Fitness trackers have become a popular tool for staying active and motivated. As someone who needed a push to establish a fitness routine, I was hesitant to add another screen to my already digital life. However, the Amazon Halo Band caught my attention with its minimalist design and unique features. Besides, I needed this wearable tech when I go to Anytime Fitness anyway. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with the Amazon Halo Band and discuss its pros and cons.
Design and Features
The first thing that stood out to me about the Amazon Halo Band was its sleek and minimalist design. Unlike traditional fitness trackers, it doesn’t have a screen but features a small metal sensor attached to a soft-woven fabric band. The band is available in different colors and sizes, allowing for a personalized look and comfortable fit. If you prefer a screen, Amazon also offers the Halo View with all the same features.
Signing Up and Delivery
Signing up for an Amazon Halo membership was a breeze. Upon purchasing the Halo Band, I automatically received a six-month free trial to enjoy the full range of perks. After the trial, the membership costs only $4 per month, which is a reasonable price considering the extensive features it offers. The delivery process was typical of any Amazon product, with prompt shipping and standard packaging.
Holistic Approach to Wellness
What sets the Amazon Halo apart is its holistic approach to health and wellness. In addition to tracking steps, calories burned, and sleep time, it emphasizes mindfulness and offers various resources. The Halo measures the intensity of your activities, analyzes your movement, and even evaluates your mood based on tone analysis. The accompanying app provides ring meters that visually represent different aspects of your health and offers personalized exercises and healthy habit suggestions. The membership also grants access to a vast library of fitness classes, meditations, and healthy recipes from renowned sources like Headspace and Orangetheory.
Activity and Movement Tracking
Rather than setting daily step goals, the Amazon Halo sets weekly activity goals using a points system. You earn points based on the intensity and duration of your movements, and the band encourages you to minimize sedentary time. It also provides personalized workouts and fitness modules based on your movement assessment, helping you target areas for improvement. I found the variety of workouts and the convenience of on-demand fitness classes to be a significant advantage.
Sleep Features
The Amazon Halo Band includes comprehensive sleep tracking. It calculates a sleep score based on factors like sleep duration, sleep stages, and wake-up frequency. The app offers week-long programs to help you unwind before bed, such as nighttime stretches and guided meditations. I particularly enjoyed the library of relaxing bedtime stories, which helped me fall asleep faster. The sleep tracking feature is a valuable tool for improving sleep quality and establishing a healthy sleep routine.
Tone Analysis and Body Composition
The tone analysis feature of the Amazon Halo Band listens to your voice and provides insights into how you may sound to others. While this feature was interesting, it felt a bit invasive to me, and I ultimately disabled it. The body composition feature, which measures body fat percentage, can be intimidating but is optional. It requires uploading pictures of yourself in minimal clothing. While it was initially discouraging for me, it motivated me to reassess my lifestyle and work towards a healthier me.
Price and Membership
The Amazon Halo Band is reasonably priced, especially considering the features it offers. Currently on sale for $85, it provides a cost-effective alternative to other fitness trackers on the market. The $4-per-month membership fee is a steal considering the extensive content library and personalized features it provides. While I haven’t decided if I’ll renew my membership after the trial, I believe it’s worth the investment for those seeking a comprehensive wellness experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I give the Amazon Halo Band a rating of 8.7 out of 10. It has proven to be a valuable tool in helping me form healthy habits and stay active. The minimalist design, extensive range of features, and affordability make it a standout choice among fitness trackers. While some may find the tone analysis and body composition features unsettling, the overall functionality and holistic approach of the Halo Band make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their well-being.
Note: Amazon has recently announced it will stop supporting Amazon Halo effective July 31, 2023.
Learn more about the Amazon Halo Band here: