Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Which Is the Best Fitness Tracker for You?

If you're in the market for a new fitness tracker, you've likely encountered the dilemma of choosing between an Apple Watch and a Fitbit. Here, we'll compare both options and help you pick the right wearable for your needs and budget.

Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: The Basics

While both Fitbit devices and Apple Watch have excellent user interfaces and serve as effective fitness trackers, the latter truly excels as an ideal companion to your iPhone. Unlike newer Fitbits like the Fitbit Versa 4 or Fitbit Sense 2, which lack support for third-party apps, there are a ton of great third-party apps for Apple Watch.

For example, neither the Fitbit Versa 4 nor the Fitbit Sense 2 have a Spotify app—or any music-streaming app—whereas Apple Watch users have access to dedicated apps for almost all major music-streaming platforms.

If you have an Android phone, you should go for a Fitbit device since it's compatible with both iOS and Android devices through its companion app. This app serves as a central hub for syncing data, tracking fitness goals, and accessing additional features.

In contrast, Apple Watches are only compatible with iPhones, requiring setup through the pre-installed Watch app on iOS. However, it integrates seamlessly with Apple's Health and Fitness apps.

Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Activities

When it comes to running, both Apple Watch and Fitbit devices have a built-in GPS to track metrics like pace and distance traveled more accurately. If you prioritize longer runs, you should opt for a Fitbit Sense 2, as it's a bit lighter and generally feels more comfortable. It also offers better battery life and comes with dedicated running features.

Consider an Apple Watch if you don't want your phone to distract you during workouts. It can perform tasks like music control or message replies, and it even has cellular connectivity if you're willing to pay more.

The Apple Watch can't detect how much weight you lift. The same applies to Fitbit devices, but you can choose the weight training option in the Fitbit app to record more accurate information. But the main advantage that the Apple Watch has is that users have access to an excellent selection of watchOS apps tailored for weightlifting, which the Fitbit wearables unfortunately lack.

Both wearables can track indoor and outdoor cycling sessions and display metrics such as average speed, total time, elevation, etc. However, Apple Watch gains an advantage due to its seamless integration with iPhones. You can view metrics directly on your iPhone's Lock Screen through Live Activities on iOS and connect to compatible devices like Peloton bikes for improved tracking during workouts.

If you often go hiking, modern Apple Watch models can offer a better experience than the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2. While the Fitbit models only provide basic metrics like step count, the Apple Watch elevates the experience by offering capabilities such as Backtrack. You can use the Backtrack feature on your Apple Watch to retrace your steps and avoid getting lost while hiking in locations with poor cellular connectivity.

Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Tracking and Accuracy

Both wearables pack a variety of sensors that allow you to measure your heart rate, steps, and much more. I tried walking 500 steps with an Apple Watch and a Fitbit Versa 4 on each hand, and the Apple Watch reported 483 steps, whereas the Fitbit reported 491 steps, so both are pretty close in terms of accuracy and fall within a margin of error.

However, modern Apple Watch models also include several safety features, like fall detection, noise monitoring, and crash detection. In contrast, Fitbit's flagship wearable, the Sense 2, focuses more on mental health with the help of a cEDA sensor, which can detect signs of potential stress.

If monitoring your blood oxygen levels is important, we recommend opting for a Fitbit wearable, like the Versa 4 or Sense 2. According to The Guardian, all Apple Watch models sold by Apple in the US on or after January 18, 2024, have the SpO2 sensor disabled due to an ongoing patent infringement dispute.

Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Price Comparison

The Apple Watch Series 9 costs $399 and $429 for the 41mm and 45mm GPS-only aluminum variants, respectively. Adding cellular support incurs an additional $100. The stainless steel models come at a higher price point, starting at $699.

In contrast, Fitbit offers more straightforward and budget-friendly pricing, with the Fitbit Sense 2 priced at $249 and the Fitbit Versa 4 at $199. For those with budget constraints, Fitbit presents a more favorable option. However, it's important to note that Fitbit watches don't offer cellular connectivity.

Apple does offer a budget option in the form of the Apple Watch SE, which starts at $249 for the 40mm GPS-only variant. However, this model does not feature ECG and Cycle Tracking apps.

The Fitbit models we mentioned here aren't drastically different from Apple's offerings, especially in terms of fitness tracking. So, picking the right fitness tracker for you will boil down to your use case, budget, and personal preferences.

Now that you've read our Fitbit vs. Apple Watch comparison, you know what each device can and can't do. It's up to you to decide which fitness tracker you want to spend your hard-earned money on.

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