How Do Fitbit Watches Compare To Apple Watches?
1. Health and Fitness Tracking
- Fitbit: Known for its health and fitness tracking focus, Fitbit provides highly accurate data on steps, distance, heart rate, and sleep. Many models offer advanced metrics like SpO2 levels, VO2 max, and even guided breathing exercises.
- Sleep Tracking: Fitbit offers detailed sleep stage tracking (light, deep, and REM) and insights to improve sleep quality, which has been a standout feature compared to most other wearables.
- Activity Tracking: Fitbit models track various activities, from steps and running to swimming, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
- Apple Watch: Apple Watches provide fitness and health tracking but integrate it into a broader suite of smartwatch functions. The Apple Watch tracks heart rate, steps, ECG, blood oxygen, and even has fall detection.
- Fitness+: Apple Watch users gain access to Apple’s Fitness+ service, which offers personalized workout plans and classes.
- Sleep Tracking: Apple added sleep tracking more recently and focuses on basic sleep patterns rather than the detailed sleep stages Fitbit provides.
Verdict: For focused health and fitness tracking with deep insights, Fitbit excels, while Apple Watch offers solid fitness tracking with added access to fitness content through Fitness+.
2. Smartwatch Features
- Fitbit: While newer models, like the Fitbit Versa and Sense series, support notifications, music control, and some app functionality, Fitbit watches are more health-oriented and limited in broader app compatibility.
- Voice Assistants: Fitbit includes Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support on certain models, though these functionalities can be limited compared to Apple’s Siri.
- Payments: Fitbit Pay is available on select models, but its support is limited compared to Apple Pay.
- Apple Watch: The Apple Watch offers a broader range of smartwatch capabilities. It seamlessly integrates with the iOS ecosystem, providing notifications, calls, messages, email, and access to apps on the App Store.
- Voice Assistant: Siri is fully integrated into the Apple Watch, allowing users to control smart home devices, send messages, and more directly from their wrist.
- Payments: Apple Pay is widely supported and available on all models, making it easy to use for contactless payments.
Verdict: Apple Watch provides a more comprehensive suite of smartwatch functions, ideal for those who want a fully-featured wearable integrated with their iPhone.
3. Compatibility
- Fitbit: Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, Fitbit is a versatile choice for users on either platform.
- Apple Watch: Exclusive to iOS, the Apple Watch is optimized for iPhone users and integrates deeply with other Apple devices and services.
Verdict: If you use an iPhone and want seamless integration, the Apple Watch is ideal. Fitbit is a better choice for cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android.
4. Battery Life
- Fitbit: Known for longer battery life, most Fitbit models last between 4-7 days on a single charge, depending on usage and model.
- Apple Watch: Apple Watches generally last up to 18 hours, meaning most users need to charge daily.
Verdict: For extended battery life and fewer charges, Fitbit is the better option. The Apple Watch requires daily charging but provides more power-intensive functions.
5. Design and Customization
- Fitbit: Fitbit’s designs are often lightweight and fitness-focused. Most models offer interchangeable bands, but design options and customization are somewhat limited.
- Apple Watch: Known for its sleek, premium design, the Apple Watch offers more customization options with various case finishes, sizes, and a wide range of official and third-party bands.
Verdict: For a more refined design with greater customization, Apple Watch wins. For a simpler, sportier look, Fitbit is effective.
6. Price Range
- Fitbit: Fitbit generally offers more budget-friendly options, with models ranging from around £100 to £300, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Apple Watch: Apple Watches are more expensive, with the entry-level SE model starting around £250 and higher-end models like the Series 9 and Ultra costing significantly more.
Verdict: Fitbit is more budget-friendly, while the Apple Watch tends to be pricier, with premium features to match.
7. Health and Wellness Ecosystem
- Fitbit Premium: Fitbit’s subscription service provides additional insights, personalized health plans, and advanced metrics. It’s a solid addition for those who want to deepen their health knowledge.
- Apple Health and Fitness+: Apple Health integrates well with other Apple devices, offering Fitness+ for guided workouts and a robust health app where users can track a variety of health data over time.
Verdict: Fitbit Premium is beneficial for in-depth health insights, while Apple Health and Fitness+ provide a broader wellness ecosystem for Apple users.
Conclusion: Fitbit vs. Apple Watch
- Choose Fitbit if you’re focused on health and fitness tracking, cross-platform compatibility, longer battery life, and budget-friendly options.
- Choose Apple Watch if you’re an iPhone user wanting a full-featured smartwatch experience, tighter integration with iOS, and access to premium apps and wellness features.
Both offer unique strengths, so the best choice depends on your priorities—whether they lie in fitness tracking or a full-featured smartwatch experience.
