, incline, resistance, and other settings during use on either regular dials and buttons or a touchscreen.
• Safety features. All cardio machines should have basic safety features, like that classic cord you can clip onto your shirt and pull to stop the machine if you fall. Any added safety features are also worth noting.
• Smart features. For smart machines that track and display data, we looked at whether it gives biofeedback, how easy it is to connect headphones, smart watches, or heart rate monitors via Bluetooth; whether it can connect with third-party apps; if it connected to wifi, and the quality of any connected features or streaming abilities.
• Other features. For treadmills: the horsepower aka the motor strength and any shock absorption or cushioning technology in the belt. For bikes and rowing machines: the type of flywheel used.
• Cleaning. After cleaning the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, we noted how easy it was, if it dried quickly, and if any residue or stickiness lingered.

Yoga mats:

• Thickness. A thick yoga mat helps cushion your knees, forearms, and other body parts against a hard floor. We noted the thickness and comfort of each mat.
• Weight. Thicker mats can be heavy—which is fine for an at-home practice, but not ideal if you tote it back and forth to the studio. It’s just something to consider depending on your typical use.
• Grippiness. The texture of the mat’s surface should provide grip, and help your hands and feet stay put even when you get sweaty. A yoga mat should also stay put on the floor and never slide or shift under you during your practice.
• Durability. We paid attention to each mat’s material, noting if it seemed durable or more on the flimsy side. We also noted any damage that showed up during the testing period.
• Smell. Some yoga mats give off a bad smell when you first unbox them—and some tend to hang around for far too long. During testing, we paid attention to any off-gassing smells, noting how long it took for it to fade and if it was manageable or required a few days of airing out before use.
• Cleaning. After cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions, we noted how easy the process was, how quickly the mat dried, and if it left any residue behind.

Virtual reality (VR) equipment:

• Cost. Since VR can get expensive, and may come with various pricing models, we noted not only the cost of the device but any additional fees for the app subscription or service.
• Functionality. A VR fitness experience should come with easy-to-use technology, including any companion app. During testing, we noted if things ran smoothly and connected and synced easily, or if we ran into any glitches.
• Workout options. We also paid attention to the types of workouts offered, if there is a large library of options (plus how often it’s updated), and if there is a mix of intensity and difficulty levels offered for beginners through experienced exercisers.
• Instructors. If virtual instructors guide these workouts, they should use clear and accurate cueing and be easy and enjoyable to listen to.

Headphones/earbuds:

• Weatherproof. When you’re using your headphones or earbuds during a workout, you want them to be waterproof, or at least sweatproof. We also paid attention to whether or not the weather (rain, cold) seemed to impact their functionality or battery life.
• Noise cancellation. Noise-canceling features are convenient to get in the zone, but you also want to be able to hear important noises like approaching traffic or any alarms or sirens.
• Fit and comfort. Headphones should stay put when you’re moving. We tested these products during high-impact movements, like running, jumping, etc., to see if they stayed in place or if we needed to adjust them throughout the activity.
• Sound quality. So simple yet so important: A good pair of headphones or earbuds should provide high-quality, clear, and even sound.

How We Tested Lifestyle and Well-Being Products

Here’s what we considered when testing smart lifestyle products, including water bottles, meditation apps, and more:

Smart water bottles:

• Battery. As part of our testing, we noted how long the battery is expected to last on a full charge and how long it takes to fully charge.
• Ease of use. A smart water bottle is supposed to make life easier, right? We noted how easy the setup was and generally what everyday use was like and any issues that came uo.
• Cleaning. A tech-packed water bottle usually can’t be thrown in the dishwasher. So, we followed the product’s cleaning instructions, and noted how easy or tedious this was.

Health and mindfulness apps and devices:

• Cost. Some apps have free versions that are great, while others are only worth using if you pay for the premium option. We noticed the differences in cost and value, what the basic option includes, any extra hidden fees you may encounter, and if the cost is in line with the features and quality provided. For devices, we considered if there was any additional cost beyond the initial purchase of the device.
• Ease of use and reliability. When looking for a quality app, you want a layout that is simple and organized, making it easy to use. We also noted how accurate and useful the search feature was, whether the app offers guided suggestions (like Netflix “since you like this, try this…”), and if the app tended to freeze, lag, or crash during use. Another important thing to consider is whether the app (or a meditation device) requires wifi or if you can use it offline.
• Additional features. The specific features you’ll want in a wellness app or meditation device will depend on your intended use, but some we like to look for include: tracking options or encouragement features that make it easier to achieve your goals, the ability to “favorite” things so they are easily accessible later, a variety of programs/activities available, a variety of length and difficulty levels, opinions for syncing data to another device or pulling and sending a report, and the ability to personalize content or practices to your needs.
• Safety and support. Before using an app for health-related tracking, you want to look into the data protection policies. We noted how easy or difficult they are to find and understand for each app.
• For mental health apps: In addition to the above features, we also looked for mental health apps that are supported by research and reviewed by professionals; offer guidance and psychoeducation on relevant topics; include options to set goals; include a space to journal/log; and offer support options (i.e.helplines and other resources for members if in crisis mode or need more support/education).

For fitness apps:

• In addition to the above features, we also looked for fitness apps that follow the science of muscle building; feature qualified instructors; include easy-to-understand cues and guidance on weight, reps, and sets; and avoid terminology such as “burn fat and slim down.”