The Fit bit vs Apple Watch is two of the most popular fitness tracking devices. Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one is the better overall device? They both have different features that appeal to different people. Here is a comparison of the two devices to help you decide which one is right for you.
Things To Consider Before Deciding On A Smartwatch
Platform
The mobile device you choose will decide whether you get an Apple Watch or Fitbit. Android users can scroll through each Fitbit price tier to find the one that best suits their needs and budgets. An Apple Watch is not an option. Even if you have an iPhone, you don’t need to abandon Fitbit. You may enjoy the more detailed health data and connected workouts.
Apple Watch is a seamless iPhone-like experience that you can wear on your wrist.
Health sensors
Health sensors relay your vitals. Each watch can measure your heartbeat. However, higher-end devices that have electrocardiograms can detect irregular rhythms. Scanners measure sweat to help you manage stress levels and monitor your electrodermal activity (EDA).
SPO2 is the measurement of blood oxygen. This measures circulatory system function from organs such as your heart and lungs. Premium watches can monitor temperature variation from your skin to alert you if you get sick.
Screen
Your smartwatch screen size determines how much space you have to view texts, read notifications, and interact with your wrist by touching. As you can see, a bigger screen is not always better. We recommend the Charge 5 activity bracelet makes the most of the limited screen space.
A capacitive touchscreen, such as the Series 7, allows you to type, navigate, and view visuals directly from your wrist. This is great for people with poor eyesight or large fingers.
Best Apple Watch vs. Fitbit
Fitbit
It is hard to believe that the original Fitbit product released in 2009 was a clip-on device that only measured steps and slept. There are many Fitbit options to fit different customer groups.
It was a pioneer in smartwatches that prioritized fitness. In 2020, Google bought Fitbit to expand its wearable arsenal. These devices are not only compatible with Android; they also work with iOS.
There’s a Fitbit, from basic activity tracks that track your heart rate and steps to full-featured smartwatches. The Fitbit Versa 3 (newly launched) and the Fitbit Sense (both very similar to the Apple Watch) are the closest rivals.
But, this could soon change. Google now owns Fitbit, and they recently revealed that they are currently developing a premium Fitbit using Google’s smartwatch operating platform, Wear OS. It is possible that it will be a direct competitor for Apple, although we don’t know too much.
Many Fitbit devices are on the market, including the Fitbit Luxe and the sport-focused Fitbit Charge 5. But if you want something similar to an Apple Watch, you should look at the Versa 3 or Sense.
Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatch is more affordable than the Apple Watch 3 and SE. It is an excellent option for Android users who already own the Apple Watch 3 and SE. You can reply to messages, Facebook notifications, and emails and make contactless payments with Fitbit Pay. You can also control your Spotify playlist and track your workouts from your wrist.
There are hundreds of watch faces you can enable on the device. You also have a wide range of colors available.
- Black
- Midnight / Soft Gold
- Pink Clay/Soft Gold
Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense smartwatch is the more expensive of Fitbit’s new smartwatches. It has a similar design but offers more advanced features to help you monitor your health and well-being. It also features the Versa’s first electrodermal activity sensor (EDA), which can detect stress signs based on changes to your skin conductivity.
The Versa can detect temperature variances, indicating an upcoming disease, your heart rate (SpO2), and blood oxygen saturation.
There are many colors to choose from:
- Carbon / Graphite Stainless Steel
- Lunar White / Soft Gold Stainless steel
Battery life
The Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense offer six days battery life, though the exact duration will depend on which features you use. You can get a minimum of 12 minutes of charge to keep you going the rest of the day.
Fitness features
Fitbit excels in this area. Download the app onto your smartphone, and you’ll have a wealth of health and fitness data at your fingertips. All of it is presented in an easy-to-understand format.
You can log your heart rate, sleep, activity, and other metrics that your Fitbit device logs. The app also allows you to track your menstrual cycle, set weight goals, and log food.
You can make things even better by signing up for a Fitbit Premium subscription. This gives you a more detailed analysis of your sleep data, including new Sleep Animals.
Access to thousands of meditation classes, instructor-led workouts, mindfulness sessions, and nutrition advice is available. The full service will be available for free when you purchase a Fitbit. This will allow you to decide whether or not you want it.
It’s worth looking at the entire range of Fitbits if you are only interested in fitness and not concerned about other features.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a remarkable device. It has GPS for outdoor training, the same stress monitoring tech that the Fitbit Sense uses, workout tracking, and an ECG sensor. All this is in a smaller case than the Sense and Versa.
Apple Watch
Six years have passed since the original Apple Watch was launched. Since then, the focus has shifted from being on devices’ apps to primarily focusing on your health.
There are currently four models available directly from Apple.
- Apple Watch 3
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch 6
- Apple Watch 7
Apple’s WatchOS 8 operating system is used by all three. It introduced new mindfulness tools, better outdoor cycling features (including more precise calorie counting for electric bikes), and a Pilates exercise mode. There are also updated photos apps with new portrait watch faces.
Battery life
The battery life of your Apple Watch largely depends on how frequently you use its fitness features. If you plug it in at 8 am and then return to Netflix at 7 pm, the 40% charge will be gone.
Fitness features
You have a lot of options to meet your needs. There are many activity-tracking options and an on-board GPS that allows you to leave your phone at home while still recording your runs, swims, and rides.
You can also see the fitness goals of your friends who have an Apple Watch and compete with them for seven days.
Even better, you can get exclusive fitness goals throughout the month to make you more difficult in your activities. They include strength goals, pilates, walking, and even pilates.
Fitness detection is another great feature that you will find on all devices except the Apple Watch 3. The Watch will prompt you to log your walk if you are 10 minutes in. If you select ‘Yes,’ the first 10 minutes of your walk will be recorded. This will allow you to track your entire journey.
This is a great feature that allows you to track your daily Rings even when running errands. WatchOS 8 has enabled automatic cycling tracking so that your daily commute to work can count towards your goal.
You can also get a three-month free subscription to Apple Fitness Plus if you purchase a new Apple Watch. This will give you access to hundreds of instructor-led workouts via your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or iPad.
Pricing
It is best to view the Apple Watch versions of the Apple Watch as better, better, or best. The smartwatches are all excellent and benefit from a mature operating platform. It’s about balancing your budget with their features.
For those looking for an Apple Watch that has a heart rate function, the Series 3 is a good entry point. It’s an outdated design with a smaller screen and inaccessible watch faces that can only be accessed on later models.
The SE is an excellent in-between option. The SE includes all the features of Series 4 and higher, but it does not include the ECG. If you are looking for an Apple Watch to detect irregular heart rhythms, then this is the place. If you have the budget, it’s a great entry-level device.
The Apple Watch 6 offers more features to monitor your health and well-being, such as blood oxygen monitoring and an on-demand ECG for a much higher price. The Apple Watch’s primary function in 2020 is fitness, so if this is your main concern, you can’t go wrong with it.
The Apple Watch 7 upgrade is relatively minor. It has smaller watch faces and slightly larger cases (41mm and 45mm, respectively, compared to the Apple Watch 6’s 40mm and 44mm).
The watch does not have any extra sensors for monitoring your health (although the rumored blood pressure monitoring maybe a little further off), but it has a 70% brighter, always-on mode for indoor use. It also features a tougher, more durable crystal and an IPX6 dust protection rating.
Apple Watch or Fitbit
If you are still unsure, a few things will help you make the right decision. It makes sense to pair your iPhone with an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone (How To Unpair Apple Watch 2022: Top Full Options). The Watch offers features such as Siri, deep integration with iOS, and deeper integration.
Apple currently leads the smartwatch market. The current Apple watch lineup is a great all-rounder that benefits from Apple’s mature operating system and long-term support. It also offers a wide selection of apps.
They don’t have the same focus on health as Fitbit’s smartwatches, but their workout tracking features and Apple Fitness Plus subscription service will encourage you to think about the impact of your lifestyle on your health.
A Fitbit device is the best option for Android users, especially since Google acquired the company. Also, a Fitbit smartwatch with Google Wear OS will soon be available.
Fitbit’s history in health and workout tracking makes it a great choice for anyone interested in keeping track of your exercise and heart health. The Fitbit Versa 3 has a similar feature set as the Apple Watch SE and lacks the SpO2 feature. The lower price may also appeal to iPhone users.
FAQ
What does Fitbit do that Apple Watch doesn’t?
The Fitbits continuously monitor your heart rate 24 hours a day. The Fitbits can record heart rate data at intervals of 1 second during exercise tracking and at intervals of 5 seconds for all other occasions. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, the Apple Watch monitors your heart rate every ten minutes throughout the day.
Is Apple or Fitbit more accurate?
Many users claim that Fitbit counts more steps accurately than other devices. It’s easier to use and more reliable because you can see them while you walk. Apple Watch is still a great watch, especially when calibrated.
Is Fitbit good with iPhone?
Fitbits are compatible with all modern smartphones. If you have an iPhone, Fitbit can be added to Apple Health. While iPhone users have many more options, Android users only have Fitbit. However, there are many models available!
Can you text on Fitbit?
Quick replies allow you to quickly respond to messages sent from Fitbit Versa or Fitbit Charge 3 and 4. This feature is only available for devices paired with an Android phone.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using a Fitbit over an Apple Watch. Fitbit devices are more affordable, have better battery life, and offer more features and customization options.
Additionally, Fitbit trackers are more accurate in tracking steps, distance, and calories burned. And finally, Fitbit devices are more comfortable to wear, thanks to their slim design and soft, flexible bands.