Hey there fitness enthusiasts! We've noticed that two of the most popular wireless fitness trackers on the market are the Fitbit and Apple Watch. It can be difficult to decide which one to go for, so we're here to weigh up the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Let's get into it!
Step Tracking
Both the Fitbit and Apple Watch offer step tracking, but the Fitbit is arguably more accurate. This is because Fitbit uses a highly sensitive accelerometer that is able to track small movements, whereas the Apple Watch is more focused on overall movement. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, the Fitbit was found to be more accurate for step tracking compared to the Apple Watch, with a difference of around 12%. So, if you're looking for highly accurate step tracking, the Fitbit is the winner.
Heart Rate Monitoring
When it comes to heart rate monitoring, both the Fitbit and Apple Watch are relatively accurate. However, the Apple Watch takes it to the next level with its ability to detect heart arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AFib). These are irregular heart rhythms that can be indicative of serious health problems. The Apple Watch can detect these irregularities and alert the user to seek medical attention if necessary. Fitbit does not currently offer these features, so if heart health monitoring is a priority for you, the Apple Watch is the clear winner here.
Battery Life
The battery life is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to wear your tracker all day and night. The Fitbit has an impressive battery life of up to 7 days, whereas the Apple Watch needs to be charged every 18 hours. This is a big difference and may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Mobile App
The mobile app is where you'll be able to see all of your data in one place, so it's important to choose a fitness tracker with a well-designed app. Both Fitbit and Apple Watch have excellent apps that are easy to navigate and provide a lot of valuable information. However, the Fitbit app offers more detailed information, with charts and graphs that are easier to read than those on the Apple Watch app.
Price
Finally, we come to the price. The Fitbit is generally more affordable than the Apple Watch, with prices starting at around $60. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, starts at around $399 for the latest model. If you're on a budget, the Fitbit may be the better option for you.
Conclusion
Overall, both the Fitbit and Apple Watch are great wireless fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help you stay in shape. However, the Fitbit is better for highly accurate step tracking and has a longer battery life, while the Apple Watch offers more advanced heart health monitoring features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal requirements and budget.
References
- Lisa A Cadmus-Bertram, et al. Accuracy of Wearable Devices for Estimating Total Energy Expenditure: Comparison With Metabolic Chamber and Doubly Labeled Water Method. Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open. 2020;3(11):e2028642. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28642
- Torbjorn Hoffmann et al. Accuracy of Fitbit Devices: Systematic Review and Narrative Syntheses of Quantitative Data. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 Aug 9;6(8):e10527. doi: 10.2196/10527.