Top Actigraphy Devices of 2025: A Comprehensive Review for Researchers

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 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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).

9. 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).

10. 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.

Notably, Fibion SENS is highly recommended for longitudinal studies due to its durability and detailed long-term data collection capabilities. Additionally, both Fibion SENS and Fibion Research are effective in measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior, making them versatile tools for various research applications. Fibion Flash provides precise heart rate variability (HRV) and movement tracking, offering researchers detailed physiological insights for a variety of studies​​.

Conclusion

The comprehensive review of the top actigraphy devices of 2025 highlights the diverse capabilities and applications of these advanced tools. Each device, from the ActiGraph LEAP to the Micro Motionlogger Watch, offers unique features that cater to various research needs. Whether you’re focusing on sleep studies, physical activity monitoring, or circadian rhythm analysis, there is a suitable device for every research requirement.

Summary of Reviewed Devices

• Fibion SENS: Features high precision and cloud integration, excellent for both physical activity and sedentary behavior studies. Its robust design makes it ideal for longitudinal studies, providing detailed insights over extended periods.
• Fibion Flash: Features 9-axis motion sensing and ECG-based HRV monitoring, providing comprehensive data on both physical activity and autonomic function. Its versatile design and long battery life make it ideal for diverse research applications, from activity tracking to HRV studies over extended periods.
• ActiGraph LEAP: Known for its high data accuracy, additional sensors, and comprehensive software integration, making it ideal for detailed physical activity and sleep studies.
• Condor ActTrust 2: Offers extensive data storage and multiple sensors, perfect for long-term sleep research.
• GeneActiv: Waterproof and durable, suitable for continuous monitoring in diverse research settings.
• MotionWatch 8: Provides robust data logging and long battery life, widely used in sleep and activity monitoring.
• Fibion Research: Tailored for easy and straightforward sedentary behaviour and physical activity tracking. It provides unrivalled energy expenditure estimations and participant feedback reports.
• Axivity AX3 and AX6: Compact and lightweight, ideal for long-term data collection in large-scale studies.
• activPAL: Unique thigh-mounted design for precise posture and activity tracking, beneficial for sedentary behavior research.
• Micro Motionlogger Watch: Durable and versatile, suitable for both sleep and activity monitoring.

Recommendations for Research Applications

Selecting the right actigraphy device depends on the specific needs of your research. For high-resolution physical activity and sleep data, the ActiGraph LEAP and GeneActiv are excellent choices. If your focus is on long-term sleep studies, the Condor ActTrust 2 provides extensive data storage and detailed monitoring capabilities.

For studies on sedentary behavior and detailed posture tracking, the activPAL offers unique insights. The Fibion SENS and Fibion Research devices are particularly well-suited for comprehensive activity tracking with cloud-based data analysis. Fibion SENS is highly recommended for longitudinal studies due to its durability and detailed long-term data collection capabilities. Fibion Flash, featuring 9-axis motion sensing and ECG-based HRV monitoring, is ideal for studies needing both activity and physiological monitoring.

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

📅 Planning research measuring physical activity, sedentary behavior, or sleep? For a chat with our accelerometer and wearable expert, book a video call with Dr. Miriam Cabrita.

👍 Want to test the Fibion SENS system first-hand, and experience how it can simplify your data collection process and provide accurate results about sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity?

🔍 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 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.

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.