Are you torn between purchasing a Fitbit wristband or investing in the attractive Apple Watch Series 8? We compared the Apple Watch to Fitbit to decide which one was superior in terms of tracking fitness goals, heart rate recording, styling, expense, applications, battery life, call capability, and music.
Apple is well-known for its smartwatches and Fitbit is renowned for its activity trackers, as well as health and fitness smartwatches. But Fitbits are increasingly appearing similar to watches with their stylish touchscreens, and Apple has loaded their Watch with additional health features, making it harder to distinguish between the two.
Fitbit was the pioneer of fitness trackers, which are wristband gadgets that monitor your physical activities during the day. In recent years, some of the finest running watches and best health monitors with extended battery life and inlayed Global Positioning System have been created.
As the Apple Watch, which launched in 2015, is now one of the most popular items available to people owning iPhones, it is particularly focused on health and fitness. Apple’s Watch is now in its seventh edition, and it has become an essential factor in Apple Fitness+, their digital exercise program.
Models, Price, and Compatibility
Apple is the only maker of a smartwatch right now, and that is the Apple Watch. Different models of the same device exist, such as Nike-branded versions and other styles, however the core product remains the same. However, there have been several iterations of the watch.
Apple recently released the Apple Watch Series 7 for October 2021, and prices for it start at $399/£369. This is the top-of-the-line version of the smartwatch, but there is a more cost-effective version available, the Apple Watch SE.
The SE version of the Apple Watch can be purchased for around $249/£249 and includes the majority of the same essential functions as the full-priced model. While it is available in less color and style options and does not possess some technology or health-focused properties, it is still a quality device.
There’s more variety in Fitbit’s range. The company first made fitness trackers, wrist-worn gadgets that were designed solely to record fitness data. But the Google-owned tech brand also has several smartwatches.
The Fitbit Sense is the premier model, costing $299.99/£279.99, and it is comparable to the Apple Watch. It comes with blood oxygen sensors, an ECG feature, and built-in GPS for workout route tracking.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is the third version of the renowned middle-priced smartwatch made by the company. This product can be purchased for either 229.95 US dollars or 199.99 pounds, and it is similar to the Sense device except it does not have the capability to monitor blood oxygen levels or electrocardiogram readings.
Fitbit’s wearables that are connected to the internet can work in conjunction with both iPhones and Android phones, though the devices are not closely integrated with the phone’s program. The Apple Watch is exclusively designed to work with iPhones and is designed to work very efficiently with Apple’s services.
There is no definitive victor in this contest as both companies manufacture watches in a variety of price ranges. Android owners should look into a Fitbit product if they are seeking a wearable device, as the Apple Watch is only suitable for iPhone users.
Fitness Tracking
The majority of people look to a smartwatch mainly for its ability to track fitness, and understandably so. Rachael Babiracki, the Head Trainer of Les Mills US, commented that fitness trackers can be an awesome source of encouragement and aid in customized exercise regimens.
She remarks that if you observe how your body responds to exercise, it can assist you in developing an approach that is purposeful and inspire you to work out even more. Wearing a smartwatch can aid in improving the quality of your sleep and aiding with recovery from workouts, both of which are critical components of any physical fitness routine.
Both Apple’s Watch and Fitbit’s various gadgets have built-in sensors to keep an eye on your health and fitness. Fitbit’s fundamental functions have consistently included monitoring of steps taken and recording of sleep, but soon developed to encompass heart rate surveillance as well, both during exercise and throughout the day.
The Apple Watch shares many of the same functions, emphasizing the closure of three circles symbolizing activity, physical exercise, and standing objectives throughout the day, quite than primarily concentrating on figures.
Both brands have companion apps for your phone. The Fitbit application can be downloaded on both Android and iOS gadgets and will enable you to explore your details. You can look at critical facts on the Apple Watch itself or take advantage of the Apple Health and Fitness apps.
Winner: Fitbit. The company was responsible for making fitness trackers a recognized phenomenon, which in turn stirred up an industry of devices worn on the wrist.
Health Monitoring
Every version of the Apple Watch and Fitbit smartwatches includes optical heart rate sensors. It is intriguing to observe how one’s cardiac pulse fluctuates throughout the day, but it has a greater purpose as well.
Babiracki states that by monitoring your pulse, you can make sure that you’re reaching the correct intensity during your workout, as well as receiving the outcomes you desire from doing a combination of aerobic, muscle-building, and stretching exercises.
The data gathered from the BPM sensor can be used to assess your physical health, but the functioning of your heart is of essential importance. Because it emits electrical pulses, Apple and Fitbit have developed sensors to alert you to possible medical problems.
The Apple Watch, Fitbit Sense, and Fitbit Charge 5 all have ECG sensors that can tell when heartbeats are irregular. The watch makes a note of the pattern when this takes place, which you can show to your physician or other healthcare providers.
The distinctive characteristics of the Apple Watch’s watchOS software make it stand out. An example of this technology is its ability to recognize if the user has been in an accidental tumble and dial 911 if an activity isn’t spotted after 60 seconds.
This app that comes with the watch utilizes the Watch’s microphone to inform you as to whether the sounds around you reach levels that could potentially damage your hearing. You can keep a record of your menstrual cycle on the Apple Watch by connecting it to your phone’s Health application.
Winner: Apple. The Apple Watch is considered among the most well-regarded wearables for consumer health monitoring.
Fitness Tracking
Both companies offer a subscription-based virtual workout platform. For Apple, they have Apple Fitness+, while Fitbit Premium is similar but more focused on helping you analyze the details noted by your smartwatch.
Our review of Apple Fitness+ uncovered that it’s cost-effective if you have existing Apple devices, such as an iPhone or Apple TV. You would have to pay $79.99/£79.99 annually, and up to five of your family can benefit from the same membership.
The Apple Watch is the anchor of the platform, displaying relevant data and tailored advice. The initial offering was an exercise service, but now it has expanded to include guided meditation, walking instructions, yoga, and fresh weekly training sessions.
Fitbit Premium is still priced at $79.99/£79.99 annually, and since Fitbit smartwatches are more inexpensive than Apple Watches, the overall cost is lower. A membership provides an opportunity to view exercise routines on the Fitbit cell phone app, but that is not the primary purpose.
It is just one of the many elements that work together to give you an understanding of the details your smartwatch gathers. Without paying for Fitbit Premium, you can access the application and see all of your daily activity statistics such as the number of steps taken, hours of sleep, and exercise activities.
However, the service seeks to combine everything together so that you can comprehend how what you consume affects your exercise, which has an effect on your sleep, and then how active you are the subsequent day.
Result: It appears to be a drawn game since the resolution will depend on your inclinations. Love analyzing data? Fitbit Premium. Prefer an integrated approach to health and fitness? Apple Fitness+.
Comparing all the models: Apple Watch vs Fitbit
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a great starting fitness tracker, however, it does not have enough features to measure up to the Apple Watch.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is not a smartwatch. The applications it offers are relatively simple, although they have recently been upgraded to use a color touchscreen instead of a monochrome one. Aside from that, this activity tracker provides users with many physical fitness and smart capabilities, such as an in-built GPS system, a heart rate monitor, automated training identification, a barometer, text messages from smartphones, touchless payments, and even stress tracking. Prices start at US $149 / £129.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a smartwatch that is equipped with a vivid color touchscreen that permits brighter visuals and workouts right on the screen, as well as an always-on display selection. This device comes equipped with a mic and loudspeaker for taking and making phone calls, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice-activated programming, the possibility to play music, and select apps for your smartwatch. Prices start at US $169 / £169.
The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a similar appearance and many key features as the Versa 3, yet lacks certain benefits (e.g. access to third-party applications, Google Assistant, and the ability to control music). This makes the Versa 3 the more advantageous option for a fitness smartwatch and it also costs less. Prices start at US $229 / £199.
The Fitbit Sense adds a bunch of sensors that are built around health as well as fitness. It has stress-management tools based on sensors that measure Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and Skin Temperature. There’s SP02 monitoring for blood oxygen and electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart’s rhythm with high and low heart rate notifications. Prices start at US $279 / £219.
The Fitbit Sense 2 has had certain aspects reduced in order to advertise the Pixel Watch and we would recommend the cheaper initial version of the device rather than the stripped-down Versa 4. Prices start at US $299 / £269.
Google, having acquired Fitbit in 2019, has now released its own smartwatch, the Pixel Watch. The Apple Watch has a lot of applications, but it doesn’t have as many health and fitness sensors as the pricier Fitbit smartwatch, even though it has Fitbit features built in. Prices start at $349 / £339.
The Apple Watch SE is the basic version but still boasts the same features as its more expensive counterparts, with the exception of certain fitness and wellness aspects. This watch is ideal for anyone looking for an affordable option for tracking fitness levels, and it is available in two sizes – 40mm and 44mm. Prices start at US$249 / £259.
The Apple Watch Series 8 has a larger display (41mm or 45mm) that curves around the edges (that can be set to always-on), along with ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, faster charging, and a more advanced heart sensor. While the SE has an aluminum case, the 8 has options in stainless steel, too, with more color and band options. Prices start at US$399 / £419.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the most advanced model and has a corresponding cost. The display of the device is much more impressive, being 49mm with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels, and made to be extremely durable with titanium. Although not equalling the same battery life as Fitbit, the duration of 36 hours puts it far ahead of the SE and 8’s battery life of 18 hours. This Watch surpasses any other Watch and Fitbit as it can be submerged in water up to 100m deep, twice as much as the 50m they can manage. So, it is the best choice for divers. This smartwatch has a GPS system that is more precise than the other smartwatches evaluated here. Prices start at US$799 / £849.
Which should you buy: Fitbit or Apple Watch?
If your main aim is to stay fit, then the Fitbit trackers come highly recommended (particularly if you’re engaged in multiple sports). Nevertheless, the Apple Watch has a lot to offer beyond just tracking activity and heart-rate monitoring.
The Apple Watch app ecosystem is growing, making the Watch much more useful than a fitness band designed only for one purpose. The Apple Watch Series 6, newly equipped with GPS as well as 4G, is a major step in Apple devising a powerful exercise monitor, even though its battery lifespan remains less than ideal even after improvements.
But that comes at a pretty steep price.
Fitbits can work for nearly a week on a single charge, so you don’t have to plug them in to recharge them every night. Only the expensive Apple Watch Ultra gets close to a day and a half.
Detailed sleep monitoring can be near as enlightening to the state of one’s health as one’s daytime exercise routine. While Apple has added a Sleep app, its weaker battery life makes this troublesome for users. Sleep tracking on the Fitbit is much easier, although Fitbit does hide some of the metrics back for its Premium subscribers.
The impetus that comes from Fitbit’s Friends league is absolutely cherished.
If you possess an Android phone, the Apple Watch is not suitable for you. Without an iPhone, it’s pretty useless.
Apple Watch owners don’t need to buy a Fitbit on top of their favorite smartwatch, however, athletes and those who are passionate about health and fitness may want to look into installing some third-party applications, or a dedicated sports watch from Garmin, Suunto, or Polar, or maybe experiment with the Ionic.
Of course, one big advantage of the Apple Watch is its ability to make and receive phone calls, matched only by the Fitbit Versa 3 & 4 and Sense 1 & 2.
We strongly recommend Fitbits for fitness and activity monitoring, yet we ought to commend Apple for the Watch’s exercise programs that can motivate Watch users to be more active – something all gadget lovers could use to stop moving towards unhealthy habits.
