Denver Fitness Tracker – Consumer Tips
With a Denver Fitness Tracker, you get an inexpensive entry-level device that fully meets simple requirements. The wearables are all positioned in the lower price segment, averaging between 20 and 40 pounds.
As a high-performance athlete, you will likely push the gadgets from Denver Electronics to their limits quickly, but they are completely sufficient for occasional everyday use.
Features: What can a Denver fitness watch do?
The fitness watches from Denver come with the usual functions you can expect from low-priced fitness trackers – no more, no less. The only exception is the newer and slightly more expensive devices from the manufacturer, such as the Denver BFG-550, which is equipped with an integrated GPS sensor. This feature is not standard in this price range.
The following features can be expected, among others, if you choose a Fitness Tracker from Denver:
- Pedometer
- Heart rate sensor
- Sleep monitoring
- Analysis of burned calories
- Measurement of distance covered (only with GPS)
- Integrated battery and charging via USB
- IP-67 or IP-68 protection class (protection against dust and water)
- Bluetooth 4.0 or a higher version
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- Smart features such as displaying caller IDs and messenger notifications
Depending on the model, these features may vary. Therefore, we recommend that you take a closer look at the products individually before purchasing, so you can find the right wearable with the appropriate range of functions for you.
How good are the battery lives of the Denver Activity Trackers?
The manufacturer Denver Electronics promises battery lives of up to 30 days in standby mode, depending on the model. However, with regular everyday use, a third of that time span is likely to be much more realistic.
Especially under GPS usage, the built-in batteries in the corresponding devices quickly reach their limits: then it’s over after a maximum of 5 hours. If you want to take the fitness tracker with you on a longer hike, you should definitely have a power bank with you.
Tip: If you are looking for current tests of the Fitness Trackers from Denver or comparisons with devices from other manufacturers, feel free to check out our selected test reports.
Are the straps really waterproof?
Depending on the model, the Denver Fitness Trackers are rated with protection classes IP-67 or IP-68.
- IP-67 promises protection against temporary immersion
- IP-68 is supposed to provide protection against continuous immersion
However, please note that the underlying specifications only refer to use in clear water. Therefore, protection in chlorinated or saltwater cannot be fully guaranteed. The recommended diving depth for the IP protection classes is also not firmly defined and is determined by the manufacturer.
Additionally, the pressure exerted on the fitness band during immersion or swimming movements is not taken into account. Therefore: A Denver Fitness Tracker should easily withstand sweating during sports, and taking a shower afterwards should not be a problem. However, when swimming laps in the pool, the waterproofing may come to an end.
One more note on this: Of course, these statements fairly do not only apply to the Fitness Trackers from Denver. Even with wearables from other manufacturers that may only have the IP-68 protection class, you should carefully consider using them in water beforehand.
What does the manufacturer's app offer?
The associated app of the Denver Fitness Trackers often fails to impress in direct testing. In principle, the manufacturer offers a range of apps tailored to different models. However, for the sports bands, the Denver Smart Life application is recommended, as it already combines the most important wearables.
When starting the app, you can simply select the model you have chosen. However, after a short usage period, you will quickly encounter incorrectly or not translated text passages, which is somewhat disappointing.
Also, in terms of functionality and analysis accuracy, the manufacturer's app still has significant room for improvement. It is convenient that some models, such as the Denver BFH-250, are compatible with Google Fit or Apple Health.
Who are Denver Fitness Trackers suitable for?
In terms of quality and functionality, there are significantly better wearables that are not much more expensive depending on the model. However, if you are satisfied with the simplest functions, such as a pedometer and smartphone notifications on the watch display, you can go for it.
But you shouldn't expect too much from the range of functions. If you value detailed analyses of your sporting activities, you are probably better off with premium models like those from Garmin or Fitbit. However, for the occasional jog around the park or simply to monitor your steps in everyday life, the wearables from Denver are completely sufficient.
