You’re tired of the black plastic rectangle on your wrist. We all are. It clashes with a cocktail dress, looks bulky next to a gold watch, and screams "I’m counting my steps" during a business lunch. Enter the necklace fitness tracker bellabeat, specifically the Leaf series. It’s basically the only reason people still talk about smart jewelry in 2026.
But here’s the thing. Most people buy it thinking it’s a "Fitbit pendant." It’s not. If you go into this expecting a Garmin-level GPS or a bright OLED screen to check your heart rate while sprinting, you’re going to be wildly disappointed. Honestly, you might even hate it.
The Leaf Isn't Just a Pretty Face
The Bellabeat Leaf (whether it’s the Urban, Nature, or the fancy Crystal version) is a weird, beautiful hybrid. It looks like a leaf-shaped brooch or pendant, usually made of wood composite and stainless steel. There are no buttons. No screens. No lights.
You wear it. That’s it.
It tracks your movement using a tri-axis accelerometer. It knows when you’re walking, running, or sleeping based on the vibration and tilt of your body. Because there’s no screen sucking power, the battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell. You don't charge it every night. You swap the battery every six months or so. That alone is a game-changer for anyone who constantly forgets their charging cable in hotel rooms.
How You Actually Wear It
The versatility is the biggest selling point. You can:
📖 Related: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
- Clip it to your sports bra or waistband (best for accuracy).
- Wrap it around your wrist with a leather strap.
- Wear it as a necklace fitness tracker bellabeat.
I’ll be real with you—wearing it as a necklace is the most stylish option, but it’s also the least accurate for step counting. If the pendant is swinging wildly while you walk, the sensor might think you’re doing a marathon when you’re just walking to the kitchen. For a more "true" reading, most long-time users clip it to their shirt collar or bra.
Why the Data is Different
Bellabeat doesn't care about your "Zone 2" cardio. It’s not an athlete’s tool. It was built specifically for women’s health, which means it leans heavily into "cycle syncing."
The app takes your activity, sleep, and stress data and cross-references it with where you are in your menstrual cycle. It’ll tell you things like, "Hey, your estrogen is dipping, maybe skip the HIIT and try a guided meditation today." Some people find this life-changing. Others find it a bit "woo-woo."
One major thing to note: the Leaf doesn't have a heart rate monitor. If you want the "Readiness Score" and the heart rate variability (HRV) stats, you have to look at their newer device, the Bellabeat Ivy. However, the Ivy is designed primarily as a bracelet. While people have tried to DIY it into a necklace, the Leaf remains the champion of the "necklace fitness tracker" category because it was actually weighted and balanced for it.
The Syncing Struggle
This is where the AI-written reviews usually lie to you. They say it "syncs seamlessly."
👉 See also: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
It does not.
To get your data into the app, you have to open the app and physically double-tap the Leaf. Sometimes you have to tap it three or four times. Sometimes you have to shake it a little. It uses Bluetooth, but it’s a low-energy version that only triggers when you "wake" the device. It’s intentional—it cuts down on EMF exposure and saves battery—but it can be annoying if you’re used to the instant gratification of an Apple Watch.
The Cost of "Wellness"
Is it worth the price tag? A Leaf Urban usually runs between $100 and $150. But the real "gotcha" in 2026 is the subscription.
While the basic tracking (steps, sleep, period) is free, a huge chunk of the content—like the specialized coaching, nutrition plans, and those deep-dive "wellness scores"—is locked behind a monthly Bellabeat Coach subscription. It’s about $10 a month. Without it, the app feels a bit empty.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the necklace is "smart." The necklace is just a piece of metal. The "smart" part is the tiny pod (the Leaf) that you slide onto the necklace.
✨ Don't miss: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Also, it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof. If you jump in a pool with your necklace fitness tracker bellabeat, it’s dead. Rain is fine. A sweaty workout is fine. A shower? Don't risk it.
The Actionable Verdict
If you’re an data-obsessed athlete, don't buy this. You’ll be frustrated by the lack of real-time stats and the manual syncing.
However, if you want to track your general activity without looking like a "tech person," or if you're trying to track your cycle patterns without a screen shouting at you, it’s a solid pick.
Next steps for you:
- Check your jewelry box. If you mostly wear silver, get the Silver Leaf Urban; the Rose Gold finish on the Nature model can sometimes wear off after a year of heavy use.
- Download the Bellabeat app before you buy the hardware. You can poke around the interface to see if the "Coach" style fits your vibe.
- If accuracy is your #1 priority, plan to wear it as a clip during the day and only use the necklace chain for evening events or casual outfits.