It seems like everyone has one reason or another to spend more time outdoors these days, regardless of the season. Here are four of the best bits of sports and outdoor tech of the past year.
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GoPro Hero6 Black
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/gopro-hero-6-black/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The GoPro Hero6 Black has groundbreaking electronic video stabilization for the category, a long list of resolutions and frame rates to choose from, and overall improved image quality. Its faster Wi-Fi makes mobile transfers a little less painful.
The bad: It’s pricey at $500, and all those extra features and faster performance don’t do battery life any favors.
The cost: $478.49 to $499.95
The bottom line: GoPro one-ups its own top camera with the Hero6 Black and its superior stabilization and performance in the same small waterproof package as its predecessor.
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Fitbit Alta HR
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/fitbit-alta-hr/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Alta HR has a slim and stylish design with 7-day battery life, and all-day fitness and heart rate tracking.
The bad: It isn’t water-resistant, and notifications can be difficult to read. You can’t manually start workouts. Automatic exercise tracking and no buttons means no on-band controls.
The cost: $148.95 to $149.99
The bottom line: Long battery life and stylish design combined with improving app software make the Alta HR the best all-around fitness tracker for most people.
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Bose SoundLink Micro
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/bose-soundlink-micro/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Bose SoundLink Micro is a pocket-size Bluetooth speaker that is able to play louder and produce richer and louder sound than competing micro wireless speakers. It’s fully waterproof, has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls, plus an integrated strap for clipping the speaker onto a bag or other objects.
The bad: A little pricey and battery life is only average.
The cost: $109.00 to $109.99
The bottom line: While it may not be a bargain at its price point, the travel-friendly Bose SoundLink Micro is well-built and arguably the best sounding speaker in its size class.
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Garmin Forerunner 235
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/garmin-forerunner-235/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Garmin Forerunner 235 has accurate GPS for tracking runs and a 24-7 wrist-based heart-rate monitor. It can track all-day activities like steps and sleep, and can display notifications from iPhone and Android devices. It’s water-resistant and can be worn in the shower or while swimming.
The bad: Heart rate accuracy drops off during interval training; there are occasional connection and syncing problems and Garmin’s Connect app can be confusing to navigate.
The cost: $299.99 to $329.99
The bottom line: The Garmin Forerunner 235 offers the best value for serious and casual runners looking for an all-in-one running watch and fitness tracker.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Executive Editor David Carnoy, Senior Editor Joshua Goldman, former CNET editor Dan Graziano and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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