Smartwatches vs. Fitness Trackers
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become increasingly popular over the years. While they may look similar, there are a few key differences between the two. In this post, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between smartwatches and fitness trackers so you can determine which one is right for you.
Features
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have different features that cater to different needs.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are designed to do much more than track your fitness. They can:
- Receive and send text messages
- Make phone calls
- Control your music
- Check the weather
- Access and respond to notifications
While they do have fitness tracking capabilities, they’re not the primary focus.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for tracking fitness-related activities. They can:
- Count your steps
- Monitor your heart rate
- Track the number of calories burned
- Track your sleep
- Measure your distance traveled
Some fitness trackers have additional features such as GPS tracking and water resistance.
Design
Another key difference between smartwatches and fitness trackers is their design.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are larger and bulkier compared to fitness trackers. They come in a variety of colors and designs and are often made with more premium materials like stainless steel, while some are made with plastic.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are generally smaller and more lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear during physical activities. Many of them do not have screens, rather LEDs that light up to indicate progress.
Battery Life
Battery life can be a make-or-break factor when deciding between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches have a battery life of one to three days, depending on usage. If you plan on using your smartwatch for a variety of tasks like texting and phone calls, you will likely need to charge it every day.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers typically have a battery life of seven days to a few months, some even have a battery replacement option. This makes them a great option for people who don’t want to have to worry about charging their devices daily.
Price
Finally, let’s talk about price.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are generally more expensive than fitness trackers. Prices can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the brand and features.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are more affordable compared to smartwatches, with prices ranging from $30 to $200, depending on the brand and features.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker, it all depends on your needs. If you want a device that can do much more than track your fitness, a smartwatch might be the way to go. However, if fitness tracking is your primary concern, a fitness tracker will give you all the features you need at a fraction of the cost.
We hope this post has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Happy shopping!
References:
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"Smartwatch vs Fitness Tracker: Which Should You Get?" Toms Guide, 16 December 2020, https://www.tomsguide.com/us/smartwatch-vs-fitness-tracker,review-4149.html.
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"Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker: Which One Should You Get?" Concept2, 29 January 2021, https://www.concept2.com/news/smartwatch-vs-fitness-tracker-which-should-you-get.
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"Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker: What’s the Difference?" Wahoo Fitness, 23 March 2020, https://www.wahoofitness.com/blog/smartwatch-vs-fitness-tracker-whats-the-difference.