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Getting fit seems more manageable these days due to the emergence of smart devices. Among the most popular ones are the Fitbit and Apple Watch.
These two fitness devices are comparable in many aspects. But looking back into their backgrounds, you'll find how different their goals are in the beginning. Thus, becoming tight competitors in today's smartwatch market.
Since introducing the first Fitbit model in 2009, which only tracks sleep and steps, its progression has really improved. In January 2021, Google acquired Fitbit, and the two plan to release a premium version running on WearOS.
Fitbit offers a wide variety of devices, commonly categorized into smartwatches and activity bands. Generally, these bands, also called fitness trackers, are designed to monitor your exercise and health.
On the other hand, smartwatches include more details, including app notifications. And, you can use Fitbit's smartwatches either with an iOS or Android phone. Its latest models include the Fitbit Sense and the Fitbit Versa 3.
Between the two, Fitbit Sense offers more advanced features at a higher price. It has an Electrodermal Activity Sensor, which detects if the wearer feels stressed through changes in the skin's conductivity.
Since its initial release, Apple Watch has always leaned to being a smartwatch that offers more than fitness tracking. Its first model, the Apple Watch 1st Generation, was released in 2015. It already had Siri, Apple Pay (contactless payment method), and call options through FaceTime.
Through the years, the Apple Watch integrated its app trademark with health monitoring. Among its breakthroughs is the ECG sensor introduced in 2018 through Apple Watch Series 4. It tracks changes in the user's heart rate, potentially detecting life-threatening health issues.
Apple offers three smartwatches in the market- the Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6. The Apple Watch Series 6, Apple's latest release, is Men's Health's top smartwatch for tracking workouts.
The three use Apple's latest smartwatch software, WatchOS 7. Additionally, you can only pair the Apple Watch with an iPhone.
Both the Apple Watch and Fitbit are remarkably lightweight and stylish, with ergonomic designs and replaceable bands. Moreover, most Fitbit devices and Apple Watch models are water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
Earlier Fitbit models and fitness trackers, like the Inspire 2 and Charge 4, have narrower screens. You can also wear one of these with your main watch on the same arm. Just push it up from your wrist.
The recent ones almost resemble Apple Watch's signature look, though a bit smaller. It also has a fairly decent collection of bands to choose from. If you are eyeing the Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense, here are the available band colors in small and large sizes:
Apple Watch's design may not seem noticeable over the years, which is fine. The greatest flex shows in its wide range of bands. You can even purchase from signature brands like Kate Spade, Nike, and Hermès.
When it comes to choosing your Apple Watch's look, you might want to consider its size, too. Your options are:
Note your Apple Watch size if you are getting new bands.
When it comes to battery, it's safe to say that Fitbit takes the top spot. Battery life depends on the features that you use. But, the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 can last up to six days before it needs charging. Older trackers last more, with Inspire 2 for up to ten days.
Apple Watch Series 6 lasts up to 18 hours depending if you use it passively or actively. Typically, the GPS, display settings, the Always-On Display, and activity tracking run down its battery. For your daily use, you will have to charge it overnight.
There are many fitness and health features that are worth considering in these two contenders. You can easily choose if you know which ones are important to you.
Fitbit and Apple Watch keep tabs on your activities through the number of steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled. Both can tell you to move if it detects idle time. You also have the option to set goals and check your progress over time.
Fitbit's smartwatches also count the distance you climbed, say, you're walking on a hilly route. Furthermore, you can use it to track your cycling, cross-training, cardio, and strength workouts. These features are also available in Apple Watch through its Activity and Workout App.
Additionally, Apple Watch's WatchOS 7 offers more workout tracking. These include:
A study linking sleep deprivation with obesity and diabetes is sufficient reason to keep a healthy sleep routine. Though both devices track sleep, Fitbit easily wins over this feature due to its more extensive sleep data. Plus, Apple Watch's poor battery life requires charging at night.
Maintaining a normal oxygen level in your blood, which is 95 to 100%, is crucial for your overall health. Apple Watch can detect SpO2 count in 15 seconds whenever you wish to check it, an easy win against Fitbit.
Fitbit can only measure your blood oxygen level when you are asleep. It would be best if you also switched the clock face to make it work. If you subscribe to Fitbit's premium service, you can skip the clock face switching part.
Keeping a heart rate record can help doctors diagnose heart problems, which are otherwise undetectable before onset. Fitbit monitors heart rate for all hours of the day. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch records every 10 minutes and continuously during a workout.
The Apple Watch SE costs around $279, while Apple Watch Series 6 is at $399. Fitbit's smartwatches, Versa 3 and Sense, cost $229 and $329, respectively.
Apple Watch and Fitbit are excellent options for fitness and health tracking. Apple Watch takes a step forward when it comes to design, smartwatch apps, and health features. Of course, it also seems more sensible to choose this if you have an iPhone.
Fitbits have a lot of winning points, too. You will surely get your money's worth from its ergonomic design to battery life and fitness features.
References:
https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/apple-watch-vs-fitbit
https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles
