Introduction
This article offers a review of the top actigraphy devices available in 2025. It explores features, applications in research, pros and cons, and pricing information, aiming to assist researchers in selecting the most suitable devices for their studies.
1. Fibion Krono
Features and Specifications
Fibion Krono is a wrist-worn research-grade wearable developed for circadian rhythm, light exposure, and physical activity monitoring. It combines a 3-axis accelerometer, visible/blue/infrared light sensors, and a skin temperature sensor, making it ideal for chronobiology and behavioral research.
Key highlights:
- Tracks activity patterns, sleep-wake cycles, body position, and light exposure
- Skin temperature precision: ±0.1°C (at 25°C)
- Validated sleep metrics using the TAP (Temperature, Actimetry, Position) algorithm
- Battery life: up to 21 days
- Memory: stores up to 42 days of data (4 MB)
- Event marker button and LED indicators for user guidance
- Not waterproof; splash-resistant only
“Krono enables real-life circadian monitoring with research-grade accuracy — without disrupting daily life.”
Applications in Research
Ideal for:
- Circadian rhythm and light therapy research
- Sleep-wake behavior and chronotype studies
- Clinical trials and occupational health
- Studies requiring light exposure timing and intensity
Pricing Information:
- Device cost: €575 (~US$628)
- Software Lite: Free
- Advanced Sleep Marking Software: €1950 (~US$2130)
2. Fibion SENS
Features and Specifications
Fibion SENS offers advanced motion tracking with a compact fully waterproof design. It can measure raw 3-axis acceleration impressive 22-weeks with the initial charge, and stay in stand-by mode for several years. Devices can be remotely controlled via cloud account taking data collection phase of projects to new level of ease. The device integrates seamlessly with the cloud platform for data transfer, analysis and storage. The cloud account can be used by unlimited number of researchers making project management, data sharing and analysis very convenient even in multi-site studies.
Applications in Research
Fibion SENS is utilized in various research fields, including physical activity monitoring, sedentary behavior studies, and clinical trials. Its high accuracy with exceptional participant comfort, and ease of use make it a preferred tool for many researchers.
Considerations
- Extremely simple for both participants and researchers to use.
- Prolonged battery life enables effortless long-term data collection.
- Durable and reliable for extended study periods.
- Seamless cloud integration
- Versatile applications with accessories (medically approved patch, wrist strap etc.)
- Focuses solely on acceleration data without integrating other physiological measurements.
Pricing Information
Fibion SENS is priced at €135 per device (~US$ 145).
3. Fibion Flash
Features and Specifications
Fibion Flash combines advanced activity and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking in a compact design. It features a 9-axis motion sensor for precise physical activity monitoring and an ECG-based HRV monitor for accurate autonomic function tracking. The device operates up to 900 hours on a replaceable CR2025 battery, with 128MB of internal memory for storing long-term data.
Applications in Research
Ideal for studies on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and HRV, Fibion Flash adapts easily to both day and night monitoring needs. Its dual-wear options (wrist or chest) and Kubios HRV software compatibility support seamless data analysis for various research protocols.
Considerations
- Versatile device for both wrist- and chest-based data collection.
- Fully adaptable to meet specific research needs.
- Long battery life for extended studies
- Competitive pricing compared to similar devices offering ECG and HRV capabilities.
- May require advanced technical knowledge to utilize its full potential.
- Slightly less user-friendly than single-purpose devices due to its multifunctional design.
Pricing Information
Priced at €249 per device (~ US$ 265) with bulk discounts available, Fibion Flash offers a high-value solution for research needing reliable activity and HRV monitoring.
4. ActiGraph LEAP
Features and Specifications
ActiGraph LEAP features a 3-axis accelerometer, providing high-resolution data on physical activity and sleep. It also has additional sensors like PPG, gyroscope, barometer, and microphone. This stylish watch-like device is capable of capturing detailed raw data, making it a versatile tool for various research applications. Actigraph LEAP is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling real-time data transfer and integration with other systems.
Applications in Research
ActiGraph products in general are widely used in studies focusing on physical activity, sleep quality, and circadian rhythm analysis. Researchers utilize these devices to monitor daily activity levels, assess sleep patterns, and investigate the impacts of different interventions on physical health.
Considerations
- Provides extensive physiological and environmental measurement capabilities.
- Features a screen for immediate feedback during use.
- Restricted to wrist-worn placement, reducing flexibility.
- Premium pricing with extra costs for accessing advanced sensor data.
Pricing Information
ActiGraph LEAP is priced at approximately US$ 600.
5. Fibion Helix
Features and Specifications
Fibion Helix is a wrist-worn device for continuous monitoring of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and heart rate variability (HRV). It uses a PPG-based optical heart rate sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer, and offers raw data access for both motion and HRV through an open SDK.
Key highlights:
- Tracks steps, energy expenditure, sleep stages, and HRV
- Provides automated sleep metrics (REM, light, deep)
- Battery life: up to 5 days
- Waterproof (IP68) – suitable for swimming (not diving)
- Lightweight: 31.7–37.3g
- Supports Bluetooth syncing and firmware updates
“Helix delivers accurate HRV and activity data in a simple wristband — ready for real-world research.”
Applications in Research
Ideal for:
- Sleep and recovery studies
- Physical activity and sedentary behavior monitoring
- HRV tracking in daily life
- Clinical and occupational research
Pricing Information
- €199 (~US$207)
- Volume discounts: €179 for 25–100 units
- SDK and charger included
6. Condor ActTrust 2
Features and Specifications
Condor ActTrust 2 comes with advanced sleep-tracking capabilities, including light, temperature, and activity sensors. This device offers robust data logging and can store data for extended periods, making it ideal for long-term studies.
Applications in Research
Primarily used in sleep research, ActTrust 2 is valuable for studying sleep disorders, sleep hygiene, and the effectiveness of sleep interventions. Its comprehensive data collection capabilities also support studies on circadian rhythms and overall health monitoring.
Considerations
- Accurately tracks light exposure, ideal for circadian rhythm research.
- Delivers detailed data for both sleep and activity monitoring.
- Slightly larger size, which might affect comfort and aesthetics.
- Limited wear locations, potentially reducing its adaptability.
Pricing Information
Condor ActTrust 2 is priced between £599 (US$ 760).
7. Fibion G2
Features and Specifications
Fibion G2 is a lightweight, high-resolution wearable for monitoring physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep posture. It captures raw 3-axis acceleration data and supports multiple wear positions—on the leg for activity and on the chest for sleep classification.
Key highlights:
- Automatic classification: sitting, standing, walking, cycling, running
- Validated sleep posture detection: supine, prone, left/right side (chest-worn)
- Battery life: up to 70 days (summarized mode), 35+ days in full-resolution mode
- Memory: 128–256 MB, up to 60 days of recording at 1-minute intervals
- 16-bit resolution, ±4g range accelerometer, 50 Hz sampling rate
- Waterproof (IP67), weighs only 10g
“With raw data, flexible wear options, and 10-week operation, Fibion G2 is built for serious research — without the bulk.”
Applications in Research
Suitable for:
- Physical activity and sedentary behavior studies
- Validated sleep posture tracking
- Children, older adults, and clinical populations
- Long-term ambulatory research
Includes:
- Customizable event markers
- USB and BLE 5.2 connectivity
- Secure cloud integration for GDPR-compliant studies
Pricing Information
- Device: €290 (~US$302)
- Software: €990 (~US$1032)
- Accessories: Optional leg strap, chest strap, waterproof patch, or watch strap
8. GeneActiv
Features and Specifications
GeneActiv features a waterproof design and records acceleration (12 bits; +/- 8g), environmental light, and temperature,. The device is lightweight (16g without strap) and offers a battery life of 30 days (@20hz, 7 days @100hz).
Applications in Research
GeneActiv is widely used for physical activity monitoring and sleep studies. Its data output includes both outcome variables and raw data.
Considerations
- Effectively captures light exposure, making it valuable for circadian research.
- Stylish, watch-like appearance ensures comfort during prolonged use.
- Higher cost compared to simpler tracking devices.
- Does not support heart rate or HRV measurement.
Pricing Information
GeneActiv costs $260–$375. Bulk pricing: 20 devices for $4030 and 50 devices for $9750.
9. MotionWatch 8
Features and Specifications
MotionWatch 8 is designed with a focus on sleep and activity monitoring. It includes a light sensor, temperature sensor, and a 3-axis accelerometer. This device is known for its long battery life and robust data-logging capabilities.
Applications in Research
MotionWatch 8 is extensively used in sleep research, activity monitoring, and studies on circadian rhythms. Its comprehensive sensor suite allows for detailed analysis of sleep patterns and daily activities.
Considerations
- Long-lasting battery life supports extended data collection (up to 120 days without the light sensor).
- Robust data logging capabilities ensure detailed monitoring.
- Equipped with multiple sensors, including light and temperature, for comprehensive analysis.
- No off-wrist detection, which could affect data validity in certain studies.
- Primarily designed for sleep and activity monitoring, with limited versatility for other applications.
Pricing Information
MotionWatch 8 is priced between US$ 995 and US$ 1,095.
10. Fibion Research
Features and Specifications
The Fibion Research device is tailored for detailed activity tracking and analysis. It features multiple sensors for capturing movement and environmental data, providing researchers with a comprehensive tool for various studies.
Applications in Research
This device is perfect for research on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the impacts of interventions on daily movement patterns. Its detailed data output supports in-depth analysis and insights.
Considerations
- Captures comprehensive data for physical activity and sedentary behavior analysis.
- Features high-precision sensors tailored for research applications.
- Provides a user-friendly interface for seamless operation.
- Designed primarily for thigh placement, which may limit flexibility for other wear locations.
Pricing Information
Fibion Research is priced at €390 per device (US$ 419).
11. Axivity
Features and Specifications
Axivity AX3 and AX6 are compact and lightweight devices with 3-axis accelerometers. They are designed for long-term data collection and are widely used in both sleep and physical activity research.
Applications in Research
Axivity devices are popular in studies that require continuous monitoring of physical activity and sleep patterns. Their small size and durability make them ideal for large-scale population studies.
Considerations
- Compact and lightweight design ensures minimal interference with participants’ activities.
- Long battery life supports extended data collection, with up to 31+ days depending on configuration.
- Durable and waterproof, suitable for diverse study environments.
- Limited to acceleration data, lacking additional physiological or environmental sensors.
- No API or SDK for advanced research customization or raw data integration.
Pricing Information
Axivity AX3 is priced between £129 and £139 (US$ 163 – US$ 176), while the AX6 is priced between £189 and £199 (US$ 239 – US$ 252).
12. activPAL
Features and Specifications
The activPAL is a thigh-mounted device that measures posture and activity. It is particularly useful for studies on sedentary behavior and physical activity, providing detailed insights into daily movement patterns.
Applications in Research
This device is used extensively in research on sedentary behavior, activity patterns, and intervention impacts. Its unique design allows for precise tracking of posture and movement.
Considerations
- Provides detailed posture and activity tracking, offering unique insights into sedentary behavior.
- Easy to wear and use, making it participant-friendly.
- Accurately measures time spent sitting, lying, standing, and stepping.
- Does not measure physical activity intensity as effectively as some other devices.
- Designed primarily for sedentary and posture studies, limiting versatility for other applications.
Pricing Information
The activPAL is priced between £290 and £520 (US$ 367 – US$ 657).
13. Micro Motionlogger Watch
Features and Specifications
Micro Motionlogger Watch is designed for both sleep and activity monitoring. It includes a 3-axis accelerometer and offers robust data logging capabilities. The device is durable and suitable for long-term wear.
Applications in Research
This device is used in various research fields, including sleep studies, physical activity monitoring, and circadian rhythm analysis. Its comprehensive data logging makes it a valuable tool for extensive research projects.
Considerations
- Provides robust data logging capabilities for sleep and activity research.
- Durable design ensures suitability for long-term wear.
- Versatile applications, including sleep studies and circadian rhythm analysis.
- Does not include off-wrist detection, which may affect data accuracy in certain studies.
- Lacks comprehensive physical activity metrics compared to more advanced devices.
Pricing Information
Micro Motionlogger Watch is priced between US$ 750 and US$ 995.
Notable Mentions and Device Strengths
Notably, Fibion SENS is highly recommended for longitudinal studies due to its exceptional battery life, remote monitoring, and detailed acceleration data. It is simple to deploy and reliable across multi-site or long-duration projects.
Fibion Research and Fibion G2 stand out in physical activity and sedentary behavior tracking. While Fibion Research provides validated energy expenditure metrics and user-friendly reporting, Fibion G2 offers raw data access, sleep posture classification, and multi-position wearability—ideal for both lab and real-world environments.
Fibion Flash delivers precise heart rate variability (HRV) and motion tracking via ECG and 9-axis sensors, making it ideal for both physiological and movement-based studies. Its long battery life and open SDK make it a flexible tool for custom research applications.
Newly added, Fibion Krono provides unmatched circadian rhythm and light exposure tracking, validated against polysomnography, while Fibion Helix offers a lightweight wristband solution for PPG-based HRV, sleep, and activity monitoring with raw data access and Bluetooth sync — well-suited for modern digital health research needs.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review of the top actigraphy devices of 2025 reflects the evolving demands in research — from activity classification and sleep tracking to light exposure and HRV analysis. Each device offers distinct strengths, giving researchers multiple high-quality options tailored to specific scientific applications.
Summary of Reviewed Devices
- Fibion SENS: High-precision motion tracking and cloud connectivity with extraordinary battery life — ideal for long-term, multi-site studies.
- Fibion Flash: Combines ECG-based HRV and 9-axis motion sensing. Excellent for dual-focus studies on movement and autonomic function.
- Fibion G2: Versatile for both activity and sleep posture tracking, offering raw acceleration data, validated algorithms, and up to 10 weeks of recording.
- Fibion Krono: Best for circadian rhythm and light exposure research. Features validated TAP algorithm, temperature sensor, and wrist-based body position detection.
- Fibion Helix: Lightweight and waterproof device for HRV, sleep stages, and activity monitoring, with raw data access and SDK support.
- ActiGraph LEAP: Offers multiple sensors and real-time sync capabilities. Strong reputation in physical activity and sleep research.
- Condor ActTrust 2: Equipped for long-term sleep studies with light, temperature, and activity sensors.
- GeneActiv: Waterproof, durable, and lightweight. Suitable for both activity and circadian monitoring.
- MotionWatch 8: Strong in sleep studies with extended battery life and robust logging capability.
- Fibion Research: Specializes in accurate physical activity and sedentary behavior analysis with automatic reporting.
- Axivity AX3 and AX6: Compact and budget-friendly for continuous activity tracking in large cohorts.
- activPAL: Unique for posture classification (sitting, standing, stepping). Thigh-worn design tailored for sedentary behavior research.
- Micro Motionlogger Watch: Trusted option for long-term sleep and activity data collection with robust durability.
Recommendations for Research Applications
The ideal actigraphy device depends on the specific goals of your study. For activity tracking with energy expenditure, Fibion Research and G2 provide top-tier solutions. For HRV and physiological analysis, Fibion Flash and Helix are excellent. If light exposure and circadian rhythm are critical, Fibion Krono is a validated and cost-effective alternative to pricier devices like ActiGraph LEAP.
Meanwhile, devices like GeneActiv, MotionWatch 8, and Condor ActTrust 2 are excellent for long-term sleep and circadian analysis, while activPAL remains a gold standard for posture-specific behavioral research.
Further Reading
For more detailed insights and comparisons, explore our related articles and resources:
- Comprehensive Accelerometer Comparison Sheet Download (Free Resource)
- Comprehensive Sleep Wearables and Actigraphy Comparison Sheet Download (Free Resource)
- Why Fibion SENS is the Best Tool for Clinical Research and Trials
- Fibion Flash: The Best HRV and Activity Monitoring Device for Long-Term Data Collection
- For more detailed comparisons and insights, explore our extensive Wearables & Accelerometer article collection.
This review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the top actigraphy devices, helping researchers make informed decisions to advance their studies effectively.
You Might Also Be Interested
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🔍 Order Fibion SENS Motion 3 Devices Test Package to get first-hand experience of the system. Order now for hands-on experience and comprehensive insights.
🔍 Learn more about how our various valid and reliable products, such as the Fibion Krono, Fibion G2, Fibion Helix Fibion Research, Fibion SENS, Fibion Flash, Fibion Sleep, Fibion Vitals, Fibion Emfit, and Fibion Circadian, can help you in your research measuring physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is actigraphy used for in research?
Actigraphy is used in research to monitor and analyze physical activity, sleep patterns, and circadian rhythms. Researchers use it to gather objective data on movement and behavior over extended periods.
Which actigraphy device is best for sleep studies?
Devices like the Condor ActTrust 2, MotionWatch 8, and Fibion Krono are well-suited for sleep studies. Fibion Krono offers validated sleep/wake detection and light exposure tracking, making it especially useful in circadian research.
How does the Fibion SENS differ from other actigraphy devices?
Fibion SENS is compact, waterproof, and offers seamless cloud integration, making data collection and sharing easy. It has a long standby time and is ideal for multi-site and longitudinal studies.
What factors should I consider when choosing an actigraphy device for my study?
Consider factors like battery life, data accuracy, ease of data management, specific sensors needed, device size, and integration with analytical software when choosing an actigraphy device.
Can actigraphy devices measure heart rate variability (HRV)?
Yes, some actigraphy devices like the Fibion Flash and Fibion Helix offer heart rate variability monitoring. Fibion Flash uses ECG-based sensors, while Fibion Helix uses PPG-based HRV tracking, both suitable for physiological monitoring.
Are there any actigraphy devices with cloud integration for remote data access?
Yes, Fibion SENS and Fibion G2 support cloud integration. Fibion SENS enables remote sensor management, while Fibion G2 provides GDPR-compliant data storage and wireless synchronization with customizable reporting options.
What makes Fibion Krono ideal for circadian research?
Fibion Krono includes light, temperature, and movement sensors with validated algorithms for sleep/wake cycles and circadian phase detection. It tracks light exposure with spectral detail and is validated against polysomnography, making it excellent for chronobiology research.
Is there a device suitable for tracking both posture and sleep positioning?
Yes, Fibion G2 offers automatic classification of sitting, standing, walking, and validated sleep posture detection (e.g., supine, prone, side). It supports multi-position wear and provides raw data for in-depth analysis.
Disclaimer
The brand names and product names mentioned in this article, including ActiGraph, Condor ActTrust, GeneActiv, MotionWatch, Axivity, activPAL, and Micro Motionlogger Watch, along with their associated device models and software platforms, are trademarks of their respective companies. Our use of these names does not imply ownership or affiliation with any of these brands or companies. This article is intended for informational purposes only and aims to provide an overview of the mentioned products based on publicly available information.
The information regarding the features, costs, and performance of the products provided herein is intended for general informational purposes only. Prices and specifications of the products are subject to change and may vary depending on various factors, including but not limited to market conditions, product versions, and geographical location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the respective brands’ official websites.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on these products mentioned in this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
