Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.
An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.
Latest articles by Dan Bracaglia

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022 — Is the new model worth the upgrade?
By Dan Bracaglia published
I've run an Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Apple Watch SE 2022 comparison across seven categories to help you choose a smartwatch.

Garmin’s 2025 fitness report is out — and one activity in particular exploded in popularity
By Dan Bracaglia published
Based on data from millions of users, Garmin has put together a trend report for 2025, and these activities are surging in popularity.

RIP Fitbit? 5 alternatives to Fitbit’s best trackers and smartwatches
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
These are the best replacements for popular Fitbit products like the Inspire 3, Charge 6 and Versa 4.

I just tried the ‘thermometer of the future’ — here's why this at-home health monitor could save you a trip to the doctor
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
The Withings Beamo is a 4-in-1 health scanner that measures body temp, ECGs, and heart/lung health. While seriously simple to use, it is a tad pricey.

I walked 5,000 steps with the Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch 11 — the winner is clear
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Who makes the better square smartwatch for fitness tracking, Apple or Garmin? I decided to find out.

I had a long, frank conversation with an AI 'fitness coach' — and it wasn't nearly as weird or awkward as I expected
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
I chatted with Fitbit's new Gemini-powered virtual fitness trainer for nearly 20 minutes, and it wasn't nearly as weird as I anticipated.

I've trained with the best sports watches for tracking your workouts — here are my top picks
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
The best GPS sports watches are not only accurate trackers, but can also actually help to improve your performance, making them an essential tool for athletes of all levels.

The 55+ best travel gifts for 2025 — gadgets and gear for wanderlust in your life
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Entertain their wanderlust with one of these expert-approved gifts for every type of traveler and budget, starting at just $10.

I biked 11 miles with the Garmin Venu 4 vs Suunto Vertical 2 — and there's a clear winner
By Dan Bracaglia published
I tested two high-end, GPS smartwatches from Garmin and Suunto against Strava to find out which is the more reliable fitness tracker.

I'm obsessed with the free offline navigational tools on this Garmin smartwatch alternative
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
The Suunto Vertical 2 offers one of my favorite outdoor adventure features: support for offline navigational maps with custom route creation and easy-to-follow directions.

The best hidden Apple Watch feature can help you stay safe — here’s how to use it
By Dan Bracaglia published
watchOS 26 supports Apple's Check In safety feature. Here's how to use it on your Apple Watch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Google Pixel Watch 4 — which flagship Android watch wins?
By Dan Bracaglia published
I reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 4; here's how to choose which Android flagship smartwatch is right for you.

The best Fitbit for tracking your health: Expert tested and rated
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
We've tested the best Fitbit and Fitbit alternatives to help you find the right wrist-worn device to log your activity, sleep and overall well-being.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Suunto Vertical 2: I tested fitness tracking across 6 categories — here’s the winner
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
I tested the fitness tracking capabilities of two of the best rugged smartwatches available today — the Garmin Instinct 3 and Suunto Vertical 2 — to determine which is more accurate overall.

The best Apple Watch apps for your smartwatch
By Kate Kozuch last updated
These are the best Apple Watch apps for getting the most out of your smartwatch.

Maybe Fitbit isn't dead after all? Google says new hardware is coming in 2026
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Google is rolling out an AI-powered Fitbit app with personalized coaching. Plus: new Fitbit devices for 2026, including (maybe) a Fitbit Charge 7.

5 reasons why the Leatherman Arc is the best multitool I’ve ever owned (and 2 flaws)
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
The 20-in-1 Leatherman Arc is so tough, it will probably outlast all of us. It's also packed with genuinely useful tools and incredibly smooth in operation.

I walked 6,500 steps with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Pixel Watch 4 — and the results surprised me
By Dan Bracaglia published
I tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic against the Google Pixel Watch 4 to determine which is the more reliable fitness tracker.

I walked 5,000 steps with the Apple Watch 11 vs Garmin Venu 4 — and the winner is clear
By Dan Bracaglia published
Which smartwatch is better at tracking a basic outdoor workout — the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Garmin Venu 4? I decided to find out.

I wore the Google Pixel Watch 4 for two weeks and it’s the most futuristic smartwatch I’ve ever tested — here's why
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Editor's ChoiceThe Google Pixel Watch 4 delivers a better screen, class-leading battery life, emergency satellite messaging, upgraded GPS, and even better integration with Google's fantastic Gemini AI assistant.

I test smart rings — 5 battery maintenance tips to avoid catastrophe
By Dan Bracaglia published
Lower the risk of a swollen smart ring battery by following these tips.

I just went hands-on with the Suunto Vertical 2 — and it beats my favorite Garmin in 5 big ways
By Dan Bracaglia published
The Suunto Vertical 2 could be my new favorite rugged outdoor smartwatch. Here’s why I may swap out my Garmin Instinct 3.

I wore the Circular Ring 2 for three weeks and wanted to love it — but one big thing held it back
By Dan Bracaglia published
Subscription free and brimming with wellness tools but let down by its companion app
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!



