Today, we are going to go over our Apple Watch vs Fitbit comparison, so you can learn all of the pros and cons and make an informed decision before purchasing.
Which fitness tracker should you choose: Fitbit or Apple Watch? That’s a difficult question, made more so by the fact that each company offers numerous versions. Until recently, Apple Watches were more like “smart” wearables that could perform multiple functions, while Fitbits functioned more like traditional step counters. Nowadays top Fitbits have flashy capabilities such as Fitbit pay, so the distinction isn’t quite as stark. We’ve gone through the most significant differences in this article. So read on to learn which device comes out on top in Apple Watch vs Fitbit.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Models
The Fitbit range is extensive, with a wide selection of fitness trackers and smartwatches available from Fitbit, ranging from the sports-oriented new Fitbit Charge 5 to the all-singing Fitbit Sense. Apple has just four models: the 3, SE, 6, and the latest Apple Watch Series 7.
Although all of Apple’s models have the same squarish, bulky look, some of the Fitbit versions, such as the Charge 5, are slim and small, while others like the Sense are larger and square-shaped clock faces. Wearable analyst Leo Gebbie from Connected Devices told Live Science that historically, Fitbit and Apple had different priorities in the fitness business.
“The Apple Watch was positioned as an exclusive premium-tier device offering a powerful user interface and third-party app support, whereas Fitbit offered a range of more affordable fitness trackers and smartwatches backed up by a well-established brand,”
“However, Apple has diversified its offering over time, bringing older models of the Watch down the price curve to compete directly with Fitbit smartwatches. The Series 3 is the entry-level Apple Watch which is available at $199, half the price of its flagship model.”
Another distinction between the Fitbit and Apple Watch is that the latter is tightly linked with the rest of Apple’s ecosystem. To use the Watch, you’ll need an iPhone, which links to other Apple devices and services to provide a great user experience. In contrast, Fitbit equipment is compatible with all phones and just requires the Fitbit smartphone app for connection, making them readily accessible.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Build features
The Apple Watch includes notifications, alarms, timers, Siri, and a large app store. By contrast, Fitbit offers fewer services such as notification mirroring and a smaller app selection. You may use your Watch to pay for goods using Apple Pay only on a few of the Fitbit models; you can also make payments through Fitbit Pay.
You also have the option of buying an Apple Watch with Cellular capabilities, allowing you to take calls and texts without having your iPhone nearby. The music-downloading policies of the companies are also different: while with Apple, you can download albums from services like Spotify on your watch. Only Deezer or Pandora work with Fitbit to allow you to download music; it isn’t a significant problem if you prefer to save songs on your phone, but it gives an edge to Apple.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Workouts
While both Fitbit and Apple Watch may track exercises, they will do so in different ways depending on the specific device, according to Gebbie.
“For example, any device from either company can detect when a user is active and record metrics like heart rate and calories burned to review afterwards. But when it comes to specific forms of exercise, there are some differences.”
“If you want to go for a run, you’ll be best served by a wearable with GPS on board to get the most accurate tracking of your movement. All Apple Watches include this, whereas not all Fitbits do.”
If you have an Apple Watch and want access to Fitness+, hundreds of instructor-led home workouts including HIIT sessions, yoga, and spinning on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, you’ll need an additional subscription. You may also get workout routines from Fitbit if you subscribe to Fitbit Premium.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Features
The Apple Watch and Fitbit trackers are packed with health and fitness functions such as heart rate, activity, calories burned, sleep, and workouts. GPS is built into all Apple Watches, however not all Fitbits include it. Blood oxygen tracking capabilities are also available in some (but not all) Fitbit models and Apple Watches. Both the Fitbit Versa and the Apple Watch Series 7 have ECG capabilities, allowing you to monitor your heart rate.
Gebbie also highlights that:
“the top-of-the-range Fitbit Sense smartwatch packs some new sensors, which are less common across the wearables landscape, such as an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor which analyses a wearer’s sweat levels to check for signs of stress.”
Both brands feature motivational calls to action in a variety of forms. The Apple Ring system, for example, encourages you to get up and move about during the day, whereas Fitbit has an Active Zone Minutes plan that encourages you to spend 150 minutes each week in your chosen heart rate zone.
You may also benefit from your Fitbit or Apple Watch to help you manage your mental health. The Apple Watch has an in-built breathe app, while the Fitbit Sensd features an EDA sensor that measures how stressed you are. This method involves analyzing hand perspiration, which can be a sign of stress. The Fitbit software also contains meditation exercises.
One of our favorite features on the Apple Watch is that if you start a workout but forget to log it, you will be prompted to turn on tracking. Even more remarkable, it employs cutting-edge AI technology to identify the sort of activity you’re doing. Rather than merely monitoring that you are dancing, the new Apple 7 can recognize whether you’re Bhangra dancing and get a more accurate calorie count as a result.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Design
The Apple Watch’s rectangular form has stayed virtually identical since it debuted in 2015. The series 7 boasts the screen with the largest and toughest dimensions to date (41mm x 45mm). Fitbit began as an activity band-style design and many of its models still maintain this look. The Inspire 2, Charge 5, and Luxe are slim trackers, whereas the Versa 3 and Sense have a larger, square face.
Both the Apple Watch and Fitbit are slim-proof, so you may personalize them with replacement bands or watch faces. It’s all about you when it comes to choosing which look you like, although we’ve found that the skinnier designs are easier to wear at night, so they might be preferable for sleep monitoring.
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Battery life
According to Gebbie, Fitbit reigns supreme when it comes to battery life.
“The Apple Watch offers an 18-hour battery life, which means you need to charge it every day, whereas many Fitbit trackers and watches can last for days or even weeks at a time without charging.”
“This simplicity and reliability is attractive to a lot of users, and our research at Connected Devices has always found that battery life is hugely important to customers.”
“However, the Apple Watch offers a more polished user experience than even top-end Fitbit smartwatches, with a more advanced operating system and a wider suite of services.”
“This means that the Watch is something of a Swiss Army Knife and is intended to reduce wearers’ reliance on their smartphones by offering a powerful experience on the wrist.”
Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Final verdict
The issue of which gadget is superior, Fitbit vs Apple Watch, boils down to what you want from your smartwatch. It’s a question of matching up the features and sensors you want with the price you’re willing to pay, but there are a lot of options from both firms. According to Gebbie:
“People who want to spend less money and have a straightforward tracker for their fitness and health will be better served with a Fitbit fitness tracker, whereas those who want a premium smartwatch that can do it all should look at the Apple Watch – as long as you own an iPhone,”
We hope that you enjoyed this comparison of the Apple Watch vs Fitbit. We also have an Apple Watch Series 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comparison. If you did, you might also want to check out Comparison: Google Pixel 6a vs Apple iPhone SE 2022, or Comparison: Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch.