Tired of confusing fitness tech reviews full of jargon and marketing hype? At What's The Best, we get it. That's why our reviews are written by real fitness enthusiasts, not lab technicians. We ditch the fancy equipment and integrate these products – treadmills, watches, gym gadgets – into our everyday workouts, just like you would.
This means that we can give honest feedback that is free from stats and fluff. We tell you what truly works – and what doesn't – based on real-world experience.
While stats from clinical testing can be helpful, they don't tell the whole story. Can you imagine that treadmill creaking every time you run? Does that fitness watch dig into your wrist uncomfortably? We test for these things so you don't have to.
Our reviewers understand your needs because they share them. They test these products in different situations, so you know they'll perform when you need them most.
We want to help you make informed decisions. With What's The Best, you'll know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
Here are some examples of the fitness content that we curate:
How we test fitness products
When it comes to hands-on testing, we dive into the products - be it clothes, trainers, treadmills or gadgets - just like any regular customer would. Keeping things straightforward, we unbox the test product and seamlessly incorporate it into our daily routines as intended.
Take our comprehensive kayak group test, for instance. Members of the What’s The Best team with watersport knowledge headed out onto a local river for a whole day of testing to ensure that they were fulfilling their needs and whether they were suitable for a recommendation. We apply the same level of critique when reviewing Garmin smartwatches, for example.
Likewise, when we recommended shoes for weightlifting, we went to members of the team who enjoy strength training and asked them their first hand experience - this is where we got the idea to include Vans and Converse, alongside dedicated specialist shoes. By taking our time, considering all the options and asking those in the know, we can gather the required knowledge needed to ensure that what we recommend are truly worthwhile, away from marketing hype.
Throughout our everyday testing journey, we draw on our experience and expertise to assess the product's performance. If things are going smoothly, we're excited to convey that in our write-ups. On the flip side, if a product falls short, we consider it our duty to share that insight, keeping our readers well-informed.
How long do we test fitness products for?
Unlike other reviewers who follow a strict schedule, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all testing. We rely on experience to know when we've truly gotten under the hood of a product.
This translates to in-depth testing that typically lasts weeks, but some products become our workout companions for months. We uncover every hidden gem and flaw they offer by seamlessly integrating them into our routines.
We take this flexible approach because real-world use exposes strengths and weaknesses that lab tests might miss. We want to give you the full picture, not a snapshot in time.
How we score fitness products
Here at What's The Best, we don't just review fitness tech – we dissect it. We put each product through its paces to give you a comprehensive picture of its strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against the competition. Here's what we have in mind when we are looking at our reviews:
Build. We examine the build quality, scrutinising the materials for durability. Whether it's a sleek smartwatch or a heavy-duty treadmill, we assess its resilience to daily wear and tear. Then, we go beyond materials, evaluating how well the design holds up. We look for signs of exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring the product is assembled to last, free from defects or flimsy construction.
Battery. Battery life is crucial for fitness trackers and another wearable tech. We test how long a single charge lasts under real-world conditions and how long it takes to recharge.
Usability. We assess the user interface for clarity and ease of use – does it do what it is meant to? Can you navigate the controls instinctively, even during a tough workout? If the device has a companion app, we delve into its functionality and user-friendliness. Does it seamlessly integrate with the device or create a frustrating experience?
Performance. We test the device's performance in various fitness scenarios. Does it accurately track your activity, whether it's a brisk walk, a high-intensity interval training session, or a relaxing yoga flow? We then look beyond basic functionality for devices with additional features. For example, we test the effectiveness of built-in workout programs, incline adjustments, and data-tracking features for smart treadmills. We tested all the advertised features, ensuring they deliver as promised. Whether it's a heart rate monitor's accuracy or a smartwatch's GPS functionality, we meticulously evaluate their effectiveness.
Connectivity. We test a device's connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) to ensure reliable and fast connections. We assess how easy it is to set up, re-establish, and maintain these connections so you can spend less time fiddling and more time working out.
Competition. We position the product within the competitive landscape, comparing it to similar options. How does its price point relate to its features and performance? We suggest other products that address similar needs, offering a range of options for different budgets.
Scoring transparency. Our reviews culminate in a clear, unbiased star rating out of five, reflecting our in-depth assessment. We maintain complete editorial independence, ensuring our reviews are based solely on our honest evaluation, not influenced by brands or manufacturers. If a brand disagrees with our score for valid reasons, we transparently address their concerns within the review. We may even update the score if further testing warrants it – but we always state the change clearly and honestly.
Our goal is to empower you with clear, honest, and thorough reviews so you can make informed decisions and find the perfect piece of fitness tech to elevate your workout journey.
How we use images in our fitness reviews
At What's The Best, we believe a picture is worth a thousand reps – well, maybe not that many, but you get the idea. That's why our reviews are packed with high-quality images, giving you a clear and realistic picture of the fitness tech you're considering.
Our reviewers are the ones behind the cameras in most of the images. They capture the products in action, whether you're crushing a HIIT workout at the gym or taking a yoga class at home. We aim to showcase the fitness products we are using in various relevant settings, from the comfort of your living room to the bustling gym environment. This helps you visualise how the product would fit into your own fitness routine.
Most of our reviewers rely on their trusty smartphones to capture clear and informative images. If a feature needs a closer look, or exceptional clarity is required, our camera-wielding reviewers take centre stage.
We don't just throw in random pictures – each image is carefully chosen to support the written review, highlighting key features and functionality. Often, we take double what is needed for the review, allowing us to pick which is right, because we want you to get a true sense of the product's look and feel. Our images showcase the size, design, and materials, so you know exactly what you're getting.
While most images are original, we occasionally use stock photos for specific situations. This might be necessary to show the internal components of a device that can't be captured with standard photography.
Our goal is to provide a well-rounded review experience, and high-quality images are a key ingredient. By combining informative text with clear visuals, we empower you to make informed decisions and find the perfect piece of fitness tech to match your goals.
How do we get fitness equipment to review?
Our experts get their hands on fitness gear in various ways. We may receive sample items from brands or PR companies, or we might purchase items for testing. Alternatively, our experts could review fitness gear they've personally bought.
Some products are sent to us on loan, while others, especially clothing items for hygiene reasons, become a permanent part of our collection.
Regardless of how a product comes to us, we ensure our final review is genuine, reflecting our firsthand experiences. Our assessments remain unbiased, offering commendation when deserved and criticism when necessary.
Occasionally, we may receive commission or compensation through product links, supporting our dedication to providing valuable advice on fitness gear without compromising the integrity of our reviews.