Fitness tracker showdown: Fitbit vs Apple Watch

If you are in the market for an activity tracker then it essentially boils down to a showdown between Fitbit and Apple Watch. Even though Fitbit is known for its activity trackers, and fitness and health smartwatches, Apple is primarily into smartwatches but the differentiation between them is blurring fast. There is now such an overlap between the fitness features offered by them that they become direct competitors.

The primary thing to know here is that you cannot go wrong with either a Fitbit or an Apple Watch in 2024. With Fitbit becoming smarter thanks to the addition of a touchscreen and Apple adding more health features to its smartwatches, there is something for everyone. However, in the Fitbit vs Apple Watch showdown, the decision boils down to core features and here is how to make that decision.

Fitbit versus Apple Watch: Which is better for activity tracking?

Both Fitbit and Apple Watch are capable of tracking workouts but they both do that in different ways. Whether you get a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, both can detect when a user is active and record health metrics such as heart rate and calories burned. However, if you are out for a run and need GPS data then all Apple watches include onboard GPS while the same can’t be said for all Fitbits.

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While fitness doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day or be a marathon runner, Apple Watch allows access to subscription-based Fitness+, instructor-led home workouts including HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions, yoga and spinning classes on your iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Fitbit also offers similar fitness instruction through its subscription service called Fitbit Premium.

One area where Fitbit stands out is with its goal-setting feature. Since it is designed as a fitness-first device, the goal-setting option on a wearable like Fitbit Charge 6 is not limited to a few health metrics. You can use Fitbit to set goals for many different metrics including steps, distance, Active Zone Minutes, floors climbed and calories burned. Fitbit is a better device if your primary need is activity tracking since it is the core function of Fitbits and not just a feature like on the Apple Watch.

Fitbit v Apple Watch: Which is a better smartwatch?

This is a clear win for Apple Watch. When it comes to smartwatches, Apple Watch wins for its features and better integration with Apple devices. Apple Watch is better at notifications, alarms, timers, Siri, and a huge library of apps via the App Store. In some countries, you can also use your Apple Watch Series 9 or other models to make contactless payments.

Fitbits, on the other hand, are also capable of notification mirroring but are limited when it comes to the availability of apps. Only select Fitbit models offer a contactless payment function. The Apple Watch is also a better smartwatch if you plan to leave your phone behind for calling and listening to music. Fitbit does offer cellular support and the option to download music but the function is limited.

If you are looking for a smartwatch that can act as an extension to your smartphone then Apple Watch is the one to choose. It is not only a better smartwatch than Fitbit but it is the best smartwatch available right now. With features like temperature sensor and fall detection, it just offers more features than you would probably use.

Fitbit v Apple Watch: Which one should you choose

Before choosing between an Apple Watch and a Fitbit, you should decide what features you are looking for in your wearable. If you are looking for a fitness tracker that is excellent at tracking all your activities and allows for goal-setting across a wide range of metrics then Fitbit is the way to go. It is just that simple.

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However, if you are looking for a smartwatch that can let you leave your phone behind or double up as your fitness companion then an Apple Watch will be a better fit. The important thing to note is that the difference between the two is blurring rather fast. Fitbit is fast becoming an activity smartwatch while Apple Watch is fast becoming a fitness smartwatch and that makes choosing between the two difficult.

If you are in the Fitbit vs Apple Watch conundrum then in addition to deciding your needs for the wearable, you should also look for the best combination of price and features. At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with either a Fitbit or an Apple Watch since they are both excellent at what they do.